The Deconstructionists

John Williamson
  • 4.4 (784)
  • Religion
  • Updated Monthly

A podcast about building new faith. Its all about construction, but sometimes that means you have to deconstruct a little. Questions, exploration, mystery...

  1. 5d ago

    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 T**s Ever. Across this two-part interview, Angela’s story invites us to consider how trauma and controlling relationships can affect our understanding of ourselves—and what it can mean to reclaim our own narrative. Her memoir brings honesty and dark humor to experiences often surrounded by shame and silence. Join us for the conclusion of a conversation about survival, the power of storytelling, and the person whose life extends beyond what happened to her. If you haven’t heard Part 1, we recommend starting there. Content note: This two-part conversation includes discussions of sexual assault, drugging, abusive relationships, coercive control, and trauma. Please take care of yourself while listening. Learn more: Visit Angela Harger Productions to learn about Angela’s work and memoir, Worst T**s Ever.Join the mailing list for This Is Who We Become for guest announcements and launch updates. Every life has a before. Every life has an after. Special music provided by Forrest Clay from his Recover EP. If you or someone you know has experienced sexual violence, confidential support is available through the RAINN National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800-656-HOPE (4673) or rainn.org. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

  2. 5d ago

    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 T**s Ever. Across this two-part interview, Angela’s story invites us to consider how trauma and controlling relationships can affect our understanding of ourselves—and what it can mean to reclaim our own narrative. Her memoir brings honesty and dark humor to experiences often surrounded by shame and silence. Join us for the conclusion of a conversation about survival, the power of storytelling, and the person whose life extends beyond what happened to her. If you haven’t heard Part 1, we recommend starting there. Content note: This two-part conversation includes discussions of sexual assault, drugging, abusive relationships, coercive control, and trauma. Please take care of yourself while listening. Learn more: Visit Angela Harger Productions to learn about Angela’s work and memoir, Worst T**s Ever.Join the mailing list for This Is Who We Become for guest announcements and launch updates. Every life has a before. Every life has an after. Special music provided by Forrest Clay from his Recover EP. If you or someone you know has experienced sexual violence, confidential support is available through the RAINN National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800-656-HOPE (4673) or rainn.org. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

  3. Sep 1

    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 T**s Ever, and the experiences that changed her life. Angela shares her story of surviving sexual assault, navigating an abusive relationship, and finding herself on a sailing journey that became an increasingly unsafe situation. We explore the difficulty of recognizing abuse from inside a relationship, the shame and self-doubt that can follow trauma, and what it means to tell your story in your own words. With honesty and dark humor, Angela brings us into a conversation about survival, identity, and reclaiming a voice that others tried to silence. Content note: This episode includes discussions of sexual assault, drugging, abusive relationships, coercive control, and trauma. Please take care of yourself while listening. Learn more: Visit Angela Harger Productions to learn about Angela’s work and memoir, Worst T**s Ever.Join the mailing list for This Is Who We Become, the next chapter after The Deconstructionists. Every life has a before. Every life has an after. Continue Angela’s story in Part 2. Special music provided by Forrest Clay from his Recover EP. If you or someone you know has experienced sexual violence, confidential support is available through the RAINN National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800-656-HOPE (4673) or rainn.org. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

  4. Aug 24

    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 expertise, we examine why these ideas gain traction, how fear can travel faster than evidence, and why simply telling people they’re wrong rarely rebuilds trust. We also discuss the need to hold institutions accountable for genuine failures without abandoning science altogether—and what honesty, humility, and transparency might contribute to restoring public confidence. New Podcast Coming Soon! Our new podcast, This Is Who We Become, explores the moments that divide a life into “before” and “after”—and the people we become because of them. Visit https://thisiswhowebecome.com and join the mailing list for upcoming guest announcements, launch updates, and more. Connect with The Deconstructionists: Website: https://thedeconstructionists.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

  5. Aug 12

    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. In her latest book, she tackles one of the most persistent points of tension between modern science and certain expressions of Christianity: human evolution. In Part One of our conversation, we dig into the remarkable story of how life developed on Earth and eventually produced us—from our ancient aquatic ancestors to primates, early humans, and Homo sapiens. Along the way, Janet helps unpack some of the evidence for evolution found in fossils, anatomy, genetics, and even the strange imperfections built into our own bodies. We also explore why human evolution remains particularly difficult for many Christians to accept, why familiar objections like “If humans evolved from monkeys, why are there still monkeys?” misunderstand how evolution actually works, and what happens when the scientific evidence appears to conflict with the way we were taught to read Scripture. And underneath it all is a much bigger question: If human beings are part of the evolutionary story of life on Earth, what does it actually mean to say that we are made in the image of God? That’s where things get really interesting. This is Part One of our conversation with Dr. Janet Kellogg Ray. Fish with Feet: Human Evolution and the Image of God is available from Eerdmans Publishing and wherever books are sold. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

  6. Trailer

    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 deconstruction space over the past decade, and why the time feels right to bring the weekly podcast to a close at the end of 2026. But this isn’t goodbye just yet. There are still new guests and conversations ahead, the full archive will remain available, and the door will always be open for future special episodes. John also introduces what comes next: Who We Become, a new podcast exploring the moments that divide our lives into before and after — and the people we become on the other side. Learn more and join the mailing list at thisiswhowebecome.com. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

  7. Aug 3

    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, today's chaplains often practice something much more difficult: accompanying people through uncertainty, grief, trauma, and profound life transitions. In a culture that values certainty, productivity, and quick solutions, this conversation explores the transformative power of simply showing up. Rev. Sally shares how contemporary chaplains understand their work—not as experts dispensing wisdom, but as compassionate companions helping people navigate some of life's most sacred and challenging moments. Together, John and Rev. Sally discuss: Why presence can be more powerful than having the right words.What chaplains can teach all of us about listening.The role of empathy, curiosity, and accompaniment in spiritual care.How grief, suffering, and meaning intersect.Why human connection is becoming increasingly valuable in an age shaped by technology and AI.What it looks like to care for people across different faiths, beliefs, and worldviews.How we can all become better companions to those who are hurting.Whether you're a person of faith, someone deconstructing long-held beliefs, or simply interested in becoming more present for the people around you, this conversation offers practical wisdom and a hopeful vision of what compassionate care can look like. Guest: Rev. Sally Pelinka Miller, MDiv, MA (DMin candidate), is a Board Certified Chaplain (APC), an ACPE Certified Educator, and Manager of Clinical Pastoral Education at The Johns Hopkins Hospital. She is the author of the forthcoming New Images of Spiritual Care, which highlights the diverse voices and innovative practices shaping contemporary chaplaincy. Follow The DeconstructionistsIf you enjoyed this conversation, we'd love your support. Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts, leave a rating or review, and share this episode with someone who might find it meaningful. Follow us on social media for episode clips, behind-the-scenes content, and updates on upcoming conversations exploring faith, doubt, history, psychology, and what it means to be human. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

  8. Jul 27

    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 Rev. Sally Pelinka Miller, board-certified chaplain, ACPE Certified Educator, and Manager of Clinical Pastoral Education at Johns Hopkins Hospital, to explore how chaplaincy has transformed over the past several decades. Today's chaplains come from an extraordinary range of religious and philosophical traditions—including Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Buddhism, Humanism, Unitarian Universalism, and more. Rather than focusing on converting people or providing religious answers, modern spiritual care emphasizes presence, curiosity, accompaniment, and compassionate listening during life's most vulnerable moments. Together, John and Rev. Sally discuss: Why most of us have an outdated picture of what a chaplain is.The fascinating history and evolution of chaplaincy.What board-certified chaplains actually do.Why spiritual care is about far more than religion.How hospitals care for patients with widely different beliefs and worldviews.The shift from authority and hierarchy toward relationship and mutuality.Why "being present" can sometimes be more healing than having the right answers. Whether you're deeply religious, spiritually curious, deconstructing your faith, or simply interested in what it means to care well for another human being, this conversation offers a fresh perspective on one of the most misunderstood professions in healthcare. Guest: Rev. Sally Pelinka Miller, MDiv, MA (DMin candidate) is a Board Certified Chaplain (APC), an ACPE Certified Educator, and serves as Manager of Clinical Pastoral Education at The Johns Hopkins Hospital. She is currently writing New Images of Spiritual Care, a book exploring the diverse voices and evolving practices shaping modern chaplaincy. Follow The DeconstructionistsIf you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend. Your support helps more people discover thoughtful conversations about faith, doubt, spirituality, history, and the questions that matter most. Follow us on social media for episode clips, behind-the-scenes content, and updates on upcoming interviews. Website: www.thedecontructionists.org Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/TheDeconstructionistsPodcast Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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4.4
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About

A podcast about building new faith. Its all about construction, but sometimes that means you have to deconstruct a little. Questions, exploration, mystery...

Information

  • Creator
    John Williamson
  • Years Active
    2016 - 2026
  • Episodes
    288
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2024 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    The Deconstructionists

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