Off The Bench with Heidi St. John

45 minutes 7 seconds
The Road to November: Who’s Really on Your Ballot?
Those unfamiliar names on your ballot matter more than you might think. Today, I’m talking about judges, parental rights, and why we need to look beyond campaign promises to see what candidates actually stand for. You guys, voting is stewardship. Let’s do our homework and pay attention to the whole ballot.
Sponsor: Angel Studios
Learn more about the Angel Guild and support stories with a message that matters at angel.com/Heidi.
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22 October 2026, 2:43 pm
37 minutes 47 seconds
Can Christians Participate in Halloween?
Every October, this question lands in my inbox—and my answer might surprise you. Today, I’m sharing some family stories, opening Scripture, and talking honestly about how we approach this season. If you’re a parent trying to decide where to draw the line, this conversation is for you.
BJU Press Homeschool: Academically strong curriculum grounded in a biblical worldview. Explore textbooks, video courses, and planning tools at BJUPressHomeschool.com.
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21 October 2026, 1:25 pm
19 minutes 3 seconds
You Can’t Legislate Evil Away: The Bend School Shooting
On October 15, a 16-year-old opened fire in a special-needs classroom at Silver Rail Elementary in Bend, Oregon, killing three children and a teacher. An armed father stepped in and stopped him within minutes. Oregon already has strict gun laws, but more restrictions won’t fix a heart issue. Today, I’m talking about this heartbreaking tragedy, what it will take to address the evil behind it, and why the people we elect this November matter more than ever.
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20 October 2026, 9:07 pm
30 minutes 28 seconds
Are We Defending Freedom or Protecting Evil? with Joseph Backholm
Religious freedom is worth defending—but can it be used to justify killing an unborn child? Joseph Backholm joins me to tackle public executions, abortion, and boys competing in girls’ sports. How do we pursue justice while honoring human dignity? And how much evil are we willing to tolerate just to stay comfortable? These are biblical issues, and Christians cannot afford to sit them out.
Sponsor: Angel Studios — Explore Angel Guild Premium membership and get two tickets to the upcoming Christmas musical mentioned in today’s episode at angel.com/heidi.
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19 October 2026, 4:02 pm
38 minutes 17 seconds
Fan Mail Friday: Should Christians Be Afraid of AI?
AI can deceive, mislead, and be misused. Does that mean Christians should avoid it? Today I’m sharing why I use AI and why you should never outsource your discernment. I’m also answering your questions about homeschooling while working full time, intimacy and birth control in marriage, church burnout, and helping your child understand that salvation rests on the finished work of Christ.
Sponsor: Angel Studios — Become an Angel Guild premium member and get two tickets to their new musical, coming to theaters November 6.
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16 October 2026, 2:02 pm
23 minutes 29 seconds
The Road to November: Raising Leaders Who Stand for Truth with Katie Fruits
We’re not just raising kids. We’re raising the next generation of leaders. Nineteen-year-old homeschool graduate Katie Fruits joins me to talk about her run for the Montana State House, sharing her faith on the campaign trail, and choosing obedience over fear. Parents, this is why we teach our kids to know what they believe and put their faith into action!
Sponsor: Angel Studios: Bring the family together for a Christmas musical coming to theaters November 6. Visit angel.com/Heidi to join the Angel Guild as a premium member and receive two free tickets.
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15 October 2026, 1:38 pm
44 minutes 55 seconds
Do Women Belong in the Pulpit? with Pastor Phil Hopper
Can a woman teach on Sunday morning without being a pastor? Pastor Phil Hopper joins me to open God’s Word and answer a question that’s stirred up plenty of controversy. We’re talking about biblical authority, women’s gifts, and the damage we do when we confuse man-made rules with Scripture. Plus, why protecting the unborn requires Christians to get off the bench and vote.
Sponsor: Bob Jones University offers strong academics grounded in a biblical worldview. Plan your campus visit at bju.edu/visit.
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14 October 2026, 1:56 pm
29 minutes 14 seconds
Tuesday In Ten: When Outrage Replaces Evidence
Today I’m covering three headlines: the public execution of the Fort Hood murderer, the selective outrage of the left over illegal immigration and the controversy at Cornell. My question? Are we letting political narratives outweigh the facts? Let’s look at these stories through the lens of faith, discernment, and the rule of law.
Shop MyFreedomCart for trusted, American-made products that support your values.
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13 October 2026, 2:32 pm
45 minutes 39 seconds
God Defines Our Girls with Patti Garibay
God created our daughters with purpose, and culture doesn’t get to rewrite His design. Patti Garibay, founder of American Heritage Girls, joins me to talk about feminism, the troubling direction of the Girl Scouts, and raising girls who stand confidently on biblical truth. Parents, it’s time to get off the bench and help our daughters become who God created them to be.
Sponsor: BJU Press Homeschool — Biblical worldview curriculum and flexible options for your family. Learn more at BJUPressHomeschool.com.
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12 October 2026, 1:54 pm
30 minutes 18 seconds
Fan Mail Friday: When to Push Through and When to Change Course
Should you ditch the curriculum that’s making everyone miserable—or stick it out? How do you handle a teenage boy’s attitude without losing your relationship? And what if your graduate wants trade school instead of college? Today, I’m answering your questions about homeschooling, dating, aging parents, and standing for truth at work. Let’s talk about setting biblical boundaries, knowing when to make a change, and remembering what we’re really doing: raising adults who love and walk with the Lord.
Sponsors
Bob Jones University: Explore a college education grounded in a biblical worldview. Plan your visit at bju.edu/visit.
My Freedom Cart: Learn about the shopping club Heidi uses for American-made household products at myfreedomcart.com.
Show mentions: http://heidistjohn.com/mentions
Website | http://heidistjohn.com
Support the show! | http://donorbox.org/donation-827
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Submit your questions for Fan Mail Friday | http://heidistjohn.com/fanmailfriday
9 October 2026, 2:09 pm
21 minutes 24 seconds
The Road to November: Has the Church Traded Courage for Tax Exemption? with Troy Miller
Pastors answer to God, so why are we letting the government dictate what they can say? NRB President Troy Miller joins me to discuss the fight against the Johnson Amendment and the effort to restore pastors’ freedom to speak about political candidates. We’re talking about religious liberty, the cost of staying silent, and why shepherds must have the courage to speak biblical truth—even when it’s unpopular.
Sponsors:
- BJU Press Homeschool: Biblical worldview homeschool curriculum at BJUPressHomeschool.com.
- My Freedom Cart: Explore the shopping club at MyFreedomCart.com.
Shop MyFreedomCart for trusted, American-made products that support your values.
http://myfreedomcart.com/heidi
Show mentions: http://heidistjohn.com/mentions
Website | http://heidistjohn.com
Support the show! | http://donorbox.org/donation-827
Rumble | rumble.com/user/HeidiStJohn
Youtube | / @‌heidistjohnpodcast
Instagram | @‌heidistjohn
Facebook | Heidi St. John
X | @‌heidistjohn
Faith That Speaks Online Community
Submit your questions for Fan Mail Friday | http://heidistjohn.com/fanmailfriday
8 October 2026, 2:07 pm
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