The Bible Chat Podcast

The Bible Chat App
  • 5.0 (2)
  • CHRISTIANITY

Welcome to the Bible Chat Podcast with Alina, where ancient wisdom meets modern life. Each week, we explore Scripture’s timeless truths through conversations with theologians, therapists, missionaries, and leaders. From trauma and forgiveness to relationships, leadership, and purpose, these discussions offer practical guidance, hope, and inspiration to help you live out your faith in transformative ways.

Episodes

  1. 4D AGO

    A Life of Faith in Action: Discipleship, Apostleship, and Becoming Christlike with Dan Christopulos

    In this deeply moving episode of the Bible Chat Podcast, host Alina Buzdugan sits down with Dan Christopulos, a lifelong servant of Christ with more than 40 years of ministry experience spanning parish life, global missions, humanitarian aid, and spiritual formation. From his early years as a college football standout to his calling as a priest, missionary, counselor, and development leader, Dan shares a powerful testimony of faith shaped by adversity, repentance, humility, and love in action. This conversation weaves together personal stories from the mission field, profound theological insight, and practical wisdom for living a Christ-centered life in today’s world. At the heart of the episode is a rich exploration of discipleship, apostleship, and theosis, not as abstract theology, but as a lived, ongoing journey from learning, to living, to becoming. Episode Highlights • Growing up Orthodox in Wyoming and the formative power of prayer and embodied faith  • Lessons from sports on perseverance, focus, and facing adversity with Christ  • Early signs of vocation and childhood evangelism  • Ministry challenges, suffering, and the redemptive work of grace  • Global humanitarian work with International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC) • Missionary experiences in Kenya, Albania, Eastern Europe, and beyond • Empowering local leadership through Orthodox Christian Mission Center (OCMC) • Sustainable mission models and faith rooted development • A compelling explanation of discipleship, apostleship, and theosis • Forgiveness, humility, spiritual warfare, and self-forgiveness • What it truly means to leave a legacy of love and faith Key Teaching Moment Discipleship → Apostleship → Theosis Dan beautifully connects these three movements of the Christian life: • Discipleship (mathētēs): a lifelong posture of learning, listening, and being formed • Apostleship (apostellō): being sent to share what we have received through love and service • Theosis: the lifelong journey from image (ikona) to likeness (kath’ homoiōsin), becoming more like God through repentance, humility, and action This is not a linear or perfect process. We fall. We repent. We get back up. And we continue forward. Episode Timestamps 00:00 Life lessons from sports and faith 04:16 Early life and spiritual foundations 06:23 Sports, adversity, and perseverance 11:58 Childhood evangelism 14:21 Ministry challenges and growth 19:12 Humanitarian work with IOCC 28:08 Missionary work and future vision 35:09 Albania and religious persecution 37:06 Sustainable projects in Nairobi 42:17 Discipleship, apostleship, and theosis 48:01 Forgiveness and humility 55:30 Legacy and wisdom for future generations 01:01:29 Closing prayer and reflections

    1h 4m

  2. OCT 27

    Turning Lifequakes Into Purpose with Bruce Feiler

    What if your greatest crisis became your deepest purpose? In this powerful episode of Bible Chat Podcast, Bruce Feiler, the man who walked the Bible across 10,000 miles of deserts, war zones, and ancient lands, shares how to transform life’s biggest disruptions into meaning, strength, and legacy. From teaching English in Japan, to juggling oranges in a traveling circus to facing a rare cancer that threatened to end his story, Bruce reveals the hidden map inside the Bible and the 7 tools he used to navigate life’s wildest transitions, tools backed by 500 real-life stories and now helping millions worldwide. Whether you're facing a career shift, loss, burnout, or spiritual wandering, this is your roadmap through the wilderness. In This Episode, You’ll Discover: ✅ Why the Bible isn’t only a book but a living MAP of human struggle and triumph ✅ How Bruce beat cancer at 43 and created the Council of Dads for his twin daughters ✅ The 3 phases of every lifequake ✅ The ABCs of Meaning: Agency, Belonging, Cause and how to rebalance them ✅ Why ritual is the antidote to loneliness, AI overload, and digital drift ✅ Bruce’s 3 life lessons from the circus, the desert, and the edge of death Perfect for: Anyone seeking purpose in chaos • Fans of Walking the Bible, The Council of Dads, Life Is in the Transitions • Spiritual seekers, entrepreneurs, parents, and change-makers 📖 Pre-Order Bruce’s New Book: A Time to Gather: How Ritual Created the World and How It Can Save Us (Spring 2026) 💬 Comment Below: What’s YOUR biggest lifequake right now? Let’s build a community of courage and connection. 🔥 Subscribe for weekly wisdom from global voices of faith, resilience, and transformation. #BruceFeiler #LifeQuakes #WalkingTheBible #LifeTransitions #CouncilOfDads #BibleAsMap #Ritual #PurposeInCrisis #BibleChatPodcast CHAPTERS: 00:00 – Welcome: A Circus Clown Meets the Bible 02:15 – Bruce’s Roots: Jewish in the South & the Birth of an “Experientialist” 05:40 – Japan, Viral Letters & Selling His First Book at 24 08:10 – Juggling Oranges on a Hill → Joining the Circus 12:30 – From Nashville Pews to Walking the Bible 17:45 – 10,000 Miles: Camels, Jeeps, War Zones & Mount Sinai 22:10 – The Bible Isn’t a Book — It’s a MAP 28:50 – The Sinai: Cold Nights, Noisy Sand & the Burning Bush… with a Fire Extinguisher 35:20 – Cancer at 43: “The Walking Man Who Couldn’t Walk” 40:00 – The Council of Dads: A Father’s Final Gift 46:15 – 3 Life Lessons from the Council 50:30 – Happy Families: Adapt, Talk, Play 55:10 – Life Is in the Transitions: 3–5 Life-Quakes, 5 Years Each 1:01:20 – The 3 Phases: Long Goodbye, Messy Middle, New Beginning 1:06:40 – The ABCs of Meaning: Agency, Belonging, Cause 1:12:00 – Ritual: The Cure for Loneliness & Digital Drift 1:18:50 – Legacy: Passing Down Treasure and Trauma 1:23:30 – A Word for Men: You Can’t Run from Emotions 1:26:00 – Final Charge: Be the Hero of Your Story

    1h 29m

  3. SEP 25

    Bridging Faith and Mental Health: An Open Conversation with Yianna Papadeas

    In this episode of the Bible Chat Podcast, host Alina interviews Yianna Papadeas, a passionate psychiatric nurse and mental health advocate. At just 29, Yianna has made significant contributions in inpatient psychiatric care, particularly in high acuity and forensic units. Yianna shares her journey, insights on integrating faith with mental health, and her personal experiences working with patients in their most vulnerable moments. The conversation covers various topics including the importance of not focusing solely on diagnoses, the intersection of faith and mental health, and practical advice for those struggling with mental health issues or suicidal thoughts. Yianna also introduces her social media platforms, Dynami and Overheard In Psych, which aim to educate and destigmatize mental health issues. This episode aims to provide hope, educate listeners on trauma-informed care, and encourage open discussions about mental health within the church and society. 00:00 Opening Remarks and Introduction 00:29 Faith and Mental Health: A Holistic Approach 01:37 Welcome to the Bible Chat Podcast 01:50 Meet Yianna Papadeas: A Journey in Psychiatric Nursing 07:53 The Role and Challenges of a Charge Nurse 09:06 High Acuity and Forensic Units Explained 11:16 The Path to Becoming a Nurse Practitioner 12:02 Medication in Psychiatric Care: Benefits and Concerns 13:03 Faith and Mental Health: Integrating Prayer and Therapy 15:24 Creating a Trauma-Informed Church 18:09 Yianna's Platforms: Dynami and Overheard In Psych 22:42 Stories from the Psychiatric Ward 25:50 Suicide Prevention: Community and Family Support 27:03 Debunking Misconceptions About Suicidal Ideation 27:56 Supporting Without Relating 28:55 Recognizing and Responding to Warning Signs 29:58 Utilizing Available Resources 36:39 The Importance of Positive Coping Skills 40:16 Differentiating Normal Stress from Clinical Illness 44:19 Legal Holds and Patient Care 45:27 Faith and Mental Health 48:06 Final Thoughts and Encouragement Yianna Papadeas's Platforms Dynami Instagram Page: A platform for mental health education, stigma reduction, and community support. Overheard In Psych Instagram Page: A satirical account sharing humorous, anonymized moments from psychiatric nursing to highlight the human side of the work.Yianna Papadeas's LinkedIn Page Other Organizations Mentioned OCAMPR (Orthodox Christian Association of Medicine, Psychology, and Religion): An organization fostering dialogue between faith and mental health professionals, with conferences, resources, and social media content on red flags, trauma-informed care, and more. Suicide Prevention Resources (USA-Focused) ResourceDescriptionContact/Link988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline | 24/7 confidential support for mental health crises, suicidal thoughts, or emotional distress. Call, text, or chat for immediate help. Mentioned in the episode for anonymous reporting and crisis support. | Call/Text: 988 Suicide Prevention Resource Center (SPRC) | Provides training, best practices, and resources for prevention, including toolkits for communities, churches, and individuals.  American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) | Offers education, research, support groups, and advocacy to prevent suicide and support those affected. |  The Trevor Project

    53 min

  4. AUG 21

    Transforming Lives: Inside the Denver Rescue Mission with Alexxa Gagner

    In this inspiring episode of the Bible Chat Podcast, host Alina sits down with Alexxa Gagner, Senior Director of Marketing and Communications at Denver Rescue Mission. With over 15 years of service, Alexxa shares the mission’s Christ-centered approach to serving those experiencing homelessness and poverty. Rooted in the core values of engaging mercifully, working holistically, speaking truthfully, and believing in miracles, Denver Rescue Mission transforms lives one person at a time. From providing shelter for up to 1,500 individuals nightly to offering addiction recovery programs and family support, Alexxa highlights stories of hope, like that of James, a blind man who found housing and renewed purpose through the mission’s services. Learn how you can get involved through volunteering, donating, or supporting their annual Turkey Drive. This episode is a heartfelt exploration of faith, compassion, and the power of miracles in action. Key Quotes Alexxa Gagner on Core Values: “Engage mercifully, work holistically, speak truthfully, and believe in miracles... these are like our core values as an organization, how we live out our faith. God does miracles. He can heal people and be a part of our day-to-day.”On Compassion: “Viewing people just through a lens of love and through non-judgment... there’s a person, there’s a story, there’s a background, just like we all have.”On Impactful Interactions: “Even if they only come to us once for a meal and they feel that love... we feel like we’ve done our job.”On Approaching Homelessness: “Treat people with dignity... You can see Christ in them. Offer a smile, ask their name, or how you can pray for them.”Alina on Societal Roles: “In America, we think the highest role in our society is the president. But actually, that’s not true. It’s the citizen.” How to Support Volunteer: Serve meals, tutor youth, or join unique opportunities like resume workshops or barber services at Denver Rescue Mission.Donate: Contribute to the annual Turkey Drive (goal: 15,000 turkeys) or provide essentials like furniture and housewarming boxes for those transitioning to permanent housing.Learn More: Visit Denver Rescue Mission’s website for volunteer details, donation needs, or to schedule a tour of their facilities. Support & Learn More Denver Rescue MissionOpen Soul Foundation Partners with DRMConnect with Alexxa on LinkedInJoin us in supporting Denver Rescue Mission’s transformative work and download the Bible Chat app to continue your spiritual journey.

    57 min

  5. AUG 7

    Bible Chat Q&A: Exploring the Heart of Christianity

    The Bible Chat Podcast

    1h 2m

  6. JUN 30

    Practicing the Ways of Jesus: Compassion, Consistency and Christlike Love For Denver's Houseless Youth

    The Bible Chat Podcast

    1h 3m
  • 6 Episodes

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Welcome to the Bible Chat Podcast with Alina, where ancient wisdom meets modern life. Each week, we explore Scripture’s timeless truths through conversations with theologians, therapists, missionaries, and leaders. From trauma and forgiveness to relationships, leadership, and purpose, these discussions offer practical guidance, hope, and inspiration to help you live out your faith in transformative ways.

Information

  • Creator
    The Bible Chat App
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    6
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 The Bible Chat Podcast
  • Show Website
    The Bible Chat Podcast