Raised & Redeemed

Michaela Nikolaenko
  • 4.9 (68)
  • CHRISTIANITY
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

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. 16H AGO

    117. Crystals, Evil Eyes, Dream Catchers, & Sage : What does Orthodoxy say? | Occult to Orthodoxy Series (Part 4)

    In this part 4 of the Occult to Orthodoxy series, I break down crystals, evil eye charms, dream catchers, and sage, all items used in the occult for spiritual protection, from an Orthodox Christian perspective. We answer questions like: • Do crystals actually have power? • Should Orthodox Christians own evil eye charms? • Why does burning sage sometimes “feel” like it works? • Are these things demonic — or just superstition? • What’s the difference between occult items, and items blessed by the Church? • What do Orthodox Christians do for spiritual protection? If you’ve ever owned crystals, worn protective jewelry, burned sage, or wondered whether these things conflict with Christianity, this episode is for you. #OrthodoxChristianity #Crystals #EvilEye #NewAgeToChrist #SpiritualWarfare #RaisedAndRedeemed #SageSmudging #DreamCatchers 📌 If this resonates, please: ✅ Subscribe for Part 5 ✅ 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: 00:00-1:16 Intro 1:16-1:51 There is no neutral spiritual power 1:51-3:42 Crystals & Healing stones 3:42-4:26 Evil eye charms & protective jewelry 4:26-6:22 Dream catchers vs prayers before sleep 6:22-7:57 Sage vs Orthodox incense 7:57-9:21 The true danger of idols 9:21-10:35 Why these things sometimes work 10:35-12:21 How we can stay spiritually safe 12:21-13:35 Blessed objects vs occult objects 13:35-14:12 Orthodox approach to spiritual protection and cleansing 14:12-14:55 What’s next in the series

    15 min

  2. FEB 18

    116. Manifestation vs Prayer | Occult to Orthodoxy Series (Part 3)

    In Part 3 of this series on New Age vs Orthodox Christianity, we're breaking down the spiritual worldview behind manifestation, law of attraction, and even the prosperity gospel, vs true Christian prayer. We'll be working through: • What manifestation actually teaches at its core • How the Law of Attraction and “co-creating with the universe” mirror ancient occult practices • The subtle difference between healthy goal-setting and spiritual invocation • Why manifestation can sometimes “work” • How prosperity gospel teaching can mirror manifestation theology • What Scripture and the Church Fathers say about authority, sovereignty, and prayer • The true Orthodox alternative: surrender, repentance, and trust in God’s will If you’re deconstructing New Age spirituality, questioning prosperity gospel teachings, or trying to understand how Orthodoxy approaches prayer, this episode is for you. #Manifestation #LawOfAttraction #OrthodoxChristianity #NewAgeToChristian #ProsperityGospel #ChristianPrayer 📌 If this resonates, please: ✅ Subscribe for Part 4 ✅ 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: 00:00-1:00 Intro 1:00-2:29 What is manifestation? 2:29-3:21 Mental clarity vs spiritual invocation 3:21-3:46 Orthodox Icons Corona Ad 3:46-4:38 The spectrum of manifestation 4:38-5:38 Why manifestation works 5:38-7:51 An Orthodox Christian alternative to manifestation 7:51-8:25 What’s next: crystals, evil eyes, dream catchers & sage

    8 min

  3. FEB 11

    115. What the New Age Gets Wrong About God | From Occult to Orthodoxy Series (Part 2)

    In part 2 of this series, I break down what the New Age gets wrong about God, and who God actually is according to Orthodox Christianity. We will look closer at these questions: Q. Is God the Universe? Q. Is God just an energy or higher frequency? Q. Are we divine? Q. Do all paths really lead to the same destination? After years immersed in the New Age and occult, I eventually realized that what I thought was “God” was not the God revealed in Scripture. In this video, we explore how subtle worldview shifts—like believing God is an impersonal force—can open the door to deception, confusion, and spiritual danger. We’ll contrast common New Age beliefs with what Scripture and the Orthodox Church teach about the nature of God, the Trinity, theosis, spiritual discernment, and why getting God right truly matters for our souls. If you’re spiritually curious, deconstructing, New Age-adjacent, or simply wondering what Christians actually believe about God, this episode is for you. 📌 If this resonates, please: ✅ Subscribe for Part 3 ✅ 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 #NewAge #OrthodoxChristianity #OccultTestimony #ExNewAge #ChristianApologetics #Godisnottheuniverse ---------------------------------------------------- 🌐 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: 0:00-1:10 intro 1:10-2:13 How do New Agers see God? 2:13-3:40 How Scripture reveals God 3:40-4:27 God is the creator, not the creation 4:27-5:18 Self deification vs theosis 5:18-5:51 All roads don’t lead to God 5:51-6:38 Why we shouldn’t trust all Spiritual experiences 6:38-7:42 My personal experience 7:42-8:04 Why getting God right matters 8:04-8:45 What’s next in the series

    9 min

  4. FEB 4

    114. How I fell into the OCCULT...and came out of it | From Occult to Orthodoxy Series (Part 1)

    In this first episode of a brand-new series, I share how I fell into the occult through New Age spirituality—and how Christ ultimately pulled me out of it. What began as “self-healing,” manifestation, yoga, feminism, and spiritual empowerment slowly became bondage. I believed I was awakening, aligning, and reclaiming my power… but the deeper I went into the occult and New Age world, the darker and more broken my life became. This video is a SNAPSHOT of my testimony—from the occult to Christ. ✨ What this series will cover: - Manifestation vs prayer - “The universe” vs a personal God - Divine feminine spirituality vs the Theotokos - Trauma healing vs repentance and asceticism - Energy vs grace - Self-deification vs theosis - And so much more (comment a topic you want me to cover if you have one!) 📌 If this resonates, please: ✅ Subscribe for Part 2 ✅ Share this with someone who’s spiritually searching ✅ Leave a comment with topics you want me to address ✅ Join my YouTube 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: 00:00-1:15 Intro New Series 1:15-3:24 The kind of people in the occult 3:24-12:47 My spiritual gateways into the occult 12:47-13:47 Coming to Christ 13:47-15:24 Series Outline 15:24-16:03 What's Next

    16 min

  5. JAN 28

    113. Fasting Would Heal the World | What Happens to Your BODY and SOUL When you Fast with Dr. Pete Patitsas

    How would fasting heal the world? ER doctor and Orthodox Christian, Dr. Pete Patitsas links fasting as the cure to every problem we see in the world from disease to addiction, to even the out-of-the-norm ER accidents. Drawing from emergency medicine, Orthodox tradition, and the Athos way of eating, we discuss how fasting impacts hormones, trauma, addiction, and our relationship with God. This conversation covers: ✔️ What fasting really is (and what it is not) ✔️ Why Orthodox fasting is different from modern diet culture ✔️ The Athos diet and simple plant-based eating ✔️ How fasting helps heal trauma and addiction ✔️ Whether fasting affects hormones and mental health ✔️ How long the body can survive without food ✔️ How beginners should approach fasting with discernment ✔️ Fasting with kids, exhaustion, anxiety, and busy life ✔️ Spiritual encounters, inner demons, and dependence on God I’ll be honest—I’ve avoided this topic because fasting scares me. But this conversation reframed fasting as an invitation to healing, not a burden. ⏱ Timestamps 00:00–7:40 Intro 7:40–12:23 Why an ER doctor teaches fasting 12:23–20:49 Fasting to overcome inner demons 20:49–23:47 Teaching children to fast 23:47–32:07 What is the Athos diet & Orthodox fasting 32:07–35:49 Fasting & hormones 35:49–38:15 Bridging the physical & spiritual 38:15–41:58 How long you can survive without food 41:58–49:46 How to eat plant-based on Athos 49:46–57:13 How to start fasting 57:13–1:05:12 Spiritual encounters while fasting 1:05:12–1:10:55 Fasting & trauma healing 1:10:55–1:14:36 Closing reflections 🔔 Subscribe for conversations on faith, healing, and redemption. ---------------------------------------------------- Subscribe to Dr. Pete's YouTube Channel 👉 www.youtube.com/@theathosdiet Check out The Athos Diet Website 👉 www.theathosdiet.com ---------------------------------------------------- 🌐 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

    1h 15m

  6. JAN 21

    112. From New Age to Jesus | A testimony out of naked yoga, sugar daddies & psychics with Abigail Myatt

    In today’s episode of the Raised & Redeemed Podcast, I’m joined by author and former New Ager Abigail Myatt, who shares her powerful journey from New Age to Christ. Abigail recently finished writing her memoir, I Manifested My Worst Nightmare, where she exposes how New Age spirituality promises healing and empowerment but ultimately leads to bondage, exploitation, and spiritual deception. This honest conversation explores how Christ fills the deepest love voids we try to satisfy through relationships, spiritual practices, and identity outside of Him. We discuss the spiritual dangers of the New Age, its connection to sexual exploitation, and the freedom that comes through repentance, abstinence, and surrender to Jesus Christ. In this episode, we cover: ⏱️ Timestamps 00:00–4:15 Intro 4:15–11:30 Adolescence without Christ 11:30–15:14 How Christ fills the love void 15:14–17:04 Falling into the New Age 17:04–22:56 The New Age connection to prostitution 22:56–24:23 Stepping stones toward truth 24:23–26:02 Why the New Age is attractive 26:02–28:07 Psychic encounter gone wrong 28:07–30:40 Christ convicted her to abstinence 30:40–35:07 Getting out of a sugar daddy relationship 35:07–40:19 Healing through the wreckage 40:19–42:11 Outro 🔗 Connect with Abigail MyattInstagram: @abigailemyattWebsite: www.abigailemyatt.comEmail: abigailmyatt849@gmail.com(Book available Feb. 10th 2026, sign up for pre-order now!) #newagetojesus #newage #jesustestimony ---------------------------------------------------- 🌐 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

    42 min

  7. 12/31/2025

    111. Becoming Saints: Orthodox Miracles, Healings, & Holy People with Fr. Photios Dumont

    What is the process of becoming Saints? In this powerful and deeply pastoral conversation, Orthodox priest Fr. Photios Dumont shares what he has witnessed over 35 years of ministry: modern miracles, living holy people, and the ongoing healing work of God through His Saints. This episode is especially for inquirers and new converts to Orthodox Christianity who want to understand: ✨ What a Saint truly is ✨ Why Orthodox Christians pray to Saints ✨ How Saints are recognized and proven ✨ Why Orthodoxy is fundamentally a theology of healing ✨ How spiritual warfare is fought in the Orthodox life ✨ And how ordinary people are called to becoming Saints Fr. Photios shares extraordinary stories involving St. John of San Francisco, the Saint he turns to most often in prayer, along with reflections on St. Paisios of Mount Athos, Elder Ephraim of Arizona, Elder Aimilianos of Simonopetra, and other modern holy figures he personally encountered. This episode addresses common Protestant objections with clarity and love, explores miracles before and after a Saint’s repose, and offers practical next steps for anyone seeking holiness, healing, and deeper union with Christ. #orthodoxsaints #becomingsaints #modernsaints ---------------------------------------------------- Check out Saint Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=saint+demetrios+orthodox+church+seattle ---------------------------------------------------- 📚 RESOURCES MENTIONED Akathist to the Virgin Mary (Jordanville Prayer Book) Everyday Saints (book) Visiting and praying at the relics of St. John of San Francisco (California) ---------------------------------------------------- 🌐 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 00:00–2:17 Intro 2:17–8:51 What is a Saint? 8:51–18:29 Orthodoxy is a theology of healing 18:29–18:49 Please like & subscribe 18:48–25:03 How are Saints proven? 25:03–28:38 Why not just pray to God? 28:38–33:03 How do you begin praying to Saints? 33:03–34:25 Will the Saints replace the fallen angels? 34:25–38:50 How Orthodox Christians fight spiritual warfare 38:50–50:13 Saint John of San Francisco 50:13–53:43 The power of anointing oil 53:43–58:02 How the body becomes incorruptible 58:02–1:02:11 Do people even need therapy? 1:02:11–1:17:24 Being in the presence of holy people 1:17:24–1:30:01 Practical next steps 1:30:01–1:32:14 Closing

    1h 32m

  8. 12/10/2025

    110. The TRUTH about angels in the Orthodox Church | Fr. Seraphim Holland

    In this conversation, Archpriest Seraphim Holland (of St. Nicholas Orthodox Church and the OrthodoxNet YouTube channel) joins us to answer the big questions about angels—what the Church actually teaches, how angels are organized, what guardian angels do, how angels interact with us in spiritual warfare, and much more. 💫 Topics covered What is an angel according to Scripture and the Holy Fathers The nine-rank hierarchy of angels (from Seraphim to “ordinary” Angels) Who is “The Angel of the Lord” in the Old Testament The fall of angels and the ongoing spiritual war Guardian angels: when we receive them, how they protect and guide us, and how to discern their voice How angels differ from the Holy Spirit, and why angels are not “spirit guides” or New Age messages How to honor and communicate with angels properly 📚 Recommended Resources The Celestial Hierarchy by Pseudo-Dionysius the Areopagite: https://ccel.org/ccel/d/dionysius/celestial/cache/celestial.pdf Supplicatory Canon and Akathist to the Archangel Michael by Nun Christina—a beautiful short prayer resource for personal devotion and our prayer time: https://www.thriftbooks.com/w/supplicatory-canon-and-akathist-to-the-archangel-michael_nun-christina/40055026/?srsltid=AfmBOopDx8tZxoD7CKS-JpQeRxsrrCF9lUEEwR2SOFSKQ4dIaMkdjEC5&utm_source=chatgpt.com#edition=65827908&idiq=59028954 The Blessed Theophylact of Ochrid (a related commentary volume is listed here for reference): https://www.amazon.com/Collected-Commentaries-Epistles-Blessed-Theophylact/dp/B0F3TJYS5M?utm_ ✅ Want More? Subscribe to OrthodoxNet for more teaching from Fr. Seraphim: https://www.youtube.com/@orthodoxnet Leave a comment below with your experiences, questions, or spiritual struggles involving angels or spiritual warfare, we may discuss them in a future episode. Share this video with someone who wonders about Angels but has only encountered pop culture or New Age ideas of them. ---------------------------------------------------- 🌐 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: 00:00-1:29 intro 1:29-4:51 Fr. Seraphim’s response to storm trooper evangelist 4:51-7:52 Fr. Seraphim Holland’s conversion to Orthodoxy 7:52-10:02 What is an angel according to the Church 10:02-12:04 How do angels interact with humanity? 12:04-13:12 How can we discern angels from the Holy Spirit? 13:12-21:08 How can we discern messages from holy versus unholy angles? 21:08-24:18 How fallen angels attack us 24:18-25:49 What form do angels take? 25:49-28:45 Can we know our guardian angel? 28:45-36:46 When do we receive our guardian angel? 36:46-40:36 To chrismate or to baptize converts 40:36-42:57 Do our guardian angels ever leave us? 44:27-1:00:56 The angelic hierarchy 1:00:56-1:05:14 Living from the heart 1:05:14-1:09:32 Angelic deception 1:09:32-1:14:54 Fr Seraphim Holland’s experience with his angel 1:14:54-1:22:22 Protestant vs Orthodox views about God 1:22:22-1:25:43 Should women veil because of the angels? 1:25:43-1:30:50 What’s next and where to find Fr Seraphim

    1h 31m
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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

Information

  • Creator
    Michaela Nikolaenko
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    117
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Michaela Nikolaenko
  • Show Website
    Raised & Redeemed

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