Orthodox Health

In this episode of the Orthodox Health Podcast , Dr. Michael Christian & co-host John delve into the complex world of Anthroposophy, its founder Rudolf Steiner, & the implications of his teachings on health & healing. They explore the intersections of Anthroposophy with terrain theory, contrasting it with Orthodox Christian views on healing, which emphasize the unity of body, soul, & spirit, repen...

In this episode of the Orthodox Health Podcast, Dr. Michael Christian & co-host John are joined by Fr. Jonathan Ivanoff to explore the vital role of community in healing within the Orthodox Church. They discuss the Church as a spiritual hospital, the importance of understanding healing beyond the physical, & the communal aspect of salvation. The conversation delves into the tools for spiri...

In this episode of the Orthodox Health Podcast , Dr. Michael Christian & co-host John explore the deep-rooted issues of modern health & spirituality through the lens of Orthodox Christianity. They discuss the importance of addressing the root causes of sickness, both physically & spiritually, & how modern medicine often fails to do so. The conversation emphasizes the need for aware...

In this episode of the Orthodox Health Podcast, Dr. Michael Christian & co-host John engage in a profound conversation with certified nurse midwife Brennan Straka about the intersection of faith, health, & the sacredness of women's bodies. They explore the spiritual dimensions of childbirth, the importance of community support, & the challenges women face in modern healthcare. Bren...

In this episode of the Orthodox Health Podcast, Dr. Michael Christian and co-host John explore the profound connection between breath, health, & Orthodox Christianity. They discuss how breath is not merely a biological function, but a spiritual practice that connects us to God & the Holy Spirit. The conversation delves into the dangers of alternative spiritual & modern "secular&qu...

Is yoga just stretching—or something far deeper? In this powerful episode of the Orthodox Health Podcast , cantor, choir director & seminarian, Robert Sirico, joins Dr. Michael Christian & co-host John, to unpack the hidden spiritual foundations of yoga & why it stands in sharp contrast to the Orthodox Christian life. From kundalini awakenings to Eastern metaphysics, we explore how yog...

In this thought-provoking episode of the Orthodox Health Podcast, Dr. Michael Christian & co-host, John take a deep dive into the astonishing world of the microbiome—the vast ecosystem of bacteria, fungi, & other microorganisms that live in & on the human body—& how it intersects with the rich theological tradition of the Orthodox Christian faith. They explore how spiritual discipl...

In this episode of the Orthodox Health Podcast, Dr. Michael Christian & co-host John explore the profound significance of water from an Orthodox Christian perspective. They delve into the theological, ancestral, & scientific aspects of water, emphasizing its sacredness & the need for reverence in our relationship with this essential element. The conversation covers the importance of hy...

In this episode of the Orthodox Health Podcast, Dr. Michael Christian & co-host John are joined by Nick Hillman, founder of Regenerative Ag Solutions, to explore the intersection of Orthodox Christianity & regenerative agriculture. They discuss the sacred relationship with the land, the importance of stewardship, & how modern agricultural practices have strayed from traditional wisdom....

In this episode of the Orthodox Health Podcast, Dr. Michael Christian & co-host John explore the extremes of modern diets, such as carnivore & veganism, & how these approaches often neglect the spiritual dimensions of eating. The conversation emphasizes the importance of Incarnational Theology, the royal path of balance, & the significance of the liturgical calendar in guiding diet...

In this episode of the Orthodox Health Podcast, Dr. Michael Christian & co-host John are joined by special guest, Fr. John Wehling to discuss the inadequacies of contemporary self-care practices, the search for meaning in a secular world, & how Orthodoxy offers a holistic approach to health that encompasses both body & soul. The conversation delves into personal journeys to Orthodoxy,...

Has social media taken over your spiritual life? In this episode of the Orthodox Health Podcast, Dr. Michael Christian & co-host John explore the impact of screens & social media on spiritual life. We discuss the importance of silence & stillness, the dangers of comparison & identity distortion through social media, & the role of confession in fostering authenticity & conne...

What does it mean to move your body, not for vanity, but for virtue? In this episode of Orthodox Health , Dr. Michael Christian & co-host John explore physical movement through the lens of the Orthodox Christian life – from the embodied rhythms of monastic tradition, to the daily disciplines that help us to resist acedia, cultivate humility, & honor the body as a temple of the Holy Spirit....

Have we traded in productivity at any cost for true rest? Are idle hands really the devil's play things? What should you do if you suffer from sleep paralysis? In this episode of Orthodox Health , Dr. Michael Christian & John explore the critical role of rest & sleep in overall health, emphasizing its importance not just for physical recovery, but also for spiritual well-being. They di...

Struggling to know what & how to eat? In this episode of Orthodox Health , Dr. Michael Christian & John dive deep into the ancient wisdom of fasting & feasting through the lens of Orthodox Christian tradition—& how it aligns with real nutrition & metabolic health today. For centuries, Orthodox Christians have practiced structured fasting cycles, alternating with nutrient-dense...

In this episode, Dr. Michael Christian & John explore various aspects of health from an Orthodox Christian perspective. They discuss the health benefits of prayer on the nervous system, effective prayer strategies, allostatic load, heart rate variability, the impact of corporate worship, the gut-brain connection, whether there can be a "Christian yoga," & the physiological effect...

In this episode, hosts, Dr. Michael Christian & John, explore the multifaceted nature of fasting within the context of Orthodox Christianity, emphasizing the spiritual, physical, & communal aspects. They discuss how Orthodox Christian fasting is not merely a dietary restriction, but a profound spiritual practice that fosters humility, obedience, and a closer relationship with God. They del...

In this episode hosts, Dr. Michael Christian & John, explore the intersection of Orthodox Christianity & holistic health, emphasizing the importance of caring for the body, mind, & spirit. They discuss the concept of telos in the Christian worldview, the significance of asceticism (spiritual discipline), & the role of community in achieving wellness. The conversation critiques mode...