What does it mean to truly care for your body, mind, & soul in a way that aligns with Christ? Orthodox Health explores the timeless wisdom of the Orthodox Church in cultivating holistic well-being—spiritually, physically, & mentally.
Join your hosts as we dive into topics like fasting, nutrition, exercise, prayer, & overcoming modern health pitfalls through an Orthodox Christian lens. With guest interviews, theological insights, & practical applications, this podcast helps you break free from the consumer-driven health industry & reclaim a balanced, faith-centered life.
Site
RSS
Apple
Recent rankings
Latest chart positions across Apple Podcasts and Spotify rankings.
Shared links between episodes and podcasts
Links found in episode descriptions and other podcasts that share them.
Discover shows related to Orthodox Health, based on actual content similarities. Explore podcasts with similar topics, themes, and formats, backed by real data.
Tending the Garden: On the Sacred Duty of Stewardship w/ Guest Nick Hillman of Regenerative Ag Solutions
Season 1 · Episode 10
Monday, May 19, 2025 • Duration 01:06:28
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.
Carnivores, Vegans & An Orthodox Response to the Diet Wars
Season 1 · Episode 9
Monday, May 12, 2025 • Duration 43:29
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
Self-Help is Not Salvation: An Orthodox Response to Wellness Culture w/ Special Guest Fr. John Wehling
Season 1 · Episode 8
Monday, May 5, 2025 • Duration 01:04:16
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.
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.
Antisocial Media & The Health of the Soul (Psyche)
Season 1 · Episode 7
Monday, April 28, 2025 • Duration 50:29
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!
Movement as Medicine: An Orthodox Approach to Physical Activity
Season 1 · Episode 6
Monday, April 14, 2025 • Duration 41:30
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.
Sleep, Rest, & The Sabbath Mindset
Episode 5
Monday, April 7, 2025 • Duration 44:21
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.
Fasting & Feasting: Orthodox Christian Nutrition Principles
Episode 4
Monday, March 31, 2025 • Duration 39:19
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.
Prayer, Stress, & The Nervous System
Episode 3
Monday, March 24, 2025 • Duration 57:52
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
Fasting: A Spiritual & Physical Detox
Season 1 · Episode 2
Monday, March 10, 2025 • Duration 42:20
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
An Orthodox Christian Approach to Health & Wellness
Season 1 · Episode 1
Monday, March 3, 2025 • Duration 40:19
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.
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:
