As November looms in the not-so-distant future, many Americans are contemplating how they will cast their vote in the upcoming presidential election. While many are concerned about the economy, the border, and LGBTQ issues, one topic has taken center stage in both respective campaigns: Abortion. Host Joseph Backholm is joined by Family Research Council’s Mary Szoch and FRC Action’s Matt Carpenter for a debate on where each candidate stands on abortion. The trio dive into both Trump and Kamala’s history of either pro-life or pro-abortion decisions, how they reflect the life issue, and what those actions say about their future decisions concerning life. In this election season, as Christians, we must do the maximum amount of good with the options we have. Give this episode a listen to better understand where these two candidates stand on the abortion issue and how you can continue standing for the dignity of all human life!

We appreciate your patience as we work to update today's podcast in light of newly announced information. Thank you for listening to Outstanding! Our goal is to help listeners think biblically about the current news of the day -- stay tuned for this update. You won't want to miss it!

Last week, the streets of Chicago were overflowing with protestors, police, and a mobile abortion unit – all tale tell signs the Democratic National Convention was back in town. From DJs to vibes, the DNC was in full swing as Kamala Harris “officially” accepted the Democratic presidential nomination. Host Joseph Backholm, who had boots on the ground outside of the DNC last week, is joined by The Washington Stand’s Ben Johnson to look past the music and hype and discuss what actually happened at the DNC. According to speeches given at the convention, one cannot have freedom without abortion, parents do not know best for their children, and the border is not a priority.  Give this episode a listen to learn more about what went down at the DNC.

P.S. No TikTok dances were made during the filming of this podcast – the same could not be said of the DNC.

Host Joseph Backholm is joined by Family Research Council's Meg Kilgannon for an educational conversation (pun intended) about the Department of Education (DOE). Started in 1979, the DOE has come under recent inspection by presidential candidate Donald Trump who says, if elected in November, he will close down the federal department. But why? Meg and Joseph dive into the origins of the DOE, its main purpose, and the impact closing it would have on the world of higher education. Grab your No. 2 pencil and get ready to take some notes as we learn more about the United States Department of Education.

If the media thinks being a father, having a successful business career, and serving our country as a Marine is “weird”, well then, JD Vance is indeed weird. Host Joseph Backholm is joined by the president of the Center for Christian Virtue, Aaron Baer, for a conversation unpacking “Who is JD Vance?”. Hailing from Ohio, Trump’s running mate is best known for his biographical book “Hillbilly Elegy”, where he tells his origin story of growing up in poverty, graduating from Yale Law School to becoming a U.S. Senator. Joseph and Aaron unpack JD’s spiritual journey, the impact his Catholic faith has on his worldview, and what he is most passionate about. Listen now to learn more about the Republican vice-presidential candidate.

Have you ever looked at the world and thought "How did we get here"? If you have, you are in the right place to find some answers. Host Joseph Backholm is joined by the founder of The White Rose Resistance, Seth Gruber, for a conversation focused on who and what ideas have shaped the world we see today. For Seth, it starts by going back to the year 1916 when Margaret Sanger opened the first abortion clinic. Seth and Joseph spend time unpacking influential moments in history, the origin story of Planned Parenthood, and how huge social problems oftentimes sprout from a few bad ideas. Listen now to learn more about the harmful impact the year 1916 and Margaret Sanger had on the fight for life and human rights.

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Democratic presidential nominee, Kamala Harris, has announced her running mate, *queue the drum roll* announcing Tim Walz…*crickets*. So, who is Tim Walz? Host Joseph Backholm is joined by Minnesota native and director of strategy at the Minnesota Family Council, Moses Bratrud, for a deep dive into Governor Walz. Moses and Joseph unpack Tim’s life before politics, his rise to elected positions, and what he stands for. Listen now to learn more about Kamala’s VP candidate.

It truly only takes one to make a difference. Host Joseph Backholm is joined by the president and founder of Christians Engaged, Bunni Pounds, for a conversation emphasizing the need and ability of believers to make an impact where they can! In a world that seems to turn upside down on a weekly basis, do not be disheartened or anxious about the news – YOU can do something. Bunni encourages listeners with practical steps on how to get involved in your little square of the world. Everyone was created to be disciple-makers. Listen now to learn how you can be on mission for the kingdom of Christ right here in America.

Religious freedom is under attack in Minnesota. The general counsel of True North Legal, Renee Carlson, joins host Joseph Backholm to tell her story of how she and many others protected and reestablished religious freedom in Minnesota. The Minnesotan government is currently in complete control by the democratic party. Renee and colleagues noticed that the freedom of religion was essentially removed in recent MN state legislation. This change in legislation would not have only affected Christians, but Muslims, Jews, Mormons, and all other religions. By the grace of God, the freedom of religion was reestablished, but Renee warns everyone of faith to stay vigilant as this civil right is under attack. Listen now to hear her story and what are the biggest threats against people of faith!

When did it become medically ethical to remove healthy body parts? Host Joseph Backholm is joined by Christian Post journalist, Brand Showalter, for a conversation dissecting the transgender cult. Brandon has spent many years tracking the transgender movement and shares some of what he has learned from watching and researching the movement throughout the years. He sheds light on where in the social and political “life cycle” the trans movement is, do people actually believe in this, and how transgenderism came onto the social scene.

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