From sea to shining sea, America has long been called an exceptional nation, but why? Family Research Council president, Tony Perkins joins host Casey Harper to look back on the last 250 years of American history and discuss the unique cultural moment we're living in today. Built on the ideals of freedom and liberty, America has always stood apart. But as we compare the nation's founding with where we are today, it's clear we've drifted from many of the Founding Fathers' principles. Harper and Perkins discuss the cultural changes happening across the country, why a nation rooted in God's word matters, and why moral courage is more important than ever.

Managing Editor

President

Host Casey Harper is joined by Senior Legal Fellow at the Heritage Foundation Stefan Padfield and The Washington Stand's Suzanne Bowdey to reflect on this year's Pride Month. Are corporations backing down or doubling down? The three discuss how companies approached Pride in 2026, the evolving corporate response to transgender issues, and whether consumer boycotts can truly make a difference. While avoiding every "woke" company may not be realistic, Stefan and Suzanne share two practical approaches to being more intentional and responsible with where you spend your money.

Editorial Director and Senior Writer, The Washington Stand

Fatherhood is one of the greatest callings with some of the greatest responsibilities. Host Casey Harper is joined by Family Research Council's Harold Harper and Jared Bridges to share how becoming fathers transformed their lives. They discuss raising children in the truth of the Gospel, nurturing their God-given gifts, and helping them discern God's will in everyday decisions. They also discuss the impact of having spiritual mentors and father figures who can guide, encourage, and help you become a more Christlike father.

Senior Vice President & Chief of Staff

Vice President, Brand Advancement

While pregnant with their third child, Catherine Herring never imagined that her husband of 11 years would secretly give her abortion-inducing drugs without her knowledge. In this episode, host Casey Harper sits down with Catherine to discuss the shocking discovery, the legal fallout, and the impact it had on her family. Dr. Christina Francis, a pro-life OB-GYN, also joins the conversation to explain the medical and ethical issues surrounding chemical abortion, abortion pill reversal, and the role of progesterone in supporting a healthy pregnancy.

REVOLUTION: America's 250th and the fate of the nation. What is America's real history? Why does it matter today? Have we been lied to? Best-selling author Eric Metaxas sits down with Casey Harper to discuss his new book on the American Revolution and how it informs our politics today.

The Chinese Communist Party is no friend of Christians. While persecution has been happening for decades, in 2018 the CCP drastically accelerated their nationwide campaign to silence Christian leaders by rounding up and arresting many pastors. Among them was Zion Church founder and pastor, Ezra Jin. His daughter, Grace Jin Drexel, and Family Research Council's Travis Weber join host Casey Harper to share her father's story and what life is like for Christians in China. Grace describes what it was like growing up in China, the start of Zion Church, and the eventual arrest and imprisonment of her father. These last few years have not been easy, but Grace's story is one of powerful faith and trust that God is moving in China and among her family.

Vice President for Policy and Government Affairs

In a recent Congressional hearing, a current CIA employee exposed just how extensive the government's COVID-19 cover-up was. The Washington Stand's Mark Tapscott joins host Casey Harper to break down the hearing and examine the growing questions surrounding the CIA's role. If COVID-19 was truly a natural accident, why were intelligence documents reportedly changed? Is the CIA monitoring its own employees? And how much did Dr. Fauci know about the origins of the virus? All of this and more on today's episode.

Host Casey Harper is joined by professor and author, Carl Trueman, and The Washington Stand's Jared Bridges to talk about how modern culture has changed the way people see human life and what it means to be made in the image of God. Using ideas from his new book, Trueman explains the definition of desecration and how society has become more disconnected, or "disenchanted," which in turn has morphed our understanding of the image of God. They also discuss the rise of secular culture, the impact AI has had on human agency, and why Christians need to move from a culture that tears down what is sacred to one that restores it.

Host Casey Harper  is joined by Luke Niforatos from Smart Approaches to Marijuana to unpack the growing normalization of marijuana in America. They explore how harmful marijuana actually is, why the Trump Administration has been more open to it, and what's actually happened in states that have legalized it. Luke pushes back on claims about medical marijuana, talks about its effects on memory and young men, and exposes the false claims that health professionals and studies are pushing.

Host Casey Harper is joined by Daily Signal's Tyler O'Neil and Family Research Council's Chris Gacek to examine the recent controversy surrounding the Southern Poverty Law Center. Recently indicted by the DOJ for a myriad of financial wrongs, the three break down the evidence cited in these allegations and discuss the potential legal and financial implications for the SPLC. They also highlight actual circumstances and facts that show the SPLC, while publicly claiming to oppose hate groups, has been funding individuals connected to extremist movements for years.

Senior Fellow for Regulatory Affairs

Host Casey Harper is joined by Katy Talento to explore the idea of "rewilding our boys." In today's culture, young boys are often criticized for being too loud, too energetic, simply, too boyish. Katy emphasizes the importance of giving boys the freedom to play without constant restriction, allowing them to test their limits, take risks, and discover their own strength. The two also touch on the role women play in shaping boys' environments, particularly in schools and daycares, where they are often the ones setting rules and boundaries.

All eyes are on the shifting political landscape of the state of Virginia. Although she ran as a moderate, newly elected governor, Abigail Spanberger, has proven to be more left leaning than she originally let on. Host Casey Harper is joined by FRC Action's Matt Carpenter and The Washington Stand's Mark Tapscott to discuss the political bait and switch happening with Virginia's newly elected governor. The three analyze the suggested state redistricting, potential policy outcomes, and the governor's very low polling numbers. 

Director of FRC Action

Has Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) officially been shut down or has it simply been renamed? Host Casey Harper is joined by the director of research at the National Association of Scholars, David Randall, to discuss the current state of DEI within our culture. The two break down how DEI views the world through power and group identity, why younger generations keep pushing it forward, and how schools may be keeping it alive by changing names instead of removing it. 

As America nears its 250th birthday - the country is at a crossroads. The founders had a vision for this country, but is that vision still alive? Still relevant? Host Casey Harper is joined by professor and author, Matthew Spalding, to reflect on America's past and future. The American founders put their lives on the line to protect truth and freedom. Today's America looks very different than 1776, and many are wondering if the country will ever fully turn back to the founding ideals? Are the Constitution and Declaration of Independence still relevant? The two dive deep into those questions as well as details of the founding documents and the impact of the relationship between revelation and reason.

Nigerian Christians are being targeted and killed -- and their government is doing nothing about it. Host Casey Harper is joined by Nigerian native and founder of Stefanos Foundation, Mark Lipdo, and Family Research Council's Arielle Del Turco to shed light on the brutal persecution of Christians in Nigeria. For many, the threat of an attack from radical Islamist groups is simply part of their daily lives. Mark shares his story, explaining why he founded the Stefanos Foundation and what life is like for Christians in Nigeria. With jihadists being the main aggressors towards Christians, the three address the very real and dangerous reality for Christians in Nigeria and what America can do to help end the violence.

Director of the Center for Religious Liberty

Host Casey Harper is joined by former director of the Philos Project and founder of Generation Zion, Luke Moon, for a conversation on the escalating conflicts in the Middle East. All eyes have been on the war in Iran, with many wondering how long the conflict will last. The two debate the possibility of regime change without having troops on the ground, a brief history of the Islamist regime, and how Gen Z views this war.

Is the future of warfare AI? Host Casey Harper is joined by Col. Bob Maginnis (Ret.) and The Washington Stand's Jared Bridges to analyze the use of Artificial Intelligence within warfare and the government. The government is already using AI, but at what level and with what guardrails? The three discuss the ethical dilemma of AI in warfare, the race with China concerning surveillance and data gathering, and what it looks like to regulate the rapidly evolving technology.

Senior Fellow for National Security

Growing up in a Muslim home in Turkey, Isik Abla knows firsthand the inner workings of Islam. She joins host Casey Harper to share her testimony of fleeing Turkey, finding Christ, and sharing His gospel with all who will listen. Although she found Christ after fleeing Turkey, Isik explains the phenomenon of Muslims meeting Jesus in dreams and why it is so common for many to experience this. She also gives advice on how Christians can witness to Muslims.

Host Casey Harper is joined by Dr. David Prentice, who is one of the founders for Science Alliance For Life and Technology (SALT) and The Washington Stand's Jared Bridges to discuss the current ethical concerns surrounding lab-created embryos. David shares why he started SALT, the development and dangers of gene screening and modification, and the role AI is currently playing in embryo selection. 

Host Casey Harper is joined by journalist Yoe Suarez and The Washington Stand's Jared Bridges to discuss the economic and political state of Cuba. Growing up in Havana, Yoe knows firsthand what the socialist regime is capable of. The three unpack Venezuela's impact on Cuba, what life is like on the island, and where the country is headed.  Only time will tell what will happen to Cuba. 

The medical community is finally realizing that transgender surgeries are harming America's children. Recently, both the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and the American Medical Association released statements recommending gender-affirming surgeries be delayed until adulthood, but what does this mean for the issue as a whole? Is change happening? Host Casey Harper is joined by American Parents Coalition's Alleigh Marre, and The Washington Stand's Joshua Arnold to discuss the new research and mentality shift we are seeing in the medical world.

Senior Writer, The Washington Stand

The Virginia policy landscape is under attack. After a full sweep by Democrats during Virginia's recent elections, they have wasted no time in proposing a list of radical amendments to the state's constitution. To analyze these changes, host Casey Harper is joined by president of The Family Foundation of Virginia, Victoria Cobb, and The Washington Stand's Jared Bridges. No stone has been left unturned in the quest to radicalize public policy in Virginia. The three discuss the proposed changes to laws concerning: abortion, gun control, taxes, private schools, and gambling. 

How would you respond if someone came into your office on a mission to kill you? Would it even cross your mind to share the gospel? Host Casey Harper is joined by Virginia Prodan author and international human rights attorney as she shares her story of persecution and saving her assassin. Living in communist Romania, Virginia felt called to share the gospel with her clients, even when it meant putting herself in danger. She tells her story and encourages believers to allow the Lord to use you in ways you may never expect. 

How do we define what is? Host Casey Harper is joined by author and pastor, David Schrock, and The Washington Stand's Jared Bridges to unpack how Christians can begin to define the world the way God originally created it. Where do we start to understand what we know? The three discuss what has diluted Truth, the impact of post modernism on understanding what is true, and the definition of humanity.

The Hyde Amendment is crucial - it protects taxpayers from being forced to fund abortion and upholds the dignity of human life. So why is President Trump asking Congress to be "flexible" when it comes to Hyde? To discuss this, host Casey Harper is joined by Chuck Donovan, a pro-life expert who has been in the fight for over 20 years. Having served in the Reagan administration, Chuck details how the Hyde Amendment came to be, what it entails, and the dangers of removing it. The two also unpack the recent actions of the Trump administration and what is causing the sudden shift away from protecting life. 

As we begin to celebrate America's 250th anniversary, it is important to reflect on the rich history and Christian foundation that this country was built on. Host Casey Harper is joined by president of Plymouth Rock Foundation, Dr. Paul Jehle, to analyze the impact the Mayflower Compact had on shaping American culture and government. The two address who the pilgrims were, what they believed, and how their mentality and way of living influences the American government we see today. 

Executive Director

It has almost been one whole year of Trump admin 2.0. How did President Trump do? Host Casey Harper is joined by Family Research Council Action's Matt Carpenter and The Washington Stand's Mark Tapscott to unpack the actions and impacts of the second Trump administration. The three dive into what's changed concerning the: immigration issue, Trump's One Big Beautiful Bill, foreign policy, and abortion. 

As American culture drifts away from its founding ideals, the simplicity and beauty of the Christmas story may be the answer. Host Casey Harper is joined by author and cultural commentator Os Guinness for a reflection on the modern-day Christmas story and American culture. Living in a cut flower civilization, the two discuss America's identity crisis, what the Christmas story offers to a modern world, and how this time of year is actually the foundation of equality and freedom. 

Is gambling doing anyone any good? Host Casey Harper is joined by Les Bernal, national director of Stop Predatory Gambling, and The Washington Stand's Jared Bridges to confront the roots and impacts of predatory gambling. Few actions by state governments harm Americans more. What does gambling truly offer? Only loss. The three break down what Scripture says about gambling, why corruption around it is so widespread, and whether there's a real solution to this growing problem. 

In a world being quickly influenced by Artificial Intelligence, how can Christians navigate this new reality? Host Casey Harper is joined by pastor and Dominion AI cofounder Erik Reed, along with The Washington Stand's Jared Bridges to unpack how AI can be used in a way that glorifies the Lord. While AI provides knowledge and information, it will never replace the wisdom that actual humans can provide. The three contemplate the future of AI and the impact it will have on the workforce.

On this week's podcast, we discuss annihilationism, the view that hell is not eternal for those who reject God. Is hell real? Who is going there? Will they be there forever? What does the Bible teach? For this discussion, host Casey Harper is joined by Jared Bridges, Editor-in-Chief of The Washington Stand, and Dr. Stephen Wellum, Editor of The Southern Baptist Journal of Theology and Professor of Christian Theology at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. You can learn more about ActsSocial <a href="https://actssocial.com/?utm_source=frc&utm_medium=banner&utm_campaign=frc_frontgate_2026&utm_content=banner_homepage">here</a>. 

On this week's podcast, host Casey Harper discusses the rise of socialism in the U.S. NYC mayor Zohran Mamdani made headlines as the latest Democratic socialist to take public office, but now several others are cropping up. Is this a flash in the pan or a future reality in American politics? How will it affect America and in particular the Church? Casey was joined by Mark Tapscott, Veteran investigative reporter and editor Mark Tapscott of The Washington Stand along with  Matt Carpenter, Director of FRC Action. You can learn more about ActsSocial <a href="https://actssocial.com/?utm_source=frc&utm_medium=banner&utm_campaign=frc_frontgate_2026&utm_content=banner_homepage">here</a>.

Host Casey Harper is joined by Biblical Counselor Chris Yeager to talk about psychedelics. What was once considered a drug for hippies that fried your brain has become increasingly popular, but is it safe? Why is the Trump administration considering it for veterans? And can it open spiritual doors to darkness that we aren't ready for? Listen for more.

Host Casey Harper is joined by The Washington Stand's Yoe Suarez to talk about the future of Cuba amid the economic and political crisis as well as the role of the church. They discuss questions like: Why is Cuba's energy grid collapsing, and why is it important? Why should American Christians care about Cuba right now? What is the role of the church in Cuba in this crisis?

Host Casey Harper is joined by Family Research Council's Arielle Del Turco and Brad Brandon, founder and CEO of Across Nigeria, to discuss the worsening persecution of Christians in Nigeria. They examine why many are calling the violence a genocide, the Nigerian government's response, inspiring stories of Muslims coming to faith in Christ, and what the Trump administration can do to help protect religious freedom.

Outstanding is a podcast of The Washington Stand, Family Research Council’s outlet for news and commentary from a biblical worldview. We examine outstanding news and issues from TWS with an aim to take every thought captive for the obedience of Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5). Join host Casey Harper and guests as they examine the headlines through the lens of Scripture, and explore how Christians should respond.

On this week's podcast, Jared Bridges, Editor in Chief of the Washington Stand and Bob Maginnis, a retired U.S. Army lieutenant colonel, AI expert and author join Casey Harper to discuss artificial intelligence. OpenAI's model broke out of the lab and hacked another model! How important is this latest Open AI "escape" and hacking? Is AI a good thing or a bad thing? Some are saying A.I. feels like the end of days, like Biblical prophecies coming to life. Do you agree? Given all that, should Christians be using AI?

The News You Need

Subscribe to The Washington Stand

LATEST

AI: Friend or Foe? (Ep. 256)

RECENT

Hell: Yes or No? (Ep. 255)

Is Socialism On the Rise? (Ep. 254)

The Rise of Psychedelics: Helpful or Harmful? (Ep. 253)

Cuba in Crisis (Ep. 252)

Inside the Escalating Persecution of Christians in Nigeria (Ep. 251)

PREVIOUS EPISODES

Tony Perkins on America 250 (Ep. 250)

The State of Corporate Pride in 2026 (Ep. 249)

Fatherhood by Faith (Ep. 248)

Her Husband Secretly Tried to End Her Pregnancy (Ep. 247)

Does the Revolution still matter? (Ep. 246)

The Courage of Christians in China (Ep. 245)

The COVID Cover-Up (Ep. 244)

What Does It Mean to Be Human? (Ep. 243)

Is Marijuana as Harmless as We Think? (Ep. 242)

SPLC Exposed: Financing Leftist Extremism (Ep. 241)