
Higher Ground With Billy Hallowell
Faith. Culture. Politics. Life. Longtime journalist and commentator Billy Hallowell has covered thousands of the biggest faith and culture stories. Now, he's bringing together some of the best reporters, TV hosts, and personalities each week to dive into the most pressing and intriguing issues of the day.
"Higher Ground With Billy Hallowell" is a truly unique experience, knocking down the barriers between journalists, media personalities, and the public at large. Each week, guests explain the relevance of each story, and offer analysis you won't hear anywhere else. The show brings together great minds to take you behind the headlines and help you navigate the intersection of faith, politics, and culture.
Latest episodes

Oct 14, 2024 • 14min
As Hollywood Depravity Rages, Industry Veterans Launch Plan to Counter the Chaos, Immorality
With so much chaos, furor, and dysfunction in culture, entertainment has unsurprisingly become more depraved and disconnected from morality. Yet, new companies continue to emerge aimed at inspiring families and instilling faith and biblical ethics. Entertainment industry veterans Monty Hobbs and Valerie Smaldone have jumped into the inspirational space with their new company Just Do GOOD Entertainment, a content creation company that seeks to entertain, inspire, and become motivated to do good. Their new show "Divine Renovation," hosted by Erik Estrada, is just one such project.Listen to Mr. Hobbs and Ms. Smaldone break down their mission and why they're hoping to help transform Hollywood content. 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

Oct 7, 2024 • 21min
As Darkness Rages and Hope Fades, What Must Be Done?
In this episode of Higher Ground, Billy Hallowell sits down with Pastor Jesse Bradley from Grace Community Church in Washington State. They dive into the role of faith in today’s chaotic political climate, exploring why it’s essential for believers to engage thoughtfully and prayerfully with current events — especially amid dark times. Jesse shares his insight on the balance between spiritual convictions and civic responsibilities, reminding listeners of the importance of praying for all leaders—whether or not they align with our beliefs.The discussion also takes a personal turn, as Mr. Bradley opens up about the struggles facing the church today. From navigating the political spectrum to facing cultural confusion, he offers guidance on finding clarity in Scripture and using it as the foundation for decision-making, especially during elections and chaotic times. This conversation will inspire you to ask, “What does God want for my vote?”Beyond politics, Mr. Bradley explores the real-life challenges plaguing society—from the rise in mental health struggles to societal shifts that often leave the church feeling isolated. He emphasizes the need for a grassroots, Gospel-centered approach, sharing practical ways his church is working to reach people where they are, including innovative ministries like Drive Thru Prayer and JustChooseHope.org.They discuss how, in dark times, a little light can go a long way. Jesse shares powerful stories from Seattle, highlighting how small acts of hope can transform lives and communities. He calls on Christians everywhere to rise above the fray, spread hope, and become part of the solution, living out the true calling of faith in every facet of life.So, tune in for a stirring conversation that will challenge you to think deeper, pray harder, and act bolder. FOLLOW BILLY ON SOCIAL MEDIA:- Follow Billy on Twitter- Follow Billy on Instagram- Follow Billy on Facebook- Follow Billy on YouTube

Sep 30, 2024 • 25min
Miracles and Mysteries: For KING + COUNTRY Singer Joel Smallbone's Powerful Mission to Inspire
For KING + COUNTRY is undoubtedly one of the most popular inspirational bands of the modern era, with lead singers — and brothers — Joel and Luke Smallbone entertaining the masses through music, movies, and live tour experiences.The duo most recently saw their family's incredible journey conveyed through the major motion picture "Unsung Hero," which was released earlier this year. Months later, they're now traveling across America on the 31-city "For KING + COUNTRY LIVE: The UNSUNG HERO 2024 Tour," performing music from the film and offering faith-inspiring messages to audiences. The Smallbones' work is a fusion of art, faith, encouragement, innovation, and grit.Joel Smallbone told "Higher Ground With Billy Hallowell" that he and Luke are "trying to create awe-inspiring environments" through their music and performances. And it's not lost on him that For KING + COUNTRY is bringing out these messages of hope during a "very tumultuous time for this country." It's a responsibility and honor Smallbone doesn't take lightly."We get to pull people into a room that vote, think, look, act different from one another — different beliefs, different points of view, and yet we can come together for two and a half hours and have this ... emotional, relational, spiritual moment together," he said. "I'm really proud of it, and I think that's part of the deep purpose of it."FOLLOW BILLY ON SOCIAL MEDIA:- Follow Billy on Twitter- Follow Billy on Instagram- Follow Billy on Facebook- Follow Billy on YouTube

Sep 22, 2024 • 15min
Actor Scott Baio Sounds Alarm on America's Anti-God Chaos
"I don’t feel like I live in America." That's how actor Scott Baio talks about the anti-God "creep" he sees seeping into American culture. He discuss that, voting, cancel culture and his latest film, "God’s Not Dead: In God We Trust."FOLLOW BILLY ON SOCIAL MEDIA:- Follow Billy on Twitter- Follow Billy on Instagram- Follow Billy on Facebook- Follow Billy on YouTube

Sep 15, 2024 • 20min
Did Trump Really Lose the Debate? Plus: Pro-Choice Activists Get Prison Over Attacks on Pregnancy Resource Centers
Did former President Donald Trump really lose the debate? Plus: pro-choice activists get prison time for attacks on pro-life pregnancy resource centers. Journalists Jesse Jackson (Church Leaders), Valerie Richardson (Washington Times) and Billy Hallowell 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

Sep 9, 2024 • 8min
Why Tuesday's Trump vs. Harris Debate Could Transform the Race — and Who's Currently Winning?
Tuesday's presidential debate between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump could transform the entire race. Plus: what do the polls currently say? That and more on today's show.FOLLOW BILLY ON SOCIAL MEDIA:- Follow Billy on Twitter- Follow Billy on Instagram- Follow Billy on Facebook- Follow Billy on YouTube

Sep 5, 2024 • 18min
Will Trump Beat Harris? Here's What Could Happen Next in the Chaotic 2024 Showdown
What's next for Vice President Kamala Harris, former president Donald Trump and the 2024 presidential showdown? The Washington Times' Cheryl Chumley joins Billy Hallowell to break it all down.Plus, Ms. Chumley discusses her first fiction novel "Chloe: Book One of Chloe's People: A Novel."FOLLOW BILLY ON SOCIAL MEDIA:- Follow Billy on Twitter- Follow Billy on Instagram- Follow Billy on Facebook- Follow Billy on YouTube

Aug 26, 2024 • 23min
Ex-Porn Star Finds God, Unveils Biggest Lies That Nearly Destroyed His Life
Joshua Broome once had it all. Fame, money, acclaim. But he was rudderless, depressed — and ready to end his life. After abandoning the adult film industry, Mr. Broome went on a quest to find meaning. He discovered Jesus, is now a preacher, and has a powerful message for everyone about the lies plaguing our culture. Check out his book, "7 Lies That Will Ruin Your Life: What My Journey from Porn Star to Preacher Taught Me About the Truth That Sets Us Free."FOLLOW BILLY ON SOCIAL MEDIA:- Follow Billy on Twitter- Follow Billy on Instagram- Follow Billy on Facebook- Follow Billy on YouTube

Aug 19, 2024 • 19min
Country Music Star Leaves It All Behind For Jesus
Granger Smith was a rising country music star when his son, River, drowned in 2019 and the trajectory of his life changed forever. It started with an uneasiness when Mr. Smith realized God was calling him to do something more. In the end, Mr. Smith ended up leaving music for ministry. Listen to him tell his story and share details about his new children’s book “Up Toward the Light” with Billy Hallowell on this week’s episode of "Higher Ground."FOLLOW BILLY ON SOCIAL MEDIA:- Follow Billy on Twitter- Follow Billy on Instagram- Follow Billy on Facebook- Follow Billy on YouTube

Aug 10, 2024 • 25min
Christian Nationalism Stats That Will Shock You, Challenge Media Narrative
Kevin Singer, co-director of Neighborly Faith, joins "Higher Ground With Billy Hallowell" to deliver some statistics and facts around the contentious issue of Christian nationalism that might shock you."What we found in our study is those who are classified as Christian nationalists are ... also the most likely to be religious, to attend religious services, to pray daily, to fast, to be in worship services every week," Singer said. And that only scratches the surface, as his data dismantles some of the common claims being circulated about Christian nationalism. Listen for the full story.FOLLOW BILLY ON SOCIAL MEDIA:- Follow Billy on Twitter- Follow Billy on Instagram- Follow Billy on Facebook- Follow Billy on YouTube