AI and Faith

There is so much happening in the world of artificial intelligence that keeping up can feel impossible. To help us cut through the noise, we invited two experts from the AI and Faith community to unpack what’s on their radar right now. Our guests are Ben Christensen, business technologist and founder of SAP Interfaith Alliance, and Dr. Marcus Schwarting, AI researcher at SUNY Buffalo and senior editor at AI and Faith. Tune in as we discuss the latest AI model releases, AI and discrimination, the ethics of dual-use technologies, and the feedback our editor has been hearing from you, our listeners.Views and opinions expressed by podcast guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the view of AI and Faith or any of its leadership.Production: Penny YuenHost: Gilad Berenstein Guests: Ben Christensen and Dr. Marcus SchwartingEditing: Isabelle BraconnotMusic from #UppbeatLicense code: 1ZHLF7FMCNHU39

Listen to our interview with Salah Dandan, a lawyer and business executive in the technology, media, and telecommunication sectors. He discussed how Sharia principles can serve as a legal framework for developing artificial intelligence systems.Meet the speakers here: https://aiandfaith.org/aif-podcast/ai-and-islamic-law/Views and opinions expressed by podcast guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the view of AI and Faith or any of its leadership.Production: Penny YuenHost: Pablo Andrés Ruz SalmonesGuest: Salah DandanEditing: Isabelle BraconnotMusic from #UppbeatLicense code: 1ZHLF7FMCNHU39

In this conversation, we were joined by two brilliant Christian scholars with deep expertise in artificial intelligence, to discuss many elements and insights from the pope's encyclical regarding artificial intelligence. This podcast episode will touch on the common good, human distinctiveness, flourishing versus efficiency, and many other important topics.Meet the speakers: https://aiandfaith.org/aif-podcast/pope-encyclical-on-artificial-intelligence-65/Views and opinions expressed by podcast guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the view of AI and Faith or any of its leadership.Production: Penny YuenHost: Gilad Berenstein Guests: Dr. John P. Slattery and Dr. Noreen HerzfeldEditing: Isabelle BraconnotMusic from #UppbeatLicense code: 1ZHLF7FMCNHU39

Listen to an interview with Timothy Dalrymple, President and CEO of the John Templeton Foundation, and Kenneth Cukier, the Deputy Executive Editor of The Economist. Timothy shared his views on the relationship between theology and artificial intelligence. They also discussed sentience, AGI and the meaning of intelligence.Meet the speakers here: https://aiandfaith.org/aif-podcast/theology-of-technology/Views and opinions expressed by podcast guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the view of AI and Faith or any of its leadership.Production: Penny YuenSpeakers: Kenneth Cukier and Timothy DalrympleEditing: Isabelle BraconnotMusic from #UppbeatLicense code: 1ZHLF7FMCNHU39

In this episode, we’re joined by Ben Olsen, longtime AI and Faith expert and the founder of the Faith Family Technology Network. We dive into a fascinating conversation about the organization’s mission and their role in navigating the defining political and social questions of our time—specifically, how the evolution of artificial intelligence is reshaping the lives of children and families.Meet the speakers: https://aiandfaith.org/aif-podcast/responsible-ai-for-children-and-family/ Views and opinions expressed by podcast guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the view of AI and Faith or any of its leadership.Production: Penny YuenHost: Gilad Berenstein Guest: Benjamin OlsenEditing: Isabelle BraconnotMusic from #UppbeatLicense code: 1ZHLF7FMCNHU39

Listen to a conversation with expert sociologist Elaine Howard Ecklund, a specialist in the relationship between science and religion. Interviewed by Greg Cootsona, she talks about her new book, "Working for Better: A New Approach to Faith at Work" and discusses how faith, work, and religious identity intersect.Views and opinions expressed by podcast guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the view of AI and Faith or any of its leadership.Production: Penny YuenHost: Greg CootsonaGuest: Elaine EcklundEditing: Isabelle BraconnotMusic from #UppbeatLicense code: 1ZHLF7FMCNHU39

Listen to an interview with Glen Weyl on the intersection of AI, plurality, and faith communities. We discuss the vital importance of bringing communities, diverse religions, and technology together, building an environment where AI development takes religious perspectives into consideration.Meet the speakers here: https://aiandfaith.org/aif-podcast/ai-and-plurality/Views and opinions expressed by podcast guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the view of AI and Faith or any of its leadership.Production: Penny YuenHost: Pablo Andrés Ruz SalmonesGuests: Glen WeylEditing: Isabelle BraconnotMusic from #UppbeatLicense code: 1ZHLF7FMCNHU39

In this conversation, we were joined by three legal experts to discuss the myriad of ways that artificial intelligence is impacting the law, our legal system, and our lives. We explore this topic from three different overlapping angles: AI’s impact on the practice of law; AI impact on key legal principles and human rights; and the law's impact on the development of AI.Meet the speakers here: https://aiandfaith.org/aif-podcast/ai-and-law/Views and opinions expressed by podcast guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the view of AI and Faith or any of its leadership.Production: Penny YuenHost: Gilad BerensteinGuests: Rabbi Dr. Harris Bor, Barry Dynkin, Benjamin DynkinEditing: Isabelle BraconnotMusic from #UppbeatLicense code: 1ZHLF7FMCNHU39

The price of manufacturing robots is rapidly dropping, and consumer desire for them is increasing. We’re standing on the threshold of a new social landscape and will soon live in a world with robots among us. Dive into this topic with Dr. Anna Puzio to examine the key lessons that we can bring from our faith traditions into a world shared by humans and robots.Views and opinions expressed by podcast guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the view of AI and Faith or any of its leadership.Production: Penny YuenHost: Gilad BerensteinGuest: Anna PuzioEditing: Isabelle BraconnotMusic from #Uppbeat License code: 1ZHLF7FMCNHU39

What if the key to safe AI and AGI isn't making it smarter, but making it wiser? AI and Faith Research Director Mark Graves discusses his approach to AI development that prioritizes practical wisdom and compassion over raw intelligence. We explore how ancient philosophical traditions from Aristotle to Buddhism could guide the next generation of AI systems, and why suffering should be central to AI ethics. Moreover, how can we embed said wisdom and compassion in AI systems? How can we measure it? Additionally, we'll also explore how healthcare applications are already demonstrating what compassionate AI looks like in practice. This conversation challenges conventional thinking about AI safety and offers a surprisingly hopeful vision for human-AI collaboration.Meet the speakers here: https://aiandfaith.org/aif-podcast/teaching-ai-to-care/Views and opinions expressed by podcast guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the view of AI and Faith or any of its leadership.Production: Penny YuenHost: Pablo A. Ruz SalmonesGuest: Mark GravesEditing: Isabelle BraconnotMusic from #UppbeatLicense code: 1ZHLF7FMCNHU39

In this fascinating conversation, we meet Micah Redding, the founder of the Christian Transhumanist Association. He shares the history of transhumanism and introduces the community of Christians who view these advancements as a furthering of God’s plan. We also discuss AI, new forms of life, and how believers are integrating AI into their faith practices.Meet the speakers here: https://aiandfaith.org/aif-podcast/transhumanism-and-the-christian-perspective/Views and opinions expressed by podcast guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the view of AI and Faith or any of its leadership.Production: Penny YuenHost: Gilad BerensteinGuest: Micah ReddingEditing: Isabelle BraconnotMusic from #UppbeatLicense code: 1ZHLF7FMCNHU39

In this fascinating conversation, Beth Singler and Gilad Berenstein dive into the complex topic of digital religions. They discussed the many ways established religions are adopting technology and artificial intelligence and adapting their practice for the AI age, as well as the emergence of new religions for whom technology and artificial intelligence are at the core of their belief system. They conclude with a beautiful conversation about AI hope in the future, where artificial intelligence elevates all of our spiritual practices.Meet the speakers here: https://aiandfaith.org/aif-podcast/rise-of-digital-religions-with-beth-singler/Views and opinions expressed by podcast guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the view of AI and Faith or any of its leadership.Production: Penny YuenHost: Gilad BerensteinGuests: Prof. Dr. Beth SinglerEditing: Isabelle BraconnotMusic from #UppbeatLicense code: 1ZHLF7FMCNHU39

In this conversation, we were joined by two Silicon Valley investors, Daryn Dodson and Jenna Nicholas, who focus on investing in artificial intelligence in a way that is positive sum for society, what they referred to as the enlightened bottom line. In our discussion, they explained this term and how they draw on their faith traditions to find investments and business opportunities with great returns, positive impact on humanity, and ones that support their religious and spiritual desires. We concluded the conversation with a deep dive into the Baháʼí faith and the many ways AI is utilized within that community.Views and opinions expressed by podcast guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the view of AI and Faith or any of its leadership.Production: Penny YuenHost: Gilad BerensteinGuests: Daryn Dodson and Jenna NicholasEditing: Isabelle BraconnotMusic from #UppbeatLicense code: 1ZHLF7FMCNHU39

We were thrilled to have our new Executive Director, Greg Cootsona, back on the podcast to look back at his first hundred days, to answer a few questions from all of you, and to discuss some of the key learnings from our faith traditions that we need to apply during this era of the great commoditization of AI.Meet our guests here: https://aiandfaith.org/aif-podcast/community-qa-with-our-new-executive-director-54/Views and opinions expressed by podcast guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the view of AI and Faith or any of its leadership.Production: Penny YuenHost: Gilad BerensteinGuests: Greg CootsonaEditing: Isabelle BraconnotMusic from #UppbeatLicense code: 1ZHLF7FMCNHU39

In this episode, we dive deeply into the AI abundance philosophy. We spend time with our guests Brian Sigmon and Dr. David Zvi Kalman, imagining how good things could possibly get, due to the arrival of artificial intelligence and what lessons we can draw from our faith to ensure that this abundance benefits humanity as a whole.Meet the speakers here: https://aiandfaith.org/aif-podcast/future-of-ai-abundance-53/Views and opinions expressed by podcast guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the view of AI and Faith or any of its leadership.Production: Penny YuenHost: Gilad BerensteinGuests: Brian Sigmon and Dr. David Zvi KalmanEditing: Isabelle BraconnotMusic from #UppbeatLicense code: 1ZHLF7FMCNHU39

Listen to an interview with filmmaker and PhD John O’Keefe, on how changing our current industrial mindset is necessary to save our planet, and the need for a cultural revolution if we want to achieve a future for all. We also talked about filmmaking being a channel that can help us reignite a contemplative spirit. Meet the speakers here: https://aiandfaith.org/aif-podcast/rethinking-industrial-mindset-for-a-sustainable-future/Views and opinions expressed by podcast guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the view of AI and Faith or any of its leadership.Production: Pablo Salmones and Penny YuenHost: Pablo SalmonesGuest: Dr. John O’KeefeEditing: Isabelle BraconnotMusic from #UppbeatLicense code: 1ZHLF7FMCNHU39

As “love bots” and “design-your-companion” systems become more sophisticated, and as they begin to move from the screen into artificial bodies, we are confronted with one of the oldest human questions: What makes love real?How do we know when someone truly loves us back?How do we distinguish genuine care from behavior that only imitates it?What happens to our sense of self when we form bonds with machines that can simulate affection and praise and justify us without limit?And can there be true reciprocity in a relationship where one side cannot be vulnerable?In this episode, Rabbi Dr. Harris Bor and Dr. Marina Zilbergerts explore the ethical, spiritual, and psychological frontier of relational AI. These technologies are designed to mirror our emotions, anticipate our needs, and offer companionship that appears responsive, attentive, and empathetic.Drawing on insights from faith traditions, philosophy of mind, and cultural imagination, this conversation considers what artificial companionship reveals about the human need for authentic knowledge of self and other, and what, if anything, it obscures about the delicate embodied nature of real relationships.Meet the speakers here: https://aiandfaith.org/aif-podcast/relational-ai/Views and opinions expressed by podcast guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the view of AI and Faith or any of its leadership.Production: Pablo Salmones and Penny YuenSpeakers: Rabbi Dr. Harris Bor and Dr. Marina ZilbergertsEditing: Isabelle BraconnotMusic from #UppbeatLicense code: 1ZHLF7FMCNHU39

In this episode, we will go beyond a single worldview to explore how diverse faith traditions approach the moral challenges of AI and bioethics. Join us and three experts: Dr. Mohammed Ghaly, Dr. Cory Andrew Labrecque, and Dr. Tracy Trothen. From AI healthcare to boundaries of genetic engineering, listen to our experts' answers on how our world's greatest wisdom traditions can guide us throughout these new frontiers.Meet the speakers here: https://aiandfaith.org/aif-podcast/ethics-of-life-and-mind/Views and opinions expressed by podcast guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the view of AI and Faith or any of its leadership.Production: Pablo Salmones and Penny YuenHost: Pablo SalmonesGuests: Dr. Mohammed Ghaly, Dr. Cory Andrew Labrecque and Dr. Tracy TrothenEditing: Isabelle BraconnotMusic from #UppbeatLicense code: 1ZHLF7FMCNHU39

In this episode, we were joined by Al Gombis, a senior leader from the United States government, who has spent decades thinking about the integration of technology into our national security, military, and line enforcement operations. Together, we explored the many difficult questions and balancing acts required in figuring out how to ethically bring this technology into the realms of war and national security.Meet the speakers here: https://aiandfaith.org/aif-podcast/ais-impacts-on-wars-and-military-conflict-with-albert-gombis/Views and opinions expressed by podcast guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the view of AI and Faith or any of its leadership.Production: Pablo Salmones and Penny YuenHost: Gilad BerensteinGuests: Albert T. GombisEditing: Isabelle BraconnotMusic from #UppbeatLicense code: 1ZHLF7FMCNHU39

In this wide-ranging conversation, we were joined by three renowned experts in the field of bioethics, medical ethics, and their intersection with technology. Braden Molhoek, Ted Peters and Sara-Jo Swiatek discuss gene editing, transhumanism, access, and the way our faith traditions can inform these very difficult decisions.Meet the speakers here: https://aiandfaith.org/aif-podcast/ethics-at-the-intersection-of-artificial-intelligence-and-human-biology-48/Views and opinions expressed by podcast guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the view of AI and Faith or any of its leadership.Production: Pablo Salmones and Penny YuenHost: Gilad BerensteinGuests: Braden Molhoek, Rev. Dr. Ted Peters and Sara-Jo SwiatekEditing: Isabelle BraconnotMusic from #UppbeatLicense code: 1ZHLF7FMCNHU39

Listen to an interview with renowned bioethicist and AI ethicist Wendell Wallach. He discuss how he became involved in the ethics of emerging technologies, the connection between bioethics and AI ethics, and his ideas for ways to improve contemporary discourse on the ethics of emerging technologies, including his new work on what he calls “trade-off ethics” and “the silent ethic.” Meet the speakers here: https://aiandfaith.org/aif-podcast/ai-bioethics-and-spiritual-understanding/Views and opinions expressed by podcast guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the view of AI and Faith or any of its leadership.Production: Pablo Salmones and Penny YuenHost: Brian GreenGuest: Wendell WallachEditing: Isabelle BraconnotMusic from #UppbeatLicense code: 1ZHLF7FMCNHU39

In this episode, we’re excited to introduce Greg Cootsona as AI and Faith’s new Executive Director. From his early life and journey of faith, to his deep engagement with theology, science, and technology, Greg shares the experiences that have shaped his ministry, writing, and leadership. He reflects on the past decade of work at the intersection of culture and belief, offers insights from his book, and looks ahead to what excites him most as he steps into this new role.Views and opinions expressed by podcast guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the view of AI and Faith or any of its leadership.Production: Pablo Salmones and Penny YuenHost: Gilad BerensteinGuests: Greg CootsonaEditing: Isabelle BraconnotMusic from #UppbeatLicense code: 1ZHLF7FMCNHU39

This summer, Nina Lutz, a PhD student at the University of Washington, joined Microsoft Research to interview nearly 50 religious leaders on how they approach technology in both ministry and personal spiritual practice. Her work, part of the new Technology for Religious Empowerment (T4RE) initiative, brings unique faith-based perspectives into the software creation process. In this podcast, Nina shares the surprising insights she uncovered from her conversations.Meet the speakers and read the episode resources here: https://aiandfaith.org/aif-podcast/religious-leaders-and-microsoft-research/Views and opinions expressed by podcast guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the view of AI and Faith or any of its leadership.Production: Pablo Salmones and Penny YuenHost: David BrennerGuest: Nina LutzEditing: Isabelle BraconnotMusic from #UppbeatLicense code: 1ZHLF7FMCNHU39

Bob Johansen has spent the past 50 years studying the impact of technology on humans and our society. With a deep background in faith coming from divinity school and a fascination with world religions, Bob does a masterful job of helping us think about the way religion can help us cope with a rapidly changing world, and the way religion may have to change to be relevant in the future.Meet the speakers here: https://aiandfaith.org/aif-podcast/ai-and-the-future-of-religion/Views and opinions expressed by podcast guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the view of AI and Faith or any of its leadership.Production: Pablo Salmones and Penny YuenHost: Gilad BerensteinGuest: Bob JohansenEditing: Isabelle BraconnotMusic from #UppbeatLicense code: 1ZHLF7FMCNHU39

In this wide ranging conversation, we dive into the impacts of AI on war, conflict, and the law. We explore how the ethics of war may change due to the rise of artificial intelligence, and of course what we can learn from our various religions and religious traditions to help us act ethically as we move into this future.Meet the speakers here: https://aiandfaith.org/aif-podcast/military-legal-ethics/Views and opinions expressed by podcast guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the view of AI and Faith or any of its leadership.Production: Pablo Salmones and Penny YuenHost: Gilad BerensteinGuests: Mark Chinen, Andrew DeBerry and Vineet RajanEditing: Isabelle BraconnotMusic from #UppbeatLicense code: 1ZHLF7FMCNHU39

Should machines make decisions in the warfield? Can the “move fast and break things” motto of Silicon Valley be applied in the military? Join us in an interview with Dr. Shannon French about ethics in the military in the age of artificial intelligence. Dr. French is the Inamori Professor in Ethics and the Director of the Inamori International Center for Ethics and Excellence at Case Western Reserve University and an advisor to the members of the US and Allied militaries and various US defense and DoD-funded research agencies.Meet the speakers here: https://aiandfaith.org/aif-podcast/ai-in-military-decision-making/Views and opinions expressed by podcast guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the view of AI and Faith or any of its leadership.Production: Pablo Salmones and Penny YuenHost: Pablo SalmonesGuest: Shannon E. FrenchEditing: Isabelle BraconnotMusic from #UppbeatLicense code: 1ZHLF7FMCNHU39

In this conversation, we welcome one of AI and Faith's newest partners to our community. Islamicity is an incredible organization, dedicated to sharing the knowledge and wisdom of Islam with the world. Through the innovative deployment of technology starting back in the 90s and the utilization of AI today, Islamicity teaches us how we can utilize artificial intelligence to benefit both the followers of the faith, as well as people around the world looking to learn.Meet the speakers here: https://aiandfaith.org/aif-podcast/islamicity-ai-and-faiths-new-partner/ Views and opinions expressed by podcast guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the view of AI and Faith or any of its leadership.Production: Pablo Salmones and Penny YuenHost: Gilad BerensteinGuests: Mohammed Abdul Aleem and Zayd SimjeeEditing: Isabelle BraconnotMusic from #UppbeatLicense code: 1ZHLF7FMCNHU39

Rev. Dr. Justin Lester is a deep and broad thinker and practitioner who is engaging with AI in his church context in cutting edge ways. He pastors Friendship Vallejo Church, located in the heart of Vallejo, California, and he teaches in a variety of academic and church settings. In this wide-ranging conversation, we discuss Rev. Dr. Justin Lester's own personal faith journey and his approach to integrating AI into the life of his congregation. We consider opportunities for AI use in church and the equalizing potential of the technology, and discuss the ways that AI can help educate and unleash creativity within congregations.Meet our speakers here: https://aiandfaith.org/aif-podcast/ai-in-the-church/Views and opinions expressed by podcast guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the view of AI and Faith or any of its leadership.Production: Pablo Salmones and Penny YuenHost: Daniel HeckGuest: Justin LesterEditing: Isabelle BraconnotMusic from #UppbeatLicense code: 1ZHLF7FMCNHU39

In an interview with AI and Faith expert Thomas Arnold, we'll talk about how AI is affecting our relationship with death, and with our loved ones who have passed away. We'll delve into how our grieving process is changing, and how that affects what, until today, seemed like a normal, if difficult, part of our lives.Meet the speakers here: https://aiandfaith.org/aif-podcast/ai-and-grief-gates-of-weeping/ Views and opinions expressed by podcast guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the view of AI and Faith or any of its leadership.Production: Pablo Salmones and Penny YuenHost: Pablo SalmonesGuest: Thomas ArnoldEditing: Isabelle BraconnotMusic from #UppbeatLicense code: 1ZHLF7FMCNHU39

AI is being integrated into every element of our world and the human experience. Mourning and death are no exception. From grief bots, to AI ghosts, to robot pet companions, artificial intelligence is beginning to be woven into some of the most personal, difficult, and transformational moments of our lives. In this episode, we explore that intersection.Meet the speakers here: https://aiandfaith.org/aif-podcast/grief-death-and-artificial-intelligence/Views and opinions expressed by podcast guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the view of AI and Faith or any of its leadership.Production: Pablo Salmones and Penny YuenHost: Gilad BerensteinGuests: Muhammad Aurangzeb Ahmad, and Nathan MladinEditing: Isabelle BraconnotMusic from #UppbeatLicense code: 1ZHLF7FMCNHU39

In this episode, we bring together three scholars from the Jewish, Christian, and Buddhist faith, for a deep and meaningful discussion about the roots of consciousness and the implications on ethics. This all leads to the critical question we will all have to answer in the coming year: what ethical obligations do we have to artificial intelligence?Views and opinions expressed by podcast guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the view of AI and Faith or any of its leadership.Production: Pablo Salmones and Penny YuenHost: Gilad BerensteinGuests: Peter Hershock, Michael Paulus and Rabbi Daniel WeinerEditing: Isabelle BraconnotMusic from #UppbeatLicense code: 1ZHLF7FMCNHU39

What happens when we outsource our memory, attention, and even compassion to machines? Join us for a conversation with Dr. Jane Compson, associate professor of comparative religion and ethics at the University of Washington-Tacoma, as we explore how Buddhist wisdom relates to thorny questions around AI.Dr. Compson shares her unexpected journey into Buddhism and AI ethics and how Buddhist concepts like impermanence and not-self offer frameworks for navigating AI development. She discusses practical challenges educators face in the AI age, the ethics of care bots in healthcare, and how you don’t need to be a technical expert on AI to meaningfully engage on this critical issue.Views and opinions expressed by podcast guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the view of AI and Faith or any of its leadership. Production: Pablo Salmones and Penny YuenHost: Alex SarkissianGuest: Jane CompsonEditing: Isabelle BraconnotMusic from #UppbeatLicense code: 1ZHLF7FMCNHU39

Dr. Nikki Mirghafori enters the deep and evolving terrain of grief, mortality, and emerging technology. Drawing on her dual expertise as an AI scientist and an empowered Buddhist teacher, she explores the ethics and emotional dimensions of grief tech—from “griefbots” and AI-generated afterlives to the speculative reality of mind‑uploading and digital immortality. What happens when algorithms attempt to recreate memory, presence, or companionship beyond death? Nikki invites us to consider how technology can deepen or distort our mourning, situating these innovations within a Buddhist-informed framework of wisdom, compassion, and impermanence. This dialogue bridges the technological frontier and the human heart, offering a profoundly grounded perspective on the intersection of grief and AI.Meet the speakers here: https://aiandfaith.org/aif-podcast/ai-and-grief-nikki-mirghafori/Views and opinions expressed by podcast guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the view of AI and Faith or any of its leadership.Production: Pablo Salmones and Penny YuenHost: Pablo SalmonesGuest: Nikki MirghaforiEditing: Isabelle BraconnotMusic from #UppbeatLicense code: 1ZHLF7FMCNHU39

Our Spring Town Hall brought together two of AI&F's Advisors: Jon Palmer, the General Counsel of Microsoft, in conversation with Kenneth Cukier, the deputy executive editor of The Economist. They discussed the intersections of religion, ethics, law, and policy on business and society. What have been the influences (both positive and negative) that religion has had on US law, legal ethics and the legal profession? How has this influenced Jon's professional life, and the role of Christian doctrine in the way he views ethics, practices law, and sees his role as a lawyer? What are the challenges and opportunities that AI presents in these contexts and the need for AI to develop in a way that aligns with ethical considerations? Their diverse backgrounds made an especially interesting conversation: Jon is the son of a prominent Presbyterian pastor; Kenn's father fled the Holocaust and took him to Quaker meetings as a child.Views and opinions expressed by podcast guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the view of AI and Faith or any of its leadership.Production: Pablo Salmones and Penny YuenSpeakers: Kenneth Cukier and Jon PalmerEditing: Isabelle BraconnotMusic from #UppbeatLicense code: 1ZHLF7FMCNHU39

Expert in AI, philosophy and the law, Barrister and Rabbi Dr. Harris Bor, practices international arbitration and commercial and company litigation from Twenty Essex, a barristers’ chambers in London. In a conversation with Gilad Berenstein, they discuss the politics and policies of AI legislation, as well as, how to navigate between extreme points of view on these topics. They also consider this question: Are we reaching a decisive moment for the future of society and technology?Views and opinions expressed by podcast guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the view of AI and Faith or any of its leadership.Production: Pablo Salmones and Penny YuenHost: Gilad BerensteinGuests: Rabbi Dr. Harris BorEditing: Isabelle BraconnotMusic from #UppbeatLicense code: 1ZHLF7FMCNHU39

Today's episode is a conversation with Ali-Reza Bhojani, Maria Joseph Israel, SJ and David Zvi Kalman, which was recorded in March 2025. The experts share their perspectives on AI and religious law from their unique background and beliefs. How is that intersection seen in Muslim faith? How is it different from the Jewish and Catholic point of view? Listen now and join us in this conversation.Views and opinions expressed by podcast guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the view of AI and Faith or any of its leadership.Production: Pablo Salmones and Penny YuenHost: Pablo SalmonesGuests: Ali-Reza Bhojani, Maria Joseph Israel, SJ and David Zvi KalmanEditing: Isabelle BraconnotMusic from #UppbeatLicense code: 1ZHLF7FMCNHU39

In this conversation we speak with a true expert at the intersection of AI and Faith, Glen Weyl. He is Founder and Research Lead of the Microsoft Research Project: The Plural Technology Collaboratory. Interviewed by Gilad Berenstein, they dive into the differences between East and West when it comes to the ways AI and technology are woven into religious and spiritual life and more importantly, the influence that these communities have on the development of faith. Glen shares his strongly held view that in the US, voices of people of faith are often too far outside of these key conversations and how we may be able to rectify that.Views and opinions expressed by podcast guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the view of AI and Faith or any of its leadership.Production: Pablo Salmones and Penny YuenHost: Gilad BerensteinGuest: Glen WeylEditing: Isabelle BraconnotMusic from #UppbeatLicense code: 1ZHLF7FMCNHU39

Join us for an interview with Craig Detweiler and Peter McGowan on the power of storytelling and creativity in the era of AI. Is AI shaping the way creative people work? How has storytelling affected our idea of artificial intelligence?Views and opinions expressed by podcast guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the view of AI and Faith or any of its leadership.Production: Pablo Salmones and Penny YuenSpeakers: Craig Detweiler and Peter McGowanEditing: Isabelle BraconnotMusic from #UppbeatLicense code: 1ZHLF7FMCNHU39

Listen to the conversation between our host Gilad Berenstein, Mark Chinen and Sreevas Sahasranamam that bridges the breaking news in AI (Operator and Deepseek) with foreign affairs and spirituality. Bringing together Hindu, Christian, and Jewish perspectives, our experts have listed and worked around the world making this a particularly engaging conversion.Views and opinions expressed by podcast guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the view of AI and Faith or any of its leadership.Production: Pablo Salmones and Penny YuenSpeakers: Gilad Berenstein, Mark Chinen and Sreevas SahasranamamEditing: Isabelle BraconnotMusic from #UppbeatLicense code: 1ZHLF7FMCNHU39

Listen to an interview with Chris Skaggs, Founder and Chief Operations Officer of Soma Games and Soma SoulWorks, and Amy and Ryan Green, both award winning video game designers. Recorded in January 2025, they discussed how AI will change the gaming industry in the next few years and how that can affect society. Also, Amy and Ryan Green shared creating video game “That Dragon, Cancer” as a poetic memorial to their son and his fight against terminal brain cancer.Views and opinions expressed by podcast guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the view of AI and Faith or any of its leadership.Production: Pablo Salmones and Penny YuenSpeakers: Chris Skaggs, Amy Green and Ryan GreenEditing: Isabelle BraconnotMusic from #UppbeatLicense code: 1ZHLF7FMCNHU39

Dive into a thought-provoking conversation with professor Karen Swallow Prior as we discuss her book, "The Evangelical Imagination," and also her intriguing views on AI technologies. Recorded in November 2023, this episode explores the importance of empathy in a polarized world, and a surprising literary insight that connects it all. Discover how AI impacts creativity and human connection, and the potential pitfalls of its integration. Gain valuable insights into maintaining sincerity in storytelling, avoiding sentimental deceptions, and the role of AI in religious communities. Join us for a captivating exploration at the crossroads of faith and technology.Views and opinions expressed by podcast guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the view of AI and Faith or any of its leadership.Production: Robert Rex, Pablo Salmones and Penny YuenHost: Robert RexEditing: Isabelle BraconnotMusic from #UppbeatLicense code: 1ZHLF7FMCNHU39

Join this interview with researcher Rabbanit Sarah Wolkenfeld and Joshua Mendel from December 23rd, 2024. Sefaria, a digital library of Jewish texts, sits at the intersection of ancient tradition and groundbreaking technology. As its Chief Learning Officer, Rabbanit Sarah Wolkenfeld is deeply immersed in the conversation of how we can use Artificial Intelligence to bolster and expand our horizons in religious studies. In this interview, she shares her thoughts on millenia old debates with Joshua Mendel, a rabbinical student, about the progress of technology, AI’s role in Jewish learning, how we choose the right medium for our holy books, and so much more.Views and opinions expressed by podcast guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the view of AI and Faith or any of its leadership.Production: Mayla Boguslav, Pablo Salmones and Penny YuenHost: Joshua MendelEditing: Isabelle BraconnotMusic from #UppbeatLicense code: 1ZHLF7FMCNHU39

Join us in an interview with Beth Singler and host Pablo Salmones. Professor Singler’s work explores the social, ethical, philosophical and religious implications of advances in AI and robotics and has published widely on these subjects. They discussed how AI is impacting different cultures around the world and the ethical implications of AI in the internet culture. Views and opinions expressed by podcast guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the view of AI and Faith or any of its leadership. Production: Pablo Salmones and Penny Yuen Host: Pablo Salmones Editing: Isabelle Braconnot Music from #UppbeatLicense code: 1ZHLF7FMCNHU39

Listen to the conversation between our host Alex Sarkissian and Buddhist scholar and author Peter Hershock. Peter shares what led him to Buddhist practice and his interest in technology. They discuss how Buddhist principles, such as karma, mindfulness and interdependence, can help us better navigate the age of AI, and the opportunities and risks of using AI to support faith practices. Peter and Alex see hope for the future while asking “Am I being present in a way that matters most?” Views and opinions expressed by podcast guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the view of AI and Faith or any of its leadership. Production: Elias Kruger, Pablo Salmones and Penny Yuen Host: Alex Sarkissian Editing: Isabelle Braconnot Music from #UppbeatLicense code: 1ZHLF7FMCNHU39

Join us in an interview with two contributors to our anthology Faithful AI, Whitney Whitener and Brian Sigmon. Author of The Nanny, Whitney brings us into the life of a single mother and her futuristic baby monitor. In this episode hosted by Elias Kruger, we talk about the opportunities and dangers of parenting in the age of AI. You can purchase the book on ⁠Amazon⁠. Views and opinions expressed by podcast guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the view of AI and Faith or any of its leadership. Production: Elias Kruger, Pablo Salmones and Penny Yuen Host: Elias Kruger Editing: Isabelle Braconnot Music from #UppbeatLicense code: 1ZHLF7FMCNHU39

AI&Faith expert Rabbi Daniel Weiner talks about the difficulties of faith reaching younger generations, and how AI might be able to help. This episode also talks about the relationship between religion, art and AI and the increasingly challenging scenario for these disciplines. Listen now to our conversation. Views and opinions expressed by podcast guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the view of AI and Faith or any of its leadership. Production: Elias Kruger, Pablo Salmonez and Penny Yuen Host: Pablo Salmonez Editing: Isabelle Braconnot Music from #UppbeatLicense code: 1ZHLF7FMCNHU39

Join us in a conversation with two contributors to our published anthology Faithful AI: Stories of Hope from 2045. Peter Rothe, writer of "Project Grace", and David Kim discuss about the intersection of AI and vocation. Views and opinions expressed by podcast guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the view of AI and Faith or any of its leadership. Production: Elias Kruger, Pablo Salmonez and Penny Yuen Speakers: Peter Rothe and David Kim Editing: Isabelle Braconnot Music from #UppbeatLicense code: 1ZHLF7FMCNHU39

Today's episode is a recorded town hall with Daren Erisman, Gretchen Huizinga, and Adam Graber. In the town hall, the AIF experts talked about differing Christian perspectives and how recent advances in generative artificial intelligence are raising issues, not only about what we're doing with AI, but what we're becoming with AI. From the use of AI related tools like prayer apps to exploring the possibility of a righteous AI, the conversation builds. And we wonder, in this emerging age of artificial intelligence, how do we reconcile the call to be both salt and light? Views and opinions expressed by podcast guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the view of AI and Faith or any of its leadership. Production: Ed Melick, Elias Kruger and Penny Yuen Speakers: Daren Erisman, Gretchen Huizinga, and Adam Graber Editing: Isabelle Braconnot Music from #UppbeatLicense code: 1ZHLF7FMCNHU39

Join us for a thoughtful conversation with author Chris Braniff and essay writer Shanen Boettcher, PhD on how AI, VR and AR will be transforming religious experience in coming future. We covered a range of topics such as authority, digital spirituality and the limitations of big tech religion. This is especially relevant to clergy trying to discern the growing role of AI in ministry. You can purchase the book on Amazon. Views and opinions expressed by podcast guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the view of AI and Faith or any of its leadership. Production: Ed Melick, Elias Kruger and Penny Yuen Host: Elias Kruger Editing: Isabelle Braconnot Music from #UppbeatLicense code: 1ZHLF7FMCNHU39

Join us for a discussion on AI and Work with other AI and Faith experts. Recorded in June of 2024, they talk about how AI will impact work in the future and how faith, jobs, work, and AI ethics intersect. This conversation includes Mark Graves, Elias Kruger, Quintin McGrath, Michael Paulus and Daniel Heck. Dive into this insightful, grounded conversation that our experts were able to bring to the table. Views and opinions expressed by podcast guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the view of AI and Faith or any of its leadership. Production: Pablo A. Ruz Salmones, Penny Yuen and Elias Kruger Host: Daniel Heck Editing: Isabelle Braconnot Music from #UppbeatLicense code: 1ZHLF7FMCNHU39