
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 us as we examine the headlines through the lens of Scripture, and explore how Christians should respond.
Latest episodes

Dec 3, 2024 • 40min
Ep. 155: A Shifting in Politics with Bob Good
When is adapting a sign of compromise, and when is it simply wisdom? Host Joseph Backholm is joined by Congressman Bob Good for a discussion on how Christians can navigate this ever present changing political landscape. As the 119th Congress gears up to take their seats in January, Congressman Good weighs in on where he sees this Congress going and what we can expect to see from a government with a “Republican trifecta”.

Nov 29, 2024 • 55min
Ep. 154: The Battle of Bitcoin
Today on Black Friday, many Americans will be using credit cards, dollar bills, coins, and even checks to buy their new items and sale gadgets. While these currencies are familiar, there is one less familiar digital currency rising in popularity, Bitcoin. Host Joseph Backholm is joined by Family Research Council’s Matt Carpenter and The Washington Stand’s Joshua Arnold as they debate the pros and cons of Bitcoin and its use. Listen today as these three discuss the rise of Bitcoin, what it is used for, and where they see it being used in the future economy.

Nov 26, 2024 • 28min
Ep. 153: The History of Thanksgiving
Do you know the truth about Thanksgiving? Host Joseph Backholm is joined by Tim Barton, president of Wall Builders, to shed light on what the first Thanksgiving was actually like. Who were the pilgrims? They were not land-stealing English men like many history books make them out to be. They were hardworking individuals, who, with the help of local Indians were able to learn how to survive, farm, and build community in the new land they called home.

Nov 22, 2024 • 33min
Ep. 152: Raising Christian Children in a Secular Culture
Host Joseph Backholm is joined by Andrew Walker, professor at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and co-author of “What Do I Say When…?” for a guiding conversation on how Christian parents can navigate raising children in this changing secular culture. Written alongside his wife, Andrew’s new book weighs in on the specific challenges Christian parents face, what does a successful Christian parent look like, and how to be in the world, but not of it. As the culture shifts into a different moral era, Christians need to learn to navigate it by drawing confidence and truth from Scripture.

Nov 19, 2024 • 42min
Ep. 151: Discerning the Two - Cynicism or Conspiracy
We are once again donning our tin foil hats here at Outstanding as host Joseph Backholm is joined by The Washington Stand’s Jared Bridges and Family Research Council’s Matt Carpenter to analyze and guide listeners on how one can think biblical about conspiracy theories. Did the government generate Hurricane Milton and Helene? What is the difference between cynicism and conspiracy? While many conspiracy theorists are in search of knowledge and truth, as believers we can rest assured knowing our truth is in Christ and we will never fully know everything in this life.

Nov 15, 2024 • 41min
Ep. 150: Ukraine, Foreign Policy & the U.S. Government
How invested should the U.S. government be in conflicts around the world? Is there a specific role the government should play? Professor at Regent University, A.J. Nolte, joins host Joseph Backholm to answer these questions regarding the war in Ukraine. Joseph and A.J. unpack the current situation in Ukraine, the United States’ role in the conflict, and if there is a clear path to resolution. With a new administration coming into power, will they handle Ukraine, Russia, and foreign policy differently?

Nov 12, 2024 • 37min
Ep. 149: The American Military with Lt. Gen. (Ret.) William Boykin
Freedom is not free. In the wake of Veterans Day, host Joseph Backholm is joined by Family Research Council’s Lt. Gen. (Ret.) William Boykin, as he reflects on his 36 years in the military, what he has learned, and where he sees the institution heading. General Boykin shares his story of service, how the military exceeded his expectations, and the changes he believes would be necessary to return the American military to its former glory.

Nov 8, 2024 • 56min
Ep. 148: Breaking Down an Election for the Ages
Election 2024 is in the books, and there's never been one like it. Donald Trump's "red wave" victory was preceded by assassination attempts, an opponent swap, and a hostile media. Host Joseph Backholm is joined by FRC Action's Matt Carpenter and FRC's Quena Gonzalez as they drill down on the results and analyze what they mean for Christians in America.

Nov 5, 2024 • 39min
Ep. 147: A Guide to Christian Higher Education
Host Joseph Backholm is joined by Jesse Rine, the Executive Director of the Center for Academic Faithfulness & Flourishing, to discuss his findings and work on creating a comprehensive online directory of Christian higher education for parents and soon to be students to use. Having worked at several Christian universities, Jesse shares his personal perspective on what has caused universities to shift more left, even Christian ones. While picking a college can be overwhelming, Jesse’s comprehensive guide breaks down 250 colleges across the country and addresses whether or not they have a true biblical worldview. Listen now to this episode and check out his resources below!
Resources
Christian College Guide

Nov 1, 2024 • 44min
Ep. 146: The Importance of the Electoral College
Host Joseph Backholm is joined by The Washington Stand’s Ben Johnson for a conversation about the importance of the Electoral College. While not always a hot-button topic, the Electoral College has its moments in the spotlight every four years surrounding the presidential election. But what is the Electoral College? How does it function? Ben shares the inception of this election regulator, why it was created, and the purpose it is still serving. Joseph and Ben discuss what elections would look like if we switched to solely a national popular vote and if there are biblical principles we can lean on to learn how we should structure our elections. With the 2024 presidential election less than a week away, listen now to better understand how we elect the next president of the United States.