Orthodox Health – Détails, épisodes et analyse

In this episode of the Orthodox Health Podcast, Dr. Michael Christian & co-host John are joined by Nick Hillman, founder of Regenerative Ag Solutions, to explore the intersection of Orthodox Christianity & regenerative agriculture. They discuss the sacred relationship with the land, the importance of stewardship, & how modern agricultural practices have strayed from traditional wisdom.

Hillman shares his journey from conventional farming to regenerative practices, emphasizing the need for community involvement, & the spiritual dimensions of farming. The conversation also touches on the impact of synthetic fertilizers, the role of animals in agriculture, & the hope for a more sustainable future, as both producers & consumers become more conscious of the sources of their food.

Ultimately, Nick & the hosts leave us with a vision for an approach to health that integrates body, mind, & spirit... & soil, providing wisdom & practical tips you can start at home.

Takeaways:

• Creation isn't just scenery, it's sacred.
• We need to treat the soil with respect.
• Regenerative agriculture is about nurturing life.
• The consumer is becoming more conscious of food sources.
• Animals play a crucial role in sustainable farming.
• Faith informs our stewardship of the land.
• Community involvement enhances agricultural practices.
• Start small when beginning your gardening journey.
• Soil health is vital for nutrient-dense crops.
• The future of agriculture lies in regenerative practices.

• Orthodox Christianity offers a unique perspective on health and the environment.
• Regenerative agriculture focuses on healing the land & building ecosystems.

• NPK fertilizers can deplete soil health & nutrient availability.

• Home gardening can start small & grow over time.
• Food forests & permaculture principles promote biodiversity.
• Soil testing is essential for understanding soil quality & health.
• Community involvement in agriculture fosters connection & responsibility.

Chapters:

00:00 Opener

01:30 Introduction to the Sacred Relationship with Creation

02:50 Nick Hillman's Journey into Regenerative Agriculture

07:28 The Impact of Soil Health on Nutrition

10:52 Understanding NPK & Its Origins

13:17 Chemical Inputs, Their Context & Consequences

16:20 The Philosophy of Stewardship in Farming

19:16 The Spiritual Connection to Agriculture

20:16 The Role of Animals in Agriculture

22:01 The Importance of Biodiversity in Farming

24:27 On the Importance of Starting Slow

28:11 Building a Food Forest

30:23 Nick Hillman's Homestead Rescue

33:38 Building a Self-Sustaining System

36:40 Fasts & Feasts in the Context of Agriculture

38:34 Community & Stewardship in Farming

41:53 Technology's Role in Modern Agriculture

45:24 Glyphosate & Its Impact on Health

50:54 Soil Testing: Understanding Your Garden

55:48 Hope for Sustainable Practices

01:02:05 The Renaissance of Holistic Understanding

01:05:23 Outro

Work with Dr. Mike: https://www.OrthodoxHealth.com

Pre-Order Orthodoxy & The Medicine of the Future: https://www.orthodoxhealth.com/book

Intro & Outro Music: St. John of Chicago Orthodox Church Choir (Arkansas) - Please support their building fund by buying the whole album here:

⁠https://stjohnorthodoxchurch.bandcamp.com/album/come-ye-faithful-building-fundraiser⁠

In this episode of the Orthodox Health Podcast, Dr. Michael Christian & co-host John explore the extremes of modern diets, such as carnivore & veganism, & how these approaches often neglect the spiritual dimensions of eating.

The conversation emphasizes the importance of Incarnational Theology, the royal path of balance, & the significance of the liturgical calendar in guiding dietary choices.

Ultimately, the hosts advocate for a holistic approach to health that integrates body, mind, & spirit, encouraging listeners to find a path that glorifies God & nurtures the whole person.

Takeaways:

• Fasting is a self-offering, not self-perfection.
• The body serves the soul in Orthodox thought.
• Orthodoxy provides a royal path that avoids dietary extremes.
• Food is a battlefield of the will, requiring discernment.
• The liturgical calendar offers a rhythm for health & wellness.
• Fasting & feasting are integral to spiritual growth.
• Carnivore & vegan diets have pros and cons that should be considered.
• The saints provide a model for balanced eating without obsession.
• Health is a byproduct of holiness & living in accordance with God's will.
• Community & shared practices enhance the journey of health.

Chapters:

00:00 Opener

01:30 Introduction to the Diet Wars

02:58 The Extremes of Dietary Practices

07:28 The Missing Theology in Diets

10:02 Real Healing vs. Nutritional Absolutism

12:39 The Church's Teachings on Food

20:00 Diet as Religion

26:48 The Royal Path & Dietary Discernment

32:56 The Royal Path to Health

38:45 The Wisdom of the Liturgical Calendar

45:20 Pros & Cons of Carnivore & Vegan

54:48 Carnivores & Vegans from a Paradigm Level

01:01:05 An Orthodox Dietary Paradigm

01:04:54 Stepping Out of the Materialist Myth

01:15:05 Practical Steps for a Liturgical Life

01:19:25 Outro

Work with Dr. Mike: https://www.OrthodoxHealth.com

Pre-Order Orthodoxy & The Medicine of the Future: https://www.orthodoxhealth.com/book

Intro & Outro Music: St. John of Chicago Orthodox Church Choir (Arkansas) - Please support their building fund by buying the whole album here:

⁠https://stjohnorthodoxchurch.bandcamp.com/album/come-ye-faithful-building-fundraiser⁠

In this episode of the Orthodox Health Podcast, Dr. Michael Christian & co-host John are joined by special guest, Fr. John Wehling to discuss the inadequacies of contemporary self-care practices, the search for meaning in a secular world, & how Orthodoxy offers a holistic approach to health that encompasses both body & soul.

The conversation delves into personal journeys to Orthodoxy, the paradox of self-actualization, & the dangers of consumerism in shaping identity. Additionally, Fr. John discusses the nature of immortality, the hierachical relationship between the soul & the body, & the significance of sacraments in Orthodox Christianity.

He emphasizes the paradox of living & dying, the vampiric nature of seeking immortality apart from Christ, & the importance of faith in understanding the body as serving the soul. The discussion also touches on the cultural reflections of immortality & the Orthodox perspective on facing death.

Impactful Quotes:

• "You have to die to live."
• "The body serves the soul."
• "Even Lazarus died again."

Takeaways:

• Self-care trends often leave individuals feeling empty.
• Orthodoxy offers a different path to true healing.
• The journey to Orthodoxy can be transformative.
• Christianity is not just a belief system, but a way of life.
• The modern world struggles with identity & purpose.
• Self-actualization requires self-denial & sacrifice.
• Consumerism shapes our understanding of identity.
• True happiness comes from community & communion.
• The pursuit of immortality can lead to a vampiric nature, consuming others for fulfillment.
• True immortality is found through Christ, requiring a willingness to die to oneself.
• Christianity without the cross is a false representation of faith.
• The body is good but serves the soul, highlighting a hierarchical relationship.
• Sacraments are essential for the healing of both body & soul in Orthodox faith.
• Facing death is a crucial aspect of living a Christian life.
• The purpose of the Orthodox Church is to create relics, emphasizing the sanctity of the body.
• Christ's resurrection is the ultimate victory over death, offering hope for immortality.
• Cultural pursuits of immortality often lead to unhealthy behaviors & self-deception.
• Kettlebells > yoga, period.

Chapters:

00:00 Opener

01:30 Introduction to Self-Help Epidemic & Fr. John Wehling

03:49 Father John's Journey to Orthodoxy

09:47 The Search for a Way of Life

16:34 Self-Care vs. Orthodox Healing

23:52 The Role of Freedom & Identity in Modern Life

27:30 The Paradox of Self-Actualization

29:18 The Dangers of Self-Help Culture

31:32 Consumerism & Identity

36:35 Faith & the Body's Purpose

39:17 Living & Dying as a Christian

47:04 The Nature of Sacraments and Healing

51:26 Understanding Death & Resurrection

55:17 The Pursuit of Immortality & Its Implications

01:00:07 Facing Death & Embracing Life

01:01:59 Final Thoughts on Body, Soul, & Salvation

01:03:11 Outro

Work with Dr. Mike: https://www.OrthodoxHealth.com

Pre-Order Orthodoxy & The Medicine of the Future: https://www.orthodoxhealth.com/book

Intro & Outro Music: St. John of Chicago Orthodox Church Choir (Arkansas) - Please support their building fund by buying the whole album here:

⁠https://stjohnorthodoxchurch.bandcamp.com/album/come-ye-faithful-building-fundraiser⁠

Has social media taken over your spiritual life?

In this episode of the Orthodox Health Podcast, Dr. Michael Christian & co-host John explore the impact of screens & social media on spiritual life. We discuss the importance of silence & stillness, the dangers of comparison & identity distortion through social media, & the role of confession in fostering authenticity & connection with God.

We also emphasize the need for discernment in navigating digital distractions, while maintaining a focus on spiritual growth & true communion with God & others. Additionally, we explore Orthodox theology & the challenges posed by the digital age, the importance of embodied presence, & the need for practical steps to establish digital boundaries.

The conversation emphasizes the spiritual warfare for your attention in a hyper-connected world & concludes with a challenge to you to help reconnect with God, one's neighbor, & oneself.

Takeaways:

• ​The modern health paradigm often overlooks spiritual dimensions.
• ​Screens & social media can distract from spiritual practice.
• ​Silence & stillness are essential for spiritual growth.
• ​Social media fosters comparison & envy, harming mental health.
• ​Authenticity in relationships is diminished by digital interactions.
• ​Confession is vital for personal responsibility & spiritual health.
• ​Attention is a battleground for spiritual life.
• ​The internet can be a tool for good if used wisely.
• ​Gratitude is foundational for prayer & spiritual well-being.
• ​Silence is about the presence of God in the soul.
• ​Real communion requires being fully present.
• ​The Incarnation affirms the importance of the body.
• ​Digital communication often lacks depth & nuance.
• ​Embodied worship engages the whole self in communion with Christ.
• ​Digital boundaries are essential for spiritual health.
• ​Fasting from technology can lead to freedom & clarity.
• ​Christ is Risen!

Chapters:

00:00 Opener

01:30 Introduction & Holy Week/Pascha Recap

04:06 The Impact of Screens on Our Lives

05:12 Social Media is Not Completely Value Neutral

06:36 Stillness, Silence, & the Plugged in Mind

08:41 Digital Distraction & Its Effects on Prayer

12:58 The Distortion of Identity in the Digital Age

17:21 False Realities & AI Demons

18:04 The Incarnational Nature of Orthodox Life

20:59 Discernment in the Digital Age

23:26 The Invitation to Relationship

24:49 Finding Wholeness in Silence

26:01 Embodied Presence in a Digital Age

29:00 The Importance of Communion and Ritual

32:34 In Defense of Mel Gibson

34:30 Vulnerability and Healing in Community

36:41 Establishing Digital Boundaries Through Fasting

38:55 A Quick Appreciation for the Amish

39:03 Understanding the Impact of Social Media

42:23 Navigating Social Media Intentionally

44:54 Replacing Digital Distractions

46:46 Final Thoughts and Challenges

49:16 Conclusion: Invitation to the Listener

49:25 Outro

Work with Dr. Mike: https://www.OrthodoxHealth.com

Pre-Order Orthodoxy & The Medicine of the Future: https://www.orthodoxhealth.com/book

Intro & Outro Music: St. John of Chicago Orthodox Church Choir (Arkansas) - Please support their building fund by buying the whole album here:

⁠https://stjohnorthodoxchurch.bandcamp.com/album/come-ye-faithful-building-fundraiser⁠

What does it mean to move your body, not for vanity, but for virtue?

In this episode of Orthodox Health, Dr. Michael Christian & co-host John explore physical movement through the lens of the Orthodox Christian life – from the embodied rhythms of monastic tradition, to the daily disciplines that help us to resist acedia, cultivate humility, & honor the body as a temple of the Holy Spirit.

We unpack the spiritual significance of movement, the dangers of idleness, & how modern believers can reclaim strength, energy, & quality of life through an ascetic, yet joyful relationship with physical activity.

What We Cover in This Episode:

• ​How Orthodox tradition frames movement as a sacred duty
• ​Why walking, manual labor, & strength training were core to ancient Christian life
• ​How Brazilian jiu-jitsu is the perfect analogy for understanding theosis, the Orthodox Christian understanding of salvation
• ​The role of fasting & prayer in shaping our fitness mindset
• ​How to overcome laziness, fatigue, & modern sedentary habits with small, intentional steps
• ​The difference between training for pride vs. training for service & spiritual resilience
• ​Strength training for muscle mass, bone density, hormone regulation, aging well, & overall wellness, as part of a Christ-centered lifestyle.

Takeaways:

• ​Movement is not separate from your spiritual life – it is a form of embodied prayer.
• ​Strength & vitality are tools for service, not self-glorification.
• ​You don't need a gym – start small, be consistent, & offer your movement to God.
• ​Training & fasting can harmonize with the right intention & pacing.
• ​Orthodox Christians are called to move with purpose, gratitude, & humility.

If this episode encouraged you, share it with a friend. Subscribe for future episodes where we dive deeper into the integration of Orthodox faith, ancient wisdom, & true health. Strengthen the body, steward the soul.

Chapters:

00:00 Opener

01:30 Introduction to Movement as Medicine: An Orthodox Perspective

03:11 Historical Context of Physical Activity in Orthodoxy

04:07 The Saints and Their Approach to Movement

05:04 Movement for Christ, the Apostles, & a Man Named Rocky

06:22 Practical Application of Orthodox Movement Today

07:11 The Limits of Performance as an End Goal

09:51 Fitness as a Preparation for Service

14:48 Jiu Jitsu & Theosis: On the Way of Salvation

17:45 Real World Obstacles

20:05 Fasting & Training: Can it be Done?

22:10 Are You Just Being Lazy? Acedia Vs. Asceticsm

24:08 Breaking Through Mental Blocks

25:36 Common Problems: Integrating Movement into Daily Life

27:44 Common Problems: Practicality of Training While Fasting

29:53 Common Problems: The Importance of Proper Movement Patterns

31:16 Practical Steps for Novices

32:55 Movement & Coming to Christ as Children

35:24 But What About Moving Iron?

38:20 Final Practical Takeaways

40:26 Outro

Work with Dr. Mike: https://www.OrthodoxHealth.com

Pre-Order Orthodoxy & The Medicine of the Future: https://www.orthodoxhealth.com/book

Intro & Outro Music: St. John of Chicago Orthodox Church Choir (Arkansas) - Please support their building fund by buying the whole album here:

⁠https://stjohnorthodoxchurch.bandcamp.com/album/come-ye-faithful-building-fundraiser⁠

Have we traded in productivity at any cost for true rest? Are idle hands really the devil's play things? What should you do if you suffer from sleep paralysis?

In this episode of Orthodox Health, Dr. Michael Christian & John explore the critical role of rest & sleep in overall health, emphasizing its importance not just for physical recovery, but also for spiritual well-being. They discuss the science behind sleep, the historical practice of biphasic sleep, & how Orthodox traditions view rest as a sacred act. The conversation highlights practical tips for improving sleep quality & the necessity of trusting God with our time and energy.

They also discuss the teachings of Church Fathers like St. Basil and St. John Climacus on the importance of moderation in sleep & the implications of sleep paralysis as a spiritual phenomenon. The conversation emphasizes the necessity of rest for overall health & well-being, integrating Orthodox traditions & practices into the understanding of sleep & true health.

Takeaways:

• ​Sleep is foundational to our health & well-being.
• ​Chronic sleep deprivation can lead to serious health issues.
• ​Biphasic sleep was historically common & aligns with Orthodox practices.
• ​Rest is not just about idleness; it's about communion with God.
• ​The Orthodox tradition emphasizes the spiritual significance of rest.
• ​We need to manage our light exposure to improve sleep quality.
• ​Trusting God with our time is essential for spiritual health.
• ​Incorporating moments of stillness is vital for spiritual rejuvenation.
• ​Sleep practices should align with our natural circadian rhythms. Rest is essential for physical, mental, & spiritual health.
• ​Moderation in sleep is crucial; excessive sleep can be detrimental.
• ​Prayer & spiritual practices can help combat sleep disturbances.
• ​Cultivating a Sabbath mindset is vital for true rest.
• ​The experience of sleep paralysis can be linked to spiritual warfare.
• ​True rest is ultimately found in Christ.

Chapters:

00:00 Intro

01:30 The Importance of Rest in Health

08:21 Biphasic Sleep and Its Historical Context

11:47 Effects of Brain Waves on Sleep Quality & Spirituality

12:59 Practicality of Biphasic Sleep

15:48 The Extreme Ends of Sleep "Bio-Hacking"

17:31 Implementing Biphasic Sleep for Spiritual Health

18:34 Effects of TV & Sounds on Sleep

21:32 An Orthodox Understanding of Rest in Modern Life

23:43 Puritan's Pride: The American Ethos

26:11 Wisdom from the Church on Rest & Sleep

27:48 Exploring the Nature of Sleep

30:32 Sleep Paralysis is Not Just Physical

34:55 Personal Experiences with Sleep Paralysis

40:28 Concluding Thoughts

42:06 Challenge to the Listeners

43:16 Outro

Work with Dr. Mike: https://www.OrthodoxHealth.com

Pre-Order Orthodoxy & The Medicine of the Future: https://www.orthodoxhealth.com/book

Intro & Outro Music: St. John of Chicago Orthodox Church Choir (Arkansas) - Please support their building fund by buying the whole album here:

⁠https://stjohnorthodoxchurch.bandcamp.com/album/come-ye-faithful-building-fundraiser⁠

Struggling to know what & how to eat?

In this episode of Orthodox Health, Dr. Michael Christian & John dive deep into the ancient wisdom of fasting & feasting through the lens of Orthodox Christian tradition—& how it aligns with real nutrition & metabolic health today. For centuries, Orthodox Christians have practiced structured fasting cycles, alternating with nutrient-dense feasting. But in today’s world, these traditions have been distorted—replaced with ultra-processed fasting substitutes, industrial seed oils, & lab-engineered foods. Meanwhile, mainstream nutrition continues to push ideas that contradict both ancestral wisdom & true metabolic health.

What We Cover in This Episode:

✅ The Biblical & early Christian approach to food

✅ How modern nutrition science contradicts ancient dietary wisdom

✅ Why whole, unprocessed foods are key to both fasting and feasting

✅ Avoiding common metabolic pitfalls in Orthodox fasting

✅ How to break a fast properly for optimal energy & resilience

✅ The role of feasting in restoring health & metabolic function

Fasting & feasting are meant to work together—not as extremes, but as a natural, God-ordained rhythm of nourishment & renewal. Tune in to learn how you can apply these principles to your own health while staying faithful to Orthodox tradition.

Takeaways:

Fasting & feasting are designed to work together in cycles.

Whole foods, not processed substitutes.

Breaking the fast properly matters.

Feasting is for restoration, not overindulgence.

Ancient Christian wisdom aligns with metabolic health.

Fasting supports detoxification & resilience.

Mineral balance is key during fasting.

Simplicity is the foundation of true nutrition.

Chapters

00:00 Opener

01:30 The Body as a Temple: An Introduction

04:11 Nutrition Through the Lens of Faith

05:16 Co-working with God

07:05 Fasting and Feasting: A Balanced Approach

10:10 Ancient Wisdom vs. Modern Nutrition

12:16 Moses, the Microbiologist?

13:09 Wisdom of Christ & the Church Fathers on Food

16:11 Metabolic Health and Orthodox Practices

18:18 Frankenfoods: Techne of the Demons Vs. God-Given Food

21:55 The Cycle of Fasting and Feasting

24:44 Spiritual and Physical Balance

25:51 Watchful Fasting: Practical Tips for Health

27:50 Breaking the Fast: Practical Tips

28:39 Feasting as a Celebration & Metabolic Health

29:21 Poor Stewardship & the Modern Food Supply

30:37 Listening to the Body Vs. the Passions

32:11 The Symbolism of the Body for Health

35:45 Conclusion & Look Ahead to Episode 5: Sleep

38:14 Outro

Work with Dr. Mike: ⁠https://www.OrthodoxHealth.com⁠

Pre-Order Orthodoxy & The Medicine of the Future: ⁠https://www.orthodoxhealth.com/book⁠

Intro & Outro Music: St. John of Chicago Orthodox Church Choir (Arkansas) - Please support their building fund by buying the whole album here:

⁠⁠https://stjohnorthodoxchurch.bandcamp.com/album/come-ye-faithful-building-fundraiser⁠⁠

In this episode, Dr. Michael Christian & John explore various aspects of health from an Orthodox Christian perspective. They discuss the health benefits of prayer on the nervous system, effective prayer strategies, allostatic load, heart rate variability, the impact of corporate worship, the gut-brain connection, whether there can be a "Christian yoga," & the physiological effects of incense. They also delve into the relationship between anxiety & trust in God, emphasizing the interconnectedness of body, mind, & spirit.

Takeaways:

The gut plays a significant role in our overall health.

Prayer can significantly reduce stress & anxiety.

Corporate worship fosters a sense of community & belonging.

Incense has physiological benefits that aid relaxation.

Anxiety can stem from a lack of trust in God.

At best, yoga is just mobility work with breathing.

Understanding our composite nature is crucial for health.

Prayer is a vital tool for spiritual & physical healing.

The next episode will explore the Body as a Temple: Orthodox Christian Nutrition Principles

Chapters

00:00 Opener

01:30 Introduction to Prayer & Stress

02:06 The Physiological Impact of Prayer

04:17 Watchfulness & Intrusive Thoughts

06:45 The Role of the Nervous System in Prayer

08:03 Rewiring the Brain Through Prayer

10:58 Understanding Allostatic Load & Stress

12:58 The Healing Process Through Prayer

15:34 Prayer vs. Secular Stress Management Techniques

18:23 The Relational Aspect of Prayer

19:12 Understanding the Nervous System: Vagus Nerve & Parasympathetic Functions

20:26 Heart Rate Variability & Stress Tolerance

21:44 The Role of Prayer in Stress Management

22:15 Integrating Spiritual Practices into Daily Life

25:17 Can there be a "Christian Yoga"?

28:34 Practical Applications of Prayer in Daily Routines

39:20 Evening Reflections: Preparing for Rest & Renewal

41:40 The Power of Prayer in Daily Life

42:20 Understanding Control: Internal vs External Locus

45:59 Practical Strategies for Deep Prayer

47:02 Liturgical/Corporate vs. Private Worship & Stress

50:43 Trust in God & Wisdom of the Saints

51:53 The Interconnection of Body, Mind, & Spirit

54:56 Closing Thoughts

56:48 Outro

Work with Dr. Mike: ⁠https://www.OrthodoxHealth.com⁠

Pre-Order Orthodoxy & The Medicine of the Future: ⁠https://www.orthodoxhealth.com/book⁠

Intro & Outro Music: St. John of Chicago Orthodox Church Choir (Arkansas) - Please support their building fund by buying the whole album here:

⁠⁠https://stjohnorthodoxchurch.bandcamp.com/album/come-ye-faithful-building-fundraiser⁠⁠

In this episode, hosts, Dr. Michael Christian & John, explore the multifaceted nature of fasting within the context of Orthodox Christianity, emphasizing the spiritual, physical, & communal aspects. They discuss how Orthodox Christian fasting is not merely a dietary restriction, but a profound spiritual practice that fosters humility, obedience, and a closer relationship with God.

They delve into the physiological benefits of fasting, practical applications for daily life, & the importance of community, during fasting periods. The discussion highlights the interplay between spiritual and physical health, advocating for a holistic approach to wellness that encompasses body, mind, & spirit.

Takeaways

• Fasting is a nearly universal practice across many religions, around the world.
• The purpose of fasting is to improve spiritual health, not just physical health.
• Fasting should be approached with humility & obedience.
• The body is a temple, & we must care for it spiritually & physically.
• Fasting can strengthen the soul & help combat the passions.
• Fasting can lead to significant physiological benefits, including improved gut health.
• The ultimate goal of fasting is to draw closer to God.

Chapters

00:00 Intro

01:32 Introduction to Fasting: A Spiritual Discipline

02:40 Debunking Modern Misconceptions of Fasting

03:17 The Spiritual Purpose of Fasting

05:22 Fasting as a Tool for Spiritual Warfare

08:08 Fasting and the Church Fathers' Teachings

11:20 The Physical and Mental Benefits of Fasting

12:13 The Importance of Community and Almsgiving

14:13 Understanding the Guidelines of Orthodox Fasting

15:56 Spiritual Disclaimer

16:33 When Do We Fast?

18:23 Physiological Benefits of Fasting

19:14 Fasting is not about Starvation

21:00 Maintaining Energy Levels During Fasting

22:55 Nutrient-Dense Foods for Fasting

25:45 Micronutrients and Supplements

27:34 Understanding Anti-Nutrients

28:23 Fasting While Living in the World

30:32 Meal Preparation for Families

32:11 Quick Aside on Franken-"Foods"

36:41 Gut Health and Healing During Fasting

38:44 Integrating the Noetic & the Physical

39:21 Conclusion: Invitation to the Listener

Work with Dr. Mike: ⁠https://www.OrthodoxHealth.com⁠

Pre-Order Orthodoxy & The Medicine of the Future: ⁠https://www.orthodoxhealth.com/book⁠

Intro & Outro Music: St. John of Chicago Orthodox Church Choir (Arkansas) - Please support their building fund by buying the whole album here:

⁠⁠https://stjohnorthodoxchurch.bandcamp.com/album/come-ye-faithful-building-fundraiser⁠⁠

In this episode hosts, Dr. Michael Christian & John, explore the intersection of Orthodox Christianity & holistic health, emphasizing the importance of caring for the body, mind, & spirit. They discuss the concept of telos in the Christian worldview, the significance of asceticism (spiritual discipline), & the role of community in achieving wellness.

The conversation critiques modern obsessions with health & self-care, advocating for a balanced approach that prioritizes spiritual health alongside physical well-being.

Takeaways

• Health is not just about the body; it encompasses mind & spirit.
• Voluntary suffering can lead to greater resilience & faith.
• Modern society often idolizes health & self-optimization.
• The pursuit of health should not overshadow spiritual priorities.
• Fasting is a transformative practice that strengthens the soul.
• True wellness integrates physical, mental, & spiritual health.

Chapters

00:00 Cold Open

01:19 Intro Music

01:46 Podcast Concept, Mission & Host Introductions

04:29 The Orthodox Christian View of Health - United of Body, Soul, & Spirit

11:43 Spiritual Discipline (Askesis) & an Orthodox Understanding of Suffering

16:16 Modern Wellness Industry: Mortality & Self-Optimization

21:22 Eastern Mysticism & New Age in the Secular Wellness Space vs. Orthodoxy

28:59 Cultivation of True Health in an Orthodox Framework

31:02 Stressors - Physical, Mental, & Noetic (Spiritual)

34:57 The Importance of Community to Health

37:34 Closing Thoughts, Shameless Plugs, & Episode 2 Preview

39:51 Outro

Work with Dr. Mike: ⁠https://www.OrthodoxHealth.com⁠

Pre-Order Orthodoxy & The Medicine of the Future: ⁠https://www.orthodoxhealth.com/book⁠

Intro & Outro Music: St. John of Chicago Orthodox Church Choir (Arkansas) - Please support their building fund by buying the whole album here:

⁠⁠https://stjohnorthodoxchurch.bandcamp.com/album/come-ye-faithful-building-fundraiser⁠⁠