On this edition of Restoring the Soul, Michael has the opportunity to participate in a webinar with Robby Angle and the team from TrueFace titled “Breaking Your Cycle, A Grace-Based Approach To Walking Together Through Unwanted Behaviors.” All of us have struggled with an addiction or an unwanted behavior that we just can’t seem to stop. Often, in desperation or exhaustion, we tell someone. Unfortunately, many of us aren’t sure what to do next. In this webinar, Michael and Robby discuss a grace-based approach to walking with another person through unwanted behaviors and toward freedom. This approach will teach you to focus on the person instead of the problem.Click here to view the video of the webinar.CONTACT RESTORING THE SOUL:- Tweet us at @michaeljcusick and @PodcastRTS- Like us on Facebook- Follow us on Instagram & Twitter- Follow Michael on Twitter- Email us at info@restoringthesoul.com Thanks for listening!

“More time with fewer people equals greater Kingdom impact.” - Robby AngleMaking disciples is an imperative delivered by Jesus in the Great Commission. In Matthew 28, He says, “go and make disciples of all nations… and teach them to obey everything I have commanded you.” So how are we as a Church at discipling?A joint Barna Group and Navigators research project revealed confusion among leaders and followers regarding discipleship. Worse yet, the data indicates that most discipleship efforts are ineffective, with only 25% of Christians saying they were in a discipleship relationship.On today’s podcast, Michael welcomes the President and CEO of Trueface, Robby Angle. If you have not heard of Trueface, they provide content, relational experiences, and leader development to help people and teams live authentically and experience freedom. We have featured a few conversations with former Trueface leaders Bill Thrall & John Lynch - see below for links. We’re excited to hear from Robby today as he talks about his passions for ministry and how relational discipleship is foundational for Kingdom growth.Helpful Resources:- The Cure for Groups - Trueface Journey- The Celtic Way of Evangelism by George G. Hunter IIIPodcasts:Episode 3 - Bill Thrall Part 1, "The Soul of a Leader"Episode 4 - Bill Thrall Part 2, "The Journey of Trust"Episode 59 - John Lynch Part 1, “On My Worst Day”Episode 60 - John Lynch Part 2, “On My Worst Day”CONTACT RESTORING THE SOUL:- Tweet us at @michaeljcusick and @PodcastRTS- Like us on Facebook- Follow us on Instagram & Twitter- Follow Michael on Twitter- Email us at info@restoringthesoul.com Thanks for listening!

“Certain kinds of care for betrayal trauma actually makes people stuck or worse in their recovery.” - Julianne CusickOn this edition of Restoring the Soul, Michael concludes his conversation with Julianne Cusick about Betrayal Trauma. Today they will focus on Treatment Barriers to Healing from Betrayal Trauma. Today’s conversation is a continuation from our previous episode on Barriers to Overcoming Betrayal Trauma. In summary, some barriers are:Continued evidence of the partner acting outGaslighting (which is lying that changes a person’s perception)Partner’s inability or unwillingness to own their impactAnd the partner’s inability or unwillingness to open up and be honest about his healing journey.Even if you feel this episode is far from where you are relationally, there is a chance you might know someone who is struggling in this way. I encourage you to lean in for today’s important conversation.If there’s anything you’ll learn from this conversation, the key takeaway is that we have to address the underlying issues about the brokenness. We can’t just move forward.HELPFUL RESOURCES:Episode 231 - Julianne Cusick, "Barriers to Overcoming Betrayal Trauma"CONTACT RESTORING THE SOUL:- Tweet us at @michaeljcusick and @PodcastRTS- Like us on Facebook- Follow us on Instagram & Twitter- Follow Michael on Twitter- Email us at info@restoringthesoul.com Thanks for listening!

“A relationship will never ever improve or thrive on autopilot.”  - Kelley GrayOn the next two episodes of Restoring the Soul, we’re going to feature the first two parts of a 5-part series of conversations with Kelley Gray, our resident expert on the Enneagram. Michael and Kelley will unpack how the Enneagram can strengthen your marriage or intimate relationship.The Enneagram isn’t a new phenomenon. Depending on who you ask, its earliest iterations were either in the 1950s or the 1910s, though there are some experts who say versions of it can be found in the writings of fourth-century Christian mystics (and there are some who trace its roots all the way back to ancient Egypt). But it is a phenomenon, and it has gained new popularity in recent years, particularly among Christian circles.On this episode, listen closely as Michael and Kelley describe how you can become an expert in knowing your partner or spouse, how they’re wired, what they think about, what they do with their emotions, and understand what’s difficult in their life. To become an expert in someone else means you need to know yourself first. All good marriage and relationship work has to begin with good individual work. I know you’re going to learn a ton in this episode and you’re not going to want to miss any parts of this series of podcasts whose goal is to open up brand new pathways for intimacy and connectedness.HELPFUL RESOURCES:Episode 91 - Kelley Gray, “Passion for Growth"Episode 101 - Kelley Gray, "5 Ways the Enneagram Can Strengthen Your Marriage, Part III: "How to Not to Take Things Personally"Episode 102 - Kelley Gray, "5 Ways the Enneagram Can Strengthen Your Marriage, Part IV: "How to Celebrate and Bless Your Differences"Episode 103 - Kelley Gray, "5 Ways the Enneagram Can Strengthen Your Marriage, Part V: "Getting the Log Out of Your Own Eye"CONTACT RESTORING THE SOUL:- Tweet us at @michaeljcusick and @PodcastRTS- Like us on Facebook- Follow us on Instagram & Twitter- Follow Michael on Twitter- Email us at info@restoringthesoul.com Thanks for listening!

“I believe every leader in ministry is broken. And they are not alone.” - Sean SeayThere is a growing crisis for church leaders in America. Recent data collected from Barna indicate that U.S. pastors are currently in crisis and at risk of burnout causing them to give up their ministry calling or even jeopardize their marriages and families. In 2021 alone, there was a dramatic increase in the number of pastors who were thinking about quitting ministry entirely. With pastors’ well-being on the line, and many on the brink of burnout, 38 percent indicated they had considered quitting full-time ministry within the past year.We here at Restoring the Soul recognize the crisis and want to do everything we can to support pastors and their wives in this fragile season of their lives.On this edition of Restoring the Soul, Michael welcomes Pastor Sean Seay of Athens Church. Sean discovered Restoring the Soul and took part in a two-week intensive with Michael that changed the very course of his life. Today, they’ll discuss the story of his crisis moment, the redemption and healing that grew from that time, and how today he lives and loves, and leads from a place of vulnerability.CONTACT RESTORING THE SOUL:- Tweet us at @michaeljcusick and @PodcastRTS- Like us on Facebook- Follow us on Instagram & Twitter- Follow Michael on Twitter- Email us at info@restoringthesoul.com Thanks for listening!

“Most Christians are stuck between ceaseless striving and brokenness.” - Dallas WillardOn this edition of Restoring the Soul, Michael continues a series about Dysbelief. He will look at the “gap between what you believe what and you actually experience.” Dysbelief, in this instance, is not a lack of belief, but the existence of a dysfunctional belief system. Today, he will look at moralism and the motivation that drives it to help us answer the question, “Are you trusting God or pleasing God?”The various topics Michael will explore in this series are:MoralismEmotionalismRationalismBeliefismActivismCONTACT RESTORING THE SOUL:- Tweet us at @michaeljcusick and @PodcastRTS- Like us on Facebook- Follow us on Instagram & Twitter- Follow Michael on Twitter- Email us at info@restoringthesoul.com Thanks for listening!

“It was such a joy to discover in his deep heart, behind the scenes, Eugene was the man we thought he was.” - Winn CollierOn this edition of Restoring the Soul, Michael welcomes back Winn Collier. If you admire the life and writings of Eugene Peterson, you’re in for a real treat. As you will soon hear, Eugene Peterson was not only Winn’s pastor, he was his friend. So it made complete sense for Winn to take on the humbling task of writing the Authorized Biography of Eugene Peterson titled, “A Burning in My Bones”, which was released this past January.Winn is also the Associate Professor of Pastoral Theology and Christian Imagination at Western Theological Seminary in Holland, Michigan. He is the Director of the Eugene Peterson Center for Christian Imagination and the author of 5 books, including Eugene’s biography. You can discover even more about Winn on his website.CONTACT RESTORING THE SOUL:- Tweet us at @michaeljcusick and @PodcastRTS- Like us on Facebook- Follow us on Instagram & Twitter- Follow Michael on Twitter- Email us at info@restoringthesoul.com Thanks for listening!

“I think what we all need is a redemption story. That's basically what the human heart longs for.” - Dr. Rodney ReevesOn this episode, Michael welcomes Dr. Rodney Reeves, Senior Pastor of First Baptist Church in Jonesboro, Arkansas. Rodney is also the author of 6 books, including what he & Michael are going to be discussing today, “Spirituality According to John.” Through all of the Apostle John's works, a consistent message is woven: being a Christian is about abiding in Christ and in his words. The Gospel of John, the epistle of 1 John, and the book of Revelation all begin in the same way: by pointing to the importance of knowing the Word, both written and incarnate. Rodney combines exegesis with spiritual reflection to explore how the only biblical writer to employ three different genres presents a consistent vision of Christian spirituality.HELPFUL RESOURCES:Spirituality According to JohnCONTACT RESTORING THE SOUL:- Tweet us at @michaeljcusick and @PodcastRTS- Like us on Facebook- Follow us on Instagram & Twitter- Follow Michael on Twitter- Email us at info@restoringthesoul.com Thanks for listening!

“Evangelicals in America are one of the most unreached people groups.” - Tony AndersonOn this episode, Michael concludes his conversation with Tony Anderson. As the Executive Producer of the film, The Heart of Man, Tony was intimately involved with every facet of the movie. Tony and Michael continue their discussion about the film but also delve into topics like why African American women are so drawn to the movie, why millions in Saudi Arabia listen to his music, and what Tony’s personal relationship with the Lord looks like on a daily basis.The interview was conducted just before the 2017 release and I’d like to reiterate, The Heart of Man is a film we highly recommend - it can be found on multiple streaming platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime. HELPFUL RESOURCES:The Heart of ManInto the Silent Land: A Guide to the Christian Practice of ContemplationCONTACT RESTORING THE SOUL:- Tweet us at @michaeljcusick and @PodcastRTS- Like us on Facebook- Follow us on Instagram & Twitter- Follow Michael on Twitter- Email us at info@restoringthesoul.com Thanks for listening!

“Healing requires fierceness and tenderness.” - Aundi KolberOn this edition of Restoring the Soul, Michael welcomes back Aundi Kolber to the Restoring the Soul podcast to conclude their 2-part discussion. On this episode, they will be discussing what it means to Discover Self Compassion”. Many of us don’t realize that just as God is profoundly kind and compassionate to us, we are invited to steward that compassion toward ourselves, too, in the form of self-compassion. How do we do this? We begin to practice gentleness and attentiveness toward our wounds in the same way that God is already kind to us. Aundi Kolber is a Licensed Professional Counselor (MA LPC), writer, and speaker from Castle Rock, Colorado who specializes in trauma- and body-centered therapies and is passionate about the integration of faith and psychology. She has written for Relevant, CT Women, and (in) courage. As a survivor of trauma, Aundi brings hard-won knowledge around the work of change, the power of redemption, and the beauty of experiencing God with us in our pain. Connect with Aundi at aundikolber.com, on Facebook at aundikolberwrites, and on Instagram at aundikolberHELPFUL RESOURCES:Episode 199 - Aundi Kolber, "Understanding Attunement" Episode 111 - Aundi Kolber, "Try Softer, Part 2"Episode 110 - Aundi Kolber, "Try Softer, Part 1"Episode 71 - Aundi Kolber Part II, “Healing Trauma: Getting Unstuck and Becoming Whole”Episode 70 - Aundi Kolber Part I, “Healing Trauma: Getting Unstuck and Becoming Whole”CONTACT RESTORING THE SOUL:- Tweet us at @michaeljcusick and @PodcastRTS- Like us on Facebook- Follow us on Instagram & Twitter- Follow Michael on Twitter- Email us at info@restoringthesoul.com Thanks for listening!

"The man who lives under the cop accountability approach will eventually fail in one of two ways that reinforce the gospel of sin management." - Michael John CusickOn this edition of Restoring the Soul, Michael begins a 3-part series about Accountability:Cop AccountabilityCoach AccountabilityCardiologist AccountabilityToday's episode emphasizes the first part, cop accountability. With the cop accountability strategy, by sharing your sin with someone, you will have a greater incentive to choose what is right. It’s about the avoidance of shame. This form of accountability is a gospel of sin management that is all too common, and fraught with problems.CONTACT RESTORING THE SOUL:- Tweet us at @michaeljcusick and @PodcastRTS- Like us on Facebook- Follow us on Instagram & Twitter- Follow Michael on Twitter- Email us at info@restoringthesoul.com Thanks for listening!

Today’s episode is very special since you’ll be listening to a message from Julianne Cusick, Michael's bride of over 25 years. Her talk, “Devastated but not Destroyed” is a message she gave in 2004 where for the very first time she shared her story of heartbreak, hope, and healing from sexual betrayal and sexual addiction that was exposed in 1994. Giving this talk took a tremendous amount of courage and strength, and as you will hear she delivered the message with profound grace and dignity.  Julianne holds a Master's degree in Marriage and Family Therapy and her passion is to fight for the hearts of women and men shattered after pornography, affairs, and other forms of intimate partner betrayal. She is EMDR trained and utilizes a trauma-informed lens when working with women, men, and couples. Julianne embodies hope arising from her own story of healing and redemption.HELPFUL RESOURCES:Episode 94 - Julianne Cusick, "A Holy & Horrible Journey"Episode 114 - Julianne Cusick, "5 Facts Wives Need to Know After Betrayal"Episode 115 - Julianne Cusick, "5 Things Husbands Can Do to Support Their Wives After Betrayal"Episode 165 - Julianne Cusick, "Barriers to Overcoming Betrayal Trauma"Episode 166 - Julianne Cusick, "Treatment Barriers to Healing from Betrayal Trauma"CONTACT RESTORING THE SOUL:- Tweet us at @michaeljcusick and @PodcastRTS- Like us on Facebook- Follow us on Instagram & Twitter- Follow Michael on Twitter- Email us at info@restoringthesoul.com Thanks for listening!

“Risk-taking can lead to restoration only if it’s motivated by love.” - Haejin Shim FujimuraOn this edition of Restoring the Soul, Michael welcomes Mako & Haejin Shim Fujimura. Today, they will discuss a number of topics ranging from trauma, 9/11, Kintsugi, the Covid-19 pandemic, and Human trafficking.Mako is a leading contemporary artist whose process-driven, refractive “slow art” has been described by David Brooks of the New York Times as “a small rebellion against the quickening of time”. He is also an arts advocate, writer, and speaker who is recognized worldwide as a cultural influencer. A Presidential appointee to the National Council on the Arts from 2003-2009, Fujimura served as an international advocate for the arts, speaking with decision-makers and advising governmental policies on the arts.Married to Mako, Haejin is an international attorney and CEO of Embers International. She also serves as the President of Kintsugi Academy. Her life mission is to bringing light into the darkness and help others being remade in order for them to recover.HELPFUL RESOURCES:http://www.embersinternational.org/https://kintsugiacademy.be/en/Episode 13 - Mako Fujimura, “Silence and Beauty, Part 1” Episode 14 - Mako Fujimura, “Silence and Beauty, Part 2”CONTACT RESTORING THE SOUL:- Tweet us at @michaeljcusick and @PodcastRTS- Like us on Facebook- Follow us on Instagram & Twitter- Follow Michael on Twitter- Email us at info@restoringthesoul.com Thanks for listening!

“It’s not about limits. It’s about filling our lives with what we really want.” - Andy CrouchToday we conclude our conversation with author, musician and speaker, Andy Crouch, about his book,  “The Tech-Wise Family: Everyday Steps for Putting Technology in Its Proper Place.” As school is back in session and families are getting back to some regular life rhythms, we thought a conversation centered around how the entire family leverages technology would be most beneficial for the next few episodes. On the back jacket of the book, it states poignantly, “Reclaiming real life in a world of devices.”On this episode, keep an ear out for a few of the 10 Tech-Wise Commitments, such as:Develop wisdom and courage as a familyCreate more than we consumeWake up before our devices do. Go to bed before they do.If you don’t know Andy Crouch, he was an editor and producer at Christianity Today for more than 10 years. His work and writing have been featured in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Time, —and, most importantly, received a shout-out in Lecrae's 2014 single "Non-Fiction." We count it a privilege to know Andy and consider him a strong ally and friend in the fight to restore hearts and lives.HELPFUL RESOURCES:Episode 191 - Andy Crouch, "The Tech-Wise Family, Part 1"Episode 11 - Andy Crouch, "Strong and Weak, Part 1"Episode 12 - Andy Crouch, "Strong and Weak, Part 2"CONTACT RESTORING THE SOUL:- Tweet us at @michaeljcusick and @PodcastRTS- Like us on Facebook- Follow us on Instagram & Twitter- Follow Michael on Twitter- Email us at info@restoringthesoul.com Thanks for listening!

“How well are you paying attention to what you’re paying attention to?” - Dr. Curt ThompsonOn this edition of Restoring the Soul, Michael continues the conversation we began on our last episode with our good friend, Dr. Curt Thompson. This special in-person conversation has been edited from a 12-part video series with Curt and Michael. As a special blessing for our listeners, Restoring the Soul is making these two conversations available in advance of Curt’s forthcoming book, The Soul of Desire, published by InterVarsity Press.HELPFUL RESOURCES:Episode 189 - Dr. Curt Thompson, “Anatomy of the Soul, Part 1”Episode 65 - Dr. Curt Thompson Part 1, “Being Known”Episode 66 - Dr. Curt Thompson Part 2, “Being Known”Episode 122 - Dr. Curt Thompson, "Love and Lament During the Pandemic"CONTACT RESTORING THE SOUL:- Tweet us at @michaeljcusick and @PodcastRTS- Like us on Facebook- Follow us on Instagram & Twitter- Follow Michael on Twitter- Email us at info@restoringthesoul.com Thanks for listening!

“We are people who long for a world of beauty and goodness.” - Dr. Curt ThompsonOn this edition of Restoring the Soul, Michael welcomes our good friend, Dr. Curt Thompson, back to the podcast. This special in-person conversation has been edited from a 12-part video series with Dr. Curt Thompson and Michael John Cusick. As a special blessing for our listeners, Restoring the Soul is making these two conversations available in advance of Curt’s forthcoming book, The Soul of Desire, published by InterVarsity Press.In this podcast, we hope you will discover:What is a person? What is a soul?What does the mind look like when it’s flourishing?The understanding of interpersonal neurobiology as a Christian.HELPFUL RESOURCES:Episode 65 - Dr. Curt Thompson Part 1, “Being Known”Episode 66 - Dr. Curt Thompson Part 2, “Being Known”Episode 122 - Dr. Curt Thompson, "Love and Lament During the Pandemic"CONTACT RESTORING THE SOUL:- Tweet us at @michaeljcusick and @PodcastRTS- Like us on Facebook- Follow us on Instagram & Twitter- Follow Michael on Twitter- Email us at info@restoringthesoul.com Thanks for listening!

“Freedom is the ability to be exactly who we are before God and others with an overflowing heart and to direct our heart in the direction we most deeply desire.” - Michael John CusickOn this edition of Restoring the Soul, Michael continues his in-depth look at Surfing for God and unpacks Chapter 13, “Freedom to Live" with Part 2 of a conversation titled, "Understanding Freedom."God’s love kneels down to us, wherever we are. And as He does, He urges us to bare ourselves before Him. Why? Because in seeing our naked selves in the light of God’s love, we make two discoveries. First, we discover more clearly who God is. All of the brokenness in our world and in our lives calls into question God’s goodness. Can we trust Him? Is He really enough? In our nakedness, there is no pretense of earning or obtaining His love. It’s a gift that makes the gospel more real.HELPFUL RESOURCES:The Apprentice GatheringThe Apprentice Institute for Spiritual FormationSeptember 23-25Wichita, KSPrevious podcasts that address “shame”Episode 173 - "Surfing for God, Part 5: Shame and Core Beliefs"Episode 133 - “5 Ways Shame Fuels Addiction, Part 1”Episode 134 - “5 Ways Shame Fuels Addiction, Part 2”Episode 137 - “5 Ways Shame Fuels Addiction, Part 3”Episode 138 - “5 Ways Shame Fuels Addiction, Part 4”CONTACT RESTORING THE SOUL:- Tweet us at @michaeljcusick and @PodcastRTS- Like us on Facebook- Follow us on Instagram & Twitter- Follow Michael on Twitter- Email us at info@restoringthesoul.com Thanks for listening!

“Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” - 2 Cor. 3:17On this edition of Restoring the Soul, Michael continues his in-depth look at Surfing for God and unpacks Chapter 13, “Freedom to Live.” God’s love kneels down to us, wherever we are. And as He does, He urges us to bare ourselves before Him. Why? Because in seeing our naked selves in the light of God’s love, we make two discoveries. First, we discover more clearly who God is. All of the brokenness in our world and in our lives calls into question God’s goodness. Can we trust Him? Is He really enough? In our nakedness, there is no pretense of earning or obtaining His love. It’s a gift that makes the gospel more real.HELPFUL RESOURCES:The Apprentice GatheringThe Apprentice Institute for Spiritual FormationSeptember 23-25Wichita, KSPrevious podcasts that address “shame”Episode 173 - "Surfing for God, Part 5: Shame and Core Beliefs"Episode 133 - “5 Ways Shame Fuels Addiction, Part 1”Episode 134 - “5 Ways Shame Fuels Addiction, Part 2”Episode 137 - “5 Ways Shame Fuels Addiction, Part 3”Episode 138 - “5 Ways Shame Fuels Addiction, Part 4”CONTACT RESTORING THE SOUL:- Tweet us at @michaeljcusick and @PodcastRTS- Like us on Facebook- Follow us on Instagram & Twitter- Follow Michael on Twitter- Email us at info@restoringthesoul.com Thanks for listening!

“In repentance and rest is your salvation. In quietness and trust is your strength.” - Isaiah 30:15On this edition of Restoring the Soul, Michael continues his in-depth look at Surfing for God and unpacks Chapter 11, “Less Is More”. Solitude and silence are not just practices to optimize our lives in a fast-paced world. And though these practices may bring us healing, they are far more than a trendy therapeutic technique. Our souls require solitude and silence in order to thrive.HELPFUL RESOURCES:Episode 117 - Contemplative Prayer, Part 1 Episode 118 - Contemplative Prayer, Part 2“Less Is More” (message from Denver Seminary) “Forty Days to a Closer Walk with God: The Practice of Centering Prayer” by J. David MuyskensCONTACT RESTORING THE SOUL:- Tweet us at @michaeljcusick and @PodcastRTS- Like us on Facebook- Follow us on Instagram & Twitter- Follow Michael on Twitter- Email us at info@restoringthesoul.com Thanks for listening!

On this edition of Restoring the Soul, Michael kicks off a 6-part series (including this episode as the Introduction) on the debilitating effects of shame and what the path to true freedom looks like.Shame is a judgement upon ourselves that is an experience within but is also put upon us from the outside. Shame also says, “I am not good.” But we need to remember the promise from Paul in Galatians 5:1 that says, “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free.”It is our hope that through this exploration into the relationship between shame and addiction, you will learn to live loved and free.In this podcast, we hope you will discover:What it is about shame that relates to addiction.Why this an important conversation to have.How shame fuels addiction.CONTACT RESTORING THE SOUL:- Tweet us at @michaeljcusick and @PodcastRTS- Like us on Facebook- Follow us on Instagram & Twitter- Follow Michael on Twitter- Email us at info@restoringthesoul.com Thanks for listening!

“Our deepest identity does not lie in our gender, our sexual orientation, our wounds. Our identity lies in Christ.” - Heather KingHeather King has always described herself as “an ex-lawyer, a former barfly, and a Catholic convert.” Her previous life as a functioning alcoholic led her to numerous illicit relationships that resulted in three abortions and a long-term, but failed, marriage. She is raw and open about her past. On this edition of Restoring the Soul, Michael spends a good part of an hour speaking with returning guest, Heather King, about her brand new book, Ravished: Notes on Womanhood, that explores parts of her former life and comes to the conclusion that our deepest identity does not lie in our gender, our sexual orientation, our wounds. Our identity lies in Christ. Ravished is also her love letter to the Church for bringing her to full flower as a woman and as a human being. As you will hear in their conversation, Ravished is a book that is as challenging for men as it is for women.To learn more about Heather, visit her blog.In this podcast, we hope you will discover:Love doesn’t confine itself to one gender.The difference between victim hood and spiritual poverty.What it looks like for a woman to be a real warrior and a real feminist and to be a follower of Christ.CONTACT RESTORING THE SOUL:- Tweet us at @michaeljcusick and @PodcastRTS- Like us on Facebook- Follow us on Instagram & Twitter- Follow Michael on Twitter- Email us at info@restoringthesoul.com Thanks for listening!

“All spirituality is about what we do with the unrest in our soul.” - Ronald RolheiserHow are you caring for your soul? Are you in touch with the Father on a deep and intimate level? Today you will be introduced to iCARE. iCARE is a way for you to be still, guard your heart and the treasure inside, in a way that you can become more aware of it and be connected to that reality and live out of it as you live in the gaze of God’s love.On this edition of Restoring the Soul, Michael will teach you how to regulate your body...to bring you back to a place where you are in a window of tolerance in your nervous system. Where your feelings, experiences, perceptions, and sensations in your body - that you can be present to them and to be present to God.To receive a helpful iCARE guide, click this linkIn this podcast, we hope you will discover:What it means to guard your heart.How to practice the presence of God?What sacred sorrow means.CONTACT RESTORING THE SOUL:- Tweet us at @michaeljcusick and @PodcastRTS- Like us on Facebook- Follow us on Instagram & Twitter- Follow Michael on Twitter- Email us at info@restoringthesoul.com Thanks for listening!

“We all swim in the waters of narcissism.” - Chuck DeGroatDid you know there is an epidemic of narcissism in the church? Whether it’s in the pulpit, lurking behind the scenes, or embedded deep within the organizational systems of the church - narcissism is running rampant and needs to be addressed.Today’s podcast will do just that. In fact, the next two episodes deal with narcissism in frank yet hopeful terms as Michael John Cusick spends time with Chuck DeGroat discussing his latest book, When Narcissism Comes to the Church.Chuck is uniquely qualified on this topic as he has been counseling pastors with Narcissistic Personality Disorder, as well as those wounded by narcissistic leaders and systems, for over twenty years. He knows firsthand the devastation narcissism leaves in its wake and how insidious and painful it is.It’s one thing to be able to point out someone’s faults and identify where people are broken, but as you’ll hear, Chuck offers hope for narcissists themselves—not by any shortcut, but by the long, slow road of genuine recovery, possible only through repentance and trust in the humble gospel of Jesus. We all need to lean in and listen closely over the next two podcasts.In this podcast, we hope you will discover:Characteristics of narcissismThe difference between covert & overt narcissismWhy narcissism seem to thrive in our churchesCONTACT RESTORING THE SOUL:- Tweet us at @michaeljcusick and @PodcastRTS- Like us on Facebook- Follow us on Instagram & Twitter- Follow Michael on Twitter- Email us at info@restoringthesoul.com Thanks for listening!

“A contemplative practice is the only place where you begin to learn how to step outside yourself, observe your place, and then begin to let go of that in a substantial way.” - Peter ZarembaBrad Jersak and Peter Zaremba are Michael’s guests on today’s podcast. Centering prayer is the topic of their discussion.There’s power in prayer and prayer is one of the best ways, indeed not the only way, to connect with God - but do you know that there are many unique and personal methods of prayer? Centering and contemplative prayer are a few of them.That’s what Michael John Cusick will be discussing today with our guests, Brad Jersak and Peter Zaremba. At its core, centering prayer allows you to rest deeply in God in silence and to let go of the thoughts, emotions, memories, images or even sensations that will inevitably come into awareness during prayer. Based on Paul’s letter to the Ephesians, centering prayer can be tied directly to chapter 4 verses 22 to 24 where Paul says, “put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.”Centering prayer may be a new concept to you - it may be something you practice in your everyday life. It’s our hope you are drawn in and encouraged by this conversation.In this podcast, we hope you will discover:The purpose of centering prayer.The importance of humility and dependence in our prayers.The steps on how to practice centering prayer.CONTACT RESTORING THE SOUL:- Tweet us at @michaeljcusick and @PodcastRTS- Like us on Facebook- Follow us on Instagram & Twitter- Follow Michael on Twitter- Email us at info@restoringthesoul.com Thanks for listening!

“Betrayal leaves a trail of devastation.”  - Julianne CusickToday we begin a 2-part series on the topic of betrayal. In particular, betrayal trauma - when defined refers to the damage that is caused when you experience a betrayal in your relationship that damages the trust, safety, and security of the bond you have with your partner. This type of betrayal is extremely traumatic, where you can experience devastating mental, physical, and emotional consequences.On this edition of Restoring the Soul, Michael and Julianne Cusick discuss the devastating effects of betrayal trauma but Julianne will bring hope by providing 5 Facts That Wives Need to Know About How to Heal and Recover from Betrayal Trauma. In this podcast, we hope you will discover:What it means to suffer betrayal trauma.How you recover from betrayal trauma.Why betrayal trauma hurts so much.CONTACT RESTORING THE SOUL:- Tweet us at @michaeljcusick and @PodcastRTS- Like us on Facebook- Follow us on Instagram & Twitter- Follow Michael on Twitter- Email us at info@restoringthesoul.com Thanks for listening!

“I want to become the person that naturally is like Jesus because I have been with Him for so long.”  - James Bryan SmithToday, we begin a 2-part conversation with James Bryan Smith.James is the author of The Good and Beautiful God and the Apprentice series. He earned his MDiv at Yale and his DMin at Fuller and is a theology professor at Friends University in Wichita, Kansas. He also serves as the director of the Apprentice Institute for Christian Spiritual Formation at Friends University.A founding member of Richard J. Foster's spiritual renewal ministry, Renovaré, Smith serves as a teaching pastor at Chapel Hill United Methodist Church. He is the editor of A Spiritual Formation Workbook and Devotional Classics (with Richard Foster), and the author of Embracing the Love of God, Rich Mullins: An Arrow Pointing to Heaven, and Room of Marvels. His most recent books are The Magnificent Story and The Magnificent Journey.In this podcast, we hope you will discover:The difference between spiritual formation and discipleship.What happens when God is the subject of active verbs.The devastating result of teaching people only the spiritual disciplines.CONTACT RESTORING THE SOUL:- Tweet us at @michaeljcusick and @PodcastRTS- Like us on Facebook- Follow us on Instagram & Twitter- Follow Michael on Twitter- Email us at info@restoringthesoul.com Thanks for listening!

“Lower level behavior in one person begets lower level behavior in the other person.”  - Kelley GrayToday, we’re continuing a 5-part series on how the Enneagram can strengthen your marriage or intimate relationship. Michael’s Restoring the Soul colleague is Kelley Gray, our resident expert on the Enneagram. Part III will focus on how to not take things personally.A popular guest on a previous Restoring the Soul podcast, Kelley—is a self-proclaimed growth nerd--works, counsels, and teaches at Restoring the Soul and specializes in intensive counseling with couples and individual. Prior to coming to Restoring the Soul she worked as a private practice psychotherapist in the Denver area for 17 years. She is deeply passionate about therapy, growth, and laughing. She is a writer, teacher, speaker and group leader who is passionate about transformation and wholeness. As you will hear, Kelly’s knowledge of the Enneagram as practical as it is deep. In this podcast, we hope you will discover:That becoming a student of your partner which will bring a level of empathy and compassion you have been unable to experience before.How to develop the ability to see the other person’s vantage point.The healthy and unhealthy parts of your Enneagram number.CONTACT RESTORING THE SOUL:- Tweet us at @michaeljcusick and @PodcastRTS- Like us on Facebook- Follow us on Instagram & Twitter- Follow Michael on Twitter- Email us at info@restoringthesoul.com Thanks for listening!

“The Enneagram is the Face of God and the Body of Christ.”  - Kelley GrayToday, we’re continuing a 5-part series on how the Enneagram can strengthen your marriage or intimate relationship. Michael’s Restoring the Soul colleague is Kelley Gray, our resident expert on the Enneagram. Part II will focus on understanding how your partner handles conflict.A popular guest on a previous Restoring the Soul podcast, Kelley—is a self-proclaimed growth nerd--works, counsels, and teaches at Restoring the Soul and specializes in intensive counseling with couples and individual. Prior to coming to Restoring the Soul she worked as a private practice psychotherapist in the Denver area for 17 years. She is deeply passionate about therapy, growth, and laughing. She is a writer, teacher, speaker and group leader who is passionate about transformation and wholeness. As you will hear, Kelly’s knowledge of the Enneagram as practical as it is deep. In this podcast, we hope you will discover:How the Enneagram can be used effectively in counseling for couples.The “Holy Idea” or “positive reach” for each of the Enneagram numbers.That conflict doesn’t have to be a barrier to intimacy and connection. It can be a bridge.CONTACT RESTORING THE SOUL:- Tweet us at @michaeljcusick and @PodcastRTS- Like us on Facebook- Follow us on Instagram & Twitter- Follow Michael on Twitter- Email us at info@restoringthesoul.com Thanks for listening!

“A relationship will never ever improve or thrive on autopilot.”  - Kelley GrayToday, we’re excited to present a 5-part series on how the Enneagram can strengthen your marriage or intimate relationship. Michael’s Restoring the Soul colleague is Kelley Gray, our resident expert on the Enneagram.A popular guest on a previous Restoring the Soul podcast,  Kelley—a self-proclaimed growth nerd--works, counsels, and teaches at Restoring the Soul and specializes in intensive counseling with couples and individual. Prior to coming to Restoring the Soul she worked as a private practice psychotherapist in the Denver area for 17 years. She is deeply passionate about therapy, growth and laughing. She is a writer, teacher, speaker and group leader who is passionate about transformation and wholeness. As you will here, Kelly’s knowledge of the Enneagram as practical as it is deep. In this podcast, we hope you will discover:The path to becoming an expert on your spouse or partner.What prevents a spouse from becoming an expert on their partner.Brand new pathways for intimacy and connectedness with your partner.CONTACT RESTORING THE SOUL:- Tweet us at @michaeljcusick and @PodcastRTS- Like us on Facebook- Follow us on Instagram & Twitter- Follow Michael on Twitter- Email us at info@restoringthesoul.com Thanks for listening!

“Listen to the voice that calls you beloved. That’s the beginning of the conversation that God has with us.” - Brennan ManningToday, we feature the concluding segment of a 3-part discussion between Michael John Cusick and Brandon Appelhans. Brandon is founder and Executive Director of My Quiet Cave, a ministry that helps close the gap between the church and the mental health community. As Brandon shares his own struggle with mental illness, you’ll hear about how his life of faith and the pursuit of mental health existed in separate worlds. Brandon’s passion is to make the church a safe place for people with mental health issues, as well as equipping the church to be a resource instead of a roadblock. Brandon holds a BA in Speech Communications from Colorado State University and a Master of Divinity from Denver Seminary. After living with bipolar disorder for years, he wants all people to experience hope and the fullness of life in the midst of the struggle. He and his family live in Denver, Colorado.In this podcast, we hope you will discover:What’s it like for people in ministry that deal with mental health issues.God’s “expectations” for us in our relationship with Him.The vital importance of genuine relationships for those who serve in church leadership.CONTACT RESTORING THE SOUL:- Tweet us at @michaeljcusick and @PodcastRTS- Like us on Facebook- Follow us on Instagram & Twitter- Follow Michael on Twitter- Email us at info@restoringthesoul.com Thanks for listening!

“Normally we see mental illness as a huge obstacle to overcome. I think it's a huge opportunity.” - Brandon AppelhansOur guest today is Brandon Appelhans, founder and Executive Director of My Quiet Cave, a ministry that helps close the gap between the church and the mental health community. As Brandon shares his own struggle with mental illness, you’ll hear about how his life of faith and the pursuit of mental health existed in separate worlds. Brandon’s passion is to make the church a safe place for people with mental health issues, as well as equipping the church to be a resource instead of a roadblock. Brandon holds a BA in Speech Communications from Colorado State University and a Master of Divinity from Denver Seminary. After living with bipolar disorder for years, he wants all people to experience hope and the fullness of life in the midst of the struggle. He and his family live in Denver, Colorado.In this podcast, we hope you will discover:The various ways advocates for the mentally ill receive pushback for the work they doThe biggest problem related to churches and communities of faith and their understanding of mental illnessResources to help break the stigma of discussing mental illness in the churchCONTACT RESTORING THE SOUL:- Tweet us at @michaeljcusick and @PodcastRTS- Like us on Facebook- Follow us on Instagram & Twitter- Follow Michael on Twitter- Email us at info@restoringthesoul.com Thanks for listening!

“I’m sober and I love it because I found something better than drinking.” - Jim CusickOn this edition of Restoring the Soul, we are introduced to Michael’s father, James Edward Cusick...otherwise known as Jim. We are offered the rare privilege of stepping inside an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting to hear Jim’s story which was recorded when he was 80 years of age.One of the primary reasons we are making this recording available to you is to emphasize the importance of legacy and the impact one’s story can have on present and future generations. For you see, Jim’s life with its many ups and downs, was very influential on the man his son Michael has become today.We trust you will be impacted by this podcast. Thank you for listening!CONTACT RESTORING THE SOUL:- Tweet us at @michaeljcusick and @PodcastRTS- Like us on Facebook- Follow us on Instagram & Twitter- Follow Michael on Twitter- Email us at info@restoringthesoul.com Thanks for listening!

Finding Wholeheartedness“Blessed are the brokenhearted...those who have come to the end of themselves.” - Chuck DeGroatMichael concludes his two-part discussion with Chuck DeGroat. Chuck is Professor of Counseling and Christian Spirituality at Western Theological Seminary in Holland MI, and Co-Founder and a Senior Fellow at Newbigin House of Studies, San Francisco.He has spent the last 20+ years in a fluid combination of pastoral ministry, seminary teaching, and clinical counseling and writes mostly about the intersections of psychology, theology, and Christian spirituality…with a focus on our lived experience of oneness and worthiness in Jesus.Chuck has written Leaving Egypt: Finding God in the Wilderness Places, which represents his narrative biblical paradigm for understanding counseling, care, and formation.  His second book, The Toughest People to Love focuses on caring for the most difficult people leaders encounter. Finally, Chuck’s third book Wholeheartedness brings a vision of wholeness amidst perfectionism and shame-based culture. His self-published Lenten devotional is called Falling Into Goodness.Learn more about Chuck DeGroat here.In this podcast, we hope you will discover:How wholeheartedness and purity are connected.The closeness of God.How to move towards true wholeheartedness. CONTACT RESTORING THE SOUL:- Tweet us at @michaeljcusick and @PodcastRTS- Like us on Facebook- Follow us on Instagram & Twitter- Follow Michael on Twitter- Email us at info@restoringthesoul.com Thanks for listening!

Finding Wholeheartedness“Wholeheartedness is living life in the presence of God.” - Chuck DeGroatOn this episode of Restoring the Soul, you’ll hear the first of a two-part conversation between Michael and Chuck DeGroat. Chuck is Professor of Counseling and Christian Spirituality at Western Theological Seminary in Holland MI, and Co-Founder and a Senior Fellow at Newbigin House of Studies, San Francisco.He has spent the last 20+ years in a fluid combination of pastoral ministry, seminary teaching, and clinical counseling and writes mostly about the intersections of psychology, theology, and Christian spirituality…with a focus on our lived experience of oneness and worthiness in Jesus.Chuck has written Leaving Egypt: Finding God in the Wilderness Places, which represents his narrative biblical paradigm for understanding counseling, care, and formation.  His second book, The Toughest People to Love focuses on caring for the most difficult people leaders encounter. Finally, Chuck’s third book Wholeheartedness brings a vision of wholeness amidst perfectionism and shame-based culture. His self-published Lenten devotional is called Falling Into Goodness.Learn more about Chuck DeGroat here.In this podcast, we hope you will discover:How to find balance and groundedness in your lifeThe importance of practicing the presence of God & contemplative prayer The damage that can be done by being caught in the “trauma loop” CONTACT RESTORING THE SOUL:- Tweet us at @michaeljcusick and @PodcastRTS- Like us on Facebook- Follow us on Instagram & Twitter- Follow Michael on Twitter- Email us at info@restoringthesoul.com Thanks for listening!

Passion for Growth“I care so much more about the heart level and gut level..I call it the nervous system level.” - Kelley Gray On this episode of Restoring the Soul, Michael will introduce the newest member of the Restoring the Soul team, Kelley Gray. During the course of their conversation, you’ll learn about her upbringing, her training, and why she is so passionate about restoration. As an Enneagram teacher, Kelley teaches self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and harmonious interpersonal communication. She also cares deeply about empowering, educating, challenging, facilitating healing, and working herself out of a job. Finally, writing is also a passion of hers. She writes to thoughtfully engage the path to her true self, the path of wisdom.Learn more about Kelley Gray here.In this podcast, we hope you will discover:How Kelley’s past has informed her present and what motivates her as a therapist.The process she took to discover her area of expertise and specialty.Kelley’s passion of Attachment Theory and bringing healing to individuals. CONTACT RESTORING THE SOUL:- Tweet us at @michaeljcusick and @PodcastRTS- Like us on Facebook- Follow us on Instagram & Twitter- Follow Michael on Twitter- Email us at info@restoringthesoul.com Thanks for listening!

The 4 Gospels“Christianity just didn’t feel real to me.” - Michael John CusickOn this episode of Restoring the Soul we take you to October of 2017 for a sermon Michael John Cusick presented to the students of Denver Seminary. The sermon was entitled “The 4 Gospels” and it was Michael’s intention to present a message that helped students bridge the gap between what they believe with what they experience.The 4 Gospels presented in this talk are the Gospel of Performance, Experience, Activism, and Brokenness. CONTACT RESTORING THE SOUL:- Tweet us at @michaeljcusick and @PodcastRTS- Like us on Facebook- Follow us on Instagram & Twitter- Follow Michael on Twitter- Email us at info@restoringthesoul.com Thanks for listening!

“Julianne Cusick Finds Her Inner Encourager” On this episode of Restoring the Soul, we conclude the 3-part series of Ian Morgan Cron’s Typology podcast conversations. Julianne Cusick, who is married to Michael and serves on the staff of Restoring the Soul, sat down with Ian in January 2018. In this conversation, you will discover that Julianne is an Enneagram type 1 and, among other things, makes reference to her relationship with Michael (Enneagram Type 2), and some of the ups and downs associated with their different types. It’s a fantastic program that we know you will enjoy!Ian Morgan Cron is a bestselling author, nationally recognized speaker, Enneagram teacher, psychotherapist, Dove Award–winning songwriter, and Episcopal priest. His books include the novel Chasing Francis, and spiritual memoir Jesus, My Father, the CIA, and Me. Ian draws on an array of disciplines—from psychology to the arts, Christian spirituality and theology—to help people enter more deeply into conversation with God and the mystery of their own lives. He and his wife, Anne, live in Nashville, Tennessee.If you would like to discover your own personal Enneagram type, follow this link. CONTACT RESTORING THE SOUL:- Tweet us at @michaeljcusick and @PodcastRTS- Like us on Facebook- Follow us on Instagram & Twitter- Follow Michael on Twitter- Email us at info@restoringthesoul.com Thanks for listening!

“The Grace of Letting Go” On this episode of Restoring the Soul, Michael concludes his conversation with Enneagram expert, Ian Cron. Michael was a guest on a recent Typology podcast where he and Ian talk about identity and finding worth by helping others. We’re pleased to be able to bring you this insightful talk.  Click here if you would like to listen to Part I of their conversation.Ian Morgan Cron is a bestselling author, nationally recognized speaker, Enneagram teacher, psychotherapist, Dove Award–winning songwriter, and Episcopal priest. His books include the novel Chasing Francis, and spiritual memoir Jesus, My Father, the CIA, and Me. Ian draws on an array of disciplines—from psychology to the arts, Christian spirituality and theology—to help people enter more deeply into conversation with God and the mystery of their own lives. He and his wife, Anne, live in Nashville, Tennessee.If you would like to discover your own personal Enneagram type, follow this link. CONTACT RESTORING THE SOUL:- Tweet us at @michaeljcusick and @PodcastRTS- Like us on Facebook- Follow us on Instagram & Twitter- Follow Michael on Twitter- Email us at info@restoringthesoul.com Thanks for listening!

“I’m OK if You’re OK”We’re turning the table on today’s podcast as Michael is being interviewed by Enneagram expert, Ian Cron. Michael was a guest on a recent Typology podcast and we thought it would be fun for you to listen as Michael now answers the questions.Ian Morgan Cron is a bestselling author, nationally recognized speaker, Enneagram teacher, psychotherapist, Dove Award–winning songwriter, and Episcopal priest. His books include the novel Chasing Francis and spiritual memoir Jesus, My Father, the CIA, and Me. Ian draws on an array of disciplines—from psychology to the arts, Christian spirituality and theology—to help people enter more deeply into conversation with God and the mystery of their own lives. He and his wife, Anne, live in Nashville, Tennessee.Click here If you would like to discover your own personal Enneagram type. CONTACT RESTORING THE SOUL:- Tweet us at @michaeljcusick and @PodcastRTS- Like us on Facebook- Follow us on Instagram & Twitter- Follow Michael on Twitter- Email us at info@restoringthesoul.com Thanks for listening!

This is part 2 of Michael's conversation with Bill Thrall, Vice Chair and co-author with Truefaced-Leadership Catalyst. As Vice Chair and co-author with Truefaced-Leadership Catalyst since 1995, Bill’s genuine desire to see relational health in those he works with, has been vital in setting the tone of the organization. His eloquence and integrity have given him opportunities to teach Truefaced’s principles internationally. His wisdom has been penned throughout the entire series of The Ascent of a Leader, Beyond Your Best, and The Cure.Prior to joining Truefaced, Bill founded and pastored the influential church, Open Door Fellowship, for over 20 years. While there, he developed an effective character development training program that nurtured visionaries such as Kit Danley, founder of Neighborhood Ministries in Phoenix, AZ. CONTACT RESTORING THE SOUL:- Tweet us at @michaeljcusick and @PodcastRTS- Like us on Facebook- Follow us on Instagram & Twitter- Follow Michael on Twitter- Email us at info@restoringthesoul.com Thanks for listening!

The Soul of a LeaderOn the next two episodes of Restoring the Soul, we're reviving one of our most popular interviews with Bill Thrall. As Vice Chair and co-author with Truefaced-Leadership Catalyst since 1995, Bill’s genuine desire to see relational health in those he works with, has been vital in setting the tone of the organization. His eloquence and integrity have given him opportunities to teach Truefaced’s principles internationally. His wisdom has been penned throughout the entire series of The Ascent of a Leader, Beyond Your Best, and The Cure. Prior to joining Truefaced, Bill founded and pastored the influential church, Open Door Fellowship, for over 20 years. While there, he developed an effective character development training program that nurtured visionaries such as Kit Danley, founder of Neighborhood Ministries in Phoenix, AZ. CONTACT RESTORING THE SOUL:- Tweet us at @michaeljcusick and @PodcastRTS- Like us on Facebook- Follow us on Instagram & Twitter- Follow Michael on Twitter- Email us at info@restoringthesoul.com Thanks for listening!

   “Sometimes to get your life back, you have to face the death of what you thought your life would look like”Lysa TerKeurst, It's Not Supposed To Be This Way Lisa Terkeurst is Michael’s guest for this episode of Restoring the Soul.She is president of Proverbs 31 Ministries and the New York Times best-selling author of Uninvited, The Best Yes, Unglued, Made to Crave, and 16 other books.As president of Proverbs 31 Ministries, Lysa and her team have led thousands to make their walk with God an invigorating journey through daily online devotionals, radio programs, online Bible studies, speaker/writing training, and more.Lysa was recently awarded the Champions of Faith Author Award and has been published in multiple publications such as Focus on the Family and CNN online. Additionally, she has appeared on the Today Show as one of the leading voices in the Christian community.In this podcast, we hope you will discover:Faith is what holds you together when everything else falls apart.God doesn’t want to be explained away. He wants to be invited in.Forgiveness is a decision and a process. CONTACT RESTORING THE SOUL:- Tweet us at @michaeljcusick and @PodcastRTS- Like us on Facebook- Follow us on Instagram & Twitter- Follow Michael on Twitter- Email us at info@restoringthesoul.com Thanks for listening!

Wholeness and Holiness “You can’t heal your character without wholeness...without the restoration of your being.” - John Eldredge We’re thrilled to welcome back John Eldredge to the Restoring the Soul podcast. This episode concludes Michael’s two-part conversation.John is an author, a counselor, and a teacher. He is also president of Ransomed Heart, a ministry devoted to helping people discover the heart of God, recover their own hearts in God's love, and learn to live in God's Kingdom.John earned his master’s degree in Counseling from Colorado Christian University, under the direction of Larry Crabb and Dan Allender. He worked as a counselor in private practice before launching Ransomed Heart in 2000. John and Stasi live in Colorado Springs with their three sons (Samuel, Blaine, and Luke), their golden retriever (Oban), and two horses (Whistle and Kokolo).To hear John’s 2016 interview on Restoring the Soul, click here for Part I and here for Part II.In this podcast, we hope you will discover:What is the Christian life supposed to do? What effect can it have on those you encounter?How being Whole and Holy can contribute to our restoration.The importance character plays in the story of our restoration. CONTACT RESTORING THE SOUL:- Tweet us at @michaeljcusick and @PodcastRTS- Like us on Facebook- Follow us on Instagram & Twitter- Follow Michael on Twitter- Email us at info@restoringthesoul.com Thanks for listening!

Wholeness and Holiness “The heart is central. Your heart matters. And the heart needs healing.” - John Eldredge We’re thrilled to welcome back John Eldredge to the Restoring the Soul podcast. John is an author, a counselor, and a teacher. He is also president of Ransomed Heart, a ministry devoted to helping people discover the heart of God, recover their own hearts in God's love, and learn to live in God's Kingdom.John earned his master’s degree in Counseling from Colorado Christian University, under the direction of Larry Crabb and Dan Allender. He worked as a counselor in private practice before launching Ransomed Heart in 2000. John and Stasi live in Colorado Springs with their three sons (Samuel, Blaine, and Luke), their golden retriever (Oban), and two horses (Whistle and Kokolo).To hear John’s 2016 interview on Restoring the Soul, click here for Part I and here for Part II.In this podcast, we hope you will discover:The centrality of the heart, from a biblical perspectiveThe importance of experiencing the fullness of GodHow Jesus rested in His humanity and why you should, too  CONTACT RESTORING THE SOUL:- Tweet us at @michaeljcusick and @PodcastRTS- Like us on Facebook- Follow us on Instagram & Twitter- Follow Michael on Twitter- Email us at info@restoringthesoul.com Thanks for listening!

The Soul of Immigration “We just need to start seeing each other as God-created human beings instead of all these other labels that we have.” - Vivian LemusMarch 26, 2018 was the day that has forever have changed the lives of Tony and Vivian Lemus. It was on that day they were officially sworn in as United States citizens. We celebrate this special day with Tony and Vivian on this episode of Restoring the Soul and are excited to take you inside their nearly 17-year journey of becoming US citizens to help show that the issue of immigration is not just tied to laws and whether or not migrants are “dotting their i’s and crossing their t’s”. In Michael’s hour-long conversation, he hopes to show that immigration is a living and breathing story of people’s lives that have gotten caught in the sticky spokes of politics and misunderstanding.Tony Lemus is originally from Guatemala. He serves as Program Director at El Centro Humanitario where he oversees the design, development and execution of programs to serve the homeless seeking employment. He holds a law degree from Guatemala, as well as certificates in Public Management and Political Strategies acquired in Costa Rica and Taiwan. Vivian Lemus is also originally from Guatemala and serves as a paralegal at a Denver Immigration law firm. She has worked in administration and teaching, having interacted with people of different cultures and backgrounds throughout her life.In this podcast, we hope you will discover:What the process of “letting go” feels like for immigrants.The challenges associated with raising 3rd Culture Kids.The stresses related to immigrants living in the United States, legal or undocumented. CONTACT RESTORING THE SOUL:- Tweet us at @michaeljcusick and @PodcastRTS- Like us on Facebook- Follow us on Instagram & Twitter- Follow Michael on Twitter- Email us at info@restoringthesoul.com Thanks for listening!

Hidden in Plain Sight “We all have stories and they’re a goldmine. You must tend to them.” - Becky AllenderOn this edition of Restoring the Soul, Michael talks with Becky Allender. Becky helped co-found The Allender Center at The Seattle School, where she directs intercession for the Training Certificate program, leads groups for Story Workshops, and co-leads marriage retreats with her husband. She is the author of Hidden in Plain Sight: One Woman’s Search for Identity, Intimacy, and Calling and has been a regular contributor to Red Tent Living since 2013. A mother and grandmother, she is quite fond of sunshine, yoga, Hawaiian quilting, and creating 17th Century reproduction samplers. A community of praying women, loving Jesus, and the art of gratitude fill her life with goodness.In this podcast, we hope you will discover:The effects of parents’ trauma transferred on to their children.The importance of embodiment and why it matters in your story.How Becky got involved with trafficked women. CONTACT RESTORING THE SOUL:- Tweet us at @michaeljcusick and @PodcastRTS- Like us on Facebook- Follow us on Instagram & Twitter- Follow Michael on Twitter- Email us at info@restoringthesoul.com Thanks for listening!

The Happiness Prayer “Happiness is a sense of looking back on our life and knowing it’s been well-lived.” - Rabbi Evan MofficOn this edition of Restoring the Soul, Michael concludes his conversation with Rabbi Evan Moffic. Evan serves as the Senior Rabbi of Congregation Solel in suburban Chicago. He uses his experience as a rabbi working with people of all ages who experience the highs and lows of life, combined with the most cutting edge research in positive psychology and neuroscience, to explore what practices help us feel a greater sense of satisfaction, meaning and purpose in our lives.Rabbi Moffic is the author of three best-selling books, and a fourth set to release in early 2019. He is regularly featured as part of the Religion Panel on Fox and Friends, and his articles appear in Huffington Post. Evan speaks across the country to faith based groups and corporations wanting to improve strategies for understanding one another, facilitating increased productivity and harmony in the workplace and in our social circles. He is a skilled retreat leader, “lunch and learn” speaker, and large group debate moderator. He is at home in sanctuaries, company boardrooms and civic auditoriums.To learn more about him, visit https://rabbimoffic.com/In this podcast, we hope you will discover:The connection between forgiving your parents and forgiving yourself.The ten elements of the Happiness PrayerThe difference between happiness and pleasure CONTACT RESTORING THE SOUL:- Tweet us at @michaeljcusick and @PodcastRTS- Like us on Facebook- Follow us on Instagram & Twitter- Follow Michael on Twitter- Email us at info@restoringthesoul.com Thanks for listening!

The Happiness Prayer “I’m always looking for wisdom and it doesn’t matter where it comes from.” - Rabbi Evan MofficOn this edition of Restoring the Soul, Michael welcomes Rabbi Evan Moffic. Evan serves as the Senior Rabbi of Congregation Solel in suburban Chicago. He uses his experience as a rabbi working with people of all ages who experience the highs and lows of life, combined with the most cutting edge research in positive psychology and neuroscience, to explore what practices help us feel a greater sense of satisfaction, meaning and purpose in our lives.Rabbi Moffic is the author of three best-selling books, and a fourth set to release in early 2019. He is regularly featured as part of the Religion Panel on Fox and Friends, and his articles appear in Huffington Post. Evan speaks across the country to faith based groups and corporations wanting to improve strategies for understanding one another, facilitating increased productivity and harmony in the workplace and in our social circles. He is a skilled retreat leader, “lunch and learn” speaker, and large group debate moderator. He is at home in sanctuaries, company boardrooms and civic auditoriums.To learn more about him, visit https://rabbimoffic.com/In this podcast, we hope you will discover:Insights on the rise in anti-semitismThe importance of the pursuit of wisdomThe deeper meaning of honoring those who gave you life CONTACT RESTORING THE SOUL:- Tweet us at @michaeljcusick and @PodcastRTS- Like us on Facebook- Follow us on Instagram & Twitter- Follow Michael on Twitter- Email us at info@restoringthesoul.com Thanks for listening!

Boundaries for Your Soul “Internal conflict is growth trying to happen.” - Kimberly MillerOn this program, Michael concludes his conversation with author Kimberly Miller. They discuss her new book, Boundaries for Your Soul, co-written with Alison Cook. Kimberly Miller, MTh, LMFT, is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, speaker, and retreat leader. She is the founder of Leading Wholeheartedly, a ministry that helps Christian leaders tend to their inner lives, so that they can better serve others. She also founded Doing Good Well, a leadership development program for Christians in the Visual Arts. Prior to her work as a counselor, Kim was a campus minister with InterVarsity Christian Fellowship at Harvard University. To learn more about her, visit kimberlyjunemiller.com.In this podcast, we hope you will discover:Five elements of the “You” TurnHow to incorporate the Five Elements into your own soul careA brief counseling session between Michael and Kimberly!CONTACT RESTORING THE SOUL:- Tweet us at @michaeljcusick and @PodcastRTS- Like us on Facebook- Follow us on Instagram & Twitter- Follow Michael on Twitter- Email us at info@restoringthesoul.com Thanks for listening!

Boundaries for Your Soul “Internal conflict is growth trying to happen.” - Kimberly MillerMichael welcomes author Kimberly Miller to Restoring the Soul with a discussion about her new book that she co-wrote with Alison Cook, Boundaries for Your Soul. Kimberly Miller, MTh, LMFT, is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, speaker, and retreat leader. She is the founder of Leading Wholeheartedly, a ministry that helps Christian leaders tend to their inner lives, so that they can better serve others. She also founded Doing Good Well, a leadership development program for Christians in the Visual Arts. Prior to her work as a counselor, Kim was a campus minister with InterVarsity Christian Fellowship at Harvard University. To learn more about her, visit kimberlyjunemiller.com.In this podcast, we hope you will discover:The parts of your soul called managers, firefighters, and exiles.The difference between the “true self” and the “Spirit led” selfIntegration vs. Disintegration CONTACT RESTORING THE SOUL:- Tweet us at @michaeljcusick and @PodcastRTS- Like us on Facebook- Follow us on Instagram & Twitter- Follow Michael on Twitter- Email us at info@restoringthesoul.com Thanks for listening!

Embodiment and Trauma “Therapists who get burned out are not taking care of themselves.” - Barb MaibergerIn this special episode of Restoring the Soul, Michael welcomes Dr. Arielle Schwartz and Barb Maiberger to discuss their new book, “EMDR Therapy and Somatic Psychology” that teaches therapists how to increase the client's capacity to sense and feel the body. The book is also intended to help the client work through traumatic memories in a safe and regulated manner as well as facilitating lasting integration.Click on the links below for more information about Michael's guests:Dr. Arielle SchwartzBarb Maiberger In this podcast, we hope you will discover:How experts in the field of trauma handle tragedy themselves.The importance of self-care for the therapist.Is it possible for a therapist to “leave their work at the office?”The definition of the “triune brain”. CONTACT RESTORING THE SOUL:- Tweet us at @michaeljcusick and @PodcastRTS- Like us on Facebook- Follow us on Instagram & Twitter- Follow Michael on Twitter- Email us at info@restoringthesoul.com Thanks for listening!

Remembering Eugene PetersonA Conversation with Winn Collier “It feels like Gandolf is gone.” - Former student of Eugene PetersonMichael welcomes back Winn Collier to Restoring the Soul with a discussion about Eugene Peterson, who recently passed away. Eugene was an American Presbyterian clergyman, scholar, theologian, author, and poet. He wrote over thirty books, including Gold Medallion Book Award winner The Message: The Bible in Contemporary Language.Winn has been selected to be Eugene’s personal biographer as he was on the receiving end of Eugene’s mentoring, guidance, and friendship. Winn agreed to have a conversation with Michael to remember Eugene’s life well-lived.To read Michael's interview with Eugene Peterson from 1996, click here.To learn more about Winn, visit winncollier.com.In this podcast, we hope you will discover:The importance of Winn’s honor to be selected to write Eugene’s story.Who Alexander White was and why he was so important to Eugene.Eugene’s favorite brand of whiskey.  CONTACT RESTORING THE SOUL:- Tweet us at @michaeljcusick and @PodcastRTS- Like us on Facebook- Follow us on Instagram & Twitter- Follow Michael on Twitter- Email us at info@restoringthesoul.com Thanks for listening!

Defiant Joy“You cannot know joy if you live in denial.” - Stasi EldredgeMichael wraps up his conversation with Stasi Eldredge on this episode of Restoring the Soul. Stasi loves the joy and freedom that comes from knowing the passionate, stunning love of Jesus Christ and lives to see others come to know him more deeply.  She loves worship music, celebrating life, getting lost in a good novel, a powerful turn of phrase, the grace and beauty of horses, the affection of her dog and most of all her family and her God.In addition to Defiant Joy, Stasi is also the author of Captivating, Becoming Myself, and Beautiful Now.In this podcast, we hope you will discover:God’s design for joy.The importance of the cup of salvation and the cup of suffering as it relates to joy.How to walk with God through the “mess of your life” to get to true joy. CONTACT RESTORING THE SOUL:- Tweet us at @michaeljcusick and @PodcastRTS- Like us on Facebook- Follow us on Instagram & Twitter- Follow Michael on Twitter- Email us at info@restoringthesoul.com Thanks for listening!

Defiant Joy“Joy is a truth where we’re rooted into eternity.” - Stasi EldredgeStasi Eldredge is Michael's guest for the next few episodes of Restoring the Soul. Stasi loves the joy and freedom that comes from knowing the passionate, stunning love of Jesus Christ and lives to see others come to know him more deeply.  She loves worship music, celebrating life, getting lost in a good novel, a powerful turn of phrase, the grace and beauty of horses, the affection of her dog and most of all her family and her God.In addition to Defiant Joy, Stasi is also the author of Captivating, Becoming Myself, and Beautiful Now.In this podcast, we hope you will discover:What is true joy.How joy is connected to the Kingdom of God.How joy is connected to the availability of God. CONTACT RESTORING THE SOUL:- Tweet us at @michaeljcusick and @PodcastRTS- Like us on Facebook- Follow us on Instagram & Twitter- Follow Michael on Twitter- Email us at info@restoringthesoul.com Thanks for listening!

Healing Trauma: Getting Unstuck and Becoming Whole"Understanding the role that shame plays in our life can be a catalyst for change.” - Aundi KolberOn this episode of Restoring the Soul, Michael concludes his conversation with Aundi Kolber. Aundi is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), writer, and speaker in Castle Rock, Colorado. She specializes in trauma and body centered therapies, including the highly researched and regarded Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy. Aundi is passionate about the integration of faith and psychology, and its significance for the Church today. She has written for Relevant, CT Women, (In) Courage, and more. As a survivor of trauma and a life long learner, Aundi brings hard won knowledge around the work of change, the power of redemption, and the beauty of experiencing God in our pain. Aundi has been happily married to her best friend for over eleven years and is the proud mom of Matia (6) and Jude (1). Aundi will be releasing her first book with Tyndale Publishers in January of 2020. Sign up for her newsletter to follow along: http://bit.ly/signup_bravelyimperfect Or find her on Twitter and Instagram: @aundikolber In this podcast, we hope you will discover:How shame is its own kind of trauma.How to discover and build your “window of tolerance”.How Aundi’s writing allowed her to integrate her faith and psychologyCONTACT RESTORING THE SOUL:- Tweet us at @michaeljcusick and @PodcastRTS- Like us on Facebook- Follow us on Instagram & Twitter- Follow Michael on Twitter- Email us at info@restoringthesoul.com Thanks for listening!

Healing Trauma: Getting Unstuck and Becoming Whole"Understanding the role that shame plays in our life can be a catalyst for change.” - Aundi KolberOn this episode of Restoring the Soul, Michael is joined by Aundi Kolber. Aundi is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), writer, and speaker in Castle Rock, Colorado. She specializes in trauma and body centered therapies, including the highly researched and regarded Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy. Aundi is passionate about the integration of faith and psychology, and its significance for the Church today. She has written for Relevant, CT Women, (In) Courage, and more.As a survivor of trauma and a life long learner, Aundi brings hard won knowledge around the work of change, the power of redemption, and the beauty of experiencing God in our pain. Aundi has been happily married to her best friend for over eleven years and is the proud mom of Matia (6) and Jude (1).Aundi will be releasing her first book with Tyndale Publishers in January of 2020. Sign up for her newsletter to follow along: http://bit.ly/signup_bravelyimperfectOr find her on Twitter and Instagram: @aundikolberIn this podcast, we hope you will discover:What is a trauma informed perspective.Strains of “stuckness” and how to overcome them.The importance of self-compassion and mindfulness.The difference between shame and healthy guilt. CONTACT RESTORING THE SOUL:- Tweet us at @michaeljcusick and @PodcastRTS- Like us on Facebook- Follow us on Instagram & Twitter- Follow Michael on Twitter- Email us at info@restoringthesoul.com Thanks for listening!

Speak God“As I got older, I had to consider whether or not that word “God” needed to mature alongside me.” - Jonathan MerrittOn this edition of Restoring the Soul, Michael’s concludes his interview with Jonathan Merritt. Jonathan is an award-winning writer on religion, culture, and politics. He currently serves as a contributing writer for The Atlantic and contributing editor for The Week. Jonathan has published more than 3500 articles in respected outlets such as The New York Times, USA Today, Buzzfeed, The Washington Post and Christianity Today. As a respected voice, he regularly contributes commentary to television, print, and radio news outlets and has been interviewed by ABC World News, NPR, CNN, PBS, MSNBC, Fox News, and CBS’ “60 Minutes.”In fact, the New York Times has recently published a fabulous Opinion piece by Jonathan titled, "It's Getting Harder to Talk About God".Jonathan is also author of several critically-acclaimed books, including Learning to Speak God from Scratch, Jesus is Better Than You Imagined, and A Faith of Our Own: Following Jesus Beyond the Culture Wars. and has collaborated on or ghostwritten more than 50 additional books, with several titles landing on the New York Times, USA Today, or Wall Street Journal bestsellers lists. Additionally, he trains hundreds of young writers through his Write Brilliant course.In this podcast, we hope you will discover:The understanding of words is an internal process, a spiritual process as much as it is a cognitive understanding of words.There’s no way to express the Gospel without words.The vocabulary of faith is growing and evolving over time.How to S.P.E.A.K.CONTACT RESTORING THE SOUL:- Tweet us at @michaeljcusick and @PodcastRTS- Like us on Facebook- Follow us on Instagram & Twitter- Follow Michael on Twitter- Email us at info@restoringthesoul.com Thanks for listening!

"Speak God"“Living languages can die but a dying language could also be revived.” - Jonathan MerrittMichael’s guest on this episode of Restoring the Soul is Jonathan Merritt. Jonathan is an award-winning writer on religion, culture, and politics. He currently serves as a contributing writer for The Atlantic and contributing editor for The Week. Jonathan has published more than 3500 articles in respected outlets such as The New York Times, USA Today, Buzzfeed, The Washington Post and Christianity Today. As a respected voice, he regularly contributes commentary to television, print, and radio news outlets and has been interviewed by ABC World News, NPR, CNN, PBS, MSNBC, Fox News, and CBS’ “60 Minutes."Jonathan is author of several critically-acclaimed books, including Learning to Speak God from Scratch, Jesus is Better Than You Imagined, and A Faith of Our Own: Following Jesus Beyond the Culture Wars. and has collaborated on or ghostwritten more than 50 additional books, with several titles landing on the New York Times, USA Today, or Wall Street Journal bestsellers lists. Additionally, he trains hundreds of young writers through his Write Brilliant course.In this podcast, we hope you will discover:Only 7% of the American population say they have a regular spiritual conversation.The connotation of sacred words have changed so much they have become triggers for many.The thirteen top reasons why people avoid using sacred words.What qualifies as a spiritual conversation.Why Speaking God matters. CONTACT RESTORING THE SOUL:- Tweet us at @michaeljcusick and @PodcastRTS- Like us on Facebook- Follow us on Instagram & Twitter- Follow Michael on Twitter- Email us at info@restoringthesoul.com Thanks for listening!

Even In Our Darkness“Life with God is meant to be enjoyed not endured.” ― Dr. Jack DeereOn this episode of Restoring the Soul, Michael is joined by Dr. Jack Deere. Jack is formerly an associate professor of Old Testament at Dallas Theological Seminary. He is also a writer and lecturer who speaks on friendship with God and on the gifts of the Holy Spirit. He is the author of the bestselling book, Surprised by the Power of the Spirit as well as Even in Our Darkness: A Story of Beauty in a Broken Life, Surprised by the Voice of God: How God Speaks Today Through Prophecies, Dreams, and Visions, and The Beginner's Guide to the Gift of ProphecyIn this podcast, we hope you will discover:How to experience God fully in the midst of tragedy and suffering.The importance of having a “Friendship with God”.How friendship with God will help you to love the things that God loves.Helpful advice on how to grieve through someone’s suicide. CONTACT RESTORING THE SOUL:- Tweet us at @michaeljcusick and @PodcastRTS- Like us on Facebook- Follow us on Instagram & Twitter- Follow Michael on Twitter- Email us at info@restoringthesoul.com Thanks for listening!

“Being Known”“The degree to which I am deeply known by God experientially is directly related to the degree that I am deeply known by other human beings.”On this episode of Restoring the Soul, Michael concludes his conversation with Dr. Curt Thompson. Curt is a psychiatrist who received his MD from Wright State University. He authored Anatomy of the Soul and founded the Center for Being Known, a nonprofit that develops resources to educate and train leaders within the fields of mental health, education, business, and the church about the intersection between interpersonal neurobiology and Christian spiritual formation. Thompson believes that the findings of interpersonal neurobiology point to important tenets of Christian faith that enable us to reflect on, understand, and experience that same faith in fresh, trustworthy ways. Through Being Known, Dr. Thompson is now creating a platform for educating clinicians, individuals and groups through the development of training materials, seminars and other resources.He and his wife Phyllis, a licensed clinical social worker, and their two children reside in Arlington, Virginia.In this podcast, we hope you will discover:Why our mind is different than our brain.The necessity of being connected to others in relationshipHow your mind can truly flourish.How to identify mature or insecure forms of emotional attachment.The importance of the engagement of your right brain as it relates to your faith and spiritual life.CONTACT RESTORING THE SOUL:- Tweet us at @michaeljcusick and @PodcastRTS- Like us on Facebook- Follow us on Instagram & Twitter- Follow Michael on Twitter- Email us at info@restoringthesoul.com Thanks for listening!

“Being Known”“My calling is to preach the gospel in the language of neuroscience.” ― Curt ThompsonMichael speaks with Dr. Curt Thompson on this edition of Restoring the Soul. Curt is a psychiatrist who received his MD from Wright State University. He authored Anatomy of the Soul and founded the Center for Being Known, a nonprofit that develops resources to educate and train leaders within the fields of mental health, education, business, and the church about the intersection between interpersonal neurobiology and Christian spiritual formation. Thompson believes that the findings of interpersonal neurobiology point to important tenets of Christian faith that enable us to reflect on, understand, and experience that same faith in fresh, trustworthy ways. Through Being Known, Dr. Thompson is now creating a platform for educating clinicians, individuals and groups through the development of training materials, seminars and other resources.He and his wife Phyllis, a licensed clinical social worker, and their two children reside in Arlington, Virginia.In this podcast, we hope you will discover:How Curt chose to become a psychiatrist and what it entails to become one.Why neuroscience, or the study of structure of the brain and nervous system, is extremely supportive of the entire biblical narrative, especially what is seen in the first few chapters of Genesis.Interpersonal neurobiology and its implications to faith and a relationship with God.What does it mean for us to be known?CONTACT RESTORING THE SOUL:- Tweet us at @michaeljcusick and @PodcastRTS- Like us on Facebook- Follow us on Instagram & Twitter- Follow Michael on Twitter- Email us at info@restoringthesoul.com Thanks for listening!

 What Would Your Life Be Like If Porn and Lust Were No Longer an Issue?We all know someone battling sexually compulsive behavior or habitual sexual sin. You may not know it yet, but statistically it’s true. So maybe you’ve met the guy who has read all the purity books and attended all the sexual integrity groups, met with an accountability partner, yet continues to stay stuck in their struggle. With that struggle comes relational pain, crippling shame, and a sense that things can never really change. It doesn’t have to be this way. There is a way to live that leads to freedom. But here's the thing . . .Freedom is all about restoration of our heart.In this conversation, Michael Cusick is interviewed by Blaine and Sam Eldredge of Ransomed Heart Ministries. The conversation runs the gamut about desire, God, longings, addiction and freedom.When you listen you will learn the following:What are the four mistakes to avoid when trying to overcome a struggle with pornography or lust?Three reasons why more Christian effort and performance will not lead to freedom.Why the best approach to overcoming sexual struggles is to "feed the soul and starve the addiction".Two ways our sexuality gives us clues about our own soul and our relationship with God.CONTACT RESTORING THE SOUL:- Tweet us at @michaeljcusick and @PodcastRTS- Like us on Facebook- Follow us on Instagram & Twitter- Follow Michael on Twitter- Email us at info@restoringthesoul.com Thanks for listening!

“Centering Prayer”“Centering prayer is really the prayer of no words. It’s a place of safety with God“On this episode of Restoring the Soul, Michael concludes his conversation with Ellen Haroutunian. Ellen is a psychotherapist, life coach, spiritual director, and writer, with a focus on the awakening and strengthening of the truest self in Christ. This focus includes an emphasis on gender, sexuality and identity formation as well as the healing of relational struggles, abuse, trauma, codependency, anxiety, and depression. Through her private counseling practice she has spent almost two decades listening to personal stories and helping people to see the movement of God in their lives and to grow towards emotional wholeness and integration, as well as wisdom for the larger telos for humankind of which we are all a part. As a former nurse, she is passionate about all human flourishing, and takes an integrated approach to include support in physical as well as mental and spiritual health.In addition to seminary training, she is certified as a Spiritual Director by Benet Hill Monastery in Colorado Spring, and in the Christian contemplative tradition through the Living School at the Center for Action and Contemplation in Albuquerque, NM. She is currently a doctoral student, focusing on spiritual formation and transformation.She has two grown children and lives in Lakewood, CO with her husband Aram, two ex-racing greyhounds and two non-racing cats.In this podcast, we hope you will discover:The importance of practicing Centering Prayer in Ellen’s life and how it impacts her walk with Christ.How Centering Prayer triggers certain emotions that may not otherwise surface.The influence of Fr. Thomas Keating on Michael and Ellen and how the practice of Centering Prayer can be traced back to him.Ellen’s recommendations on how to begin practicing Centering Prayer.The difference between Listening Prayer and Centering Prayer.CONTACT RESTORING THE SOUL:- Tweet us at @michaeljcusick and @PodcastRTS- Like us on Facebook- Follow us on Instagram & Twitter- Follow Michael on Twitter- Email us at info@restoringthesoul.com Thanks for listening!

“See the World Through the Lowly”“Jesus really views this world very differently than we do. What is up for us is down for Him.”Ellen Haroutunian is Michael’s guest for the next two Restoring the Soul podcasts. Ellen is a psychotherapist, life coach, spiritual director, and writer, with a focus on the awakening and strengthening of the truest self in Christ. This focus includes an emphasis on gender, sexuality and identity formation as well as the healing of relational struggles, abuse, trauma, codependency, anxiety, and depression. Through her private counseling practice she has spent almost two decades listening to personal stories and helping people to see the movement of God in their lives and to grow towards emotional wholeness and integration, as well as wisdom for the larger telos for humankind of which we are all a part. As a former nurse, she is passionate about all human flourishing, and takes an integrated approach to include support in physical as well as mental and spiritual health.In addition to seminary training, she is certified as a Spiritual Director by Benet Hill Monastery in Colorado Spring, and in the Christian contemplative tradition through the Living School at the Center for Action and Contemplation in Albuquerque, NM. She is currently a doctoral student, focusing on spiritual formation and transformation.She has two grown children and lives in Lakewood, CO with her husband Aram, two ex-racing greyhounds and two non-racing cats.In this podcast, we hope you will discover:How the AIDS epidemic impacted Ellen’s faith.How to see the world through the eyes of the lowly and the suffering.What brings us to the place of transformation; great suffering or great love?How Jesus resolves the tension we experience through mercy and love.How Jesus views ISIS.CONTACT RESTORING THE SOUL:- Tweet us at @michaeljcusick and @PodcastRTS- Like us on Facebook- Follow us on Instagram & Twitter- Follow Michael on Twitter- Email us at info@restoringthesoul.com Thanks for listening!

“Love Big, Be Well”“A book must be the axe for the frozen sea within us.” ― Franz KafkaOn this edition of Restoring the Soul, Michael concludes his conversation with author and pastor Winn Collier. Winn is from Charlottesville, Virginia, where he lives with his wife Miska and their two sons, Wyatt and Seth. Winn likes friendship, fair-trade coffee, smart movies, books worth reading, honest music, mountains, questions, walking in the woods, and doing just about anything with Miska or his boys. He dislikes pretense, fear, injustice—and that he doesn’t live anywhere near a Planet Smoothie. Winn writes for magazines and is the author of four books: Restless Faith: Hanging on to a God Just out of Reach, Let God: The Transforming Wisdom of Francois Fenelon, Holy Curiosity: Encountering Jesus’ Provocative Questions and his recent fiction: Love Big, Be Well: Letters to a Small-Town Church. Winn is pastor of All Souls Charlottesville.In this podcast, discover:The impact of Eugene Peterson on Winn’s life and writing.Insight into why writers write.Insight into the discussion on spirituality vs. religion and whether or not transcendence can happen in church.Winn’s pursuit of new ways of “doing church” actually causes him to look backwards.How the recent and tragic events in Charlottesville impacted him on a personal and spiritual level.CONTACT RESTORING THE SOUL:- Tweet us at @michaeljcusick and @PodcastRTS- Like us on Facebook- Follow us on Instagram & Twitter- Follow Michael on Twitter- Email us at info@restoringthesoul.com Thanks for listening!

“Love Big, Be Well”“...being a storyteller is really who I am.” - Winn CollierMichael’s special guest on the next two programs is Winn Collier. Winn makes his home in Charlottesville, Virginia, where he lives with his wife Miska, the woman he describes as “the most interesting woman alive” and their two sons, Wyatt and Seth. Winn likes friendship, fair-trade coffee, smart movies, books worth reading, honest music, mountains, questions, walking in the woods, and doing just about anything with Miska or his boys. Winn dislikes pretense, fear, injustice—and that he doesn’t live anywhere near a Planet Smoothie. Winn writes for magazines and is the author of four books: Restless Faith: Hanging on to a God Just out of Reach, Let God: The Transforming Wisdom of Francois Fenelon, Holy Curiosity: Encountering Jesus’ Provocative Questions and his recent fiction: Love Big, Be Well: Letters to a Small-Town Church. Winn is pastor of All Souls Charlottesville.In this podcast, discover:The inspiration for Love Big, Be Well.The essence of true spiritual authority and how it differs from expertise.Winn’s perspective on the move of the Holy Spirit in the contemporary church and some potentially dangerous influences.The “integrated life” of becoming more like God and still being very human.What does it mean to be more like God in the midst of living in the world.CONTACT RESTORING THE SOUL:- Tweet us at @michaeljcusick and @PodcastRTS- Like us on Facebook- Follow us on Instagram & Twitter- Follow Michael on Twitter- Email us at info@restoringthesoul.com Thanks for listening!

Michael concludes his 2-part conversation with John Lynch on this edition of Restoring the Soul. John served for 27 years as teaching pastor at Open Door Fellowship in Phoenix, Arizona. As a world-class communicator, John is now a vital Trueface staff member. In addition to speaking internationally with the Trueface team since 1997, John has co-authored The Cure, Bo’s Café, Behind The Mask, and his own story, On My Worst Day. John also powerfully delivered the classic Two Roads Two Rooms allegory, which the co-authors created for The Cure. This message can be heard or seen online. Finally, John played an important role in the recent film, The Heart of Man. You can view it online today with a subscription to Netflix. It’s our hope that you experience the true “Good News” and know that you are loved with an everlasting love, not based on what you do but because it’s the essence of God’s character. In this podcast, discover:The “story behind the story” of Two Roads /Two Rooms.The difference between pleasing God and trusting God.Why our human tendency is to push away God’s grace and reckless love.Why you must travel the journey of grace with someone else in order to reverse the damage caused by pleasing God versus resting in His graceCONTACT RESTORING THE SOUL:- Tweet us at @michaeljcusick and @PodcastRTS- Like us on Facebook- Follow us on Instagram & Twitter- Follow Michael on Twitter- Email us at info@restoringthesoul.com Thanks for listening!

“What if there was a place so safe that the worst of me could be known and I could discover that I’d be loved more, not less, in the telling of it.” - John Lynch Bo’s CafeJohn Lynch is Michael’s special guest on the next two Restoring the Soul podcasts. John served for 27 years as teaching pastor at Open Door Fellowship in Phoenix, Arizona. As a world-class communicator, John is now a vital Trueface staff member. In addition to speaking internationally with the Trueface team since 1997, John has co-authored The Cure, Bo’s Café, Behind The Mask, and his own story, On My Worst Day. John also powerfully delivered the classic Two Roads Two Rooms allegory, which the co-authors created for The Cure. This message can be heard or seen online.In this podcast, discover:The secret that John carried for decades, even while ministering and offering a message of hope, freedom, and authenticity.That we are changed and transformed by living in the reality that we are loved.How John’s story has helped people understand and experience the Gospel, the original Good News, as it was meant to be.John’s unique fondness for Ernest Borgnine of McHale’s Navy.CONTACT RESTORING THE SOUL:- Tweet us at @michaeljcusick and @PodcastRTS- Like us on Facebook- Follow us on Instagram & Twitter- Follow Michael on Twitter- Email us at info@restoringthesoul.com Thanks for listening!

In part two of Michael's conversation with Dan Allender, Dan discusses the following issues and much more:More reflections on why men must deal with the “original woman” in their life—namely the mother.Dan’s own triangulated relationship with his mother and how this brought wounds to his soul.How this triangulation impacts how we all live out our relationship with self, others, and God. How we are all in a journey between intimacy and individuation--connectedness and separation.What the process of addressing and healing our woundedness looks like.Responding to the question, “why bother?” by jumping into the pain and brokenness of our story.Why the emotion and reaction of shame is so powerful and where it often comes from.Dr. Dan Allender has pioneered a unique and innovative approach to trauma and abuse therapy over the past 30 years. Central to Dr. Allender’s theory and approach are the categories of Faith, Hope and Love, and their converses betrayal, ambivalence, and powerlessness. To learn more about Dan’s work with the Allender Center visit www.allendercenter.orgCONTACT RESTORING THE SOUL:- Tweet us at @michaeljcusick and @PodcastRTS- Like us on Facebook- Follow us on Instagram & Twitter- Follow Michael on Twitter- Email us at info@restoringthesoul.com Thanks for listening!

In this heartfelt and thought provoking conversation, Michael speaks with Dan Allender about topics such as: Why every one of us is sexually broken whether or not we have experienced sexual abuse or specific sexual harm.The major differences between man and woman, male and female as we are made in God’s image. Why women just may be more like God than men—and how this leads to the misogyny and violation of women driving the “#metoo” movement. The category of lust as “desire gone mad” and why it’s crucial to understand lust in terms of both relief and revenge.Why every man must come to terms with “the first woman in his life” which Dan describes as our mother.Dr. Dan Allender has pioneered a unique and innovative approach to trauma and abuse therapy over the past 30 years. Central to Dr. Allender’s theory and approach are the categories of Faith, Hope and Love, and their converses betrayal, ambivalence, and powerlessness. Through identifying and engaging these categories in one’s personal narrative, healing and transformation can occur by bridging the story of the gospel and the stories of trauma and abuse that mark so many.Dan continues to serve as Professor of Counseling Psychology at The Seattle School. He travels and speaks extensively to present his unique perspective on sexual abuse recovery, love and forgiveness, intimacy and marriage, worship, and other related topics. Dan is the author of The Wounded Heart, The Healing Path, To Be Told, and God Loves Sex, and he has co-authored several books with Dr. Tremper Longman, including Intimate Allies, The Cry of the Soul, Bold Love, and Bold Purpose.CONTACT RESTORING THE SOUL:- Tweet us at @michaeljcusick and @PodcastRTS- Like us on Facebook- Follow us on Instagram & Twitter- Follow Michael on Twitter- Email us at info@restoringthesoul.com Thanks for listening!

Are you struggling or perhaps you know someone with an addiction to pornography or any sexually compulsive behavior? If so, this is a great podcast for you.Tony Anderson and Kevin Triplett join Michael on this edition of Restoring the Soul. Tony has been a guest on previous episodes. He is a "sonic architect", composer, and Executive Producer of the film, The Heart of Man. Kevin Triplett also joins the conversation. He is a veteran of the US Army as well as a retired SWAT Team / law enforcement officer. Both of their stories were prominently featured in The Heart of Man, which recently debuted in 700 theatres across the US, and they also experienced a Surfing for God weekend intensive weekend in Colorado in 2013.In this conversation, Tony and Kevin share their stories, including how the Surfing for God weekend changed their lives and how it was the catalyst for stories told in The Heart of Man movie.CONTACT RESTORING THE SOUL:- Tweet us at @michaeljcusick and @PodcastRTS- Like us on Facebook- Follow us on Instagram & Twitter- Follow Michael on Twitter- Email us at info@restoringthesoul.com Thanks for listening!

Brant Hansen, is an author, nationally syndicated radio host, and advocate for healing children with correctible disabilities through CURE International.On his official website, Brant describes himself as ”Toast eater, occasional cape wearer, accordion player, also host of The Brant Hansen show.His first book, Unoffendable, has prompted a national discussion on the idea of forgiveness, and our culture’s embrace of self-righteous anger. His second book, both provocative and very personal, and will be released in November of 2017: Blessed are the Misfits: Great News for Those Who Are Introverts, Spiritual Strugglers, or Just Feel Like They’re Missing Something. In this book, Hansen addresses his own, and many others’, inability to “feel God’s presence”, and how God might Himself feel about that.CONTACT RESTORING THE SOUL:- Tweet us at @michaeljcusick and @PodcastRTS- Like us on Facebook- Follow us on Instagram & Twitter- Follow Michael on Twitter- Email us at info@restoringthesoul.com Thanks for listening!

Brant Hansen, is an author, nationally syndicated radio host, and advocate for healing children with correctible disabilities through CURE International.On his official website, Brant describes himself as ”Toast eater, occasional cape wearer, accordion player, also host of The Brant Hansen show.His first book, Unoffendable, has prompted a national discussion on the idea of forgiveness, and our culture’s embrace of self-righteous anger. His second book, both provocative and very personal, and will be released in November of 2017: Blessed are the Misfits: Great News for Those Who Are Introverts, Spiritual Strugglers, or Just Feel Like They’re Missing Something. In this book, Hansen addresses his own, and many others’, inability to “feel God’s presence”, and how God might Himself feel about that.CONTACT RESTORING THE SOUL:- Tweet us at @michaeljcusick and @PodcastRTS- Like us on Facebook- Follow us on Instagram & Twitter- Follow Michael on Twitter- Email us at info@restoringthesoul.com Thanks for listening!

Brad Jersak is an author, teacher and theologian. He joins Michael for the second and final part of their conversation on Restoring the Soul titled, "A More Christlike God". Through Brad's books, seminars, and teaching around the world Brad shares the Good News that God is love perfectly revealed in Jesus Christ. Brad is the author of 12 books inclusing A More Christlike God: A More Beautiful Gospel and Can You Hear Me? Tuning in to the God Who Speaks. Out of a deep academic and intellectual knowledge as well as over two decades as a pastor, Brad offers a fresh vision of God and the Gospel.Brad also serves as an ordained Reader and Monastery Preacher at All Saints of North America  Monastery. He holds a Master of Divinity from Acts Seminary at Trinity Western University, an M.A. in Biblical Studies from Briarcrest Biblical Seminary, and a PhD in Theology from Bangor University in Wales.To learn even more about Brad, please visit his website. CONTACT RESTORING THE SOUL:- Tweet us at @michaeljcusick and @PodcastRTS- Like us on Facebook- Follow us on Instagram & Twitter- Follow Michael on Twitter- Email us at info@restoringthesoul.com Thanks for listening!

Brad Jersak is an author, teacher and theologian. He joins Michael for the next two episodes of Restoring the Soul titled, "A More Beautiful Gospel". Through Brad's books, seminars, and teaching around the world Brad shares the Good News that God is love perfectly revealed in Jesus Christ. Brad is the author of A More Christlike God: A More Beautiful Gospel and Can You Hear Me? Tuning in to the God Who Speaks. Out of a deep academic and intellectual knowledge as well as over two decades as a pastor, Brad offers a fresh vision of God and the Gospel.Brad also serves as an ordained Reader and Monastery Preacher at All Saints of North America  Monastery. He holds a Master of Divinity from Acts Seminary at Trinity Western University, an M.A. in Biblical Studies from Briarcrest Biblical Seminary, and a PhD in Theology from Bangor University in Wales.To learn even more about Brad, please visit his website.CONTACT RESTORING THE SOUL:- Tweet us at @michaeljcusick and @PodcastRTS- Like us on Facebook- Follow us on Instagram & Twitter- Follow Michael on Twitter- Email us at info@restoringthesoul.com Thanks for listening!

Michael's guest on this podcast is the first "alumni guest" on Restoring the Soul. Author, musician and speaker, Andy Crouch, joins Michael in a concluding discussion about his book, "The Tech-Wise Family".Andy is an eloquent communicator who masterfully makes connections between culture, creativity, and the Christianit faith. He is also on the gobverning boards of Fuller Theological Seminary as well as the Council for Christan Colleges and Universities. For more than 10 years he was an editor and producer at Christianity Today including serving as the Executive Editor from 2012-2016. Andy joined the John Templeton Foundation in 2017 as Senior Strategist for Communication and his work and writing have been featured in The New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, and Time Magazine.Andy Crouch is the author of several books including "Culture Making", "Playing God", and "Strong and Weak" (which in his first appearance on Restoring the Soul, we explored in-depth). On this podcast Michael and Andy will discuss, "The Tech-Wise Family: Everyday Steps for Putting Technology in Its Proper Place". According to Andy's website, "Making good choices about technology is more than just using internet filters and limiting “screen time.” It’s about developing wisdom, character, and courage in the way we use digital media, rather than accepting technology’s promises of ease, instant gratification, and the world’s knowledge at our fingertips."CONTACT RESTORING THE SOUL:- Tweet us at @michaeljcusick and @PodcastRTS- Like us on Facebook- Follow us on Instagram & Twitter- Follow Michael on Twitter- Email us at info@restoringthesoul.com Thanks for listening!

Michael's guest for the next two podcasts is the first "alumni guest" on Restoring the Soul. Author, musician and speaker, Andy Crouch, joins Michael in discussion about his book, "The Tech-Wise Family".Andy is an eloquent communicator who masterfully makes connections between culture, creativity, and the Christianit faith. He is also on the gobverning boards of Fuller Theological Seminary as well as the Council for Christan Colleges and Universities. For more than 10 years he was an editor and producer at Christianity Today including serving as the Executive Editor from 2012-2016. Andy joined the John Templeton Foundation in 2017 as Senior Strategist for Communication and his work and writing have been featured in The New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, and Time Magazine.Andy Crouch is the author of several books including "Culture Making", "Playing God", and "Strong and Weak" (which in his first appearance on Restoring the Soul, we explored in-depth). On this podcast Michael and Andy will discuss, "The Tech-Wise Family: Everyday Steps for Putting Technology in Its Proper Place". According to Andy's website, "Making good choices about technology is more than just using internet filters and limiting “screen time.” It’s about developing wisdom, character, and courage in the way we use digital media, rather than accepting technology’s promises of ease, instant gratification, and the world’s knowledge at our fingertips." CONTACT RESTORING THE SOUL:- Tweet us at @michaeljcusick and @PodcastRTS- Like us on Facebook- Follow us on Instagram & Twitter- Follow Michael on Twitter- Email us at info@restoringthesoul.com Thanks for listening!

Michael's guest on today's episode of Restoring the Soul is Nate Larkin. They recently spent time together in Nate's current hometown of Franklin, TN. Visit this link if you would like to hear the first half of their conversation.Nate's story of redemption is very similar to Michael's in that he found freedom out of profound pain, failure, and brokenness. He was mired in sexual addiction and deception while in full-time vocational ministry. It led to a point of crisis that brought him out to a whole new way of living.Nate is the author of two books. The first is a must-read if you are on a journey of healing from any kind of sexual brokenness. It's called "Samson and the Pirate Monks, Calling Men to Authentic Brotherhood". He is also the author of a brand new e-book called "Beyond Accountability, the Life-Changing Power of Authentic Friendship". To receive a free copy, visit samsonsociety.com and download yours today. In addition to being an author, Nate Larkin is the founder of the Samson Society, which is a world-wide fellowship of Christian men who are serious about authenticity, community, humility, and recovery. Finally, Nate hosts a podcast, download it here.CONTACT RESTORING THE SOUL:- Tweet us at @michaeljcusick and @PodcastRTS- Like us on Facebook- Follow us on Instagram & Twitter- Follow Michael on Twitter- Email us at info@restoringthesoul.com Thanks for listening!

Michael's guest for the next two episodes of Restoring the Soul is Nate Larkin. They recently spent time together in Nate's current hometown of Franklin, TN.Nate's story of redemption is very similar to Michael's in that he found freedom out of profound pain, failure, and brokenness. He was mired in sexual addiction and deception while in full-time vocational ministry. It led to a point of crisis that brought him out to a whole new way of living.Nate is the author of two books. The first is a must-read if you are on a journey of healing from any kind of sexual brokenness. It's called "Samson and the Pirate Monks, Calling Men to Authentic Brotherhood". He is also the author of a brand new e-book called "Beyond Accountability, the Life-Changing Power of Authentic Friendship". To receive a free copy, visit samsonsociety.com and download yours today. In addition to being an author, Nate Larkin is the founder of the Samson Society, which is a world-wide fellowship of Christian men who are serious about authenticity, community, humility, and recovery. Finally, Nate hosts a podcast, download it here.CONTACT RESTORING THE SOUL:- Tweet us at @michaeljcusick and @PodcastRTS- Like us on Facebook- Follow us on Instagram & Twitter- Follow Michael on Twitter- Email us at info@restoringthesoul.com Thanks for listening!

Michael's guest on this podcast is Barb Maiberger, a licensed professional counselor. She is also founder and Director of the Maiberger Institute in Boulder, CO where she trains where she trains counselors and mental health therapists from all around the US in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitatization and Reprocessing). Barb is a dynamic instructor who engages and invites those who take her courses to bring their own professional experience, passion, and story to get equipped in EMDR to be able to work with clients and handle real-life issues in a way that is immediately applicable and practical. CONTACT RESTORING THE SOUL:- Tweet us at @michaeljcusick and @PodcastRTS- Like us on Facebook- Follow us on Instagram & Twitter- Follow Michael on Twitter- Email us at info@restoringthesoul.com Thanks for listening!

On this program, Michael concludes his conversation Dr. C. Baxter Kruger. Kruger is a theologian and author who is part of a quiet revolution helping Christians to reclaim a dynamic and life-giving understanding of the Trinity, including a Jesus-shaped understanding of the very heart of God.They will dicsuss the global great awakening that Baxter sees as he travels and teaches around the world. They will also talk about the idea of the Trinity and the meaning of the word, "perichoresis" (which is also the name of Baxter's website). Finally, Michael and Baxter consider what the evangelical church misses in regards to the Trinity.C. Baxter Kruger is the Director of Perichoresis Ministries, he teaches around the world, and earned his PhD from King's College Aberdeen University in Scotland under the tutelage of renowned theologian Professor James B. Torrance. Baxter is the author of 8 books including The Great Dance, Jesus and the Undoing of Adam, Across All Worlds, and most recently the international best-seller The Shack Revisited.Kruger is also an avid outdoorsman and serves as the President and founder of Mediator Lures. In addition to being a theologian, he holds two US patents for his fishing lure designs.To learn more about Dr. C. Baxter Kruger and his ministry, visit his website that was developed to be a leading resource for Trinitarian Theology on the internet.CONTACT RESTORING THE SOUL:- Tweet us at @michaeljcusick and @PodcastRTS- Like us on Facebook- Follow us on Instagram & Twitter- Follow Michael on Twitter- Email us at info@restoringthesoul.com Thanks for listening!

Michael's guest on this episode and the next is Dr. C. Baxter Kruger. Baxter is a theologian and author who is part of a quiet revolution helping Christians to reclaim a dynamic and life-giving understanding of the Trinity, including a Jesus-shaped understanding of the very heart of God.C. Baxter Kruger is the Director of Perichoresis Ministries, he teaches around the world, and earned his PhD from King's College Aberdeen University in Scotland under the tutelage of renowned theologian Professor James B. Torrance. Baxter is the author of 8 books including The Great Dance, Jesus and the Undoing of Adam, Across All Worlds, and most recently the international best-seller The Shack Revisited.Kruger is also an avid outdoorsman and serves as the President and founder of Mediator Lures. In addition to being a theologian, he holds two US patents for his fishing lure designs.To learn more about Dr. C. Baxter Kruger and his ministry, visit his website that was developed to be a leading resource for Trinitarian Theology on the internet.CONTACT RESTORING THE SOUL:- Tweet us at @michaeljcusick and @PodcastRTS- Like us on Facebook- Follow us on Instagram & Twitter- Follow Michael on Twitter- Email us at info@restoringthesoul.com Thanks for listening!

Tony Anderson is Michael’s guest on this edition of Restoring the Soul. This is part 2 of their discussion.Tony, who describes himself as a “sonic architect”, creates and composes music for film, television and beyond. His work has been featured in promotions for National Geographic, GoPro, Delta Airlines, ESPN, Ford Motor Company, and many more. Tony is also the Executive Producer of the soon-to-be-released film, The Heart of Man, which will be playing in theatres on September 14. In this episode, Michael and Tony will dig deep into what the movie is all about, how it came to be, and what the ultimate goal for the movie will be.To learn more about Tony, click here to visit his website.CONTACT RESTORING THE SOUL:- Tweet us at @michaeljcusick and @PodcastRTS- Like us on Facebook- Follow us on Instagram & Twitter- Follow Michael on Twitter- Email us at info@restoringthesoul.com Thanks for listening!

For the next two episodes, Tony Anderson is Michael’s guest.Tony, who describes himself as a “sonic architect”, creates and composes music for film, television and beyond. His work has been featured in promotions for National Geographic, GoPro, Delta Airlines, ESPN, Ford Motor Company, and many more. Tony is also the Executive Producer of the soon-to-be-released film, The Heart of Man, which will be playing in theatres on September 14. In this episode, Michael and Tony will dig deep into what the movie is all about, how it came to be, and what the ultimate goal for the movie will be.To learn more about Tony, click here to visit his website. CONTACT RESTORING THE SOUL:- Tweet us at @michaeljcusick and @PodcastRTS- Like us on Facebook- Follow us on Instagram & Twitter- Follow Michael on Twitter- Email us at info@restoringthesoul.com Thanks for listening!

Sean Seay is who for several years, along with his wife Bonnie, dreamed of planting a church. While on staff for five years at Northpoint Community Church, where he was mentored by Andy Stanley, the church began to sense God leading them to extend their influence to communities beyond Atlanta. In one of Northpoint’s earliest strategic partnerships, Sean began to pray and scout out Athens, GA, the college community where in 2004 he planted Athens Church.Sean Seay’s ministry was thriving and the church he led was going gangbusters. But for all the external success and blessing something wasn’t right in Sean’s inner world, or at home.In a moment of crisis, and through a string of providential events Sean discovered the leadership programs at Restoring the Soul and participated in a two week counseling intensive nearly four years ago.What follows in my conversation with Sean is the story of his crisis moment, the redemption and healing that grew from that time, and how today he lives and loves, and leads from a place of vulnerability.To learn more about Sean and the ministry of Athens church be sure to watch this video.Follow or connect with Sean at Twitter via @seanseayCONTACT RESTORING THE SOUL:- Tweet us at @michaeljcusick and @PodcastRTS- Like us on Facebook- Follow us on Instagram & Twitter- Follow Michael on Twitter- Email us at info@restoringthesoul.com Thanks for listening!

Philip Yancey is an award winning journalist and best-selling author whose books have sold over 14 million copies around the globe. His work has been lauded by everyone from Billy Graham to U2’s Bono. And no wonder, in light of Yancey’s preoccupation with the universal themes of suffering and grace. A few of his books include What’s So Amazing About Grace, The Jesus I Never Knew, Where Is God When It Hurts, and Disappointment With God. CONTACT RESTORING THE SOUL:- Tweet us at @michaeljcusick and @PodcastRTS- Like us on Facebook- Follow us on Instagram & Twitter- Follow Michael on Twitter- Email us at info@restoringthesoul.com Thanks for listening!

Philip Yancey is an award winning journalist and best-selling author whose books have sold over 14 million copies around the globe. His work has been lauded by everyone from Billy Graham to U2’s Bono. And no wonder, in light of Yancey’s preoccupation with the universal themes of suffering and grace. A few of his books include What’s So Amazing About Grace, The Jesus I Never Knew, Where Is God When It Hurts, and Disappointment With God.CONTACT RESTORING THE SOUL:- Tweet us at @michaeljcusick and @PodcastRTS- Like us on Facebook- Follow us on Instagram & Twitter- Follow Michael on Twitter- Email us at info@restoringthesoul.com Thanks for listening!

Heather King is a writer, speaker, retreat leader, and former commentator on NPR’s All Things Considered (listen to Heather's commentaries here).Her books include Parched: A Memoir; Redeemed: Stumbling Toward God, Marginal Sanity, and the Peace That Passes All Understanding, and Shirt of Flame: A year with St. Therese of Lisieux.In part 2 of Michael's conversation with Heather, they discuss Shirt of Flame, including how St. Therese was a saint for our generation precisely because she "was so neurotic", an idea which might inspire hope for those of us wondering if the messiness and dysfunction of our own lives disqualifies us from our own saintly calling.CONTACT RESTORING THE SOUL:- Tweet us at @michaeljcusick and @PodcastRTS- Like us on Facebook- Follow us on Instagram & Twitter- Follow Michael on Twitter- Email us at info@restoringthesoul.com Thanks for listening!

Heather King is a writer, speaker, retreat leader, and former commentator on NPR’s All Things Considered (listen to Heather's commentaries here).Her books include Parched: A Memoir; Redeemed: Stumbling Toward God, Marginal Sanity, and the Peace That Passes All Understanding, and Shirt of Flame: A year with St. Therese of Lisieux.CONTACT RESTORING THE SOUL:- Tweet us at @michaeljcusick and @PodcastRTS- Like us on Facebook- Follow us on Instagram & Twitter- Follow Michael on Twitter- Email us at info@restoringthesoul.com Thanks for listening!

In Part 2 of my conversation with Deb Hirsch we discuss shame, why it’s so hard to talk about sexuality in the church, and what it means to bring grace into sexual shame.Deb Hirsch is the author of Redeeming Sex: Naked Conversations About Sexuality and Spirituality. As a speaker, church leader, and writer she has led churches in both Australia and Los Angeles and is one of the founders of Forge Mission Training Network. She is the co-author (with Alan Hirsch) of Untamed: Reactivating a Missional Form of Discipleship, and her book Redeeming Sex reflects her own journey and attempts to bring new conversations about sexuality into the context of the church. Deb has been involved in social work, community development and as a trained counselor has worked in the field of sexuality for over twenty-five years. She and her husband live in community with others in Los Angeles.CONTACT RESTORING THE SOUL:- Tweet us at @michaeljcusick and @PodcastRTS- Like us on Facebook- Follow us on Instagram & Twitter- Follow Michael on Twitter- Email us at info@restoringthesoul.com Thanks for listening!

Deb Hirsch is the author of Redeeming Sex: Naked Conversations About Sexuality and Spirituality.  As a speaker, church leader, and writer she has led churches in both Australia and Los Angeles and is one of the founders of Forge Mission Training Network. She is the co-author (with Alan Hirsch) of Untamed: Reactivating a Missional Form of Discipleship, and her book Redeeming Sex reflects her own journey and attempts to bring new conversations about sexuality into the context of the church. Deb has been involved in social work, community development and as a trained counselor has worked in the field of sexuality for over twenty-five years. She and her husband live in community with others in Los Angeles. CONTACT RESTORING THE SOUL:- Tweet us at @michaeljcusick and @PodcastRTS- Like us on Facebook- Follow us on Instagram & Twitter- Follow Michael on Twitter- Email us at info@restoringthesoul.com Thanks for listening!

Chaim Potok (1929-2002) was a legendary novelist, rabbi, Judaic scholar, and philosopher. This interview--Part 2 of a two-part interview-- is a dramatization of the written text originally published in The Mars Hill Review.Special thanks to Rabbi Brian Newman for reading the part of Chaim Potok. CONTACT RESTORING THE SOUL:- Tweet us at @michaeljcusick and @PodcastRTS- Like us on Facebook- Follow us on Instagram & Twitter- Follow Michael on Twitter- Email us at info@restoringthesoul.com Thanks for listening!

Chaim Potok, who passed away in 2002, was a legendary novelist, rabbi, Judaic scholar, and philosopher. His many books include, The Chosen, My Name Is Asher Lev, and Wanderings: Chaim Potok's History of the Jews. This interview is a dramatization of the written text originally published in The Mars Hill Review. Special thanks to Rabbi Brian Newman for reading the part of Chaim Potok. CONTACT RESTORING THE SOUL:- Tweet us at @michaeljcusick and @PodcastRTS- Like us on Facebook- Follow us on Instagram & Twitter- Follow Michael on Twitter- Email us at info@restoringthesoul.com Thanks for listening!

Joy Sawyer is a Denver-based writer and poet. In addition to several nonfiction books, Joy is the author of a poetry collection, Tongues of Men and Angels (White Violet Press, 2016), Her poetry, essays, and fiction have appeared in such diverse publications as Books & Culture, Christianity & Literature, Inklings, Lilliput Review, Mars Hill Review, New York Quarterly, and others.Since 2009, Joy has taught both poetry and intro to creative writing classes at Lighthouse Writers Workshop in Denver, the largest nonprofit literary center in Colorado and the Mountain West. In addition to Lighthouse, she also taught writing & poetry coursework in the masters of liberal studies program at the University of Denver (2003-2013). Joy received her MA from New York University, where she was awarded the Herbert Rubin Award for Outstanding Creative Writing.Be sure to visit Joy's website at www.joyrouliersawyer.com.CONTACT RESTORING THE SOUL:- Tweet us at @michaeljcusick and @PodcastRTS- Like us on Facebook- Follow us on Instagram & Twitter- Follow Michael on Twitter- Email us at info@restoringthesoul.com Thanks for listening!

Joy Sawyer is a Denver-based writer and poet. In addition to several nonfiction books, Joy is the author of a poetry collection, Tongues of Men and Angels (White Violet Press, 2016), Her poetry, essays, and fiction have appeared in such diverse publications as Books & Culture, Christianity & Literature, Inklings, Lilliput Review, Mars Hill Review, New York Quarterly, and others.Since 2009, Joy has taught both poetry and intro to creative writing classes at Lighthouse Writers Workshop in Denver, the largest nonprofit literary center in Colorado and the Mountain West. In addition to Lighthouse, she also taught writing & poetry coursework in the masters of liberal studies program at the University of Denver (2003-2013). Joy received her MA from New York University, where she was awarded the Herbert Rubin Award for Outstanding Creative Writing.Be sure to visit Joy's website at www.joyrouliersawyer.com. CONTACT RESTORING THE SOUL:- Tweet us at @michaeljcusick and @PodcastRTS- Like us on Facebook- Follow us on Instagram & Twitter- Follow Michael on Twitter- Email us at info@restoringthesoul.com Thanks for listening!

In this episode Michael continues his conversation with saint and sage Dr. David Donaldson, 85 year old clinical psychologist who continues to practice psychotherapy after more than sixty years.In this part of the conversation, David shares the wisdom gained from living 8 1/2 decades, specifically—what he has learned about grace, the journey to wholeness, and what he’s thinking about heaven.CONTACT RESTORING THE SOUL:- Tweet us at @michaeljcusick and @PodcastRTS- Like us on Facebook- Follow us on Instagram & Twitter- Follow Michael on Twitter- Email us at info@restoringthesoul.com Thanks for listening!

In the 19th chapter of the book of Leviticus, God speaks through Moses saying, “‘Stand up in the presence of the aged, show respect for the elderly and revere your God.” Another translation reads, “You shall rise up before the gray-headed and honor them.”On this episode and the next, Michael will be honoring the “gray-headed” man who has taught him more than ANYONE about the heart of God and the restoration of the soul. Dr. David Donaldson is a clinical psychologist who has practiced psychotherapy for sixty years. At the age of eighty-five he continues to see clients at his practice in Golden, Colorado. Born in 1932 and raised on a farm in Missouri, David went on to earn a Master of Divinity from Denver Seminary and a PhD in Clinical Psychology from Fuller. CONTACT RESTORING THE SOUL:- Tweet us at @michaeljcusick and @PodcastRTS- Like us on Facebook- Follow us on Instagram & Twitter- Follow Michael on Twitter- Email us at info@restoringthesoul.com Thanks for listening!

Steve Siler is a prolific song writer; the winner of four GMA Dove Awards and numerous CCM # 1 singles to his credit. He is also the founder and Executive Director of Music for the Soul, a Christian ministry that exists to creatively use the power of songs and stories as a bridge to hope and healing for those facing life’s most difficult issues.A few of the issues and topics discussed include:The range of topics in the Music for the Soul catalogue including issues such as breast cancer, eating disorders, sexual abuse, abortion, suicide, grief, sexual addiction, and others.How Music for the Soul collaborates and serves individuals and family members, churches and pastors, therapists, Music Therapists, Pastoral Counselors, seminaries, and topically-focused ministry groups and small groups.How Steve got a phone call from his close friend to attend a sex addicts anonymous meeting and ended up writing the Somebody’s Daughter project/DVD (this podcast features a full-length play of the song Somebody’s Daughter).Steve’s book, Music for the Soul, Healing for the HeartCONTACT RESTORING THE SOUL:- Tweet us at @michaeljcusick and @PodcastRTS- Like us on Facebook- Follow us on Instagram & Twitter- Follow Michael on Twitter- Email us at info@restoringthesoul.com Thanks for listening!

Steve Siler is a prolific songwriter who has to his credit 4 GMA Dove Awards and 9# singles. He is the founder and director of Music for the Soul in Nashville, TN, and is the author of Music for the Soul, Healing for the Heart. In Part I of our 2-part interview, a few of the vtopics we discuss include:Steve's embarrasment over accepting an assignment to write a song for Chippendales male strip club.He struggles with how much of Christian music addresses issues on the surface of life and how there are too many happy endings.How Music for the Soul speaks to people in life's most difficult circumstances.This episode features the full length song, "Chaos of the Heart", written for those grieving the suicide of a loved one. CONTACT RESTORING THE SOUL:- Tweet us at @michaeljcusick and @PodcastRTS- Like us on Facebook- Follow us on Instagram & Twitter- Follow Michael on Twitter- Email us at info@restoringthesoul.com Thanks for listening!

Welcome to the Season 2, Episode 3. Today you’ll be listening to Part 2 of a 2 part conversation with composer, arranger, producer, singer, songwriter, guitarist, and keyboardist, Rob Mathes. Rob is a Grammy-nominated, Tony-nominated artist who won an Emmy award for his musical direction of the Kennedy Center Honors.In Part 2, a few of the topics Rob and I discuss include:How Rob’s song, “Although It Is the Night” was inspired by St. John of The Cross’s poem “Dark Night of the Soul”Listen to the song of the same name played in its entirety.Why great music mixes the sacred and the profane, “the gears grinding and the heavens singing.”How Rob’s train engineer grandfather—a man of deep faith—influenced his life and faith and became the inspiration behind Rob's magnum opus, “Evening Train.”Understand why Rob feels it’s important to “poke holes” at aspects of Christianity that are seemingly crazy.Follow these links to watch videos of Rob as musical director for the Kennedy Center Honors:Led Zeppelin – “Stairway To Heaven”Aretha Franklin – “You Make Me Feel (Like A Natural Woman)”CONTACT RESTORING THE SOUL:- Tweet us at @michaeljcusick and @PodcastRTS- Like us on Facebook- Follow us on Instagram & Twitter- Follow Michael on Twitter- Email us at info@restoringthesoul.com Thanks for listening!

Rob Mathes is Emmy award-winning, Grammy nominated, Tony nominated music producer, composer, arranger, singer, songwriter, keyboardist, and guitarist. The list of names that Rob has worked with is extraordinary--including production and songwriting collaborations with Sting on his last three albums, and serving as musical director on Sting's “The Last Ship: World Tour with the Royal Philharomic". As an arranger Rob has written orchestrations for artists all over the stylistic spectrum—from Jay Z, Elton John, Bruce Springsteen, Stevie Wonder, Tony Bennett, Yo Yo Ma, Luciano Pavaorotti, and Panic at the Disco.In Part One of Michael's interview with Rob, some of the content discussed includes:Why Rob feels closer to God listening to Bach or Mahler than a Sunday morning sermon.How Tony Bennet insisted Rob immediately go out and purchase what he considered to be the greatest record of all time.What it's been like to collaborate with Stevie Wonder, Sting, Yo Yo Ma, and other renowned artists.What lies behind truly great songwriting and musical production.Complete tracks of Rob’s music, including “Christ Came Back and Trashed the Cathedral” and “William the Angel. CONTACT RESTORING THE SOUL:- Tweet us at @michaeljcusick and @PodcastRTS- Like us on Facebook- Follow us on Instagram & Twitter- Follow Michael on Twitter- Email us at info@restoringthesoul.com Thanks for listening!

Jill Phillips is a Nashville based singer/songwriter whose guitar based folk-rock sound blends deep and penetrating lyrics with an ever fresh take on the joys and sorrows of life. Jill’s debut album, self titled “Jill Phillips” was released in 1999 and produced by Grammy-winning songwriter, Wayne Kirkpatrick. Jill currently performs and records as an independent artist who just released her tenth album, “Lead Me Home.”  Visit Jill’s website at www.jillphillips.com.A few of the topics Jill shares in this interview include:The impetus behind her newest album of hymns and traditional gospel songs.The Cvil Rights history and suffering beneath several of the songs on her album.What it means to live awake and alive and how Jill has been impacted by the practice of spiritual direction.Featuring two songs from Jill’s newest album: "Great Is Thy Faithfulness" & "Keep Your Eyes On the Prize"CONTACT RESTORING THE SOUL:- Tweet us at @michaeljcusick and @PodcastRTS- Like us on Facebook- Follow us on Instagram & Twitter- Follow Michael on Twitter- Email us at info@restoringthesoul.com Thanks for listening!

As we come to the end of our first podcast season, I am so thankful for the opportunity to share the Restoring the Soul podcast with you--our listeners. As a way of saying thank you, I’m sharing this podcast which includes a special Christmas song from my friends Andy Gullahorn and Jill Phillips. I’m also sharing a message I recently gave at Denver Seminary student chapel called, “Less Is More” about our need to be still and rest in what God has already done in Christ. It’s a very timely for the often hectic holiday season.  For those of you who may be wondering, Season 2 of Restoring the Soul will premier on February 7th, 2017. You can look forward to more in depth interviews and several fresh voices about how we flourish from the inside out. Until then, many blessings to you through the Christmas season and into 2017. From my family to yours. Michael CONTACT RESTORING THE SOUL:- Tweet us at @michaeljcusick and @PodcastRTS- Like us on Facebook- Follow us on Instagram & Twitter- Follow Michael on Twitter- Email us at info@restoringthesoul.com Thanks for listening!

Gordon MacDonald served for over forty years as a pastor and was President of World Relief, InterVarsity Christian Fellowship, and now serves as Chancellor at Denver Seminary. He is an author, speaker, and teacher whose books include Ordering Your Private World, Rebuilding Your Broken World; Renewing your Spiritual Passion, Mid Course Correction, and A Resilient Life, Going Deep, Shoring Up the Foundations of Leadership. He writes regularly for Leadership Journal and also writes a column which appears on the LeadershipJournal.net website.Gordon and Gail MacDonald have been married 53 years and live in Concord, New Hampshire. Their great satisfaction is in their two married children and five grandchildren. The MacDonalds are also hikers, bikers, kayakers, and voracious readers.CONTACT RESTORING THE SOUL:- Tweet us at @michaeljcusick and @PodcastRTS- Like us on Facebook- Follow us on Instagram & Twitter- Follow Michael on Twitter- Email us at info@restoringthesoul.com Thanks for listening!

Gordon MacDonald served for over forty years as a pastor and was President of World Relief, InterVarsity Christian Fellowship, and now serves as Chancellor at Denver Seminary. He is an author, speaker, and teacher whose books include Ordering Your Private World, Rebuilding Your Broken World; Renewing your Spiritual Passion, Mid Course Correction, and A Resilient Life, Going Deep, Shoring Up the Foundations of Leadership. He writes regularly for Leadership Journal and also writes a column which appears on the LeadershipJournal.net website.Gordon and Gail MacDonald have been married 53 years and live in Concord, New Hampshire. Their great satisfaction is in their two married children and five grandchildren. The MacDonalds are also hikers, bikers, kayakers, and voracious readers.CONTACT RESTORING THE SOUL:- Tweet us at @michaeljcusick and @PodcastRTS- Like us on Facebook- Follow us on Instagram & Twitter- Follow Michael on Twitter- Email us at info@restoringthesoul.com Thanks for listening!

 On Episode 19 Michael’s guest is Crystal Renaud, author, speaker, and pioneer in the growing movement to address pornography addiction in women and girls. Crystal is the Founder and Executive Director of Dirty Girls Ministries (DGM) as well as an author, speaker, and professional life coach from the Kansas City area. DGM exists to provide help, hope, and healing to women struggling with pornography and sexual addiction. In her first book, Dirty Girls Come Clean (Moody Publishers), Crystal shares her story of freedom from eight years of pornography use with steps and recovery questions for personal or group study. In her second book, 90 Days to Wholeness, Crystal expounds upon the steps outlined in Dirty Girls Come Clean to help journey women journey through 90 days of daily recovery devotionals.  Her work has been featured in the New York Times, ABC News, CNN, Christianity Today, 700 Club, and more. She holds a Bachelors of Science in Psychology from Liberty University and four certifications including Professional Life Coaching from the American Association of Christian Counselors. CONTACT RESTORING THE SOUL:- Tweet us at @michaeljcusick and @PodcastRTS- Like us on Facebook- Follow us on Instagram & Twitter- Follow Michael on Twitter- Email us at info@restoringthesoul.com Thanks for listening!

 On Episode 18 Michael’s guest is Crystal Renaud, author, speaker, and pioneer in the growing movement to address pornography addiction in women and girls. Crystal is the Founder and Executive Director of Dirty Girls Ministries (DGM) as well as an author, speaker, and professional life coach from the Kansas City area. DGM exists to provide help, hope, and healing to women struggling with pornography and sexual addiction.  In her first book, Dirty Girls Come Clean (Moody Publishers), Crystal shares her story of freedom from eight years of pornography use with steps and recovery questions for personal or group study. In her second book, 90 Days to Wholeness, Crystal expounds upon the steps outlined in Dirty Girls Come Clean to journey women through 90 days of daily recovery devotionals. Her work has been featured in the New York Times, ABC News, CNN, Christianity Today, 700 Club, and more. She holds a Bachelors of Science in Psychology from Liberty University and four certifications including Professional Life Coaching from the American Association of Christian Counselors.  CONTACT RESTORING THE SOUL:- Tweet us at @michaeljcusick and @PodcastRTS- Like us on Facebook- Follow us on Instagram & Twitter- Follow Michael on Twitter- Email us at info@restoringthesoul.com Thanks for listening!

 Today’s episode is very special since you’ll be listening to a message from Julianne Cusick, Michael's bride of 25 years. Her talk, “Devastated but not Destroyed” is a message she gave in 2004 where for the very first time she shared her story of heartbreak, hope, and healing from sexual betrayal and sexual addiction that was exposed in 1994. Giving this talk took a tremendous amount of courage and strength, and as you will hear she delivered the message with profound grace and dignity.  Julianne is a registered psychotherapist and adjunct counselor with Restoring the Soul where her passion is to fight for the hearts of women silenced by shame and fear related to their husband's sexual brokenness. She holds a bachelor's degree from St. Leo University and is currently a candidate for a Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy. A dynamic and engaging communicator, Julianne speaks to Christian organizations, women’s groups, and retreats, all from the voice and hope of her own story of healing and redemption. Julianne is the mother of two active teenagers and enjoys gardening, the outdoors, and spending time with friends. CONTACT RESTORING THE SOUL:- Tweet us at @michaeljcusick and @PodcastRTS- Like us on Facebook- Follow us on Instagram & Twitter- Follow Michael on Twitter- Email us at info@restoringthesoul.com Thanks for listening!

On Episode 16 Michael's guest is Ian Morgan Cron. Ian is a bestselling author, nationally recognized speaker, Enneagram teacher, psychotherapist, Dove Award–winning songwriter, and Episcopal priest. His books include The Road Back To You, the novel Chasing Francis and spiritual memoir Jesus, My Father, the CIA, and Me. In the second part of Michael's discussion, he and Ian talk about the crucial need of self-knowledge, the nature of the true self, the beauty of the Gospel, and the counter intuitive idea that we grow in loving others as we grow in loving ourselves. As you will discover, Ian draws on a wide array of disciplines—from psychology to the arts, Christian spirituality and theology—to help people enter more deeply into conversation with God and the mystery of their own lives. He and his wife, Anne, live in Nashville, Tennessee. CONTACT RESTORING THE SOUL:- Tweet us at @michaeljcusick and @PodcastRTS- Like us on Facebook- Follow us on Instagram & Twitter- Follow Michael on Twitter- Email us at info@restoringthesoul.com Thanks for listening!

 On Episode 15 Michael's guest is Ian Morgan Cron. Ian is a bestselling author, nationally recognized speaker, Enneagram teacher, psychotherapist, Dove Award–winning songwriter, and Episcopal priest. His books include The Road Back To You, the novel Chasing Francis and spiritual memoir Jesus, My Father, the CIA, and Me. As you will discover, Ian draws on a wide array of disciplines—from psychology to the arts, Christian spirituality and theology—to help people enter more deeply into conversation with God and the mystery of their own lives. He and his wife, Anne, live in Nashville, Tennessee. CONTACT RESTORING THE SOUL:- Tweet us at @michaeljcusick and @PodcastRTS- Like us on Facebook- Follow us on Instagram & Twitter- Follow Michael on Twitter- Email us at info@restoringthesoul.com Thanks for listening!

 Today on the program, Michael concludes his two-part interview with Mako Fujimura, visual artist, author, thought leader, and cultural-shaper who was recently appointed Director of The Brehm Center at Fuller Seminary. His paintings have been exhibited around the world and he is one of the first artists to paint live on stage at New York City’s legendary Carnegie Hall.   Photo credit: Alyson Lecroy CONTACT RESTORING THE SOUL:- Tweet us at @michaeljcusick and @PodcastRTS- Like us on Facebook- Follow us on Instagram & Twitter- Follow Michael on Twitter- Email us at info@restoringthesoul.com Thanks for listening!

 Today on the program, and into the next episode, Michael is speaking with Mako Fujimura, visual artist, author, thought leader, and cultural-shaper who was recently appointed Director of The Brehm Center at Fuller Seminary. His paintings have been exhibited around the world and he is one of the first artists to paint live on stage at New York City’s legendary Carnegie Hall.  A popular speaker, he has lectured at numerous conferences, universities and museums, including the Aspen Institute, Yale and Princeton Universities, Sato Museum and the Phoenix Art Museum. Fujimura founded the International Arts Movement in 1992, a non-profit whose “Encounter” conferences have featured cultural catalysts such as Dr. Elaine Scarry, Dennis Donoghue, Billy Collins, Dana Gioia, Calvin DeWitt and Miroslav Volf.  Fujimura’s second book, Refractions: A Journey of Faith, Art and Culture, is a collection of essays bringing together people of all backgrounds in a conversation and meditation on culture, art, and humanity. In celebration of the 400th Anniversary of the King James Bible, Crossway Publishing commissioned and published The Four Holy Gospels, featuring Fujimura’s illuminations of the sacred texts. In 2011 the Fujimura Institute was established and launched the Four Qu4rtets, a collaboration between Fujimura, painter Bruce Herman, Duke theologian/pianist Jeremy Begbie, and Yale composer Christopher Theofanidis, based on T.S. Eliot’s Four Quartets. The exhibition will travel to Baylor, Duke, and Yale Universities, Gordon College and other institutions around the globe. CONTACT RESTORING THE SOUL:- Tweet us at @michaeljcusick and @PodcastRTS- Like us on Facebook- Follow us on Instagram & Twitter- Follow Michael on Twitter- Email us at info@restoringthesoul.com Thanks for listening!

 Listen to the conclusion of a conversation Michael had with Christianity Today executive editor, Andy Crouch. Andy is also a senior fellow of the International Justice Mission’s IJM Institute. He is the author of 3 books including“Playing God”, “Strong and Weak”and “Culture Making”.  His work and writing have been featured in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Time, and numerous Christian publications. For fans of hip-hop, his most impressive claim to fame may a shout out to him in Lecrae's 2014 single "Non-Fiction." For ten years he was a campus minister with InterVarsity Christian Fellowship at Harvard. He studied classics at Cornell University and received an M.Div. from Boston University School of Theology.CONTACT RESTORING THE SOUL:- Tweet us at @michaeljcusick and @PodcastRTS- Like us on Facebook- Follow us on Instagram & Twitter- Follow Michael on Twitter- Email us at info@restoringthesoul.com Thanks for listening!

Joining Michael on the program is Andy Crouch. Andy is Andy is executive editor of Christianity Today, a senior fellow of the International Justice Mission’s IJM Institute. He is the author of 3 books including“Playing God”, “Strong and Weak”and “Culture Making”.  His work and writing have been featured in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Time, and numerous christian publications. For fans of hip-hop, his most impressive claim to fame may a shout out to him in Lecrae's 2014 single "Non-Fiction."  For ten years he was a campus minister with InterVarsity Christian Fellowship at Harvard. He studied classics at Cornell University and received an M.Div. from Boston University School of Theology. Michael and Andy discuss the topic of human flourishing and the paradox of what we’re meant to be versus how far we are from it & what stands in the way. CONTACT RESTORING THE SOUL:- Tweet us at @michaeljcusick and @PodcastRTS- Like us on Facebook- Follow us on Instagram & Twitter- Follow Michael on Twitter- Email us at info@restoringthesoul.com Thanks for listening!

On Episode 10 of Restoring the Soul, Michael talks with Chris and Anna Smith, Co-Founders of Restore One, a non-profit organization that offers restorative care to boys that have been sexually trafficked. Through Restore One, Anna and Chris have built The Anchor House, the first residential shelter in America dedicated exclusively to the care for sex ­trafficked boys ages 12­ -18.  Above - Anna Smith, Michael, Chris Smith, at Restore One's 2014 "Stand For One Gala."   CONTACT RESTORING THE SOUL:- Tweet us at @michaeljcusick and @PodcastRTS- Like us on Facebook- Follow us on Instagram & Twitter- Follow Michael on Twitter- Email us at info@restoringthesoul.com Thanks for listening!

 Part 2 of a conversation with John Eldredge & Craig McConnell of Ransomed Heart Ministries. CONTACT RESTORING THE SOUL:- Tweet us at @michaeljcusick and @PodcastRTS- Like us on Facebook- Follow us on Instagram & Twitter- Follow Michael on Twitter- Email us at info@restoringthesoul.com Thanks for listening!

 We're excited to bring you a conversation with John Eldredge and Craig McConnell of Ransomed Heart Ministries in Colorado Springs. John is best known as the author of Wild at Heart, but has written over twenty books including Beautiful Outlaw, The Sacred Romance, and most recently Moving Mountains. Craig is on staff with John at Ransomed Heart and a sage in his own right who has much to say about walking with God.  This is the first of a two-part conversation where you’ll hear about the essence of John & Craig’s passion for the restoration of the heart, the power of the gospel, and the subsequent freedom that comes from walking with Jesus. CONTACT RESTORING THE SOUL:- Tweet us at @michaeljcusick and @PodcastRTS- Like us on Facebook- Follow us on Instagram & Twitter- Follow Michael on Twitter- Email us at info@restoringthesoul.com Thanks for listening!

Part 2 of a conversation with Dallas Willard. Dallas was an American philosopher also known for his writings on Christian spiritual formation. He was longtime Professor of Philosophy at The University of Southern California, teaching at the school from 1965 until his death in 2013 and serving as the department chair from 1982 to 1985. CONTACT RESTORING THE SOUL:- Tweet us at @michaeljcusick and @PodcastRTS- Like us on Facebook- Follow us on Instagram & Twitter- Follow Michael on Twitter- Email us at info@restoringthesoul.com Thanks for listening!

Interview with Dr. Dallas Willard, who for several decades taught Philosophy at the University of Southern California, and was the author of several books including The Spirit of the Disciplines, Hearing God, and The Divine Conspiracy. This conversation was Originally recorded in Los Angeles in 2008, before Dallas’s passing in May 2013.CONTACT RESTORING THE SOUL:- Tweet us at @michaeljcusick and @PodcastRTS- Like us on Facebook- Follow us on Instagram & Twitter- Follow Michael on Twitter- Email us at info@restoringthesoul.com Thanks for listening!

A conversation with Paul Young, author of The Shack. CONTACT RESTORING THE SOUL:- Tweet us at @michaeljcusick and @PodcastRTS- Like us on Facebook- Follow us on Instagram & Twitter- Follow Michael on Twitter- Email us at info@restoringthesoul.com Thanks for listening!

Part 2 of a conversation with Bill Thrall, Vice Chair and co-author with Truefaced-Leadership Catalyst.CONTACT RESTORING THE SOUL:- Tweet us at @michaeljcusick and @PodcastRTS- Like us on Facebook- Follow us on Instagram & Twitter- Follow Michael on Twitter- Email us at info@restoringthesoul.com Thanks for listening!

As Vice Chair and co-author with Truefaced-Leadership Catalyst since 1995, Bill’s genuine desire to see relational health in those he works with, has been vital in setting the tone of the organization. His eloquence and integrity have given him opportunities to teach Truefaced’s principles internationally. His wisdom has been penned throughout the entire series of The Ascent of a Leader, Beyond Your Best, and The Cure.Prior to joining Truefaced, Bill founded and pastored the influential church, Open Door Fellowship, for over 20 years. While there, he developed an effective character development training program that nurtured visionaries such as Kit Danley, founder of Neighborhood Ministries in Phoenix, AZ.CONTACT RESTORING THE SOUL:- Tweet us at @michaeljcusick and @PodcastRTS- Like us on Facebook- Follow us on Instagram & Twitter- Follow Michael on Twitter- Email us at info@restoringthesoul.com Thanks for listening!

Part 2 of a conversation with Pete Scazzero, author and founder of New Life Fellowship Church in NYC.CONTACT RESTORING THE SOUL:- Tweet us at @michaeljcusick and @PodcastRTS- Like us on Facebook- Follow us on Instagram & Twitter- Follow Michael on Twitter- Email us at info@restoringthesoul.com Thanks for listening!

Pete Scazzero is the Founder of New Life Fellowship Church in Queens, NYC, a large, multiracial, international church with seventy-three countries represented. After serving as Senior Pastor for twenty-six years, Pete now serves as a Teaching Pastor/Pastor at Large. He is the author of two best-selling books: Emotionally Healthy Spirituality and The Emotionally Healthy Church and most recently released The Emotionally Healthy Leader.Pete and his wife Geri are the founders of Emotionally Healthy Spirituality, a groundbreaking ministry that equips churches in a deep, beneath-the-surface spiritual formation paradigm that integrates emotional health and contemplative spirituality. They have four lovely daughters.CONTACT RESTORING THE SOUL:- Tweet us at @michaeljcusick and @PodcastRTS- Like us on Facebook- Follow us on Instagram & Twitter- Follow Michael on Twitter- Email us at info@restoringthesoul.com Thanks for listening!