The AC Podcast

What happens when a former Navy SEAL turns to psychedelics for healing and comes back with visions of hell, demonic encounters, and a haunting that four exorcisms couldn’t stop? Pastor Jason Jimenez reveals what’s really going on in Shawn Ryan’s story, why deliverance so often fails, and how ordinary Christians can stand firm in the spiritual battle they face every day.

Jason Jimenez is a pastor, worldview expert, and national speaker, and the founder of Stand Strong Ministries. He equips believers to understand the culture, defend their faith, and live with biblical conviction in a world that is increasingly confused about the spiritual realm.

In this episode, he joins hosts Troy and Tim Barnett to explain:

■ The Psychedelic Doorway: How substances like ibogaine and 5-MeO-DMT, rooted in shamanism and tribal initiation rituals, can become footholds for demonic oppression, especially when paired with unresolved trauma, anger, or fear.

■ Why the Exorcisms Failed: How treating symptoms instead of root causes like unconfessed sin, shallow biblical grounding, and incomplete surrender to Christ leaves the door open.

■ Possession vs. Demonization: Why a Christian can never be owned by Satan, but can still be influenced in mind, emotions, and will when strongholds are allowed to form.

■ The Two Dangerous Extremes: Why seeing a demon behind everything and ignoring the spiritual realm entirely are both traps believers must avoid.

■ The Deliverance Industry: Why dramatic, social-media-driven deliverance ministries raise red flags, and what quiet, biblical deliverance actually looks like.

■ Everyday Warfare: How Scripture, the armor of God, confession, and Christian community equip believers to walk in Christ’s victory without fear or obsession.

Why are so many people walking away from the faith they grew up with, and what if the real reasons have less to do with arguments than we think? Dr. John Marriott reveals the hidden drivers behind the deconversion crisis, the critical difference between losing faith and rebuilding it, and how to respond when someone you love starts to doubt.

Dr. John Marriott is one of the leading voices on deconversion, having written his PhD dissertation on why people leave Christianity for atheism. He is the author of six books on the subject, including The Anatomy of Deconversion and Set Adrift (with Sean McDowell). He teaches in the Department of Philosophy at Talbot School of Theology and serves as Director of Curriculum for Biola University’s Winsome Conviction Project.

In this episode, he joins host Troy and US Director Harry to explain:

• The Critical Distinction: Why deconversion (walking away entirely) and deconstruction (taking inherited beliefs apart to rebuild what can truly be held) are two very different journeys.
• The Essentials of Faith: How the historic creeds and the identity of Jesus define the core of Christianity, and why believers have real freedom on secondary issues.
• The Hidden Drivers of Unbelief: Why suffering, church hypocrisy, and failures of leadership often push people away more powerfully than intellectual doubts.
• The Two Evangelicalisms: How politically charged “Big E” evangelicalism differs from historic “Little E” evangelicalism rooted in biblical authority, personal faith, and social good.
• The Long Game: Why listening, thanking someone for their trust, and assuring them of unconditional love matters more than winning the argument.

Plus: download Apologetics Canada’s free AI for Educators resource, and join us November 7th at Knott Avenue Christian Church in Anaheim, California for Hemorrhaging Faith: Understanding the Deconversion Crisis. Find more of Dr. Marriott’s work at http://johnmarriott.org.

If you have spent any time in the online apologetics community, you have likely encountered a response video by Tim Barnett, also known as "Original Mr. B" from Red Pen Logic. For the better part of a decade, Tim—a high school teacher turned apologist—has worked with the U.S.-based organization Stand to Reason. Despite his success with STR, having grown up and lived in the GTA always meant that for Tim, the burden for apologetics started right at his doorstep. On this episode of the AC Podcast, we are excited to welcome Tim, his family, and his trusty red pen to the AC team. Join us as we explore the heart of a dedicated husband and "girl dad" for Canada, discuss his long-standing friendship with Wes, and hear a conversation with Andy that led Tim to circle a map—only to find his focus landing right on his own front door.

Lutherans have a unique place in the Christian family. They’re the original Protestants, yet they’re often more liturgical and sacramental than many people expect. In this episode of our Denominations in Conversation series, Ben sits down with Dr. Jordan Cooper, host of the popular Just & Sinner Podcast to explore all things Lutheran. What sets Lutherans apart from other traditions? What's unique about their theology and style of worship? And just how central is Martin Luther himself to modern Lutheran theology?
Whether you’re Lutheran, curious about Lutheranism, or just want to understand your Christian neighbour better, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.

What happens to Aslan when Meryl Streep gives him a voice? We open with the news that Streep will voice the Great Lion in the upcoming film adaptation of The Magician's Nephew, and we ask what this casting could mean for the deeper themes of the story.

This week on the AC Podcast Dr. Steve West joins us to look at the theological and philosophical depth of C.S. Lewis's prequel. We talk about how Aslan singing Narnia into existence echoes the biblical creation account and the concept of the Logos, the Word through which all things were made. Dr. West explains how each character's reaction to creation shows what is in their heart, and he compares the ways Uncle Andrew and Jadis each explain away the moral law to justify themselves.
Drawing on Lewis's own experience of grief, we look at Aslan's tears and what they reveal about the compassionate heart of God.

Whether you grew up with Narnia or you're coming back to it with new eyes, this conversation will help you see the beginning of the story in a new way.

In this episode of the AC Podcast, hosts Troy and Wes are joined by special guest and worship leader Phil Wickham. Wickham reflects on his musical journey, including how he was pushed onto stage at age 13 and his parents' faith background. The group discusses Wickham's book, Everyday Hallelujah, which challenges believers to embrace a lifestyle of worship in their everyday, mundane moments. He shares a personal story of how a frightening vocal injury helped reshape his identity and shifted his songwriting focus toward creating prayers for the church. Finally, the conversation explores the heart of a believer, emphasizing how staying grounded in Jesus can inspire purpose and impact regardless of one's platform.

Is Science encouraging people to pray? Stanford neuroscientist Andrew Huberman recently opened up about God, faith, and prayer on The Diary of a CEO with Steven Bartlett—and he’s not the only public figure doing so. Are skeptics genuinely rediscovering faith, or just finding another good way to reduce stress? This week, Wes, Ben, and Andy break down what’s encouraging in this conversation and discuss the dangers of turning prayer into deistic therapy. Are God and the universe interchangeable titles? What happens when we pray to a God who calms our nerves but never asks anything of us in return? Join us for the conversation on this response episode of the AC podcast.

What happens when Scripture becomes more than something you study and becomes something you step into?

Juno nominated artist Joshua Leventhal joins us to talk about the road from the flatlands to the stage, and how biblical studies, music, and growing up with a professional illusionist for a father shaped the way he sees truth and tells stories.

At the heart of the conversation is Tapisieri, his ambitious three volume, 25 song project that journeys from Genesis to Revelation through intimate, first person perspectives. We unpack the process behind the project, the relationship between art and the Church, and Joshua’s hope that Tapisieri might become more than an album, serving as a discipleship tool that helps reignite wonder, imagination, and a love for Scripture.

In this special on location episode from London, the AC Podcast team records inside St. Mary Woolnoth Church, the historic parish of John Newton, writer of “Amazing Grace.”
A chance encounter with parish priest Rev. Wole becomes a fascinating conversation about the spiritual transformation happening across the UK. From secularism and progressivism to the rise of New Age spirituality, manifestation, and witchcraft, Rev. Wole shares why a new generation of seekers is being drawn back to prayer, Scripture, and the Church.
As the first Black priest to lead Newton’s former parish, he also reflects on carrying forward a remarkable legacy of faith, freedom, and the gospel in the heart of modern London.

Whether you like it or not, living alongside other people is inevitable. So, the question is, what’s the best way to do it? What values should shape our life together? Sociologist, David M. Haskell, unapologetically argues that it is the Christian norms and values that lead to the maximum freedom and flourishing of a society and that our governance should be based on them. This bold claim is highlighted in the title of his book—even bolder—Christ or Collapse. How does he sustain such a bold claim? Is there any empirical evidence to support that? Hasn’t Christianity done more harm than good? What about Japan which is not a Christian country? Shouldn’t governance be neutral in value? Does he want theocracy? Steve sat down with him in this week’s edition of the AC Podcast to delve into these questions and more.

In this episode, Troy and Trystan journey into The Odyssey, exploring its timeless themes of longing, temptation, sacrifice, and the desire to find our way home. Through a Christian lens, they uncover surprising connections between Homer’s ancient story, our modern culture, and the biblical story of humanity’s deepest desires.

What do the things we long for reveal about us? What makes a sacrifice truly costly? And beneath all our wandering, are we ultimately searching for home?

What if the greatest thing holding back your ministry isn’t your gifting, but the parts of yourself you’ve never surrendered? Troy sits down with Pastor Terrance Richmond, Founding and Lead Pastor of Love Quest International Church, for a conversation on sonship, discipleship, and becoming fully alive in Christ. Together they challenge modern ideas of church growth and reveal why God’s priority has always been forming people, not filling buildings. From Oakland to church planting, Terrance shares how every part of your story, personality, and gifting can be used for God’s Kingdom when fully surrendered.

​Alpha has introduced millions of people to Jesus, but what can it teach us about sharing our faith today? In this episode, Nicky Gumbel reflects on his journey from atheist to Christian, the story behind Alpha’s global impact, and why people are still searching for love, purpose, and belonging. Together, Andy, Wes and Nicky explore how evangelism has changed in a post Christian culture and why genuine friendship, not pressure, remains the most powerful way to introduce people to Jesus.

In this episode of the AC Podcast, Ben continues our “Denominations in Conversation” series with pastor Tim Woodcock. Pastor Woodcock, the lead pastor of Glad Tidings Pentecostal Church in Burlington, Ontario, Canada, shares insights into Pentecostalism’s history, beliefs, and practices. He addresses common misconceptions within the charismatic movement and explores the experience of spiritual gifts, such as speaking in tongues.

While filming the next episode of Can I Trust the Bible? at Yarnton Manor in Oxford, Ben sits down with Wes and Andy to explore the story of Bible translation and the men who risked their lives to make Scripture accessible to ordinary people.
Were pioneers like John Wycliffe (1328–1384) and William Tyndale (1494–1536) courageous heroes of the faith, or dangerous heretics who challenged the authority of the Church? Join us as we examine their lives, their legacy, and why the translation of the Bible remains one of the most controversial chapters in Christian history.

What is addiction really about—chemistry, choice, or something deeper? In this episode, Andy Steiger sits down with Dr. Quentin Genuis, an emergency physician and ethicist at St. Paul's Hospital in Vancouver, Canada. Dr. Quentin argues that addiction points to a universal human longing for identity, belonging, and purpose. Drawing on medicine, theology, and lived experience, he explains why lasting recovery requires more than policy or medication: it needs community, mercy, and a vision of human flourishing in Christ.

The prosperity gospel promises wealth as a sign of faith—but what does the Bible actually say about prosperity and suffering? In this conversation, Troy, Ben, and Steve unpack how prosperity theology distorts Scripture and why true prosperity is found in Christ, not possessions.

In a world where sports can feel like a religion, what happens when we place them back in their proper place? In this episode, Troy and Ben explore the beauty, danger, and identity-shaping power of sport, from the World Cup to the NFL, and ask how Christians can enjoy the game without letting it become their god.

In this episode, Ben, Andy, and Wes reflect on their visit to Europe and their meeting with John Lennox, discussing a question that feels more urgent than ever: what does the future of apologetics look like?Culture is shifting beneath our feet. New technology is reshaping how people think, connect, and search for meaning. In the midst of it, there have been some surprising changes. People are returning to spirituality, but what kind of spirituality is it? Is the church ready to meet them there?Join us for a wide-ranging conversation about faith, culture, and what it means to commend the gospel in a world that is quickly changing.

Most people instinctively approach God as distant or just a cosmic ruler. But what if understanding God as Father radically transforms your relationship with Him and your life? On this episode, Troy, Andy, and Trystan challenge you to see God through the lens of biblical fatherhood, sharing personal stories, biblical insights, and practical applications that could reshape your faith.