AI and Faith

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 Yuen Host: Robert Rex Editing: Isabelle Braconnot Music 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 Yuen Host: Joshua Mendel Editing: Isabelle Braconnot Music 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

Join us in this interview with two contributors to our recently published anthology, Faithful Al, Stories of Hope from 2045. In his short story, Julian Dreiman explores the struggle an indigenous man goes through to find community in a futuristic Al saturated Chilean society. Brian Green responds to the story with an essay on how technology is changing human relationships. 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, Pablo A. Ruz Salmones and Penny Yuen Host: Pablo A. Ruz Salmones Editing: Isabelle Braconnot Music from #UppbeatLicense code: 1ZHLF7FMCNHU39

Join us for an interview with AI and Faith advisor Joshua Swamidass, on the impact of AI on his field of health and genetics research. He is a scientist, physician and associate professor of laboratory and genomic medicine in Washington University. We discuss the promise and risk of AI in gene-based medicine, and its consequences. Joshua also talks about how his faith informs his approach and medical research. (Recorded in March 2023) 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 and Penny YuenHost: Pablo A. Ruz SalmonesEditing: Isabelle BraconnotMusic from #UppbeatLicense code: 1ZHLF7FMCNHU39

In this episode, SkillSpire founder Yasmin Ali shares with us her incredible journey, in which she's been helping underrepresented talent like women and immigrants develop tech skills, and finding ways to advance their careers. She also shares how her faith has influenced her vision, and how AI might affect the future of work. (Recorded in June 2024). 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, Pablo A. Ruz Salmones and Penny Yuen Host: Pablo A. Ruz Salmones Editing: Isabelle Braconnot Music from #UppbeatLicense code: 1ZHLF7FMCNHU39

How might advanced artificial intelligence affect Christian faith practices twenty years in the future? That's the subject of a new book project, Faithful AI, that imagines ten visions of the near future where advanced artificial intelligence collides with faith, morality, and compassion. Join AI&F Advisors Elias Kruger and Brian Sigmon as they discuss the blend of prediction and imagination in these stories, grounded in two millennia of spiritual practices with the Bible. Elias and Brian are joined by Chris Braniff, whose short story in the compilation concerns a repairer of generative AI-powered “Jesus kiosks” who discovers that VR experiences could be much more than entertainment. The book is available at 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, Pablo A. Ruz Salmones and Penny Yuen Host: Pablo A. Ruz Salmones Editing: Isabelle Braconnot Music from #UppbeatLicense code: 1ZHLF7FMCNHU39

In this podcast, AI&F Advisor Rabbi Mois Navon draws on his 35-year career as a pioneering AI computer design engineer to discuss whether battlefield decisions by lethal autonomous weapons that seek to apply ostensible “moral algorithms” are consistent with principles of human dignity. Rabbi Mois draws on his essay Autonomous Weapons Systems and Battlefield Dignity - A Jewish Perspective in the July 2023 book Alexa, How Do You Feel about Religion?" Technology, Digitization and Artificial Intelligence in the Focus of AI, co-edited by our AI&F Advisor Anna Puzo. Our host Pablo Ruz Salmones also explores with Rabbi Mois his front row seat on AI research in Israel since the 1990s, and the AI ethics conversation there. Production: Ed Melick, Pablo A. Ruz Salmones and Penny Yuen Host: Pablo A. Ruz Salmones Editing: Isabelle Braconnot Music from #UppbeatLicense code: 1ZHLF7FMCNHU39

Join us in our conversation with Dr. David Kim, founder of the non-profit Goldenwood. He discussed the challenges we face in cultivating a new vision of work in the era of AI and how religion can help in fostering this culture, building a positive vision of the future. Production: Ed Melick, Pablo A. Ruz Salmones and Penny Yuen Host: Pablo A. Ruz Salmones Editing: Isabelle Braconnot Music from #UppbeatLicense code: 1ZHLF7FMCNHU39

Do you know what misinformation is? What about disinformation? In this special episode, Ed Melick gives you a brief introduction to the topic and most importantly what you can do to stop it. Production: Elias Kruger, Ed Melick and Penny Yuen Host: Ed Melick Editing: Ed Melick Music from #Uppbeat License code: 1ZHLF7FMCNHU39

This week's podcast episode is an interview with Andrew DeBerry, founder of a cybersecurity company and serves as a Reservist in the U.S. Cyber Command. He talks about the dangers of using AI to generate and spread misinformation and the importance of both companies and government working together to address these issues. He also addresses how each of us as human beings can navigate through these challenging times. Production: Ed Melick, Pablo A. Ruz Salmones and Penny Yuen Host: Pablo A. Ruz Salmones Editing: Isabelle Braconnot Music from #UppbeatLicense code: 1ZHLF7FMCNHU39

Join us for an interview with Dr. Nicoleta Acatrinei, an economist, theologian (Eastern Orthodox), and independent expert consultant in Geneva, Switzerland. With a Ph.D. from the Swiss Graduate School of Public Administration, she has led projects at Princeton University at the intersection of faith and work. Currently, as an expert in faith-based impact investment metrics, Nicoleta delves into religion/spiritual-based motivations, altruism, and workplace changes resulting from the introduction of AI. Discover Dr. Acatrinei's insights on sustainable finance, inclusive economics, and the intersection of faith and work. Production: Ed Melick, Mayla Boguslav and Penny Yuen Host: Mayla Boguslav Editing: Isabelle Braconnot Music from #Uppbeat License code: 1ZHLF7FMCNHU39GD

In this episode, renowned author Jason Thacker talks about a critical situation the world is going through: the spread of misinformation. He also brings a unique perspective on how he thinks religion can provide guidance and shed light during these challenging times. Production: Ed Melick, Pablo A. Ruz Salmones and Penny Yuen Host: Pablo A. Ruz Salmones Editing: Isabelle Braconnot Music from #UppbeatLicense code: 1ZHLF7FMCNHU39

AI&F Advisor Noreen Herzfeld explores two key questions in her new book. Is it possible for human beings to have an authentic relationship with an AI? How does the increasing presence of AI change the way humans relate to one another? Listen now to our conversation. Production: David Brenner, Ed Melick, Pablo A. Ruz Salmones and Penny Yuen Host: Pablo A. Ruz Salmones Editing: Isabelle Braconnot Music from #UppbeatLicense code: 1ZHLF7FMCNHU39

AI and Faith Advisor and founder of Sinai and Synapses, Rabbi Geoffrey Mitelman, talks about building bridges between science and religion and what is necessary to build a common future. Production: David Brenner, Ed Melick, Pablo A. Ruz Salmones and Penny Yuen Host: Pablo A. Ruz Salmones Editing: Isabelle Braconnot Music from #UppbeatLicense code: 1ZHLF7FMCNHU39

In this podcast, AI&F Advisor Vikram Modgil, an expert now working with Amazon in augmented reality and synthetic voice, reflects on opportunities and ethics surrounding cutting edge synthetic reality, what he has learned from starting the Seattle tech discussion group The Good AI, and what's faith got to do with all of this. Production: David Brenner, Ed Melick, Pablo A. Ruz Salmones and Penny Yuen Host: Pablo A. Ruz Salmones Editing: Isabelle Braconnot Music from #UppbeatLicense code: 1ZHLF7FMCNHU39GD

Bishop Paul Tighe from the Vatican's Dicastery for Culture and Education discussed with AI and Faith the Vatican's involvement in the AI revolution, including their recent book 'Encountering Artificial Intelligence'. In this episode, Bishop Tighe explores how the Church engages the global Catholic community regarding technological advancements, as well as international organizations. Production: David Brenner, Ed Melick, Pablo A. Ruz Salmones and Penny Yuen Host: Pablo A. Ruz Salmones Editing: Isabelle Braconnot Music from #UppbeatLicense code: 1ZHLF7FMCNHU39GD

AI&F Advisor Meenaz Merchant is one of Microsoft's top leaders incorporating generative AI technology into Bing search to create Bing Chat. In this podcast Meenaz shares his perspective about why and how Microsoft took this extraordinary step, his role in that work and how he brings his own ethical perspective from his Islamic faith to his work on AI technology. Production: David Brenner, Ed Melick, Pablo A. Ruz Salmones and Penny Yuen Host: Pablo A. Ruz Salmones Editing: Isabelle Braconnot Music from #Uppbeat License code: 1ZHLF7FMCNHU39GD

In this podcast AI&F Advisor and psychiatrist Curt Thompson provides insights from his clinical practice about how AI is affecting our concept of beauty and our mental health generally. Curt also describes our brains' remarkable capacity to “wire” around our relationships and faith practices, reflecting a process called “brain plasticity”, and some of the ways that social media appears to impact that wiring. Production: David Brenner, Ed Melick, Pablo A. Ruz Salmones and Penny Yuen Host: Pablo A. Ruz Salmones Editing: Isabelle Braconnot Music from #UppbeatLicense code: 1ZHLF7FMCNHU39GD

What if you had a time machine and could transport yourself back to Palo Alto, California in 1972, just as the computer mouse was being invented and everything amazing lay ahead? That's when AI&F Advisor and renowned Silicon Valley futurist Bob Johansen moved to Palo Alto where for the next 50 years with the Institute for the Future, he helped shape the rise of the modern technology revolution through groundbreaking insight and analysis. In this podcast, Bob discusses significant turning points that informed his own advice, his “future back” method for forecasting technology developments, and his long term engagement with the future of technology in religion. Bob is also the author or co-author of thirteen books, including the best-selling Get There Early: Sensing the Future to Compete in the Present. Production: David Brenner, Ed Melick, Pablo A. Ruz Salmones and Penny YuenHost: Pablo A. Ruz SalmonesEditing: Isabelle Braconnot Music from #UppbeatLicense code: 1ZHLF7FMCNHU39GD

Welcome to the AI and Faith podcast. We are a community of expert technologists, professionals and faith leaders bringing the ancient wisdom of the world's major religions to the ethics of artificial intelligence.  We believe Artificial Intelligence is an important tool to be stewarded and guided for human flourishing rather than destructive outcomes. AI is shaping our self-understanding, work, and global human community with astonishing speed and scale. At our podcast events, we gather to hear an expert in our community explain a topic of particular current interest and discuss important issues. Join us on our new journey and welcome to this conversation!   Production: David Brenner, Ed Melick, and Penny Yuen  Hosting and editing: Ed Melick Music from #Uppbeat  License code: 1ZHLF7FMCNHU39GD