

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

Jan 14, 2025 • 57min
Ep. 167: California Fires: A Crisis of Policy, Resources, and Recovery
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.

Jan 10, 2025 • 43min
Ep. 166: Keys To Rebuild a Civilization with Kendall Qualls
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.

Jan 7, 2025 • 57min
Ep. 165: Conspiracies, Bias, and the Changing Landscape of Political Debate with David Harsanyi
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

Jan 3, 2025 • 51min
Ep. 164: Chasing Justice: A Mother's Unyielding Faith
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.

Dec 31, 2024 • 47min
Ep. 163: Top 10 Moments and Lessons from 2024
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.

Dec 27, 2024 • 43min
Ep. 162: The Legacy of Joe Biden
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?

Dec 24, 2024 • 57min
Ep. 161: A Historical Look at the First Christmas with Dr. Craig Evans
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.

Dec 20, 2024 • 52min
Ep. 160: The Call to Wonder: Seeking God in Beauty and Mystery with Rod Dreher
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

Dec 17, 2024 • 59min
Ep. 159: Tony Perkins: Political Shifts, Cultural Change, and What America Needs
In 2024, America went on a wild ride with major shifts in politics, culture, and national unity. Joseph Backholm sat down with Family Research Council President Tony Perkins to reflect on how he is dealing with what he saw throughout 2024. From party realignments, to the incoming Trump administration, Tony shares his insights on the past year and what he sees as the hope for our country in the year ahead.

Dec 13, 2024 • 51min
Ep.158: The Rise of Assisted Suicide
Host Joseph Backholm is joined by Family Research Council’s Mary Szoch to discuss the dangers and moral arguments against assisted suicide. As more countries start to consider and even legalize assisted suicide, Mary and Joseph address a few of the key questions surrounding the industry: Who is funding it? What is there to gain in supporting assisted suicide? And why are more people choosing this option?


