All Around Growth

After several years of producing All Around Growth, I've decided that this is where the podcast will end.

I'm not a content creator right now. I'm in a period of growth and formation myself, and I've come to realize that I don't need to be speaking publicly about that formation while I'm actively engaged in it.

It's been an interesting and meaningful experience over the past few years, and I'm grateful to everyone who has listened, supported the podcast, participated in the community, or become a friend along the way.

All Around Growth concludes today, September 1, 2026, at the beginning of the ecclesiastical new year.

Thank you for listening.

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Christ is risen.

In this short Pascha episode, I read the Paschal Homily of St. John Chrysostom using the version printed in our parish bulletin - the same one proclaimed with joy in the life of the Church, including the repeated cry, “IT IS VEXED!”

No commentary or analysis here - simply the homily itself, shared in the brightness and victory of the Resurrection.

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We’re now in the first week of Great Lent.

In this episode, I read the 2026 Great Lent message from His Eminence Metropolitan Saba, followed by a brief reflection on one central thread to carry with us as we continue the fast.

Lent is not merely abstaining - it is a movement from the table to the heart, from discipline to repentance, and from deprivation to love.

• Great Lent Message from Metropolitan Saba, 2026
  
  

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In this opening episode of Season 7, the podcast shifts toward a quieter rhythm.

After years of personal reflection and real-time updates, the focus is turning toward simplicity and steady formation through the life of the Church. Fewer personal narratives. More reflections drawn from feasts, saints, Scripture, and the liturgical seasons.

Nothing urgent. Nothing heavy. Just grounded, faithful growth - one season at a time.

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In this reflective pre-wedding episode, Rob records one final time as a single man—on the road, preparing for a weekend that marks both a marriage and a new chapter in life.

As he drives to pick up fresh rosemary for the Heavenly Host Mocktail—a symbolic, handcrafted drink honoring the Synaxis of the Archangels Michael, Gabriel, Raphael, and all the Bodiless Powers of Heaven—Rob explores the deeper meanings of remembrance, fidelity, and divine protection found in both the herb and the sacrament to come.

This heartfelt reflection looks back on a season of faith, discipline, and gratitude while anticipating the shift from “I” to “we.” Rob discusses life transitions, preparation for seminary, and how marriage will shape the future of All Around Growth.

The episode concludes with a reading of Psalm 23 in the plural form—“The Lord is our Shepherd…”—a prayerful act symbolizing unity, vocation, and trust in God’s providence as Rob and Kyriaki step into the mystery of holy matrimony.

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Become a Patreon of the Show! ➡️ patreon.com/allaroundgrowth

In this heartfelt and spontaneous update recorded on the road, Rob shares a personal glimpse into a whirlwind season of change — from wrapping up major projects at York Meadow Farm to preparing for marriage and seminary.

After a long-awaited completion of the farm’s massive driveway project (and a new challenge involving high-tunnel plastic), Rob invites listeners to join in the fun with a “Guess the Stone” challenge and a chance to win a Christmas gift from York Meadow Farm.

He also opens up about his upcoming wedding on November 8, his plans to apply to seminary following the big day, and his ongoing studies — from GRE prep to Byzantine chant through the Antiochian Ecclesiastical Online Music School. Along the way, he reflects on learning outside his comfort zone, the blessings of community, and finding peace amid the chaos of growth.

Rob closes with gratitude to the All Around Growth Patreon community, a call to prayer as he enters this next chapter, and an invitation to join and support the journey at patreon.com/allaroundgrowth
.

Mentioned in this Episode:

• York Meadow Farm driveway project & “Guess the Stone” challenge
• Seminary plans & GRE preparation
• Byzantine chant studies & Synaxis of Sophia community
• Royal Path Podcast and Synaxis of Sophia affiliate program
• All Around Growth Patreon update and members’ call
  
  

Support the Show:
🎧 patreon.com/allaroundgrowth

💬 Join the community: t.me/allaroundgrowth

Support the show

Become a Patreon of the Show! ➡️ patreon.com/allaroundgrowth

In this special episode, I’m sharing something we don’t usually release to the public: a full replay of this month’s Patreon community Zoom call.

Normally, these conversations stay behind the Patreon paywall — but with everything that’s been happening lately (construction, dance lessons, wedding prep, family meetings, seminary visits… and more), this month’s call was uploaded to Patreon a bit later than usual. Nevertheless, we decided to make it available for everyone to watch.

🎥 You can now watch the full recording right here on Patreon:
👉 https://www.patreon.com/posts/look-behind-142271067

Come see what our Patreon community is all about — real conversations, real people, and a shared desire to grow together.

Inside this episode:

•  Why I attended a controversial memorial event
•  The story behind my Facebook post and what I actually meant
•  A deeper look at societal division, spiritual identity, and how we respond
•  What it means to show up in faith when life feels chaotic
•  Why this community continues to be a lifeline — for me and so many others

This isn’t a polished production. It’s real life, recorded in real time.
 And if you’ve ever wondered what happens in our Patreon community… now’s your chance to find out.

🎟️ Want to be part of future calls like this? Join the community:
 👉 patreon.com/allaroundgrowth

#AllAroundGrowth #PodcastCommunity #FaithInChaos #PatreonUnlocked #ZoomReplay #ChristianLiving #ShowUpAnyway

Support the show

Become a Patreon of the Show! ➡️ patreon.com/allaroundgrowth

Reflecting on the Charlie Kirk tragedy, faith over politics, and unity at the Elevation of the Holy Cross. 

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Extended Show Notes:
In this episode of All Around Growth, Rob Kaiser reflects on the tragic assassination of Charlie Kirk and the deep cultural divisions it revealed.

Rob begins by grounding the discussion in the facts: Charlie Kirk was fatally shot on September 10th, 2025, while speaking at Utah Valley University. The alleged shooter, 22-year-old Tyler James Robinson, was arrested days later. Rob emphasizes the tragedy of the event regardless of one’s political stance and shares his limited but respectful impressions of Kirk as a debater and public speaker.

The episode then shifts to Rob’s personal experience on social media, where he made a post anticipating that the assassination would stir up highly emotional and polarized reactions. By pointing out that people’s comments would “reveal a lot,” Rob essentially suggested that such a tragic event had become a litmus test — exposing whether individuals truly respect principles like open debate and free speech, or whether they let hostility, partisanship, or insensitivity take over. It’s both a warning and a reminder to watch how others (and maybe even oneself) respond in moments of crisis.

Rob also recounts attending a prayer service in Medina, Ohio, organized shortly after the shooting. With 2,500–3,000 attendees, the service included prayer, worship, and moments of silence. Significantly, it coincided with the Orthodox Feast of the Elevation of the Holy Cross. Rob reflects on how this timing symbolized the triumph of life and hope over tragedy, and he stresses the importance of Christians uniting across denominations during times of trial.

Ultimately, Rob concludes that healing comes not from political debate but from faith and returning to God. He encourages listeners to rebuild relationships and strengthen their communities through their faith, not through partisan conflict.

Action Items & Links:
📲 Join our FREE Telegram community (open to everyone): t.me/allaroundgrowth

🎥 Watch the full video version of this episode (Patreon Members Only): patreon.com/allaroundgrowth

📖 Learn more about the Feast of the Elevation of the Holy Cross: OrthodoxWiki.org

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Become a Patreon of the Show! ➡️ patreon.com/allaroundgrowth

September 1st marks the Ecclesiastical New Year in the Orthodox Church, a date rich with spiritual, historical, and environmental significance. In this episode, host Rob Kaiser explores the Feast of the Indiction, as established by the First Ecumenical Council in 325 AD, and its connection to ancient Roman taxation cycles, Hebrew traditions, and the beginning of Christ's public ministry.

Rob also dives into:

• 📜 The liturgical calendar and why the Church year begins with the Nativity of the Theotokos
• 🌍 The Orthodox Church’s leadership in environmental stewardship, beginning with Patriarch Demetrios’ 1989 declaration
• 📖 A reflection on Luke 4:16–22 and its powerful relevance to the theme of renewal
• 🕊️ How different Orthodox jurisdictions (Greek, Antiochian, Russian, etc.) share a unified faith
• ✝️ Rob’s personal journey and new step forward—discerning a call to seminary and a "coincidental" announcement by The Right Reverend Archimandrite Jeremy (Davis) of the Diocese of Toledo and the Midwest, part of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America.

💬 This episode is a deeply personal and thoughtful reflection on new beginnings—liturgical, ecological, and vocational.

👉 Listeners are encouraged to:

• Share feedback in the All Around Growth Facebook group or Telegram chat
• Consider becoming a Patreon supporter for early access and exclusive content
• Stay tuned for future episodes exploring Byzantine chant, jurisdictional history, and more

🎧 Start your year anew with us—and perhaps start your own journey of deeper spiritual discovery.

Links Mentioned:

• Church New Year - Orthodox Church in America
• Happy (Ecclesiastical) New Year: Why Orthodox Christians Celebrate the New Year in September? - St. Elisabeth Convent
• Ecclesiastical New Year (September 1) - The Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America: Diocese of Los Angeles and the West
• Daily Readings - Monday, September 1, 2025
• Indiction - OrthodoxWiki
• Archbishop of America celebrates Ecclesiastical New Year with Ecumenical Patriarch at the Phanar - Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America
•  The Church New Year and the Call to Serve - The Right Reverend
  Archimandrite Jeremy (Davis), Archiepiscopal Vicar for Toledo and the Midwest - The Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America

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Become a Patreon of the Show! ➡️ patreon.com/allaroundgrowth

The Dormition of the Theotokos marks Mary's death, resurrection, and glorification—a feast of hope, victory, and deep Orthodox meaning.

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📝 Full Episode Summary:

In this episode, All Around Growth takes a powerful turn toward Orthodox Christian life with a deep dive into the Feast of the Dormition of the Theotokos, celebrated each year on August 15. Rob walks us through the theological depth and spiritual meaning of this major feast—often called the "Summer Pascha"—which honors the death, resurrection, and glorification of the Virgin Mary.

Drawing on trusted Orthodox sources and liturgical traditions, Rob explores the feast’s origins, its connection to Christ’s resurrection, and what it means for believers today. He shares how Mary’s departure from this world is both a mystery and a message of hope.

This episode also includes:

• A recap of the podcast’s new direction
• Insights from Orthodox Wiki and articles by Fr. Ayman Kfouf
• A look at fasting practices and the Paraclesis services
• Personal reflections on faith, tradition, and spiritual life

Whether you're new to Orthodoxy or walking the path for years, this episode offers depth, clarity, and encouragement.

Links Mentioned:

• Dormition - OrthodoxWiki
  
  
• The Feast of the Dormition of the Theotokos - Fr. Ayman Kfouf
  Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America
  
  
• Dormition of the Theotokos - Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America
  
  

Support the show

Become a Patreon of the Show! ➡️ patreon.com/allaroundgrowth