Being Human with Steve Cuss

Lysa TerKeurst, bestselling author and Bible teacher, shares her heart-wrenching journey through betrayal and unwanted divorce. She discusses the challenges of gaslighting, the importance of setting healthy boundaries, and how faith can guide healing. Lysa emphasizes acceptance over seeking endless answers and warns against online 'pain-shopping.' Through her experiences, she provides hope and practical advice for those facing relational pain, focusing on reclaiming identity and the transformative power of resilience.

Clarissa Moll, a producer and moderator for Christianity Today podcasts, joins Steve Cuss to delve into living 'human-sized' in our faith and relationships. They discuss how anxiety can distort our perception, pushing us to either dominate or retreat. Clarissa shares insights on recognizing our triggers and reactivity while Steve highlights the importance of grounding ourselves in spiritual practices. They also reflect on biblical lessons, particularly from Zacchaeus, showcasing the value of balance in responding to life's challenges.

Alicia Britt Chole, an author and spiritual director, dives deep into the transformative power of dark nights of the soul. She emphasizes how these challenging seasons can cultivate intimacy with God and spiritual growth. Alongside Carla Harding and Brian Heasley from 24-7 Prayer, they discuss turning anxiety into prayerful reflection, advocating for healthier communication in relationships, and understanding generational dynamics. Together, they offer practical tools for fostering resilience and navigating emotional reactivity in everyday life.

In this enlightening conversation, Dr. Alicia Britt Chole, a transformative author and spiritual director, shares her journey from atheism to a profound faith in Jesus. She discusses how doubt can coexist alongside belief, revealing her insights on integrating faith into daily life. Parenting special-needs children taught her valuable lessons about humility and calmness. Alicia also explores her experience with cancer, illustrating how challenges deepened her spiritual journey, all while emphasizing grace, love, and the importance of relationships.

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.