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

May 1, 2023 • 52min
Amy Bloom ”In Love: A Memoir of Love and Loss”
Guest Info/Bio:
This week I talk with New York Times best-selling author, Amy Bloom. Amy just released a deeply personal memoir about her journey with her husband after it was discovered he had Alzheimers and made the decision to end life on his own terms. Grief comes in many forms and those who have had loved ones with incurable diseases that slowly rob you of your loved one is one of them.
Amy Bloom is the author of four novels: White Houses, Lucky Us, Away, and Love Invents Us; and three collections of short stories: Where the God Of Love Hangs Out, Come to Me (finalist for the National Book Award), and A Blind Man Can See How Much I Love You (finalist for the National Book Critics Circle Award). Her first book of nonfiction, Normal: Transsexual CEOs, Crossdressing Cops and Hermaphrodites with Attitudes, is a staple of university sociology and biology courses. Her most recent book is the widely acclaimed NY Times bestselling memoir, In Love. She has written for magazines such as The New Yorker, The New York Times Magazine, Vogue, Elle, The Atlantic Monthly, Slate, and Salon, and her work has been translated into fifteen languages. She is the Director of the Shapiro Center at Wesleyan University.
Guest (selected) Publications: It’s OK That You’re Not OK: Meeting Grief and Loss in a Culture That Doesn’t Understand”
Guest Website/Social Media:
www.amybloom.com
Facebook: @amybloombooks
Twitter: @amybloombooks
Theme Music by: Forrest Clay found on the EP, Recover.
You can find Forrest Clay's music on iTunes, Apple Music, Spotify, YouTube, or anywhere good music is found!
This episode of the Deconstructionists Podcast was edited, mixed, and produced by John Williamson
Stay on top of all of the latest at www.thedeconstructionists.com Go there to check out our blog, snag a t-shirt, or follow us on social media
Join our Patreon family here: www.patreon.com/deconstructionists
Website by Ryan Battles
All photos by Jared Hevron
Logos designed by Joseph Ernst & Stephen Pfluig
T-shirt designs by Joseph Ernst, Chad Flannigan, Colin Rigsby, and Jason Turner.
Starting your own podcast? Try Riverside! https://riverside.fm/?utm_campaign=campaign_1&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_source=rewardful&via=john-williamson
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-deconstructionists/donations
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Apr 24, 2023 • 48min
Dr. Jacqueline Bussie ”When Love Hurts” pt. 2
Guest Info/BIo:
Welcome back for part 2 of my interview with Dr. Jacqueline Bussie. We talk more about the topic of grief and grieving and how society could do a better job of supporting those going through a loss.
Dr. Bussie is an award-winning author, professor, theologian, public speaker, and student of life in all its messy beauty. Her books include “Love without Limits (2018) and “Outlaw Christian” (2016), which won the 2017 Gold Medal Illumination Award for Christian Living. Jacqueline teaches religion, theology, and interfaith studies classes at Concordia College in Moorehead, Minnesota, where she also serves as the Director of the Forum on Faith and Life.
Guest Social Media:
www.jacquelinebussie.com
Twitter: @jacquelinebussie
Instagram: @jbussie
Facebook: @jacqueline.bussie
This episode of the Deconstructionists Podcast was mixed, edited, and produced by John Williamson.
Stay on top of all of the latest at www.thedeconstructionists.com Go there to check out our blog, snag a t-shirt, follow us on social media, or join our Patreon family! Website by Ryan Battles All photos by Jared Hevron Logos designed by Joseph Ernst & Stephen Pfluig T-shirt designs by Joseph Ernst, Chad Flannigan, Colin Rigsby, and Jason Turner.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-deconstructionists/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
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Apr 17, 2023 • 45min
Dr. Jacqueline Bussie ”When Love Hurts” pt. 1
Guest Info/BIo:
Our second guest this season is the amazing Jacqueline Bussie! Jacqueline comes on to discuss the topic of grief for our series on grief and grieving and how her own personal experience has impacted the words she wrote years ago.
Dr. Bussie is an award-winning author, professor, theologian, public speaker, and student of life in all its messy beauty. Her books include “Love without Limits (2018) and “Outlaw Christian” (2016), which won the 2017 Gold Medal Illumination Award for Christian Living. Jacqueline teaches religion, theology, and interfaith studies classes at Concordia College in Moorehead, Minnesota, where she also serves as the Director of the Forum on Faith and Life.
Guest Social Media:
www.jacquelinebussie.com
Twitter: @jacquelinebussie
Instagram: @jbussie
Facebook: @jacqueline.bussie
This episode of the Deconstructionists Podcast was mixed and edited by John Williamson. Special theme music by Forrest Clay.
Stay on top of all of the latest at www.thedeconstructionists.com Go there to check out our blog, snag a t-shirt, follow us on social media, or join our Patreon family! Website by Ryan Battles All photos by Jared Hevron Logos designed by Joseph Ernst & Stephen Pfluig T-shirt designs by Joseph Ernst, Chad Flannigan, Colin Rigsby, and Jason Turner.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-deconstructionists/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacyAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Apr 7, 2023 • 41min
Dr. Dale Allison ”The Resurrection of Jesus” pt. 2
Guest Info/Bio:
This week we wrap up our talk about the resurrection with Dr. Dale C. Allison. Dale C. Allison, Jr. is the Richard J. Dearborn Professor of New Testament at Princeton Theological Seminary. He earned his MA and PhD from Duke University. His academic research and publications include the historical Jesus, the Gospel of Matthew, Second Temple Judaism, and the history of the interpretation and application of biblical texts. His book, Constructing Jesus, was selected as “Best Book Relating to the New Testament” for 2009–2010 by the Biblical Archaeology Society. His most recent books are The Resurrection of Jesus: Apologetics, Polemic, History and Encountering Mystery: Religious Experience in a Secular Age. He served for several years as the main New Testament editor for de Gruyter’s international Encyclopedia of the Bible and Its Reception and has been on the editorial boards of multiple academic journals. On a more popular level, he has written books on George Harrison, religious experience, and death and what might lie beyond.
Guest (selected) Publications: Constructing Jesus; The Resurrection of Jesus: Apologetics, Polemic, History and Encountering Mystery: Religious Experience in a Secular Age
Guest Website/Social Media:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SNm0D0I5gdQ&t=102s
Theme Music by: Forrest Clay found on the EP, Recover.
You can find Forrest Clay's music on iTunes, Apple Music, Spotify, YouTube, or anywhere good music is found!
This episode of the Deconstructionists Podcast was edited, mixed, and produced by John Williamson
Stay on top of all of the latest at www.thedeconstructionists.com Go there to check out our blog, snag a t-shirt, or follow us on social media
Join our Patreon family here: www.patreon.com/deconstructionists
Website by Ryan Battles
All photos by Jared Hevron
Logos designed by Joseph Ernst & Stephen Pfluig
T-shirt designs by Joseph Ernst, Chad Flannigan, Colin Rigsby, and Jason Turner.
Starting your own podcast? Try Riverside! https://riverside.fm/?utm_campaign=campaign_1&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_source=rewardful&via=john-williamson
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-deconstructionists/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacyAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Apr 3, 2023 • 31min
Dr. Dale Allison ”The Resurrection of Jesus” pt. 1
Guest Info/Bio:
This week I had the chance to talk about the resurrection with Dr. Dale C. Allison. This will be the first of two parts. Dale C. Allison, Jr. is the Richard J. Dearborn Professor of New Testament at Princeton Theological Seminary. He earned his MA and PhD from Duke University. His academic research and publications include the historical Jesus, the Gospel of Matthew, Second Temple Judaism, and the history of the interpretation and application of biblical texts. His book, Constructing Jesus, was selected as “Best Book Relating to the New Testament” for 2009–2010 by the Biblical Archaeology Society. His most recent books are The Resurrection of Jesus: Apologetics, Polemic, History and Encountering Mystery: Religious Experience in a Secular Age. He served for several years as the main New Testament editor for de Gruyter’s international Encyclopedia of the Bible and Its Reception and has been on the editorial boards of multiple academic journals. On a more popular level, he has written books on George Harrison, religious experience, and death and what might lie beyond.
Guest (selected) Publications: Constructing Jesus; The Resurrection of Jesus: Apologetics, Polemic, History and Encountering Mystery: Religious Experience in a Secular Age
Guest Website/Social Media:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SNm0D0I5gdQ&t=102s
Theme Music by: Forrest Clay found on the EP, Recover.
You can find Forrest Clay's music on iTunes, Apple Music, Spotify, YouTube, or anywhere good music is found!
This episode of the Deconstructionists Podcast was edited, mixed, and produced by John Williamson
Stay on top of all of the latest at www.thedeconstructionists.com Go there to check out our blog, snag a t-shirt, or follow us on social media
Join our Patreon family here: www.patreon.com/deconstructionists
Website by Ryan Battles
All photos by Jared Hevron
Logos designed by Joseph Ernst & Stephen Pfluig
T-shirt designs by Joseph Ernst, Chad Flannigan, Colin Rigsby, and Jason Turner.
Starting your own podcast? Try Riverside! https://riverside.fm/?utm_campaign=campaign_1&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_source=rewardful&via=john-williamson
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-deconstructionists/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacyAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Mar 27, 2023 • 34min
Megan Devine ”It’s OK That You’re NOT OK” pt. 2
Guest Info/Bio:
Welcome back for part 2 of my conversation with Megan Devine in our series on grief and loss. Psychotherapist Megan Devine believes that making the world a better place starts with acknowledging grief, rather than seeking to overcome it. She advocates for a revolution in how we discuss loss – personally, professionally, and as a wider community.
Megan is the author of the best-selling book, It’s OK that You’re Not OK: Meeting Grief & Loss in a Culture that Doesn’t Understand, and her guided grief journal, How to Carry What Can’t Be Fixed. Her animated “how to help a grieving friend” video distills a complex issue into simple, actionable steps in just over three (adorable) minutes. Gaining over 50 million views in its first few months, the animation is now used in training programs all around the world.
Megan’s work has been translated into 15 languages, and is featured widely in the media, including the New York Times, Marketplace, The Atlantic, Washington Post, GQ, Harvard Business Review, and Bitch magazine. She’s a sought after expert when grief erupts in the public sphere. Her latest collaborative project, the PBS documentary Speaking Grief, is out now.
Guest (selected) Publications: It’s OK That You’re Not OK: Meeting Grief and Loss in a Culture That Doesn’t Understand”
Guest Website/Social Media:
www.refugeingrief.com
Facebook: @refugeingrief
Twitter: @refugeingrief
Instagram: @refugeingrief
Theme Music by: Forrest Clay
“Does God & Recover” found on the EP, Recover.
You can find Forrest Clay's music on iTunes, Apple Music, Spotify, YouTube, or anywhere good music is found!
This episode of the Deconstructionists Podcast was edited, mixed, and produced by John Williamson
Stay on top of all of the latest at www.thedeconstructionists.com Go there to check out our blog, snag a t-shirt, or follow us on social media
Join our Patreon family here: www.patreon.com/deconstructionists
Website by Ryan Battles
All photos by Jared Hevron
Logos designed by Joseph Ernst & Stephen Pfluig
T-shirt designs by Joseph Ernst, Chad Flannigan, Colin Rigsby, and Jason Turner.
Starting your own podcast? Try Riverside! https://riverside.fm/?utm_campaign=campaign_1&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_source=rewardful&via=john-williamson
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-deconstructionists/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacyAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Mar 20, 2023 • 52min
Megan Devine ”It’s OK That You’re NOT OK” pt. 1
Guest Info/Bio:
Welcome to 2023! We’re back! To kick off the year I welcome the amazing Megan Divine to kick off our series on grief and loss. Psychotherapist Megan Devine believes that making the world a better place starts with acknowledging grief, rather than seeking to overcome it. She advocates for a revolution in how we discuss loss – personally, professionally, and as a wider community.
Megan is the author of the best-selling book, It’s OK that You’re Not OK: Meeting Grief & Loss in a Culture that Doesn’t Understand, and her guided grief journal, How to Carry What Can’t Be Fixed. Her animated “how to help a grieving friend” video distills a complex issue into simple, actionable steps in just over three (adorable) minutes. Gaining over 50 million views in its first few months, the animation is now used in training programs all around the world.
Megan’s work has been translated into 15 languages, and is featured widely in the media, including the New York Times, Marketplace, The Atlantic, Washington Post, GQ, Harvard Business Review, and Bitch magazine. She’s a sought after expert when grief erupts in the public sphere. Her latest collaborative project, the PBS documentary Speaking Grief, is out now.
Guest (selected) Publications: It’s OK That You’re Not OK: Meeting Grief and Loss in a Culture That Doesn’t Understand”
Guest Website/Social Media:
www.refugeingrief.com
Facebook: @refugeingrief
Twitter: @refugeingrief
Instagram: @refugeingrief
Theme Music by: Forrest Clay
“Does God & Recover” found on the EP, Recover.
You can find Forrest Clay's music on iTunes, Apple Music, Spotify, YouTube, or anywhere good music is found!
This episode of the Deconstructionists Podcast was edited, mixed, and produced by John Williamson
Stay on top of all of the latest at www.thedeconstructionists.com Go there to check out our blog, snag a t-shirt, or follow us on social media
Join our Patreon family here: www.patreon.com/deconstructionists
Website by Ryan Battles
All photos by Jared Hevron
Logos designed by Joseph Ernst & Stephen Pfluig
T-shirt designs by Joseph Ernst, Chad Flannigan, Colin Rigsby, and Jason Turner.
Starting your own podcast? Try Riverside! https://riverside.fm/?utm_campaign=campaign_1&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_source=rewardful&via=john-williamson
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-deconstructionists/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacyAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Feb 13, 2023 • 43min
Recommended Readings #2
We're finally making good on our promise of more recommended readings! 7 years late...but hey we did it! Adam pops in for a bit to discuss what we've both been reading. This should keep everyone occupied for at least another 7 years.
Books Discussed:
God Is Not One: The Eight RIval Religions That Run The World by Stephen Prothero
A Brief History of Time by Stephen Hawking
The Wisdom of Insecurity: A Message for an Age of Anxiety by Allan Watts
The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton
It's OK That You're NOT OK by Megan Divine
Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less by Greg Mckeown
The Road Away from God: How Love Finds Us Even As We Walk Away by Jonathan Martin
Man's Search for Meaning by Victor Frankl
East of Eden by John Steinbeck
Brothers Karamazov by Fyodor Dostoyevsky
All Quiet on the Western Front: A Novel by Erich Maria Remarque
The Subtle Art Of Not Giving A F*ck: A Counterintuitive Approach to Living a Good Life by Mason Madison
Thinking Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman
The Righteous Mind: Why Good People Are Divided by Politics and Religion by Jonathan Haidt
Cloud Cuckoo Land: A Novel by Anthony Doerr
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-deconstructionists/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacyAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Dec 28, 2022 • 1h 13min
Bekah McNeel ”Bringing Up Kids When The Church Lets You Down”
Guest Info/Bio:
Bekah Stolhandske McNeel is a native of San Antonio, Texas, where she has been a reporter for nine years. Her work has appeared in print with Christianity Today, The San Antonio Current, and the Public Justice Review, as well as online with the Christian Science Monitor, Sojourners, the Texas Tribune, the Hechinger Report, The 74 Million, and numerous local outlets.
Known for her ability to communicate the high stakes of education and immigration policy and bring clarity to complex systems, Bekah keeps the human beings most affected at the front of her coverage.
Bekah is a graduate of the London School of Economics, where she earned a MSc in Media Studies. She is married to Lewis McNeel, an architect with Lake | Flato. They have two young children who, while they do not yet have careers, are very busy.
Guest (selected) Publications:
Bringing Up Kids When Church Lets You Down: A Guide for Parents Questioning Their Faith
Guest Website/Social Media:
www.bekahmcneel.com
Facebook: @Bekah.Mcneel
Twitter: @bekahmcneel
This week’s episode is brought to you by Better Help online therapy. For 10% off your first month go to www.betterhelp.com/deconstructionists
Theme Music by: Forrest Clay
“Does God & Recover” found on the EP, Recover.
You can find Forrest Clay's music on iTunes, Apple Music, Spotify, YouTube, or anywhere good music is found!
This episode of the Deconstructionists Podcast was edited, mixed, and produced by John Williamson
Stay on top of all of the latest at www.thedeconstructionists.com Go there to check out our blog, snag a t-shirt, or follow us on social media
Join our Patreon family here: www.patreon.com/deconstructionists
Website by Ryan Battles
All photos by Jared Hevron
Logos designed by Joseph Ernst & Stephen Pfluig
T-shirt designs by Joseph Ernst, Chad Flannigan, Colin Rigsby, and Jason Turner.
Starting your own podcast? Try Riverside! https://riverside.fm/?utm_campaign=campaign_1&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_source=rewardful&via=john-williamson
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-deconstructionists/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacyAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Oct 31, 2022 • 1h 13min
Re-Release: Father Gary Thomas ”Deliver us from Evil”
Guest Bio: This week week we have a very special episode with Father Gary Thomas. Father Thomas has served as the diocese of San Jose’s official Vatican - certified exorcist since 2009. He also served as a consultant on the movie, “The Rite” starring Anthony Hopkins. The movie is based on a book by the same name which chronicles accounts from his real life career.
This Water I am Treading & You Must Go” found on the brand new EP, Recover.
You can find Forrest Clay's music on iTunes, Apple Music, Spotify, YouTube, or anywhere good music is found!
This episode of the Deconstructionists Podcast was edited, mixed, and produced by John Williamson
Stay on top of all of the latest at www.thedeconstructionists.com Go there to check out our blog, snag a t-shirt, or follow us on social media
Join our Patreon family here: www.patreon.com/deconstructionists
Website by Ryan Battles
All photos by Jared Hevron
Logos designed by Joseph Ernst & Stephen Pfluig
T-shirt designs by Joseph Ernst, Chad Flannigan, Colin Rigsby, and Jason Turner.
This episode is brought to you by Dwell. Dwell lets you listen to scripture the way that fits you. It's an app that reads the bible for you! Go to www.dwellapp.io/deconstruct for 10% off your annual subscription or 30% dwell for life!
Starting your own podcast? Try Riverside! https://riverside.fm/?utm_campaign=campaign_1&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_source=rewardful&via=john-williamson
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-deconstructionists/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacyAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy