Religion & SpiritualityChristianity

Digital Discernment

Dr. Randa Anderson, Dima Rentel, Louis Stamoulis, and Ancient Faith Ministries

A Bright Spot Podcast of the CrossRoad Institute

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21 episodes
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English

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September 16 · length unknown
George Papageorge, LMFT, “Understanding Boys from the Inside Out & the Outside in”
Dr. Randa speaks with George Papageorge, LMFT about how technology impacts boys differently than girls, and why understanding boys from the “inside out” and “outside in” is a helpful framework for building close relationships with them. George offers sound guidance that is practical, encouraging and deeply rooted in the Orthodox faith. This conversation is not just for parents, but also youth leaders, clergy, teachers, coaches, and anyone seeking to understand boys better and connect with them a
September 2 · length unknown
Jillian Hughes, “Discernment not Defaults: Intentional Tech Use in the Home”
Dr. Randa speaks with Jillian Hughes, a homeschooling mom who also runs her own business. She and her husband swapped icons for the television as the centerpiece of their home. But she also thoughtfully uses technology, including AI tools, to plan curriculum and run her Orthodox resources business. This conversation exemplifies technology use driven by purpose, rather than fear.
August 19 · length unknown
Fr. Andrew Jarmus, “Disappoint the Algorithm: A Priest’s Approach to Social Media Ministry”
Dr. Randa speaks with Fr. Andrew Jarmus, Dean of St. Mary’s Cathedral in Minneapolis, about how to build a social media ministry with care and intention. They unpack a three part framework for faithful engagement on social media that includes agency, discernment and the common good.
August 5 · length unknown
Mary Soot, “Toy Story 5, Screens and Raising young children”
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.
July 22 · length unknown
Susan Zacharia, LCSW, "Dr. ChatGPT? Navigating AI as a Mental Health Tool”
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
July 8 · length unknown
Christian Gonzalez, LMFT, “Transformed People Transform People”
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.
June 24 · length unknown
Hobie Brabson, "The Joy of Missing Out”
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.
June 10 · length unknown
Dr. Ioana Popa, "Reclaiming Your Focus from Digital Distraction”
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.
May 27 · length unknown
Kyrillos Nashed, "Logging Off: A College Student’s Journey Away from Social Media”
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.
May 13 · length unknown
Dn Greg Abdalah, “Sacred Arts, Technology & Youth Ministry”
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.
April 29 · length unknown
Alex Kardasis, “A Young Filmmaker on Art, Awe, and AI”
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.
April 15 · length unknown
Kh. Destinie Winn, "Evangelism in the Digital Mission Field”
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.
April 1 · length unknown
Erik Hadden, “Internet Pornography–Don’t Give Up Trying to Give it Up”
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.
March 18 · length unknown
Anna Kallis, "Raising Kids in a Screen Saturated World”
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.
March 4 · length unknown
Fr. John Parker, "Internet Pornography: Finding Hope in the Battle”
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.
February 18 · length unknown
Steven Christoforou, "Fasting from Food and Phones"
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.
February 4 · length unknown
Dr. Al Rossi, "Internet Pornography--The Cancer of Our Culture"
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.
January 22 · length unknown
Fr. Michael Nasser, "Spiritual Formation and the Internet"
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.
January 8 · length unknown
Anna Kallis, Giving Youth the Gift of Unplugging
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.
Dec 17, 2025 · length unknown
Larissa Geleris, "Play is Everything”
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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