What happens when the Church weighs in on artificial intelligence?In this episode, we discuss Pope Leo XIV's recent reflections on AI, technology, and human dignity. Drawing parallels between today's AI revolution and the Industrial Revolution, they explore how technology shapes our lives, influences our relationships, and challenges our understanding of what it means to be human.The conversation touches on social media algorithms, political polarization, Christian formation, human identity, and why the most important question may not be whether technology is good or bad, but who we are becoming while we build it.Plus, the hosts discuss the dangers of reducing people to labels, the importance of seeing others as image-bearers of God, and whether AI might someday replace the voices on the other end of customer service calls.

Fresh off a pilgrimage to Italy, John Stephens and Josef Klam reflect on the spiritual, historical, and personal impact of traveling through some of Christianity’s most significant sites.From Rome, Assisi, Siena, Florence, and Venice, they explore why pilgrimages continue to shape faith today. The conversation dives into sacred spaces, Christian history, the power of community, and how stepping away from everyday routines can open us to transformation.Along the way, they share memorable moments from the trip, discuss the importance of experiencing biblical history firsthand, and even recount a few encounters with Roman pickpockets and unforgettable Italian meals.Whether you've been on a pilgrimage before or have always wondered what makes these journeys meaningful, this episode offers a glimpse into how travel, faith, and shared experiences can deepen our understanding of God and one another.

Laura Husband joins the podcast for a deeply honest conversation about grief, faith, healing, and the stories that shape us. Laura shares her experience growing up as the daughter of astronaut Rick Husband, commander of the Space Shuttle Columbia, and reflects on the tragedy that changed her life at just 12 years old.Together, Matt and Laura explore what it means to navigate public grief, wrestle with abandonment and loss, and discover the presence of God in suffering. They discuss counseling, healing, storytelling, forgiveness, and the ways our deepest wounds can become places of connection and hope for others.Laura also shares about her new podcast, Stories That Serve, where she invites guests into meaningful conversations about how pain, healing, and faith can shape lives that serve others.This episode is honest, vulnerable, hopeful, and full of wisdom for anyone walking through grief, loss, or the process of healing.Links & ResourcesFollow Laura Husband:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thelaurahusbandStories That Serve Podcast:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/storiesthatservepodcastYouTube: https://m.youtube.com/@StoriesThatServeAll Platforms & Links:https://linktr.ee/storiesthatserve

What does it actually take to send humans back to the moon? This week on Pod Have Mercy, John sits down with NASA engineer Jimmy Warner to talk about the future of space exploration, moon bases, Mars missions, and the real science behind the Artemis program. Jimmy shares stories from his 18 years at NASA working on projects including Orion, the Space Shuttle, Gateway, and future lunar habitat systems.The conversation explores everything from lunar dust and ion propulsion to space station living, flat earth conspiracies, sci-fi movies, and the spiritual awe that comes from seeing Earth from space. Jimmy also shares how NASA is preparing for permanent human presence on the moon and why the moon is only the first step toward Mars.It’s a fascinating conversation about science, engineering, wonder, and what humanity’s future in space could look like.

This week on Pod Have Mercy, Jerry Webber joins John Stephens for a thoughtful conversation on contemplative spirituality, the interior life, and the wisdom hidden within the rhythms of a vineyard. Drawing from years of ministry, spiritual direction, and soul work, Jerry reflects on why silence, dormancy, weakness, and even loss can become sacred teachers in our spiritual lives.Together, they explore the imagery of vineyards, old vines, mystics, and spiritual practices that help us slow down long enough to notice where God is already at work within us. From Thomas Merton and Richard Rohr to the “dark night of the soul,” this episode is an invitation to move beyond performance-driven faith and toward deeper awareness, attentiveness, and connection.Whether you’re navigating a difficult season, searching for spiritual grounding, or simply curious about contemplative spirituality, this conversation offers practical wisdom and hopeful perspective.

In this powerful and deeply human conversation, Matt sits down with Shariq Abdul Ghani — Executive Director of Bridges and a Muslim leader passionate about peace-building. We explore what it really means to be neighbors in a divided world.From growing up Pakistani-American in Texas to reclaiming his faith after 9/11, Shariq shares how his journey led him to build bridges across faiths and cultures. Together, they unpack misconceptions about Islam, the meaning of Sharia, and the role of culture vs. religion.But more than anything, this episode is about connection—how simple conversations, curiosity, and proximity can dismantle fear and reshape the future of our communities.If we don’t talk to our neighbors… what are we really building?

In this special crossover episode, Ericka Graham joins Dr. Matt Russell for a wide-ranging conversation on faith, belonging, trauma, addiction recovery, justice, vulnerability, and the future of the church. Together, they explore why people are often longing for connection more than certainty, how curiosity can become a path toward healing, and why authenticity matters more than polished answers in an AI-driven world.Ericka shares her background in theological studies, including graduate work at Rice University focused on sexuality in the Bible and seminary research on soul-body integration and embodiment. Through her podcast, Curiously with Ericka Graham, she creates space for conversations at the intersections of faith, religion, science, mental health, and more.Website: ⁠https://curiouslywitherickagraham.simplecast.com⁠This episode is honest, hopeful, intellectually rich, and full of moments that will stay with you long after it ends.

This week on Pod Have Mercy, Matt is out, so John and Geoff take the mic for a wide-ranging conversation on artificial intelligence, the future of creativity, and whether AI will make life easier or eventually take over everything.They also dive into a surprising spiritual metaphor: vineyards. From dormancy and pruning to harvest and renewal, the rhythms of the vine become a powerful lens for understanding seasons of faith and growth. Along the way, they discuss wine culture, church history, travel to Italy, and what it means to create meaningful work in a rapidly changing world.From ChatGPT to Chianti, this one goes everywhere.

Holy Week invites us into something deeper than celebration—it calls us to slow down, face suffering, and wrestle with the reality of death before we ever reach resurrection.In this episode, we’re joined by Michael Sciretti, pastor of the Center for Christian Spirituality, to explore why so many of us rush past Good Friday—and what we lose when we do. Through the lens of contemplative spirituality, we talk about learning to sit in silence, embrace surrender, and engage the darker, quieter seasons of life. Michael shares practical ways to begin contemplative practices and how they can prepare us for the moments we don’t choose but inevitably face.Because the truth is—there is no resurrection without the cross. Whether you’re walking through grief, uncertainty, or simply looking to grow in your faith, this conversation offers a different way to approach both Holy Week and everyday life: not by avoiding the hard parts, but by entering into them.

In a world where every headline demands a response, what does faithfulness actually look like?This week, we unpack the growing pressure on pastors and churches to make public statements after every cultural moment—and the assumption that silence equals complicity. But is that true?We wrestle with questions like: Does speaking quickly mean we care more?Is urgency the same as faithfulness?What does it look like to respond with depth instead of reaction?Drawing from theology, systems thinking, and the life of Jesus, we explore a different way forward—one rooted not in reaction, but in formation, patience, and presence.Because maybe the goal isn’t to say the right thing about every moment…Maybe it’s to form people who can live rightly in every moment.https://www.christianitytoday.com/2026/03/politics-christian-scandal-social-media-controversy-urgency-is-not-faithfulness/