Welcome Bernard D. "Bernie" DiGregorio!!!

We're so excited to have Bernie join us at Future of Faith as our new Associate Researcher!

Bernard D. “Bernie” DiGregorio is a sociology doctoral candidate (ABD) at West Virginia University, where he studies religion, health, and social differences. Outside of his research, he enjoys reading, spending time with family, and playing tabletop role-playing games.

1. What’s a small but meaningful way you show others they’re truly heard?

When someone is talking to me, I try to give them my full attention; making eye contact, setting aside distractions, and really engaging with what they’re saying. I also like to paraphrase or reflect back what I’ve heard, so I know I’m not just hearing them, but actually understanding them.

2. What advice would you give to others who want to build stronger connections within their faith communities?

Start small and lead with genuine openness. Even if you’re not deeply involved in a community, simple moments like saying hello or taking time to listen can go a long way. It helps to remember that everyone is looking for connection in their own way, and meeting people where they are matters more than doing everything “right.”

3. What is one book that shaped your approach to ministry?

My Own Country: A Doctor’s Story by Abraham Verghese. It follows his experiences caring for AIDS patients in the early years of the epidemic and really shaped how I think about empathy and compassion in practice, not just in theory.

4. What is one podcast you’d recommend?

I’d recommend Jimmy Akin’s Mysterious World. Even when I don’t fully agree with every conclusion, I appreciate the way it approaches complex or unusual topics with a mix of curiosity, fairness, and analytical thinking.

5. Fun one: Would you rather everyone hear your thoughts for one day or have to say everything you think for a week?

Probably say everything I think for a week. I already tend to talk things through out loud when I’m processing, so it wouldn’t be as big an adjustment, although I might need to be a bit more careful than usual.

Connect with Bernie on LinkedIn!