Discover the power of playfulness for personal growth and stress relief. Dive into the intriguing history of satanic ritual abuse cases from the 1990s and their impact on society. Explore the dynamics of relationships that shape spirituality, with insights from personal experiences and recent events. Learn about engaging in policy work to combat global hunger and the importance of individual actions. Finally, navigate the complexities of grief, understanding its differences from depression, and embracing healthy coping mechanisms.

Steve Carter, author and former lead teaching pastor, discusses his personal journey with grief and integrity in the face of misunderstanding and public scrutiny. He reflects on the powerful impact of the Resurrection and shares insights from his memoir, "Grieve, Breathe, Receive," highlighting how various losses shape our emotional landscapes. The conversation dives into the significance of loyalty, authenticity, and the challenges of seeking validation, while also touching on his transformative experience of getting lost on the Camino de Santiago.

Eugene Cho, President and CEO of Bread for the World and founder of One Day's Wages, discusses the balance between pursuing justice and avoiding burnout. He shares insights on shifting from a savior complex to faithful discipleship and emphasizes the importance of engaging in politics with compassion. Cho highlights the need for community support and personal well-being in activism, while also addressing systemic issues like hunger, poverty, and affordable housing. Tune in for a compelling conversation on mercy, justice, and making a lasting impact.

Kathleen Smith, a D.C.-based marriage and family therapist and author of 'True to You', dives deep with Steve Cuss into the complexities of anxiety and people-pleasing. They explore where our energy goes and the role of relationships in finding comfort. The conversation highlights the power of playfulness in therapy and the dynamics of self-differentiation in relationships. Smith stresses the importance of authentic connections and intergenerational influences, encouraging listeners to embrace their true selves and rest in genuine community.

Zach Meerkreebs, a pastor and author of "Lower: Igniting Spiritual Awakening Through Radical Humility," shares his firsthand experience of igniting the Asbury Outpouring. He discusses the emotional turmoil preachers face after delivering what they perceive as unsuccessful sermons. The conversation dives into themes of vulnerability, the power of grief, and the role of community in spiritual renewal. Meerkreebs also reflects on the hopes for Gen Z's spiritual journey, emphasizing the importance of authentic love and connection in a transformative faith experience.

The hosts explore the three core relationships everyone has: with themselves, others, and God. They discuss how assumptions, reactivity, and recurring patterns can impact these connections. Personal self-awareness emerges as a key theme in enhancing relationships. Special emphasis is placed on recognizing divine presence in daily life. The conversation also highlights the complexities of connecting with others during hardships while previewing relevant upcoming guests and enriching literature. They tease upcoming discussions that promise to delve deeper into these important dynamics.

Whether our holidays are snowy or sunny—as they are for Steve Cuss as he records from Perth, Australia—the same thing is true: Christmas is a time to remember God’s nearness to us. Steve looks to the text of Luke 2, exploring Mary and Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem and their quest for a place to stay. He describes the meaning behind the Greek word philoxenia (“love of the stranger”) and the Hebrew word Immanuel (“God with us”) and considers what those terms may mean for Christians today. Ultimately, Steve encourages listeners to recognize that God is the ultimate host—welcoming us with love into a forever family.Resources mentioned in this episode include: Peculiar Treasures by Frederick Buechner “Six White Boomers” ​​Philoxenia Immanuel Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this engaging conversation, Andrew Kuss, a biblical studies student with a passion for non-profit mission work, teams up with his father, Steve Cuss. They dive into the iconic 'Dinner Party' episode of The Office, exploring how it hilariously reflects workplace anxieties. The duo discusses character dynamics, particularly Jan's unraveling leadership and emotional enmeshment. They also touch on Jim's evolution from detachment to connection, illustrating how comedy can expose and help us understand our own anxieties.

What do a high schooler’s senior year and the offices of a high-fashion magazine have in common? Stress.During a discussion of The Devil Wears Prada, Steve Cuss and his college-bound daughter, Kaylee Cuss, talk about the anxiety on display in the iconic Meryl Streep film. The two talk about how Streep’s character, Miranda Priestly, may be the one in charge, but she’s arguably also the most anxious. They talk about trying to fit into existing systems, high emotions in the workplace, and relational enmeshment. Tune in for a heartfelt, insightful discussion of failure, success, and taking care of the relationships that matter most.Resources mentioned in this episode include: The Devil Wears Prada “Ep148: Gilmore Girls and Systems Theory” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

When Joy Allmond was fresh out of college, she struggled to find a professional role in her field. She decided to make the most of her young, single years and became a flight attendant. The Lord used that experience to broaden her perspective—especially when she staffed one of the first flights to take to the skies after September 11, 2001.Now, Allmond is the executive editor of Christianity Today. She and Steve talk about how airport behavior often reveals deeper feelings and what it takes to manage a crisis. They talk about the recent CT redesign, new content in the magazine, and Allmond’s hopes for CT’s future. Allmond shares her thoughts on the church at its best, experiences of feeling fully loved, and taking time to hear from the Lord.Resources mentioned in this episode include: “We Can’t Worry Our Way to Peace” November/December 2024 issue of Christianity Today “CT Design, Redesign, and Re-redesign, from 1956 to Today” “Qualms and Proverbs” (CT advice column) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices