Laura Zifer Powell seemed to be doing everything right. A top-tier student and Division I athlete at Duke University, she was driven, disciplined, and outwardly successful. But beneath the surface, something was missing. The more she achieved, the emptier she felt. And when a health crisis brought everything to a halt, the questions she had avoided for years finally caught up with her: What is all this for? What’s the point of being good if it still doesn’t satisfy?

In this candid conversation, Laura shares her journey from moral pragmatist and religious skeptic to a confident follower of Christ. She opens up about the moment everything changed—a late-night plea to a God she wasn’t sure existed, and the quiet unraveling that followed.

If you've ever asked, “Is this all there is?” or wrestled with the gap between outward success and inward emptiness, Laura’s story offers more than answers—it offers hope.  

Guest Bio:

Laura Zifer Powell is a Christian apologist, writer, and speaker. She is the founder of An Affair with Reason and co-host of the Knight and Rose Show podcast. She graduated from Duke University with a bachelor’s in public policy, earned her master’s degree from Denver Seminary, and is currently working on her Doctor of Ministry in Public Theology from Birmingham Theological Seminary. She has ministered in over thirty countries on five continents and has seen first-hand how false worldviews harm and destroy God’s image bearers, while the Christian worldview leads people and societies toward human flourishing. As an apologist, she shares evidence for the biblical worldview and discusses how our worldview ought to impact every area of life, from our relationships to our public policy and economics. Her blog, previous interviews, and speaking request form can be found at her website, www.AnAffairWithReason.com, and her 20-lesson online course, Islam Foundations, is available at womeninapologetics.com.

Resources Mentioned:

Laura’s Resources:

•        An Affair with Reason: https://laurazpowell.org/

•        Knight and Rose Show on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@knightandroseshow

•        Knight and Rose Show: https://knightandrose.podbean.com/

•        Islam Foundations course: https://womeninapologetics.com/islam-foundations-course/

Books Laura Recommends:

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 “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 

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Can science and faith truly coexist? In this compelling episode of eXskeptic, Dr. Michael Guillen—Harvard physicist, former ABC News science editor, bestselling author, and once-devout atheist—shares his unexpected journey from scientific certainty to Christian faith. With three PhDs in physics, mathematics, and astronomy from Cornell, Dr. Guillen lived and breathed science, dismissing religion as irrelevant and unscientific.

But when science couldn't answer his most profound questions—like "Why is there something rather than nothing?"—his lifelong assumptions began to unravel. 

Guest Bio:

Dr. Michael Guillen is a physicist, a bestselling author, and a former Emmy-winning science correspondent for ABC News. Holding a rare 3D PhD from Cornell University in physics, mathematics, and astronomy, Dr. Guillen has taught at Harvard University and served as the science editor for ABC News, appearing regularly on Good Morning America, 20/20, and Nightline. Now an internationally respected speaker and writer, Dr. Guillen is the author of several acclaimed books, including Can a Smart Person Believe in God? and Believing is Seeing. He speaks globally on the relationship between faith, science, and reason, advocating for intellectual honesty and the courage to ask life’s biggest questions.

Resources:

 Books by Michael Guillen:

Website: https://michaelguillen.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michaelguillenphd/?hl=en

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/michaelguillenphd

Twitter: https://x.com/drmguillen

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Dr. John Taylor, a former atheist, once ardently dismissed the very concept of God, fearing it would cost him his autonomy. Growing up, John was exposed to the traditions of the Methodist church but found himself increasingly at odds with its teachings. As a teenager, he embraced atheism, fueled by skepticism towards religion and a belief that Christianity lacked intellectual rigor. He relished debates with Christians, eager to challenge and dismantle their faith. However, his life took an unexpected turn.

Guest Bio:

John Taylor is a dedicated professor of New Testament at Gateway Seminary in California, positioned just east of Los Angeles. With an eight-year tenure, he leads the Department of Biblical Studies, focusing his efforts on preparing future ministers, missionaries, and Christian academics. Passionate about imparting his knowledge, John primarily teaches courses on theology unique to Pauline letters, aiming to inspire and equip his students to effectively carry out their ministries. Through his work, he actively seeks to multiply the wisdom and insights he has accumulated over the years, contributing to the growth and enrichment of the Christian community.

Resources Mentioned:

Fuller Theological Seminary

Fuller Theological Seminary and the University of Cambridge

Gateway Seminary Website: https://www.gs.edu/academics/faculty-directory/member/1356019/

Dr. Taylor’s blogs: https://thegateway.press/author/johntaylor/

Academic Profile: https://gs.academia.edu/JohnTaylor

Francis Schaeffer: “He is There and He is not Silent”

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After transitioning from cultural Christianity to agnosticism, author Rod Dreher experienced profound encounters with the divine that reshaped his spiritual journey. In this episode, Rod shares pivotal moments that reignited his sense of wonder and enchantment, despite facing disillusionment and crises within the church. His quest for spiritual depth led him down unexpected paths, ultimately deepening his awe and connection with God.

Guest Bio:

Rod Dreher is an American author, journalist, and commentator known for his insights into culture, religion, and politics. He has written extensively for top publications like The American Conservative and National Review and is the author of several influential books, including Crunchy Cons, The Benedict Option, and Live Not by Lies. Beyond his books, Dreher has maintained a strong presence as a columnist and blogger, engaging in public discourse on a range of issues from religious freedom to cultural identity. His work continues to influence readers and thinkers interested in the intersection of faith and modern culture.

Resources Mentioned:

“The Benedict Option” by Rod Dreher

“Live Not By Lies” by Rod Dreher

“Living in Wonder” by Rod Dreher

Soren Kierkegaard Philosopher and Theologian

Social Media:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/roddreher/?hl=en  

Twitter: https://x.com/roddreher  

Website: https://roddreher.substack.com

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Raised in a politically charged, largely non-religious household in Kentucky, Bill found himself embracing atheism through his teenage years, driven by hedonistic pursuits and a disdain for religious beliefs. His life appeared to follow a promising path in political activism until it spiraled into drug addiction and legal troubles, culminating in a transformative 17-day stint in jail.

Guest Bio:

Bill Scott serves with dedication at Ratio Christi, based at Houston Christian University. In his capacity as the Assistant Director of Ratio Christi International, Bill leverages his expertise to engage with diverse global communities. His role encompasses initiating and supporting ministry projects worldwide, fostering a robust dialogue around apologetics across different cultures. Bill’s international outreach and commitment to promoting apologetics underscore his professional mission, making his work both impactful and fulfilling.

Resources Mentioned:

“The God Delusion” by Richard Dawkins

“The Case for Christ” by Lee Strobel

“Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus” by Nabeel Qureshi

Bart Ehrman New Testament Scholar

Apologists:

JP Moreland

William Lane Craig

Lee Strobel

Nabeel Qureshi

Francis Schaeffer

2 Corinthians 5:17

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In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Larry Sanger, co-founder of Wikipedia, esteemed philosopher, and passionate advocate for truth-seeking. Raised in a religious environment, Larry’s journey evolved from childhood faith to agnosticism, fueled by his dedication to reason, evidence, and philosophical exploration. 

Through rigorous philosophical study, a deep engagement with the Bible, and profound personal experiences, Larry's skepticism was challenged and reshaped, leading him to a deeper reflection on life's existential questions.

Guest Bio:  

Larry Sanger is an analytical philosopher, internet project developer, and co-founder of Wikipedia. He holds a Ph.D. in philosophy from Ohio State University and has been involved in multiple knowledge-based initiatives, including Nupedia, Citizendium, and Everipedia. Sanger has been a strong advocate for internet freedom, online credibility, and decentralized knowledge platforms. His work continues to shape discussions on the role of expertise and trust in digital information.

Resources Mentioned:

Website:  www.larrysanger.org

https://encyclosphere.org

Larry’s Recommended Resources:

The Case for Christ, Lee Strobel

Mere Christianity, C.S. Lewis

 www.talkaboutdoubts.com 

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Dr. Bobby Conway shares with us as he talks about his tumultuous path, describing his former lifestyle marked by addiction, self-doubt, and relentless questions about existence and morality. Despite being academically inclined and climbing the ladder of theological education, he faced severe waves of skepticism that brought him to the brink of despair and even suicidal ideation.

Tune in as we hear Dr. Conway’s story from a life steeped in hedonism and skepticism to becoming a deeply committed Christian.

Guest Bio:  

Dr. Bobby Conway is the lead pastor of Image Church in Charlotte, North Carolina, and the founder of the YouTube ministry "Christianity Still Makes Sense." He holds a Master of Theology from Dallas Theological Seminary, a Doctor of Ministry in Apologetics from Southern Evangelical Seminary, and a PhD in Philosophy of Religion from the University of Birmingham in England. Dr. Conway has authored several books, including Does Christianity Still Make Sense? and Doubting Toward Faith. He also co-hosts the nationally syndicated radio show "Pastor’s Perspective," addressing listeners' questions about God and the Bible.

Resources Mentioned:

Radio Show: Pastors Perspective with Brian Broderson

Christianity Still Makes Sense (Podcast and YouTube channel by Dr. Bobby Conway)

Image Church https://www.imagechurch.live/

Books:

"Does Christianity Still Make Sense?" by Dr. Bobby Conway

“Doubting Towards Faith” by Dr. Bobby Conway

“Mere Christianity” by C.S. Lewis

“Shattered Dreams” by Larry Crabb

“Resurrection Refutations” by Gary Habermas

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Dr. Michael Houts is an esteemed scientist with a rich background in mechanical and nuclear engineering and advanced propulsion systems for space exploration. Dr. Houts shares his journey of growing up outside the church with a strong belief in science, questioning the limitations of naturalistic explanations, and ultimately finding belief in God through a thorough investigation of the Bible.

Guest Bio:

Michael Houts is a dedicated scientist whose journey began with a passion for science and engineering. He earned bachelor’s degrees in mechanical and nuclear engineering from the University of Florida and a PhD in nuclear engineering from MIT. He spent 11 years at Los Alamos National Laboratory, where he held key roles including team leader for criticality reactor and radiation physics.

Now, Michael is a nuclear research manager at the Marshall Space Flight Center, working on advanced propulsion systems to boost space exploration.

Resources Mentioned:

Apologetics Press: https://apologeticspress.org/

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