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. 1D AGO

    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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. 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

  6. 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

  7. 11/19/2025

    109. How to know what's from God and what isn't | Orthodox vs. Charismatic Approach with Fr. Ivan Shandra

    In this conversation, Fr. Ivan Shandra joins Michaela Nikolaenko to unpack one of the most important questions in the Christian life: how do we know what’s truly from God, and what isn’t? Coming from a background in the occult and New Age spirituality, Michaela has witnessed firsthand how easily people mistake emotional or mystical experiences for the Holy Spirit. Even within Christianity, especially in charismatic movements, people often speak of hearing God’s voice, receiving prophetic messages, or having supernatural encounters. But how does Orthodox Christianity understand these experiences—and how can we discern truth from spiritual deception (prelest)? Fr. Ivan, an Orthodox priest serving in Toronto and host of Orthodox Talks, offers profound Orthodox insight into the gifts of the Holy Spirit, the discernment of prophecy, speaking in tongues, casting out demons, and experiencing the true presence of God within the sacramental life of the Church. Together, they contrast the Orthodox approach—rooted in humility, obedience, and community—with the emotional, individualistic spirituality often seen in charismatic settings. If you’ve ever wondered whether your spiritual experiences are from God or from your own mind, this episode will help anchor you in the truth of the Holy Spirit’s work through the Church. 📖 Referenced Scriptures: 1 Corinthians 12 — The Gifts of the Spirit 1 John 4:1 — “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits…” Matthew 7:15–23 — “Beware of false prophets…” John 16:13 — “When the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all truth.” 💡 Key Takeaways: - The Holy Spirit is a person, not just an energy or force. - We receive the Holy Spirit through chrismation in the Orthodox Church. - True discernment comes through humility and obedience, not emotional highs. - Prophecy in Orthodoxy is about witnessing truth, not revealing new doctrine. - The charismatic promise of instant transformation differs from the Orthodox path of repentance and theosis. - The true presence of God is found in the liturgical and sacramental life of the Church. #OrthodoxChristianity #CharismaticChristianity #HolySpirit #SpiritualDiscernment #OrthodoxChurch #FrIvanShandra #RaisedandRedeemed #MichaelaNikolaenko #Prelest #FalseProphets #OrthodoxTalks #GiftsOfTheSpirit #OrthodoxFaith ---------------------------------------------------- Follow Orthodox Talks with Fr. Ivan Shandra 👉 https://www.youtube.com/@OrthodoxTalks ---------------------------------------------------- 🌐 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: 00:00–01:45 Intro 01:45–04:44 About Fr. Ivan Shandra 04:44–08:26 Who is the Holy Spirit? 08:26–14:02 Receiving the Holy Spirit 14:02–15:46 How a Person Changes with the Holy Spirit 15:46–23:21 Discerning the Holy Spirit’s Voice 23:21–30:12 Orthodox Understanding of Prophecy 30:12–36:27 Orthodox Understanding of Speaking in Tongues 36:27–42:02 Orthodox Approach to Casting Out Demons 42:02–45:19 Healing After Deliverance 45:19–51:26 Experiencing the Holy Spirit in Church 51:24–52:05 Closing

    52 min

  8. 11/05/2025

    108. Orthodox Christian Reacts to Michael Knowles’ Debate on Halloween | Should Christians REPENT?

    In this episode, I, an Orthodox Christian, react to Michael Knowles’ debate on Halloween titled “Knowles MANSPLAINS To 3 Women Why Christians Should Celebrate Halloween” featuring Protestant Angela Scafidi, Catholic Mary Morgan, and fitness influencer Natalya Toryanski, and offer what was missing from the table: an Orthodox Christian perspective. Wrapping up with Fr. Moses McPherson’s video, “The Definitive Orthodox Opinion on Halloween," this episode sheds light on the Orthodox Church's official stance (or lack thereof) on Halloween, how to enjoy this holiday as Orthodox Christians, and where to draw the line. Together, we explore: 👻 Can Christians really celebrate Halloween? 🎃 What does Orthodoxy teach about Halloween? 🕯 How can families enjoy the season without compromising their faith? 🙏 What the origins of Halloween are, and why it matters ⚖️ Where to draw the line between fun and spiritual danger #Halloween #OrthodoxChristian #ChristianHalloween ---------------------------------------------------- 🌐 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: 00:00-1:36 What our family did for Halloween 1:36-4:11 Christian Takes on Halloween 4:11-6:48 Michael Knowles Video on Halloween 6:48-7:49 Orthodox All Saints Day 7:49-10:59 Why Some Christians think Halloween is demonic 10:59-12:19 Protestant take on traditions 12:19-14:00 Pressure to denounce Halloween 14:00-17:46 Baptizing Halloween 17:46-21:00 Christian traditions for All Saints Day 21:00-24:43 Ex Satanist & Ex Occult testimonies about Halloween 24:43-26:00 What if your kid dresses up as something innocent? 26:00-30:18 Does Halloween have Christian or pagan roots? 30:18-33:55 Don’t be transformed by the ways of the world argument 33:55-40:48 Christian vs non Christian ways to participate 40:48-47:25 Satanic Panic: is it legit? 47:25-50:00 Orthodox priest on Halloween 50:00-51:18 Does it matter if Halloween started out pagan? 51:18-51:54 What the Orthodox Church says (or doesn’t say) about Halloween 51:54-54:47 How to ENJOY Halloween as Orthodox Christians 54:47-58:00 Where to draw the line with Halloween: haunted houses & secular parties 58:00-1:00:45 It’s not dogmatic 1:00:45-1:01:40 Coming up next

    1h 2m
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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
    115
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Michaela Nikolaenko
  • Show Website
    Raised & Redeemed

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