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, May 13, 2026 36 mins
Dn Greg Abdalah, “Sacred Arts, Technology & Youth Ministry”
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.
Wednesday, April 29, 2026 34 mins
Alex Kardasis, “A Young Filmmaker on Art, Awe, and AI”
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.
Wednesday, April 15, 2026 37 mins
Kh. Destinie Winn, "Evangelism in the Digital Mission Field”
Dr. Randa speaks with Kh. Destinie Winn, creator of the popular blog, “The Ascetic Life of Motherhood.” Recognizing that online spaces can be fertile mission fields, Kh. Destinie shares how she bears witness to Christ by offering practical resources for living the Orthodox faith. Hers is a story of digital influence with spiritual integrity and honesty.
Wednesday, April 1, 2026 39 mins
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 25 mins
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.
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English Talk
Daily Orthodox Scriptures - Wed.