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, July 8, 2026
Christian Gonzalez, LMFT, “Transformed People Transform People”
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.
Wednesday, June 24, 2026 35 mins
Hobie Brabson, "The Joy of Missing Out”
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.
Wednesday, June 10, 2026 30 mins
Dr. Ioana Popa, "Reclaiming Your Focus from Digital Distraction”
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.
Wednesday, May 27, 2026 29 mins
Kyrillos Nashed, "Logging Off: A College Student’s Journey Away from Social Media”
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.
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.
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English Talk
3 Men and a Bible # 61 | 14th Sunday of Luke