Digital Discernment

Epizódok

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  Mary Soot, “Toy Story 5, Screens and Raising young children” 05.08.2026

  Dr. Randa speaks with Mary Soot, an Orthodox mother of two about Toy Story 5. Together they explore what the movie gets right (and wrong) about kids, technology, friendship, and the often challenging work of parenting young children with discernment.
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  Susan Zacharia, LCSW, "Dr. ChatGPT? Navigating AI as a Mental Health Tool” 22.07.2026

  Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Susan Zacharia, joins Dr. Randa to examine the promises and perils of using AI in mental healthcare. They consider why AI can make us feel better without actually helping us get better, as well as what responsible, faith-informed stewardship of these powerful tools looks like for Orthodox Christians. *Note–This podcast is for educational purposes only and not meant as specific advice for medical or mental health diagnosis and treatment. Please discuss with your care provider any use of AI in your treatment.
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  Christian Gonzalez, LMFT, “Transformed People Transform People” 08.07.2026

  Dr. Randa is joined by therapist Christian Gonzalez, LMFT, Director of Strategic Engagement of Orthodox Youth Ministries. Together, they explore attachment theory and its profound implications for our spiritual lives. They also examine how digital media can either strengthen or undermine the relationships we were created for.
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  Hobie Brabson, "The Joy of Missing Out” 24.06.2026

  Dr. Randa speaks with college student, Hobie Brabson, who gradually stepped away from social media, switched to a minimalist phone, and eventually spent long stretches without carrying a phone at all. Hobie shares how constant exposure to online content fueled comparison, perfectionism, and distraction, and how removing those influences helped him become more present and spiritually attentive. Together they discuss the surprising freedom and joy that come from missing out.
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  Dr. Ioana Popa, "Reclaiming Your Focus from Digital Distraction” 10.06.2026

  In this episode, Dr. Randa Anderson sits down with Dr. Ioana Popa, psychiatrist, spiritual care provider, and executive coach, to explore the roots of digital distraction. Drawing on neuroscience, psychology, and Orthodox Christian spiritual tradition, Dr. Popa explains how constant digital stimulation hijacks our attention and how the ancient practice of stillness offers a powerful, timely antidote.
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  Kyrillos Nashed, "Logging Off: A College Student’s Journey Away from Social Media” 27.05.2026

  Dr. Randa speaks with Kyrillos Nashed, a student at Hellenic College, about why he chose to ditch social media. Kyrillos reflects on doomscrolling, digital fasting, AI, and the ways stepping away from social media has changed his life.
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  Dn Greg Abdalah, “Sacred Arts, Technology & Youth Ministry” 13.05.2026

  Dr. Randa is joined by Dn Greg Abdalah, Pastoral Assistant, St. Vladimir’s Seminary professor, and youth ministry veteran about using digital media with intention. He also emphasizes how the sacred arts drive us to meaningful participation in the Divine Liturgy.
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  Alex Kardasis, “A Young Filmmaker on Art, Awe, and AI” 29.04.2026

  Dr. Randa is joined by Alex Kardasis, a young adult whose personal mission is to inspire awe through art. As a filmmaker, he shares how his Orthodox faith has shaped his convictions about art, and he reflects on why he’s stepped back from using AI in his creative work and personal life, noting lessons he’s learned about the creative process, the drive for success and what truly matters in life.
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  Kh. Destinie Winn, "Evangelism in the Digital Mission Field” 15.04.2026

  Dr. Randa speaks with Kh. Destinie Winn, creator of the popular blog, “The Ascetic Life of Motherhood.” Recognizing that online spaces can be fertile mission fields, Kh. Destinie shares how she bears witness to Christ by offering practical resources for living the Orthodox faith. Hers is a story of digital influence with spiritual integrity and honesty.
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  Erik Hadden, “Internet Pornography–Don’t Give Up Trying to Give it Up” 01.04.2026

  Dr. Randa’s guest is Orthodox therapist, Erik Hadden, MA, LCPC, LPC. Together they discuss the problem of internet pornography use, blending clinical insights with Orthodox theology for a conversation that is both informative and hopeful. *Note–This podcast is for educational purposes only and not meant as a substitute for medical or mental health diagnosis and treatment.
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  Anna Kallis, "Raising Kids in a Screen Saturated World” 18.03.2026

  Dr. Randa speaks with Anna Kallis, MDiv, a youth worker and parent of young children. She talks about parenting young children in a way that screens aren’t the default for entertainment and leisure time. The conversation addresses real world challenges from airplanes to restaurants to playdates and offers parents encouragement for navigating parenting in a digital world.
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  Fr. John Parker, "Internet Pornography: Finding Hope in the Battle” 04.03.2026

  Dr. Randa is joined by St. Tikhon’s Orthodox Seminary Dean, Fr. John Parker, for an honest and pastoral conversation about the spiritual impact of internet pornography use. This episode offers hope to those who struggle and guidance for clergy who care for them.
• 
  Steven Christoforou, "Fasting from Food and Phones" 18.02.2026

  In this episode of Digital Discernment, Dr. Randa speaks with Steven Christoforou, MDiv, JD, Executive Director of FOCUS North America. They discuss the spiritual purpose of fasting and how a digital fast can be an adjunct practice that helps us reclaim our attention, deepen prayer, and redirect our time toward love of God and our neighbor.
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  Dr. Al Rossi, "Internet Pornography--The Cancer of Our Culture" 04.02.2026

  Dr. Randa speaks with Dr. Al Rossi, resident clinical psychologist at St. Vladimir’s Seminary, about the problem of internet pornography use and how one can overcome it through vulnerability and accountability.
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  Fr. Michael Nasser, "Spiritual Formation and the Internet" 22.01.2026

  Dr. Randa speaks with Fr. Michael Nasser, Director of Spiritual Formation at St. Vladimir’s Orthodox Theological Seminary, about how the practices of the Church form us and whether or not “internet Orthodoxy” can be part of that formation.
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  Anna Kallis, Giving Youth the Gift of Unplugging 08.01.2026

  Dr. Randa speaks with Anna Kallis, MDiv, who shares insights from her over 15 years in youth ministry leadership. Noting that youth “crave connection,” she offers how we can offer tech free spaces that allow youth to build genuine relationships.
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  Larissa Geleris, "Play is Everything” 17.12.2025

  Dr. Randa speaks with Larissa Geleris, MS, OTR/L, an occupational therapist about the importance of play for healthy child development.
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  Dr. John Mark Reynolds, "Will Children Have Jobs in 30 years?” 03.12.2025

  Dr. Randa speaks with educator & philosopher, Dr. John Mark Reynolds of St. Constantine College about the future of education and work in a world increasingly dominated by artificial intelligence.
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  Michelle Moujaes, "Parenting Through the Digital Tsunami, Part 2" 19.11.2025

  Dr. Randa speaks with Michelle Moujaes, Executive Director of FaithTree Resources, about their new ebook, “Navigating the Digital Tsunami.” Michelle shares her wisdom about raising kids who are formed to be attuned to Christ, rather than the whims of the digital universe.
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  Dr. Gayle Woloschak, "Approaching AI with Discernment not Fear” 05.11.2025

  Dr. Randa speaks with Scientist, Dr. Gayle Woloschak about what it means to be human in a world increasingly dominated by technology and artificial intelligence.