Former atheist Dave Rankin's difficult life experiences proved to him that God could not exist. Through his years of atheism, other surprising experiences awakened him to the possibility of something more than his atheism could explain. Episode Notes: Book(2012): 39 Years in the Wilderness, an Atheist Walk With God (available on Amazon Kindle)…

You might know that Geordie Rogers was elected to represent the Pukehīnau/Lambton ward during the February 2024 Wellington City Council by-election. But you might not know much about Geordie and his background. In this episode, Laura and Victoria ask Geordie about the close election campaign, and explore his background, interests, and first impress…

As a Christian, Adam Terry experienced an intellectual crisis of faith. His doubts and questions prompted an investigation to determine whether his beliefs were true. His journey through skepticism led him back to a more robust faith. Episode Notes: Adam's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@curiouschristianity Adam's X (Twitter) account: @Cu…

From a secular Jewish home, scientific scholar and former skeptic Dr. James Tour encountered the love and reality of Jesus, and his life was immediately changed. Dr. James Tour's Resources: website: jmtour.com email: tour@drjamestour.org YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DrJamesTour Resources/authors recommended by Dr. Tour: The Gospel Passion of C…

Former atheist Al Gascon rejected God in light of his life struggles. His study of science further convinced him intellectually of what he felt personally, that God did not exist. Now, Al works as a pastor who spends his life helping others know that God is real. Resources mentioned by Al: Website: www.ccvbak.com…

Multi-disciplinary artists Biddy and James open their home and garden each year as part of Newtown Open Studios. They talk to Sadie and Trish about the art they create both separately and together in what they describe as a cross-pollination, and about the home they've created, which is a landmark in Newtown, Te Whanganui a Tara.…

Former atheist Stephen McWhirter rejected God because of Christian hypocrisy and abuse. Looking for comfort, he plunged into drug addiction. After an encounter with Christ, he left his skepticism and addiction behind and spends his life in leading others to Jesus. Stephen's Resources: Website https://worshipjesus.life Tiktok https://www.tiktok.com/…

Liam Back, a deeply entrenched skeptic, had a vendetta against God fueled by personal loss. His quest to “make God pay” led him to an unexpected embrace of the Christian faith. Liam's Resources: Instagram: @standfirm_theology_apologetics Resources & authors recommended by Liam: Various books by Lee Strobel, author On Guard, William Lane Craig I Don…

Have you ever written a song? Our guest Ali Whitton completed a 52 week song writing challenge - writing a new song every week for a whole year! Hear him speak about the challenges, the learnings, the rap song... and hear some of Ali's music performed live. Recorded at Wellington Access Radio 20 Feb 2024. Hosted by Laura Keown and Sadie Coe.Follow …

Former atheist Mark McGee left his childhood Christian faith to search for truth in Eastern world religions, but it eventually led him into atheism. An inquisitive journalist, he investigated the evidence for Christianity and believed. Mark's Resources: Grace Life Blog (Bible Studies) - https://gracelifethoughts.com Faith and Self Defense (Christia…

Former atheist Matthew Sabatine journeyed back and forth between faith and disbelief until he finally landed on a view of reality that best explained the universe and his own life. Matt's Resources: YouTube channel: https://youtube.com/@TCC595 Blog: https://www.thecommoncaveat.com/ Resources Mentioned by Matt Conversations with God by Neale Donald …

Von Side B Stories

Former atheist Chris Adam experienced a difficult, chaotic childhood and was drawn to witchcraft and demonology to gain control over his life. After being introduced to the Bible, he surrendered his control and his life to Jesus. Chris’s Resources https://www.xbible.com To learn more about CSLI Resources and Events, visit www.cslewisinstitute.org T…

Former atheist Renee Leonard Kennedy left the God of her youth behind for what she thought was a more enticing life. After years of atheism, she was surprised to find both intellectual and spiritual reasons to believe. Resources by Renee: Website: https://www.reneeleonardkennedy.com Book: After the Flowers Die - Encouragement for Walking through Li…

Former skeptic Anna Gray Smith questioned her childhood faith and sought other avenues of belief to find identity, meaning, and truth. Her search led her back to a more robust, grounded faith in God. Anna Gray Smith’s Resources: Instagram: @annagraysmithphoto Moral Tea Podcast: Spilling the moral tea on culture, taboo topics, and gray areas. A podc…

Former atheist Jon Wilke had no desire for God and wanted to go his own way. After years of living on his own terms, he became open to the possibility of God, and his life completely changed. Resources Mentioned by Jon Mark Mittleberg, Courageous Faith For more information on CSLI Events and Resources, visit www.cslewisinstitute.org www.sidebstorie…

Former atheist Lee Strobel investigated Christianity in order to disprove it, but surprisingly came to believe it was true based on the evidence. Lee’ Resources: The Lee Strobel Center for Evangelism and Applied Apologetics: www.strobelcenter.com Books: Is God Real? The Case for Christ The Case for Faith The Case for the Creator The Case for Heaven…

Morgan Bach talks writing, rage and Verb 2023 by B-Side StoriesVon B-Side Stories

Side B Stories is celebrating three years of stories and honest conversations with former atheists and skeptics who are now Christians. Listen and celebrate with us! Side B Stories Instagram @sidebstories Side B Stories Facebook www.facebook.com/sidebstories Side B Stories X/Twtter @sidebstories www.sidebstories.com…

Former skeptic Dave Glander grew up in difficult circumstances, pushing him away from God. After years of self-destruction and militant atheism, he challenged God and found himself on the side of belief. (more…)Von Side B Stories

Esther King shares her love for foraging with B Sides, offering some great tips and motivation for the forage-curious!Von B-Side Stories

Philosopher and former atheist Pat Flynn assumed belief in the naturalistic story of reality but eventually found it lacking. Through further investigation, he found the Christian worldview made most sense of the universe and of himself. Pat’s resources: Philosophy for the People website/blog: https://www.philosophyforthepeople.com/ Book: The Best …

Terese McLeod talks about islands, a stream, and views that can't be bought by billionaires by B-Side StoriesVon B-Side Stories

Former skeptic Susan Leonard was a secular humanist and worked as a successful professional on Capitol Hill. She saw no need for faith until she encountered Jesus Christ in a way she couldn’t ignore. Resources/authors recommended by Susan: Dr. Jeff Myers, Understanding the Times Josh McDowell, Sean McDowell, Evidence that Demands a Verdict C.S. Lew…

Part 1Von B-Side Stories

Part 2 of 2Von B-Side Stories

Former atheist Dr. Alister McGrath dismissed Christianity and embraced science as the only way to understand the world until he began to see problems with this limiting view. Once he opened the door to alternative views, he found the biblical worldview provided a more comprehensive and grounded view of the world and of himself. Alister’s website: h…

An incredible new mural runs down the side of the St James Theatre. The art work was created by Tina Rae Carter and Keri-Mei Zagrobelna, and entitled, "Kia whakatōmuri te haere whakamua," a Māori whakataukī which translates as, "walking backwards into the future."The mural features many visual stories weaving in and out including a moko kauae with…

Former skeptic Loren Weisman rejected the Jewish beliefs of his youth to embrace atheism. Although he encountered bad examples of Christianity in his search for truth, he looked past those experiences and found Christ. Loren’s Resources: https://www.lorenweisman.com Resources/authors recommended by Loren: The Case for Christ, Lee Strobel Cold Case …

What's happening with Victoria University's theatre programme? Dr Kerryn Palmer is a freelance director, actor, and teacher of drama for over 25 years. She spoke to Laura about the campaign to Save the Victoria University Theatre department from deep staff cuts that would limit offerings for students and lose the talent of skilled instructors.…

Part two!Local theatre-makers and creative types Cadence Chung, Hazel Perigo-Blackburn, and and Lewis Thomson tell us about bringing a former high school production to the bright lights of BATS TheatreVon B-Side Stories

Part one (with songs!)Local theatre-makers and creative types Cadence Chung, Hazel Perigo-Blackburn, and and Lewis Thomson tell us about bringing a former high school production to the bright lights of BATS TheatreVon B-Side Stories

A Princeton and Oxford graduate, former skeptic Dr. Vince Vitale valued autonomy and pursued high achievement as the greatest good in life. When investigating Christianity, he found it to be worth his ultimate belief, value, and trust. Vince’s Resources: podcast: Unbelievable? https://www.premierunbelievable.com/shows/unbelievable Book: “Non-Identi…

Archeologist, world traveler, and former skeptic Dr. Josephine Thomas once thought all religions were fictional stories until she finally encountered the 'true myth' of historical Christianity. Resources/authors recommended by Josephine: Mere Christianity, C.S. Lewis The Resurrection of the Son of God, N.T. Wright Visit Side B Stories' YouTube Chan…

Laura speaks to Dylan Hutton and Anna Barker - stars of a new theater show about riding bikes in Wellington and having a sibling in your life. Long Ride Home. They tell us the secrets of riding and acting at the same time, and talk about the hustle of making theatre in Wellington.Von B-Side Stories

Laura interviews Ryan O'Connell, the founder of Wellington's centre of e-bike rental and guided tours: Switched on Bikes. The team at Switched on have been e-bike experts for eight years, and offer incredible experiences for visitors to Wellington. They also have e-bike subscriptions for locals, and an e-bike GPS tracking service. Laura and Ryan di…

English gentleman, actor, and former atheist Nigel Goodwin was raised within a Marxist worldview. He saw church as fabricated theatre until he found the real God.Podcast episode notes:Nigel’s Resources: Biography of Nigel Goodwin written by author David Porter – Arts and Minds: The Story of Nigel Goodwin Resources/authors recommended by Nigel: Fran…

Laura Interviews Bailee Lobb, a performance and installation artist who works with colour, soft structures, movement, and spatial interventions to create immersive environments. Bailee uses her art to explore her experience of disability and autism.In this episode she describes her background, and the themes of her latest works, including 'How do y…

Former skeptic Neil Placer was apathetic about the question of God until his own dissatisfaction in life led him to search for something more. Neil's Resources: Podcast: A World in Tension -This podcast explores the universal struggles of life. Externally, we encounter conflict with others. Internally, we engage in a constant debate between our hea…

"The subliminal message is the frequency".Shift Collective make large scale live video projections that incorporate music in a call-and-response approach, to tell stories about life in Aotearoa New Zealand. They are collaborating with musician Ceramic (Tom Heynes) at Te Ramaroa light festival.Shift Collective members Adrian McCleland and Johanna Sa…

Former atheist Stefani Ruper was intellectually convinced of secular atheism, but found that it lacked substantive answers for her life. More than 13 years of scholarly pursuit of truth led her to choose belief in God. Stefani's Resources: Youtube Channel: http://youtube.com/stefaniruperInstagram: http://instagram.com/stefani.ruperWebsite: http://s…

Women's football in Wellington with Hannah Wignall by B-Side StoriesVon B-Side Stories

Negative life experiences caused former atheist Matt Bagwell to reject God and Christianity. Change in life circumstances allowed him to find an authentic kind of belief in God that he didn't think possible. YouTube: @marksofmanhood matt.d.bagwell@gmail.com Atheists Finding God book Rowman.com/Lexington Promo Code: LXFANDF30 Women in Apologetics ht…

'You feel it bite your skin' Tūī speaking about indigenous art and contemporary danceVon B-Side Stories

Wellycon is the largest boardgame convention in Aotearoa New Zealand and, on King's birthday weekend 2023, 1,400 or more keen players are expected to join in at Wellington's Tākina convention centre.Sadie Coe talked to Ceedee Doyle and Adrianne Pollock about some of the huge number of exciting activities taking place over the two days of Wellycon: …

Former skeptic Joshua Rasmussen left Christianity to pursue truth through reason and philosophy. Over time, his intellectual pursuit led him back to a strong belief in God. Joshua's Resources: Defending the Correspondence Theory of Truth, 2014 Necessary Existence, 2015 How Reason Can Lead to God, 2019 Is God the Best Explanation of Things, 2019 For…

Emily Wikingi tells Perrine about her experience getting ready for and performing kapa haka at Te Matatini 2023.'He toi whakairo, he mana tangata'Where there is artistic excellence, there is human dignity~ Piri Sciascia, founder of kapa hapa group Tamatea ArikinuiVon B-Side Stories

"The hardest platform you can ever perform on is the street". King Homeboy is a legend in the Wellington busking scene and an internationally acclaimed beatboxer and musician. The six time national beatboxing champ, and world record holder for the longest continuous beatbox (34 hours!) talks to Perrine Gilkison and Sadie Coe about his "wild, amazin…

Former skeptic Chris Waghorn left his belief in the Christian God behind to embrace an Eastern, universal view of god. After several years, he rediscovered the Christian God as the One who is both truth and real. Chris's Resources: Twitter: @CJMindBody The Bible League Australia: https://bl.org.au Resources/authors recommended by Chris for further …

Former atheist Mason Jones thought Christian belief was an overly simplistic view of life and reality until he began to recognize its depth and complexity, its ability to better explain reality. Mason's Campus Outreach Page: https://cocentralil.org/mason-jones Atheists Finding God book promo code LXFANDF30 valid at https://Rowman.com/Lexington Epis…