Addiction, Intimacy & the Search for God w/ Michael John Cusick | Ep. 281

Find Michael's books (Surfing For God & Sacred Attachment) - https://amzn.to/3Q93BuZ

Restoring The Sould Men's Event - https://www.restoringthesoulweekend.com/

In this powerful episode of The Super Human Life, Coach Frank Rich sits down with author and licensed professional counselor Michael John Cusick to explore the deep connection between addiction, intimacy, and the search for God. Michael unpacks how pornography creates an illusion of connection while masking a deeper longing for intimacy. He reveals how all addictions can be seen as a pursuit of false intimacy and discusses the critical role that community plays in healing.

The conversation also delves into the impact of mother wounds on men's relationships and their susceptibility to addiction, as well as the common misconception that marriage can "fix" addiction. Michael shares his personal journey from addiction to healing, offering wisdom for men navigating shame, trauma, and emotional disconnection.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking true freedom from addiction and emotional struggles. Michael emphasizes the importance of connection, vulnerability, and identity in the healing process, while also addressing the unique challenges individuals face within faith communities.

Key Takeaways:

✅ Addiction is often a symptom of a deeper longing—one rooted in the search for connection and meaning

✅ Sexual desire is tied to a longing for transcendence and union with God.

✅ Pornography offers an illusion of intimacy but lacks real connection.

✅ Many addictions stem from a need for false intimacy.

✅ Community is essential for true recovery and transformation.

✅ Platforms like OnlyFans create a deceptive sense of real relationships.

✅ Mother wounds can drive men toward unhealthy sources of tenderness and validation.

✅ Marriage does not automatically resolve addiction—healing is a journey of self-discovery and connection.

✅ Sobriety is different from freedom; true freedom is a change in desire, not just behavior.

✅ Shame is one of the biggest barriers to healing and must be addressed for real transformation.

About Michael John Cusick

Michael John Cusick is a Licensed Professional Counselor, spiritual director, speaker, and author dedicated to helping men find true healing from addiction and emotional struggles. His books include Sacred Attachment: Escaping Spiritual Exhaustion and Trusting in Divine Love and Surfing for God: Discovering the Divine Desire Beneath Sexual Struggle.

As the founder of Restoring the Soul, Michael equips Christian leaders and individuals worldwide with transformational healing practices. He has also served as a professor at Denver Seminary and Colorado Christian University. Holding two master's degrees in Pastoral Counseling and Counseling Psychology, Michael brings both professional expertise and personal experience to his work.

He lives in Littleton, Colorado, with his wife and enjoys yoga, hiking, and trail running in the Rocky Mountains.

Connect with Micheal:

Books - https://amzn.to/3Q93BuZ

Website - https://michaeljohncusick.com/

Men's Event - https://www.restoringthesoulweekend.com/

Restoring The Soul - https://restoringthesoul.com/

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