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Digital Discernment Archives

Listen To The Digital Discernment Podcast & Find Resources to Take Charge of Your Digital Life.

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Fr. Andrew Jarmus, “Disappoint the Algorithm: A Priest’s Approach to Social Media Ministry”

Episode 43 | August 19, 2026 

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.
Resources
  1. Fr. Andrew Jarmus’ Social media links:
    1. facebook.com/frajarmus
    2. instagram.com/frajarmus
    3. youtube.com/@fr.ajarmus
    4. substack.com/@frajarmus
  2. Four Pillars for the Apostolic Work of the Church
  3. Elder Thaddeus of Vitovnica, “Our Thoughts Determine Our Lives.
  4. Kyriacos C. Markides, “The Mountain of Silence: A Search for Orthodox Spirituality”
  5. Frederica Mathewes-Green, “The Illumined Heart: Capture the Vibrant Faith of Ancient Christians.”

Mary Soot, “Toy Story 5, Screens and Raising young children”

Episode 42 | August 5, 2026 

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 in the digital age.
Resources
  1. Sub Stack Article
  2. DD Toy Story 5 Discussion Guide

Susan Zacharia, LCSW, “Dr. ChatGPT? Navigating AI as a Mental Health Tool”

Episode 41 | July 22, 2026 

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 care provider a using AI in your treatment.
Resources
  1. Atlantic Article mentioned in interview
  2. Study of AI and diagnosis
  3. American Psychological Association’s Health Advisory on AI and mental health
  4. NYT article reporting on ChatGPT and teen’s suicide
  5. APA’s guide to navigating AI in mental health care

Christian Gonzalez, LMFT, “Transformed People Transform People”

Episode 40 | July 8, 2026 

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. 

Resources
  1. Removing the Veil course of Orthodox Youth Ministries
  2. Orthodox Youth Ministries
  3. “Landscapes of the Soul” by Geoff Holsclaw and Cyd Holsclaw

Hobie Brabson, “The Joy of Missing Out”

Episode 39 | June 24, 2026 

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.
Resources
  1. “Omnia disce, postea videbis nihil superfluum esse. Learn everything, afterwards you will see that nothing is superfluous.” — Hugh of Saint Victor
  2. Cal Newport, “Deep Work”
  3. Cal Newport, “How to Become a Straight A Student.”

Dr. Ioana Popa, "Reclaiming Your Focus from Digital Distraction"

Episode 38 | June 11, 2026 

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.
Resources
  1. Website
  2. To set up a free consultation
  3. Thriving in Christ show on Youtube
  4. On podcast

Kyrillos Nashed, "Logging Off: A College Student’s Journey Away from Social Media”

Episode 37 | May 27, 2026 

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.
Resources

Dn Greg Abdalah, “Sacred Arts, Technology & Youth Ministry”

Episode 36 | May 13, 2026 

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.
Resources
    1. YouTube Channel

 

Alex Kardasis, “A Young Filmmaker on Art, Awe, and AI”

Episode 35 | April 29, 2026 

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.
Resources
  1. YouTube Channel
  2. Film Timbermann

Kh. Destinie Winn, "Evangelism in the Digital Mission Field”

Episode 34 | April 15, 2026 

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.
Resources
  1. Hopko’s 55 Maxims
  2. Kh. Destinie Winn’s Instagram
  3. Kh. Destinie Winn’s Facebook
  4. Ascetic Life of Motherhood Blog 
  5. The Ascetic Life of Mothers

Erik Hadden, “Internet Pornography–Don’t Give Up Trying to Give it Up.”

Episode 33 | April 1, 2026 

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.
Resources
  1. Covenant Eyes – Accountability Program
  2. Sexaholics Anonymous–Please note that Erik recommends speaking with your therapist or parish priest before joining SA.
  3. “From Object to Icon” by Andrew Williams
  4. National Directory of Orthodox Mental Health Providers
  5. Agape Wellness Collective
  6. Fighthenewdrug.org
  7. Unwanted: How Sexual Brokenness Reveals Our Way to Healing –by Jay Stringer
  8. More Than a Battle –by Joe Rigney
  9. Therapy of Spiritual Illnesses –by Dr. Jean-Claude Larchet

Anna Kallis, "Raising Kids in a Screen Saturated World"

Episode 32 | March 18, 2026 

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.
Resources
  1.  Jonathan Haidt, “Smartphones vs Smart Kids”
  2. Tonie Box
  3. Jonathan Haidt’s substack

Fr John Parker, "Internet Pornography: Finding Hope in the Battle"

Episode 31 | March 4, 2026 

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.
Resources
  1. The Boogieman is Real; And He’s in Your Child’s Back Pocket
  2. Here I am, Send Me – Fr. John’s Essay to Seminarians (ASK FOR COPY)
  3. Covenant Eyes – Accountability Program
  4. Sexaholics Anonymous
  5. Way of the Ascetics by Tito Coliander
  6. Cole Johnson (NJ)

Steven Christoforou, "Fasting from Food and Phones"

Episode 30 | February 18, 2026 

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.
Resources
  1. Fasting from Technology:https://youtu.be/KJOs0JJk3U8?si=s6AsnvSfxiFFyNOJ
  2. Be the Bee on Fasting from Social media Episode 157: https://youtu.be/iGoDozQZ7LA?si=iLbrSM-8BRS4Iti-
  3. Met Tikhon’s 2025 Lenten archpastoral message: https://www.oca.org/holy-synod/statements/his-beatitude-metropolitan-tikhon/beginning-of-great-lent-2025
  4. Jean Claude Larchet 2018 conference paper on digital fasting: Jean-Claude Larchet paper on abstinence from social media during fasting periods
  5. Fr. John Behr (2013), Becoming Human: Meditations on Christian Anthropology in Word and Image. NY: SVS Press
  6. FOCUS NA

Dr. Al Rossi, “Internet Pornography–The Cancer of Our Culture”

Episode 29 | February 04, 2026 

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.
Resources
  1. SA.org 
    • Sexaholics Anonymous 
  2. Steps of Transformation
  3. The Drug of the New Millenium
  4. Becoming a Healing Presence – Page 62
    • Internet Pornography – Part 1: November 3, 2015
    • Internet Pornography – Part 2: November 3, 2015

Fr. Michael Nasser, "Spiritual Formation and the Internet”

Episode 28 | January 22, 2026 

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.
Resources
  1. St. Vladimir’s Orthodox Theological Seminary: https://www.svots.edu/
  2. Fr. Evan Armatas, “Toolkit for Spiritual Growth.” https://store.ancientfaith.com/toolkit-for-spiritual-growth/

      3. Fr. Thomas Hopko’s 55 maxims:  https://christthesavioroca.org/files/Hopko-55Maxims.pdf

Anna Kallis, "Giving Youth the Gift of Unplugging”

Episode 27 | January 8, 2026 

 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.

Resources

 

  1. The Art of Forming Young Disciples (Everett Fritz)
  2. Sustainable Youth Ministry (Mark DeVries)
  3. Small Groups with Purpose (Steve Gladen)
  4. The Good Samaritan: A Children’s Catechism (Fr. Michael Shanbour)
  5. Growing Young (Jake Mulder, Brad M. Griffin, Kara E. Powell)
  6. American Girls: Social Media and the Secret Lives of Teenagers
  7. Hurt 2.0: Inside the World of Today’s Teenagers (Chap Clark)

Larissa Geleris, "Play is Everything”

Episode 26 | December 17, 2025

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

Resources

Dr. John Mark Reynolds, "Will Children Have Jobs in 30 years?”

Episode 25 | December 3, 2025

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.

Resources

 

Michelle Moujaes, "Parenting Through the Digital Tsunami, Part 2"

Episode 24 | November 19, 2025

Dr. Randa speaks with Michelle Moujaes, Executive Director of FaithTree Resources, about their new ebook, “Navigating the Digital Tsunami.”

Resources

Dr. Gayle Woloschak, "Approaching AI with Discernment not Fear”

Episode 23 | November 5, 2025

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”

Episode 22 | October 22, 2025

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.

Resources

Dn Gabriel Otte, “Getting REAL about Artificial Intelligence”

Episode 21 | October 8, 2025

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”

Episode 20 | September 24, 2025

Dr. Randa welcomes new moderator Louis Stamoulis to Digital Discernment, sharing his insights on balanced screentime and positive digital use.

Resources

Dr. Roxanne Louh, “Social Media and Girls”

Episode 19 | September 10, 2025

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

Resources
  • 1 Corinthians 15:33: “Do not be deceived: Bad company ruins good morals.”
  • Matthew 22:39, “Love your Neighbor as yourself.”

Dan Geoffrey, “Finding Beauty, Truth, and Goodness in the Classroom”

Episode 18 | August 27, 2025

Dr. Randa interviews teacher Dan Geoffrey about his school’s unique tech approach, which prioritizes beauty, truth, and goodness.

Resources

Tim Tassopoulos, “Guard Your Heart”

Episode 17 | August 13, 2025

Dr. Randa and Tim Tassopoulos shares practical advice on using technology with purpose.

Resources
  • Proverbs 4:23, “Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life”
  • Jonathan Haidt, “The Anxious Generation”
  • Andy Crouch, “The Life We are Looking for”
  • Cal Newport, “Deep Work”
  • Delaney Ruston, “Parenting in the Screen Age”
  • Adam Grant, “Hidden Potential: The Science of Achieving Greater Things”
  • John Mark Comer, “The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry”

Tim Tassopoulos, “Mission Driven Tech Use in Ministry”

Episode 16 | July 30, 2025

Dr. Randa and Tim Tassopoulos discuss intentional, mission-driven technology use in ministry contexts.

Resources
  • Jim Collins, “Built to Last”
  • Fr. Evan Armatas, “Reclaiming the Great Commission: A Roadmap to Parish Health”

Dean Theophilos, “Is it Tech Addiction, Bad Habit or something else?”

Episode 15 | July 16, 2025

Dr. Randa and Dean Theophilos discuss distinguishing tech addiction from bad habits and hope-filled paths to recovery.

Resources
  • James Sugal, The Twelve Steps for Smartphone Addiction
  • Daniel J. Siegel, “Brainstorm: The Power and Purpose of the Teenage Brain”
  • Internet & Tech Addicts Anonymous: https://internetaddictsanonymous.org/
  • Gabor Mate, “In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts: Close Encounters with Addiction”

Yianni Hahalis, “Technology: What is Needful & What is Wasteful?”

Episode 14 | July 2, 2025

Dr. Randa and Yianni Hahalis reflect on tech use: its struggles, rewards, and digital discernment.

Resources
  • The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt
  • A Night in the Desert of the Holy Mountain by Metropolitan Nafpaktos Heirotheos

Dan O’Brien, “Social Media Marketing Strategies & You”

Episode 13 | June 18, 2025

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.

Resources
  • Dr. Lisa Damour, “Untangled”;
  • Dr. Lisa Damour, “Under Pressure”

Joanna Mamalakis, “The Lenten Screen Time Challenge”

Episode 12 | June 4, 2025

Dr. Randa speaks with Joanna Mamalakis, a nurse and CrossRoad Alum. She shares her transformative experience of joining her friends as they supported each other through a digital fast.

Resources
  • The Dose Effect by TJ Power (2025). Dey Street Books.

Dr. Roxanne Louh, "Let Your Light Shine"

Episode 11 | May 21, 2025

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

Resources

Fr. Michael Tishel, "Finding Discernment Through the Fog of War"

Episode 10 | May 7, 2025

Dr. Randa speaks with Fr. Michael Tishel who shares additional reflections on the meaning of “discernment,”

Resources
  • Christos Yannaras (2004), “The Freedom of Morality.” New York: St. Vladimir’s Seminary Press.

Dr. Ary Christofidis, "Advice for Parenting in a Tech Saturated World”

Episode 9 | April 23, 2025

Dr. Ary Christofidis discusses how excessive tech use impacts family dynamics and offers guidance for parents.

Resources

Nico Laliberte, "Practicing Silence in Youth Ministry”

Episode 8 | April 8, 2025

​Dr. Randa and Nico Laliberte discuss integrating silence in youth ministry to counter digital noise.

Resources
  • Youtube clip of Fr. Roman Braga speaking about silence
  • Youtube video from Y2AM on a “silence workshop”
  • St. Gregory Palamas: The Homilies (Mount Thabor Press)

Anastasia Friesen, “A Book is Better than Cake”

Episode 7 | March 26, 2025

​Dr. Randa speaks with Anastasia Friesen on managing technology use among youth.

Resources
  • OrthodoxVolunteerCorps.org
  • Newport, Cal (2019). Digital Minimalism: Choosing a Focused Life in a Noisy World. New York: Portfolio/Penguin.

Michelle Moujaes, “Keeping Kids Safe through the Digital Tsunami, Part 1”

Episode 6 | March 12, 2025

Dr. Randa & Michelle Moujaes discuss intentional parenting in the digital age.

Resources
  • FaithTree.org
  • Crouch, Andy (2017). The Tech-Wise Family: Everyday Steps for Putting Technology in Its Proper Place. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books.
  • CommonSenseMedia.org

Fr. Nicholas Louh, “Meet Them Where They’re At”

Episode 5 | February 26, 2025

​In this episode, Dr. Randa speaks with Fr. Nicholas Louh, host of Ancient Faith Radio’s “Live with the Louhs.”

Resources
  • 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

Elizabeth Ayoub, "Laying the Foundations for Digital Discernment in our Children"

Episode 4 | February 12, 2025

Dr. Randa and Elizabeth Ayoub discuss intentional, Orthodox-aligned parenting and technology choices.

Resources

BOOKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

  • Digital Minimalism, by Cal Newport
  • Leisure as a the Basis for Culture, by Josef Pieper
  • The Extinction of Experience: Being Human in a Disembodied World, by Christine Rosen

Panos Coufos: Applying 'Atomic Habits' to Tech Use

Episode 3 |  January 30, 2025

Dr. Randa and Panos Coufos discuss how to apply the principles of the NYT bestseller, “Atomic Habits” to our digital lives in ways that promote spiritual, physical and relational health.

Resources

You can reach Panos at: pcoufos@boston.goarch.org.

Learn more about the Metropolis of Boston Summer Camp and you can find the book, “Atomic Habits” by James Clear online or at a bookstore near you.

Fr. Panagiotis Boznos, "In all Things Pursue Truth”

Episode 2 | January 30, 2025

Dr. Randa and Fr. Panagiotis explore the meaning of discernment as taught by St. John of the Ladder and what that means for our digital lives.

Resources

Read further about The Ladder of Divine Ascent:

Ann Bezzerides, "Setting the Context"

Episode 1 | January 7, 2025

Dr. Ann Bezzerides shares the inspiration behind “Digital Discernment” and her hopes for future episodes of the podcast.

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