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. 2D AGO

    119. Tarot, Oracle, and Angel Cards | Occult to Orthodoxy Series (Part 5)

    Tarot cards, oracle cards, and even “angel cards” are often presented as harmless tools for guidance, self-reflection, or connecting with the spiritual realm. But what does Orthodox Christianity actually teach about them? In this episode of Raised & Redeemed, Michaela Nikolaenko shares her personal experience using tarot and oracle cards during her years in the New Age—and explains why the Orthodox Church warns that these practices open the door to spiritual deception. Drawing from Scripture, Orthodox Tradition, and the teachings of the Holy Fathers, this episode explores why divination is forbidden, how spirits can manipulate these practices, and why seeking hidden knowledge outside of God leads us away from true spiritual life. If you’ve ever used tarot, oracle cards, or angel cards—or know someone who does—this conversation will help you understand the Orthodox Christian perspective on divination, spiritual warfare, and repentance. Most importantly, there is hope: through repentance, prayer, and the sacramental life of the Church, Christ restores what the occult tries to counterfeit. If you’re exploring the difference between New Age spirituality and Orthodox Christianity, this series is for you. 📌 If this resonates, please: ✅ Subscribe for Part 6 ✅ 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! #tarotcards #divination #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: 00:00-00:59 Intro 00:59-2:26 What are tarot cards? 2:26-3:17 Why do people use tarot cards? 3:17-5:25 Why God forbids divination 5:25-6:34 Tarot leads the soul away from salvation 6:34-7:47 What to do if you’ve used tarot cards? 7:47-8:33 Orthodox Christian way to connect with God and the spirit realm 8:33-9:15 What’s next!

    9 min

  2. MAR 4

    118. A Priest's Wife on Conversion, Homeschooling, & Biblical Femininity | Ascetic Life of Motherhood | Khouria Destinie Winn

    What does the life of a priest's wife actually look like? What made Destinie want to become an Orthodox Christian? In this special episode, I sit down with Khouria Destinie Winn, wife of Fr. David Winn, mother of four, and creator of Ascetic Life of Motherhood, to talk about her journey of becoming Orthodox, homeschooling, marriage, biblical femininity, veiling, Lent, and what it truly means to be a woman in the Orthodox Church. We discuss: • What it’s really like being a Khouria • How to structure a homeschooling day as an Orthodox family • The homeschool curriculums Khouria recommends • Whether the Church suppresses or honors women • Cultural feminism vs. Godly femininity • Veiling—tradition or timeless? • How Orthodox families prepare for Lent (beyond just food fasting) This conversation is deeply practical, honest, and rooted in the life of the Church. 📚 Homeschool Curriculums Mentioned • Charlotte Mason philosophy • The Good and the Beautiful • Beautiful Feet Books • Treehouse Schoolhouse • Orthodox liturgical living resources from Ascetic Life of Motherhood 🌿 Connect with Khouria Destinie Read her blog and access Orthodox motherhood resources at Ascetic Life of Motherhood (https://www.asceticlifeofmotherhood.com). She also shares regularly on the Patristic Nectar Publications Family Channel  @PatristicNectarFamily  If you’re a mother, homeschooler, catechumen, or simply wondering what your place is as a woman in the Orthodox Church, this episode is for you. 🕊️ Don’t forget to like, comment, and share with another Orthodox mama. #priestswife #orthodoxchristian #homeschool ---------------------------------------------------- 🌐 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: 00:00-2:56 Intro of Khouria 2:56-26:57 How she became Orthodox 26:57-27:22 Thank you members ad 27:22-31:26 Did she want to be a priests wife? 31:26-37:30 What is expected of a priest’s wife? 37:30-41:36 How to handle marital conflict 41:36-42:18 YAC Retreat ad 42:18-52:21 Day-in-the life of a homeschool mom 52:21-1:04:20 Homeschool curriculum 1:04:20-1:09:20 Time management as a content creator homeschool mom 1:09:20-1:09:45 Orthodox Icons Corona ad 1:09:45-1:11:24 Ascetic Life of Motherhood resources 1:11:24-1:19:24 Godly femininity 1:19:24-1:24:44 Preparing for Great Lent 1:24:44-1:26:17 What’s next on the channel

    1h 26m

  3. FEB 25

    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

  4. 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

  5. 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

  6. 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

  7. 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

  8. 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
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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
    119
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Michaela Nikolaenko
  • Show Website
    Raised & Redeemed

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