Outstanding

Hunter Baker, author and professor at North Greenville University, joins Joseph Backholm to reflect on the political landscape with a new president. Should the country be optimistic or pessimistic? Hunter and Joeseph analyze Trump’s resurgence into political power, a possible new era of free speech, and the concerns over the rising federal debt.

Musa al-Gharbi, professor and author of We Have Never Been Woke, examines wokeness as an elite-driven ideology. He addresses the question of who it truly serves: the elite or the working class. He explores how social justice has been used to gain power and social media's role in spreading woke principles. Resources We Have Never Been Woke: The Cultural Contradictions of a New Elite by Musa al-Gharbi

Jonathan Keller, President of the California Family Council, joins Joseph Backholm to discuss the devastating California fires, citing dry conditions and inadequate resources as a few of the key factors, but is there more at play here? Keller and Joseph ponder the possibility of whether the crisis was preventable or simply an act of God. They analyze state leaders prioritizing diversity over essential resources and the economic fallout this disaster will have on California for the years to come.

Kendall Qualls is the founder and president of Take Charge, an organization dedicated to building strong families, especially in the inner city.  In this episode, he joins Joseph Backholm to explain why fatherlessness — not systemic racism, is the real problem for our country and what we can do to be part of the solution.

David Harsanyi, Senior Editor at The Federalist and author of The Rise of Blueanon, joins Joseph Backholm to explore the growing influence of conspiracy theories in modern politics. He discusses how political debate has shifted from rational discourse to emotionally driven arguments and how declining trust in main media institutions, combined with the fragmentation of media, amplifies misinformation and the creation of new conspiracy theories. Resources The Rise of BlueAnon: How the Democrats Became a Party of Conspiracy Theorists by David Harsanyi

Josephine Wentzel lived every parent’s nightmare when her daughter, Krystal Mitchell, was murdered in 2016. She joins Joseph Backholm to tell her story of tracking down her daughter’s killer after realizing that law enforcement was not actively pursuing the man. Josephine’s story is one of grief, justice, and a God who is still good. As her daughter told her shortly before her death, “Our faith should be like if we died, met Jesus, and came back to earth.” A faith of obedience and eternal purpose.

As we say goodbye to 2024, Jonathan Keller president of California Family Council joins Joseph Backholm as they reflect on 10 of the biggest moments from this past year. From Trump’s reelection to the fall of corporate media, 2024 was a year to remember. Take a walk down memory lane with us as we reflect on the lessons learned.

Since 1972, Joe Biden has held a variety of political positions. As his career winds down, let’s take a look at the legacy he is leaving behind. Joseph Backholm is joined by Family Research Council’s Brent Keilen to analyze Joe Biden’s most prominent political years - his time in the Oval Office. From immigration to abortion, what will he be remembered for and how will his policies impact the future generations of America?

While the Christmas story has been told for centuries, it is more intricate than often assumed and includes many details that the modern Christian may be unfamiliar with. Dr. Craig Evans, professor at Houston Christian University, joins Joseph Backholm to highlight the cultural and historical backdrop of Herod’s rule, the fulfillment of prophecies, and the Magi’s search for a new King. He examines who Joseph and Mary were and Joseph’s dilemma over Mary’s pregnancy, emphasizing the significance of a virgin birth. With insights into the shepherds’ role and ancient symbols like long-tailed stars, Dr. Evans provides ample proof of why the greatest story ever told is true.

In an age of reason and rationality are we blinded from seeing the mystical? Rod Dreher author of Living in Wonder: Finding Mystery and Meaning in a Secular Age joins Joseph Backholm for a conversation about how awe and wonder caused him to search for God. He shares personal experiences of mystical encounters, cautions against the occult, and calls on the church to address spiritual warfare and God’s presence. Dreher emphasizes wisdom over emotion, advocating for a grounded faith where spiritual experiences point back to God, not away from him. Resources Living in Wonder: Finding Mystery and Meaning in a Secular Age by Rod Dreher