Being Human with Steve Cuss

They explore how communication styles—rigid vs fluid, internal vs external processing, and rapid vs deliberative thinking—shape relationships and well-being. Conversations touch on trauma, certainty, and spiritual practices like silence and solitude. Stories include family legacy, navigating majority-white spaces, and how anxiety and empathy move through relationships.

Cheryl McKissack Daniel, a pioneering civil engineer and CEO of McKissack & McKissack, shares her family's extraordinary journey from enslavement to becoming leaders in architecture. She delves into the legacy of her ancestor Moses McKissick and the unique challenges of sustaining a multi-generational Black-owned firm. Cheryl discusses vital topics like resilience, succession planning, and navigating the industry as a Black woman. Highlighting notable projects and the importance of corporate culture, she emphasizes the power of recognizing Black contributions to America's built environment.

Adam Young, a trauma counselor and author of 'Make Sense of Your Story,' delves into the intersection of trauma and faith. He shares his journey of recognizing childhood wounds and highlights the complexities of coping mechanisms disguised as genuine faith. The conversation explores the body's role in emotional healing, emphasizing self-kindness and the importance of recounting painful memories. Adam also discusses how certainty in theology can act as a shield for trauma while stressing the need for compassion and attunement in relationships for true healing.

In this episode, Clarissa Moll, a producer for Christianity Today's podcasts, joins Steve Cuss to unpack how our communication styles can affect our emotional health. They explore the impact of various styles—rigid versus fluid and rapid versus deliberate—on relationships and teamwork. Delving into assumptions that drive misunderstandings, they emphasize the importance of curiosity and awareness. They also discuss how spiritual practices can enhance effective communication, encouraging listeners to foster deeper, more gracious connections.

In this festive chat, Russell Moore, a leading Christian public intellectual, and Clarissa Moll, a producer at Christianity Today, share insights on the complex emotions surrounding Christmas. They delve into the balance of joy and grief during the holidays, highlighting the nativity’s invitation to embrace our whole selves. Clarissa identifies with Joseph's quiet strength, while Russell connects adoption themes to holiday compassion. Together, they discuss favorite carols, childhood memories, and the unique Australian traditions that color a season meant for welcome and hospitality.

Explore the emotional burdens we carry and how Jesus' promise of a light yoke can offer relief. Reflecting on the Christmas story, the host shares personal traditions and emphasizes God's entry into our struggles. The humble nativity scene highlights themes of power and care for the marginalized. Personal anecdotes blend with spiritual insights, urging caregivers to accept care themselves while inviting listeners to let go of control and embrace peace during the holiday season.

Discover five essential tips to keep your emotional well-being intact during the bustling Christmas season. The hosts explore how to manage family tensions and grief while preparing for the holiday chaos. They emphasize self-awareness, the importance of pausing to choose your responses, and making room for both joy and sadness. Practical advice includes identifying false needs and connecting with others on a deeper level. Join them for compassionate insights that aim to create a more peaceful and meaningful holiday experience.

Lisa Cuss, a licensed therapist and nervous-system regulation expert, joins Clarissa Moll to discuss emotional health and trauma-informed care. They explore anxiety and its impact on our window of tolerance, highlighting the differences between hyperarousal and hypoarousal. Lisa provides practical tools like breath prayers and grounding techniques to help reconnect with God's presence amidst stress. The conversation emphasizes the importance of community, sensory grounding, and self-compassion in navigating emotional challenges.

In this engaging discussion, Lysa TerKeurst, author and advocate, provides profound insights on healing from unwanted divorce and setting healthy boundaries. She emphasizes the importance of recognizing codependency and urges listeners to resist the pull of social media that can exacerbate personal pain. The hosts also delve into how anxiety can be contagious, how to manage emotional loads, and the significance of staying 'human-sized' in relationships. Join them for a practical guide to achieving emotional health rooted in faith.

Abby Thompson, author of the memoir Growing, shares her journey of overcoming anxiety while navigating life from Nashville to New York City. She discusses how therapy, prayer, and community shaped her experience in urban living. Abby reflects on the pressures of social media, the contrast between online portrayals and real life, and the importance of staying 'human-sized' amid societal expectations. She also highlights tools for managing self-doubt and the transformative power of genuine connections.