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The AC Podcast

Apologetics Canadaapologeticscanada.com
The Apologetics Canada Podcast helps churches understand and speak the language of our culture and address questions being asked with intellectual honesty, gentleness and respect. Hosted by Troy Lydiate
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Episodes

They're Building Designer Babies?

In this week’s edition of the AC Podcast, we use the Nucleus Embryo program as a springboard for a deep dive into some of the most pressing ethical questions of our time. We unpack how technologies like IVF interlock with our view towards enhancing humanity, and whether this is a modern day form of eugenics. What does genetic “optimization” imply? Is there anything wrong with using technology to enhance human life? What are the promises and perils of human enhancement? Join us as we wrestle with...

Jul 11, 20251 hr 6 minEp. 557

The Problem with Progress

In a culture obsessed with hustle, achievement, and endless self-improvement, it’s easy to get caught in the exhausting pursuit of keeping up with the Joneses . But is this really the path to peace and meaning? In this episode, Andy, Steve, and Ben discuss "The Problem with Progress"—how the modern world defines our worth by what we do, what we build, or what we become. In contrast, the biblical worldview begins not with striving, but with surrender. Jesus' words on the cross— " It is finished"—...

Jul 04, 202553 minEp. 556

Why Would I Love My Enemy?

What does it really mean for Christian to love their enemies in a world full of division and conflict? This week, Andy sits down with Lindsay and Ben to unpack Jesus' radical command to love not just God, but those we'd rather avoid, oppose, or even hate!Can we show compassion to people we disagree with? How do we love our enemies without becoming a doormat? Whether you're wrestling with forgiveness, frustrated by cultural tensions, or just curious about what biblical love looks like today, this...

Jun 27, 202546 minEp. 555

Has A.I. Become an Idol?

"Hey Grok, has A.I. become an idol?" This week on the AC Podcast, Andy, Wes, and Troy dive into that very question. With OpenAI enabling the creation of everything from muppets to talking babies and yeti vlogs, it’s easy to marvel at the creative possibilities a few prompts can unlock. But in our awe, have we placed too much hope in A.I.? While A.I. may be the wave of the future, the team unpacks what might happen when the initial wave of intrigue inevitably crashes—and what it could leave behin...

Jun 20, 202549 min

Are You Evangelizing Wrong?: With Andy Bannister

Have you ever panicked talking about Jesus with a non-believer? You're not alone - and it doesn't have to be that way! In this episode, Andy interviews Andy Bannister, Christian apologist and author of " How to Talk About Jesus Without Looking Like an Idiot" . They dive into how to have confident, respectful conversations about faith with skeptics - without the panic. If you've ever stumbled over your words or worried about sounding awkward, this conversation is here to equip and encourage....

Jun 13, 20251 hr 5 min

Room for Good Things to Run Wild: With Josh Nadeau

On this week's episode of the AC Podcast, Troy and Wes sit down with artist and author Josh Nadeau of "Sword and Pencil." Josh’s latest book, Room for Good Things to Run Wild: How Ordinary People Become Everyday Saints, tells a story of heartbreak, addiction, beauty, redemption, and the pursuit of holiness. Tune in as Josh unpacks how the goodness and grace of God are everything we need for life and godliness.

Jun 06, 202552 min

Christians, Captives and Cappadocia: Learning from our Past

In this episode, Andy and Wes journey to the windswept valleys of Cappadocia, a land carved by time and witness to the resilience of early Christians. They discuss the trials faced by the early Church and how their endurance speaks into the persecution of believers today. What is persecution? Do we throw that word around too casually? Join Andy and Wes as they reflect on how the light of the persecuted church illuminates our spiritual journey today.

May 30, 202551 min

Why I Am No Longer Muslim

This week Wes and Andy are in Turkey with Christian Nurullah, their local guide and host of the YouTube channel, A Christian in Turkey . Nurullah shares part of his powerful journey from being a devout follower of Islam to becoming a committed Christian. He opens up about the misconceptions he had about Christianity, the deep personal cost of his conversion, and the daily challenges of living as an outspoken Christian in a predominantly Muslim culture.

May 23, 202542 min

The Birth of Fascism and the Death of Rome

Today, millions flock to Rome for the picturesque selfie at the Colosseum or a perfect espresso beside a fountain—rarely pausing to consider the brutal empires that built these marvels or the human suffering behind their construction. In this episode of the AC Podcast, Ben, Wes, and Andy paused filming in Trento, Italy to explore the remnants of fascism, reflect on the legacy of the Roman Empire, and explore how Christianity radically transformed one of the greatest empires the world has ever kn...

May 16, 202537 min

Carpool Apologetics: Uncovering Pompeii

This week Wes, Andy and Ben are on the road filming new episodes of the "Can I Trust the Bible?" series. While traveling they had the opportunity to visit the ancient ruins of Pompeii and Herculaneum. Join the guys on their road trip podcast as they discuss the importance and challenges of uncovering history and its apologetic implications.

May 09, 202544 min

Europe's Culture War: Interview with Sebastian Vaduva

The culture wars that now grip North America are nothing new to Europe. In many ways, Europe is rebuilding from the ashes of multiple culture wars that have taken their toll on the church. This week on the AC Podcast, Andy Steiger sits down with Sebastian Vaduva, professor, entrepreneur, and consultant specializing in ethics, entrepreneurship, and technology, who grew up in Romania during the fall of the communist party, Sebastian knows first-hand Europe’s failures and the difficulty in rebuildi...

May 02, 202536 min

Protestantism, Catholicism, and the Death of Pope Francis

In this episode, Andy, Wes, and Ben find themselves in Rome filming new episodes of Can I Trust the Bible?—just as the world reacts to the passing of Pope Francis. While visiting the Vatican during this historic moment, the trio reflects on the shared roots of Protestantism and Catholicism, and explore what the future might hold as the College of Cardinals prepares to elect a new Pope.

Apr 25, 202527 min

Did Jesus Descend into Hell?

In this episode, Troy, Ben, Steve, and Andy unpack the question of where Jesus went after His death. Did He descend to Sheol? Hades? Hell? And why does it matter? Through the lens of passages like 1 Peter 3, they explore the theology of the afterlife, the purpose of Christ’s suffering, and the hope His resurrection brings. This is a deep dive into the tension between death and victory — and what it means for us today.

Apr 18, 202557 min

Wikipedia Co-Founder, Larry Sanger, Searches and Finds Christ

Larry Sanger, co-founder of Wikipedia, joins us to share how a deep dive into philosophy, literature, and the Bible led him from agnosticism to a surprising embrace of the Christian faith. In a world drowning in information, Larry unpacks his journey toward truth, the role of skepticism, and why preserving great books still matters. Plus, he gives us a glimpse into his latest projects—including a book on the existence of God.

Apr 11, 202550 min

Is Parenting Really “Hell”?

"All of my friends who have kids are in hell!" That’s what pop artist Chappell Roan recently claimed in an interview—but is raising a family really a path to misery? In a world that often prioritizes personal autonomy over community and connection, is parenting still worth it? This week on the AC Podcast, Andy, Troy, Ben, and Lindsay dive into the challenges and joys of raising children in an individualistic age. Join the conversation as we explore what makes parenting meaningful—and why it migh...

Apr 04, 202556 min

Better Together: A Theology of Friendship

Friendship is more than just companionship—it’s a God-given gift designed to shape, challenge, and encourage us in our faith. In this episode, Steve Kim and Troy explore the theology of friendship, looking at biblical examples like David and Jonathan, Ruth and Naomi, and Jesus and His disciples. What makes a friendship truly biblical? How can we cultivate deep, Christ-centered relationships in a world of surface-level connections?

Mar 28, 202544 min

Platforming the Gospel Without Being an Expert: With Ruslan KD

Live from the Apologetics Canada Conference: Theology of Technology, Andy Steiger sits down with Ruslan, a content creator who amplifies expert voices while navigating the tension of not being the expert himself. They explore the power of humility, collaboration, and trust in building meaningful content that uplifts others and glorifies God. Whether you're a creator, leader, or passionate about sharing truth, this episode will equip you to steward your platform well.

Mar 21, 202543 min

Recapping our Sold Out Conference

The Apologetics Canada Conference: Theology of Technology was a sold-out success! In this episode of AC Podcast, the Quad—Andy, Steve, Wes, and Troy—sit down to recap the highs, the surprises, and the unforgettable moments from our 13th annual conference. From unpredictable situations to powerful takeaways, we reflect on what made this year’s event so special.

Mar 14, 202549 min

Is Atheism Dead? Interview with Dr. Frank Turek

Dr. Frank Turek, founder and president of CrossExamined.org, has faithfully served in apologetics for over 30 years. While speaking across the US and Canada, he has seen a lot and gained a wealth of experiences. On this week’s episode of the AC podcast, Andy and Frank discuss how culture is currently shifting, presenting new obstacles and opportunities.

Mar 07, 202543 min

Greatest Biblical Discovery in 70 Years

The AC team got exclusive after-hours access at the Museum of the Bible—standing in front of the Megiddo Mosaic, one of the most groundbreaking archaeological finds since the Dead Sea Scrolls! Why is this discovery so significant? And what does it mean for biblical history? Join Wes, Andy, and our new Maritimes Director Ben Macdonald as they unpack this incredible find in our latest podcast episode!

Feb 28, 202547 min

Allie Beth Stuckey: Jesus and Politics

Allie Beth Stuckey is an American conservative commentator that hosts the Relatable podcast. More than a public figure, Allie is a wife, mother, and follower of Jesus. On this episode of the AC Podcast she joins Andy Steiger and Wes Huff to discuss her journey through an identity crisis to committed follower of Jesus and how it ignited a passion for politics.

Feb 21, 202544 min

Does the Bible Endorse Slavery?

"Does the Bible Endorse Slavery?!" Although Christianity played a pivotal role in the abolition of slavery, we do find slavery in the Bible and examples of theologians who owned slaves. So how do we make sense of this? This is a question the AC team has received for years. Join Troy, Andy, and Wes as they unpack this complex and often misunderstood topic through examining Scripture and the character of God.

Feb 14, 202550 min

Russell Brand: Why I Came to Faith

Hollywood has long been home to generations of stars who have shaped the entertainment industry—from sitcoms to cult classics, comedy to controversy. But at the heart of it all are individuals in need of Jesus. This week on the AC Podcast, Wes and Andy sit down with actor, comedian, and online personality Russell Brand. Once captivated by the power of celebrity, Brand now seeks to “switch brands,” sharing his newfound faith in Jesus Christ. He opens up about how the truth of the gospel has disma...

Feb 07, 20251 hr 1 min

Examining the Cult of Leadership

We want a king! We want a king!"—a cry from 1 Samuel that has found a new voice in the modern era. "We want a leader!" shouts the culture, as it seeks to elevate individuals in both Christian and secular spaces, hoping they will lead the way to their proverbial "promised lands." With the pursuit of salvation and success dangling before us, how can believers discern whether they are called to follow or to lead? And is one truly better than the other? This week, Troy, Andy, and Steve dive into wha...

Jan 31, 202556 min

Responding to Your Questions

On this week's episode of the AC Podcast, we answer your questions from our recent social media post query. Given the influx of new engagement with our content, the Quad decided it would be fitting to do our best to answer some apologetic related questions. So prepare yourself for rapid fire answers on your most pressing questions.

Jan 24, 20251 hr 11 min

Happy Lies: With Melissa Dougherty

Have you ever wondered how we ended up in a world where personal feelings could become the authority for reality? Or why so many of us are on a relentless pursuit for happiness yet somehow feel more exhausted and sadder than ever? You're not alone. On this week’s podcast Wes sat down with author, YouTuber, and ex- New Thoughter , Melissa Dougherty, about her upcoming book Happy Lies: How a movement you (probably) never heard of shaped our self-obsessed world.

Jan 17, 202547 min

Wes Shares Experience on Joe Rogan

On December 30th, 2024 the unthinkable happened, Joe Rogan had Wes Huff on his podcast! With much anticipation, the podcast was finally released on Jan 7th. Join Wes, Andy, and Steve on this week's episode of the AC podcast as they discuss the Joe Rogan Experience.

Jan 09, 202544 min

Faith Amplified: How STREETLIGHTS Bible App is Transforming Bible Engagement

Start the new year differently. Many believers resolve to read the Bible more but find it daunting, especially if they’re not natural readers. This challenge inspired Esteban Shed, co-founder of STREETLIGHTS Bible, to combine a love for Jesus and hip-hop into a groundbreaking audio Bible. What began in a basement with a CD player is now a multilingual project transforming how people engage with God’s Word.

Jan 03, 202552 min

End the Stalemate w/ Tim Muehlhoff

Many people agree that our culture is getting more and more polarized. So much so, in fact, we often don’t even get to the point of disagreeing with someone else. We write one another off and refuse even to hold a conversation. In this kind of cultural climate, what can we do to prevent, or even remedy this stalemate? Steve sat down with Dr. Tim Muehlhoff of the Winsome Convictions project to discuss the latest book he co-wrote with his colleague, Dr. Sean McDowell.

Dec 27, 20241 hr 1 min

Why Do We Need Baby Jesus?: The Incarnation

As we prepare for Christmas, the team at AC sat down to discuss the significance of the incarnation. Why is Jesus’ birth so important and worth celebrating? Christian doctrine has always held that Jesus’ birth is of incredible theological importance. Baby Jesus sets the stage for not only his life and death but how we are to understand the very nature of who God is and who we are in light of that. In this week's episode of the AC Podcast, The Quad explores the importance of Jesus' infancy and wh...

Dec 20, 202436 min
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