God, Country & the American Story With Billy Hallowell
Washington Times / Billy Hallowell
"God, Country & the American Story" is a groundbreaking new podcast from The Washington Times that explores the powerful role the Christian faith has had in the lives of America’s leaders, from the founders to the movers and shakers of today.
Veteran journalist and author Billy Hallowell sits down with lawmakers, high-ranking officials, business titans, historians, faith leaders, and cultural influencers to examine how belief in God has guided the nation’s most powerful leaders and pivotal moments - and continues to fuel the American experiment.
This series honors America’s spiritual heritage while tackling today’s most pressing questions: How has faith shaped the nation? What role does it play in the lives of public officials? And what does the future hold for faith and freedom in America?
As the country prepares to celebrate its 250th anniversary, join us for thought-provoking conversations that uncover the soul of a nation—rooted in God and destined for greatness.
Veteran journalist and author Billy Hallowell sits down with lawmakers, high-ranking officials, business titans, historians, faith leaders, and cultural influencers to examine how belief in God has guided the nation’s most powerful leaders and pivotal moments - and continues to fuel the American experiment.
This series honors America’s spiritual heritage while tackling today’s most pressing questions: How has faith shaped the nation? What role does it play in the lives of public officials? And what does the future hold for faith and freedom in America?
As the country prepares to celebrate its 250th anniversary, join us for thought-provoking conversations that uncover the soul of a nation—rooted in God and destined for greatness.
Episodes
Mentioned books
May 26, 2025 • 16min
The Bizarre Fertility Clinic Bombing, a Christian Camp Suing to Protect Free Speech — and More
On this episode of the show, Billy Hallowell and Valerie Richardson begin with the strange case of a Palm Springs fertility clinic bombing, where a purportedly anti-pro-life man tried to inflict harm. Then, they explore a Christian summer camp in Colorado suing the state over a gender identity law they believe threatens their religious liberty. Finally, the story centers on an educator fighting back after purportedly being banned from keeping conservative kids' books in his workspace.You'll hear that and more on today's Higher Ground from The Washington Times. STORIES:https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2025/may/22/roderick-theis-oregon-educator-sues-told-stop-displaying-johnny/https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2025/may/21/palm-springs-bombing-suspect-believed-driven-anti-birth-ideology/https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2025/may/18/colorado-christian-summer-camp-sues-states-transgender-mandate/FOLLOW BILLY ON SOCIAL MEDIA:- Follow Billy on Twitter- Follow Billy on Instagram- Follow Billy on Facebook- Follow Billy on YouTube
May 17, 2025 • 16min
Planned Parenthood Under Fire After Shattering Disturbing Record (Plus: Is a Dangerous Truth Being Hidden for Political Reasons?)
Planned Parenthood just recorded a record number of abortions. In the post-Roe era, what does that mean — and why does it matter? Plus, as debate rages over the abortion pill, are essential health facts being hidden from women?The Washington Times' Valerie Richardson joins Billy Hallowell to break it all down.For more context, here are today's stories:https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2025/may/14/planned-parenthood-blasted-gender-affirming-care-defunding-push-grows/https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2025/may/13/failure-rate-abortion-pill-twice-high-shown-drugs-fda-approved-label/https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2025/may/12/planned-parenthood-annual-report-shows-record-taxpayer-funding/FOLLOW BILLY ON SOCIAL MEDIA:- Follow Billy on Twitter- Follow Billy on Instagram- Follow Billy on Facebook- Follow Billy on YouTube
May 10, 2025 • 18min
Female Fencer Takes Bold Trans Stand, Locker Room Chaos and the New Battle For Life: 3 Stories You Won't Want to Miss
A female fencer takes a stand over the trans issue, Loudoun County is under fire after reportedly investigating young boys who were caught speaking about a biological girl in their locker room — and the battle over the abortion pill heats up. The Washington Times' Valerie Richardson joins Billy Hallowell to break it all down.FOLLOW BILLY ON SOCIAL MEDIA:- Follow Billy on Twitter- Follow Billy on Instagram- Follow Billy on Facebook- Follow Billy on YouTube
May 8, 2025 • 9min
Horror in Nigeria: Why Trump, America Can't Ignore Slaughter of Christians
Nigeria has become a hellscape for Christians as persecution continues to rise in the African nation. President Donald Trump and America must take a stand...before it's too late. Billy Hallowell explains the dire situation. FOLLOW BILLY ON SOCIAL MEDIA:- Follow Billy on Twitter- Follow Billy on Instagram- Follow Billy on Facebook- Follow Billy on YouTube
Apr 29, 2025 • 33min
Faith in the White House: Paula White-Cain Responds to Critics, Details Her History With Trump and More
Prayer, praise and worship music, and sermons have made their way into the White House, with hundreds of faith leaders heading to Washington D.C., in recent months to offer perspective and take part in events organized by the newly minted White House Faith Office.That office, headed by Paula White-Cain and Jenny Korn, is historic and unlike previous faith operations under the executive branch. Ms. White-Cain and Ms. Korn sat down with Billy Hallowell at the White House to discuss the mission of the Faith Office, why Ms. White-Cain has taken this position, how she responds to critics — and more.FOLLOW BILLY ON SOCIAL MEDIA:- Follow Billy on Twitter- Follow Billy on Instagram- Follow Billy on Facebook- Follow Billy on YouTube
Apr 19, 2025 • 18min
Is There Proof of Jesus, the Resurrection and the Supernatural? Lee Strobel Tells All
Is there evidence for Jesus' life, death and resurrection? Renowned author Lee Strobel joins Billy Hallowell to discuss evidence for the Easter story, explaining why he believes the Gospel narrative can be definitively proven. Plus, he explores evidence for the supernatural more broadly. Mr. Strobel's latest book is "Seeing the Supernatural: Investigating Angels, Demons, Mystical Dreams, Near-Death Encounters, and Other Mysteries of the Unseen World," an instant New York Times bestseller. Listen to this fascinating discussion on today's "Higher Ground."FOLLOW BILLY ON SOCIAL MEDIA:- Follow Billy on Twitter- Follow Billy on Instagram- Follow Billy on Facebook- Follow Billy on YouTube
Apr 11, 2025 • 21min
'Heaven Help Us': John Kasich on Faith, Hope, Forgiving the Drunk Driver Who Killed His Parents
Former presidential candidate and Ohio governor John Kasich joins the show to share a powerful journey of faith, hope, and forgiveness. He also breaks down the story behind his new book, "Heaven Help Us: How Faith Communities Inspire Hope, Strengthen Neighborhoods, and Build the Future." FOLLOW BILLY ON SOCIAL MEDIA:- Follow Billy on Twitter- Follow Billy on Instagram- Follow Billy on Facebook- Follow Billy on YouTube
Mar 28, 2025 • 17min
She's Seeing Thousands of College Students Flock to Jesus: Jennie Allen's First-Hand Revival Account
Jennie Allen is seeing thousands of college students flock to hear more about Jesus. She shares her powerful journey and reveals what's really unfolding on campuses across America.FOLLOW BILLY ON SOCIAL MEDIA:- Follow Billy on Twitter- Follow Billy on Instagram- Follow Billy on Facebook- Follow Billy on YouTube
Mar 16, 2025 • 12min
Peter, Judas and the Complexity of Betrayal and Mercy: Chris Tomlin's Fascinating Take on the 'The Last Supper'
With "The Last Supper" in theaters, audiences are getting a fascinating look at Peter, Judas and other biblical figures. Executive producer — and famed singer — Chris Tomlin joins the podcast to break it all down with Billy Hallowell.FOLLOW BILLY ON SOCIAL MEDIA:- Follow Billy on Twitter- Follow Billy on Instagram- Follow Billy on Facebook- Follow Billy on YouTube
Mar 16, 2025 • 19min
Country Music Star Leaves It All Behind For Jesus
Granger Smith was a rising country music star when his son, River, drowned in 2019 and the trajectory of his life changed forever. It started with an uneasiness when Mr. Smith realized God was calling him to do something more.In the end, Mr. Smith ended up leaving music for ministry. Listen to him tell his story and share details about his new children’s book “Up Toward the Light” with Billy Hallowell on this week’s episode of "Higher Ground."FOLLOW BILLY ON SOCIAL MEDIA:- Follow Billy on Twitter- Follow Billy on Instagram- Follow Billy on Facebook- Follow Billy on YouTube
