Should faith and politics mix? Joseph Backholm sits down with Caleb Morrell, author of A Light on the Hill, to explore the unique role of Capitol Hill Baptist Church in shaping evangelicalism in the nation’s capital. Caleb shares his journey with the church, uncovering its rich 150-year history, from its founding to its enduring biblical foundation despite cultural shifts. They discuss the church’s impact in political spaces, the significance of strong leadership, and how it has remained a guiding light through changing times.

Resources

• A Light on the Hill: The Surprising Story of How a Local Church in the Nation's Capital Influenced by Caleb Morrell

As Charlie Kirk put it, let’s hope voters do not have the memory of a goldfish when it comes to Gavin Newsom’s political history. President of California Family Council, Jonathan Keller, joins Joseph Backholm to discuss California Governor Gavin Newsom’s “political rebrand”. Recently, Newsom walked back his support for transgender athletes in women’s sports. Was this a strategic shift or political maneuver? They also discuss his efforts to engage conservatives on his new podcast, his potential 2028 run, and whether this signals a Democratic course correction. Can Newsom successfully rebrand, and will voters buy it? Tune in for the debate!

Executive Director of the Philos Project, Luke Moon, joins Joseph Backholm to unpack the latest developments in Syria. With HTS overthrowing the Assad regime after 54 years, they explore whether the new rule is any better - or just as bad. Luke breaks down the roots of the civil war, the role of the Alawites, and why Christians are being targeted. We also examine HTS’s origins, the broader Sunni-Shia conflict, and how this power shift in Syria might be influencing peace talks between Russia and Ukraine. Tune in for a deep dive into the complexities of Syria’s ongoing turmoil.

As Generation Z grows older and enters the workforce, theworld is learning more about what they value and believe. Family Research Council interns Alanna Casey and Zach Gohl join host Joseph Backholm to share their experience being Gen Z and the shift they are seeing when it comes to lifestyles and worldviews among their peers.

When President Donald Trump was elected, he promised to clean up the foreign affairs mess left by his predecessor - specifically the Russian-Ukrainian war. Professor at Regent University, Dr. A.J. Nolte, joins Joseph Backholm to explore America’s stance on Ukraine, the Biden administration’s role, and whether the U.S. should engage with Putin. Why is Trump the only president who seems willing to talk to Russia? What mistakes has Zelensky made, and is Ukraine’s corruption a barrier to peace? They break down the challenges of a deal, military risks, and the future of power in the region.

Family Research Council’s David Closson joins Joseph Backholm to discuss his new book Life After Roe, examining the impact of Roe v. Wade’s overturn in 2022. While 22,000 lives were saved, abortion reached an all-time high in the years following the overturn. They explore the role of pro-life laws, the church’s response, and the emerging debate on IVF. As culture shifts, how do we stay committed to biblical truth and protect the most vulnerable?

The Washington Stand’s Joshua Arnold and FRC Action’s Matt Carpenter explore recent government funding cuts, focusing on USAID and concerns over misuse of funds. Along with host Joseph Backholm, they discuss DOGE’s (Department of Governmental Efficiency) oversight, whether their actions are constitutional, and Elon Musk’s role in the shake-up. The hosts offer a Christian perspective on balancing empathy for those affected with the need for accountability, all while questioning if the federal budget can truly be balanced within two years.

Resources

• DOGE Unearths Missing ID Codes in $4.7T Worth of Federal Spending
• Congressional Hearing Highlights Extent of USAID Waste, Mission Creep

Daniel Darling, author, pastor, and Christian leader, joins Joseph Backholm to discuss the shifting anti-evangelical movement in America and the impact of Trump’s elections on faith and politics. They explore Trump’s surprising gains across demographics, his appeal to the working class, and the debate over whether political involvement is driving people away from the church. Darling emphasizes the need to prevent politics from dividing churches, families, and communities.

Christian apologist Neil Shenvi, joins Joseph Backholm to discuss the dangers of critical theory and its clash with biblical Christianity. He explains the influence of movements like BLM and the definition of “wokeness”. Shenvi exposes how critical theory threatens unity within the church and stresses the need for unity in Christ over divisions of gender, ethnicity, and race.

Former Muslim, author, and national security expert, Hedieh Mirahmadi Falco, joins Joseph Backholm to share her faith journey from Islam to Christianity. She discusses the redemptive power and grace of Jesus, delves into the complexities of radicalization, and emphasizes the importance of preserving America’s Christian values while respecting the religious liberties of others.

Resources

• Living Fearless in Christ: Why I Left Islam to Win Battles for the Kingdom by Hedieh Mirahmadi Falco