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
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107. From the Occult to Orthodox Christianity | Kara Mosher Exposes Psychedelic Deception
Season 5 · Episode 107
Wednesday, October 29, 2025 • Duration 01:06:43
Today, Kara Mosher shares her journey from the occult to Orthodox Christianity and exposes psychedelic deception. Before encountering Christ, psychedelics were her god, yet never healed her or brought her peace. While she thought they were leading her to truth in the spirit realm, they were only leading her further into darkness and occult training.
In this episode of the Raised & Redeemed podcast, host Michaela Nikolaenko talks with Kara Mosher, author of Here Comes Trouble and host of the Let’s Be Friends Podcast, about her journey from psychedelic “enlightenment," mental illness, and demonic oppression to finding the true Light in Orthodox Christianity.
🎙️ Listen to the Podcast:https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/raisedandredeemed🎥 Subscribe on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCn2x_6If3KUo5d9aA_7ALLw
106. A Step-by-Step Breakdown of Divine Liturgy | Beginner's Guide to Orthodox Christianity with Frank Bilotto
Season 5 · Episode 106
Wednesday, October 22, 2025 • Duration 59:53
Looking for a breakdown of Divine Liturgy? An explanation of each step of the process you see happing in an Orthodox Christian Church? Well, here's your beginner's guide to Divine Liturgy!
Today we're walking through Saint Mark Greek Orthodox Church with attorney and cradle Orthodox Christian, Frank Bilotto, as he explains step by step of Divine Liturgy. Whether you’re new to Orthodoxy, exploring the faith, or wanting to understand the beauty and symbolism behind every movement, prayer, and procession, this is your guide to the Divine Liturgy from start to finish.
🎧 Watch this before your next Divine Liturgy to experience it with fresh eyes and a deeper appreciation for the ancient, sacred, and mystical worship of the Orthodox Church.
105. Responding to YOUR comments about Halloween | Why we DO participate
Season 5 · Episode 105
Wednesday, October 15, 2025 • Duration 01:00:32
In this video, I’m responding to your comments from my recent post about Halloween. Many of you shared strong opinions—most against celebrating it—and I wanted to take a moment to address those thoughts with honesty, love, and discernment.
As someone who came from a past of extreme darkness—involved in things that truly glorified evil—I understand the concerns many Christians have. But I also know the difference between the demonic and the innocent, and I don’t believe that dressing up, walking with your family, or sharing candy with your community has to be sinful when done with clear boundaries and a heart that remains in Christ.
Let’s talk about how we, as Christians, can approach days like Halloween with spiritual wisdom rather than fear, and how to shine light—even on a night that’s often associated with darkness.
👇 Share your thoughts in the comments! I’d love to hear how your family approaches this day and how you keep your focus on what’s good and godly.
🎙️ Listen to the Podcast:https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/raisedandredeemed
🎥 Subscribe on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCn2x_6If3KUo5d9aA_7ALLw
104. What does it mean to live liturgically as an Orthodox Christian? Fr. Christian Siskos explains the life of the Church
Season 5 · Episode 104
Wednesday, October 8, 2025 • Duration 01:16:23
What does it mean to live liturgically as an Orthodox Christian? In this episode of the Raised & Redeemed podcast, I sit down with Fr. Christian Siskos, Assistant Priest at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Charlotte, NC, and the voice behind Noetic Spring.
Together, we explore how Orthodox Christians can live out the faith daily through prayer, fasting, the feasts, and the sacraments—passing the beauty of Orthodoxy on to future generations.
We discuss the meaning of the Eucharist, the role of women in the Church, head coverings, beauty standards, and how Orthodox Christians can navigate cultural challenges like Halloween, yoga, and modern media. Fr. Christian also shares about his children’s curriculum Little Ascetics, designed to help families nurture faith in their homes.
If you’ve ever wondered how to live a liturgical life, how to participate in the Orthodox cycle of feasts and fasts, or how Orthodoxy responds to today’s hot-button issues—this conversation is for you.
Connect with Father Christian (Noetic Spring):
Website: htgo.org
Instagram: www.instagram.com/noeticspring
Newsletter & all links : https://noeticspring.kit.com
🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe for more Orthodox Christian testimonies, teachings, and conversations!
103. From Charismatic Christian to Orthodox Christian TESTIMONY
Season 103 · Episode 103
Wednesday, September 24, 2025 • Duration 01:22:51
✨ In this powerful Orthodox Christian testimony, I sit down with my friend Romy Scates to share her journey of faith—from growing up in the Assemblies of God, to falling away into New Age spirituality, to finally finding her way home to the Orthodox Church.
Raised in the church, Romy never fully forgot that Jesus Christ is Lord. But as she searched for truth, she found herself entangled in the deception of the New Age. Later, as she returned to Christianity, she discovered that many Protestant churches were teaching not only false doctrines but also exposing believers to spiritually dangerous practices.
Her story is one of discernment, repentance, and encountering the fear of the Lord. Ultimately, Romy and her husband found the Orthodox Christian faith, where they experienced the fullness of truth, reverence for God, and the unchanging teachings of the Early Church.
🙏 Whether you are:
~ A Protestant Christian curious about true Christian teachings
~ A seeker leaving the New Age movement
~ Or an Orthodox Christian interested in testimonies of converts…
This episode will inspire you and help you understand why people are finding their true home in the Orthodox Church.
🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share if you find this helpful!
102. What Happens When We Die? Orthodox Priest on the Afterlife & Spiritual Warfare
Season 5 · Episode 102
Wednesday, August 20, 2025 • Duration 01:28:49
What happens when we die? In this episode, Orthodox priest Fr. Paul Truebenbach joins me to share the ancient Christian understanding of the afterlife, the 40 days after death, and the reality of spiritual warfare.
We discuss how the Orthodox Church explains the journey of the soul after death, the difference between temptation and demonic oppression, and how to prepare for the Final Judgment. We also address common questions: Can demons know your thoughts? Are paranormal experiences and “ghosts” always demonic?
If you’ve ever wondered about life after death, angels and demons, or the invisible spiritual realm, this conversation will give you a clear and biblical foundation rooted in the Orthodox tradition.
🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share if you find this helpful!
🎙️ Listen to the Podcast:https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/raisedandredeemed
101. What does it mean to be an excellent Christian? | The Ladder of Divine Ascent | Thirty Steps to Heaven
Season 5 · Episode 101
Wednesday, July 23, 2025 • Duration 16:22
What does it truly mean to be an excellent Christian?
In this season finale of the Raised & Redeemed podcast we reach the summit of the Christian life by exploring Steps 26–30 of Thirty Steps to Heaven by Fr. Vassilios Papavassiliou—based on the timeless Orthodox classic The Ladder of Divine Ascent by St. John Climacus.
In this episode, we dive deep into the virtues that crown a life in Christ:
🧭 Discernment
🌿 Stillness
🙏 Prayer
🔥 Dispassion
💫 Faith, Hope, and Love
This isn’t about striving for perfection or appearing “religious.” It’s about surrendering fully to God’s will and becoming so filled with His love that your life itself becomes a witness—without even saying a word.
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📚 Resources Referenced (Affiliate Links):
FREE DOWNLOADABLE GUIDE to "The Passions" Serieshttps://www.michaelanikolaenko.com/#freepassionsguide
📖 The Ladder of Divine Ascent by St. John Climacushttps://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XMYTZ5R/ref=cm_sw_r_as_gl_api_gl_DX1KQSTFH0NBD69EKGWJ?linkCode=ml1&tag=michaelare072-20
📖 Thirty Steps to Heaven by Fr. Vassilios Papavassiliouhttps://www.amazon.com/dp/1936270897/ref=cm_sw_r_as_gl_api_gl_i_FW05ZVMT36V1Q4WT5JVH?linkCode=ml1&tag=michaelare072-20
100. Practical Steps to Overcome Pride with Humility | The Ladder of Divine Ascent | Thirty Steps to Heaven
Season 5 · Episode 100
Wednesday, July 16, 2025 • Duration 19:27
Are you struggling with pride, vainglory, or the constant need for validation? This video explores the final and most dangerous passions from the Ladder of Divine Ascent - vainglory and pride - and reveals their powerful antidotes: meekness, simplicity, and humility.
What You'll Learn:
✅ The difference between vainglory and pride (and why pride is deadlier)
✅ How validation-seeking destroys our spiritual life
✅ Why "fake saints" are more dangerous than honest sinners
✅ Practical steps to develop genuine humility
✅ How to respond rather than react when wronged
✅ The prayer that transforms proud hearts
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📚 Resources Referenced (Affiliate Links):
FREE DOWNLOADABLE GUIDE to "The Passions" Serieshttps://www.michaelanikolaenko.com/#freepassionsguide
📖 The Ladder of Divine Ascent by St. John Climacushttps://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XMYTZ5R/ref=cm_sw_r_as_gl_api_gl_DX1KQSTFH0NBD69EKGWJ?linkCode=ml1&tag=michaelare072-20
📖 Thirty Steps to Heaven by Fr. Vassilios Papavassiliouhttps://www.amazon.com/dp/1936270897/ref=cm_sw_r_as_gl_api_gl_i_FW05ZVMT36V1Q4WT5JVH?linkCode=ml1&tag=michaelare072-20
📖 Orthodox Study Biblehttps://www.amazon.com/dp/0718003594/ref=cm_sw_r_as_gl_api_gl_i_83T623KVX235AS8T6KZ2?linkCode=ml1&tag=michaelare072-20
99. Growing in Alertness to the Holy Spirit | The Ladder of Divine Ascent | Thirty Steps to Heaven
Season 5 · Episode 99
Wednesday, July 9, 2025 • Duration 11:56
Growing in Alertness to the Holy Spirit - Awakening the Numb Soul
Have you ever caught yourself praying but not really praying? Going through the motions of faith while feeling spiritually numb? You're not alone. In this powerful episode, we explore how to move from spiritual insensitivity to genuine alertness to God's presence.
📖 WHAT WE COVER:
Step 18: The dangerous trap of spiritual insensitivity and hypocrisy
Step 19: When sleep becomes escape from spiritual reality
Step 20: Cultivating true spiritual alertness and sobriety
🎯 KEY TAKEAWAYS:
✓ Spiritual insensitivity is common but curable
✓ "Every sinner is a mirror of another" - our judgments reveal our own sins
✓ True hope begins with holy despair: "Lord, I cannot save myself"
✓ One honest moment with God can pierce through weeks of numbness
💡 THIS WEEK'S CHALLENGE:
Move beyond spiritual checklists and practice meditative presence with God through Scripture, prayer, silence, and nature.
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📚 Books Referenced (Affiliate Links):
98. Overcoming the Love of Money & the Fear That Fuels It | Thirty Steps to Heaven | The Ladder of Divine Ascent
Season 5 · Episode 98
Wednesday, July 2, 2025 • Duration 18:03
Today we discuss overcoming the love of money and the fear that fuels it by deep diving into Steps 16-17 & 21 from "Thirty Steps to Heaven" and "The Ladder of Divine Ascent" - exploring how to overcome avarice (greed) through voluntary poverty and conquering the fear that drives our attachment to money.
🔥 What You'll Learn:
✅ The spiritual roots of greed and money anxiety
✅ How fear of lack keeps us trapped in endless striving
✅ The difference between holy fear vs unholy fear
✅ Practical steps to develop voluntary poverty as a virtue
✅ Biblical principles for breaking free from materialism
✅ How to find your identity in Christ, not possessions
-------------------------------------------------
📚 Books Referenced (Affiliate Links):
📖 The Ladder of Divine Ascent by St. John Climacushttps://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XMYTZ5R/ref=cm_sw_r_as_gl_api_gl_DX1KQSTFH0NBD69EKGWJ?linkCode=ml1&tag=michaelare072-20
📖 Thirty Steps to Heaven by Fr. Vassilios Papavassiliouhttps://www.amazon.com/dp/1936270897/ref=cm_sw_r_as_gl_api_gl_i_FW05ZVMT36V1Q4WT5JVH?linkCode=ml1&tag=michaelare072-20
📖 Orthodox Study Biblehttps://www.amazon.com/dp/0718003594/ref=cm_sw_r_as_gl_api_gl_i_83T623KVX235AS8T6KZ2?linkCode=ml1&tag=michaelare072-20
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