Have you ever wondered the difference between black magic and white magic? Or is there really no difference to them at all. Black magic, white magic—they are both working for the devil.Welcome back to the Let’s be friends podcast, with us today is new friend Erika MacDougall—Erika is an ex satanist, turned Orthodox Christian.Before becoming Orthodox, Erika was not only deep in the occult, she was practicing satanist. Participating in black magic, specifically theistic satanism, befriending and working with demons, putting curses on people, and participating in blood rituals.By the grace of God Erika became an Orthodox Christian after a revelation that satanism is the counterfeit to Orthodoxdy. Counterfeit to GodErika and I have a similar story… not everyone makes it out of the occult, the Shepard finds the lost sheep. And all Glory to God he found us!Today Erika is a wife, mother, and founder of Shire skinscare—a different kind of ritual, that of healing and nourishing the skin. In this episode...Ex-satanist Erica McDougall sits down with ex-new ager /occultist Kara Mosher and shares her extraordinary journey from practicing Satanist to Orthodox Christian, revealing the spiritual dangers of the occult and the transformative power of faith. This episode explores the spiritual realm, demonic influence, and the healing found in Orthodoxy. In this episode, Erika MacDougall shares her journey from devotional Satanism to Orthodox Christianity, highlighting the spiritual warfare, demonic manipulation, and the transformative power of faith and sacraments. Discover how her story offers hope and insight into overcoming darkness through Christ.Find Erika's Shire Skincare: https://shireskincare.com/Want more? Let's be friends. Join the Friendship Membership. https://www.letsbefriendspodcast.com/...Donate to Kara's Go Fund me https://www.givesendgo.com/support-fo...Want to read my memoir, Here Comes Trouble? It's available now. Order your copy.

Have you ever wondered what the price of "selling your soul" is—or if is that even something you can actually do? In this episode, Richard Syrett and Kara Mosher explore the mysterious legends surrounding the Beatles, 27 Club, Robert Johnson, the crossroads, and the influence of occult symbolism in music. They delve into the history of Faustian bargains, the manipulation of culture through music, and the hidden messages behind iconic bands like the Beatles. In this episode, Richard Syrett and Kara Mosher explore the influence of music, culture, and psychological warfare on society, focusing on the Beatles' role as a tool of cultural engineering and the broader implications of mind programming, frequency manipulation, and spiritual warfare.At the end of the conversation Richard and Kara also have a heart to heart, sharing personal stories of grief and also the solution to all this madness—the hospital known as the Orthodox church.Want more? Let's be friends. Join the Friendship Membership. https://www.letsbefriendspodcast.com/...Want to read my memoir, Here Comes Trouble? It's available now. Order your copy.https://www.karamosher.com/storeRichard Syrett's Podcast Strange Planet: https://www.strangeplanet.ca/Tales from The Rock ‘n Roll Twilight Zone: Eerie Enigmas and Supernatural Secrets from Rock's Darkest Corners: https://www.amazon.com/Tales-Rock-Roll-Twilight-Zone/dp/1634245490Find me on Social Media:Instagram → @letsbefriends_podcast                        @herecomestroublexo                         @symbolismsyndrome

The Divine Liturgy is where Heaven meets Earth. The Orthodox Church is the hospital where we come to heal, but does healing really come the way we thought it would? What if “blessings” are not what you think?What if your grief, your temptations, and your unanswered prayers are all trying to teach you the same thing - how to stop clinging to your own will and start trusting God completely?Welcome back to the Let's be friends podcast. With us today is Father Photios Dumont. Join us as we discuss how the Christian life is not about comfort, control, or getting your way. It is about humility, obedience, thanksgiving, and learning to see suffering through the lens of eternity. If you are carrying loss, wrestling with doubt, or trying to understand what the Orthodox faith really asks of you, this conversation meets you right where you are.In this episode Father Photios shares the story of Saint Paisios telling him that if people will travel anywhere in the world for a surgeon to heal the body, they should be even more willing to travel for someone who can heal the soul. Kara also shares an early update on the acute grief she is going through, only a month after the passing of her spouse of 16 years. The episode also has powerful stories of Mount Athos, Elder Ephraim, Saint Demetrios, Saint Porphyrios, and the saints who shape real lives today - not as history, but as living companions on the journey to salvation.Find Father Photios:https://www.saintdemetrios.com/about-us/clergySupport Kara...Go Fund Me:https://www.givesendgo.com/support-fo...Sign up for the Friendship membership:https://www.letsbefriendspodcast.com/...Buy my book Here Comes Trouble:https://www.karamosher.com/storeor on Amazon: https://a.co/d/0gvIM6ST

The episode starts out with a candid conversation with Kara Mosher and Fr. Turbo Qualls The conversation discusses grief, addiction, conversion, and what it really means to enter the Orthodox Church as a catechumen. The conversation centers on Kara’s experience with her fiancé Jody’s addiction and emergency baptism, then expands into a practical and pastoral discussion of purification, trauma, generational patterns, and healing through sacramental life.Fr. Turbo brings his perspective as an Orthodox priest, addiction studies and trauma counselor, and spiritual father to many converts. Together they explore why people coming from the occult, new age, addiction, and psychological distress need patience, community, and real formation rather than quick fixes.Father Turbo is an Orthodox priest and the rector at St. Mary of Egypt Orthodox Church in Kansas City, Missouri: https://stmaryofegypt.net/fr-turbo-quallsDonate to Kara's Go Fund me https://www.givesendgo.com/support-fo...Want more? Let's be friends. Join the Friendship Membership. https://www.letsbefriendspodcast.com/...Want to read my memoir, Here Comes Trouble? It's available now. Order your copy.https://www.karamosher.com/store

Have you ever wondered what happens after we die? Where does our to souls go after our death in this world?  Is "death" really the end?After the unexpected and tragic passing of my spouse two months ago, I have become more curious about what happens to the soul after we pass. Join me in a deep conversation with Father Seraphim Holland about what happens after we die.In this episode, we explore the Orthodox understanding of the soul after death, the significance of prayer for the departed, and the mysteries surrounding Hades, Heaven & Hell, the goal of Paradise, your guardian angel, saints, and the afterlife.Father Seraphim of Saint Nicholas Orthodox Church in McKinney, Texas shares insights on the power of praying for the departed, the meaning and importance of the 40 days after death, and understanding the afterlife, including the concepts of Hades and the toll houses. We also share our own personal grief stories, how faith and prayer can bring comfort and hope through life's challenges and losses.Donate to Father Seraphim of Holland's church St Nicholas Orthodox Church: https://www.orthodox.net/index.html#d... Donate to Kara's Go Fund me https://www.givesendgo.com/support-for-karaFind us on Social Media:Instagram →  @seraphimholland                         @herecomestroublexo                          @letsbefriends_podcastWant more? Let's be friends. Join the Friendship Membership. https://www.letsbefriendspodcast.com/...Want to read my memoir, Here Comes Trouble? It's available now. Order your copy.https://www.karamosher.com/storeOrthodox Christian Prayers for the Dead https://orthodoxprayers.com/prayers-for-the-deadDaniel's List for Prayers for the Departed - https://orthodoxprayers.com/daniels-listChapters00:00 Introduction and guest introduction03:39 Personal stories of loss and the importance of prayer07:51 Why do we pray for the dead? The love that sustains us12:01 The Orthodox understanding of the soul and life after death15:26 The significance of the forty-day commemoration18:15 Attachments, passions, and their impact on the soul22:01 Practical ways to pray for the departed27:43 Death as a return to God and the mystery of divine mercy34:38 How saints are recognized and their miracles38:19 The consciousness of the departed and their ability to remember41:16 Prayers, scripture, and the process of sainthood43:02 Practical prayer tips and closing thoughts44:43 Prostrations and Their Spiritual Significance45:12 Adapting Prostrations for Physical Limitations46:56 The Role of Prayer in Healing and Salvation49:31 Understanding the Afterlife: Hades, Purgatory, and Toll Houses55:02 The Journey of the Soul: From Death to Resurrection01:01:09 The Meaning of Joyful Sorrow and Grief01:07:30 Living as Strangers in a World Not Our Home01:13:48 Practical Steps for Spiritual Growth and Salvation01:16:00 Prayers for the Living and the Departed01:20:57 Building a Community and Church for Salvation

Two months ago the love of my life, my best friend and spouse of 16 years, passed away unexpectedly in a tragic accident. The past two months have been the hardest in my life. I'm going through my "Karapocalypse"... it's more then a mid life crisis, it's the end of my old life.Join me for an open and honest conversation about my experiences and the tragic event of two months ago. Listen to my story and hear why I believe a miracle occurred. And through that miracle, God showed the purpose of life. In this episode I also discuss my current struggle and how I now understand grief. The most complex, painstaking continuation of the love we have for the people we lost. Many people have asked how they can support and help me right now. Please pray for me. Pray the Lord has mercy on John.Other ways to support me...Go Fund Me:https://www.givesendgo.com/support-fo...Sign up for the Friendship membership:https://www.letsbefriendspodcast.com/...Buy my book Here Comes Trouble:https://www.karamosher.com/storeor on Amazon: https://a.co/d/0gvIM6STVideo of Episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OCMt8KoaXbY

In this episode, Father Timothy Pavlatos shares his journey from Orthodox upbringing and academic pursuits in theology and psychology to his deep engagement with spiritual warfare, humility, and mental health. Our conversation explores the “Silent War”—the spiritual battle within the mind, the role of demons versus trauma, and how humility and prayer are essential in overcoming mental and spiritual struggles. We discuss the book “Saint Silouan the Athonite," touching on topics like fighting the evil within our hearts and not outside in the world, the withdrawal of grace from God, why it feels as though we are abandoned by God—how Adam must have felt in the Garden of Eden—and keeping thy mind in hell and despair not. We also discuss the profound opportunity suffering offers us to be sanctified for our salvation.Father Timothy Pavlatos is the pastor of St. Katherine Orthodox Church in Chandler, Arizona.Support the mission of St. Katherine Orthodox Church here: https://stkatherineaz.org/capital-campaignWatch Video on YouTubeWant more? Let's be friends. Join the Friendship Membership.Want to read my memoir, Here Comes Trouble? It's available now. Order your copy  or from my website www.karamosher.com

In this episode of the Let’s be friends podcast, we are joined by Anthony Westage. Anthony is the host of the Reversion Podcast and Substack, where he writes about current events, theology concerned with the end of the world, human history, and the final destiny of souls—a place where you can "reclaim your mind in the age of distraction."Join Anthony and me as we discuss the hidden connections between the Protestant Reformation, Kabbalah, and the spiritual evolution of Protestant Christianity. Discover how esoteric beliefs have influenced modern Christianity by weaving their way in through the Protestant Reformation. Explore the deep ties between spirituality, technology, and esoteric traditions, including Kabbalah, the occult, and their influence on modern society and religion. This conversation delves into the history, symbolism, and spiritual implications of these themes, offering a unique perspective on the current spiritual and technological landscape.Watch Video on YouTubeWant more? Let's be friends. Join the Friendship Membership.Want to read my memoir, Here Comes Trouble? It's available now. Order your copy  or from my website www.karamosher.comFind guest Anthony Westgate:Twitter The Reversion Substack 

Join Michaela Nikolaenko and me as we discuss how our view on spiritual warfare has changed. Michaela and I have a similar path; we are both ex-occultists and ex-Protestants and now newly Orthodox Christians. During our journey into the Orthodox faith, we both fell victim to misconceptions about spiritual warfare.As occultists, we both encountered demons. Not realizing what they truly were yet, we were tricked into believing they were our spiritual "friends," trying to utilize them on our path to healing. Once Christ came into our lives, like many new Christians, we fell into not only Protestantism but also charismatic teaching. This experience gave us a whole other deceptive view on what we initially believed spiritual warfare was. By God’s grace, we both came to understand that what we had been taught about demons and spiritual warfare was not the truth, and we entered the Orthodox Church—the true church. Once there, we realized the true nature of spiritual warfare and that picking up your cross and following Christ meant an ongoing battle, but not with the eternal demons like we once believed—it was warfare within. A lifelong battle not just with demons, but against our passions and sin.Watch Video on YoutubeIf you enjoy this episode there is also a bonus chat where Michaela and I dive deeper into the topics discussed in this episode. Find it on The Friendship Membership. Want more? Let's be friends. Join the Friendship Membership.Want to read my memoir, Here Comes Trouble? It's available now. Order your copy  or from my website www.karamosher.comMain Topics:The reality of demons and demonic shapeshifting in spiritual warfareThe false origins of UFOs and alien encounters as demonic deceptionsThe importance of spiritual fathers, holy traditions, and the Orthodox approach to salvationThe spiritual significance of suffering, passions, and humility in our spiritual journeyHow to test and discern spiritual experiences through Orthodox spiritual practicesThe false promise of sinless perfection and the reality of ongoing spiritual struggleThe difference between subjective and objective grace in Orthodox spiritualityThe coming false alien invasion and the spiritual deception of the end times

Join Father Seraphim Holland as he shares his journey from grief to grace following the loss of his son, Daniel. Discover how prayer, fasting, and divine signs transformed his suffering into a profound spiritual awakening. This episode delves into the power of intercession, the significance of the 40 days after death, and the importance of fasting and how to fast as an Orthodox Christian.The episode breaks down the spiritual importance of fasting, prostrations, and obedience—keys to spiritual strength amid life's chaos. From the lessons in Eden about desire and disobedience to modern struggles with addiction and pride, Father Seraphim offers practical advice rooted in the ancient teachings of the Church Fathers. You’ll learn why obedience, humility, and consistent prayer are essential for healing and why the saints are still alive, here to help.Perfect for anyone facing grief, doubt, or the temptations of modern life and its passions. If you've ever wondered whether your loved ones are truly gone or how to find meaning in suffering, this conversation provides hope, insight, and a reminder: death is not the end—it's a doorway into eternity.Watch Video on YoutubeDonate to Father Seraphim of Holland's church St Nicholas Orthodox Church: https://www.orthodox.net/index.html#d... Father Seraphim's YouTube→    / @orthodoxnet  Father Seraphim's Instagram→   / seraphimholland  Want more? Let's be friends. Join the Friendship Membership.Want to read my memoir, Here Comes Trouble? It's available now. Order your copy  or from my website www.karamosher.com