Religion, Lady Bird and AI: A Conversation with the New York Times’ Jessica Grose

Jun 25, 2025

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In this episode of For the Good of the Public podcast, Michael shares his in-depth conversation with Jessica Grose, a columnist at the New York Times, about her five-part series on how Americans think about religion today. Jessica dives into some of the trends she discovered through her reporting, and explores what Americans value, or miss, about religious experiences in modern America. Michael and Jessica also talk about Artificial Intelligence, and consider the potential for AI to help, or deepen, loneliness and social disrepair. Jessica’s approach to writing about these issues with a degree of earnest curiosity provides a fresh, essential perspective regarding how we think about religion and modern life. As a bonus: don’t miss Michael’s effusive reflections on Greta Gerwig’s Lady Bird.

Watch the video recording of this talk on YouTube!

“It is just so rare to have someone who is approaching these things with an attempt to look at religion with fresh eyes, and that’s what Jessica’s really able to do in this series. I think it’s what she’s able to convey in this conversation that we have.” -Michael [01:14]

“A distinct good that Jessica talks about in her interview is churches being a place where people can find meaning and belonging and enriching friendship.” -Phebe [03:35]

“The best part of it has been opening up a space for people to talk about their faith.” -Jessica [14:53]

TIMESTAMPS

[00:00] Intro

[06:25] What Lady Bird teaches about religion

[10:12] Inspiration behind Jessica’s writing

[13:57] Her contribution to the conversation

[17:35] The role religion can play

[21:48] The “Nones” and spiritual but not religion

[26:42] AI and loneliness

[29:36] Jessica’s personal story and what’s next

[34:48] Outro

REFERENCES