#135-B: Unpacking Brad Jersak and the idol smashing of deconstruction

Here’s a new Puddcast B-Side, unpacking idol smashing and how to create a welcoming, forgiving space as we deconstruct from toxic theology. My pastor, Amy Ryan, joined Tryphena and I to discuss our takeaways from Brad Jersak’s thoughts on the necessity, perils and possibilities of deconstruction, including how painful and confusing it can be for us in the midst of it. We examined our own parenting in light of power dynamics, and how each revival or movement in the church or culture persecutes the one that comes next. As usual, there’s loads in here.

Jonathan PuddleMarch 2, 2023b-side, deconstruction, brad jersak, parenting, cultureComment

#134-B: Exploring Dave Connis on laughter, silliness and work

Here’s the latest Puddcast B-Side, exploring themes of laughter and silliness and the value of everything, from our interview with Dave Connis. When Dave said, “Everything counts” something inside me exploded, or clarified, or whatever… it’s been big for me. Tryphena and I discuss finding joy in all things, redefining joy as a valuable part of serious work, and discerning what will and won’t bring joy. We riff on learning to see all the mundane aspects of our lives (especially as parents) not as surplus to the real work but as the real work, as much as our rest is also a valid part of the real work, because it’s all part of the whole life we’re living. We also touched on accepting our bodies, even as they age, and loads more as usual.

Jonathan PuddleFebruary 9, 2023b-side, work, rest, joy, parenting, lifeComment

#134: A theology of laughter and co-creation (with Dave Connis)

Children’s and Young Adult author Dave Connis comes to The Puddcast to teach us the importance of laughter (and more). Dave’s hilarious and meaningful storybooks, The Inventions of God (and Eva), and The Stories of God (and Kiki) both captured our affection in a big way. We reflected on being intentional about the stories we tell our children and what we pass on to them; seeing ourselves within the continuum of generations before and after ourselves; how God invites all the parts of ourselves to co-creation; and more. If you’re a human being make sure to have a listen, and if you have kids, grandkids or nieces & nephews, make sure to grab his books from the links below.

Jonathan PuddleJanuary 20, 2023joy, parenting, god's love, creativity, art, humanity Comment

#84: Raising a Multiracial Family (with Marc & Tryphena Gagnon)

I’m joined this week by my good friends Marc & Tryphena Gagnon, who share their story so far raising their multiracial family. Marc is of French Canadian heritage and Tryphena’s family is from India, and they have learned a lot about one another and themselves as they raise their mixed-race children to understand and own their racial identities and engage with the world around them in compassion and love.

Jonathan PuddleAugust 27, 2020covid-19, race, family, parenting, reconciliation, social justice, marriageComment

#75: Guilt-free parenting during COVID-19 (with Jamie Sumner)

Jamie Sumner is a writer and novelist whose latest non-fiction book, Eat, Sleep, Save the World: Words of Encouragement for the Special Needs Parent released the first week of widespread COVID-19 lockdown. Jamie joined me on the Puddcast to talk about letting go of parenting guilt, being present in the moment day-by-day, rethinking our priorities and leaning into God for resilience. If you’re a parent or someone looking after children, there’s hope for in here.

Jonathan PuddleApril 16, 2020covid-19, parenting, guilt, special needsComment

#62: Self-Awareness in Parenting (with Courtney Burg)

This week I am joined by Courtney Burg AKA Mombojombo, to talk about everything to do with trauma-informed parenting. We touched on boundaries, safety, self-regulation, rewiring your own brain, tantrums, and changing your parenting to reflect the unconditional love of God. Even if you’re not a parent, there’s something in here for you!

Jonathan PuddleDecember 19, 2019trauma, boundaries, healing, parenting, emotionsComment

#53: Common Lies That Christians Believe (with Shane Pruitt)

Shane Pruitt is a blogger and evangelist, who, along with his wife Kasi have 5 kids—3 through adoption. Kasi oversees the Adoption & Foster Care Ministry at Lake Pointe church, and Shane, who is also the Director of Evangelism for The Southern Baptists of Texas Convention, joined me for a broad ranging discussion on authenticity, personal hardship, adoption, God’s sovereignty, and rethinking God’s will for your life. We also discussed his book, “9 Common Lies Christians Believe - And Why God’s Truth is Infinitely Better,” which he explained was the fruit of hearing too many bad Christian clichés during some of the hardest times of their life.

Jonathan PuddleSeptember 19, 2019parenting, adoption, bible, god's goodnessComment

#52: How to Raise Jesus-Centered Kids (with Natalie Frisk)

Natalie Frisk oversees the curriculum development for kids from birth to high school at The Meeting House (think Bruxy Cavey). She joined me on The Puddcast to talk about parenting and discipleship of children, especially in a context of deconstruction. How do you raise kids to care about faith when you’re busy cleaning up the junk in your own spiritual life? Natalie had many amazing and insightful things to share.

Jonathan PuddleSeptember 12, 2019parenting, discipleship, kids churchComment

#14: Overcoming adversity & finding purpose (with Krista DuChene)

Krista DuChene is a Canadian Olympian and 2nd fastest Canadian marathon runner, with 3 young kids. We discussed how her faith in God has been woven into every season of her life and running career, and propelled her through incredible setbacks.

Jonathan PuddleAugust 30, 2018running, marathon, olympics, family, parenting, perseveranceComment

#13: Pastoring families (with Seth Dahl)

Seth Dahl is a writer and worldwide speaker to adults and children, known for his powerful wisdom and contagious childlike joy. We discussed the idea of parents being the first pastor in a kid's life, and how to rebuild children's church ministry around the family.

Jonathan PuddleAugust 23, 2018parenting, kids church Comments