Digital Discernment
Digital Discernment
A Bright Spot Podcast of the CrossRoad Institute
At the CrossRoad Institute, we have found that youth, young adults, parents, and ministry leaders alike want to curb their constant connection to smartphones & digital media, but they aren’t sure where to start. There’s a sense that the constant deluge of information and entertainment pulls us away from our walk of faith, and it’s hard to stay focused on what’s truly good for souls. Meanwhile, clergy and parish leaders feel like they are fighting for people’s attention amidst a media-saturated world.This podcast focuses on the idea of 'Digital Discernment.' It will offer thoughtful discussions with everyday people who’ve found courageous ways to manage their tech use. We will also share interviews with experts to guide us in our digital discernment. And we’ll be taking the conversation one level up to talk about how parish ministries think about digital discernment for their efforts. We hope to discover how our ancient faith can bring clarity and purpose to our modern digital life–for ourselves, our families, our parishes, and the society around us–for the life of the world.
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Wednesday, April 1, 2026
Erik Hadden, “Internet Pornography–Don’t Give Up Trying to Give it Up”
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.
Wednesday, March 18, 2026
Anna Kallis, "Raising Kids in a Screen Saturated World”
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.
Wednesday, March 4, 2026
Fr. John Parker, "Internet Pornography: Finding Hope in the Battle”
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.
Wednesday, February 18, 2026
Steven Christoforou, "Fasting from Food and Phones"
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.
Wednesday, February 4, 2026
Dr. Al Rossi, "Internet Pornography--The Cancer of Our Culture"
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.
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