Digital Discernment

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 importance of keeping good company amidst the digital noise.

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.

Dr. Randa speaks with Dean Theophilos, a licensed mental health therapist and addictions counselor, about technology addiction vs bad habit. Dean explains some of the complexities around tech addiction and how it is different from a bad habit. He offers much hope for help and change regardless of the severity of the problem. *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 Yianni Hahalis, the Relationship Coordinator for the CrossRoad Institute. As a digital native, he shares his experiences with technology, both struggles and rewards.

Dr. Randa speaks with Dan O’Brien, a marketing executive, about how social media operates to engage users and ultimately usurp their time and money.

Dr. Randa speaks with Joanna Mamalakis, a nurse and CrossRoad alum who shares her story of how her group of friends supported each other through a Lenten digital fast, and the transformation they felt by doing so.

Dr. Randa speaks with Dr. Roxanne Louh about social media’s impact on our mental and spiritual health.

Dr. Randa speaks with Fr. Michael Tishel, former CrossRoad Director and current priest at Holy Transfiguration Greek Orthodox Church in Marietta, Georgia. He shares additional reflections into the meaning of “discernment” from an Orthodox perspective, painting metaphorical pictures that reveal deep insights.

Psychologist Dr. Ary Christofidis shares with Dr. Randa his professional insights regarding the impact of excessive tech use on family dynamics. And he has plenty of advice for parents on how to handle challenges and conflicts with their children and adolescents. Resources: St. Theophan the Recluse, Raising Them Right: A Saint’s Advice on Raising Children St. Paisios of Mt Athos, Spiritual Counsels 4: Family Life Elder Thaddeus, Our Thoughts Deterime Our Lives

Dr. Randa speaks with Nico LaLiberte, a parish youth ministry worker in Canada, who incorporates a 10 minute practice of silence at each youth group meeting. Nico shares why and how they’ve taught their youth to love this experience of quiet and stillness. Dr. Randa and Nico then discuss why the practice of silence is important for growing closer to God, and how silence can be an antidote to our noisy, tech driven lives. Resources: Youtube clip of Fr. Roman Braga speaking about silence: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0EYWcbiI3a8 Youtube video from Y2AM on a "silence workshop": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xfLzviyWvOs St. Gregory Palamas: The Homilies (Mount Thabor Press)

Listen as Dr. Randa speaks with Anastasia Friesen, a young adult who works for the Orthodox Volunteer Corps. Anastasia shares her insights on growing up as a “digital native” as well as working with youth entranced by social media. She offers new and creative ideas for keeping her tech use to a minimum. Resources mentioned in this episode: 1. https://orthodoxvolunteercorps.org/ 2. Newport, Cal (2019). Digital Minimalism: Choosing a Focused Life in a Noisy World. New York: Portfolio/Penguin.

Dr. Randa and Michelle Moujaes, Executive Director of Faithtree Resources and mother of 4 children, talk about the challenges of parenting children in the digital age. Michelle shares her and her husband’s intentional approach, involving open communication, clear purpose, and the courage to resist cultural norms around tech use. Resources mentioned on the show: www.faithtree.org. Other resources for parents: 1. Crouch, Andy (2017). The Tech-Wise Family: Everyday Steps for Putting Technology in Its Proper Place. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books. 2. Commonsensemedia.org

In this episode, Dr. Randa speaks with Fr. Nicholas Louh of AFR’s show “Live with the Louh’s.” He shares his insights on how to use digital media thoughtfully to bring people to Christ and His Church. With his strong online presence and a thriving parish, Fr. Nicholas is the ideal person to discuss “Digital Discernment” and the positive side of using technology in ministry. Note his fervent desire to meet people where they are and minister to them in a practical and uplifting way. Website: TheLouhs.com Fr. Nicholas together with his wife, Dr. Roxanne Louh are on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Youtube, all under the headings of “The Louhs.” All of Fr. Nicholas’ sermons are archived on the Louh’s Youtube Page You can find their books, "Renewing You: A Priest, A Psychologist and A Plan," and "6 Hours 7 Lessons: How Christ's Light Transcends Our Darkness" at store.ancientfaith.com

In this episode, Dr. Randa speaks with Elizabeth Ayoub, a homeschooling mom and parish leader in education and youth ministry. Elizabeth has approached technology use with her child very thoughtfully, and she’s made courageous choices that buck the trends. She’s read many books and reflected deeply on how to engage technology with intention and in ways that align with Orthodox values. Books mentioned in this episode: 1. Digital Minimalism, by Cal Newport 2. Leisure as a the Basis for Culture, by Josef Pieper 3. The Extinction of Experience: Being Human in a Disembodied World, by Christine Rosen

In this episode of Digital Discernment, Dr. Randa speaks with Panos Coufos, the Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministries and the Metropolis of Boston Camp for the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Boston. Focusing on the NYT best selling book, “Atomic Habits,” by James Clear, Panos shares how the principles he learned from the book about breaking bad habits and building healthier new ones have led him to a more intentional life with deeper connections to Christ and those around him. You can reach Panos at: [email protected] Learn more about the Metropolis of Boston Summer Camp: https://www.metropolisofbostoncamp.org/ And you can find the book, “Atomic Habits,” by James Clear online or at a bookstore near you.

In this episode, Dr. Randa Anderson and Fr. Panagiotis Boznos discuss the deep meaning of “discernment” from an Orthodox perspective, including how to develop that discernment through specific practices of the Orthodox Church. Exploring the teachings of St. John of the Ladder in a straightforward and relevant way, Fr. Panagiotis gives fresh insights that inspire listeners to become more discerning in their use of digital media. Read further about the Ladder of Divine Ascent: https://store.ancientfaith.com/thirty-steps-to-heaven https://store.ancientfaith.com/the-ladder-of-divine-ascent-hardcover/

In this introductory episode, Dr. Ann Bezzerides, Executive Director of the CrossRoad Institute, details her inspiration to offer this podcast on Digital Discernment. She shares the context for offering stories of “everyday” people who’ve made courageous and creative decisions around ways to manage their tech use. She also sets up the frame for interviews with experts from psychology and theology on the discernment that is so critical to having a more balanced digital life.