What if addiction is not just a physical affliction but a profound spiritual challenge? Join us as we navigate this compelling question with our esteemed guests, Dr. Daniel Ageze and David Carlson, exploring addiction as a chronic disease influencing the body, mind, and spirit. Delve into the ancient metaphors where the church emerges as a sanctuary of healing, with God as the ultimate healer. Discover the transformative power of the 12-step recovery process, highlighting the necessity of ack...

What if the true essence of Christianity has been right under our noses for the last 2,000 years? Explore the fascinating world of Orthodox Christianity, a faith that has retained its liturgical richness and unity across diverse cultures and regions. From the incense-filled Ethiopian Orthodox services to the sacred icon veneration of the Armenian and Eastern Orthodox traditions, uncover how this ancient faith has maintained its practices and beliefs, transcending language barriers and demogra...

What kind of soil are you in your spiritual journey? Join us as we reflect on this profound question through the lens of the Feast of the Holy Fathers of the Seventh Ecumenical Councils and the resilience of St. Jacob of Hamatura. Drawing from his childhood in Idaho, Father John Reimann of Saint Anthony the Great Orthodox Church, shares a story of his father’s unwavering commitment to transforming rocky terrain into a lush garden. It's a tale that speaks to the heart of our spiritual lives, u...

Have you ever wondered how the early Church envisioned unity and structure? Explore the rich theology of Ignatius of Antioch and discover his vision of the Church as a complete and harmonious body. We'll break down the roles of bishops, presbyters, priests, deacons, and laity, and delve into the transformative power of baptism and chrismation. Drawing insights from St. Paul’s teachings in 1 Corinthians and the Second Ecumenical Council of Constantinople, we’ll uncover how apostolic succession...

Unlock the science behind addiction and the spiritual pathway to recovery with our special episode, "Orthodoxy and Recovery." Join us as Dr. Daniel Ageze, an expert in addiction medicine, David Carlson, who brings ten years of sobriety and deep involvement in Alcoholics Anonymous, and Robert Fortuin, an Orthodox Christian professor, come together to offer a comprehensive look at substance use disorder. Learn how a spiritual awakening can significantly alter dopamine release in the brain, pote...

Father John's sermon reveals how, strangely enough, we are all called to be Ladders of God. We see in the life of the Theotokos, the Virgin Mary, the prime example of this. The Holy Fathers of the Orthodox Church see in her life a fulfilment of Jacob's Vision: the Divine Ladder from which Heaven is connected to Earth through the Incarnation of Jesus Christ.What if your daily actions could transform you into a living tabernacle for Christ? This episode invites you to explore how we, as Orthodo...

The conversation explores the topics of addiction, recovery, and the role of orthodoxy in addressing these issues. The guests discuss the rewiring of the brain in addiction, the genetic component of addiction, and the stigma surrounding substance use disorders. They also touch on the spiritual and emotional aspects of addiction and recovery. The conversation highlights the importance of awareness, early intervention, and support in addressing addiction. Addiction is not a new phenomenon, but ...

What happens when faith, resilience, and the challenges of military life intersect? Join us for an insightful conversation with Hannah Helena, a Navy veteran whose journey from a Roman Catholic upbringing in Deer Park, Texas, to becoming an Orthodox Christian is nothing short of inspiring. Hannah reflects on her early years, serving in the church and playing the viola in the choir, and how those experiences laid the groundwork for her enduring faith. She opens up about her rebellious teenage ...

What if our understanding of early Christian art has been entirely misunderstood? Join us as we uncover the profound significance of iconography in the Orthodox Church, challenging the common notion that religious imagery was a later corruption. Reflect on Fr John Reimann's journey from a Methodist background to discovering the richness of iconography through my academic experiences at UCLA. We'll shed light on how icons, even from the catacombs of Rome, reveal a deep, historical connec...

What if you could witness a transformation so profound that it challenges the very essence of your faith? In our latest episode, we promise to uncover the secrets behind the ancient Greek concept of transfiguration and its deep spiritual implications. Journey with us as we reflect on the timeless testimony of St. Peter, delve into the complexity of creation, and explore the awe-inspiring Old Testament encounters with God's glory. Through these reflections, Fr John Reimann helps us find hope a...

What does it mean to seek true forgiveness and inner renewal? Join us as we unpack the timeless wisdom of Psalm 50 in true Orthodox fashion, speaking to the depths of human sin and the yearning for God's mercy. This special interlude takes you on a spiritual journey through verses that earnestly plead for God's compassion and cleansing. We reflect on themes of humility, repentance, and righteousness, revealing how these ancient words resonate with our modern pursuit of spiritual growth and tr...

What happens when a lifelong seeker of God grapples with disillusionment and finds solace in an unexpected place? Join us for a compelling episode featuring Dominic Alexander, who shares his profound journey from an evangelical Calvinist upbringing to embracing Orthodox Christianity. Dominic opens up about his challenging college years and the impacts of the COVID lockdowns, which spurred his deep dive into church history and theology, ultimately leading him to Orthodoxy. The story takes a to...

What if the place that once caused you pain could be transformed into a sanctuary of hope and healing? Join us as we sit down with Camille Cassin, the inspiring President and CEO of True Choice Medical Clinics, who shares her deeply personal journey from a church position to leading Turning Point Pregnancy Resource Center. Driven by a divine calling and her own experience with abortion, Camille sheds light on how advancements in ultrasound technology and an abundance of information have revol...

How Star Wars, once the best and most beloved, has become an embarrassment of failure and mediocrity felt (or ignored) around the world.What happens when your childhood passion collides with unexpected changes? From playing with X-Wing and Millennium Falcon toys to camping out for The Phantom Menace, my love for Star Wars has been a defining aspect of my life. However, the Disney era brought challenges, especially with the novel "Aftermath" by Chuck Wendig, which included a gay character and ...

The story of Fr John Reimann's conversion to Orthodoxy. Fr John is arch-priest of Saint Anthony the Great Antiochian Orthodox Church in San Diego, California.May you be edified herein and blessed throughout. What happens when a spiritual journey defies expectations and takes an unexpected turn? Our guest shares a deeply personal and transformative account, beginning with a challenge from a pastor that ignited a spiritual hunger in the heart of a predominantly Mormon southern Idaho...

The story of the first icon they ever purchased.This is Orthodoxy.Can a simple antique shop visit transform your spiritual life? Join us on an extraordinary journey through the world of Orthodox Christian icons, featuring an inspiring story that began for Mike and Laurie in an unexpected corner of Seattle. In this episode, we recount the serendipitous acquisition of their first sacred icons and explore the profound impact they have had on their faith. These icons, often depicting saints as or...

This is Orthodoxy. Meet Andrew.Can military discipline and spiritual faith go hand in hand? Discover the compelling story of Orthodox Christian, Andrew, an Operations Specialist Second Class in the United States Navy, as he navigates his spiritual journey from an Episcopalian upbringing in Massachusetts to finding solace in Orthodox Christianity while stationed in San Diego. Raised amidst diverse religious beliefs, Andrew experienced a period of lost faith during his teenage years, only...

Have you ever witnessed the raw courage it takes to stand on a street corner, sharing your deepest convictions with the world? Are we called to do so as Christians? That's the daring question pondered by our guests, Jeremiah, Priscilla (Priscillaxdestiny) and Villain Typecast John. Together, we embark on an enthralling journey, examining the bold and diverse methods of public faith declarations—from heartwarming compassion to the fiery urgency of the fire-and-brimstone preachers. They s...

Get ready to unlock the secrets of everyday foods that could revolutionize your health, as we unveil the underrated nutritional heroes that have been hiding in plain sight. From the potassium-packed potato skins to the magnesium-rich almonds, our exploration with Melchizedek and Joshua Williams reveals just how much untapped potential lies within the foods we often take for granted. This episode digs deep into bioavailability, where not all proteins are equal, and sheds light on the complete ...

Ever wondered how transforming your diet could revolutionize your life, both physically and spiritually? Our hosts Melchizedek (and Joshua in Part 2), seasoned personal trainers and nutrition specialists, join us to share his incredible journey from a college weightlifter to a health guru. His insights into the sacredness of our bodies and the profound influence of our dietary choices will leave you inspired to treat your body like the temple it deserves to be. Through practical tips and a de...

When Orthodox Christian TikToker Nikko from Idaho stepped into the world of Orthodoxy, little did he know his journey would be a beacon to many, lighting the path to faith and community. Our latest conversation on Cloud of Witnesses Radio delves into the intricacies of Nikko's six-year odyssey, unveiling how a nuclear research professional found his spiritual nucleus within the historical folds of his local parish. His story, interwoven with his Japanese-American heritage and the local LDS...

Step into the ancient world where faith was tested to its limits and discover how Saint Ignatius of Antioch's unwavering devotion to his beliefs led him to embrace martyrdom with open arms. Our latest episode entwines drama with history, as we bring to life Ignatius' arresting confrontation with the mighty Emperor Trajan, his resolute journey to Rome, and his final, fateful encounter with the lions. His powerful declaration, "These chains are my spiritual pearls," encapsulates a narrative...

Eastern Orthodox perspectives on the Mar Mari Emmanuel incident. When a tragedy unfolds, it can either divide us or unite us in ways we never anticipated. In the aftermath of an attack that shook the Assyrian community, Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel of Australia teaches us a powerful lesson in forgiveness and the strength of prayer. Our guests, Priscilla of PriscillaxDestiny, and Cloud of Witnesses Radio's John join Jeremy to weigh in on how such events transcend theological divides, bringing...

I found myself reflecting deeply on how swiftly life's tide can turn with the recent news of Kate Middleton's cancer diagnosis. This episode brings to light the fragility of existence, not just for the Duchess but for each of us, as we navigate the tumultuous intersection of mortality and faith. Our heartfelt discussion traverses the private battles of public figures like Kate and King Charles, inviting listeners to explore the complex interplay between notoriety and the humanizing experience...