Digital Discernment

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.

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. Tog...

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 antido...

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 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.

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.

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.

Dr. Randa speaks with Larissa Geleris, MS, OTR/L, an occupational therapist about the importance of play for healthy child development.

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.

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

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

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.

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 impor...

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

Dr. Randa speaks with Dan Geoffrey, a history and literature teacher at the St. Chrysostom Academy, an Orthodox Classical school in Pennsylvania. Dan shares his school’s approach to tech in the classroom and how the school’s foundational values of the love of beauty, the understanding of truth, and the pursuit of good shape that approach.

Dr. Randa speaks with Tim Tassopoulos, retired President and COO of Chick-fil-A. Drawing on his experiences as a leader in business, as a parent, and as a Catechism teacher for teens and young adults in his parish, Tim offers sage advice on using technology in our personal lives with intention and purpose.

Dr. Randa speaks with Tim Tassopoulos, retired President and COO of Chick-fil-A and board member of the Hellenic College & Holy Cross School of Theology, the Boys and Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta, The Tull Foundation, and the CrossRoad Institute. Tim offers solid advice on how to implement technologies in parishes and ministries with intention and focus.