Know Why Podcast

A weekly podcast for young adults seeking to go deeper on life’s biggest questions

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Episodes

6 hours ago

If you're on social media apps like TikTok and Instagram, you've seen the videos—reels using satire, sarcasm, and dark humor to react to recent events in the Middle East. Cynical, offbeat humor is typical of a generation accustomed to "unprecedented times," but is often used to mask a deeper sense of fear and anxiety about what's going on.
In this episode, Liberty draws on principles found in the Bible and often repeated by mental health experts for truly coping with anxiety about global events. It is possible to find inner peace with Jesus in a dangerous, unstable world.
More Resources:
Gen Z, Iran, and the Mass Panic Happening on TikTok - USA Today
How Can I Feel Safe in an Unstable World? Interview With Dr. Tanita Maddox 
What Did Jesus Say About Overcoming Anxiety? Interview With Lauren McAfee 
Is it Possible to Thrive With Anxiety and Depression? Interview With Ben Bennett 

Wednesday Jun 18, 2025

For decades, religious affiliation has dropped off with each new generation. But with Gen Z, that trend appears to be stalling. Why are young adults returning to religion, especially traditionally conservative expressions of religion like Catholicism?
Liberty suggests that in today's chaotic world, young people want more than vague spirituality and moral relativism, and they're finding it in the pews their parents abandoned.
More Resources:
Why is Gen Z More Religious Than Previous Generations? (Northeastern Global News)
How Catholicism Got Cool (The Free Press) 
"Know About Creating," Know Why Podcast Series
"Know About Jesus," Know Why Podcast Series
"Know Why God is Good," Know Why Podcast Series 

Wednesday Jun 11, 2025

Deloitte's 2025 Global survey of Gen Zs and millennials reveals that at work, young adults prioritize mentorship, meaning, and financial security. But survey answers reveal deeper themes at play, including strong needs for a secure identity and a sense of purpose. What do these deeper themes reveal about who we are as humans? That's what Liberty tackles in this 20-minute episode, drawing on experts featured in Know Why's past series, "Know About Thriving at Work."
More Resources:
Deloitte 2025 Global Survey on Gen Z and Millennials
Know About Thriving At Work: A Know Why Podcast Series
The Religion of Workism is Making Americans Miserable
The Secret to Happiness at Work 

Tuesday Jun 03, 2025

Liberty recaps this season's two series, Know Why God is Good and Know About AI. Then, she previews what viewers can expect from the Know Why Podcast over the summer and in the months ahead.
Don't forget to subscribe, rate, review, and share!
More Resources:
Know Why God is Good series
Know About AI series
Contact Liberty

Wednesday May 28, 2025

President Donald Trump has pledged to “solidify our position as the global leader in AI and secure a brighter future for all Americans.”
“It is the policy of the United States to sustain and enhance America’s global AI dominance in order to promote human flourishing, economic competitiveness, and national security,” an Executive Order from January 2025 states.
But how will enhanced “global AI dominance” affect the American family? Drastically and negatively, if we’re not careful. That’s what Michael Toscano and Jared Hayden of the Institute for Family Studies argue. But there is hope if government officials are willing to incorporate family-focused safeguards in their AI policies and investments.
Michael and Jared join this episode of the Know Why Podcast to discuss their public comment submitted to the Trump administration, which details “5 Recommendations for the White House’s AI Action Plan.”
 
More Resources:
Report Brief: Protecting the Family in the Age of Artificial Intelligence
Institute for Family Studies
A Future For the Family
 

Wednesday May 21, 2025

Some AI enthusiasts argue that artificial intelligence will usher in a new age of human thriving, even sparking a renaissance of deeper and more meaningful human connection. Others argue that AI chatbots can offer social benefits, providing a "friend" to those in need.
Are these optimistic takes on AI's potential impact valid? Or are they the result of delusion? Liberty considers these arguments in light of existing evidence on how AI is already impacting humans, and discusses why we have the need for relationship at all.
More Resources:
AI Will Change What it is to be Human. Are We Ready?
Your Chatbot Won't Cry if You Die? 

Wednesday May 07, 2025

A recent Teen Vogue article explores common ways college students are using ChatGPT. The anecdotes in the article align with other reporting on common uses for AI, leading Liberty to explore three trends...
Using AI to replace or assist in interpersonal conversations
Using AI to replace brainstorming solutions for difficult situations
Using AI in place of or in addition to a therapist for mental health purposes.
Are there valid aspects to these uses, or just risks? Liberty discusses the alleged pros and potential cons of each trend, with a focus on how each use of AI impacts social connections and responsibilities in our individualistic society. 
More Resources: 
How Are Students Using ChatGPT? For Therapy, Breakups, and Even Texting Friends (Teen Vogue)
When There's No School Counselor, There's a Bot (The Wall Street Journal)
Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation: The U.S. Surgeon General's Advisory on the Healing Effects of Social Connection and Community (2023)
Can Localism Ease Partisanship (And Even Anxiety?) Know About Political Engagement: Interview With Dr. Mark T. Mitchell (Episode 51)
How Will Chatbots Affect My Soul? Know About Healthy Tech Habits: Interview With Kate Lucky (Part 1) (Episode 26)
Should Chatbots Scare Me? Know About Healthy Tech Habits: Interview With Kate Lucky (Part 2) (Episode 27)
 

Wednesday Apr 30, 2025

Next up in our series "Know About AI," Liberty recalls three past interviews on the Know Why Podcast with illustrators who addressed the purpose of creation and the affect of artificial intelligence on art. Featured artists are best-selling author and illustrator John Hendrix, author, illustrator, and mechanical engineer Ross Boone, and illustrator Jared Boggess, the art director for Christianity Today.
This episode features clips from each of their interviews, which you can find in full at KnowWhyPodcast.com, or anywhere else you get your podcasts.
More Resources:
Know About Creating: Why Should Christians Value Art? Interview With John Hendrix (Know Why Podcast, Episode 56)
Know About Creating: How Can Artists Use AI and Other Digital Tools Wisely? Interview With Ross Boone (Part 1) (Know Why Podcast, Episode 57)
Know About Creating: Does AI Threaten the Process of Making? Interview With Jared Boggess (Know Why Podcast, Episode 59)

Wednesday Apr 23, 2025


The efficiency of generative AI can be tempting. But Philip Bunn, assistant professor of political science at Covenant College, argues that we may be sacrificing part of our humanity—and eventually our freedom—for the apparent perfection of AI results. When we allow ourselves do things badly instead of relying on AI, we're forming important parts of ourselves, Philip argues.
Don't miss this latest installment in the series "Know About AI" where Liberty and Philip discuss the AI crisis in academia, the purpose of education, 18th century economist Adam Smith's predictions about technology and "mental mutilation," and tips for preserving independent judgement in a culture that increasingly depends on AI.
More Resources:
Digital Liturgies: Rediscovering Christian Wisdom in an Online Age by Samuel James
The Common Rule: Habits of Purpose for an Age of Distraction by Justin Whitmel Earley
A Web of Our Own Making: The Nature of Digital Formation by Anton Barba-Kay
EverythingWasBeautiful.Substack.com

Wednesday Apr 16, 2025

Is it cheating to have ChatGPT give feedback on your research paper? 
What if you just ask ChatGPT to check your math homework?
Should professors stop fighting the use of AI and incorporate it into collegiate-level assignments? 
How can teachers mitigate the negative effects of technology overload in their classrooms? 
We cover all these questions and more in the second installment of our Know About AI series, featuring Emily Harrison, author of the resource-heavy website Dear Christian Parent on Substack. Whether you're a parent, a teacher, or a student yourself, you won't want to miss this episode on artificial intelligence and education. 
More Resources: 
Dear Christian Parent on Substack
Amusing Ourselves to Death: Public Discourse in the Age of Show Business by Neil Postman
From the Garden to the City: The Place of Technology in the Story of God by John Dyer
 

Why Know Why?

Maybe you were raised in church and want to know if there is a reason behind the things you were taught to believe. Maybe you aren’t religious at all, but you’re interested in different perspectives on morality.

No matter where you’re coming from, it’s not enough to know what people say about life’s most important questions. You also want to know why.

Each week, Know Why tackles tough questions on topics ranging from spirituality to current events, with special attention to the issues facing millennials and members of Gen Z.

While we approach these issues from a Christian perspective, we discuss diverse opinions and ultimately dive into what the research says.

The conversations on Know Why are frank and friendly, featuring brief but thorough interviews with a variety of subject-matter experts and interesting people. We hope you find these conversations enjoyable, informative, and relevant to your life.

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