

God, Country & the American Story With Billy Hallowell
Washington Times / Billy Hallowell
"God, Country & the American Story" is a groundbreaking new podcast from The Washington Times that explores the powerful role the Christian faith has had in the lives of America’s leaders, from the founders to the movers and shakers of today.
Veteran journalist and author Billy Hallowell sits down with lawmakers, high-ranking officials, business titans, historians, faith leaders, and cultural influencers to examine how belief in God has guided the nation’s most powerful leaders and pivotal moments - and continues to fuel the American experiment.
This series honors America’s spiritual heritage while tackling today’s most pressing questions: How has faith shaped the nation? What role does it play in the lives of public officials? And what does the future hold for faith and freedom in America?
As the country prepares to celebrate its 250th anniversary, join us for thought-provoking conversations that uncover the soul of a nation—rooted in God and destined for greatness.
Veteran journalist and author Billy Hallowell sits down with lawmakers, high-ranking officials, business titans, historians, faith leaders, and cultural influencers to examine how belief in God has guided the nation’s most powerful leaders and pivotal moments - and continues to fuel the American experiment.
This series honors America’s spiritual heritage while tackling today’s most pressing questions: How has faith shaped the nation? What role does it play in the lives of public officials? And what does the future hold for faith and freedom in America?
As the country prepares to celebrate its 250th anniversary, join us for thought-provoking conversations that uncover the soul of a nation—rooted in God and destined for greatness.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Aug 25, 2025 • 30min
God, Freedom, and the Declaration: Historian Explores America’s Miraculous Founding
In this episode of The Washington Times' God, Country and the American Story, Billy Hallowell sits down with historian Bill Federer for a deep dive into the faith and history behind America’s birth. From the unique nature of the Declaration of Independence and the radical idea of making “the people the king” to Thomas Jefferson’s original anti-slavery language in the Declaration, Mr. Federer unpacks powerful historical nuggets as well as the biblical roots that shaped the founders’ vision for a new union.Discover how divine providence, unexpected allies, and even miraculous fog played pivotal roles in the colonists' fight for independence. As we look ahead to America 250, this conversation sheds light on the spiritual and historical forces that helped create and sustain a nation unlike any other.FOLLOW BILLY ON SOCIAL MEDIA:- Follow Billy on Twitter- Follow Billy on Instagram- Follow Billy on Facebook- Follow Billy on YouTube

Aug 11, 2025 • 23min
SERIES PREMIERE: Sen. Tim Scott Defends America's Faith Roots, Explores Battle for Nation's Soul
On the premiere episode of “God, Country, and the American Story,” Sen. Tim Scott joins Billy Hallowell for a powerful conversation about faith, freedom, and the spiritual foundations of America. The episode explores a multitude of questions, including: What is America without faith? Why does the Judeo-Christian tradition matter to the nation’s foundations? And what’s happening spiritually in America today? From the roots of American exceptionalism to the rising tide of relativism and cultural confusion, Mr. Scott passionately defends the principles of faith that have built, shaped and refined our nation. He also explores his new book, “One Nation Always Under God: Profiles in Christian Courage,” and tells some of the stories of heroes who shaped America.FOLLOW BILLY ON SOCIAL MEDIA:- Follow Billy on Twitter- Follow Billy on Instagram- Follow Billy on Facebook- Follow Billy on YouTube

Jul 16, 2025 • 15min
Actor's Radical Encounter With Jesus Changes Everything
"The Chosen" star Nick Shakoour had a radical faith encounter that changed everything. He's here to share the details and discuss his new book, "TRANSFORMER: Awakening From A Spiritual Coma - A Nick Shakoour Autobiography." FOLLOW BILLY ON SOCIAL MEDIA:- Follow Billy on Twitter- Follow Billy on Instagram- Follow Billy on Facebook- Follow Billy on YouTube

Jul 11, 2025 • 17min
'This Is Us' Meets 'Stranger Things': The Real Story Behind Hollywood Duo's Supernatural Thriller
Jason and Rhonda Halbert are here to share the fascinating details of their Hollywood career, their faith — and more. Plus, they dive into their new supernatural thriller "Caretaker." FOLLOW BILLY ON SOCIAL MEDIA:- Follow Billy on Twitter- Follow Billy on Instagram- Follow Billy on Facebook- Follow Billy on YouTube

Jun 14, 2025 • 17min
The Shocking Truths at the Center of the Viral Simone Biles-Riley Gaines Clash
In recent days, legendary gymnast Simone Biles drew the ire of critics for going after athlete and activist Riley Gaines. The reaction was swift after Ms. Biles compared Ms. Gaines to a "man" and later backtracked and apologized. The Washington Times' Valerie Richardson joins Billy Hallowell to fact-check what was said, dig deeper, and provide a comprehensive overview of the issues at the core of the debate.FOLLOW BILLY ON SOCIAL MEDIA:- Follow Billy on Twitter- Follow Billy on Instagram- Follow Billy on Facebook- Follow Billy on YouTube

May 31, 2025 • 19min
Christians Targeted? Antifa Chaos, Trump Takes on Cali Sports Battle — and More
The FBI is diving into chaos in Seattle after a Christian group was reportedly the target of Antifa chaos. Plus: President Donald Trump takes on the transgender sports battle in California. That and more on today's show. The Washington Times' Valerie Richardson joins Billy Hallowell to break it all down.- FBI wades after Seattle mayor blames Christian group Mayday USA for Antifa-fueled melee- California to award medals to girls bumped by transgender athlete at girls' track championships- Study refutes claim that abortion pill is 'safer than Tylenol'FOLLOW BILLY ON SOCIAL MEDIA:- Follow Billy on Twitter- Follow Billy on Instagram- Follow Billy on Facebook- Follow Billy on YouTube

May 26, 2025 • 16min
The Bizarre Fertility Clinic Bombing, a Christian Camp Suing to Protect Free Speech — and More
On this episode of the show, Billy Hallowell and Valerie Richardson begin with the strange case of a Palm Springs fertility clinic bombing, where a purportedly anti-pro-life man tried to inflict harm. Then, they explore a Christian summer camp in Colorado suing the state over a gender identity law they believe threatens their religious liberty. Finally, the story centers on an educator fighting back after purportedly being banned from keeping conservative kids' books in his workspace.You'll hear that and more on today's Higher Ground from The Washington Times. STORIES:https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2025/may/22/roderick-theis-oregon-educator-sues-told-stop-displaying-johnny/https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2025/may/21/palm-springs-bombing-suspect-believed-driven-anti-birth-ideology/https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2025/may/18/colorado-christian-summer-camp-sues-states-transgender-mandate/FOLLOW BILLY ON SOCIAL MEDIA:- Follow Billy on Twitter- Follow Billy on Instagram- Follow Billy on Facebook- Follow Billy on YouTube

May 17, 2025 • 16min
Planned Parenthood Under Fire After Shattering Disturbing Record (Plus: Is a Dangerous Truth Being Hidden for Political Reasons?)
Planned Parenthood just recorded a record number of abortions. In the post-Roe era, what does that mean — and why does it matter? Plus, as debate rages over the abortion pill, are essential health facts being hidden from women?The Washington Times' Valerie Richardson joins Billy Hallowell to break it all down.For more context, here are today's stories:https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2025/may/14/planned-parenthood-blasted-gender-affirming-care-defunding-push-grows/https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2025/may/13/failure-rate-abortion-pill-twice-high-shown-drugs-fda-approved-label/https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2025/may/12/planned-parenthood-annual-report-shows-record-taxpayer-funding/FOLLOW BILLY ON SOCIAL MEDIA:- Follow Billy on Twitter- Follow Billy on Instagram- Follow Billy on Facebook- Follow Billy on YouTube

May 10, 2025 • 18min
Female Fencer Takes Bold Trans Stand, Locker Room Chaos and the New Battle For Life: 3 Stories You Won't Want to Miss
A female fencer takes a stand over the trans issue, Loudoun County is under fire after reportedly investigating young boys who were caught speaking about a biological girl in their locker room — and the battle over the abortion pill heats up. The Washington Times' Valerie Richardson joins Billy Hallowell to break it all down.FOLLOW BILLY ON SOCIAL MEDIA:- Follow Billy on Twitter- Follow Billy on Instagram- Follow Billy on Facebook- Follow Billy on YouTube

May 8, 2025 • 9min
Horror in Nigeria: Why Trump, America Can't Ignore Slaughter of Christians
Nigeria has become a hellscape for Christians as persecution continues to rise in the African nation. President Donald Trump and America must take a stand...before it's too late. Billy Hallowell explains the dire situation. FOLLOW BILLY ON SOCIAL MEDIA:- Follow Billy on Twitter- Follow Billy on Instagram- Follow Billy on Facebook- Follow Billy on YouTube