Whether it’s zombies, robots or catastrophic bushfires, the third season of John Dickson’s Undeceptions podcast is looking at plenty of things that could destroy humanity.
But it’s also exploring the things which help put us back together.
Undeceptions, part of the Eternity Podcast Network, is one Australia’s top religion podcasts. Since launching in September 2019, its garnered more than 200,000 downloads and has reached the top of the Apple Podcast religion charts in Australia, the UK, New Zealand and South Africa. Also, its hit No. 3 in the crowded US religion podcast charts.
Available from Monday October 19, Season 3 is shaping up to be the best season yet, says Dickson. The season features interviews with leaders in their field, including eminent biblical scholars Richard Bauckham on the Book of Revelation and the end times, Craig Blomberg talking about mistakes in the New Testament, and the legendary Professor of Mathematics John Lennox on artificial intelligence. It also includes Professor Jeremy Begbie from Duke Divinity School discussing music’s ability to help us understand life and God.
“I want to surprise people who don’t believe, with the truth and beauty of the Christian faith, and I want to help Christians communicate the same to their friends.” – John Dickson
“Choosing a highlight is like choosing between my children,” says Dickson. “I love them all, of course! But if you push me into a corner, I suppose I have to mention the privilege of talking with the legendary Professor Richard Bauckham about the end of the world, and Alissa Wilkinson from Vox about zombies, for the same episode!
“The guest that surprised me most was Professor Jeremy Begbie in our episode about music – the way [it] points to the beauty and discord of the universe. I knew he was a remarkable scholar and communicator, but I didn’t think he would be able to bring a tear to my eye mid-interview.”
According to Dickson, another highlight is his chat with Professor Katharine Hayhoe, who he calls a “bit of a rock star” in the climate world. Hayhoe has shared a stage with former US President Barack Obama and Leonardo DiCaprio, as well as doing a TED Talk that has had more than 3.5 million views.
“Hayhoe is a brilliant climate scientist with a measured, compelling approach to climate change,” says Dickson.
It wouldn’t be a 2020 season without an episode on mental health, which uncovers the surprising health benefits of faith and church attendance. This episode also becomes deeply personal, with a guest appearance from Dickson’s wife who shares about her two-decade struggle with depression.
“My hopes for this season of the podcast are pretty much the same as my hopes for my entire Undeceptions ministry,” shares Dickson.
“I want to surprise people who don’t believe, with the truth and beauty of the Christian faith – and I want to help Christians communicate the same to their friends.”
Season 3 of Undeceptions begins on Monday 19 October. Subscribe now at eternitypodcasts.com or wherever you listen to your favourite podcasts.