Hunger for Wholeness

In this second part of her conversation with Robert Nicastro, theologian and spiritual teacher Sheri Kling deepens the discussion on how process and open and relational theologies can reshape our spiritual lives.

What does it mean to pray into immanence rather than plead to a distant deity? How can our rituals and symbols come alive again when they're held with spaciousness? And what does faith beyond belief look like in a world longing for depth and connection?

Sheri shares how process theology transforms worship, preaching, and community life—and offers tools for religious leaders hoping to...

In this episode of Hunger for Wholeness, Robert Nicastro welcomes back theologian, minister, and director of Process and Faith, Dr. Sheri Kling, for a rich conversation on the power of theology to renew spiritual life in a fragmented world.

Sheri shares the story behind Renewing Faith, a newly released collection of essays emerging from a 2025 conference that brought together voices exploring how process and open and relational theology can breathe new life into Christian practice. Together, she and Robert unpack how these movements offer a vision of God not as a distant, all-controlling force, but as a...

Ilia Delio welcomes back Rev. Dr. Hillary Raining to probe a live question for faith communities today: when our concepts of God become narrow—or distorted—how do they derail spiritual growth and even undermine justice? Hillary names the fears that keep churches clinging to old power structures, and offers a pastoral imagination big enough for an evolving, more-than-abstract God. From “theology police” moments in grief care to the responsibility we bear as Christ’s body, she invites a shift from transactional religion to a life transfigured by love.

The conversation moves into language itself. Do words like Chris...

In this episode of Hunger for Wholeness, Ilia Delio talks with Episcopal priest and spiritual director Rev. Dr. Hillary Raining about what happens when public life shows up in the parish—how pastors can hold political tension without letting church life collapse into partisanship, and why hope and joy remain non-negotiable in a polarized age. Together they explore a renewed mystical imagination for Christianity: experience that leads to transformation, and transformation that bears fruit in justice.

Hillary reflects on leading a large Washington, D.C. congregation where worship must flow into weekday service while also tending the in...

In this episode of Hunger for Wholeness, Robert Nicastro continues his conversation with philosopher Don Viney. Together, they explore Teilhard de Chardin’s vision of a planetary mind—asking whether today’s global networks are cultivating consciousness and love, or tempting us to worship technology for its own sake.

What happens when tools eclipse persons? When CGI and AI overwhelm story and relationship? Viney contrasts spectacle with narrative and argues that technology should serve the growth of consciousness—embodiment, compassion, and responsibility—rather than replace it. He also pushes back on disembodied transhumanist dreams, advocating for a deeply hum...

In this episode of Hunger for Wholeness, Robert Nicastro sits down with philosopher and musician Don Viney to trace his journey from the arts to philosophy—and the unexpected conversion that led him to process thought. Together, they explore the creative tension between art and thought, and how beauty, music, and literature often touch places philosophical language cannot reach.

Don shares formative moments from studying with Charles Hartshorne and his early fascination with Teilhard de Chardin—unpacking how Teilhard’s evolutionary mysticism resonates with those seeking meaning in a fragmented world. Along the way, the conversation wrestles with n...

In this episode of Hunger for Wholeness, Sr. Ilia Delio continues her conversation with neuroanthropologist Terrence Deacon. Together, they explore how we might “fall up” into a collective future—probing the limits of machines and minds, and why complexity in nature often emerges not by work, but by play.

What happens when we mistake computation for thinking? When our tools become mirrors and we fall for our own reflection? From Plato’s worry about writing to today’s large language models, Deacon asks how outsourcing our capacities can both diminish autonomy and unlock astonishing, shared intelligence—raising new question...

In this episode of Hunger for Wholeness, Sr. Ilia Delio engages neuroanthropologist Terrence Deacon. Together, they probe the paradox of presence and absence—how constraint, incompleteness, and time shape mind, language, and the emergence of human meaning. From Charles Sanders Peirce to Claude Shannon, Deacon traces a lineage that reframes form not as what’s added, but as what’s held back.

What happens when we privilege what’s present while ignoring the creative force of what’s missing? How does constraint give rise to information, and why might Gödel’s incompleteness illuminate consciousness more than mechanism alo...

In this continuation of their rich exchange, Sr. Ilia Delio and Dr. Iain McGilchrist explore the deeper dimensions of consciousness—and how our overreliance on the left hemisphere of the brain distorts our understanding of reality, relationships, and even God.

Together, they reflect on:

In this episode of Hunger for Wholeness, Sr. Ilia Delio engages renowned psychiatrist and author Dr. Iain McGilchrist. Together, they explore the profound implications of the brain’s divided hemispheres—and how our overreliance on the left brain might be shaping Western culture in unexpected ways.

What happens when we privilege abstract data over embodied experience? When mechanistic thinking crowds out emotional understanding and context? Drawing from his influential works The Master and His Emissary and The Matter with Things, Dr. McGilchrist proposes that the right hemisphere—long neglected—holds the key to restoring balance, wisdom, and connecti...

In the second half of her conversation with independent scholar Jared Morningstar, Sr. Ilia Delio explores how religion might evolve in light of today’s ecological and cultural disruptions. Drawing from Islamic philosophy, metamodernism, and process thought, Ilia and Jared consider what it means to reimagine religion in a world shaped by uncertainty, pluralism, and accelerating technology.

Together they ask: Can an ecological worldview renew religious imagination? What is metamodernism, and how might it offer a new spiritual framework for global society? And as science and tech continue to dominate cultural life, does religion still hold something es...

In this episode of Hunger for Wholeness, Sr. Ilia Delio speaks with independent scholar Jared Morningstar about the transformative potential of science-informed spirituality. Drawing from Islamic philosophy, including the thought of Muhammad Iqbal, Jared explores how process thought might bridge religious divides and invite a deeper interfaith convergence—one grounded in creativity, ecological awareness, and scientific integrity.

Together, Sr. Ilia and Jared reflect on the long but fractured relationship between science and religion. Why have these traditions, which once collaborated, become estranged? What would it take to move beyond entrenched patriarchal and tribal patterns—particularly those that cont...

In the second part of Ilia Delio’s conversation with theologian Adam Clark, the focus shifts to questions at the intersection of power, technology, and ethics. How does liberation theology speak to the structures of modern technological society—and what does it say about the nature of evil?

Together, Ilia and Adam explore:

Adam Clark, a student of James Cone and advocate for justice in both c...

Ilia Delio sits down with theologian and scholar Adam Clark for a wide-ranging conversation on the roots and future of Black theology.

A student of the late James Cone—the founding voice of Black liberation theology—Adam brings deep theological insight and cultural awareness to questions at the heart of faith, justice, and the human story.

Together, Ilia and Adam explore:

Hunger for Wholeness continues with the second part of Ilia Delio’s thought-provoking conversation with biophysicist, entrepreneur, and author Gregory Stock.

In this episode, Ilia and Gregory explore how human motivations, ethics, and the evolving sense of personhood are deeply entangled with the rapid advancement of technology—and how technology, in turn, is reshaping who we are becoming.

Together, they ask:

In this conversation, Ilia Delio speaks with biophysicist, entrepreneur, and author Gregory Stock. Known for his groundbreaking ideas about biotechnology and the future of humanity, Gregory shares the story behind his influential book Metaman and offers insights into how technology is shaping—and destabilizing—our species and planet.

Ilia and Gregory discuss:

This is part one of a two-part interview with Gregory Stock, Ph.D., a lead...

In Part 2 of Ilia Delio’s conversation with author and biblical scholar Peter Enns, we explore deeper dimensions of scripture—and how our understanding of it must evolve alongside us.

Together, Ilia and Pete examine how the Bible is often misused as a political and cultural tool, and they ask: Can scripture still offer wisdom in a world facing ecological collapse, moral polarization, and spiritual disconnection?

This episode approaches:

Hunger for Wholeness is back with a brand new season—and we’re beginning with a deep and timely conversation about one the most timeless texts.

In this season-opening episode, Ilia Delio speaks with biblical scholar and bestselling author Peter Enns. Known for his accessible, thoughtful takes on scripture, Pete invites us to rethink how we read the Bible in a world shaped by science, technology, and evolving consciousness.

Together, Ilia and Pete ask:

How to Pursue Religious Depth with John D. Caputo (Part 2)

In our final episode of this season, Ilia Delio asks philosopher-theologian Jack Caputo more about religious depth in light of what he calls weak theology. Plus, Jack compares AI to angelology, and Ilia asks how theo-poetics can help us respond to the challenges posed by technology and the crises of our day.

ABOUT JOHN D. CAPUTO

“The name of God is the name of the impossible, and the love of God transports us beyond ourselves and the constraints imposed upon the world.”

Jo...

Ilia Delio sits down with philosopher-theologian John D. Saputo (Jack). Ilia asks Jack about how he got from Continental Philosophy to what he calls weak theology, and theo-poetics. Then they tackle the big, enduring question Jack and Ilia like to often ask—what is going on “in the name of God?” and why it might benefit us to stop talking about “God.”

ABOUT JOHN D. CAPUTO

“The name of God is the name of the impossible, and the love of God transports us beyond ourselves and the constraints imposed upon the world.”

John D. Caputo, the...

When Wholeness Arrives with Bayo Akomolafe (Part 2)

Ilia Delio and Bayo Akomolafe continue their conversation about navigating the legacy of modernity and our journey into the future as a species. Bayo shares his perspective on the legacies of ingenious thought—particularly how it’s seen from the West. They ask, whether we ever arrive at wholeness? And what, if anything, does politics have to do with it?

ABOUT BAYO AKOMOLAFE

“The idea of slowing down is not about getting answers, it is about questioning our questions. It is about staying in the places that a...

How (Post-)Humans Evolve with Bayo Akomolafe (Part 1)

Ilia Delio is joined by the prolific writer and activist Bayo Akomolafe. Bayo shares with us about his Christian background, growing up as the son of a diplomat in Nigeria. Ilia asks Bayo about how he has uniquely wrestled with the legacy of modernity and Western thought and his own unique approach to process and post-humanist thought.

ABOUT BAYO AKOMOLAFE

“The idea of slowing down is not about getting answers, it is about questioning our questions. It is about staying in the places th...

How to Write a Catechism for AIs with Kevin Kelly (Part 4)

In the final part of this four-part series, futurist Kevin Kelly asks Ilia Delio to propose a catechism for AIs. Likewise, they discuss what our relationships with the AIs of the future might look like—love? Companionship? Ilia asks what these new relationships teach us about ourselves, the cosmos, or even, God and Kevin imagines what would happen if AIs contact other than human beings.

ABOUT KEVIN KELLY

“Humans are the reproductive organs of technology.”

Kevin Kelly is Senior Maverick at Wir...

Can AIs and Global Myths Make Us Better Humans with Kevin Kelly (Part 3)

Ilia Delio brings religion into focus in the third of her four-part series with futurist Kevin Kelly. Ilia outlines her own, cutting-edge perspective to get Kevin’s views on Teilhard, diversity, and the possibility of global convergence or even new religions. They discuss whether we need a new, global myth, and Kevin imagines how he thinks AIs and religion might help make us better humans.

ABOUT KEVIN KELLY

“Humans are the reproductive organs of technology.”

Kevin Kelly...

How to Face the Future with Kevin Kelly (Part 2)

In part two of this four part series, Ilia Delio and Kevin Kelly discuss the potential social and economic impacts of AIs–whether these fears are founded, and where there is hope it will enhance our global unity. Plus, Kevin answers why he helped found Wired magazine, and how he’s learned to face the future.

ABOUT KEVIN KELLY

“Humans are the reproductive organs of technology.”

Kevin Kelly is Senior Maverick at Wired. An award-winning magazine, he co-founded Wired in...

How AIs are Children and Mirrors with Kevin Kelly (Part 1)

In the first part of this special four part series, Ilia Delio learns more about Wired founding editor and futurist Kevin Kelly’s story with technology. It begins with his world travel in the 70s seeing impacts and possibilities of computer technology on human life. Ilia asks more about this background, and Kevin shares with us his theory of technology—what is technology and can we survive without it?

ABOUT KEVIN KELLY

“Humans are the reproductive organs of technology.”

Kevin Kelly is Senio...

Do Science, Black Theology and AI Mix with Dr. Reggie Williams (Part 2)

In the second part of this two-part interview, Ilia Delio speaks with Dr. Reggie Williams about just that black theology. From her Teilhardian perspective, Ilia asks Reggie about the interaction between faith and science, and in particular, how evolution, diversity and technology work together in his theology. Finally, Ilia asks what role, if any, AI plays in social change.

ABOUT DR. REGGIE WILLIAMS

“Bonhoeffer’s experience in Harlem demonstrates that a Christian interpretation of the way of Jesus must be c...

What (Black) Bonhoeffer Might Say Today with Dr. Reggie Williams (Part 1)

Ilia Delio welcomes Dr. Reggie Williams, the newly appointed Associate Professor of Black Theology at St Louis University, to unpack the life, work of Dietrich Bonhoeffer. Bonhoeffer’s legacy continues to touch today’s major issues—racism, religious nationalism, political action, and human suffering. Ilia and Reggie discuss these topics, “religionless christianity,” suffering and more.

ABOUT DR. REGGIE WILLIAMS

“Bonhoeffer’s experience in Harlem demonstrates that a Christian interpretation of the way of Jesus must be connected to justice for a Christian to see beyond...

How the World Could Use a Sabbath with Rabbi Bradley S. Artson (Part 2)

In the second part of this very special conversation, Ilia Delio and Rabbi Bradley Artson tackle everything from life after death, to concerns about technology and AI. Rabbi Artson shares with us how everyone could benefit from a Sabbath practice, and how Judaism offers ancient insights uncoupled from Western assumptions.

ABOUT Rabbi Bradley S. Artson:

“The world and God are expressions of continuous, dynamic relational change. We label that process as creativity. The mutual commitment to that process is...

What We Mean When We Talk About “God” with Rabbi Bradley S. Artson (Part 1)

In part one of their conversation Ilia Delio speaks with Rabbi Bradley S. Artson, writer and Jewish process thinker. Rabbi Artson tells us about his journey from atheism to a love for God and describes how process theology helped to reawaken his appreciation for science, shedding light on religious experience. Plus, Ilia and Brad discuss his prayer practice, and consider a more positive spin on tribalism.

ABOUT BRADLEY S. ARTSON

“The world and God are expres...

Why AI Optimism and Our Values can Synergize with Francis Heylighen (Part 2)

In the second part of their conversation, Ilia Delio asks Francis Heylighen “what values do we need to focus on to guide this global transformation?” Professor Heylighen tells us why he’s optimistic about AI, and “why” synergy exists in our universe at all. 

ABOUT FRANCIS HEYLIGHEN

“The ever-faster evolution of science, technology and culture appears to herald a new metasystem transition. This will lead to a system with as yet unpredictable capacities for adaptation, creativity, thought, consciousness and action. Probably the best meta...

How All this Complexity is Unified with Francis Heylighen (Part 1)

Ilia Delio talks with cyberneticist Francis Heylighen. In part one of their conversation, Ilia asks Francis about his interest in complexity theory, and the basics of complex systems as they appear in our society and world. How does complexity theory inform the big problems of our age? Ilia and Francis discuss whether this school of thought can help us develop unifying principles to help organize our complex planet.

ABOUT FRANCIS HEYLIGHEN

“The ever-faster evolution of science, technology and culture ap...

Finding Consciousness at the Heart of it All with Neil Theise (Part 2)

Episode Description

In part two, Ilia Delio and Neil Theise unpack the implications of complexity theory for human life, especially consciousness, our technology and the relationship between them. Can AI become “conscious?” Neil tells us more about his journey as a practicing Zen Buddhist, its impact on his research and thought, and the value our wisdom traditions can still offer to science.

ABOUT NEIL THEISE

 “The teeming hordes of living things on Earth, not only in space but in time, a...

How Deep Down the Complexity Goes with Neil Theise (Part 1)

In the first part of their conversation Ilia Delio asks stem cell researcher and author, Neil Theise, about this journey from science to complexity theory. Ilia and Neil ask big questions about how deep the complexity goes—is there something at the bottom of it all? And what can complexity theories teach us about our modern systems of life and society?

 “The teeming hordes of living things on Earth, not only in space but in time, are actually all one massive, single organism just as certa...

“How Fear Arrested Our Theological Imagination with Fr. Dan Horan” (Part 2)

In part two of their discussion Ilia Delio asks Fr. Dan Horan about the way forward, and how fear arrests our theological imaginations. They discuss whether it will be possible to reimagine some of the most central tenets of Christian doctrine, especially in the case of the more centralized churches. In light of today’s cultural and scientific contexts, can age-old doctrines still give us guidance?

ABOUT DAN HORAN

“God’s love is not conditioned like our love, God’s mercy is not bound...

What Thomas Merton Would Say Today with Fr. Dan Horan (Part 1)

Ilia Delio interviews Fr. Dan Horan, professor of Philosophy, Religious Studies and Theology at Saint Mary’s College and author of Engaging Thomas Merton: Spirituality, Justice, and Racism. Ilia asks Dan how he became interested in Thomas Merton, and what relevant insights he believes the teachers of yesterday have for us today in the shadow of ecological crisis and in need of social justice.

ABOUT DAN HORAN

“God’s love is not conditioned like our love, God’s mercy is not bound as...

Will There Ever Be Conscious AI with Philip Goff (Part 2)

In part 2 of their interview, Ilia Delio and Philip Goff continue their conversation about consciousness and how science and theology can better work together to understand it. Together, Ilia and Philip tackle the burning question, “will AI ever become conscious?”

ABOUT PHILIP GOFF

“Here’s a prediction: In twenty years’ time, the idea that panpsychism can be quickly dismissed as ‘crazy’ will seem, well, crazy.”

Dr Philip Goff, Ph.D., is Professor of Philosophy at Durham University. His research focuses on consciousness...

Ilia Delio interviews philosopher and author Philip Goff on the big questions of consciousness. What is it? And how does modern panpsychism explain the relationship between consciousness and matter? Ilia and Philip also discuss how consciousness exposes where science and religion need to work in a more interdisciplinary manner to continue furthering our quest for human knowledge.

ABOUT PHILIP GOFF

“Here’s a prediction: In twenty years’ time, the idea that panpsychism can be quickly dismissed as ‘crazy’ will seem, well, crazy.”

Dr Philip Goff, Ph.D., is Professor of Philosophy at Durham University...

Building on their conversation in Part 1, Ilia Delio and Bruce Epperly unpack what it means to see the divine in the other. They discuss the need for sacrificial living and a return to some of the basic practices of global spiritual traditions. Bruce tells us how these ideas affect his understanding of his own privilege, and how process theology can help us build better relationships in our communities.

ABOUT BRUCE EPPERLY

“Healing can occur in any circumstance, because God is the source of abundance and new life in all things. Even when no ph...

Ilia Delio is joined by process theologian Bruce Epperly for an honest conversation looking at the divisiveness at work in our communities and politics. Bruce gives an introduction to process theology (or process relational theology) and together they unpack how the basic conceptual shifts promoted by process theology can help to heal our communities and guide our interactions with people who challenge us to a better future. 

ABOUT BRUCE EPPERLY

“Healing can occur in any circumstance, because God is the source of abundance and new life in all things. Even when no physical cur...