Food can train love... or it can train control.

In this episode of the Orthodox Health Podcast, Dr. Michael Christian & John follow the threads from ancient hearths & local household idols through the Renaissance’s “cookbook of correspondences” & into today’s wellness culture & #WitchTok.

Why do so many modern routines feel like liturgy... complete with initiation, penance, confession, & excommunication... yet leave us restless?

Along the way, they define the “occult kitchen,” widen the history (Sumeria, Babylon, Old Testament household idols & the prophets’ critique; Neoplatonic theurgy; Renaissance Hermeticism/Agrippa/Dee), & note how social algorithms turn private rites into public identity.

If mercy can’t sit at your table, your rules need repentance.

Takeaways:

• The “occult kitchen” = technique used like liturgy to bend outcomes (timing, words, objects).

• Ancient → Renaissance → wellness is one lineage: control-by-method with new props each era.

• Case studies (cacao circles, lunar eating, manifestation macros, diet purity codes, & biohacking stacks) have real goods... but need re-orientation.

• Orthodox contrast: blessing over charging, communion over control, gift over technique.

• Fasting is training in love, not leverage; feasting completes fasting.

• Practical rule: short prayers at prep/table, modest rhythms (Wed/Fri), Sunday joy, community > scruples.

• Quick test: If a practice isolates you, replaces prayer with scripts, or promises sovereignty, it’s turned into a private liturgy.

Sound Bites:

• “Magic treats the world like a machine to hack; the Church treats it like a gift to bless.”
• “If your kitchen has a calendar, make sure it’s the Church’s... not the moon’s.”
• “We don’t charge food... we bless it, & we give thanks.”
• “The recipe isn’t the Savior. Christ is.”
• “Use tools as stewardship; don’t turn them into guarantees.”
• “Fasting trains desire; feasting finishes the song.”
• “If mercy can’t sit at your table, your rules need repentance.”
• “Shared cup? Without Christ, it’s ritual... without communion.”
• “Scrupulosity inflames; thanksgiving heals.”
• “Keep the kitchen; tear down the altar you built inside it.”

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In this episode of the Orthodox Health Podcast, Dr. Michael Christian & co-host John explore the intersection of Eastern dietary techniques and Western wellness culture. They discuss how these practices have evolved over time, the influence of Theosophy, & the moral implications of modern dietary practices.

They put the wellness world’s calm-eating gospel under a brighter light & trace how Zen, yoga, Theosophy, & the UN/WHO era shaped America’s diet imagination... from the 1893 Parliament of Religions to the yoga boom... then separate what truly helps bodies from what quietly replaces communion with technique.

They offer an Orthodox rule of life for the table (prayer, pace, portion, people, pattern), name where the stack breaks (scrupulosity, magical thinking, performance), & land with merciful, family-ready practices.

Final calls for pre-orders of Orthodoxy & the Medicine of the Future: digital bundle + 40-day companion journal + Leaves for the Healing of the Nations.

Takeaways:

• ​Techniques can calm your physiology; only Christ makes you communion-ready.
• ​Keep the goods: warmth, slowness, salt, safety; relocate meaning under prayer & thanksgiving.
• ​America’s “calm eating” pipeline: Transcendentalists → 1893 Parliament → Theosophy → Suzuki/Watts → SF Zen Center → post-’65 yogis/TM → medicalized mindfulness → platform performance.
• ​Theosophy normalized “universal technique”; wellness turned it into personal stacks (breath counts, chew quotas, purity rules).
• ​Orthodox table rhythm: Prayer → Pace → Portion → People → Pattern (Church fast/feast).
• ​Red-flag tests: contamination (feel “unclean” after a rushed meal), availability (ritual > people), confessor (app > God), fragility (can’t eat without the stack).
• ​Repairs: Relocate (presence toward Someone), Repent (don’t ritualize shame), Replace (performance cues → communion cues).
• ​Bottom line: Pray. Eat warm. Chew. Share. Thank. Five words. No app. Plenty of grace.

Sound Bytes:

• ​“Techniques can calm you, only Christ makes you communion-ready.”
• ​“Keep the calm; ditch the cult. Keep the rhythm; drop the ritualism.”
• ​“Food isn’t your judge; it’s a gift to be received with thanksgiving.”
• ​“When technique becomes your savior, peace is always on probation.”
• ​“Peace isn't a project, He is a Person."
• ​“You didn’t break grace by missing a breath cue.”
• ​“Fast a little, feast a little, give thanks a lot.”
• ​“If your ritual makes you harsher at home, drop the ritual.”
• ​“We imported techniques for peace & built a diet religion for control.”
• ​“Pray. Eat warm. Chew. Share. Thank. That’s the maintenance plan.”

Chapters:

00:00 Opener

01:30 Introduction to Zen & Other Eastern Imports

08:31 Tracing the Path of Eastern Religion into Modern Kitchens

16:50 Extending an Olive Branch to the Yogis & New Agers

19:16 The Danger of Performative Rituals

21:51 A Deeper Spotlight on Fr. Seraphim Rose

27:14 Theosophy & Its Influence on Modern Yoga

33:12 Theosophy & UN Global Public Health Language

37:17 An Orthodox Response to New Age

50:38 The Five Anchors of Peaceful Eating

53:30 Be the Bee: Keep, Modify, & Toss Matrix

54:51 Closing Thoughts

57:42 Outro

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From Levitical purity laws to global halal certification, The Covenant Kitchen traces how food became both a boundary & a battleground.
In this episode of the Orthodox Health Podcast, Dr. Michael Christian & John explore how kosher & halal codes shaped identity, power, & perception... & how modern “clean eating” & “ethical” brands echo those same ancient impulses.
Along the way, they tackle the evolution of sacrifice, the loss of the Temple, the rise of Talmudic law, Kabbalah’s mystic sparks, & Sufi longing.
Orthodox Christianity stands in contrast: in Christ, the altar becomes a table & holiness becomes communion, not control.
This is the story of how humanity keeps trying to eat its way back to God... & why only the Eucharist truly fulfills the hunger for holiness.Takeaways:

• Orthodox health emphasizes a faith-aligned approach to nutrition.
• The shift from sacrificial systems to transactional views of food reflects broader cultural changes.
• Dietary laws serve as a means of identity & community for religious groups.
• Purity laws in Judaism & Islam have evolved into consumerist trends in modern society.
• Mysticism in both traditions highlights the spiritual significance of eating.
• The Eucharist represents the fulfillment of dietary laws in Christianity.
• Consumerism has commodified purity, turning it into a marketing tool.
• The intersection of faith & modern diets reveals a longing for spiritual connection.
• Holiness in Christianity is about communion rather than mere compliance with laws.
• Food is meant to be a means of grace & connection to the divine.

Sound Bytes:

• “The table became the new altar... the kitchen replaced the priesthood.”

• “Every ideology builds its own table and says, ‘Sit with us & you’ll be saved.’ But every one of them ends up lonely.”

• “Christ doesn’t appease wrath... He conquers death. The knife doesn’t define the sacrifice; love does.”

• “The same purity logic that built kosher & halal now runs our grocery aisles: sustainable, cruelty-free, plant-based. It’s moral marketing.”

• “Plato tried to leave the cave; Kabbalah tries to light it up.”

• “That’s the politics of the plate... salvation by brand loyalty.”

Chapters:

00:00 Opener

01:30 Introduction to The Covenant Kitchen

06:23 Nutrition & Ritual Under the Law

08:33 The Birth of the Talmud

10:28 The Intersection of Faith & Consumerism

11:49 Enter the Kabbalah

17:06 On the True Nature of Sacrifice

21:43 Western Legalism from Rome to Reform

24:32 Halal Structures & Spiritual Compliance

27:22 From Purity to Praise

29:37 Ritual Without Reverence

31:12 Extending an Olive Branch

34:02 Where Mysticism Enters the Kitchen

37:13 Kabbalah Reloaded

44:11 Islam's Holistic Hadiths

47:19 On Purity Laws & the Holiness Code

51:33 Closing Thoughts

55:01 Outro

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Why did America learn to fear the feast?

In this episode of the Orthodox Health Podcast, Dr. Michael Christian & John continue the story of how 19th-century revivalism, temperance preachers, & eventually Mormonism redefined food & drink as moral tests instead of gifts of grace.

From Joseph Smith’s “caffeine-free gospel” to the Methodist crusade against alcohol, we uncover how Protestant (& post-Prostestant) restraint replaced the sacramental joy of the table.

You’ll hear how Mormonism’s “Word of Wisdom” mixed piety with folk magick, how the Temperance Movement made self-control America’s new religion, & why Orthodoxy restores what the modern diet religions lost: communion, celebration, & thanksgiving.

Because the goal isn’t to scrub the world clean... it’s to let grace illuminate it again.

Takeaways:

• The Word of Wisdom & Methodist temperance reforms weren’t just health codes... they were moral boundary-markers born from revivalist guilt.

• Protestant suspicion of the body paved the way for America’s caffeine-free, low-fat, self-denying “diet gospel.”

• Mormonism’s origins in the “Burned-Over District” fused folk magick, Freemasonry, & alchemy with the language of revelation.

• The Enlightenment’s split between matter & spirit created a vacuum that folk magic rushed to fill... a kind of what Jonathan Pageau calls “mis-enchantment.”

Sound Bytes:

• “When America gave up the chalice, it didn’t lose alcohol... it lost sacrament.”
• “The problem isn’t caffeine — it’s when we turn self-control into a new gospel.”

• “The only real detox? Repentance. That’s how the icons are restored.”

Chapters:

00:00 Opener

01:30 Introduction to the Caffeine-Free Gospel

05:45 The Word of Wisdom: Mormonism's Dietary Advice

09:06 The Role of Control in "Holiness"

11:28 Methodists & the Rise of the Temperance Movement

13:00 John's Quick Gospel of the Jedi Aside

13:40 On Trying to Legislate Holiness

19:37 An Aside on Mary as the Queen of Heaven

21:14 Prohibition as Fasting Without Feasting

24:07 Protestant Guilt & Modern Diet Culture

30:10 Hedonism as a Revolt Against Puritanism

31:55 Joy as a Commandment

34:54 Moralism & The Need for Ritual

37:57 Mormonism: America's Gnostic Great Awakening

41:02 Thy Will Vs. Self-Will in Salvation

43:50 The Contrast Between Prayer & Magic

49:20 The Folk Magic Roots of Modern Wellness Culture

53:15 The Wellness Gospel & Modern Rituals

55:40 Asceticism & the True Nature of Fasting

58:06 Closing Thoughts & Looking Ahead

59:36 Outro

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In the finale of our Women’s Health Arc, Dr. Michael Christian & John sit down with Rachel Wilson, Orthodox Christian & author of Occult Feminism: The Secret History of Women’s Liberation, to expose how feminism, the occult, & modern wellness culture reshaped the female body, diet, & family.

From yoga & the birth control pill to the Rockefeller-funded feminist revolution, Rachel traces how spiritual deception entered the kitchen & the clinic... redefining womanhood in the image of control, not communion.

This conversation moves from Calvinism to Orthodoxy, from anorexia disguised as asceticism to the Gnostic myth of “liberation from biology.” Rachel also discusses her health challenges, the healing power of pregnancy, & the misconceptions surrounding childbirth.Together, they reveal how the Orthodox phronema, in general, & the Theotokos, in particular, restore true dignity to women... body, soul, & spirit.

Takeaways:

• Feminism’s Hidden Roots: How Marxist & occult influences shaped early feminist movements through figures like Alexandra Kollontai & Helena Blavatsky.

• Food as Control: Why the birth control pill, diet culture, & “clean eating” all share the same antinatal, Gnostic worldview.

• Yoga & the Occult: How yoga was introduced to the West as a spiritual Trojan horse & why Orthodox Christians should beware its theological roots.

• True Liberation: The Orthodox path honors women’s cycles, fertility, & embodiment, not as obstacles, but as icons of divine wisdom.

• Marriage vs. the State: Why Soviet communists abolished sacramental marriage, & how Western feminism inherited that ideology.

• Healing the Family: Rachel’s powerful testimony of homeschooling, rebuilding health after autoimmune illness, & reclaiming the household as the center of formation.

Sound Bytes:

• “It’s a Gnostic idea, that our biology is inherently bad?”

• “Yoga was kind of a Trojan horse that was snuck in by theosophists and occultists.”
• “Feminism made the sexual liberation stuff possible; it wouldn’t be here without that.”
• “The whole idea that men & women are the same is damaging to women on every front.”
• “Having babies destroys your body & you’ll die from it... that’s all a lie too.”
• “When we lose the sacramental view of man & woman, we lose the meaning of health itself.”

Chapters:

00:00 Opener

01:30 Introduction to Feminism & Health Outcomes

02:59 Rachel Wilson's Journey to Orthodoxy

13:38 Perks of Being an Intellectual Outcast

19:07 Ancestral Health & Autism

26:17 On Robb Wolf, The Godfather of Paleo

27:53 The Dark Roots of Yoga

32:41 Homeschooling & Preparing for Life Phases

34:11 The Scourge of Birth Control & "Family Planning"

42:01 Feminism's Impacts on Health

49:17 The Tragedy of the Two-Income Economy

56:01 The Realities of Biological Differences Between Men & Women

01:01:14 Callback to Presbytera Marina & Cycle Syncing

01:03:59 Hemochromatosis & Orthodox Fasting

01:08:20 The Feminist Myth of Death While Giving Birth

01:14:12 The Theotokos as a Model for Women

01:16:27 A Proper Christian Response to "Pro-Choice"

01:21:03 New Age & The Protestant Founding of America

01:26:10 The Growth of Orthodoxy in America

01:30:02 On the Amish

01:31:50 How Feminism Affects Food

01:34:09 Historical Misconceptions of Male Power

01:43:28 Rachel's Favorite Lift

01:50:09 The Importance of Lifting as We Age

01:55:46 Where Can You Find Rachel Wilson?

01:57:45 Closing Thoughts & Looking Ahead

02:00:43 OutroSupport the Show with a One-Time or Recurring donation⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Work with Dr. MikePre-Order Orthodoxy & The Medicine of the FutureIntro/Outro Music: St. John of Chicago Orthodox Church Choir (Arkansas) - Please support their building fund by buying the whole album hereOrthodox Health InstagramOrthodox Health TelegramRachel's YoutubeRachel's Substack Rachel's Book: Occult Feminism

When America lost throne & altar, it found a cereal bowl.

In the 19th century, revival preachers turned purity into a health plan.
Ellen G. White’s visions warned that meat led to lust.
John Harvey Kellogg tried to purify the body with cereal, shock therapy, & ice baths...
By the 20th century, their strange theology had hardened into the USDA Food Pyramid: a gospel of grains preached with government approval.

In this episode of the Orthodox Health Podcast, Dr. Michael Christian & John trace how revivalism, guilt, & moral panic built modern diet culture.
From the Great Disappointment of 1844 to Kellogg’s sanitarium empire, discover how a false asceticism of fiber replaced true fasting, and how Orthodoxy restores what these health reformers lost:
Communion instead of control.
Thanksgiving instead of guilt.
Grace instead of gluten-free salvation.

Takeaways:

• How the Second Great Awakening birthed America’s obsession with bodily purity.

• Why Ellen G. White’s visions turned diet into moral law.

• The shocking ways John Harvey Kellogg used cereal & electricity as “sin prevention.”

• How the Food Pyramid became a moral document... not a scientific one.

• Why Orthodoxy offers a better way: fasting as love, not punishment.

• Food should be seen as a gift, not a tool for control.
• The body is sacred & should be treated with respect.
• Modern dietary ideologies echo the moral panic of the past.
• True healing comes from Christ, not dietary restrictions.

Soundbytes:

• “Most people today don’t follow a diet... they follow a doctrine.”“Cereal replaced confession, & fiber became a form of penance.”“The Food Pyramid wasn’t science. It was theology in disguise.”“Fasting without grace became a diet of control.”“Orthodoxy doesn’t treat food as sin or salvation. It treats it as communion.”“You’re not saved by what you eat. You’re saved by Who you feast on.”

Chapters:

00:00 Opener

01:30 Introduction to Sacred Diets

06:15 The 19th Century Health Reform Movement

11:51 Ellen G. White & Dietary Purity

16:38 From the Great Disappointment to the Gospel of the Gut

23:08 Fasting Without Burnout Plan Promo

24:19 John Harvey Kellogg & the Birth of Cereal

29:58 Establishing Battle Creek & The Sanitarium System

34:39 Institutionalization of Battle Creek & the Sanitariums

36:15 The USDA Food Pyramid & Its Implications

41:20 Traditional Orthodox Rejection of Veganism

44:53 Reorienting Food's Sacredness

46:17 On the Nature of Orthodox Fasting

50:15 Closing Thoughts & Looking Forward

53:22 Outro

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In this episode of The Orthodox Health Podcast, Dr. Michael Christian & co-host John are joined by return guest, certified nurse midwife Brennan Straka, & Dr. Michael's own wife, Casey, to discuss the complexities of women's health, with a particular focus on PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome).

They explore fasting, dietary changes, & the importance of faith in navigating health challenges. Casey shares her personal journey with PCOS, highlighting the emotional & physical struggles that she faced. Brennan delves into various aspects of women's health, particularly hormonal health, & the impact of nutrition & lifestyle choices.

They discuss the importance of understanding labwork, the role of vitamins & genetic mutations, & the significance of herbal remedies. The conversation also touches on the emotional aspects of infertility & the importance of faith in navigating these challenges.

Takeaways

• Fasting can be a gift, but challenging for the body.
• PCOS is often diagnosed when women start trying to conceive.
• Dietary changes & supplements can significantly impact PCOS symptoms.
• Faith plays a crucial role in dealing with health challenges.
• Understanding the hormonal effects of birth control is essential.
• Nourishment should be viewed as a blessing, not a restriction.
• Finding balance in fasting & nutrition is key to health.
• Women often face unique health challenges that require tailored approaches.
• Hope & faith are vital in the journey of fertility and health.
• Community support is important in navigating health issues.
• Lipid panels can be misunderstood in conventional medicine.
• MTHFR mutations can affect folate metabolism.
• Folic acid supplementation has historical significance.
• Herbal remedies like spearmint tea can help with PCOS.
• Gentle exercise is crucial for managing PCOS symptoms.
• Dietary choices impact hormonal health significantly.
• Healing involves addressing the whole person, not just symptoms.

Sound bytes

• “It’s gut-wrenching. You’ve set your heart on a family… & then the ‘maybe a year’ talk.” - Casey
• “Diagnosis means excess androgens & ovulatory dysfunction... many women won’t show cysts at all.” - Brennan
• “Under stress, precursors get diverted to cortisol... & progesterone gets over-used downstream.” - Dr. Mike
• “Chronically undereating resets your basal rate... your thyroid is the thermostat for that system.” - Dr. Mike

Chapters

00:00 Opener

01:30 Introduction to Women's Health & PCOS Awareness

03:36 Casey's Orthodox Journey

07:12 Casey's PCOS Journey

11:02 On Wanting to Provide Your Husband with a Large Family

13:15 What Really Helped Casey's PCOS the Most?

15:36 Balancing Hope & Faith During PCOS Struggles

21:39 Brennan Enters the Chat - What Is PCOS?

25:19 PCOS, Progesterone, & the HPA Axis

26:38 Birth Control Pill Use & Estrogen Issues

31:27 ADHD Medication & Hashimoto's Thyroiditis

32:53 The Stress of Over- & Undereating

38:54 Good Night to Casey

39:56 Orthodox Health Fasting Promo

40:35 The Dangers of Chronic Caloric Restriction

42:45 On Balancing Pride & Asceticism

45:34 Reframing "Diets" as Nourishment

46:25 Examining PCOS Labwork

50:01 MTHFR Gene Mutations in PCOS

54:09 Brennan's Own MTHFR Struggles

56:29 John's PCOS 101 Seminar

58:39 Herbs & Tea Time with Brennan

59:57 Brennan's Top Supplements for PCOS

01:02:42 Top Lifestyle Habits for PCOS

01:04:59 On the Benefits of Sugary Coffee for Hypothyroid

01:07:32 What About PCOS Without Hypothyroid

01:10:23 On the Taboo of Dietary Sugar

01:14:24 Brennan's Advice for Those Struggling with Fertility

01:18:52 Closing Thoughts & Looking Ahead

01:20:47 Outro

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In this episode of the Orthodox Health Podcast, Presbytera Marina Thornburg (Orthodox True Femininity) joins hosts Dr. Michael Christian & John to explore the multifaceted aspects of femininity within the Orthodox tradition.

They discuss the significance of women's roles in the Church, personal conversion stories, & the challenges women face regarding health, particularly PCOS. The conversation delves into the concept of cycle syncing, emphasizing how aligning health practices with hormonal cycles can enhance well-being.

They also touch on the significance of bioavailability in nutrition & how understanding one's body can lead to better health outcomes.

The episode highlights the importance of community support & the sacred vocation of womanhood, offering insights & resources for women navigating their health journeys.

Throughout the conversation, the emphasis is always placed on the importance of patience, consistency, & honoring God's design in health and wellness.
Takeaways:

• Womanhood is a sacred vocation, not a costume; Orthodoxy gives the frame for softness, order, & strength.

• “Cycle syncing” = aligning food, movement, & daily rhythms to hormonal phases: working with God's design, not against it.

• Orthodox fasting can harmonize with each phase (e.g., sprouted/fermented in follicular; more raw/salads at ovulation), & even during fasting days, there can still be strategic proteins (shellfish) & honey.

• Severe cycle pain isn’t “normal”; don’t accept quick pharmaceutical dismissals without root-cause work.

• “Womanhood is not a cultural costume. It is a sacred vocation.”

• “Cycle syncing is living with our design: when we do, energy, digestion, & emotional balance improve.”

• “Our cycles aren’t about shock value or ‘uterus power’: they’re about humility, reflection, & God’s intentional rhythm.”

• “Crippling cycle pain is not normal. Don’t let them medicate you & tell you it’s normal.”

• “Cycle syncing isn’t a quick fix... you have to put in the time.”

• “Be faithful, not frantic. Let training & ascetic life work together.”

Chapters:

00:00 Opener

01:30 Introduction to Orthodox Health from the Feminine Perspective

03:33 Presbytera Marina's Journey to Orthodoxy

07:08 Comparing Catechetical Experiences

09:08 The Birth of Orthodox True Femininity

11:03 PCOS, Women's Health, & Presbytera Marina's Journey

15:51 How Chronic Stress Frequently Leads to Misdiagnoses

18:10 Cycle Syncing to Optimize Women's Health

19:33 The Occult & Feminist Connections to Health

23:26 Growth of Orthodoxy in America

25:13 Seed Oils & Early Onset of Puberty in the West

28:03 Understanding Cycle Syncing & Fitness

31:40 Navigating Conversations About Female Health

35:39 Orthodoxy Vs. The Bhagavad Gita

38:29 Cycle Syncing & Orthodox Christian Fasting

43:48 Should You Be Eating Soy While Orthodox Fasting?

45:36 Improving Nutrient Bioavailability During the Fast

48:31 John Running His Informational Race

49:48 Dealing with Health Effects of Childhood Dyes & Processed Foods

51:14 On the Importance of Dairy Quality

56:00 Looking Forward to a Part 2 With Presbytera Marina?

57:21 Remembering That This is a Marathon & Not a Sprint

01:01:01 Where Can You Find Presbytera Marina of Orthodox True Femininity

01:01:46 Closing Thoughts & Looking Ahead

01:04:55 Outro

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In this heartfelt episode of the Orthodox Health Podcast, Dr. Michael Christian and co-host John sit down with new mother & recent Orthodox convert, Gwynne Hoffmaster, to talk about the beautiful chaos of entering the Church while navigating motherhood.

From midnight feedings to toddler wrangling in the nave, Gwynne shares her honest experiences of finding Christ in exhaustion, messiness, & motion.

Together, we explore fasting during breastfeeding, prayer in the midst of interruptions, & the gift of community that carries new families through the struggles & joys of life in the Church.

Takeaways

• New motherhood in Orthodoxy isn’t picture-perfect: it’s patient, messy, & sanctifying.

• Fasting & prayer rules adapt to health, seasons, and the needs of the child.

• The Orthodox parish family provides cross-generational support &love: “if the church isn’t crying, it’s dying.”

• Family prayer, even when short or chaotic, is a powerful foundation for children.

• Patience is the virtue learned in both motherhood & conversion.

Soundbytes

• “This is your liturgy... rocking the baby, chasing the toddler, it all counts.”

• “If the church isn’t crying, it’s dying.”

• “Patience: with children, with fasting, with ourselves... that’s what I’ve learned most.”

• “The Church is for the tired, the ones showing up with spit-up on their shoulders and a whisper of prayer in their hearts.”

Chapters:

00:00 Opener

01:30 Intro to New Motherhood & Conversion

03:21 Gwynne's Journey to Orthodoxy

05:43 Pews or No Pews for Toddler Wrangling?

07:08 Entering the Church as a New Mother

09:50 The Role of Godparents in the Orthodox Community

10:53 Fasting and Spiritual Growth

12:21 Living the Rhythms of the Church Prior to Orthodoxy?

15:14 The Ascetic Life of Motherhood

17:13 The Church as a Postpartum Hospital

21:03 On the Importance of Community, Especially Godparents

22:33 The Joy of Going to a Church Where Everybody Knows Your Name

24:19 Establishing a Personal Prayer Life

28:29 Come to Him as Little Children

30:34 Embracing the Sunday Morning Chaos

34:46 Craziest Toddler Experience in Church

38:48 Toddlers & Blessed Wine?

39:35 Toddler Excitement for the Eucharist

40:57 Orthodox Church Growth

42:09 Gwynne's Advice to New Mothers in the Church

45:56 Toddler Psy-Ops

49:23 The Most Important Thing Gwynne Has Learned on This Journey

51:11 Closing Thoughts & Looking Ahead

54:47 Outro

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Work with Dr. Mike: OrthodoxHealth.comPre-Order Orthodoxy & The Medicine of the Future: https://www.orthodoxhealth.com/bookIntro & Outro Music: St. John of Chicago Orthodox Church Choir (Arkansas) - Please support their building fund by buying the whole album here:⁠https://stjohnorthodoxchurch.bandcamp.com/album/come-ye-faithful-building-fundraiser⁠

In this opening episode of the Orthodox Health Podcast Women’s Health & Femininity arc, Dr. Michael Christian & co-host John welcome Katherine Phillips, host of the Faithful Flourish Podcast. With a background in public health & daily work as a health insurance broker, Katherine brings both clarity & conviction to the challenges women face in today’s medicalized, performance-driven world.

Together, we explore the deep intersections of Orthodox faith, prevention, & the feminine body... & how the Church’s vision for healing goes far beyond what modern healthcare systems can offer.

This episode lays the foundation for our new series on women’s health. Whether you’re a mother, daughter, or simply longing to understand the sacred feminine body through an Orthodox lens, this conversation will challenge, encourage, and inspire.

Takeaways:

• Why spiritual health forms the foundation for physical, mental, & relational health.
• The pitfalls of modern healthcare: access, affordability, & profit-driven care.
• Orthodoxy’s preventative wisdom: fasting, prayer, rhythms of the Church.
• The feminine call to live a “soft life,” rooted in Scripture and tradition.
• How sisterhood & mentorship in the Church strengthen women at every stage.
• Yoga may distract from spiritual focus & should be approached with caution.
• The current healthcare system often prioritizes profit over patient care.
• The church has a historical role in providing healthcare & should continue to do so, in an expanded manner.
• Women often face unique challenges in maintaining their faith & health.
• Flourishing in faith involves integrating spiritual practices into daily life.

Soundbytes:

• “When your spiritual health is out of line, everything else falls out of balance.” – Katherine Phillips

• “The Church is not just a place of worship. It’s a hospital for the soul.” – Dr. Michael Christian

• “There’s no reason to choose practices like yoga when Orthodoxy already gives us healthier, holier ways to flourish.” – Katherine Phillips

• “Prevention isn’t just a medical term. It’s a spiritual calling to tend to the temple of the Holy Spirit.” – John

Chapters:

00:00 Opener

01:30 Introduction to the Orthodox Health Women's Arc

03:34 Introduction to Katherine Phillips of the Faithful Flourish Podcast

04:57 Katherine's Personal Connections Between Orthodoxy & Health

07:18 Yoga & Christianity?

10:59 The Biggest Problem in the Healthcare System

15:07 The Profit-Driven Model & Medical Devastation

16:46 Bureaucratic Red Tape in Diagnostics & Insurance Claims

19:09 On the Importance of Preventive Care

26:28 Greek & Italian Folk Medicine

27:36 On the Importance of Tradition & Ritual in Spiritual Life

32:10 What is the Faithful Flourish Podcast?

36:20 What Does Femininity Look Like From an Orthodox Perspective

40:16 Complementary Roles Within Marriage

43:36 The Role of Sisterhoods in the Church

49:34 A Message to the Ortho Gentlemen

51:06 Final Thoughts on Facilitating Care as the Church

53:07 A Call to Greek Angel Investors

54:10 Where to Find Katherine Phillips & the Faithful Flourish Podcast

56:47 Closing Thoughts & Looking Ahead

58:32 Outro

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In this long-awaited episode of the Orthodox Health Podcast, Dr. Michael Christian & co-host John are joined by Jeff Messina: 4th degree Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt, Judo black belt, owner of the Revolution Dojo, paratrooper & infantryman, theology graduate, & newly-illumined Orthodox Christian.

Jeff shares his powerful journey from the mat to the Church, weaving together themes of discipline, humility, struggle, & faith. With decades of experience training & teaching, he offers insights on how martial arts can shape not only the body but also the soul... & how Orthodoxy calls men to a higher form of strength: ascetic, sacrificial, & Christ-centered.

Takeaways:

• Struggle shapes our character & faith.
• Discipline in training parallels spiritual discipline.
• Community support is vital in both martial arts & faith.
• Ego can hinder growth in both training & spirituality.
• The journey of faith is continuous & requires effort.
• Understanding lineage in faith & martial arts is crucial.
• Failure is a part of growth and learning.
• Humility is essential in both training & spiritual life.
• Accountability helps maintain focus & purpose.
• Living out one's faith is a daily practice.
• Why Orthodoxy is, in Jeff’s words, “the Jiu-Jitsu of Christianity.”

Soundbytes:

• “Formation is not just spiritual... it’s also physical.”

• “The world tells men to dominate or disappear. Orthodoxy calls us to sacrificial leadership.”

• “You can’t just go once a week: in the gym or in the Church. Faithfulness is daily.”

• “Orthodoxy is the Jiu-Jitsu of Christianity. If you want the truth, this is it.”

Chapters:

00:00 Opener

01:30 Introduction to the Journey of Faith & BJJ

04:36 Jeff Messina's Path to Orthodoxy

08:54 Apostolic Succession & Knowing Your Roots

11:51 Jeff Messina's Martial Arts Journey

17:14 Intersection of BJJ & Orthodoxy

22:41 Sola Scriptura & Tradition

27:04 The Professor & The Spiritual Father

29:24 On Failure, Repetition, & Humility

32:00 On Remaining Dispassionate While Fighting

35:28 Jeff's Advice to Christians Interested in Martial Arts

40:50 Tempering Convert Zeal

43:48 Living Orthodoxy: A Compelling Witness

46:07 The Selfishness & Pride of "Ritual Purity"

52:22 A Call to Orthodox Men & BJJ Practitioners Alike

54:19 Where Can You Find Jeff Messina

55:46 Closing Thoughts & Looking Ahead

58:57 Outro

Support the Show with a One-Time or Recurring donation: ⁠⁠⁠coff.ee/OrthodoxHealth⁠⁠⁠Work with Dr. Mike: ⁠https://www.OrthodoxHealth.com⁠Pre-Order Orthodoxy & The Medicine of the Future: ⁠https://www.orthodoxhealth.com/book⁠Intro & Outro Music: St. John of Chicago Orthodox Church Choir (Arkansas) - Please support their building fund by buying the whole album here:⁠⁠https://stjohnorthodoxchurch.bandcamp.com/album/come-ye-faithful-building-fundraiser⁠⁠

In this episode of the Orthodox Health Podcast, Dr. Michael Christian & co-host John explore how the body itself is a school of formation.

Building from last week’s conversation with Fr. Zechariah Lynch on the war against the Incarnation, this discussion goes deeper into the theology of movement, the sanctifying role of suffering, & the communal power of training together.

From the Desert Fathers swinging axes & weaving baskets, to modern men carrying barbells & practicing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, the truth remains: the soul does not grow despite the body... it grows through the body.

Takeaways:

• The Incarnation proclaims that the body is good... the very medium of salvation.

• Movement is not just about health metrics; it’s about integration of mind, body, & spirit.

• Voluntary suffering trains the will, reshaping us for communion with God.

• Ascetic labor is not punishment, it is freedom from the passions.

• Brotherhood & shared struggle break the isolation of modern life.

• John shares a mock functional movement protocol: a practical “rule of the body” to root training in Orthodox anthropology.

  
  

Soundbytes:

• “The soul doesn’t grow despite the body, it grows through the body.”

• “Movement isn’t about achieving a physique. It’s about reclaiming the image of Christ.”

• “The world sees suffering as a glitch in the system. Christ sees it as a doorway.”

• “Embodiment is resistance in an age of disembodiment.”

Chapters:

00:00 Opener

01:30 Introduction to the School of the Body

04:44 Suffering as a Path to Transformation

06:57 The Role of Asceticism in Spiritual Growth

08:35 Integration of Body, Mind, and Spirit

10:36 The Connection Between Movement and Suffering

11:25 Embracing Suffering for Spiritual Growth

13:24 The Role of Community in Suffering

21:32 The Modern Disembodiment Crisis

24:28 Embodiment as Resistance

28:30 The Power of Brotherhood in Struggle

37:38 Practical Movement Protocols for Spiritual Growth

46:56 Closing Thoughts on the Protocol & Looking Ahead

52:06 OutroSupport the Show with a One-Time or Recurring donation: ⁠⁠⁠coff.ee/OrthodoxHealth⁠⁠⁠Work with Dr. Mike: ⁠https://www.OrthodoxHealth.com⁠Pre-Order Orthodoxy & The Medicine of the Future: ⁠https://www.orthodoxhealth.com/book⁠Intro & Outro Music: St. John of Chicago Orthodox Church Choir (Arkansas) - Please support their building fund by buying the whole album here:⁠⁠https://stjohnorthodoxchurch.bandcamp.com/album/come-ye-faithful-building-fundraiser⁠⁠

In this episode of the Orthodox Health Podcast, Dr. Michael Christian & John welcome Fr. Zechariah Lynch to close out a four-part arc on the future of man. Together, they explore the rising ideology of transhumanism, the cult of fitness, AI-driven medicine, & how these movements represent not mere “progress,” but a new worldview that wages war on the Incarnation itself.

The conversation dives into wearables, implants, predictive diagnostics, & the seductive promises of algorithmic salvation. Against these false gospels, the Fathers point us back to the truth: man is dust, yet called to glory in Christ. True healing comes not from digitizing ourselves, but from living sacramentally in the Body of Christ.

Takeaways:

• The future of medicine intertwines with spirituality.
• Embodiment is essential in a disembodied age.
• Transhumanism challenges traditional beliefs about the body.
• Suffering can lead to spiritual growth & understanding.
• Technology can both connect & isolate us.
• Ascetic practices enhance physical & spiritual discipline.
• Community is vital for authentic human relationships.
• Convenience can lead to loss of freedom & control.
• Hope & healing are found in Christ.
• Faith is an incarnational reality that transforms lives.
• Don't do Yoga!

Sound Bytes:

• “The war is on the Incarnation, on the idea that God became man, that flesh matters, that our healing comes not through self-optimization, but through the Cross.”

• “They’ll kill us by convenience. They’ll enslave us for our desire for convenience. That’s why we need to do really human things: read books, break bread, touch grass.”

• “You are not a program. You are a person made for communion, not control.”

Chapters:

00:00 Opener

01:30 Recap of The 4-Part Masculinity & Transhumanism Arc

04:08 Introduction to Fr. Zechariah Lynch & His Orthodox Journey

05:22 Transhumanist Anthropology

08:11 Longevity at Any Cost

10:05 The Spiritual Implications of Health Tracking

12:10 On the Existence of Vestigial Organs

15:14 The Search for Meaning in a Data-Driven World

19:05 Biometrics & Big Brother

20:31 Addressing the True Root of Sickness

24:23 Discipline & the Ascetic Life

25:04 Balancing the Extremes of Fitness

34:40 Can Yoga Be Christianified?

38:05 The Singularity Vs. the Body as a Gift

43:44 The Importance of the Theotokos in the Incarnation

51:02 Advice for Not Being Seduced by Simulated Reality

55:11 The Digital Gulag

58:03 The Intersection of BigData & BigHealth

01:00:37 Do Not Let Anything Deprive You of Hope

01:01:51 Find Fr. Zechariah on InklessPen.Blog or Substack

01:02:31 Kettlebells & Deadlifting in a Cassock

01:04:12 Closing Thoughts & Looking Forward to our 2-Part Body Arc

01:06:23 Outro

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Intro & Outro Music: St. John of Chicago Orthodox Church Choir (Arkansas) - Please support their building fund by buying the whole album here: ⁠https://stjohnorthodoxchurch.bandcamp.com/album/come-ye-faithful-building-fundraiser⁠

In this episode of the Orthodox Health Podcast, Dr. Michael Christian & John explore the intersection of AI, medicine, and Orthodox theology.

They discuss the ethical implications of AI in healthcare, the allure of transhumanism, & the importance of community & communion in true healing.

The conversation emphasizes the need for a return to the Orthodox understanding of the person, which transcends mere data & optimization, advocating for a holistic approach to health that includes spiritual dimensions.

Sound Bites:

"Transhumanism seeks perfection without God."

"True healing is found in the Orthodox tradition."

"Fear of death drives the transhumanist agenda."

Takeaways:

• AI is transforming medicine, but raises ethical concerns.
• The post-human gospel offers a false promise of immortality.
• Transhumanism seeks perfection without God.
• True healing is found in the Orthodox tradition.
• Digital health tools can lead to a new form of idolatry.
• The Orthodox Church teaches the importance of communion & community.
• Modern medicine often prioritizes data over the person.
• Theosis is the ultimate goal of Orthodox healing.
• Fear of death drives the transhumanist agenda.
• Real healing involves surrendering to God, not optimizing oneself.

Chapters:

00:00 The Gospel According to the Algorithm

06:37 The Rise of AI in Medicine

13:30 Bioethics Without Christ Through the Lifecycle

16:35 Transhumanism & the Promise of Immortality

20:22 Tin Foil & Apple Symbolism

21:39 Transhumanism & the Fear of Death

22:20 The Institutionalization of Thanatophobia

25:20 Embracing Freedom from Fear Through the Church

26:51 Digital Asceticism & Health Tracking

29:37 Continuous Glucose Monitors are NOT Repentance

34:20 The Parody of Sainthood in Modernity

39:00 Reclaiming Real Sacraments

41:53 The True Nature of Humanity

44:20 Closing Thoughts & Looking Ahead

45:41 Outro

Support the Show with a One-Time or Recurring donation: ⁠⁠coff.ee/OrthodoxHealth⁠⁠Work with Dr. Mike: ⁠⁠https://www.OrthodoxHealth.com⁠⁠Pre-Order Orthodoxy & The Medicine of the Future: ⁠⁠https://www.orthodoxhealth.com/book⁠⁠Intro & Outro Music: St. John of Chicago Orthodox Church Choir (Arkansas) - Please support their building fund by buying the whole album here:⁠⁠ ⁠https://stjohnorthodoxchurch.bandcamp.com/album/come-ye-faithful-building-fundraiser⁠⁠

In this episode of the Orthodox Health Podcast, Dr. Michael Christian & John discuss the crisis of masculinity in modern society, exploring themes of disembodiment, the spiritual roots of masculinity, & the importance of reclaiming the body as a tool for virtue & sacrifice.

They emphasize the need for practical steps to embody masculinity, the significance of brotherhood, & the role of fatherhood in protecting & providing for families.

The conversation culminates in a call to action for men to re-engage in their physical & spiritual lives, reclaim their identity, & resist the passive tendencies of modern culture.

Takeaways:

• Masculinity is in crisis at multiple levels.
• Modern men are detaching from their bodies & reality.
• The body is essential for discipline and virtue.
• Disembodiment is a spiritual issue, not just a lifestyle choice.
• Real masculinity involves sacrifice & self-offering.
• Men need to reclaim their physicality & engage in real work.
• Brotherhood & community are vital for masculine formation.
• Practical steps include fasting, physical training, & prayer.
• Fatherhood involves protection & spiritual leadership.
• The modern world promotes passivity & disembodiment, which must be resisted.

Sound Bites:

"You need to have a daily embodied rule."

"This is war & you need a plan."

Chapters:

00:00 Opener

01:30 Introduction to Masculinity & Disembodiment

04:45 The Crisis of Modern Masculinity

07:25 Synthetic Masculinity & Transhumanism

09:38 The Role of Suffering in Masculinity

12:25 The Importance of the Body & Spirituality

15:11 Addressing Masculinity at the Root

17:41 Retaking the Arena

20:41 The Hero's Journey & The Gamification of Man

22:59 Building Brotherhood & Community Through the Cross

27:00 Practical Steps for Embodied Masculinity

29:49 Step 1: Fast

30:33 Step 2: Prostrate

32:21 Step 3: Build Something

35:06 Step 4: Take Risks

36:30 Establishing Daily Routines to Regain Masculinity

39:31 The Role of Fatherhood & Protection

44:20 Christ as the Only Way to True Manhood

48:43 Two Daily Disciplines to Start Your Day

50:23 Building Brotherhood & Community Through the Cross

54:00 Closing Thoughts

57:13 Outro

Support the Show with a One-Time or Recurring donation: ⁠coff.ee/OrthodoxHealth⁠Work with Dr. Mike: ⁠https://www.OrthodoxHealth.com⁠Pre-Order Orthodoxy & The Medicine of the Future: ⁠https://www.orthodoxhealth.com/book⁠Intro & Outro Music: St. John of Chicago Orthodox Church Choir (Arkansas) - Please support their building fund by buying the whole album here:⁠⁠ https://stjohnorthodoxchurch.bandcamp.com/album/come-ye-faithful-building-fundraiser⁠

In this episode of the Orthodox Health Podcast, Dr. Michael Christian (sans John) is joined by Orthodox catechumen, registered dietitian, & fitness specialist Gavin McCort, RDN, LDN to discuss the multifaceted crisis in men's health, exploring the decline in testosterone levels, the impact of social & environmental factors, & the importance of spirituality & community.

They emphasize the need for men to reconnect with their purpose, the role of fasting & nutrition in health, & the significance of building a strong physical & spiritual foundation.

The conversation highlights the interplay between mental, physical, & spiritual well-being, advocating for a holistic approach to health that includes ascetic practices & community support.

Takeaways:

• Men are experiencing a crisis in health, particularly with declining testosterone levels.
• Social & environmental factors, including diet & lifestyle, contribute to men's health issues.
• Spirituality plays a crucial role in men's health & identity.
• Community & brotherhood are essential for men's mental & emotional well-being.
• Fasting & nutrition are vital components of physical health.
• Stress & sleep are interconnected & affect testosterone production.
• Asceticism & discipline are important for building a healthy body, soul, & spirit.
• Finding purpose in life is key to overall health & motivation.
• Men often feel isolated & disconnected from their peers.
• Building a healthy temple involves treating the body with respect & care.

Chapters:

00:00 Opener

01:30 Introduction to Men's Health Crisis

06:07 Exploring Testosterone Decline & Its Causes

06:59 Male Isolation & Lack of Masculine Role Models

07:53 Spiritual Decline & the Loss of Masculinity

08:48 The Role of Diet in Men's Health

10:52 Quick Sidebar for a Fast-Friendly "Mayo" Recipe

11:31 Mental & Spiritual Stagnation in Men

14:41 The Physiology of Strength & Resistance Training

16:27 Should I Be Taking Peptides?

17:38 The Debate on Artificial Sweeteners & Fermented Drinks

18:17 Understanding GLP-1 & GLP-3 Peptides

20:36 The Interplay of Testosterone, Stress, & Sleep

22:16 The Importance of Silence & Prayer

25:44 Fasting, Physical Discipline, & Spiritual Warfare

28:56 On The Origin & Mission of Temple Builder Fitness

33:47 The Body as a Temple: A Holistic Approach

36:43 Millennial Man Screams at the Clouds

38:35 The Role of Fatherhood & Brotherhood

42:41 Circles of Accountability in Life

44:01 Foundational Health Tips for Men

50:48 Supplements to Support Blood Flow & Heal Damage From Mandatory Medical Procedures

51:47 Nutrition & Fasting for Men's Health

53:58 Gavin's Favorite Male Saint for Strength & Virtue

54:30 Gavin's Favorite Post-Training Meal (In Fast & Out of Fast)

56:01 Finding Purpose in Health & Life

56:47 Where Can You Find Gavin?

01:00:41 Outro

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In this episode of the Orthodox Health Podcast, Dr. Michael Christian & co-host John explore the intersection of Orthodox Christianity & herbal medicine, emphasizing the importance of discernment in using natural remedies.

They discuss the historical context of herbal practices within the Orthodox tradition, the dangers of New Age ideologies, & the philosophical roots that contribute to confusion in modern herbalism.

Additionally, practical guidelines are given for reclaiming herbalism in a way that aligns with Orthodox beliefs, advocating for a humble & prayerful approach to healing.

Takeaways

Takeaways

• Herbal medicine is an integral part of Orthodox tradition.
• Discernment is crucial when engaging with herbal practices.
• The church does not oppose the use of herbs, but warns against idolatry.
• New Age practices often corrupt the original intent of herbalism.
• Healing should be approached as a gift from God, not a tool for self-deification.
• The influence of Gnosticism has led to confusion in modern herbalism.
• Orthodox Christians should reclaim herbalism within a sacramental framework.
• Prayer and humility are essential in the use of herbs.
• Consulting with spiritual elders is important for guidance in herbal practices.
• Repentance is necessary for those who have engaged with occult herbalism.

Chapters

00:00 Opener

01:30 Introduction to Herbal Medicine & Orthodoxy

02:24 The Role of Herbs in Orthodox Tradition

04:09 Discernment in Herbal Practices

06:34 Scriptural Foundations for Herbal Healing

08:48 The Church Fathers & Herbal Knowledge

11:12 The Dangers of New Age Herbalism

13:26 Identifying Spiritual Deception in Herbalism

14:57 The Intersection of Herbs & Occult Practices

20:39 Hidden in Plain Sight

23:14 What if I Have Participated in These "Wellness" Practices?

24:18 Pharmakeia: Understanding the Biblical Context

26:57 Rudolf Steiner & the Mystical Approach to Healing

32:09 Orthodoxy Vs. Gnostic Syncretism

36:08 "But, What About Homeopathy?"

38:20 Reclaiming Herbalism: An Orthodox Perspective

46:23 Closing Thoughts & Looking Forward to the Next Episode Arc

47:42 Outro

Hexaemeron with On the Making of Man – St. Basil of the Great & St. Gregory of Nyssa (contains Amazon affiliate link)

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Pre-Order Orthodoxy & The Medicine of the Future: https://www.orthodoxhealth.com/bookIntro & Outro Music: St. John of Chicago Orthodox Church Choir (Arkansas) - Please support their building fund by buying the whole album here:⁠https://stjohnorthodoxchurch.bandcamp.com/album/come-ye-faithful-building-fundraiser⁠

In this episode of the Orthodox Health Podcast, Dr. Michael Christian & co-host John delve into the complex world of Anthroposophy, its founder Rudolf Steiner, & the implications of his teachings on health & healing.

They explore the intersections of Anthroposophy with terrain theory, contrasting it with Orthodox Christian views on healing, which emphasize the unity of body, soul, & spirit, repentance, & the sacramental life.

The discussion highlights the importance of discerning the spiritual roots of health practices & the necessity of grounding healing in the teachings of the Orthodox Church.
Takeaways

• Anthroposophy is rooted in spiritual systems that diverge from Orthodox teachings.
• Steiner's view of illness emphasizes spiritual imbalance rather than sin.
• Orthodox healing is sacramental & communal, not esoteric or individualistic.
• True healing involves repentance & humility before God.
• Natural remedies can be beneficial, but must be rooted in faith.
• The body, soul, & spirit are interconnected in Orthodox understanding.
• Healing is a journey that includes suffering and hope in Christ.
• Discernment is crucial when engaging with alternative health practices.
• The teachings of the Church provide a foundation for true healing.
• The cross of Christ is central to understanding healing in Orthodoxy.

Chapters

00:00 Opener

01:30 Introduction to Anthroposophy

03:05 Rudolf Steiner: The Man & His Influence

05:43 Steiner's Spiritual Framework & Christology

09:34 Anthroposophy's Impact on Modern Health & Society

11:29 Terrain Theory vs. Germ Theory

20:03 Understanding Steiner's Four Bodies Anthropology

23:45 Logos Spermaticos & The Seeds of Truth

28:34 Orthodox Understanding of Healing

32:20 Theosophy & Its Influences

36:55 A New Perspective on "Reincarnation"

41:02 Theosophy's Legacy in Modern Society

42:20 Orthodox Healing vs. Esoteric Practices

46:38 Sacraments & Humility for True Healing

48:29 Natural Remedies & Orthodox Practices

50:29 Practical Steps for Orthodox in Navigating Alternative Health

52:49 OutroWork with Dr. Mike: https://www.OrthodoxHealth.comPre-Order Orthodoxy & The Medicine of the Future: https://www.orthodoxhealth.com/bookIntro & Outro Music: St. John of Chicago Orthodox Church Choir (Arkansas) - Please support their building fund by buying the whole album here:⁠https://stjohnorthodoxchurch.bandcamp.com/album/come-ye-faithful-building-fundraiser⁠

In this episode of the Orthodox Health Podcast, Dr. Michael Christian & co-host John are joined by Fr. Jonathan Ivanoff to explore the vital role of community in healing within the Orthodox Church.

They discuss the Church as a spiritual hospital, the importance of understanding healing beyond the physical, & the communal aspect of salvation. The conversation delves into the tools for spiritual healing, the significance of spiritual gifts, and the dynamics of parish life, including the challenges of fragmentation & the importance of welcoming newcomers.

Ultimately, the episode emphasizes that worship is about giving back to God & being part of a community that supports each other in their spiritual journeys.
Takeaways

• Healing happens in community, not in isolation.
• The Church serves as a hospital for the soul.
• Spiritual healing encompasses physical, mental, & emotional aspects.
• Community plays a crucial role in individual healing.
• Worship is about giving everything to God, not receiving.
• Spiritual gifts are essential for parish life & community building.
• Cliques can hinder the welcoming nature of a parish.
• Every member of the church has a unique role to play.
• Confession & spiritual practices are vital for healing.
• True freedom is found in serving God, not in sin.

Sound Bites

• "The parish is a hospital for the soul."
• "We are saved in community."
• "We are slaves to God."
• "The Church is the Israel of God"
• "(Yoga) absolutely is not, cannot, and will never be (compatible with Christianity)."

Chapters:

00:00 Opener

01:30 Introduction to The Importance of Community in Healing

03:22 A Brief Discussion of Fr. Jonathan Ivanoff's Journey

06:35 Understanding the Church as a Spiritual Hospital

08:53 The Secular Vs. The Orthodox Mindset Towards Healing

11:42 The Holistic Approach to Healing

17:50 The Role of the Parish in Spiritual Health

22:25 Community as an Enactment of the Image of God

25:42 Tools for Healing in the Orthodox Tradition

29:52 The Essence of Confession

31:51 Understanding Sin and Self-Esteem

34:11 Freedom from Sin vs. License

37:38 Community & Loneliness in Parish Life

43:37 Discovering Spiritual Gifts

46:47 The Saints as Role Models for Your Own Spiritual Gifts

54:37 Shameless Transfigured Life Podcast Plug

55:39 Can Yoga Ever Be Made Christian?

56:58 Worship: Giving vs. Receiving

01:01:11 Outro

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Intro & Outro Music: St. John of Chicago Orthodox Church Choir (Arkansas) - Please support their building fund by buying the whole album here:⁠⁠https://stjohnorthodoxchurch.bandcamp.com/album/come-ye-faithful-building-fundraiser⁠⁠

Check out Fr. Jonathan over at The Transfigured Life Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@TheTransfiguredLife

In this episode of the Orthodox Health Podcast, Dr. Michael Christian & co-host John explore the deep-rooted issues of modern health & spirituality through the lens of Orthodox Christianity.

They discuss the importance of addressing the root causes of sickness, both physically & spiritually, & how modern medicine often fails to do so.

The conversation emphasizes the need for awareness, self-examination, & the tools provided by Orthodoxy, such as fasting, confession, & prayer, to heal & restore balance in life.

They also highlight the significance of liturgical life & reconnecting with creation as essential components of true well-being.

Takeaways:

• Modern health paradigms are rooted in materialism.
• Orthodox Christianity offers tools for true healing.
• Rootlessness is a profound sickness of our time.
• Awareness is the first step to healing.
• Functional medicine seeks to restore design, not just optimize dysfunction.
• Fasting & confession are essential for spiritual & physical health.
• The church provides a rhythm for life that aids healing.
• We must identify & uproot false ideologies in our lives.
• Engaging with creation is vital for holistic health.
• Healing is about becoming fertile ground for grace.

Chapters:

00:00 Opener

01:30 The Sickness of Modern Civilization

03:00 Identifying Root Sicknesses

06:42 Modern Medicine & Pharmaceutical Whack-a-Mole

08:17 Why Choose Functional Medicine?

09:48 Practical Case Study

11:46 Reclaiming True Healing

13:32 Cutting Down the Trees of Ideology

16:54 The Power of Self-Examination

21:27 Tools for Uprooting Sickness

22:35 First Tool: Fasting

23:45 Second Tool: Confession

25:15 Third Tool: Prayer

27:59 Fourth Tool: Liturgical Participation

29:55 Fifth Tool: Return to Nature

32:20 Planting Seeds of Faith

34:33 The Church as a Healing Sanctuary

36:25 Living Sacramentally for Transformation

39:05 Reclaiming the Ancient Path

42:38 Outro

Work with Dr. Mike: https://www.OrthodoxHealth.com

Pre-Order Orthodoxy & The Medicine of the Future: https://www.orthodoxhealth.com/book

Intro & Outro Music: St. John of Chicago Orthodox Church Choir (Arkansas) - Please support their building fund by buying the whole album here:⁠https://stjohnorthodoxchurch.bandcamp.com/album/come-ye-faithful-building-fundraiser⁠