eX-skeptic

Can reason, morality, and public good stand without God? Allison Leonhardt once thought so. An atheist from her teens, she was convinced religion was outdated, the Bible unreliable, and morality explainable through modern thought and politics. With The God Delusion in hand, she challenged religious teachers and built her worldview around science, social justice, and self-made meaning. But when the pandemic forced her into isolation in a foreign country, and a friend casually invited her to watch an online church service, something unexpected happened. Curiosity gave way to conviction, not through pressure or platitudes, but through Scripture that spoke directly to her experience. Guest Bio: Allison Leonhardt is a Senior Communications Advisor in the housing industry. Her career has taken her around the world as she spent several years working in finance and management in the United Kingdom. She is a sought-after Campaign Manager for all three levels of government in Canada, most recently having run a campaign in the 2025 Federal Election. She has a diploma in Public Relations from the University of Victoria. Allison has recently been announced as one of the 2025 Cardus NextGen Fellows. Resources Mentioned: Alpha Course – A safe space for exploring the basics of Christianity: https://alpha.org Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis – Introductory apologetics from a former atheist Return of the God Hypothesis, Stephen Meyer  The Case for Christ by Lee Strobel – Investigative journey of a skeptical journalist John Rylands Library – Home of the oldest known fragment of the Gospel of John: https://www.library.manchester.ac.uk/rylands/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allison-leonhardt-7a75b377/ Connect with eX-skeptic: Website: https://exskeptic.org/ Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/exskeptic Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/exskeptic Twitter: http://x.com/exskeptic YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@exskeptic Email info: info@exskeptic.org

What would lead a Jewish man, raised in an Orthodox home, who didn’t even know who Jesus was, to become a Christian pastor, podcast host, and author of a book on the evidence for Christ? David Shapiro shares his unlikely journey from strict tradition to sincere faith. Growing up in Queens, New York, David was immersed in Jewish customs, Hebrew school, and temple life. But over time, he began to question the rituals and drift from belief altogether. What followed was a long road through agnosticism, atheism, military service, and a successful career in martial arts, all while pushing God further and further away. Yet, in the quiet moments, and even in unexpected places, God kept nudging. Guest Bio: David Shapiro is a pastor, chaplain for a local fire department, co-host of the Boundless Bible podcast, and a soon-to-be published author of Jesus Christ: A Lot of Evidence. Raised in an Orthodox Jewish home in Queens, NY, David never imagined he’d one day come to faith in Jesus—let alone teach others about Him. With a doctorate in religious education, a background in professional martial arts, and a testimony that spans atheism, agnosticism, and deep academic study, David now uses his unique story and voice to help others encounter the truth and grace of Jesus Christ. Resources Mentioned: Book (Coming Soon): Jesus Christ: A Lot of Evidence by David Shapiro Book and Website: https://www.drdavidshapiro.org/general-1 Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/50ZbQ1Sy0uQtmx1DxmhT3Y Isaiah 53 – A Key Prophecy The Great Isaiah Scroll / Dead Sea Scrolls – For historical background on biblical reliability Recommended Next Step: Read the Bible (start with the Gospels or Isaiah 53) and explore the entire narrative. Connect with eX-skeptic: Website: https://exskeptic.org/ Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/exskeptic Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/exskeptic Twitter: http://x.com/exskeptic YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@exskeptic Email info: info@exskeptic.org

What happens when a neuroscientist trained in rationalism begins to question the very worldview that shaped his career? Trevor Lohman is a clinical neuroscience researcher and author of God’s Eye View. Raised with a nominal faith and drawn early into the promises of scientific progress, Trevor embraced atheism with confidence. For years, he believed that science held all the answers—until he realized how many of those answers rested on assumptions, unanswered questions, and even faith of a different kind. Trevor shares how intellectual integrity, personal reflection, and the birth of his children led him to rethink everything. From the limitations of naturalism to the surprising relevance of Scripture, Trevor walks us through his journey from doubt to belief—and how science, far from disproving God, pointed back to Him.  Guest Bio: Trevor Lohman is a clinical research neuroscientist, professor, and author whose academic path began in cellular and molecular biology before transitioning into gene expression and aging. Currently serving as an assistant professor at a medical school in Los Angeles, Trevor explores the intersection of neuroscience and cardiovascular disease. Despite a successful scientific career, Trevor experienced a seismic worldview shift. Once a staunch atheist deeply immersed in rationalism, he began to question the very foundation of his beliefs. His journey—driven by curiosity, intellectual honesty, and a deep love of science—led him not away from reason, but toward faith. His debut book, God’s Eye View, challenges the modern cultural divide between science and spirituality and reclaims the spiritual heritage at the roots of scientific inquiry. Resources Mentioned: Book mentioned: “God’s Eye View” by Trevor Lohman https://amzn.to/3Z0jGYV People mentioned: John Lennox Stephen Meyer Michael Behe Lee Strobel Federico Faggin (physicist and inventor of the CPU) Robert Sapolsky (critic of free will) Richard Dawkins and Christopher Hitchens (representing rational atheism) Connect with eX-skeptic: Website: https://exskeptic.org/ Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/exskeptic Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/exskeptic Twitter: http://x.com/exskeptic YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@exskeptic Email info: info@exskeptic.org

What happens when a horror filmmaker, once a staunch atheist, sets out to disprove Christianity, only to be convinced by the evidence? Michael Ray Lewis, a filmmaker who once mocked Christians, dismissed the Bible as nonsense and devoured documentaries that tore down belief in God. But when his wife unexpectedly felt called back to Christ, Michael set out to prove her wrong, and instead, found himself confronted by something he couldn’t ignore: the evidence. Michael shares how his atheism was shaped by a childhood void of genuine faith, how his fascination with horror films reflected a deeper spiritual searching, and what ultimately opened his eyes to the truth of Christianity. Guest Bio: Michael Ray Lewis is a filmmaker and former atheist whose search for truth led him to faith in Jesus Christ. Michael now uses his passion for storytelling to communicate truth through film. He is currently directing Universe Designed, a documentary exploring the evidence for God through science, reason, and personal stories. The film features leading apologists and thinkers and aims to help skeptics take a second look at Christianity. Michael lives with his wife and two children just south of Dallas–Fort Worth, where he continues to create meaningful media projects grounded in faith. Resources Mentioned: Website: UniverseDesigned.com Books Michael Recommended The Reason for God – Tim Keller I Don’t Have Enough Faith to Be an Atheist – Frank Turek & Norman Geisler Person of Interest – J. Warner Wallace Tactics – Greg Koukl Apologists/Thinkers Featured or Referenced: Hugh Ross (Reasons to Believe) Frank Turek Sean McDowell Stephen Meyer J. Warner Wallace Greg Koukl Connect with eX-skeptic: Website: https://exskeptic.org/ Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/exskeptic Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/exskeptic Twitter: http://x.com/exskeptic YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@exskeptic Email info: info@exskeptic.org

Jeffrey Geibel, a veteran mathematics teacher with a master's degree, shares his transformative journey from skepticism to faith. He recounts a childhood marked by chaos and cultural Christianity, leading him to atheism and agnosticism as he questioned belief. A pivotal moment in a graduate geometry class reignited his faith, prompting reflections on the nature of knowledge and truth. Jeffrey emphasizes the importance of foundational beliefs, the role of love and patience in spiritual growth, and how personal experience shapes one's understanding of faith.

Show Notes: Why do people believe in God, or reject Him altogether? In this compelling episode, Dr. Jay Medenwaldt shares his intellectual and spiritual journey from atheism to belief. A social psychologist with a PhD from Baylor and a current professor at Northwestern College, Jay approached religion from a purely academic lens, interested in why people believed in things he once viewed as clearly false. But, in an effort to avoid confirmation bias and stay true to his role as a researcher, Jay began examining both sides of the argument. To his surprise, the rational and historical case for Christianity was stronger than he expected. Guest Bio: Dr. Jay Medenwaldt, a former Air Force behavioral scientist with nine years of service, including teaching psychology courses at the Air Force Academy and conducting research. Dr. Medenwaldt holds a doctorate in social psychology from Baylor University, with a focus on the psychology of religion and virtue. He also earned a Master of Divinity in apologetics, ethics, and biblical studies, as well as a Master’s in psychological sciences. His research has been published in prominent journals, including The International Journal for the Psychology of Religion and Current Opinion in Psychology.   Resources Mentioned:  The Case for Christ by Lee Strobel The Historical Reliability of the Gospels by Craig Blomberg Reasonable Faith by William Lane Craig Concepts: Confirmation Bias, Cosmological Argument, Teleological Argument Connect with eX-skeptic: Website: https://exskeptic.org/ Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/exskeptic Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/exskeptic Twitter: http://x.com/exskeptic YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@exskeptic Email info: info@exskeptic.org

Laura Zifer Powell, a Christian apologist and former Division I athlete, candidly shares her quest for meaning beyond success. She reflects on her intense health struggles and the existential questions they triggered, leading her to a profound spiritual awakening. Laura discusses her transformative journey from skepticism to faith, emphasizing the importance of community and grace in overcoming despair. Through her experiences across 30 countries, she offers insights into how false worldviews harm individuals and how true fulfillment lies in a relationship with God.

 “If there is a God… I’ll follow. I’ll serve. I’ll give my life to you.” Vince Revo is a former atheist who, like many, walked away from the faith of his childhood after encountering religious hypocrisy, unanswered questions, and deep personal pain. Raised amid church culture but overwhelmed by contradictions, Vince found atheism to be a more rational, liberating path, at least at first. But what began as a rejection of blind belief slowly unraveled into a deeper crisis of meaning. From new age philosophy to law of attraction, from hedonistic escape to intellectual searching, Vince tried to find something—anything—that could fill the void. Guest Bio: Vince Revo is a Canadian filmmaker, podcast host, and bi-vocational pastor with a passion for engaging culture through story and truth. Once a committed atheist who explored Eastern philosophies, New Age spirituality, and humanism, Vince now uses his platform to speak openly about his dramatic return to faith in Jesus Christ. As the founder of the Revo Report and Vince Revo YouTube channels, he creates thought-provoking content that tackles skepticism, faith, and spiritual transformation. With a background in media production and theology, Vince is committed to equipping others to explore life’s biggest questions with honesty, courage, and intellectual integrity. Resources Mentioned: Apologists: William Lane Craig Ravi Zacharias Frank Turek Josh McDowell Connect with Vince Revo: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@vincerevo/videos Instagram: Vince Revo on Instagram  Connect with eX-skeptic: Website: https://exskeptic.org/ Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/exskeptic Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/exskeptic Twitter: http://x.com/exskeptic YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@exskeptic Email info: info@exskeptic.org

Dr. Michael Guillen, a Harvard-trained physicist and bestselling author, recounts his remarkable journey from atheism to Christian faith. He challenges the idea that science and faith cannot coexist, exploring how science failed to answer profound existential questions. Guillen shares insights from his childhood, his early skepticism, and his academic journey, emphasizing the importance of curiosity and personal belief. He advocates for exploring spirituality while encouraging listeners to critically engage with their own beliefs.