Restoring the Soul with Michael John Cusick

Welcome to another episode of Restoring the Soul. Today, Michael John Cusick is joined by author, speaker, and men's group leader Drew Boa to discuss Drew’s groundbreaking new book, Outgrow Porn: Find Lasting Freedom Without Fighting an Exhausting Battle.This conversation dives deep into breaking free from pornography—not through more willpower or "white-knuckling," but by truly healing and growing emotionally, relationally, and spiritually. Drew shares how his approach helps men connect with their inner child, understand their sexual fantasies, and use practical tools (14 of them, to be exact) to experience genuine freedom. They also discuss the impact of betrayal and sexual addiction on wives and partners, highlighting the importance of support and compassion for everyone affected.Together, Michael and Drew challenge the traditional “battle” rhetoric around pornography recovery and invite listeners into a paradigm-shifting journey—one where lasting change is possible and shame doesn't get the final word.Support the showENGAGE THE RESTORING THE SOUL PODCAST:- Follow us on YouTube - Tweet us at @michaeljcusick and @PodcastRTS- Like us on Facebook- Follow us on Instagram & Twitter- Follow Michael on Twitter- Email us at info@restoringthesoul.com Thanks for listening!

Welcome to Restoring the Soul with Michael John Cusick. On today’s episode, Michael sits down with fellow intensive therapist Brian Boecker for an honest, heartfelt conversation about the universal human longing to belong. Inspired by Michael’s recent talk at the Connections Conference in Washington, D.C., the discussion explores how belonging shapes our sense of self, impacts our relationships, and is deeply tied to spiritual themes found in scripture—especially in Jesus' teachings on prayer.Through personal stories, reflections on the Lord’s Prayer, and insights from attachment theory, Michael and Brian unpack what it means to be at home with ourselves, others, and God. They wrestle with vulnerability, shame, and the courage it takes to truly let ourselves be seen. Drawing on poems, psychology, and biblical wisdom, this episode invites listeners to consider how authentic belonging not only leads to healing but also to genuine transformation.Support the showENGAGE THE RESTORING THE SOUL PODCAST:- Follow us on YouTube - Tweet us at @michaeljcusick and @PodcastRTS- Like us on Facebook- Follow us on Instagram & Twitter- Follow Michael on Twitter- Email us at info@restoringthesoul.com Thanks for listening!

In today's enlightening episode of "Restoring the Soul with Michael John Cusick," we delve into the intricate world of neurodiverse marriages. Join Michael and Julianne Cusick as they explore the challenges and dynamics couples face when one or both partners are on the autism spectrum. With Michael openly sharing his diagnosis of high-functioning Asperger's and Julianne bringing her expertise as a certified neurodiverse couples coach and licensed marriage and family therapist, this episode promises deep insights and practical advice. Learn about the common themes in neurodiverse relationships, the unique struggles and rewards, and the transformative power of understanding and tailored coaching. Whether navigating a neurodiverse marriage yourself or simply seeking to broaden your understanding, this episode is packed with valuable content and hopeful perspectives. Tune in and discover how embracing neurodiversity can pave the way for healthier, more fulfilling relationships.Support the showENGAGE THE RESTORING THE SOUL PODCAST:- Follow us on YouTube - Tweet us at @michaeljcusick and @PodcastRTS- Like us on Facebook- Follow us on Instagram & Twitter- Follow Michael on Twitter- Email us at info@restoringthesoul.com Thanks for listening!

John Eldredge, bestselling author of Wild at Heart, joins to discuss his latest work, Experience Jesus. Really. He delves into the profound necessity of genuine communion with Jesus, urging listeners to move beyond empty religious formulas. Eldredge highlights the impact of technology on the soul, stressing the urgency for simple spiritual practices. He introduces the Pause app as a tool for experiencing God’s presence and shares insights on Christian mysticism and benevolent detachment, inviting a deeper connection with the divine.

Welcome to Restoring the Soul with Michael John Cusick. In today’s episode, Michael guides us through the ancient and transformative practice of Lectio Divina, or "sacred reading"—a gentle, four-step approach to engaging scripture that moves beyond intellectual study and invites deeper communion with God. Drawing on his own journey and experience with this practice, Michael unpacks each movement—reading, reflecting, responding, and resting—offering practical wisdom and personal insights along the way.Whether you’re new to Lectio Divina or seeking fresh ways to revive your spiritual life, this episode provides both a clear explanation and a real-time invitation to experience sacred reading for yourself. Michael walks listeners step-by-step through a beloved passage in Matthew, encouraging us to let the words of scripture nourish not just our minds, but our souls. Settle in, take a few deep breaths, and prepare to experience a slower, richer way of encountering God’s presence in your everyday life.Support the showENGAGE THE RESTORING THE SOUL PODCAST:- Follow us on YouTube - Tweet us at @michaeljcusick and @PodcastRTS- Like us on Facebook- Follow us on Instagram & Twitter- Follow Michael on Twitter- Email us at info@restoringthesoul.com Thanks for listening!

Welcome to another episode of Restoring the Soul with Michael John Cusick. Today, we dive deep into the hunger many of us feel for a more profound relationship with God. Michael opens up about his journey with spiritual practices and the struggles he faced with traditional devotions and disciplines. He introduces us to the transformative ancient practice of "Lectio Divina"—a sacred reading method that focuses on prayerful, contemplative engagement with the scriptures.Throughout this episode, Michael shares personal stories and insights on how Lectio Divina can reboot your experience with scripture, foster a deeper connection with God, and create a posture of stillness and receiving. He also highlights the importance of slowing down and integrating both our minds' analytical and imaginative aspects in our spiritual journey.Join us as we explore five compelling reasons to incorporate Lectio Divina into your daily life and learn how it can cultivate the deep, experiential relationship with God that your heart longs for. Stay tuned to the end as we recommend some insightful books to guide you in this practice further. Get ready to be inspired to engage with scripture in a more meaningful and personal way.RESOURCES MENTIONED:- Opening to God: Lectio Divina and Life as Prayer by David G. Benner- Too Deep for Words: Rediscovering Lectio Divina by Sister Thelma HallSupport the showENGAGE THE RESTORING THE SOUL PODCAST:- Follow us on YouTube - Tweet us at @michaeljcusick and @PodcastRTS- Like us on Facebook- Follow us on Instagram & Twitter- Follow Michael on Twitter- Email us at info@restoringthesoul.com Thanks for listening!

James Bryan Smith, an author and the director of the Apprentice Institute, discusses the dynamic relationship between faith and psychology. He emphasizes how spiritual formation intertwines with mental health, especially post-pandemic. The conversation highlights the usefulness of tools like the Enneagram and the need for therapy in genuine healing. Smith also explores the integration of neuroscience with spiritual practices and addresses the important dialogue around sin and forgiveness within the church community, setting the stage for the upcoming Apprentice Gathering conference.

Welcome back to Restoring the Soul with Michael John Cusick. In today’s episode, Michael sits down with Ashley Opliger, author of the new book Cradled in Hope: Trusting Jesus to Heal Your Heart as He Holds Your Baby in Heaven. This deeply moving conversation explores Ashley’s personal journey through the heartbreak of miscarriage and infant loss, and how her grief led to unexpected hope and purpose.Ashley shares the story of her daughter, Bridget Faith, whose brief life inspired not only her book but also the founding of Bridget’s Cradles—a ministry bringing comfort to thousands of families facing similar tragedy. Throughout the episode, Ashley and Michael discuss the realities of grieving with hope, the importance of lament and honest faith, and the ways Jesus meets us in our deepest darkness.You’ll hear practical wisdom for grieving parents, profound reflections on faith and suffering, and the incredible story behind a small handmade cradle that’s touched tens of thousands of lives. Whether you are navigating loss yourself or want to better understand how to support those who are, this conversation offers raw honesty, biblical hope, and a reminder that we are never alone in our pain.Support the showENGAGE THE RESTORING THE SOUL PODCAST:- Follow us on YouTube - Tweet us at @michaeljcusick and @PodcastRTS- Like us on Facebook- Follow us on Instagram & Twitter- Follow Michael on Twitter- Email us at info@restoringthesoul.com Thanks for listening!

Welcome to another episode of Restoring the Soul with Michael John Cusick. In today’s conversation, Michael sits down with Drs. Bill and Kristi Gaultiere—psychologists, spiritual directors, and founders of Soul Shepherding—to explore the transformative power of empathy in the Christian life. Together, they dive into the heart behind Bill and Kristi’s newest book, Deeply Loved: Receiving and Reflecting God’s Great Empathy for You, discussing why so many of us struggle to receive love from God and others, and how empathy connects deeply to healing, spiritual maturity, and healthy relationships.From personal stories of overcoming shame and abandonment wounds to confronting misconceptions around empathy in Christian circles, this episode offers practical wisdom and tangible spiritual practices for those longing to experience God’s love more fully. Whether you’re a leader, caregiver, or someone simply searching for greater connection and soul care, you’ll discover steps toward living more vulnerably, building stronger attachments, and living out the truth that you are deeply loved. Stick around for Kristi and Bill’s insights on soul care, their unique approach to spiritual direction, and ways you can get involved in their community.Support the showENGAGE THE RESTORING THE SOUL PODCAST:- Follow us on YouTube - Tweet us at @michaeljcusick and @PodcastRTS- Like us on Facebook- Follow us on Instagram & Twitter- Follow Michael on Twitter- Email us at info@restoringthesoul.com Thanks for listening!

Welcome back to "Restoring the Soul with Michael John Cusick." In today's episode, Michael dives deep into a conversation with Sam Jolman, author of "The Sex Talk You Never Got: Reclaiming the Heart of Masculine Sexuality." Sam’s groundbreaking book, explores the often misunderstood landscape of male sexuality, emphasizing that true sexual healing involves far more than just avoiding lust or overcoming shame. Instead, Sam introduces the concept of reclaiming innocence through awe and kindness, leading to an integrated, holistic experience of our sexuality. Michael and Sam challenge traditional perspectives, shifting the focus from purity as an end goal to embracing our sexuality as a means of drawing closer to God and experiencing life’s profound beauty. They also address the pivotal question: What is the true goal of male sexuality? Join us for this enlightening discussion that promises to reshape how we understand and experience our deepest desires and connections. Support the showENGAGE THE RESTORING THE SOUL PODCAST:- Follow us on YouTube - Tweet us at @michaeljcusick and @PodcastRTS- Like us on Facebook- Follow us on Instagram & Twitter- Follow Michael on Twitter- Email us at info@restoringthesoul.com Thanks for listening!