

Outstanding
The Washington Stand
Critical conversations on the news of the day and the issues that shape us.
Outstanding is a podcast of The Washington Stand, Family Research Council's outlet for news and commentary from a biblical worldview. We examine outstanding news and issues from TWS with an aim to take every thought captive for the obedience of Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5). Join us as we examine the headlines through the lens of Scripture, and explore how Christians should respond.
Outstanding is a podcast of The Washington Stand, Family Research Council's outlet for news and commentary from a biblical worldview. We examine outstanding news and issues from TWS with an aim to take every thought captive for the obedience of Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5). Join us as we examine the headlines through the lens of Scripture, and explore how Christians should respond.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Nov 19, 2025 • 42min
Socialism: What Happens When the Money Runs Out? (Ep. 219)
“Socialism works until the money runs out.” Host Casey Harper is joined by Cuban writer and author Yoe Suarez and The Washington Stand’s Jared Bridges to break down the core principles of socialism and its impact on society. Speaking from experience, Yoe shares what life under Cuban socialism looked like, how socialist ideology views the church and how money is not always the solution for societal problems.

Nov 12, 2025 • 35min
The Importance of the Filibuster (Ep. 218)
Every member of the Senate has a tool that allows them to single handedly bring the government to a screeching halt. Host Casey Harper is joined by Family Research Council’s Quena Gonzalez and The Washington Stand’s Suzanne Bowdey to discuss an interesting political tool and tactic: the filibuster. Created in the early years of American government to remove the ability to end debate, the filibuster has been used by both Republicans and Democrats throughout the years. The three discuss what it is, how does it maintain balance in the Senate, and if it were removed what are the unintended consequences for a short term gain, but long term consequences.

Nov 5, 2025 • 48min
What Churchgoers Really Believe (Ep. 217)
What do regular churchgoers actually believe? Host Casey Harper sits down with Family Research Council’s David Closson and The Washington Stand’s Sarah Holliday to unpack a new survey from FRC’s Center for Biblical Worldview, conducted with researcher George Barna. The study explores how adult churchgoers view today’s key social issues and their personal worldviews.

Oct 29, 2025 • 32min
The Government Shutdown and the Miracle at the Southern Border (Ep. 216)
Host Casey Harper sits down with U.S. Congressman Michael Guest to unpack the government shutdown and how President Trump managed to do the impossible at the southern border. Rep. Guest shares how his personal faith shapes his work in Congress and guides his decision-making. The two also dive into the ongoing government shutdown - what’s behind it, what needs to be resolved - and discuss how Republicans and the Trump administration have worked together to strengthen border security and prioritize the interests of the American people.

Oct 22, 2025 • 60min
Gen Z Dating and Singleness: The Female Perspective (Ep. 215)
Sarah Holliday, a reporter covering cultural issues from a Christian lens, and Rachael Woods, a Gen Z expert at the Family Research Council, delve into the complexities of dating and singleness for today’s young women. They unpack what Gen Z women seek in relationships, the balance of traditional roles, and the importance of faith in dating. Both emphasize the value of singleness and purposeful living. The conversation also touches on political alignments in relationship choices, gaming, and the need for churches to support both marital and single paths.

Oct 15, 2025 • 40min
Why are Abortions Increasing? (Ep. 214)
Why since the overturning of Roe v. Wade have abortions increased, not decreased? Joining host Casey Harper is Dr. Christina Francis and Family Research Council’s Mary Szoch to discuss this concerning trend. With power back to the states, many assumed the number of abortions would decrease. What they failed to recognize was one small, yet powerful influence: the abortion pill. Dr. Francis and Mary unpack the impact and dangers women face when taking the pill and why it should be taken off the market immediately.

Oct 8, 2025 • 44min
The Death of Free Speech in the UK (Ep. 213)
Freedom is under attack across the pond. Host Casey Harper sits down with Peter Mcilvenna, co-founder of the free speech alliance Heart of Oak, who shares firsthand insight into the dwindling personal liberties faced by UK citizens. In Britain today, people are being arrested simply because someone found their words or posts “offensive.” Together, they explore what kinds of speech can get you arrested, whether similar trends are emerging in the U.S., and how mass immigration has influenced this growing crisis.

Oct 1, 2025 • 46min
Should Christians Support Israel? (Ep. 212)
For almost two years, Israel has had to defend their people, land, and right to exist against an organization created to destroy them. When Hamas first attacked Israel there were mixed reactions around the globe. Avner Boskey, Israeli pastor and author, joins host Casey Harper to discuss the Israel-Hamas conflict and where Christians should stand on the issue. The two unpack the influence and impact of Qatar and Turkey, what is the meaning behind the phrase "God's chosen people", and a practical application to what Scripture says on the topic of Israel.

Sep 24, 2025 • 35min
Is the Democratic Party Imploding? (Ep. 211)
Democratic voter registration is down…way down. Host Casey Harper is joined by FRC Action’s Matt Carpenter and The Washington Stand’s Mark Tapscott as they analyze the current state of the Democratic party and their voter base. It appears many Americans are revaluating their voting habits and history, but why? Matt and Mark discuss every aspect of this tectonic shift and how this could potentially affect politics moving forward.

Sep 17, 2025 • 39min
Where Do We Go From Here? Tony Perkins Addresses Violence & Cultural Turmoil (Ep. 210)
With the assassination of Charlie Kirk and other extreme acts of violence at the top of the news, Tony Perkins joins the podcast to explore how Christians can navigate violence and cultural turmoil through the lens of Scripture. While anger may be the natural response, God calls us toward a higher path. Tony and host Casey Harper discuss the call to “love your neighbor”, America’s trajectory, and the challenge of standing firm in biblical values even when it leads to persecution.


