

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

Jan 29, 2025 • 9min
Trump's Wild Political Resurrection Sends 3 Major WARNINGS to Hollywood, Media and Progressives
President Donald Trump’s political resurrection is undoubtedly one of the most head-scratching and captivating moments in American political history. His reascension, by all accounts, seemed like an implausible pipe dream four years ago, and yet he has once again taken the oath of office, becoming only the second U.S. president — the first was Grover Cleveland, who served as America’s 22nd and 24th commander in chief — to serve two non-consecutive terms.And this moment is sending shockwaves and warnings throughout Hollywood, the media and progressives more generally. Here's what liberals must learn from Mr. Trump's re-ascension — and quickly, if they have any hope of mending their tattered movement. FOLLOW BILLY ON SOCIAL MEDIA:- Follow Billy on Twitter- Follow Billy on Instagram- Follow Billy on Facebook- Follow Billy on YouTube- Follow Billy on Threads

Jan 21, 2025 • 29min
Historic Baptism Set to Sweep America (Plus: Texas' Battle Against Porn)
A historic mass baptism is set to dominate America. Plus, The Washington Times' Alex Swoyer joins Billy Hallowell to discuss Free Speech Coalition, Inc. v. Paxton and Texas' battle against pornography. How will the Supreme Court rule on the fascinating case — and what's at stake? Ms. Swoyer breaks it all down on today's "Higher Ground With Billy Hallowell."FOLLOW BILLY ON SOCIAL MEDIA:- Follow Billy on Twitter- Follow Billy on Instagram- Follow Billy on Facebook- Follow Billy on YouTube- Follow Billy on Threads

Jan 13, 2025 • 36min
'Worst of the Woke': Anti-Trump Chaos and an Ex-MTV Host Finds Jesus
From the "Worst of the Woke Awards" to chaos over a marching band's inaugural performance, The Washington Times' Valerie Richardson has a great deal to break down. She joins Billy Hallowell to discuss these stories and more.Plus, ex-MTV host Cynthia Garrett joins the show to discuss her journey to faith. FOLLOW BILLY ON SOCIAL MEDIA:- Follow Billy on Twitter- Follow Billy on Instagram- Follow Billy on Facebook- Follow Billy on YouTube- Follow Billy on Threads

Jan 3, 2025 • 17min
How do You Defeat Marxism...and Save America? Cheryl Chumley on American exceptionalism, Faith and Freedom
How do you defeat Marxism and save America? That's the topic of today's "Higher Ground With Billy Hallowell," as Cheryl Chumley joins to discuss her new book "God-Given or Bust: Defeating Marxism and Saving America with Biblical Truths." With the U.S. in a moral and spiritual crisis, Ms. Chumley offers a powerful — and simple — way forward.FOLLOW BILLY ON SOCIAL MEDIA:- Follow Billy on Twitter- Follow Billy on Instagram- Follow Billy on Facebook- Follow Billy on YouTube- Follow Billy on Threads

Dec 23, 2024 • 35min
Historian Reveals the Real History of Christmas, Santa, the Nativity and More
What's the real history of Christmas, Santa and the nativity? Historian William Federer breaks it all down, explaining the real roots of our holiday traditions. FOLLOW BILLY ON SOCIAL MEDIA:- Follow Billy on Twitter- Follow Billy on Instagram- Follow Billy on Facebook- Follow Billy on YouTube- Follow Billy on Threads

Dec 16, 2024 • 18min
Chaos, Terror in Syria: Who's Really Taking Control — and Will Deadly Persecution Follow?
As Syria descends into chaos, who are the rebels — and are terrorists taking the helm? Dr. David Curry, CEO of Global Christian Relief, joins the show to break down what's unfolding, how Christians fared under the Assad regime, and what comes next.FOLLOW BILLY ON SOCIAL MEDIA:- Follow Billy on Twitter- Follow Billy on Instagram- Follow Billy on Facebook- Follow Billy on YouTube- Follow Billy on Threads

Dec 6, 2024 • 14min
'Lord of the Rings' Star John Rhys-Davies on Christianity's Incredible Impact
Veteran actor John Rhys-Davies isn't necessarily a Christian — but that doesn't mean he ignores the impact the faith has had on global freedom and liberty. Mr. Rhys-Davies joins Billy Hallowell for a powerful discussion of what drives him to Judeo-Christian-themed projects and what he hopes people learn from his new podcast, “Scrooge: A Christmas Carol."FOLLOW BILLY ON SOCIAL MEDIA:- Follow Billy on Twitter- Follow Billy on Instagram- Follow Billy on Facebook- Follow Billy on YouTube- Follow Billy on Threads

5 snips
Nov 26, 2024 • 26min
FACT CHECK: What's the Real Story Behind Thanksgiving — and Are We 'Rewriting History?'
William Federer, a renowned historian and author with expertise in American history, dives into the true story behind Thanksgiving and the Pilgrims. He reveals how history is often rewritten to suit modern agendas and clarifies common myths about the Pilgrims' quest for religious freedom. Federer recounts their challenging journey and the creation of a self-governing agreement, emphasizing the importance of preserving authentic history. He also touches on the significance of respecting the unique liberties America offers, especially during this season of gratitude.

Nov 18, 2024 • 28min
Dallas Jenkins on God's Wild Plans For His Life, His Latest Box Office Success 'The Best Christmas Pageant Ever'
Dallas Jenkins has been on a wild journey. From failure to the pinnacle of success with "The Chosen," he believes God's been guiding him along the way. Now, he's out with a new film sure to be a Christmas classic — "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever." Hear him explain what led him to make the movie, why it matters, and what he's hoping for his legacy.FOLLOW BILLY ON SOCIAL MEDIA:- Follow Billy on Twitter- Follow Billy on Instagram- Follow Billy on Facebook- Follow Billy on YouTube- Follow Billy on Threads

Nov 12, 2024 • 18min
Politician on Trial and Facing Fines For Sharing a Bible Verse and Her Christian Views Reveals Why She Refuses to Back Down
A member of Finland's parliament who has faced a years-long legal battle for sharing a Bible verse on social media is refusing to back down from her freedom fight.Päivi Räsänen told "Higher Ground With Billy Hallowell" her legal battle began more than five years ago when she challenged Finland's main religious body, the Evangelical Lutheran Church, questioning why it had "decided to support, financially and publicly" a local Pride parade."It was a disappointment and even shock to me and many others," she said. "Many of my friends decided to resign the church, and I was also praying ... 'What should I do now?' I was very worried about this very public statement of the leadership of the church because I was worried that it will undermine people's trust on Bible and its authority."Ms. Räsänen decided to take to Twitter to share text from Romans 1, where the Apostle Paul addresses sexual ethics. She added a question to church leadership about their position in support of Pride. "After that, some citizen made a criminal complaint and the police started to investigate the case," Ms. Räsänen continued. "At the beginning, I didn't believe it. I just read it from the newspaper that police [had] started to investigate the case and I phoned to the policeman and he said, 'Yes, we are investigating it.'" Now, she faces a major trial over her religious expression. Listen to Ms. Räsänen share the full story.FOLLOW BILLY ON SOCIAL MEDIA:- Follow Billy on Twitter- Follow Billy on Instagram- Follow Billy on Facebook- Follow Billy on YouTube- Follow Billy on Threads