Being Human with Steve Cuss

Brian Heasley, a leader in 24-7 Prayer, and Carla Harding, a key voice on Lectio 365, share their experiences growing up during Northern Ireland's Troubles. They discuss how prayer can heal deep divides and promote unity, drawing from personal stories of conflict and reconciliation. The duo reflects on the transformative power of the Lectio 365 app for daily devotion and spiritual grounding, while also addressing the importance of self-awareness and grace in fostering community and connection amidst divisive times.

Clarissa Moll is back to flip the script on Steve Cuss, unpacking the power dynamics, generational divides, and identity challenges that shape today’s leadership. From Colin Powell’s intentional practices to the biblical wisdom of Jesus and Paul, they explore how emotional safety, vulnerability, and faith create healthier families, workplaces, and churches. This conversation offers practical insights for leaders seeking to build inclusive communities, authentic connections, and resilient discipleship in a divided world. Episode Resources: Colin Powell’s book It Worked for Me Article: Gen-Z Is Labeled As ‘Difficult’ In The Workplace, But There’s More To The Story Me Too movement - Mentioned in relation to creating emotionally safe environments. Exploring Malcolm Gladwell’s "Magic Third" Rule Article: 'We See Children As Pestilent' (building on the idea attributed to Socrates) More From Clarissa Moll: Clarissa Moll’s The Bulletin podcast Explore Clarissa Moll’s website Read Clarissa Moll’s substack Previous Episodes with Steve and Clarissa: Steve and Clarissa’s August episode of Being Human Steve and Clarissa’s September episode of Being Human Sign up for Steve’s Newsletter & Podcast Reminders: Capable Life Newsletter Join Steve at an upcoming intensive:  Capable Life Intensives Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Insights swirl around themes of healing and leadership. Matt Wenger shares his journey of overcoming sex addiction through grace and self-kindness. The discussion reveals how childhood coping mechanisms morph into addictions. Kyle Strobel critiques self-help spirituality, emphasizing authentic connection with the divine. Ben Mandrell highlights the importance of playfulness in leadership, using humor to rebuild morale during challenging times. Together, they explore vulnerability, intimacy, and the power of community in personal and professional growth.

Host Steve Cuss welcomes Ben Mandrell, former president of Lifeway Resources and current senior pastor at Bellevue Baptist Church, for a rich conversation on leadership,faith, and resilience when things are good or in flux. Ben shares candid reflections on navigating cultural shifts, organizational challenges, and the personal cost of leadership amid institutional changes. From closing bookstores at Lifeway to finding joy and playfulness even amid tragedy, his journey reveals how presence and discernment sustain both leaders and communities. Steve and Ben explore the power of daily spiritual practices and small acts of connection that strengthen our relationships with God and one another. Episode Resources: More about Ben Mandrell  Learn about Bellevue Baptist Church Read about Ben Mandrell's call to the Bellevue senior pastor role Read about the turbulent times at Lifeway Resources  Watch Rick Warren's address to the SBC in 2022  Listen to the sermons of Adrian Rogers Explore the work of Mark Batterson  Read Steve Cuss’ book: Managing Leadership Anxiety  Sign up for Steve’s Newsletter & Podcast Reminders: Capable Life Newsletter Join Steve at an upcoming intensive:  Capable Life Intensives Explore more CT with our free newsletters: christianitytoday.com/newsletters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dr. Kyle Strobel, a professor of spiritual theology at Talbot Seminary, challenges the self-help approach to spirituality. He emphasizes the importance of genuine encounters with Christ over mere discipline, revealing how hidden dynamics like guilt and self-reliance sabotage spiritual growth. By sharing personal stories, Strobel illustrates how honesty with emotions fosters transformation. He stresses the dangers of guilt-driven church culture and calls for a focus on humility, authentic friendships, and God’s presence in everyday life.

Matt Wenger, the Executive Clinical Director of the Begin Again Institute, joins for an insightful discussion on sexual addiction and healing. He sheds light on the complexities of addiction and the ripple effects on loved ones, advocating for a compassionate understanding of recovery. The conversation emphasizes the vital role of community and vulnerability in overcoming addiction, challenging isolation with support from Christian cohorts. Matt also tackles betrayal trauma for partners, promoting pathways to healing built on empathy, trust, and genuine intimacy.

Clarissa Moll, a podcast moderator from Christianity Today’s The Bulletin, flips the script on Steve Cuss, delving into the Four Spaces of Anxiety. They tackle how today’s fast-paced life obscures spiritual clarity, urging listeners to embrace intentional pauses. The duo explores rumination, the quest for control, and the therapeutic roles of prayer and journaling. They also shed light on differentiation, boundaries in relationships, and even the implications of artificial intelligence, all while empowering listeners to navigate their anxieties with resilience.

Toni Collier, a vibrant speaker known for her insights on community healing and vulnerability, joins Steve and Lisa Cuss for an engaging discussion. They explore the Four Spaces of Anxiety and how it affects our relationships, emphasizing the power of vulnerability and intentional communities. The couple shares personal stories and practical tools for navigating anxiety in parenting and ministry, advocating for open dialogue and empathy. Ultimately, they highlight how authentic connections can break the cycle of anxiety and foster healthier families and neighborhoods.

Renowned relationship expert Dr. Les Parrott joins for a candid conversation on empathy and emotional health. He challenges deep-rooted myths within Christian circles, arguing for a healthier approach to vulnerability and connection. They discuss the fine line between empathy and enmeshment, and how technology can enhance genuine relationships. Dr. Parrott also emphasizes the transformative power of hearing God’s voice free from shame, enriching our spiritual and emotional lives while addressing the complexities of parenting and anxiety.

Join Toni Collier, founder of Broken Crayons Still Color, as she shares her journey of healing and resilience after childhood trauma and betrayal. An inspiring speaker and author, Toni dives deep into how anxiety affects our lives and how authentic community can aid in overcoming it. She discusses transformative moments from therapy to faith that helped her navigate life's challenges. With a focus on vulnerability, she emphasizes the importance of connection and the unique experiences of women of color in ministry, offering a message of hope and empowerment.