Outstanding

Hunter Baker, author and professor at North Greenville University, joins Joseph Backholm to reflect on the political landscape with a new president. Should the country be optimistic or pessimistic? Hunter and Joeseph analyze Trump’s resurgence into political power, a possible new era of free speech, and the concerns over the rising federal debt.

Musa al-Gharbi, professor and author of  We Have Never Been Woke , examines wokeness as an elite-driven ideology. He addresses the question of who it truly serves: the elite or the working class. He explores how social justice has been used to gain power and social media's role in spreading woke principles. Resources We Have Never Been Woke: The Cultural Contradictions of a New Elite  by Musa...

Jonathan Keller, President of the California Family Council, joins Joseph Backholm to discuss the devastating California fires, citing dry conditions and inadequate resources as a few of the key factors, but is there more at play here? Keller and Joseph ponder the possibility of whether the crisis was preventable or simply an act of God. They analyze state leaders prioritizing diversity over essen...

Kendall Qualls is the founder and president of Take Charge , an organization dedicated to building strong families, especially in the inner city.  In this episode, he joins Joseph Backholm to explain why fatherlessness — not systemic racism, is the real problem for our country and what we can do to be part of the solution.

David Harsanyi, Senior Editor at  The Federalist  and author of  The Rise of Blueanon , joins Joseph Backholm to explore the growing influence of conspiracy theories in modern politics. He discusses how political debate has shifted from rational discourse to emotionally driven arguments and how declining trust in main media institutions, combined with the fragmentation of media, amplifies misinfor...

Josephine Wentzel lived every parent’s nightmare when her daughter, Krystal Mitchell, was murdered in 2016. She joins Joseph Backholm to tell her story of tracking down her daughter’s killer after realizing that law enforcement was not actively pursuing the man. Josephine’s story is one of grief, justice, and a God who is still good. As her daughter told her shortly before her death, “Our faith sh...

As we say goodbye to 2024, Jonathan Keller president of California Family Council joins Joseph Backholm as they reflect on 10 of the biggest moments from this past year. From Trump’s reelection to the fall of corporate media, 2024 was a year to remember. Take a walk down memory lane with us as we reflect on the lessons learned.

Since 1972, Joe Biden has held a variety of political positions. As his career winds down, let’s take a look at the legacy he is leaving behind. Joseph Backholm is joined by Family Research Council’s Brent Keilen to analyze Joe Biden’s most prominent political years - his time in the Oval Office. From immigration to abortion, what will he be remembered for and how will his policies impact the futu...

While the Christmas story has been told for centuries, it is more intricate than often assumed and includes many details that the modern Christian may be unfamiliar with. Dr. Craig Evans, professor at Houston Christian University, joins Joseph Backholm to highlight the cultural and historical backdrop of Herod’s rule, the fulfillment of prophecies, and the Magi’s search for a new King. He examines...

In an age of reason and rationality are we blinded from seeing the mystical? Rod Dreher author of  Living in Wonder: Finding Mystery and Meaning in a Secular Age  joins Joseph Backholm for a conversation about how awe and wonder caused him to search for God. He shares personal experiences of mystical encounters, cautions against the occult, and calls on the church to address spiritual warfare and...

In 2024, America went on a wild ride with major shifts in politics, culture, and national unity. Joseph Backholm sat down with Family Research Council President Tony Perkins to reflect on how he is dealing with what he saw throughout 2024. From party realignments, to the incoming Trump administration, Tony shares his insights on the past year and what he sees as the hope for our country in the yea...

Host Joseph Backholm is joined by Family Research Council’s Mary Szoch to discuss the dangers and moral arguments against assisted suicide. As more countries start to consider and even legalize assisted suicide, Mary and Joseph address a few of the key questions surrounding the industry: Who is funding it? What is there to gain in supporting assisted suicide? And why are more people choosing this...

On December 8th, the current government in Syria was overthrown by rebel forces sending the region into chaos and conflict. What caused this uprising and who are the players? Is this a good thing? Host Joseph Backholm is joined by the executive director of the Philos Project, Luke Moon, to unpack the escalating conflict in Syria.

Host Joseph Backholm is joined by FRC Action's Matt Carpenter as they discuss what we can expect to see from the Trump administration's first 100 days in office. Everyone knows that Trump is a man with a plan, but what does that plan entail? Joseph and Matt discuss Trump's priorities, his recent admin and cabinet picks, and the role Congress will play throughout his presidency. Make America Great...

When is adapting a sign of compromise, and when is it simply wisdom? Host Joseph Backholm is joined by Congressman Bob Good for a discussion on how Christians can navigate this ever present changing political landscape. As the 119th Congress gears up to take their seats in January, Congressman Good weighs in on where he sees this Congress going and what we can expect to see from a government with...

Today on Black Friday, many Americans will be using credit cards, dollar bills, coins, and even checks to buy their new items and sale gadgets. While these currencies are familiar, there is one less familiar digital currency rising in popularity, Bitcoin. Host Joseph Backholm is joined by Family Research Council’s Matt Carpenter and The Washington Stand’s Joshua Arnold as they debate the pros and...

Do you know the truth about Thanksgiving? Host Joseph Backholm is joined by Tim Barton, president of Wall Builders, to shed light on what the first Thanksgiving was actually like. Who were the pilgrims? They were not land-stealing English men like many history books make them out to be. They were hardworking individuals, who, with the help of local Indians were able to learn how to survive, farm,...

Host Joseph Backholm is joined by Andrew Walker, professor at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and co-author of “What Do I Say When…?” for a guiding conversation on how Christian parents can navigate raising children in this changing secular culture. Written alongside his wife, Andrew’s new book weighs in on the specific challenges Christian parents face, what does a successful Christian pare...

We are once again donning our tin foil hats here at Outstanding as host Joseph Backholm is joined by The Washington Stand’s Jared Bridges and Family Research Council’s Matt Carpenter to analyze and guide listeners on how one can think biblical about conspiracy theories. Did the government generate Hurricane Milton and Helene? What is the difference between cynicism and conspiracy? While many consp...

How invested should the U.S. government be in conflicts around the world? Is there a specific role the government should play? Professor at Regent University, A.J. Nolte, joins host Joseph Backholm to answer these questions regarding the war in Ukraine. Joseph and A.J. unpack the current situation in Ukraine, the United States’ role in the conflict, and if there is a clear path to resolution. With...

Freedom is not free. In the wake of Veterans Day, host Joseph Backholm is joined by Family Research Council’s Lt. Gen. (Ret.) William Boykin, as he reflects on his 36 years in the military, what he has learned, and where he sees the institution heading. General Boykin shares his story of service, how the military exceeded his expectations, and the changes he believes would be necessary to return t...

Election 2024 is in the books, and there's never been one like it. Donald Trump's "red wave" victory was preceded by assassination attempts, an opponent swap, and a hostile media. Host Joseph Backholm is joined by FRC Action's Matt Carpenter and FRC's Quena Gonzalez as they drill down on the results and analyze what they mean for Christians in America.

Host Joseph Backholm is joined by Jesse Rine, the Executive Director of the Center for Academic Faithfulness & Flourishing, to discuss his findings and work on creating a comprehensive online directory of Christian higher education for parents and soon to be students to use. Having worked at several Christian universities, Jesse shares his personal perspective on what has caused universities t...

Host Joseph Backholm is joined by The Washington Stand’s Ben Johnson for a conversation about the importance of the Electoral College. While not always a hot-button topic, the Electoral College has its moments in the spotlight every four years surrounding the presidential election. But what is the Electoral College? How does it function? Ben shares the inception of this election regulator, why it...

In this special episode, host Joseph Backholm is joined by the Dean of Theology at the African Christian University in Zambia, Voddie Baucham, for a Q & A with young adults. Voddie shares how the Lord has moved in his life, advice for the younger generation trying to navigate the culture, and encourages them with truth. There has never been a Christian that has not made a bad decision and ther...