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.

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.

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.

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 any use of AI in your treatment.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.