Raised & Redeemed

Michaela Nikolaenko
  • 4.9 (72)
  • Christianity
  • Updated Weekly

I’m Michaela—a wife, mom, and Jesus follower who was radically saved from child abuse trauma, substance abuse, ungodly relationships, and the occult. 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. 1d ago

    135. Our First Dormition Fast & Responding to Internet Orthodox Criticisms

    This is our first year participating in the Dormition fast, and it's so amazing the way you learn and grow in the faith just by TRYING to live liturgically -- even if you do it imperfectly. I also realized some of the internet crazies come out during the time of fasts, so I'll be responding to some of the criticisms I got online during this time. Lord have mercy on us! Goarch.org: https://www.goarch.org/-/learn-to-chant-paraklesis #orthodoxchristianwomen #dormitionfast #internetorthodoxy ---------------------------------------------------- 🌐 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: 00:00-00:38 intro 00:38-7:26 The Dormition fast 7:26-12:46 burnout and judging others 12:46-15:42 locking in with our friends 15:42-19:35 internet controversy 19:35-32:16 angel reaction 32:16-33:00 Closing 33:00-34:02 Seeking Theosis Planner 34:02-35:14 Prayer to the Most Holy Theotokos

  2. Aug 12

    134. Everything You're Afraid to Ask Your Orthodox Priest | Traditions, Marijuana, Prayers for the Dead with Fr. Philip

    Have questions about Orthodox Christianity but don't yet have an Orthodox Priest you can ask? In this episode, I speak with Fr. Philip at St. Herman of Alaska Orthodox Church in Lake Worth, Florida, to answer some of the biggest, and most misunderstood, questions people have about the Orthodox faith. We cover everything from what to expect when visiting an Orthodox church for the first time, why Orthodox Christians pray for the departed, Confession, Holy Water, the Church calendar, to deeper conversations about Native American spiritual traditions, psychedelics, marijuana, and Fr. Philip's own journey to Orthodoxy. Whether you're Orthodox, Protestant, Catholic, exploring Christianity, or simply curious about the ancient Church, I hope this conversation gives you clarity and encourages you to take one step closer to Christ. Find or Support St. Herman of Alaska Church 👉 https://sthermanflorida.org/ If you enjoyed this conversation, don't forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode with someone exploring Orthodox Christianity. #OrthodoxChristianity #OrthodoxChurch #ChurchTour ---------------------------------------------------- 🌐 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 1:48-2:52 St Herman of Alaska History 2:52-4:16 How to Greet an Orthodox Priest 4:16-9:30 What to Wear to an Orthodox Church 9:30-10:57 Entering the Church 10:57-12:39 North American Saints 12:39-15:40 The 12 Feasts 15:40-20:51 Julian vs Gregorian Calendar 20:51-22:29 The 12 Feasts Cont'd 22:29-26:42 Traditions We Are (and Aren't) Cancelling 26:42-28:12 Protestants Remaking the Wheel 28:12-30:21 The Welcome Table 30:21-36:10 Why Do We Pray for the Departed? 36:10-37:12 Places for Prayer 37:12-42:30 Holy Confession 42:30-45:21 Holy Water & Overcoming Demons 45:21-54:54 Native American Spiritual Traditions 54:54-1:03:49 Psychedelics 1:03:49-1:08:00 Marijuana vs the Eucharist 1:08:00-1:20:30 Fr. Philip's Journey to Orthodoxy 1:20:30-1:22:33 The Iconostasis 1:22:33-1:23:57 Coffee Hour 1:23:57-1:24:14 Closing

  3. Aug 5

    133. Ex-Satanist Explains How Satanism is a Counterfeit of Orthodox Christianity | Erika MacDougall

    If Satanism is a counterfeit of Orthodox Christianity, then doesn't that reveal deep truths to us about the fullness of the Christian faith? In this eye-opening conversation, former Satanist, Erika MacDougall, explains how darkness imitates what is holy, how demons influence art and culture, and how Christ led her from deception into the fullness of the Orthodox faith. Together, we explore the spiritual realities behind Satanism, New Age, light workers and dark workers, yoga, Hindu deities, art and culture, sexuality, abortion, motherhood, and iconography. Erika also shares the remarkable story of how she left Satanism, escaped a toxic spiritual relationship, and found healing in the Orthodox Church. Whether you're exploring Christianity, recovering from the occult, or simply curious about the unseen spiritual battle around us, this conversation offers both discernment and hope. If this conversation encouraged you, consider subscribing for more conversations on Orthodox Christianity, spiritual healing, testimony, and the journey toward Christ. Watch the extended convo: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i64Ze9IVn5Y&t=14s #OrthodoxChristianity #Satanism #ExSatanist ---------------------------------------------------- Follow Erika: https://www.instagram.com/shireskincare/ Shop Shire Skincare: https://shireskincare.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 ---------------------------------------------------- ⏳ TIMESTAMPS: 00:00-2:37 intro 2:37-8:31 how did she become a satanist 8:31-12:47 yoga, Hindu gods and demons 12:47-19:56 opening portals to darkness 19:56-22:25 the prodigal children 22:25-27:19 the way art can be demonically influenced 27:19-30:47 sexual perversion in our culture 30:47-40:19 from hating wholesome things to love in motherhood 40:19-47:18 what happened when she started reading the bible 47:18-52:32 leaving a toxic relationship with a demon 52:32-56:14 iconography saved her life 56:14-1:05:21 why the demons want child sacrifice 1:05:21-1:10:13 becoming orthodox 1:10:13-1:11:54 why we don’t remove our tattoos 1:11:54-1:14:45 closing

  4. Jul 22

    132. The Hope for our Suffering in Orthodox Christianity | Read the Bible With Me

    What is the purpose of suffering in Orthodox Christianity? Why does God allow suffering? Why do good people suffer? Is there actually a purpose for the pain? In this episode, we explore the Orthodox Christian understanding of suffering as one of the primary ways God transforms us into His likeness. We'll read through Scripture together and examine what Christ, the Apostles, and the early Church teach about trials, suffering, healing, and hope. We'll also discuss why modern culture often misunderstands suffering, my thoughts on therapy through an Orthodox lens, and how embracing hardship can actually deepen our communion with God. Whether you're new to Orthodoxy, exploring Christianity, or walking through a difficult season, I hope this conversation encourages you. ---------------------------------------------------- 🌐 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: 00:00-00:54 intro 00:54-3:43 orthodox view on suffering 3:43-6:16 my beef with therapy 6:16-9:18 let’s read scripture together 9:18-12:00 Matthew 5:1-12 The Beatitudes 12:00-13:18 Matthew 16:24 Jesus’ Work: His Passion & Resurrection 13:18-15:07 Matthew 26:26 Institution of the Eucharist 15:07-17:45 Matthew 27:46 The Death of Jesus 17:45-20:09 Mark 5:25-29 The Woman with the flow of blood 20:09-23:15 John 9:1-3 The Man Born Blind Sees 23:15-24:56 Acts 5:41 Apostolic Evangelism 24:56-26:08 Orthodox Women’s Book Club 26:08-29:08 Romans 8:18-24 The Spirit Assists Us Through Suffering 29:08-33:54 2 Corinthians 1:3-11 Sharing Suffering, Sharing Comfort 33:54-35:55 Philippians 1:29 35:55-37:25 James 1:2 The Purpose of Trials 37:25-39:05 1 Peter 1:6 Tested for Genuine Faith 39:05-41:34 1 Peter 4:12 Prepare for the End by Suffering 41:34-42:54 Wounded by Love Book Club 42:54-44:28 What’s next

  5. Jun 24

    131. Hitchhiking to Burning Man... He Found Christ Instead | Landon Scates Testimony

    Backpacking across the country to "find himself," panhandling in Las Vegas, and hitchhiking to Burning Man, Landon Scates never expected he would have found Christ instead. But on the long desert road home, everything changed. In this episode, Landon shares his full testimony from his early departure from God, through dark and disorienting years on the road, to an unexpected encounter with the light of Christ. We also talk honestly about what came after: the born-again-to-charismatic pipeline, the deception he encountered in deliverance ministries, and how he ultimately found rest and true healing in the ancient Orthodox Church. If you've ever wondered whether God can reach someone in the middle of nowhere — literally — this conversation is for you. 🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share if you find this helpful! #christiantestimony #hitchhiker #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: 00:00–2:05 — Intro 2:05–5:59 — Landon's Childhood Faith 5:59–8:32 — The Final Step Away from God 8:32–10:26 — Living in the World Without God 10:26–15:31 — Seeking Meaning and Feeling Stuck 15:31–18:55 — Exploring the Occult 18:55–19:20 — Membership Ad 19:20–30:01 — Backpacking to Find Himself 30:01–34:52 — An Unexpected Driver 34:52–36:14 — Panhandling in Vegas 36:14–40:27 — Hitchhiking to Burning Man 40:27–41:02 — Orthodox Icons Corona Ad 41:02–45:44 — A Call from Heaven 45:44–49:25 — Learning to Follow God 49:25–53:07 — Falling into Charismatic Christianity 53:07–55:02 — Working Out Our Salvation 55:02–58:41 — Getting "Possessed" in Deliverance Ministries 58:41–59:42 — True Healing in the Church 59:42–1:06:10 — Protestant & Home Church Deceptions 1:06:10–1:15:31 — Seeking the True Church 1:15:31–1:19:00 — Miracles Are Happening

  6. Jun 17

    130. I Used to Read Birth Charts and Horoscopes Until I Learned... | Occult to Orthodoxy Series (Part16)

    Before I knew Christ, I read birth charts, taught yoga, and believed my Sun, Moon, and Rising sign were the key to my identity and destiny. In this episode of the Occult to Orthodoxy series, I'm sharing my honest journey from astrology to Orthodox Christianity — the history of astrology, what the Bible and Church Fathers say about it, and why the Magi following a star actually points us AWAY from astrology and toward Christ. We'll cover: ✨ Where astrology really came from (ancient Babylon to modern psychology) ✨ What Scripture says about astrology and divination ✨ Why your natal chart might "feel accurate" — and what's really behind that ✨ The Orthodox Christian view on fate, free will, and identity in Christ ✨ How God used a star to lead the Magi to Jesus (and what that actually means) This is part 16 of my Occult to Orthodoxy series, where I share my testimony of leaving New Age spirituality for Orthodox Christianity. If you've ever felt tied to your zodiac sign, tarot, or horoscopes — this episode is for you. #astrology #orthodoxchristianity #occulttoorthodoxy #deconstruction #christiantestimony #zodiac #natalchart #fromnewagetojesus #orthodoxy #raisedandredeemed 📌 If this resonates, please: ✅ Subscribe for Part 17 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 ---------------------------------------------------- Primary Orthodox Sources: • Fr. Stephen De Young & Fr. Andrew Stephen Damick, ‘Taught by a Star to Worship the Sun of Righteousness,’ Lord of Spirits Podcast, Ancient Faith Ministries, December 24, 2020. ancientfaith.com/podcasts/lordofspirits/taught_by_a_star • Deacon Seraphim Rohlin & Joshua Sturgill, ‘The Art of Imitating Heaven,’ The Symbolic World Podcast, Episode 431, January 20, 2026. thesymbolicworld.com • Jonathan Pageau, ‘On Astrology,’ The Symbolic World (clip from June 2020 Q&A). • Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, ‘Astrology is Astrolatry.’ goarch.org ---------------------------------------------------- 🌐 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: 00:00-1:01 Intro 1:01-4:48 Some personal confessions 4:48-7:07 My experience with astrology 7:07-8:08 What is astrology 8:08-10:20 The origins of astrology 10:20-12:05 Hebrew and jewish astrology 12:05-14:51 Lord of Spirits Summary: The star and the magi 14:51-19:46 Why astrology is spiritually dangerous 19:45-26:49 The Orthodox view on astrology 26:49-28:43 What actually leads to our natural inclinations 28:43-29:12 Orthodox resources on astrology 29:12-29:42 Outro

  7. Jun 3

    129. How Psychics Know Things... And the SOURCE of Their Info | Occult to Orthodoxy Series (Part 15)

    Have you ever visited a psychic medium or watched psychics on TV and wondered how they know the things they know? In Part 15 of the Occult to Orthodoxy Series, we're pulling back the curtain on psychic mediums and spirit communication: what they are, what they claim to do, where these practices came from, and what is actually happening in those sessions from an Orthodox Christian perspective. We cover: 🕯️ What psychics and mediums actually do (clairvoyance, clairsentience, trance mediumship, channeling, and more) 🕯️ The ancient history of necromancy and how it became a living room staple 🕯️ Why psychics are sometimes accurate (and what the Church says about that) 🕯️ What Scripture and the Church Fathers say about consulting the dead 🕯️ The difference between praying to the Saints and visiting a psychic medium 🕯️ What the Orthodox Church actually offers to grieving people, people seeking life direction, and people hungry for real spiritual connection Whether you came to psychics out of grief, curiosity, or just thought it was harmless fun -- this episode will give you honest, grounded answers rooted in two thousand years of Church wisdom. #psychicmedium #orthodoxchristianity #psychics #psychicsexposed 📌 If this resonates, please: ✅ Subscribe for Part 16 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: 00:00-1:29 Intro 1:29-4:12 Personal & Show Updates 4:12-4:52 Thank you members ❤️ 4:52-6:19 What is a psychic 6:19-9:08 Why I wanted to be a psychic 9:08-10:49 Sylvia Browne Debunked 10:49-12:46 History of Psychics 12:45-15:48 Biblical Examples of Psychics 15:48-19:58 Orthodox View on Psychics 19:58-21:06 What the the grieving 21:06-22:27 Why Praying to Saints isn’t the same 22:27-23:56 How we find life guidance 23:56-24:18 Closing

  8. May 27

    128. You Can't Heal Yourself: Inner Child Work & Finding Wholeness | Occult to Orthodoxy Series (Part 14)

    It was the desire to heal my inner childhood trauma that first hooked me into the occult and New Age spirituality. What I didn't know then: the adult self that's supposed to do the reparenting is also broken, and we cannot be our own saviors. In this episode, I break down what inner child work actually is, where it came from (Jung, Bradshaw, IFS, and more), how the New Age spiritualized it into something spiritually dangerous, and what the Orthodox Church offers instead. We also talk about ACA (Adult Children of Alcoholics), why I think recovery programs can be a real bridge toward God, and what Saint Paisios of Mount Athos had to say about healing wounded hearts... advice that would shock any modern therapist. If you've ever done inner child work, if you grew up in a broken home, or if you're just tired of circling your wounds without getting free, this one is for you. ⟶ Missed Episode 13 on Shadow Work? Start there first — these two go together. #innerchildhealing #orthodoxchristianity #newagetoChristian #occulttoorthodoxy #innerchild 📌 If this resonates, please: ✅ Subscribe for Part 15 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: 00:00-1:58 Intro 1:58-4:11 What is the inner child? 4:11-9:11 The history of inner child healing 9:11-9:48 Orthodox Icons Corona Ad 9:48-11:29 Orthodox Views on Inner Child Therapy 11:29-14:27 New Age Inner Child Healing 14:27-16:41 ACA & Recovery Models 16:41-21:10 How Our Inner Child Heals in the Church 21:10-21:41 Closing

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4.9
out of 5
72 Ratings

About

I’m Michaela—a wife, mom, and Jesus follower who was radically saved from child abuse trauma, substance abuse, ungodly relationships, and the occult. 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
    134
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Michaela Nikolaenko
  • Show Website
    Raised & Redeemed

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