The AC Podcast

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.