
eX-skeptic
eX-skeptic is a story-driven, conversational podcast that helps listeners understand why people dismiss or believe in God and Christianity. Interviewing one former atheist or skeptic each show, host Jana Harmon encourages both Christians and skeptics to consider what motivates thoughtful, intelligent people to move from disbelief to belief.
www.exskeptic.org
Latest episodes

8 snips
Nov 22, 2024 • 1h 2min
The Road Back – Trevor Lancon’s Story
Trevor Lancon, an engineer with a Master's in Health Physics, shares his transformative journey from atheism back to Christianity. He reflects on his youth in a religious community, the struggle with skepticism, and the profound experiences that reignited his faith. Trevor emphasizes how moments like his children's baptism reshaped his view of spirituality, merging science with belief. He discusses the importance of patience and support from loved ones in navigating this complex relationship between faith and doubt.

Nov 8, 2024 • 1h 6min
An Unexpected Change – David Westerhoff’s Story
During childhood, David Westerhoff’s faith never really extended outside of the church building. The tradition and practice of Christianity just didn’t make sense to David, and he began naturally moving with culture’s secular flow, becoming the ruler of his own life. On the surface, David’s life was unfolding perfectly; he had a loving wife, a growing family, and a steady career, but he still wasn’t content. His own internal battles and addictions threatened David’s marriage, and he began to feel a loss of control for the first time. On a night that seemed at first like any other, David felt the sudden presence of the Spirit of God, revealing the weight and gravity of his sins.
Guest Bio:
David Westerhoff is a software engineer, a husband, and a father of two. David grew up in the secularized culture of northern California but moved to Georgia after marrying his wife, Megan. He spent fifteen years of his career in tech and software, but after encountering Jesus and feeling powerfully convicted in August of 2022, David immediately realized he needed to switch gears and pursue God wholeheartedly. He is now a seminary student at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, studying to obtain a Master’s in Divinity.
Connect with Ex-Skeptic:
Website: https://exskeptic.org/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/exskeptic
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/exskeptic
Twitter: https://x.com/exskeptic
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@exskeptic

Oct 25, 2024 • 57min
A Scientist’s Journey to God – Krister Renard’s Story
Former atheist and Swedish physicist Krister Renard dismissed God at a young age, believing science was the key to understanding reality. In his pursuit of knowledge, he came to see that the universe demanded a greater explanation, eventually believing in God.
Krister's Website: www.gluefox.com
Resources Mentioned by Krister:
C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity

Oct 11, 2024 • 56min
A Cumulative Case for God – Dr. John Studebaker’s Story
Former atheist Dr. John Studebaker viewed religion as boring and inconsequential until he encountered surprising evidence about God and meaningful experiences with Christians. Over time, his quest for truth led him to a profound personal relationship with Jesus.
John's Resources:
Book, John Studebaker, editor (2023): The Quest of World Religions, An Introduction and Anthology
BMI Oasis website: www.bmioasis.com, a service of Bridge Ministries, Inc., which has helped thousands of people find and fulfill their God-given life calling
www.lemaseminary.net
John's Recommended Resources:
Josh McDowell, Evidence that Demands a Verdict
C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity
Anthony Flew, There is a God

Sep 27, 2024 • 55min
Keeping God at a Distance – Daniel Ray’s Story
Daniel Ray did not have a religious upbringing, yet he somehow ‘knew’ God was real but kept him at a distance. He was living his own way on his own terms, but eventually he was found by God.
Daniel's Resources:
Apologetics Ministry, The Watchman Fellowship: https://www.watchman.org/
Daniel's Recommended Resources:
Greg Koukl, Tactics, Street Smarts
www.exskeptic.org

Sep 13, 2024 • 55min
Making Sense of Science and Faith – Dr. Sharon Dirckx’s Story
Cambridge educated Dr. Sharon Dirckx was raised in a secular culture where religion played a minimal role. Intellectual authorities led her to believe that science and belief in God were incompatible until she began investigating the verifiable claims of Christianity. She came to see that a robust, intellectually grounded faith was possible.
Sharon's Resources:
Website: www.dirckx.org
Books:
Broken Planet
Am I Just My Brain?
Why? Looking at God, Evil, and Personal Suffering
Sharon's Recommended Resources:
Sean McDowell, www.seanmcdowell.org
Premier Unbelievable, www.premierunbelievable.com
OCCA The Oxford Centre for Christian Apologetics, www.theocca.org
The C.S. Lewis Institute, www.cslewisinstitute.org
The Sanity of Belief, by Simon Edwards
Can Science Explain Everything? by John Lennox

4 snips
Aug 30, 2024 • 1h 12min
Dismantling Atheism – Daniel’s Story
A former atheist shares his transformative journey to Christianity, challenging the logical flaws of atheism along the way. He discusses the importance of respectful dialogue between skeptics and believers, and how personal experiences can reshape perceptions of faith. Delving into the morality debate, he argues that atheism struggles to ground objective morals. His introspection highlights pivotal moments of surrender to God, ultimately emphasizing love and community in exploring belief systems.

Aug 16, 2024 • 9min
Exciting News for Side B Stories
Side B Stories is turning the page to a new chapter! Listen and find out about our revamped podcast and content experience that promises to deliver even more extraordinary stories of life change.

Aug 2, 2024 • 1h 17min
Excluding God – Dr. Dan Mizell’s Story
Former atheist Dr. Dan Mizell left Christianity and embraced science as the most rational way to understand and live in the world. Over time, he began to question whether the natural world was sufficient to explain reality. His search for answers led him to a more solid foundation for knowledge, ethics, and life in God.

Jul 19, 2024 • 1h 13min
Longing for More – Nate Sala’s Story
Nate Sala rejected his parents’ faith tradition of Christianity and pursued life on his own terms, but his life failed to bring satisfaction to his deepest longings. His search led him to find all that he desired in God.
Nate's Resources:
YouTube: YouTube.com/wisedisciple
Summit Ministries: https://www.summit.org/
C.S. Lewis Institute's Study Courses
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