
Outstanding
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 host Joseph Backholm and guests as they examine the headlines through the lens of Scripture, and explore how Christians should respond.
Latest episodes

Feb 25, 2025 • 47min
Ep. 179: The Anti-Evangelical Movement and Trump's Impact with Daniel Darling
Daniel Darling, author, pastor, and Christian leader, joins Joseph Backholm to discuss the shifting anti-evangelical movement in America and the impact of Trump’s elections on faith and politics. They explore Trump’s surprising gains across demographics, his appeal to the working class, and the debate over whether political involvement is driving people away from the church. Darling emphasizes the need to prevent politics from dividing churches, families, and communities.

Feb 21, 2025 • 44min
Ep. 178: Neil Shenvi on Critical Theory and Christianity
Christian apologist Neil Shenvi, joins Joseph Backholm to discuss the dangers of critical theory and its clash with biblical Christianity. He explains the influence of movements like BLM and the definition of “wokeness”. Shenvi exposes how critical theory threatens unity within the church and stresses the need for unity in Christ over divisions of gender, ethnicity, and race.

Feb 18, 2025 • 42min
Ep. 177: From Islam to Christianity: Hedieh Mirahmadi Falco on Faith, Radicalization, and Preserving Christian Values
Former Muslim, author, and national security expert, Hedieh Mirahmadi Falco, joins Joseph Backholm to share her faith journey from Islam to Christianity. She discusses the redemptive power and grace of Jesus, delves into the complexities of radicalization, and emphasizes the importance of preserving America’s Christian values while respecting the religious liberties of others.Resources Living Fearless in Christ: Why I Left Islam to Win Battles for the Kingdom by Hedieh Mirahmadi Falco

Feb 14, 2025 • 56min
Ep. 176: Love, Marriage & Culture Wars: A Conversation with Dr. Jim Garlow
Dr. Jim Garlow, founder and CEO of Well Versed, joins Joseph Backholm to explore the biblical foundation of marriage. They unpack Genesis 1 and 2 and address the cultural decline in marriage and birth rates. He examines the spiritual and societal war on marriage, the church’s shift away from its importance, and the disconnect between wanting marriage and being married. Tune in for insights on covenant marriage and how to pray for your spouse.

Feb 11, 2025 • 32min
Ep. 175: Free Speech - A Legal Analysis with Jim Campbell
Jim Campbell who serves as chief legal counsel with Alliance Defending Freedom joins Joseph Backholm to dissect the recent Supreme Court Case Free Speech Coalition vs. Paxton. They discuss details of the case, limitations on speech, and which way the Supreme Court may rule. They also examine the TikTok ban, whether it is Constitutional, and the potential threats the app could pose to our national security.

Feb 7, 2025 • 48min
Ep. 174: Northern Tensions: Trump, Tariffs, and Canada's Changing Politics
Former Canadian politician, Stockwell Day, joins Joseph Backholm to shed some light on what is happening with our neighbors to the north. From potential trade wars to a shift in power, Canadians are not only braving the cold this winter but also a constantly changing political and economic climate.

Feb 4, 2025 • 44min
Ep. 173: Unchecked Power? China's Global Influence
Gordon Chang, a China expert, joins Joseph Backholm to discuss China’s growing global influence, US-China relations, and concerns over its role in the Panama Canal. They discuss potential economic and security threats, including tech risks like TikTok and DeepSeek, and examine China’s involvement in global conflicts. They also unpack the question of how the Trump administration will handle Chinese influence both on American soil and abroad.

Jan 31, 2025 • 45min
Ep. 172: America's Identity Crisis: Faith, History, and Immigration with John Wilsey
Dr. John Wilsey, professor of church history and philosophy at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, joins Joseph Backholm to give an analysis of America right now compared to its history. Together they dive into the concept of “Christian Nationalism”, the root of the term, and what it truly means. They also discuss the controversial topic of immigration, answering the question, “Is it selfish and unbiblical to want to put America first?”

Jan 28, 2025 • 52min
Ep. 171: Trump's Executive Orders with Eric Teetsel
Joseph Backholm is joined by Eric Teetsel, executive vice president at the Center for Renewing America, to unpack President Trump’s recent executive orders. Spanning from border security to anti-woke policies, Trump wasted no time in rolling back many Biden-era decisions. The two talk about the Remain in Mexico policy, the One Flag policy, and the designation of drug cartels as terrorists. A lot has changed in the first few days of this administration. Listen now to learn more about the impact of Trump’s executive orders!

Jan 24, 2025 • 1h
Ep. 170: Biden's Buzzer Beater Pardons
Pardon me, Joe Biden pardoned who? Family Research Council’s Chris Gacek and The Washington Stand’s Jared Bridges join host Joseph Backholm to take a deep dive into Biden's last-minute pardons for figures like Dr. Fauci, General Milley, and many family members. The three explore the motivations behind these pardons, whether they imply guilt and the broader issue of the weaponization of justice.
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