

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

Oct 1, 2023 • 13min
Horror as Christian Genocide Looms, Tens of Thousands Flee Nagorno-Karabakh: Where's Joe Biden?
“One of the oldest Christian communities in the world is being destroyed.” It’s hard to imagine this dreadful truth unfolding in the 21st century, yet this is the situation happening right now in Nagorno-Karabakh, the small, landlocked region between Azerbaijan and Armenia.“We are witnessing, in real time, the ethnic cleansing of Nagorno Karabakh by the dictatorship of Azerbaijan and its partners,” Joel Veldkamp, head of international communications at persecution watchdog Christian Solidarity International, told me this week. As tens of thousands flee, people need to wake up to what's unfolding. Also, we must ask an essential question: where in the world is Joe Biden and why has his administration been so painfully silent?Billy Hallowell explores this and more in this powerful commentary. 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

Sep 30, 2023 • 21min
Famed TV Host Becomes a Christian, Shares Powerful Message: Inside 'Big Brother' Host Julie Chen Moonves' Journey
Famed TV host Julie Chen Moonves once lived life with little to no thought about spiritual things — but that changed in 2018 when she embarked on a journey to find Jesus.In this podcast episode, Moonves discusses her faith journey and her recently released audio memoir, "But First God." She talks about the warm reception she has received while sharing her story of finding faith, and how it has brought her peace and a sense of purpose. Julie also shares the story of a cameraman from her past who played a role in her spiritual journey and the challenges of forgiveness in her life. The episode highlights the importance of personal relationships with God and the transformative power of faith and forgiveness in one's life. Moonves encourages listeners to start their own relationship with God and experience the freedom that comes from it, and also shares what it's like to be so open about her faith in Hollywood.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

Sep 23, 2023 • 17min
'Hijacking Jesus': Is Progressivism Invading the Christian Church and Remaking Jesus in Its Own Image?
Is progressivism invading the church? Is Jesus being "hijacked?" Apologist Jason Jimenez joins the show to discuss his new book "Hijacking Jesus: How Progressive Christians Are Remaking Him and Taking Over His Church" and what he believes is unfolding in American houses of worship — and culture — today. Listen to the powerful conversation.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

Sep 14, 2023 • 21min
Can Artificial Intelligence Save Churches, Stop Mass Gunmen in Their Tracks? Plus: Danny Gokey's Love For America
In an era of increased mass shootings targeting innocent Americans, churches are tasked with finding ways to protect congregants. Today, we’ll speak with a California house of worship as well as the head of a company that uses Artificial Intelligence to detect guns and save lives. We sit down with Matt Montana Director of Safety of Valley Baptist Church in Bakersfield California. Montana is tasked with protecting congregants at his church and he truly believes a new artificial intelligence tool could stop a gunman before he or she can do any harm.Montana is joined by Rob Huberty, COO of ZeroEyes, to discuss how AI could protect churches, schools, and other locations. Plus, singer Danny Gokey drops by to discuss his love of country, music, and so much more. Be sure to subscribe to the show and visit Higher Ground on The Washington Times for daily faith and culture news: https://highergroundtimes.com FOLLOW BILLY ON SOCIAL MEDIA:- Follow Billy on Twitter- Follow Billy on Instagram- Follow Billy on Facebook

Sep 5, 2023 • 26min
Cali Sues to Stop Parental Rights, CEO Delivers Candid Take on Turning Around Christian Crisis in America
With Christianity on the decline and cultural chaos enveloping young people, how can churches and believers turn back the tide? Plus: California is suing a school district over its recent parental rights policy — and is the American Library Association facing its own Bud Light moment? We’ll have these stories and more on today’s "Higher Ground With Billy Hallowell."Billy is joined by Times reporter Valerie Richardson and Dennis Allen, author of "The Disciple Dilemma: Rethinking and Reforming How the Church Does Discipleship."Be sure to subscribe to the show and visit Higher Ground on The Washington Times for daily faith and culture news: https://www.washingtontimes.com/specials/higher-ground/ FOLLOW BILLY ON SOCIAL MEDIA:- Follow Billy on Twitter- Follow Billy on Instagram- Follow Billy on Facebook

Aug 30, 2023 • 28min
Mass Shooting Survivor Hits Back at Gun Control Claims (PLUS: Riley Gaines Reveals Why She's Boldly Speaking Out)
Gun control is often the first solution mentioned in the wake of mass shootings, but Columbine survivor Evan Todd doesn't believe this will fix the nation's epidemic of violence. He joins the show to explain why he believes some activists have it all wrong. Plus, activist and former collegiate swimmer Riley Gaines joins the show to share her story, why she's speaking out against biological men competing in women's sports — and how her faith has sustained her. Be sure to subscribe to the show and visit Higher Ground on The Washington Times for daily faith and culture news: https://www.washingtontimes.com/specials/higher-ground/ FOLLOW BILLY ON SOCIAL MEDIA:- Follow Billy on Twitter- Follow Billy on Instagram- Follow Billy on Facebook

Aug 20, 2023 • 14min
Trump Trouble Hidden in the Polls, Dangers to Democracy, and the New Abortion Wars
Should former President Donald Trump be facing prosecution? Is democracy in danger — and how is the abortion battle entering an uncharted new phase of chaos?We will tackle these issues and more 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://www.washingtontimes.com/specials/higher-ground/ FOLLOW BILLY ON SOCIAL MEDIA:- Follow Billy on Twitter- Follow Billy on Instagram- Follow Billy on Facebook

Aug 16, 2023 • 18min
Woke Jesus, Criminalizing Christianity — and Why Some Are Attempting to Pollute and 'Destroy' Faith
There's a disturbing trend in the criminalization of Christianity around the globe. Plus, pastor and author Lucas Miles drops by to discuss his new book, "Woke Jesus" and why he believes forces are afoot to restrain, pollute, and change the true meaning of faith. Be sure to subscribe to the show and visit Higher Ground on The Washington Times for daily faith and culture news: https://www.washingtontimes.com/specials/higher-ground/ FOLLOW BILLY ON SOCIAL MEDIA:- Follow Billy on Twitter- Follow Billy on Instagram- Follow Billy on Facebook

Aug 10, 2023 • 24min
Defying Nazism: True Story of Christian Hero Who Risked Everything to Hide Jews, Skillet Frontman John Cooper's Stunning Gospel Sermon
Actress Nan Gurley, who plays Corrie ten Boom in the new "The Hiding Place" movie shares details about the Holocaust hero's life, her own faith, and why the story so deeply matters. And Billy breaks down Skillet frontman John Cooper's recent mini-sermon that hits the nail on the head about today's chaotic culture.Be sure to subscribe to the show and visit Higher Ground on The Washington Times for daily faith and culture news: https://www.washingtontimes.com/specials/higher-ground/ FOLLOW BILLY ON SOCIAL MEDIA:- Follow Billy on Twitter- Follow Billy on Instagram- Follow Billy on Facebook

Aug 4, 2023 • 6min
Actor Kirk Cameron Targets Alleged Religious Description, Seeks to 'Win Back Culture' (BONUS EPISODE)
BONUS EPISODE: "My hope is that as I go to these libraries across the country and try to demonstrate to people that real change in the United States of America is not going to start at the White House — it’s going to start at your house and my house. It’s we the people." - Kirk CameronHear why the actor is traveling America and speaking to families (plus, hear more about his debate with the American Library Association).FOLLOW BILLY ON SOCIAL MEDIA:- Follow Billy on Twitter- Follow Billy on Instagram- Follow Billy on Facebook


