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 substitute for medical or mental health diagnosis and treatment.

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.

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.

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

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.

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 Counsels 4: Family Life

Elder Thaddeus, Our Thoughts Deterime Our Lives

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 noisy, tech driven lives.

Resources:

Youtube clip of Fr. Roman Braga speaking about silence:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0EYWcbiI3a8

Youtube video from Y2AM on a "silence workshop":

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xfLzviyWvOs

St. Gregory Palamas: The Homilies (Mount Thabor Press)

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 (2019). Digital Minimalism: Choosing a Focused Life in a Noisy World. New York: Portfolio/Penguin.

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 for parents: 1. Crouch, Andy (2017). The Tech-Wise Family: Everyday Steps for Putting Technology in Its Proper Place. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books. 2. Commonsensemedia.org