

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

Feb 23, 2024 • 15min
Is Surgically Transitioning Kids a Diabolical Evil? Journalist Sounds Alarm, Shares Shocking New Developments
Christian Post reporter Brandon Showalter has been on a mission to expose gender ideology, blowing the top off some of the most shocking stories of what he says is clear medical malfeasance. Listen to him reveal some stunning details and the surprising ways he believes the conversation could be turning in the right direction. FOLLOW BILLY ON SOCIAL MEDIA:- Follow Billy on Twitter- Follow Billy on Instagram- Follow Billy on Facebook

Feb 16, 2024 • 20min
Was the 'He Gets Us' Super Bowl Ad an Abomination or an Inspiration? Co-Creator Responds to Toughest Critiques
The "He Gets Us" Super Bowl ad ignited a fury in Christian circles. Was it a helpful evangelistic tool — or a watered-down attempt at sharing the Christian Gospel? Jason Vanderground, co-creator of the "He Gets Us" campaign, sits down with Billy Hallowell to respond to some of the toughest critiques of the campaign, and to share the reason he believes it is a powerful tool to reach non-Christians.FOLLOW BILLY ON SOCIAL MEDIA:- Follow Billy on Twitter- Follow Billy on Instagram- Follow Billy on Facebook

Feb 9, 2024 • 26min
What Really Sparked the Asbury Revival? The True Story Behind the Historic 'Outpouring' That Transfixed the World
When college students at Asbury University held a 24/7 prayer and worship service last year, photos and stories almost immediately went viral. Tens of thousands of people flooded to the small town of Wilmore, Kentucky, to witness firsthand what has been called a"revival" by some and an "outpouring" by others. The powerful event, teamed with many other spiritual moments of 2023, has sparked questions about what's happening in America when it comes to spirituality. So, what's the real story behind the Asbury Revival? What sparked the stunning moment? On today's show, we sit down with Zach Meerkreebs, a writer and pastor at Asbury. Mr. Meerkreebs was the preacher who delivered the sermon that essentially sparked the nonstop prayer and worship service; he was also front and center, helping organize what followed. Listen to him share the real story surrounding the Asbury Revival. FOLLOW BILLY ON SOCIAL MEDIA:- Follow Billy on Twitter- Follow Billy on Instagram- Follow Billy on Facebook

Feb 2, 2024 • 44min
Should Christians Cancel Alistair Begg Over His LGBTQ Wedding Response? (PLUS: Is Christian Nationalism Really Raging?)
Should Christians cancel Alistair Begg over his LGBTQ wedding response? That's the question Billy Hallowell and Shane Idleman, pastor of Westside Christian Fellowship, tackle in this episode of "Higher Ground With Billy Hallowell," with the two diving headfirst into the controversial debate.PLUS: Is Christian nationalism as big of an issue as many claim? We flashback to our interview with the Rev. Samuel Rodriguez to explore it all.FOLLOW BILLY ON SOCIAL MEDIA:- Follow Billy on Twitter- Follow Billy on Instagram- Follow Billy on Facebook

Jan 26, 2024 • 27min
How China's Communist Party Terrorizes Christians (Plus: Finnish Politician's Persecution Nightmare)
How does China terrorize Christians? ChinaAid President and founder Bob Fu recently sat down with Higher Ground to expose some of the extreme steps the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) is taking to “erase Christianity from China,” including crippling fines and imprisonment.Plus, Finnish politician Paivi Rasanen’s “1984”-esque nightmare continues to unfold, as she's punished for sharing Bible verses, among other free speech issues. In a plot seemingly ripped from the pages of an Alfred Hitchcock script, Ms. Rasanen, a member of the Finnish parliament who previously served as the nation’s interior secretary, was brought up on “hate crimes” charges for simply expressing her Christian beliefs.Hear these stories on this week's "Higher Ground With Billy Hallowell."FOLLOW BILLY ON SOCIAL MEDIA:- Follow Billy on Twitter- Follow Billy on Instagram- Follow Billy on Facebook

Jan 19, 2024 • 26min
Can Christians Really Vote For Trump? Pastor Tackles Biggest Objections to Former President, Delivers Candid Assessment of Good vs. Evil
Shane Idleman, founder and lead pastor of Westside Chrisitan Fellowship in Southern California, delivers a candid assessment when asked whether Christians can vote for former president Donald Trump. From morals to values — and the U.S. Supreme Court — he tackles some of the biggest issues and objections to the ex-commander-in-chief.Hear this powerful episode of "Higher Ground."FOLLOW BILLY ON SOCIAL MEDIA:- Follow Billy on Twitter- Follow Billy on Instagram- Follow Billy on Facebook

Jan 12, 2024 • 33min
Talking Politics and Religion (Without Killing Each Other): Surviving 2024 Chaos and Corey Nathan's Journey to Faith
Entrepreneur, businessman, and podcast host Corey Nathan joins the show to discuss his journey from Judaism to Christianity and how he's learned to navigate chaotic differences in political and religious persuasions. Host of the podcast "Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other," Nathan brings a unique perspective to the conversation. FOLLOW BILLY ON SOCIAL MEDIA:- Follow Billy on Twitter- Follow Billy on Instagram- Follow Billy on Facebook

Jan 5, 2024 • 36min
'Superman' Actor Dean Can Gets Candid on God, Politics (Plus: Pastor's Bold Prayer Move Inspires)
Is America slated for major revival in 2024? Jesse Bradley, pastor at Grace Community Church in Auburn, Washington, reflects on the past year of spiritual moments, shares tips for how people can get closer to God — and reveals why it's essential to be part of a church community. Mr. Bradley also explores a powerful prayer project that's transforming his community.Plus, "Superman" star Dean Cain gives his candid assessment on faith, politics, the state of California, and why God became a bigger fixture in his life. That and more on this week's "Higher Ground With Billy Hallowell."FOLLOW BILLY ON SOCIAL MEDIA:- Follow Billy on Twitter- Follow Billy on Instagram- Follow Billy on Facebook

Dec 27, 2023 • 21min
Christian Persecution Rages Globally: Blasphemy Horror in Bangladesh (Plus: Pressing Updates on Nagorno-Karabakh)
There's a disturbing blasphemy case unfolding in Bangladesh as persecution rages across the globe. Plus, a pressing update on Nagorno-Karabakh) after Armenian Christians were forced out. Joel Veldkamp, head of international communications for Christian Solidarity International, joins Billy Hallowell to share the disturbing stories and explain why it truly matters. FOLLOW BILLY ON SOCIAL MEDIA:- Follow Billy on Twitter- Follow Billy on Instagram- Follow Billy on Facebook

Dec 20, 2023 • 14min
'The Wonder Years' Star Danica McKellar Reveals Journey to Jesus, Powerful Reflections on the Bible
Danica McKellar is a fixture on Great American Family and has had a long career in Hollywood after her breakout role in "The Wonder Years," which ran from 1988 until 1993. Today, she's starring in positive, uplifting movies, authoring books, and sharing her newfound faith. Ms. McKellar joins Higher Ground today to discuss her powerful journey to Christianity — and how it has changed her life.


