Raised & Redeemed

Michaela Nikolaenko

I’m Michaela—a wife, mom, and Jesus follower who was radically saved from child abuse trauma, substance abuse, New Age deception, sex work, and ungodly relationships. Now, I share what it means to live a raised and redeemed life after a life of sin. This podcast is for those who’ve been to the dark side and back—and are ready to grow in holiness, confront the battle within, and pursue sanctification through spiritual discipline. Rooted in Orthodox Christianity, this is real talk for the soul that longs for God. Reach me and find out more at www.michaelanikolaenko.com

  1. 3D AGO

    127. The Spiritual Dangers of SHADOW WORK No One Tells You | Occult to Orthodoxy Series (Part 13)

    What are the spiritual dangers of shadow work? Isn't it just a therapeutic technique of healing your inner traumas? Or is is something darker, like embracing your inner demons? In this episode of the Occult to Orthodoxy Series, I break down: — What shadow work actually is and where it came from — Why Carl Jung's framework is fundamentally incompatible with Orthodox Christian anthropology — What Orthodox Fathers say about Jung's "pseudo-religion" — The key difference between Jungian integration and Orthodox transfiguration — The ancient Church practices that address the very same human need — and go infinitely further The Orthodox Church doesn't offer shadow work. It offers something far greater: not integration, but resurrection. 🕊️ As always, please seek guidance from your own spiritual father on everything related to your spiritual life. This is Part 13 of the Occult to Orthodoxy Series. New here? Start from Part 1 and work your way through. #ShadowWork #OrthodoxChristianity #CarlJung #OccultToOrthodoxy #NewAge #Theosis #InnerHealing #ShadowSelf #ChristianResponse 📌 If this resonates, please: ✅ Subscribe for Part 14 of the Occult to Orthodoxy Series ✅ Share this with someone who’s spiritually searching ✅ Leave a comment with topics you want me to address ✅ Join my membership for specific inquiries and response videos ---------------------------------------------------- 🌐 Explore More: ALL LINKS → https://beacons.ai/michaelanikolaenko Website → www.michaelanikolaenko.com 🎙️ Listen to the Podcast:https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/raisedandredeemed 🎥 Subscribe on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCn2x_6If3KUo5d9aA_7ALLw 📲 Follow Along on Socials: Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/michaelanikolaenko/ TikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@michaelanikolaenko Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/michaelanikolaenko ---------------------------------------------------- ⏳ TIMESTAMPS: 00:00-1:34 My background 1:34-3:17 What is shadow work? 3:17-5:58 The history of shadow work 5:58-7:24 My experience with shadow work 7:24-8:32 We are called to forget our past 8:32-10:18 Therapy requires discernment 10:18-14:10 Orthodox perspectives on Jungian psychology 14:10-16:07 The passions vs the shadow 16:07-16:45 Orthodox Icons Corona Ad 16:45-19:07 True Healing happens in the Church 19:07-19:58 Conclusion

    20 min
  2. MAY 13

    126. The Twin Flame Deception (And Orthodox Alternative for LOVE) | Occult to Orthodoxy Series (Part 12)

    What is the twin flame and soulmate deception? In this episode of the Occult to Orthodoxy series, we are exposing the dark reality behind the New Age concepts of Twin Flames and Soulmates. While the world tells you that searching for your "other half" is the path to spiritual ascension, Orthodox Christianity warns that this pursuit often leads to idolatry, trauma bonding, and the destruction of the soul. If you’ve watched the Escaping Twin Flames documentary or feel trapped in a "tumultuous" spiritual connection, this video is for you. Learn the difference between a "fiery" counterfeit and the sacrificial, healing love found in the Sacrament of Marriage. In this video, we cover: ✅ The pagan origins of the Twin Flame and soulmate myths ✅ Why Orthodoxy teaches your soul is ALREADY whole and unique ✅ How "Mirror Souls" are often used to justify unhealthy relationships ✅ The Orthodox view of Marriage as a "Crown of Sacrifice" and martyrdom "If you are chasing a 'flame' that is burning down your life, it’s time to let it go—and find the Light that never fades." #TwinFlame #NewAge #OrthodoxChristianity #Soulmate #SpiritualDelusion #OccultToOrthodoxy #ChristianTestimony #TwinFlameTrap #Orthodoxy #SpiritualWarfare 📌 If this resonates, please: ✅ Subscribe for Part 13 of the Occult to Orthodoxy Series ✅ Share this with someone who’s spiritually searching ✅ Leave a comment with topics you want me to address ✅ Join my membership for specific inquiries and response videos ---------------------------------------------------- 🌐 Explore More: ALL LINKS → https://beacons.ai/michaelanikolaenko Website → www.michaelanikolaenko.com 🎙️ Listen to the Podcast:https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/raisedandredeemed 🎥 Subscribe on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCn2x_6If3KUo5d9aA_7ALLw 📲 Follow Along on Socials: Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/michaelanikolaenko/ TikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@michaelanikolaenko Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/michaelanikolaenko ---------------------------------------------------- ⏳ TIMESTAMPS: 00:00-1:08 Intro 1:08-3:22 What is a twin flame? 3:22-4:24 Where did soulmates originate?4:24-6:54 Orthodox objections to twin flame 6:54-8:15 My twin flame testimony 8:15-9:50 The Orthodox View on Marriage 9:50-10:27 Orthodox Icons Corona Ad 10:27-11:21 Conclusion

    11 min
  3. APR 29

    125. Orthodox Christian on Past Lives & Reincarnation | Occult to Orthodoxy Series (Part 11)

    What is an Orthodox Christian view on past lives? In this episode, we discuss: 💡 The ancient origins of reincarnation (India, Greece, and beyond) 💡 How these beliefs made their way into modern New Age spirituality 💡 My personal testimony of believing I was a witch and temple prostitute in past lives 💡 The Orthodox concept of prelest (spiritual delusion) and how demons distort identity 💡 Why reincarnation contradicts the Gospel and the Cross of Christ 💡 What actually happens after death according to the Orthodox Church 💡 How to renounce false identities and discover who God truly created you to be This isn’t just theology—it’s about your identity, your soul, and your eternity. Scripture Highlight: 📖 “It is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment.” — Hebrews 9:27 If you’re coming out of New Age, occult practices, or questioning reincarnation… this video is for you. 📌 If this resonates, please: ✅ Subscribe for Part 12 of the Occult to Orthodoxy Series ✅ Share this with someone who’s spiritually searching ✅ Leave a comment with topics you want me to address ✅ Join my membership for specific inquiries and response videos 🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share if you find this helpful! #pastlives #reincarnation #orthodoxchristian ---------------------------------------------------- 🌐 Explore More: ALL LINKS → https://beacons.ai/michaelanikolaenko Website → www.michaelanikolaenko.com 🎙️ Listen to the Podcast:https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/raisedandredeemed 🎥 Subscribe on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCn2x_6If3KUo5d9aA_7ALLw 📲 Follow Along on Socials: Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/michaelanikolaenko/ TikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@michaelanikolaenko Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/michaelanikolaenko ---------------------------------------------------- ⏳ TIMESTAMPS: 00:00-1:17 Intro 1:17- 4:20 The Roots of Reincarnation 4:20-5:51 When I Believed in Past Lives 5:51-8:23 Spiritual Dangers of Believing in Reincarnation 8:23-10:00 What Happens When We Die 10:00-12:20 Break Free From Demonic Identities 12:20-12:50 What’s Next

    13 min
  4. APR 22

    124. The Occult Third Eye vs Orthodox Nous | Occult to Orthodoxy Series (Part 10)

    What is the difference between the occult third eye and Orthodox Christian nous? In this episode of the Occult to Orthodoxy Series, we explore the darker truth behind third eye awakening, pineal gland activation, and New Age spirituality—contrasting it with the authentic teaching of the Orthodox Christian Church on the nous, the true “eye of the soul.” Drawing from personal experience in the occult, Scripture, and the wisdom of the Church Fathers, this episode exposes how modern spiritual practices—like chakra work, kundalini awakening, meditation techniques, and psychedelics—can open doors not to divine enlightenment, but to spiritual deception. You’ll learn: 🙏 What “third eye awakening” actually is (and how it’s practiced) 🙏 The historical roots of the third eye across Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism, and Theosophy 🙏 How the enemy counterfeits true spirituality 🙏 What the Orthodox Church teaches about the nous and spiritual sight 🙏 How to discern between true gifts of God and spiritual delusion (prelest) 🙏 What to do if you’ve participated in occult practices or feel spiritually oppressed 🙏 The real path to healing, peace, and union with Christ 📖 Key Scripture: Matthew 5:8 — “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” Ephesians 1:18 — “The eyes of your heart may be enlightened…” 📌 If this resonates, please: ✅ Subscribe for Part 11 of the Occult to Orthodoxy Series ✅ Share this with someone who’s spiritually searching ✅ Leave a comment with topics you want me to address ✅ Join my membership for specific inquiries and response videos 🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share if you find this helpful! #orthodoxchristian #thirdeye #nous ---------------------------------------------------- 🌐 Explore More: ALL LINKS → https://beacons.ai/michaelanikolaenko Website → www.michaelanikolaenko.com 🎙️ Listen to the Podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/raisedandredeemed 🎥 Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCn2x_6If3KUo5d9aA_7ALLw 📲 Follow Along on Socials: Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/michaelanikolaenko/ TikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@michaelanikolaenko Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/michaelanikolaenko ---------------------------------------------------- ⏳ TIMESTAMPS: 00:00-3:34 Intro 3:34-5:52 What is the New Age Third Eye 5:52-7:12 When my third eye opened 7:12-9:21 History of the Third Eye 9:21-11:02 The Nous, or Eye of the Soul 11:02-12:23 Visions from God or Demons? 12:23-12:55 Sealed in the Church 12:55-14:55 How to close your third eye 14:55-15:56 True spiritual gifts 15:55-17:01 Closing

    17 min
  5. APR 8

    123. New Age vs Orthodox Christian Meditation | Occult to Orthodoxy Series (Part 9)

    What is the difference between secular, New Age, and Orthodox Christian meditation? Each method claims it will provide us with peace, clarity, and presence, but can each one fully deliver? New Age meditation tell us to empty our minds to find peace. But Scripture doesn't say that. In fact, the Bible and the Orthodox Tradition teach us to KEEP GUARD OF OUR MINDS so that evil things don't enter and FILL OUR MINDS with Christ so worse things don't return. In this episode we discuss: • If secular meditation is good for us • The Hindu and Buddhist origins of many modern meditation practices • Why practices like emptying the mind, visualization, “white light,” spirit guides, and third eye meditation can be spiritually dangerous • What the Orthodox Church teaches about spiritual delusion (prelest) • Why an “empty mind” is not spiritually neutral • The Orthodox Christian practice of nepsis — watchfulness over thoughts • How to meditate on Scripture in a truly Christian way • Lectio divina and prayerful reading of the Bible • The Jesus Prayer and Hesychasm • Theosis vs. self-dissolution: the true goal of Orthodox Christian meditation If you have been searching for peace, stillness, or a deeper spiritual life, I pray this episode helps you understand the difference between New Age meditation and Orthodox Christian meditation. “Be still, and know that I am God.” — Psalm 46:10 WATCH NEXT: • Episode 8: Yoga and Orthodox Christianity • Episode 7: Chakras and Orthodox Christianity • Next Episode: Third Eye Awakening and the Orthodox Christian Perspective If this video helped you, please like, subscribe, and share so more people searching for Orthodox Christian meditation can find the truth of Christ. #OrthodoxChristianMeditation #ChristianMeditation #OrthodoxChristianity #NewAge #OccultToOrthodoxy #JesusPrayer #Hesychasm #Meditation #Christianity #Orthodox ✅ Subscribe for Part 10 of the Occult to Orthodoxy Series✅ Share this with someone who’s spiritually searching✅ Leave a comment with topics you want me to address✅ Join my membership for specific inquiries and response videos ---------------------------------------------------- 🌐 Explore More: ALL LINKS → https://beacons.ai/michaelanikolaenko Website → www.michaelanikolaenko.com 🎙️ Listen to the Podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/raisedandredeemed 🎥 Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCn2x_6If3KUo5d9aA_7ALLw 📲 Follow Along on Socials: Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/michaelanikolaenko/ TikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@michaelanikolaenko Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/michaelanikolaenko ---------------------------------------------------- ⏳ TIMESTAMPS: 00:00-1:16 Intro 1:16-2:09 Secular meditation 2:09-4:18 The Roots of New Age Meditation 4:18-5:42 Dangers of an Empty Mind (REEL) 5:42-10:46 Orthodox Meditation 10:46-12:11 Final Comparisons

    12 min
  6. APR 1

    122. Can Orthodox Christians do Yoga | The Spiritual Dangers | Occult to Orthodoxy Series (Part 8)

    Can Orthodox Christians do yoga? While yoga is often the spiritual gateway into the new age and Hinduism, most Christian content about it is either surface-level or sensational. In Episode 8 of the Occult to Orthodoxy Series, we examine yoga from what it actually is at its root, to what the poses depict, to how it was deliberately repackaged for the Western world, to spiritually neutral alternatives, to what the Orthodox Church teaches about the ascetic life in contrast. Resources mentioned: 👉 Hidden Fire: Orthodox Perspectives on Yoga by Joseph Magnus Frangipani https://anothercity.org/hidden-fire-orthodox-perspectives-on-yoga/ 👉 You Are Mine by Sister Anastasia 👉 Orthodoxy and the Religion of the Future by Fr. Seraphim Rose All my favorite books linked in my Amazon Storefront 👉https://www.amazon.com/shop/michaelanikolaenko/list/B24Q2F9DDE8Z?ref_=aip_sf_list_spv_ons_mixed_d #orthodoxchristian #yoga #newagetojesus 📌 If this resonates, please: ✅ Subscribe for Part 9 of the Occult to Orthodoxy Series ✅ Share this with someone who’s spiritually searching ✅ Leave a comment with topics you want me to address ✅ Join my membership for specific inquiries and response videos ---------------------------------------------------- 🌐 Explore More: ALL LINKS → https://beacons.ai/michaelanikolaenko Website → www.michaelanikolaenko.com 🎙️ Listen to the Podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/raisedandredeemed 🎥 Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCn2x_6If3KUo5d9aA_7ALLw 📲 Follow Along on Socials: Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/michaelanikolaenko/ TikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@michaelanikolaenko Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/michaelanikolaenko ---------------------------------------------------- ⏳ TIMESTAMPS: 00:00-1:43 Intro 1:43-5:29 My background with yoga 5:29-7:29 What is yoga 7:29-11:18 Why yoga is spiritually dangerous 11:18-15:04 How yoga got to the West 15:04-15:29 Orthodox Icons Corona Ad 15:29-19:39 Is it all about intention? 19:39-21:51 Is “Christian yoga” okay? 21:51-24:25 Alternatives to physical yoga 24:25-25:56 The Orthodox ascetic alternate 25:56-27:16 What to do next!

    27 min
  7. MAR 25

    121. Is Chakra Healing Dangerous? (Reiki, Kundalini, Breathwork) | Occult to Orthodoxy Series (Part 7)

    Is chakra healing dangerous? What does the Orthodox Church teach about Reiki, kundalini yoga, sound healing, and breathwork ceremonies—and why do these practices feel so real? In this episode of the Occult to Orthodoxy Series, we go deep on the chakra system, the spiritual framework that underlies almost every energy healing practice in the New Age world, and an Orthodox Christian understanding of the human body and soul in contrast. In this episode: 🫡 What the chakra system actually is, where it comes from, and what it claims about human nature, the divine, and the path to salvation 🫡 Reiki, kundalini yoga, sound healing, breathwork, acupuncture — what each practice does and why it's spiritually significant 🫡 Why these experiences feel so real, and what the Church Fathers warn about them 🫡 Trauma, the body, and what Orthodoxy genuinely offers for healing — including Confession, Holy Unction, and the Eucharist This is Part 7 of the Occult to Orthodoxy Series. If you found this helpful, please share it with someone else who may need to hear it. #orthodoxchristian #newage #chakras #reiki #kundalini #energyhealing #spiritualdiscernment #occulttoorthodoxy #raisedandredeemed 📌 If this resonates, please: ✅ Subscribe for Part 8 of the Occult to Orthodoxy Series ✅ Share this with someone who’s spiritually searching ✅ Leave a comment with topics you want me to address ✅ Join my membership for specific inquiries and response videos 🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share if you find this helpful!---------------------------------------------------- 🌐 Explore More: ALL LINKS → https://beacons.ai/michaelanikolaenko Website → www.michaelanikolaenko.com 🎙️ Listen to the Podcast:https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/raisedandredeemed 🎥 Subscribe on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCn2x_6If3KUo5d9aA_7ALLw 📲 Follow Along on Socials: Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/michaelanikolaenko/ TikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@michaelanikolaenko Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/michaelanikolaenko ---------------------------------------------------- ⏳ TIMESTAMPS: 00:00-1:48 Intro 1:48-4:17 What is the Chakra System 4:17-5:50 Orthodox view of body and soul in contrast 5:50-7:28 Reiki 7:28-9:47 Kundalini Yoga 9:47-10:54 Breath work 10:54-11:54 Sound Healing 11:54-12:21 Acupuncture 12:21-14:00 Demonic Imitation vs Grace 14:00-17:29 Healing in Orthodoxy 17:29-18:08 My experience 18:08-19:04 Conclusion 19:04-19:32 What’s Next

    20 min
  8. MAR 18

    120. Numerology & Angel Numbers EXPOSED (11:11, 222, 444) | Occult to Orthodoxy Series (Part 6)

    Millions of people believe repeating numbers like 111, 222, 444, 777, and 11:11 are messages from angels or the universe. But is this actually how God communicates? In this episode of Raised & Redeemed, we break down the truth about numerology and angel numbers from the perspective of Orthodox Christianity, Scripture, and the teachings of the Church Fathers. If you’re leaving the New Age, questioning practices like manifestation, tarot, astrology, or angel numbers, this episode will help you understand: • What numerology really is • Where angel numbers actually come from • Why repeating numbers feel so meaningful • What the Bible says about divination and omens • Whether God ever speaks through numbers • How Orthodox Christians discern God's guidance If you’ve ever wondered about the meaning of 11:11, 111, 222, or 444, this episode will help you see why the Christian faith does not rely on numerology — and where true spiritual guidance is found. 📌 If this resonates, please: ✅ Subscribe for Part 7 of the Occult to Orthodoxy Series ✅ Share this with someone who’s spiritually searching ✅ Leave a comment with topics you want me to address ✅ Join my membership for specific inquiries and response videos 🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share if you find this helpful! #angelnumbers #newagetochristian #orthodoxchristian ---------------------------------------------------- 🌐 Explore More: ALL LINKS → https://beacons.ai/michaelanikolaenko Website → www.michaelanikolaenko.com 🎙️ Listen to the Podcast:https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/raisedandredeemed 🎥 Subscribe on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCn2x_6If3KUo5d9aA_7ALLw 📲 Follow Along on Socials: Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/michaelanikolaenko/ TikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@michaelanikolaenko Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/michaelanikolaenko ---------------------------------------------------- ⏳ TIMESTAMPS: 00:00-1:16 Intro 1:16-2:53 Numerology explained 2:53-3:31 Angel numbers explained 3:31-4:28 Numbers in the Bible 4:28-5:12 The danger of angel numbers 5:12-6:06 How God guides His people 6:06-6:51 What's Next

    7 min
4.9
out of 5
68 Ratings

About

I’m Michaela—a wife, mom, and Jesus follower who was radically saved from child abuse trauma, substance abuse, New Age deception, sex work, and ungodly relationships. Now, I share what it means to live a raised and redeemed life after a life of sin. This podcast is for those who’ve been to the dark side and back—and are ready to grow in holiness, confront the battle within, and pursue sanctification through spiritual discipline. Rooted in Orthodox Christianity, this is real talk for the soul that longs for God. Reach me and find out more at www.michaelanikolaenko.com

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