Digital Discernment

Episodet

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Christopher Chiakulas, “Social Media’s Influence on the College Search Process” 22.10.2025

  Dr. Randa speaks with high school counselor and founder of Orthodox Christian College Counseling, Christopher Chiakulas, about how to avoid digital overwhelm when searching for a college
• Dn Gabriel Otte, “Getting REAL about Artificial Intelligence” 08.10.2025

  Dr. Randa speaks with AI entrepreneur and expert, Dn Gabriel Otte, about both old and new challenges that AI presents, and they focus in particular on AI’s influence on children.
• Louis Stamoulis, “Iron Sharpens Iron” 24.09.2025

  Digital Discernment has a new moderator! On this episode, Dr. Randa welcomes Louis Stamoulis as both the new moderator and the guest. Louis is a Relationship Manager for the CrossRoad Institute, as well as a Fenway Ambassador on the Fan Services Team for the Boston Red Sox. He shares his positive experiences with digital media use and creative ways to keep his screentime balanced, noting the importance of keeping good company amidst the digital noise.
• Dr. Roxanne Louh, “Social Media and Girls” 10.09.2025

  Dr. Randa speaks with Dr. Roxanne Louh about how girls use social media and what this means for their mental, physical and spiritual health.