Outstanding

In this special episode, host Joseph Backholm is joined by

When an idea is planted, it can do one of two things: take root and flourish or wither and die. Host Joseph Backholm is joined by Tim Goeglein who serves as the Vice President of External and Government Relations for Focus on the Family for a conversation around his new book “Stumbling Toward Utopia”. To understand the current political and cultural climate, we must look at the past. Tim dives into the people and ideas that have largely shaped the society we see today. Take a trip back to the 1960s and 1970s to discover the real cause of the cultural shifts we have seen throughout the years.

Fired from his teaching job because he refused to use “proper pronouns”, Peter Vlaming and his attorney, Alliance Defending Freedom’s Tyson Langhofer, join host Joseph Backholm to tell his story and unpack the five year long legal battle of protecting his rights to free speech and religion. One minute Peter is teaching a French class and the next he is put on administrative leave. Five years ago, Peter had to decide if he was going to stand by his beliefs or bend to the school board when one of his long-time students came out as transgender. While Peter used the student’s male name, the board said that wasn’t enough and required him to use “he/him” pronouns even when the biological female student was not around. Although the journey was long and the battles hard, Peter shares what he has learned, how the Lord provided, and encouragement for anyone walking through this same experience. Listen now to how one teacher stood for his beliefs and the effect this case will have on free speech for years to come.

Host Joseph Backholm is joined by Dr. Robert George, a professor at Princeton University, for a conversation addressing the pressing issues of this generation. First and foremost, Christians are called to protect the unborn. Professor George emphasizes and unpacks how the Republican party has shifted from this narrative and how the Democratic party is not the party of love and compassion, but one of harm to women, immigrants, and Americans. He also gives his thoughts on immigration reform, how higher education impacts culture and the age of feeling.

Theologian, author, and cultural commentator Os Guinness joins host Joseph Backholm to offer insight and encouragement to the culture wars and division we see in America today. As Christians, we must understand the gravity of the moment and act accordingly. We were placed in this tumultuous time to serve God’s purpose in this generation. Os weighs in on what it would take to have an “awakening” in America and how we have strayed so far from our founding principles. We have seen cultures on the brink of collapse be renewed to their former glory, we must not give up hope and live in faith trusting the Lord’s promises.

Are we bowing to God or government? Host Joesph Backholm is joined by Pastor of Cornerstone Chapel Gary Hamrick for a conversation on how Christians can navigate this upcoming election season. While many Christians are less than enthused by their options in this upcoming presidential election, Pastor Hamrick encourages them to mobilize, because if we do not, someone else will fill the void. He encourages Christians who are “tired” of the current political climate and emphasizes the effective power of God’s word. The Lord can and will move no matter the chaos of this present day!

In a culture of “gentle parenting”, do parents think too much about what their child wants that it hinders their ability to process negative emotions when they get older? Host Joseph Backholm is joined by the founder of Them Before Us, Katy Faust, for a conversation centering around pro-children policies, parenting, and political trends being seen in young adults. One of the main goals of everything we do should be to benefit children, but that is not always the case. Katy offers advice on parenting strategies to help balance care for children, while also letting them learn from their mistakes, weighs in on the many political policies that are harming children, and the micro trend of young men starting to lean more conservative and young women more liberal. Listen now to this insightful podcast on all things parenting and children!

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Host Joseph Backholm is joined by executive director of the Philos Project Luke Moon for an in-depth analysis of the conflict in the Middle East, why it is occurring and where is it going. It’s been a few days since Iran launched close to 200 ballistic missiles at Israel and it seems the world is waiting with bated breath to see how and if Israel will retaliate. Joseph and Luke discuss possible retaliation tactics, potential targets, and whether anyone will come to Iran’s aid if Israel were to retaliate. Going deeper than the current conflict, the two look at the inner workings of the Middle East and why conflict seems to be a constant occurrence in that region. It is a region in great turmoil, with global impact. Listen now to grow your understanding of the relationships and alliances in the Middle East.

About 2 and a half years ago, Russia launched a full-on invasion into Ukraine. Countless lives have been lost, families separated, cities destroyed, and many are wondering if the war will ever end. Host Joseph Backholm is joined again by Gennadiy Mokhnenko, a Christian pastor actively preaching in Russian-occupied Ukraine, for an update of what life and ministry is like in a war zone. Pastor Gennadiy serves as a leader of battalion chaplains at the front lines. He describes how the war has impacted families (his included), what he believes to be Russia’s “end game”, and confirms that Ukrainian children are being taken and brought back to Russia. The Ukrainian people are paying a large cost for freedom, but Pastor Gennadiy believes it is worth it to one day see a free Ukraine. Listen now to hear this special update and how you can be praying for the people of Ukraine.

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We are 40 days from the 2024 presidential election and many people are still debating how they will cast their vote. For those wondering how they can cast their vote wisely, tune in to the conversation with host Joseph Backholm and Pastor of Heritage Church Trent Hunter, for a conversation about how Christians can and should be civically engaged. Casting a vote can seem like a big deal with heavy consequences, but we were given this responsibility and we must vote with discernment. Joseph and Trent offer advice on how Christians can make wise choices at the ballot box with the options given, how pastors can encourage their church during this season, and how the church can disciple in a civic way. Questioning if you should cast a vote this November-- listen now to learn how to steward your civic responsibility wisely.

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