Can AI help fill church pews without replacing the people in them? Paris Alston talks with Rev. Chris Hope about his new app “100 Days,” an AI-powered tool designed to support new Christians during the critical first months of their faith journey. This episode explore the tensions between innovation and tradition, trust and skepticism, and whether AI can help religious institutions engage a generation that increasingly lives online while still preserving the value of community.

In this episode created by GBH News interns, Ava Francin and Autumn Greene, Rooted explores the psychology of the BBL. Host, Paris Alston discusses the obsession with the butt and why the hourglass figure distinguishes desirability amongst Black women and the effects of an idealized body image in the Black community with Dr. Salomé Wilfred.

Part 2 of Chains to Change follows the fight for freedom through the experiences of Black Bostonians who served their country, built strong communities, and challenged the barriers that stood in the way of equality. From historic neighborhoods to enduring landmarks, their stories reveal how generations of residents shaped Boston's civic, cultural, and political landscape while pushing the nation to live up to its founding ideals. Stay until the end for a conversation with Reverend Chris Hope, Executive Director of The Loop Lab, who shares behind-the-scenes insights into the research, storytelling, and community connections that helped bring these histories to light.