Being Human with Steve Cuss

I often get asked about Systems Theory books to read. In this episode, I list a number of books and also offer critique or recommendation AND I also pull out of some of the books a key tool you can use in your life. So you can listen to this book review episode, not read any books and still benefit!  Books by: founders of the theory (who are all white men), women, faith based. I also talk about the challenge of Systems being such a western and individualistic theory and some pioneering work in non western or non white contexts.    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Aundi Kolber is a licensed professional counselor (MA, LPC) and the best selling author of the critically acclaimed Try Softer and her new book Strong like Water. She has received additional training in her specialization of trauma- and body-centered therapies and is passionate about the integration of faith and psychology. Aundi has appeared on Good Morning America, regularly speaks at national events, and is a frequent guest on podcasts such as The Lazy Genius, Typology, and The Rise and Fall of Mars Hill. As a survivor of trauma, Aundi brings hard-won knowledge about the work of change, the power of redemption, and the beauty of experiencing God with us in our pain. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

There are four dynamics that infect every relationship you have: assumptions, reactivity, stuck patterns, attempted solutions.  These four dynamics infect not only your human relationships, they also infect your relationship with God.  They also infect your relationship with yourself and they are a key reason why your wellbeing gets disrupted. On this episode Steve is joined by Capable Life trainer Jimmy Carnes to cover reactivity. What is it, how do you notice it, how do you manage it?    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

There are four dynamics than infect every relationship: assumptions, reactivity, stuck patterns and attempted solutions. In this first of four episodes, Steve and Jimmy Carnes dig into assumptions: what they are, how to notice them and why they make things so much bigger and catastrophic than they really are.  To live stream or watch the Unlocking Faith conference or to get more info, click here.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Steve thoroughly appreciated this chat with fellow Aussie Benjamin Windle as he brought many profound and succinct nuggets for us. Benjamin recently wrote the excellent Good Catastrophe, looking at how God turns and uses catastrophic events in our lives. Ben has lived enough of them for all of us. He has been a local church Pastor for over 20 years, including as a Founding and Senior Pastor and he consults organizations on generational understanding. He specializes in Millennial/Gen Z and you can learn more about Ben at his website.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

John and Nancy Ortberg join Steve to endure several of his Gauntlet of Anxiety Questions. Not surprisingly, the questions generated MUCH wisdom from these giants in our faith. Steve found himself doing some deep work in real time as John and Nancy fleshed out a way of being human and with God.  To get tickets to our upcoming Unlocking Faith conference, click here.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today we launch a brand new tool and it is one of our favorite type of tools because it is: very straightforward and simple but is also SO obvious, we neglect it. Therefore, we can begin to practice it and revolutionize our inner wellbeing. Lisa is joined by Lisa, the Friendly Neighborhood Therapist to kick around the new tool: Put yourself on your conscious list of relationships. To participate in our upcoming Unlocking Faith Conference or to learn more, click here.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Steve is joined by therapist Lisa Cuss and Capable Life Trainer Jimmy Carnes. They discuss mindfulness, owning thoughts and emotions, running late, recognizing overreactions, and appreciating God's gifts. They also announce an upcoming conference on bridging the gap between belief and experience with God.

Renae Loring, a Capable Life trainer, talks about her journey of anxiety management with Steve and Lisa Cuss. They discuss functional theology, locating functional beliefs, dislodging them, staying present in relationships, navigating difficult experiences, and the role of community in unlocking functional theology.

Steve chats with Glenn and Holly Packiam about leadership transition, establishing trust as a new leader, the challenge a leader’s spouse faces in ‘second hand criticism’ and their recent book and upcoming journal, Intentional Year and the soon to be released Intentional Year Journal.  Glenn is an essential voice in these times. He brings a rare combination of compassion, academia, creativity, and thoughtfulness to his role as Lead Pastor at Rockharbor Church and so many of us have benefited from his voice. Holly is a pastor with a Master in Counseling degree and has built two decades of faithful leadership and ministry in the local church.  Learn more or purchase tickets for Unlocking Faith Conference.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices