

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

Dec 13, 2023 • 13min
'We Live in Prophetic Times': The History of Hanukkah and End Times Bible Prophecy With TV Host Erick Stakelbeck
TV host Erick Stakelbeck believes we're truly living in "prophetic times," reflecting on the chaos in Israel and the Middle East. From discussing end-times theology to explaining the significance and history of Hanukkah, Stakelbeck, who has a new special about Hanukkah on TBN, joins Billy Hallowell for a truly thought-provoking discussion."The miraculous rebirth of Israel, I believe, set the prophetic time clock into overdrive," he said. Listen to the powerful conversation.FOLLOW BILLY ON SOCIAL MEDIA:- Follow Billy on Twitter- Follow Billy on Instagram- Follow Billy on Facebook

Dec 6, 2023 • 21min
Is God Taking Over Hollywood? Daddy Yankee Embraces Jesus (PLUS: Franklin Graham Responds to Hamas Horror, Progressive Reaction)
Is God taking Hollywood by storm? More and more celebrities are embracing Jesus, quitting the industry, and spreading the Christian faith. What's unfolding — and why does it matter? Plus, evangelist Franklin Graham drops by to discuss Hamas' horrific attack, his recent trip to Israel, and what he believes is truly unfolding right now.FOLLOW BILLY ON SOCIAL MEDIA:- Follow Billy on Twitter- Follow Billy on Instagram- Follow Billy on Facebook

Nov 29, 2023 • 32min
How Candace Cameron Bure Found Jesus: Actress Shares Incredible Journey to Hollywood, Why Faith Is Central to Her Life
It's no secret Candace Cameron Bure, star of "Full House," "Fuller House," and a slew of Christmas movies is an outspoken Christian. She joins this week's "Higher Ground" to share her path to faith — and Hollywood.FOLLOW BILLY ON SOCIAL MEDIA:- Follow Billy on Twitter- Follow Billy on Instagram- Follow Billy on Facebook

Nov 19, 2023 • 21min
Hamas Hostage's Mother Shares Family's Unimaginable Pain, Recounts Horrific Oct. 7 Terror Attack
The mother of a Hamas hostage is speaking out about her family's pain, what unfolded on Oct. 7 when Hamas attacked Israel, and what she's been feeling and experiencing.Doris Liber has spoken with politicians and the public since her son, 26-year-old Guy Illouzm was taken hostage. She and her family have no idea about his whereabouts or health status. Here is her story.FOLLOW BILLY ON SOCIAL MEDIA:- Follow Billy on Twitter- Follow Billy on Instagram- Follow Billy on Facebook

Nov 15, 2023 • 26min
Hollywood Stars Deliver Stunning Messages on Faith, Hope, Forgiveness: Roma Downey, Rob Schneider
Two Hollywood stars are the voice of reason this week: Roma Downey and Rob Schneider. Schneider offers a powerful message of forgiveness and Downey joins "Higher Ground" to talk about her new book, the importance of protecting kids from the chaos in our world, and how she navigated life's struggles through faith.Listen to the "Touched By an Angel" star break it all down on this week's "Higher Ground."FOLLOW BILLY ON SOCIAL MEDIA:- Follow Billy on Twitter- Follow Billy on Instagram- Follow Billy on Facebook

Nov 8, 2023 • 21min
Is God Real? Lee Strobel Tackles Evidence For Humanity's Biggest Question (PLUS: Media's Evil Slam on Speaker Mike Johnson)
Is God real? Bestselling author Lee Strobel tackles one of life's most pressing questions, providing fascinating evidence for biblical truth. Strobel joins Billy Hallowell on today's show. Plus, Billy dives into the media's abysmal attack on House Speaker Mike Johnson's faith. Has culture totally fallen into a moral abyss? Media reports surrounding Mr. Johnson trying to protect his teen son from pornography show just how far we've fallen.FOLLOW BILLY ON SOCIAL MEDIA:- Follow Billy on Twitter- Follow Billy on Instagram- Follow Billy on Facebook

Oct 30, 2023 • 40min
He Says He Died and Visited Heaven. Don Piper Reveals What He Saw, Shares Incredible Near-Death Experience (Plus: How to Battle Anti-Israel Slander, Chaos)
Don Piper, author of "90 Minutes in Heaven" and one of the subjects of the new film "After Death" takes us through his Near-Death Experience, visiting heaven, what he learned — and more. Plus, Billy breaks down the only solution to anti-Israel lies, slander, and moral chaos after Hamas' horror.

Oct 23, 2023 • 30min
'Similar to ISIS...the Nazis': Man Facing Campus 'Cancellation' After Slamming Hamas Is Expressing Alarm Over Antisemitism, Won't Back Down
Yoni Michanie, research and data manager for the Combat Antisemitism Movement and doctoral student at Northeastern University, is decrying "disturbing" allegations against him. After speaking out against Hamas' horrific terror attack, he's being accused of making Muslim and Palestinian students feel uncomfortable on campus. Critics have launched a petition against Michanie, but he joins "Higher Ground With Billy Hallowell" to break down Hamas' terror, correct the record, and respond to those speaking out against him."I absolutely stand by the statement that Hamas carries a Nazi-like ideology," he said. "They've shown their willingness and determination to carry out a systematic extermination of Jews, if given the chance." Plus, The Washington Times' Valerie Richardson joins the show to discuss the next abortion battle, some politicians' refusal to call out or decry Hamas — and more. FOLLOW BILLY ON SOCIAL MEDIA:- Follow Billy on Twitter- Follow Billy on Instagram- Follow Billy on Facebook

Oct 16, 2023 • 22min
Is 'Hamas' in the Bible? What Does Prophecy Say? And What's Driving the Terror Group's Horrors Against Israel: Rabbi Jason Sobel Reveals the Answers
What does Bible prophecy say about Israel? Is the terror group mentioned in the Bible? And what's the history that brought us to this dangerous place? Rabbi Jason Sobel breaks it all down on today's "Higher Ground With Billy Hallowell. Be sure to subscribe to the show and visit Higher Ground on The Washington Times for daily faith and culture news: https://highergroundtimes.comFOLLOW BILLY ON SOCIAL MEDIA:- Follow Billy on Twitter- Follow Billy on Instagram- Follow Billy on Facebook

Oct 8, 2023 • 22min
Is Christian Nationalism a Real Problem? Is God Taking Over Hollywood? The Rev. Samuel Rodriguez on Faith, Culture, and Chaos
Is Christian nationalism an exaggerated term? And is God overtaking Hollywood? These are just two of the big topics we hit on today's "Higher Ground with Billy Hallowell" as we welcome the Rev. Samual Rodriguez to the show. Rodriguez, president of the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference, is on a mission to reach the masses with biblical truth. His quest has stretched from the the pulpit to Hollywood, with the preacher producing hit films like "Flamin' Hot" and "Breakthrough."The fascinating mixture of Gospel and movie-making is something Rodriguez said first came on his radar 10 years ago when he was pastoring in church and a woman came up to the microphone and said, "Samuel, God says 'Hollywood.'""I had no inclination for Hollywood, no desire for Hollywood, to be honest," he said. "I was one of those evangelical pastors who would preach strongly against Hollywood."But Rodriguez said he soon received a call from Paramount about screening the film "Noah" to see how it might appeal to the Christian community. He agreed and informed them the movie would likely not perform well among the evangelical community — a prediction that certainly came to fruition. That, of course, was just the beginning. On today's show, we'll discuss:What led Rodriguez into HollywoodHis biggest concerns about cultureWhether "Christian nationalism" is an overstated threat...and more!Be sure to subscribe to the show and visit Higher Ground on The Washington Times for daily faith and culture news: https://highergroundtimes.comFOLLOW BILLY ON SOCIAL MEDIA:- Follow Billy on Twitter- Follow Billy on Instagram- Follow Billy on Facebook


