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

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 desire to meet people where they are and minister to them in a practical and uplifting way.

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