Episode Transcript
[00:00:00] Foreign Hi, friends. I'm Jana Harmon, host of the Ex Skeptic Podcast. And today marks a really special milestone.
[00:00:12] It's been five years since we first launched this podcast, originally known as side B Stories. When we released our very first episode back in October of 2020, I don't think any of us could have imagined the journey this would become.
[00:00:26] The incredible stories we would hear, the people we would meet, the community that would form around the simple but profound idea that people can and do change their minds about God.
[00:00:38] From the early conversations to our rebrand last year, our mission has remained the same. To explore the journey of skeptics and atheists who become believers in Jesus Christ, to understand what drew them away, what caused them to become open to the possibility of God, what ultimately brought them to belief, and to listen to their wisdom and advice for those who are on a similar journey.
[00:01:03] Over these five years, we've been privileged to share more than 130 stories of former skeptics, agnostics and seekers from around the world.
[00:01:12] Scientists, artists, writers, philosophers, engineers, and everyday people, each with their own reasons for disbelief, their own deeply personal encounter with truth, goodness, and beauty, and the God who pursued them.
[00:01:26] To those of you who have listened week after week, shared these episodes, written notes of encouragement, or even told us how these stories have touched your life.
[00:01:35] Thank you.
[00:01:36] You're the reason we do what we do.
[00:01:39] Every download, every comment, every story shared reminds us that this podcast matters, that people are still asking big questions, still searching for meaning, and still open to the truth.
[00:01:52] I want to take a moment to express deep gratitude to the C.S. lewis Institute, who believed in and partnered with this project from the beginning. Their vision to help others love God with both heart and mind has shaped everything that we do.
[00:02:06] And to our wonderful producer, Ashley Kelfer, I truly couldn't imagine doing this without you. From the very first episode, you've helped craft these stories with excellence, empathy, and creativity.
[00:02:19] And to all who've been part of this endeavor, our guests who have bravely shared their their stories and journeys, and our small but mighty team behind the scenes, as well as our excellent podcast production team at the podcast upload, thank you.
[00:02:34] The Lord has been faithful through every season, every challenge, every moment of doubt and inspiration.
[00:02:42] As we step into this next chapter, we're more excited than ever. The world is full of people asking the same questions we all wrestle with. Is God real? Is he good? Can I trust him? Is there more to life than this?
[00:02:56] And our hope is that through these unlikely stories of belief, people everywhere will see that the Christian story makes the best sense of reality and offers the deepest hope for the human heart.
[00:03:10] So from me, from Ashley, and from all of us at X Skeptic, thank you for being a part of this incredible five year journey. We're looking forward to what's ahead and to many more stories of doubt, discovery and faith to come.
[00:03:25] So thanks again for listening to our unlikely stories of belief. I hope they've been encouraging and and insightful for you, as they have been for us. We celebrate this milestone together with you, our wonderful listeners. Ever grateful to you and for you.
