PODCAST · religion
The Deconstructionists
by John Williamson
A podcast about building new faith. Its all about construction, but sometimes that means you have to deconstruct a little. Questions, exploration, mystery...
Episodes
-
Ep 249 - Angela Harger Thompson - "Worst T*ts Ever" part 2
Angela Harger Thompson — “Worst T*ts Ever,” Part 2 We return for the concluding half of our conversation with Angela Harger Thompson, actor, filmmaker, and author of Worst Tits Ever. Across this two-part interview, Angela’s story invites us to consider how trauma and controlling relationships can...
-
Ep 249 - Angela Harger Thompson - "Worst T*ts Ever" Part 2
Angela Harger Thompson — “Worst T*ts Ever,” Part 2 We return for the concluding half of our conversation with Angela Harger Thompson, actor, filmmaker, and author of Worst Tits Ever. Across this two-part interview, Angela’s story invites us to consider how trauma and controlling relationships can...
-
Ep. 248 - Angela Thompson "Worst T*ts Ever" pt. 1
Angela Harger Thompson — “Worst T*ts Ever,” Part 1 Actor, filmmaker, and author Angela Harger Thompson joins The Deconstructionists for the first half of a candid conversation about her memoir, Worst Tits Ever, and the experiences that changed her life. Angela shares her story of surviving sexual...
-
Ep. 247 - Dr. Janet Kellogg Ray "Fish With Feet: Human Evolution and the Image of God" pt. 2
In Part Two of our conversation with Dr. Janet Kellogg, we explore the growing loss of trust in medicine and science—and what happens when that distrust opens the door to misinformation. From unsupported claims connecting Tylenol to autism to the broader consequences of rejecting medical…
more -
Ep. 246 - Dr. Janet Kellogg Ray "Fish With Feet: Human Evolution and the Image of God" pt. 1
What if accepting evolution didn’t require abandoning faith? Dr. Janet Kellogg Ray returns to The Deconstructionists to talk about her new book, Fish with Feet: Human Evolution and the Image of God. Janet is a science educator, author, and Jesus follower who was herself raised within creationism....
-
What Comes Next: The Future of The Deconstructionists
After more than ten years of conversations about faith, doubt, theology, identity, and the questions that reshape us, The Deconstructionists is entering its final chapter. In this special update, John reflects on how the show began, the philosophy that guided it, what has changed in the...
-
Ep. 245 - Rev. Sally Miller "The Modern Chaplain" pt. 2
What does it really mean to be present with another person? In Part Two of John's conversation with Rev. Sally Pelinka Miller, the discussion moves beyond defining modern chaplaincy and into the heart of spiritual care itself. Rather than offering easy answers or trying to fix people's pain,...
-
Ep. 244 - Rev. Sally Miller "The Modern Chaplain" pt. 1
What comes to mind when you hear the word "chaplain"? For many of us, it's an older Christian minister carrying a Bible into a hospital room to pray with patients. But what if that image no longer reflects the reality of modern spiritual care? In Part One of this conversation, John sits down with...
-
Ep. 243 - Jacob & Esau: The Misunderstood Brothers
What if one of the Bible's most famous stories isn't really about a hero and a villain? For centuries, many of us have been taught to read the story of Jacob and Esau through a familiar lens: Jacob, despite his flaws, is God's chosen son, while Esau becomes little more than the cautionary tale of...
-
Ep. 242 - Shelby Forsythia "Grief, Healing, and the Stories We Carry" (Part 2)
In Part 2 of our conversation with grief coach, author, and podcaster Shelby Forsythia, we dive deeper into her brand-new book, Of Course I'm Here Right Now. Most of us want to help when someone we love is grieving. The problem is that we've never been taught how. Instead, we fall back on…
more -
Ep. 241 - Shelby Forsythia "Grief, Healing, and the Stories We Carry" (Part 1)
What happens when grief changes not just your life… but your identity? In part one of this conversation, John sits down with author, grief guide, and speaker Shelby Forsythia to discuss her new book and the complicated, deeply human realities of loss, healing, and personal transformation.…
more -
Ep. 240 - Dualism — The Battle Between Spirit and Matter
What if one of the most influential ideas in modern Christianity… didn’t actually come from Jesus? In this episode of The Deconstructionists Podcast, we explore the history and impact of dualism — the ancient belief that spirit is good while matter, bodies, and the physical world are somehow...
-
Ep. 239 - Dr. Bart Ehrman "Love Thy Stranger" pt. 2
In Part 2 of our conversation, Bart Ehrman returns to discuss his latest book, Love Thy Stranger, and the lasting impact Jesus’ teachings had on moral thought in the Western world. We continue exploring how ideas surrounding compassion, forgiveness, charity, and care for outsiders emerged within...
-
Ep. 238 - Dr. Bart Ehrman "Love Thy Stranger" pt. 1
Dr. Bart Ehrman – Love Thy Stranger: How the Teachings of Jesus Transformed the Moral Conscience of the West (Part 1) In Part 1 of our conversation with renowned New Testament scholar and historian Dr. Bart Ehrman, we dive into his latest book, "Love Thy Stranger: How the Teachings of Jesus...
-
Ep. 237 - Lillian Daniels "Failure, Accountability & the Future of the Church" pt. 2
In Part 2 of our conversation with Lillian Daniel, we move deeper into the tensions at the heart of her story—and the bigger questions it raises for the modern church. If Part 1 explored what happened, this episode asks what it means. We talk about accountability, institutional systems, and…
more -
Ep. 236 - Lillian Daniel "Defrocked: Good News from a Bad Pastor for a Better Church" pt. 1
📝 Episode Summary Drawing from her new book, Defrocked: Good News from a Bad Pastor for a Better Church, Lillian shares her journey through ministry, the unexpected challenges she encountered, and the moments that forced her to rethink long-held assumptions about leadership, faith, and…
more -
Ep. 235 - Dr. Cristy Carr "Reclaiming the Forgotten Self" pt. 2
What happens when the version of you that survived… isn’t the version of you that’s whole? In Part 2 of our conversation with Dr. Cristy Carr, we move deeper—beyond awareness and into the work of healing. Together, we explore what it looks like to reconnect with the parts of ourselves that were...
-
Ep. 234 - Dr. Cristy Carr "The Forgotten Self" pt. 1
🧭 Episode Summary Who were you… before you were told who to be? For many of us—especially those shaped by religious systems—identity isn’t something we discovered. It’s something we inherited. Beliefs. Roles. Expectations. All layered over time until the line between who we are and who we were...
-
Ep. 233 - Violence and the Bible
Episode: Violence and the Bible – What Do We Do With It? 🧭 Episode Summary Violence is everywhere in the Bible—and for many, it’s one of the most difficult aspects of scripture to reconcile with the idea of a loving God. In this episode, John explores one of the most pressing and personal...
-
Ep. 232 - Dr. Michelle Keener "Comfort in the Ashes" pt. 2
The Deconstructionists Podcast Guest: Dr. Michelle Keener In Part 2 of our conversation with Dr. Michelle Keener, we go deeper into the themes of her book, Comfort in the Ashes: Explorations in the Book of Job to Support Trauma Survivors, and what it means to engage scripture after certainty has...
-
Ep. 231 - Dr. Michelle Keener "Comfort in the Ashes" pt. 1
In this first part of our conversation, we’re joined by Dr. Michelle Keener, author of Comfort in the Ashes: Explorations in the Book of Job to Support Trauma Survivors. The Book of Job is often cited in conversations about suffering—but just as often, it’s been used to minimize pain, rush people...
-
Ep. 230 - John Dominic Crossan & Michael Okinczyc-Cruz "Jesus and Justice" pt. 2
In Part Two of our conversation with John Dominic Crossan and Michael Okinczyc-Cruz, we move from historical foundations to present-day consequences. Once Jesus is understood within the realities of Roman imperial power, the implications become unavoidable — especially in a moment when…
more -
Ep. 229 - John Dominic Crossan & Michael Okinczyc-Cruz "Jesus and Justice" pt. 1
In this episode of The Deconstructionists Podcast, we’re joined by John Dominic Crossan and Michael Okinczyc-Cruz for the first part of a wide-ranging conversation about Jesus, empire, and why historical context matters now more than ever. As religion, power, and nationalism continue to collide…
more -
Ep. 228 - Valentyn Syniy - "God Under Siege: How War Transformed a Ukrainian Community" pt. 2
In this deeply moving conversation, John sits down for part two with Valentyn Syniy, a Ukrainian pastor, theologian, and author whose life and ministry have been profoundly shaped by the reality of war. This interview was recorded under extraordinary circumstances. Scheduling had to account for…
more -
Ep. 227 - Valentyn Syniy - "God Under Siege: How War Transformed a Ukrainian Community" pt. 1
In this deeply moving conversation, John sits down with Valentyn Syniy, a Ukrainian pastor, theologian, and author whose life and ministry have been profoundly shaped by the reality of war. For many of us—especially those who have never served or lived in a war-torn region—war can feel abstract....
-
Ep. 226 - Immigration "Process, Not Performance" pt. 3
This episode dismantles the most persistent myths surrounding immigration and replaces them with how the system actually works. We walk through immigration policy historically and in real time—naming the racial roots of U.S. immigration law, explaining why “just do it legally” is not a serious...
-
Ep. 225 - Immigration "When Power Asks for Blessing" pt. 2
This episode steps back and asks a harder question: What has the church done in moments like this before—and what does faithfulness actually require now? We begin with church history, tracing how Christians have repeatedly been asked to bless state violence in the name of order and safety. We...
-
Ep. 224 - Immigration "When Fear Becomes Policy" pt. 1
When Fear Becomes Policy In this episode, we address what’s happening right now in the United States as Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations escalate in visibility, intensity, and violence. This is not a political episode. It’s a human one. We examine verified facts, video…
more -
Ep. 223 - Dr. Alexander Shaia "A Holiday Conversation" pt. 2
Episode Description In Part Two of our conversation with Alexander Shaia, we move beyond theory and into practice—exploring what spiritual transformation actually looks like in real life. In Part One, we traced the foundations of Dr. Shaia’s work and why his approach to the Gospels resonates so...
-
Ep. 222 - Dr. Alexander Shaia "A Holiday Conversation" pt. 1
A Holiday Conversation with Dr. Alexander Shaia — Part 1 For many people, the holiday season isn’t filled with joy and nostalgia — it’s filled with grief, loneliness, exhaustion, and complicated memories. This episode is especially for those who find this time of year difficult. In Part One of…
more -
Ep. 221 - Peter Rollins - "Communion, Community, and the Transformative Power of Doubt" Part 2
Episode Summary: Part 2 of our conversation with philosopher and friend of the show Peter Rollins goes even deeper into the psychological, existential, and communal dynamics of faith and identity. If Part 1 set the stage, Part 2 pulls the curtain all the way back. This is one of those…
more -
Ep. 220 - Peter Rollins - "Communion, Community, and the Transformative Power of Doubt" Part 1
Episode Summary: In this long-awaited return to the podcast, philosopher, storyteller, and longtime friend of the show Peter Rollins joins us for a rich, mind-bending conversation about faith, identity, and the transformative potential of doubt. Peter was one of our earliest guests and someone…
more -
Brand New Patreon!
🎉 We’ve Launched a Brand New Patreon! After years of letting our old Patreon quietly collect dust, we’re excited to officially announce that The Deconstructionists Podcast now has a fully rebuilt Patreon — with brand new tiers, fresh content, and one beloved classic perk we kept just for you.…
more -
Ep. 219 - Original Sin or Original Blessing?
Episode Summary In this deep-dive episode, we explore one of the most influential — and controversial — doctrines in the history of Christianity: Original Sin. For many of us, Original Sin was presented as a foundational truth. We were told it explained everything wrong with humanity: our…
more -
Ep. 218 - Joe Ingle "God behind bars: Dignity, Justice & Prison Ministry" pt. 2
Episode Overview In this second half of John’s conversation with Pastor Joe Ingle, we continue exploring the deeply human, often heartbreaking realities of prison ministry — particularly Joe’s decades of work with individuals on death row. If Part 1 introduced the calling and contours of his…
more -
Ep. 217 - Joe Ingle "God behind bars: Dignity, Justice & Prison Ministry" pt. 1
In this long-awaited and nearly lost conversation, John sits down with Pastor Joe Ingle, a longtime prison minister, advocate, and spiritual companion to people on death row. Joe’s work challenges our assumptions about justice, punishment, compassion, and what it means to show up for people…
more -
Ep. 216 - Kerstin Hedlund "Faith on the Frontlines" pt. 2
In this episode, we continue our conversation with Army Chaplain Lieutenant Colonel Kerstin Hedlund. If you haven’t listened to Part 1 yet, we recommend starting there for context. Kerstin has spent years serving alongside soldiers in moments of grief, trauma, transition, and deep personal...
-
Ep. 215 - Kerstin Hedlund "Faith on the Frontlines" pt. 1
Episode Summary In this two-part conversation, John sits down with Pastor Kerstin Hedlund, a U.S. Army Chaplain whose story offers a rare window into what faith looks like when it’s lived out in the hardest and most human places. From her path into military chaplaincy to the deep questions that...
-
Ep. 214 - Hell, The Devil, and Atonement Theories
Episode: Hell, the Devil, and Atonement Theories What exactly do Christians mean when they talk about hell? Where did the idea of the devil come from, and why does it look so different across the Bible? And why are there so many different theories of atonement—Jesus’ life, death, and...
-
Ep. 213 - Is Deconstruction Bad? (...it's not)
Episode Description In this episode, John takes on a question that’s been floating around the public conversation for years — often asked with fear, frustration, or misunderstanding: Is deconstruction a bad thing? After years of listening to the debate unfold online and in church spaces, it felt...
-
Ep. 212 - Does the Bible Really Condemn Same-Sex Relationships?
Episode Summary You’ve probably heard it before: “The Bible clearly condemns homosexuality.” But is that actually true? In this episode, we put that claim under a microscope. We dig into the six main passages most often cited against same-sex relationships, examine them in their original language...
-
Ep. 211 - Sarah Hurwitz "As A Jew: Reclaiming Our Story" (pt. 2)
In Part Two of our interview with Sarah Hurwitz, we dive deeper into the big questions raised in Here All Along. Drawing on her experiences in both politics and faith, Sarah reflects on the role of ritual, the meaning of community, and how spiritual practices can ground us in an unsteady world.…
more -
Ep. 210 - Sarah Hurwitz "As A Jew: Reclaiming Our Story" (pt. 1)
In this first half of our conversation with Sarah Hurwitz—author, former White House speechwriter, and chief speechwriter for First Lady Michelle Obama—we explore her journey from the political stage to a deeply personal exploration of faith. Sarah was part of President Obama’s speechwriting…
more -
Ep. 209 - The History of the Bible: How We Got the Scriptures We Have Today
Episode Summary The Bible is often treated as if it arrived perfectly bound, leather-covered, and gold-edged, straight from heaven. But the reality is far more complex—and far more interesting. In this episode, we dig into the real history of how the Bible was formed—from its earliest writings to...
-
Ep. 208 - Bailey Krawczyk "Lights, Camera, Control: Hillsong from the Inside" (Part 2)
🧵 Episode Summary: In Part 2 of our conversation with Bailey Krawczyk, we move from the experience of life inside Hillsong to the harrowing process of getting out. Bailey opens up about the aftermath of leaving, the emotional toll of speaking out in the Hillsong documentary, and the backlash…
more -
Ep. 207 - Bailey Krawczyk "Lights, Camera, Control: Hillsong from the Inside" (Part 1)
🧵 Episode Summary: In this first of a two-part conversation, we sit down with Bailey Krawczyk, a former Hillsong member who bravely spoke out in the Hillsong: A Megachurch Exposed documentary. Bailey shares what initially drew her to the movement—its music, its energy, its promises of…
more -
Ep. 206 - Zionism, Gaza, and the Western Church: Untangling a Complicated History
🔍 Episode Summary In this episode, we step into one of the most emotionally and politically charged issues in modern history—the war in Gaza and the roots of Zionism. With so much confusion around the history, theology, and current events, we take a step back to examine how we got here and why…
more -
Teaser Episode: History on the Margins - The Corpse Synod
Episode Description: In the year 897, Pope Stephen VI ordered the rotting corpse of his predecessor, Pope Formosus, to be dug up, dressed in papal robes, propped up on a throne, and put on trial. Yes, this actually happened. This bizarre and macabre moment in church history—known as the Cadaver...
-
Ep. 205 - Dr. Paul Swindle "Religious Trauma"
📌 Episode Summary: In this deeply insightful episode, John sits down with Dr. Paula Swindle—a licensed therapist and professor who has spent a career studying religious trauma —to unpack the concept of spiritual bypass, the psychological consequences of religious trauma, and the subtle ways...
-
Ep. 204 - Adey & Tom Wassink "Sanctuary: Queering a Church in the Heartland" pt. 2
📌 Episode Summary: In Part 2 of this powerful and emotional interview, Adey and Tom Wassink continue their story of navigating faith, integrity, and exclusion. After years of dedicated service in the Vineyard Movement, their decision to affirm LGBTQ people came with real consequences—not just...
We're indexing this podcast's transcripts for the first time — this can take a minute or two. We'll show results as soon as they're ready.
No matches for "" in this podcast's transcripts.
No topics indexed yet for this podcast.
Loading reviews...
ABOUT THIS SHOW
A podcast about building new faith. Its all about construction, but sometimes that means you have to deconstruct a little. Questions, exploration, mystery...
HOSTED BY
John Williamson
CATEGORIES
Loading similar podcasts...
Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does The Deconstructionists have?
The Deconstructionists currently has 288 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is The Deconstructionists about?
A podcast about building new faith. Its all about construction, but sometimes that means you have to deconstruct a little. Questions, exploration, mystery...
How often does The Deconstructionists release new episodes?
The Deconstructionists publishes regularly with 288 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to The Deconstructionists?
You can listen to The Deconstructionists on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts The Deconstructionists?
The Deconstructionists is created and hosted by John Williamson.
URL copied to clipboard!