Welcome back to Restoring the Soul with Michael John Cusick. In today’s episode, Michael welcomes friend and fellow leader Robby Angle for an engaging conversation about Robby’s new book, The Path: What if the Way of Jesus is Different Than You Thought?—a collaborative work designed to help the next generation rediscover grace, true identity, and the heart of discipleship.

Together, Michael and Robby dive into how our cultural assumptions about Jesus and our spiritual journey might be missing the mark. The discussion explores why so many of us, especially young adults, get stuck striving for God’s approval or sliding into spiritual passivity, and how learning to trust and receive God’s love changes everything. They reflect on the importance of authentic community, the dangers of approaching spiritual disciplines as a “how-to-get-better” manual, and how a shift from outside-in to inside-out spiritual growth can lead to real transformation.

As they unpack themes from Robby’s book and his work with Trueface, you’ll also hear their thoughts on the deeper mystery of encountering God, why relationships are foundational for lasting change, and how churches can cultivate environments that foster true discipleship.

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Welcome back to Restoring the Soul with Michael John Cusick. In today’s episode, Michael sits down with Tara Owens, author of Embracing the Body: Finding God in Our Flesh and Bone, for a rich conversation about the intersection of faith, embodiment, and the profound ways our physical selves connect us to God. Together, they explore how centuries of Christian teaching have shaped our views of the body, often separating the spiritual from the physical, and what it looks like to reclaim embodied living as part of spiritual wholeness.

Tara shares deeply from her own story, reflecting on the journey toward befriending her body, wrestling with illness, and moving beyond inherited theologies that diminish the goodness of our physicality. Michael and Tara discuss the ongoing relevance of Jesus’s embodiment—his exhaustion, pain, and friendships—and how this shapes our understanding of being human and spiritual.

Touching on themes like Gnosticism, church history, touch deprivation in our society, and the real-life struggles of finding God amid physical limitations, this episode is a vulnerable invitation to embrace the sacredness of our skin and bones.

Whether you’re curious about embodiment, recovering from damaging messages about your body, or simply longing for a deeper spiritual connection, this conversation illuminates the wholeness available when we find God not despite our bodies but through them. Plus, Tara offers insights into her ministry, Anam Cara, and the role of spiritual direction in nurturing soulful friendship with God.

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Welcome to another episode of Restoring the Soul with Michael John Cusick. In today’s conversation, Michael is joined by Summer Joy Gross—Anglican priest, spiritual director, and author of the new book, The Emmanuel Promise: Discovering the Security of a Life Held by God. Together, they dive into the transformative power of secure attachment with God, exploring how our personal histories, traumas, and life transitions shape our ability to connect with both ourselves and the Divine.

Michael and Summer unpack the vital concepts of attachment theory, discuss the different attachment styles, and reflect on the power of lament, imaginative prayer, and community for deep inner healing. Summer shares candidly about her own story, the wounds and resilience that formed her, and her passion for helping others experience true rest and rootedness in God’s presence.

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Welcome back to the Restoring the Soul podcast with Michael John Cusick. In today’s episode, Michael sits down in the studio with Dr. Janelle Hallman, a seasoned intensive therapist at Restoring the Soul and a longtime friend and colleague. With decades of experience leading therapy intensives, groups, and workshops around the world, Janelle shares powerful insights from her work, especially her passion for walking alongside women in their journeys of healing and transformation.

From memorable fishing adventures in Alaska to the profound privilege of witnessing souls come to life in the therapy room, Janelle opens up about what drew her to this vocation and why group work with women has been so transformative, both for her and the participants. The conversation delves into the unique healing power of supportive community, the importance of being truly seen, and the creative ways Janelle now facilitates online “Essence Circles” for women seeking authenticity, connection, and restoration.

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Welcome back to Restoring the Soul with Michael John Cusick. In this episode, Michael sits down with Nate Larkin, founder of the Samson Society and author of Samson and the Pirate Monks. Together, they take a deep and honest dive into Nate's journey—growing up in a Pentecostal preacher’s home, wrestling with hidden addictions, hitting rock bottom, and experiencing the turning point that would ultimately lead to a worldwide ministry of hope and restoration for men.

Nate opens up about the impact of secrecy and shame, the role his wife Allie played in his healing, and how hitting “bottom” opened the door to real recovery. He shares a moving excerpt from his forthcoming book, co-written with Allie, exploring the realities of betrayal, trauma, and the difficult yet transformative process of rebuilding trust and intimacy in marriage. Michael and Nate discuss the shifting landscape of addiction and recovery, the importance of connection and community, and why relapse can be part of the journey toward true healing.

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Welcome to another episode of Restoring the Soul with Michael John Cusick. In today’s honest and insightful conversation, Michael sits down with Dr. Dan Allender—a renowned therapist, author, and longtime mentor—to discuss Dan’s latest book, The Deep-Rooted Marriage, co-authored with Dr. Steve Call and enriched by the wisdom and vulnerability of their wives, Becky Allender and Lisa Call.

This episode isn’t just a discussion about techniques for a better marriage—it’s a candid exploration of the real, raw journey through conflict, trauma, shame, and, ultimately, transformation inside marriage. Dan and Michael reflect on how our histories, wounds, and unmet needs shape our relationships; why true change can’t happen without naming the truth; and how attunement, humility, and honest confession become the very soil in which a marriage can deeply root and flourish.

You’ll hear moving stories from Dan’s own marriage, laughter about old cars and TV shows, and wisdom about the tension between safety and danger in vulnerability. It’s a heartfelt look at how marriages are shaped not only by their joys but also by their hardest moments—and why learning to bless, be curious, and face the deep roots beneath our conflicts is the path to lasting intimacy and hope.

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On today’s episode of Restoring the Soul, Michael sits down with Dr. Michelle Keener, biblical scholar and author of the new book Comfort in the Ashes: Explorations in the Book of Job to Support Trauma Survivors. In this compelling conversation, Michelle shares the personal story and scholarly journey that led her to explore the Book of Job through the lens of trauma theory. Together, Michael and Michelle dig deep into how Job’s ancient story parallels the experiences of trauma survivors today—from grief and ruptured worldviews to the silence that so often follows devastation.

Michelle brings a rare combination of biblical expertise and lived experience, showing how Job’s journey isn’t just about suffering and eventual restoration but about what it means to wrestle with God, faith, and meaning after trauma. They discuss the church’s struggle to meet the needs of trauma survivors, the importance of presence and lament, and how embracing a trauma-informed reading of scripture opens up new possibilities for healing, compassion, and honest faith. 

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Welcome to another episode of Restoring the Soul with Michael John Cusick. In this conversation, Michael is joined once again by Chuck DeGroat—pastor, therapist, and author—for an honest and hope-filled exploration of what it means to truly heal from the inside out. Together, they discuss Chuck’s latest book, Healing What’s Within: Coming Home to Yourself and to God When You’re Wounded, Weary, and Wandering.

Diving deep into the heart of spiritual and emotional disconnection, the episode unpacks the journey of finding our way “home”—to our true selves and to God—especially when life’s wounds and weariness leave us lost or cut off from real care and love. Michael and Chuck reflect on their own experiences of brokenness and restoration, exploring practical wisdom from therapy, Christian spirituality, and neuroscience.

You’ll hear how our bodies, behaviors, thoughts, emotions, and relationships all tell the deeper story of our lives, often pointing us to places within that need kindness and attention. Michael and Chuck also reframe some of the most familiar questions in Scripture—not as interrogations fueled by shame, but as invitations from a compassionate God who pursues us with curiosity and love.

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Welcome to another episode of Restoring the Soul with Michael John Cusick. Today, Michael sits down with returning guest Sheila Wray Gregoire to dive into her latest book, The Marriage You Want: Moving Beyond Stereotypes for a Relationship Built on Scripture, New Data, and Emotional Health.

Sheila, known for her groundbreaking research and no-nonsense approach to Christian marriage resources, unpacks the myths, harmful teachings, and outdated stereotypes that have often taken root in Christian culture. Together, she and Michael explore new, peer-reviewed data on what actually leads to thriving, satisfying marriages—and what doesn’t. They discuss topics ranging from cognitive load and mental labor in relationships to partnership, decision-making, friendship, equality, and sexual fulfillment, challenging traditional teachings and offering practical, research-backed advice for couples seeking genuine intimacy and unity.

Whether you’re struggling in your marriage, eager to move beyond unhelpful stereotypes, or just want to learn what healthy, scripturally grounded love can really look like, you’ll walk away from this rich conversation with hope, insight, and actionable wisdom.

Plus, Sheila shares the heart behind her platform BareMarriage.com, and Michael highlights the importance of curiosity, partnership, and looking for “good fruit” in all aspects of marriage. 

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Welcome to another episode of Restoring the Soul with Michael John Cusick. In today’s conversation, Michael sits down with Adam Young—trauma therapist, host of The Place We Find Ourselves podcast, and author of the brand new book, Make Sense of Your Story. Together, they explore the profound journey of making sense of the stories that shape our lives, diving into how our earliest experiences continue to form our hearts, minds, and relationships well into adulthood.

From raw personal anecdotes to reflections on faith and neuroscience, Adam and Michael unpack why true healing requires curiosity, kindness, and courage to examine the ground-level scenes that haunt or shape us. They tackle the exhaustion that comes from running from our pain, the importance of kindness toward our past selves, and how our earliest attachments impact not only our relationships with others but our connection to God.

This episode is an honest and vulnerable exploration of pain, redemption, and beauty in embracing our full stories. Whether you’re deeply familiar with story work or just beginning to question how your past affects your present, you’ll find encouragement, practical wisdom, and hope here.

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Welcome to another episode of "Restoring the Soul with Michael John Cusick." Today, Michael is joined by Brian Lee, founder and director of Broken to Beloved, a ministry dedicated to providing practical resources for recovery from and safeguarding against spiritual abuse. 

In this heartfelt conversation, Brian shares his personal journey through repeated experiences of spiritual abuse and how these challenges birthed a passion for helping others reclaim their belovedness. Michael and Brian delve into the intricacies of spiritual abuse, the importance of cultivating humility and self-awareness in spiritual leadership, and the transformative power of naming and owning one’s story. They also discuss the innovative programs offered by Broken to Beloved, which include a book club, podcast, and an impactful eight-week cohort called "Through," designed to guide individuals in their healing journey. Join us for a thought-provoking discussion on finding hope, healing, and wholeness in the aftermath of spiritual trauma. 

About Brian Lee

Brian Lee is a pastor, coach, and speaker. In his 20+ years of experience in vocational ministry, he experienced three instances of spiritual abuse and toxic leadership. After living with an identity of brokenness for too many years, he learned to recognize and embrace his belovedness.

In 2023, he founded Broken to Beloved, a nonprofit organization that exists to provide practical resources for recovery from and safeguarding against spiritual abuse and religious trauma.

He is a certified Trauma-Informed Coach (Centre for Healing) and holds a certification in Religious Trauma Studies from the Global Center for Religious Research.

Based in Richmond, VA, Brian loves to go on mini-adventures with his family, exploring their neighborhood, community, and city with his family. As a coffee snob and addict, he could always use another cup.

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Welcome to another episode of "Restoring the Soul with Michael John Cusick." Today, we delve into the compelling concept of what it means to be a Christian – a question that sparks a fascinating discussion on the dichotomy between list makers and storytellers. Inspired by the insights of Dr. Rodney Reeves, Michael and AJ Denson explore themes from Michael's book, "Sacred Attachment," emphasizing the importance of moving beyond doctrines and commandments to embrace a vibrant, embodied faith. 

Join us as we unpack the profound invitation to experience God not just through belief but through the intimate storytelling of our journey with Him. Whether you're a steadfast list maker or a passionate storyteller, this episode is a clarion call to lean into the heart of spiritual life, where love and relationship triumph over rigid adherence to theological checklists. 

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Welcome to another episode of the "Restoring the Soul with Michael John Cusick" podcast. We're excited to welcome Aimee Byrd, a renowned author and theologian, to discuss her latest book, "Saving Face: Finding Myself, God, and One Another Outside a Defaced Church." 

Join Michael and Aimee as they dive deep into the pages of her profound work, unpacking themes of vulnerability, spiritual abuse, and the journey toward embracing one's true self. Throughout the episode, Aimee shares her personal experiences with brokenness, healing, and the powerful act of unlearning to find truth and freedom. This conversation invites listeners to rethink their understanding of repentance, the role of women in faith communities, and the transformative power of God's grace. 

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In this episode of "Restoring the Soul with Michael John Cusick," we'll journey through a candid and enlightening conversation between Michael and AJ Denson. Together, they embark on a thought-provoking exploration of the season of Lent. Michael shares personal reflections on the significance of 40 days of renewal leading up to Easter, highlighting the duality of detachment and engagement that comes with spiritual practices. 

With vulnerability and insight, Michael opens up about the profound impact of relinquishing news apps and striving to be a "better Christian" during Lent. AJ joins in with fresh perspectives, inviting listeners to reflect on their practices and consider how detaching from certain rhythms might create space for a deeper connection with God. Join us as we delve into the essence of Lent and explore how we can live with intentionality, grace, and openness to the divine. 

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Welcome to another episode of Restoring the Soul with Michael John Cusick. On today's episode, host Michael is rejoined by Dr. Andrew Bauman, a passionate advocate for creating healthier church communities and an illuminating voice on overcoming personal and systemic abuse. In this engaging conversation, they delve into Andrew's powerful journey, exploring the roots and revelations that led him to pen his latest book, "Safe Church: How to Guard Against Sexism and Abuse in Christian Communities."

Discover how Andrew, once caught in a cycle of addiction and objectifying views, transformed his past struggles into a mission of advocacy and healing. They discuss confronting sexism within the church, the intricate dynamics of power, and the essential work of deconstructing damaging beliefs to build a more inclusive and supportive faith community.

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Welcome to today's episode of "Restoring the Soul with Michael John Cusick." In this insightful discussion, Michael sits down with John Carroll, a key leader from the School of Kingdom Living, which is an integral part of Dallas Willard Ministries. Michael and John dive deep into the profound impact of Dallas Willard's teachings on spiritual formation and how John's journey from corporate healthcare into ministry has been shaped by mentors like James Bryan Smith. They explore how the School of Kingdom Living is designed to guide individuals into a deeper relationship with God through an 18-month program, emphasizing the practical steps to live out the kingdom of God in everyday life.

LINK: Dallas Willard Ministries

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Welcome to Restoring the Soul with Michael John Cusick. In this engaging episode, we dive into the profound themes of Michael's latest book, "Sacred Attachment: Escaping Spiritual Exhaustion and Trusting in Divine Love." Joined by A.J. Denson, Michael explores the deep-seated gaps between what we believe and what we actually experience in our spiritual lives. Delving into the concept of "Delta," he discusses both the distance and potential union between these gaps, drawing from personal experiences and spiritual wisdom. With references to spiritual giants like Dallas Willard and employing rich imagery of rivers meeting, Michael illustrates how healing and genuine connection with the divine can transform our lives. Additionally, this episode uncovers the often rigid boundaries between religious practice and true spiritual intimacy, offering listeners encouragement to embrace vulnerability with God. Whether you're on a journey of spiritual deconstruction or looking for ways to deepen your connection with God, this episode promises insights and encouragement for every soul seeker.

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Welcome to another episode of "Restoring the Soul with Michael John Cusick." In today's conversation, Michael sits down with AJ Denson to dive deep into the profound themes of Michael's latest book, "Sacred Attachment." Together, they explore the concept of 'spinning' introduced in the first chapter and reflect on how it symbolizes the disorientation and reorientation we experience in life's journey. Michael shares a personal childhood story that beautifully illustrates the unexpected embrace of love amid chaos, providing a powerful foundation for understanding God's unwavering love and connection. As they unpack the transformative power of love and spiritual connection, Michael and AJ delve into the idea that true change is possible when we fully embrace the divine dance of love and faith.

Click here to order your copy of Sacred Attachment. 

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Welcome to another episode of the Restoring the Soul podcast with your host, Michael John Cusick. Today, we have the pleasure of diving into a profound and transformative conversation with Ian Morgan Cron. Ian is not just a friend to Michael but a celebrated author of books like "The Road Back to You," and his deeply impactful spiritual memoir, "Jesus, My Father, the CIA, and Me," as well as his novel "Chasing Francis."

In this episode, we take a close look at Ian’s latest book, "The Fix: How the 12 Steps Offer a Surprising Path of Transformation for the Well-Adjusted, the Down and Out, and Everyone in Between." Ian shares candidly about his own journey through addiction and recovery, emphasizing how the 12 steps can profoundly impact anyone's life, not just those battling addiction.

Even if you consider yourself "well-adjusted" or far from the grip of addiction, this conversation will challenge you to rethink what it means to truly live a life of transformation and spiritual awakening. Michael and Ian explore how all of us, in some way or another, have compulsive relationships with behaviors, substances, or people that affect our lives negatively. They delve into the essence of the 12 steps, their application beyond mere addiction recovery, and how they serve as a robust spiritual framework aligning us with God and our authentic selves.

Ian's vulnerability stands out as he shares personal stories, including a relapse in 2020 that led to a renewed understanding and deeper application of these steps. Together, Michael and Ian discuss the importance of community, admitting powerlessness, the role of the ego, and the journey toward a spiritual awakening.

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Welcome to another episode of Restoring the Soul with Michael John Cusick. Today we're diving into a meaningful conversation on spiritual formation, brokenness, and divine love with our dear friend and ally, James Bryan Smith. 

In this episode, Michael shares deeply from his own journey of overcoming personal brokenness, including abuse, addiction, deception, and betrayal, to find wholeness through a closer walk with God. He opens up about the stark contrast between his troubled home life and the nurturing he found in visits to a cloistered Carmelite nunnery during his childhood—moments that profoundly shaped his spiritual outlook.

Join us as we explore attachment theory, the impact of early emotional bonds, and how our image of God is shaped by our life experiences. Michael & Jim shed light on how recognizing and addressing our deepest wounds can lead to a secure and loving relationship with God, free from the cycle of striving and spiritual exhaustion. Moreover, they discuss the critical role of being seen, soothed, safe, and secure in our spiritual development.

They also delve into the false narratives that sustain evil: the lies that we can't trust God and that it's up to us because God won't come through. Michael and Jim's insights provide a refreshing perspective on recognizing our wretchedness not as a condemnation but as an opportunity to receive God's grace and love more fully.

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Welcome back to another episode of Restoring the Soul. In today's special episode, we flip the roles a bit as Curt Thompson graciously takes the lead to explore the profound impact of Michael's new book, Sacred Attachment. Drawing from their personal stories, deep professional insights, and the latest in attachment theory, Curt and Michael delve into the book's central themes of spiritual exhaustion, divine love, and the transformative power of embracing our brokenness. They discuss how embodied experiences, like a long embrace, can reveal our deepest needs and longings for connection. Through their heartfelt conversation, you'll gain practical insights on nurturing your attachment to God and others, as well as the healing power of authentic community. 

Join us for this enriching discussion and discover how you, too, are an artifact of beauty in the grand mosaic of life's journey. Stay tuned!

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Welcome to another episode of "Restoring the Soul with Michael John Cusick." Today, we're diving into a profound conversation with Alan Fadling, author of the the devotional book, "A Year of Slowing Down: Daily Devotions for Unhurried Living."

In this episode, Michael and Alan explore the necessity and impact of integrating brief, intentional moments of reflection into our daily lives, especially in a world that often feels rushed and overwhelming. Alan shares his journey from living a hurried life to discovering the transformative power of small, consistent practices that nurture the soul. They discuss the concept of a "five-minute retreat" and how even just a few moments each day can bring about significant spiritual formation and peace.

Alan also delves into his previous works, "An Unhurried Life" and "An Unhurried Leader," and explains how his new book serves as a practical companion designed to deepen our understanding of living an unhurried, Christ-centered life. The conversation is filled with insightful advice on how to cultivate these life-giving rhythms, including practical suggestions for slowing down, engaging with Scripture, and fostering community.

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Welcome to another episode of "Restoring the Soul with Michael John Cusick." Today, we delve deeper into the essential principles of trauma-informed care in part two of our series. Our host, Michael John Cusick, will guide us through the various resources therapists can provide, such as handouts, whiteboard concepts, and development models, to enhance therapeutic sessions. We'll explore the profound significance of experiencing the "Four S's"—seen, soothe, safe, and secure—within a therapy context.

Join us as we uncover how a trauma-informed approach not only navigates past experiences and trauma but also equips individuals to live flourishing lives beyond therapy. Michael emphasizes the importance of voicing one's needs and ensuring therapy environments feel safe and supportive. He introduces us to powerful techniques for managing emotional dysregulation and discusses therapeutic practices that foster a deep connection with oneself, God, and others.

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Welcome to another episode of "Restoring the Soul with Michael John Cusick." In today's episode, we'll explore the critical concept of trauma-informed care—a term that's become widespread yet is often misunderstood. Originating from clinical and research settings and gaining broader cultural awareness, trauma-informed care prioritizes understanding the comprehensive life experiences of individuals to improve their engagement and outcomes in care settings.

Michael shares personal stories that underscore the importance of this approach, illustrating the profound impact it can have on patient experiences and outcomes. We'll delve into practical ways organizations can create sensitive environments for those with neurodiversity and sensory sensitivities, the significance of establishing clear protocols for consent and empowerment, and the necessity of training staff in trauma-informed practices.

Join us as we discuss how integrating trauma-informed care can lead to better engagement, retention, and overall health outcomes, transforming the way we approach care in both medical and therapeutic environments.

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In this captivating episode of Restoring the Soul, Michael John Cusick connects with Meredith Phipps, a dedicated yoga therapist with a passion for integrating faith and wellness. Meredith shares her profound journey from discovering yoga amidst personal healing to becoming a certified yoga therapist with a focus on trauma recovery. Throughout the conversation, Meredith addresses common Christian misconceptions about yoga, highlights the scientific and theological underpinnings of the practice, and emphasizes the importance of embodying one's faith.

Tune in to explore how yoga can be a transformative tool for healing, fostering a deeper connection with oneself and God. Don't miss this enlightening discussion on bridging the gap between spirituality and physical well-being, particularly for those navigating trauma and seeking holistic care.

ON THE WEB: Essentia Yoga Therapy

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