Digital Discernment
Digital Discernment features thoughtful discussions with everyday people who have found courageous ways to manage their tech use. The podcast explores practical strategies for navigating the digital world with intention and balance.
Episodes
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 antido
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Dr. John Mark Reynolds, "Will Children Have Jobs in 30 years?”
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"
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”
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”
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”
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”
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. Roxanne Louh, “Social Media and Girls”
Dr. Randa speaks with Dr. Roxanne Louh about how girls use social media and what this means for their mental, physical and spiritual health.
Dan Geoffrey, “Finding Beauty, Truth, and Goodness in the Classroom”
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.
Tim Tassopoulos, “Guard Your Heart”
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.
Tim Tassopoulos, “Mission Driven Tech Use in Ministry”
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.
Dean Theophilos, “Is it Tech Addiction, Bad Habit or something else?”
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 s
Technology: What is Needful & What is Wasteful?
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.
Dan O’Brien, “Social Media Marketing Strategies & You”
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.
Joanna Mamalakis, “The Lenten Screen Time Challenge”
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. Roxanne Louh, "Let Your Light Shine"
Dr. Randa speaks with Dr. Roxanne Louh about social media’s impact on our mental and spiritual health.
Fr. Michael Tishel, "Finding Discernment Through the Fog of War"
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.
Dr. Ary Christofidis, "Advice for Parenting in a Tech Saturated World”
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
Nico LaLiberte, "Practicing Silence in Youth Ministry”
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 n
Anastasia Friesen, “A Book is Better than Cake”
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 (2
Michelle Moujaes, “Keeping Kids Safe through the Digital Tsunami”
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
Fr. Nicholas Louh, “Meet them Where They’re At”
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 desir
Elizabeth Ayoub, Laying the Foundations for Digital Discernment in our Children
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 menti
"Panos Coufos: Applying 'Atomic Habits' to Tech Use"
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
Fr. Panagiotis Boznos, "In all Things Pursue Truth”
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
Ann Bezzerides, "Setting the Context"
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
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