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. 

Managing Editor

Director of FRC Action

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. 

Vice President, Brand Advancement

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.

Can AI truly be Christian? Host Casey Harper is joined by pastor and Dominion AI cofounder Erik Reed, along with The Washington Stand's Jared Bridges, to explore the foundations and future of faith-driven artificial intelligence. Even if you are not a personal user of AI chat bots, the software is everywhere. Erik shares the story behind Dominion AI, how it differs from secular platforms, and the growing evidence revealing the risks of relying on AI for companionship alone. 

"Socialism works until the money runs out." Host Casey Harper is joined by Cuban writer and author Yoe Suarez and The Washington Stand's Jared Bridges to break down the core principles of socialism and its impact on society. Speaking from experience, Yoe shares what life under Cuban socialism looked like, how socialist ideology views the church and how money is not always the solution for societal problems. 

Every member of the Senate has a tool that allows them to single handedly bring the government to a screeching halt. Host Casey Harper is joined by Family Research Council's Quena Gonzalez and The Washington Stand's Suzanne Bowdey to discuss an interesting political tool and tactic: the filibuster. Created in the early years of American government to remove the ability to end debate, the filibuster has been used by both Republicans and Democrats throughout the years. The three discuss what it is, how does it maintain balance in the Senate, and if it were removed what are the unintended consequences for a short term gain, but long term consequences. 

Senior Director of Government Affairs

Editorial Director and Senior Writer, The Washington Stand

What do regular churchgoers actually believe? Host Casey Harper sits down with Family Research Council's David Closson and The Washington Stand's Sarah Holliday to unpack a new survey from FRC's Center for Biblical Worldview, conducted with researcher George Barna. The study explores how adult churchgoers view today's key social issues and their personal worldviews. 

Reporter at The Washington Stand

Host Casey Harper sits down with U.S. Congressman Michael Guest to unpack the government shutdown and how President Trump managed to do the impossible at the southern border. Rep. Guest shares how his personal faith shapes his work in Congress and guides his decision-making. The two also dive into the ongoing government shutdown-what's behind it, what needs to be resolved - and discuss how Republicans and the Trump administration have worked together to strengthen border security and prioritize the interests of the American people. 

OK boomer, if you think dating was tricky in your day when it was just dinner and a movie -ask Gen Z how it's going now that it's DMs and a Bible verse in the bio. Host Casey Harper is joined by Family Research Council's Gen Z experts, Sarah Holliday and Rachael Woods, to discuss dating, political trends, faith, and singleness from a Gen Z perspective. What are Gen Z women looking for in men? Why are some turning more liberal? How can one manage the desire for marriage and steward the gift of singleness well?  No matter which generation you're from, if you want to better understand Gen Z, listen in! 

Digital Content Manager

Why since the overturning of Roe v. Wade have abortions increased, not decreased? Joining host Casey Harper is Dr. Christina Francis and Family Research Council's Mary Szoch to discuss this concerning trend. With power back to the states, many assumed the number of abortions would decrease. What they failed to recognize was one small, yet powerful influence: the abortion pill. Dr. Francis and Mary unpack the impact and dangers women face when taking the pill and why it should be taken off the market immediately. 

Director of the Center for Human Dignity

Freedom is under attack across the pond. Host Casey Harper sits down with Peter Mcilvenna, co-founder of the free speech alliance Heart of Oak, who shares firsthand insight into the dwindling personal liberties faced by UK citizens. In Britain today, people are being arrested simply because someone found their words or posts "offensive." Together, they explore what kinds of speech can get you arrested, whether similar trends are emerging in the U.S., and how mass immigration has influenced this growing crisis. 

For almost two years, Israel has had to defend their people, land, and right to exist against an organization created to destroy them. When Hamas first attacked Israel there were mixed reactions around the globe. Avner Boskey, Israeli pastor and author,  joins host Casey Harper to discuss the Israel-Hamas conflict and where Christians should stand on the issue. The two unpack the influence and impact of Qatar and Turkey, what is the meaning behind the phrase "God's chosen people", and a practical application to what Scripture says on the topic of Israel. 

Democratic voter registration is down...way down. Host Casey Harper is joined by FRC Action's Matt Carpenter and The Washington Stand's Mark Tapscott as they analyze the current state of the Democratic party and their voter base. It appears many Americans are revaluating their voting habits and history, but why? Matt and Mark discuss every aspect of this tectonic shift and how this could potentially affect politics moving forward. 

With the assassination of Charlie Kirk and other extreme acts of violence at the top of the news, Tony Perkins joins the podcast to explore how Christians can navigate violence and cultural turmoil through the lens of Scripture. While anger may be the natural response, God calls us toward a higher path.  Tony and host Casey Harper discuss the call to "love your neighbor", America's trajectory, and the challenge of standing firm in biblical values even when it leads to persecution. 

President

1 in 9 Christians around the world experience persecution in some form. Host Casey Harper is joined by former U.S. representative and current Chair of the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom, Vicky Hartzler, and Family Research Council's Arielle Del Turco as they highlight the growing threat and violence towards Christians worldwide. Chair Hartzler shares the work she is doing, how the U.S. federal government can aid those who are persecuted, and highlights heartbreaking stories of Christians who have lost their lives for the sake of the gospel. Persecution is real. How can you aid your brothers and sisters who are experiencing it? 

Director of the Center for Religious Liberty

Dr. James Dobson lived a life dedicated to furthering the Kingdom and encouraging godly families. While millions knew him as an evangelical figure, a smaller group of people got to see who Dr. Dobson was when the world wasn't looking. Dave Salkeld worked closely with Dr. Dobson for 19 years as an editor and recording engineer. Dave joins host Casey Harper to share personal stories that reflect the genuine and honorable character of Dr. Dobson highlighting his commitment to excellence and his family.

Using "mom" and "hate group" in the same sentence may sound unusual to you - but that is exactly what the Massachusetts State Police have done. Massachusetts police training materials classified Mom's for Liberty as a "hate group" and placed them in their training manual right next to Antifa, a group who is known for actually inciting violence. Host Casey Harper is joined by Tina Descovich, co-founder of Mom's for Liberty as she reacts to the label and discusses what Moms for Liberty is actually up to. 

Lawyer and Senior Council at First Liberty, Jordan Lorence, joins host Casey Harper to discuss the ever-growing list of religious liberty and freedom of speech cases the U.S. courts are seeing. Jordan unpacks four big U.S. Supreme Court Cases that we can expect to see in the next round of rulings and offers advice on how to best handle first amendment cases. 

Colorado pastor Chase Davis joins The Washington Stand's Jared Bridges and host Casey Harper to talk pastoral duty and political engagement. When Colorado passed House Bill 251312 - undermining parental rights and advancing a liberal agenda - Pastor Davis knew he couldn't stay silent. He shares his journey into the political fight, the role of the fear of the Lord, and how pastors can wisely address politics from the pulpit and with their congregations. 

The Department of Education's Julie Hartman joins host Casey Harper to discuss the Trump administration's push to restore Title IX protections for women. They cover schools ignoring these rules, the role of federal enforcement, parental rights, and the growing clash between education policy and woke ideology.

Believer, author, and multi-million dollar money manager, David Bahnsen, joins host Casey Harper to unpack the growing trend of debanking-where conservatives and religious Americans face account closures from major financial institutions. Drawing from high-profile cases like Sam Brownback's, Bahnsen explains how pressure from government "reputational risk" lists and rogue actors inside corporations threaten financial liberty. He emphasizes the importance of transparency over regulation, arguing that market forces and public accountability are the best solutions. The conversation also turns to economic hopelessness among young men and how a return to Biblical principles-faith, hard work, marriage, and responsibility-can restore both personal purpose and national prosperity. 

Education is under attack. Host Casey Harper is joined by Kendall Tietz, an investigative reporter for Defending Education to discuss the ideological takeover of America's schools. Together, they expose how federal funds meant for disadvantaged students are being redirected to controversial programs promoting race and gender-based ideologies, equitable grading, and political indoctrination-often without parental consent.

Transgender ideology has quietly taken root in key institutions meant to nurture and protect children - schools and hospitals. Host Casey Harper is joined by Alleigh Marre of the American Parents Coalition and Joshua Arnold of The Washington Stand to discuss the disturbing financial incentives driving the movement, the life-altering consequences of transitioning minors, and the FBI's recent investigation into several hospitals.

Senior Writer, The Washington Stand

Former cop Jason Johnson and Washington Stand's Sam McCarthy join host Casey Harper to expose the growing crisis in America's justice system-where public officials often seem to side with criminals over victims. Is it now a good time to be a criminal? Jason and Sam break down why cities are feeling increasingly unsafe, the failures of modern prosecutors, and how the Trump administration is handling the riots.

News Writer / Reporter

Is the Declaration of Independence still relevant today? Does it contain language that lays the groundwork for a Christian society? Does slavery disqualify the founders? Dr. Matthew Spalding joins host Casey Harper to unpack the Declaration, exploring how its true meaning has been lost in modern misinterpretations. They also tackle the age-old question: Was this country, and its founding documents, truly built on a Christian worldview that was meant to persist?

Marziyeh Amirizadeh's story is one of courageous faith and a powerful testament to God's providence. Growing up as a Muslim in Iran, Marzi knew the grave risks of becoming a Christian. She witnessed the Iranian regime's brutal persecution of believers and would come to experience it herself. Charged with apostasy - leaving Islam - Marzi was imprisoned, tortured, and sentenced to death by hanging. She joins Casey Harper and Family Research Council's Arielle Del Turco to share her remarkable journey, offer a window into life in Iran, and weigh in on the current conflict.

"Pride Month" was so scaled back this year - the rainbow showed up in pastel. It seems big corporations realize going woke can hurt the bottom line. But what's really behind the silencing of this once-colorful cacophony of the leftist agenda? Executive Director of the National Center's Free Enterprise Project, Stefan Padfield, and The Washington Stand's Suzanne Bowdey join Casey Harper to unpack this year's seemingly toned-down "Pride Month" and whether this is a trend we'll continue to see.

The fight for life is far from over. Family Research Council's Mary Szoch joins host Casey Harper to discuss what the life issue landscape looks like since the overturn of Roe v. Wade. While a lot of good has come from that decision, abortions have actually been on the rise over the last few years - driven largely by the widespread use of chemical abortion pills like mifepristone. Harper and Szoch unpack the health risks of mifepristone, Planned Parenthood's latest report, and clarify that pro-life laws protect, not endanger, women.

Technology is reshaping childhood in deeply concerning ways, especially in the areas of artificial intelligence and social media. Clare Morell, author of The Tech Exit, and Family Research Council's Arielle Del Turco explore how screen addiction, AI chatbots, and unregulated tech are damaging young minds, fueling loneliness, and eroding both emotional and spiritual well-being. Together, they emphasize the need for stronger regulations and share practical advice and policy solutions for parents and lawmakers to better protect the next generation.

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

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.

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.

The News You Need

Subscribe to The Washington Stand

LATEST

Transgender Surgeries for Minors - Is a Shift Coming? (Ep. 230)

RECENT

Is this the Left's Blueprint for the Nation? (Ep.229)

Saving Her Assassin: A Story of Courageous Faith (Ep. 228)

How Do We Know What's True? (Ep. 227)

The Hyde Amendment: Protects Life & Taxpayers (Ep. 226)

The American Story: The Mayflower Compact (Ep. 225)

PREVIOUS EPISODES

A Year in Review: The Trump Admin 2.0 (Ep. 224)

The Christmas Story and America's Identity Crisis (Ep. 223)

The Harms of Predatory Gambling (Ep. 222)

Christian AI vs. Secular AI pt.2 (Ep. 221)

Christian AI vs. Secular AI pt.1 (Ep. 220)

Socialism: What Happens When the Money Runs Out? (Ep. 219)

The Importance of the Filibuster (Ep. 218)

What Churchgoers Really Believe (Ep. 217)

The Government Shutdown and the Miracle at the Southern Border (Ep. 216)

Gen Z Dating and Singleness: The Female Perspective (Ep. 215)