Restoring the Soul with Michael John Cusick

Welcome back to Restoring the Soul! In this episode, Michael John Cusick and Julianne Cusick dive deep into the world of intensive counseling, unpacking what makes Restoring the Soul’s approach unique and transformative. You’ll hear about the practical structure of their intensives—meeting with individuals and couples in three-hour blocks over one or two weeks—and what sets this method apart from traditional weekly counseling. They explore the importance of stepping away from daily life to create space for profound healing, the individualized attention each client receives, and the holistic integration of soul care, psychological expertise, and contemplative spiritual practices.Throughout their candid conversation, Michael shares stories of how Restoring the Soul began, while Julianne offers reflections on the power of holding sacred space for clients' stories. If you’ve ever wondered what intensive counseling really means, or how a focused, custom-tailored process can spark breakthroughs in just two weeks, this episode will give you clarity and inspiration.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 is joined by Dr. J.R. Briggs, author of the book The Art of Asking Better Questions: Pursuing Stronger Relationships, Healthier Leadership and Deeper Faith. Together, they explore why the questions we ask—of God, ourselves, and each other—are so central to personal transformation, deep connection, and spiritual growth.Drawing from years of research, lived experience, and insights from both ancient and modern sources, J.R. Briggs unpacks how better questions (not just more of them) shape the quality of our lives and relationships. They dig into why vulnerability, humility, curiosity, and wisdom are essentials for good questions, and how great question-askers build trust, intimacy, and growth.The conversation is rich with practical tips, stories, and wisdom on becoming people who don’t just demand answers, but who pursue lives oriented around questions of substance and consequence. Whether you’re a leader, friend, partner, or simply someone seeking deeper relationships and faith, you’ll walk away inspired to ask, listen, and connect in new ways.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 another episode of Restoring the Soul with Michael John Cusick. Today, we bring you an encore presentation featuring a conversation between our host, Michael John Cusick, and Rev. Dr. Dennis Edwards. Known for his deep theological insights and compassionate pastoral work, Dr. Edwards dives into the concept of restoration, exploring its vital role in enriching faith amidst life's complexities.In this episode, Michael shares about the ministry of Restoring the Soul. Drawing from his journey through trauma, addiction, and healing, Michael passionately discusses the holistic nature of the soul and the crucial process of restoring it to wholeness.Dr. Edwards and Michael cover many compelling topics, from the unity within the Trinity to the importance of embodied spirituality and radical humility in healing personal and societal divisions. Prepare to be inspired and challenged as they unpack what it truly means to close the gap between belief and experience.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 this conversation, Bette Dickinson, an author and artist focused on spiritual formation, shares her insights from her book, exploring the metaphor of vine making as a pathway to spiritual flourishing. She highlights her friendship with a vine dresser, illustrating how quality and relationship matter more than mere productivity. Bette contrasts the importance of rest and dormancy in spiritual growth with our culture's push for constant output. They discuss the beauty of surrendering productivity in favor of embracing God's love, emphasizing that true flourishing comes from nurturing relationships.

Ian Morgan Cron, an acclaimed author known for works on the Enneagram and spirituality, dives into his latest book, "The Fix," exploring how the 12 steps offer transformative paths for everyone, not just those battling addiction. He candidly shares his personal recovery journey and redefines addiction as a universal experience. Ian emphasizes the importance of spiritual surrender, vulnerability, and community support in the healing process, encouraging listeners to embrace the 12 steps as a roadmap to deeper spiritual growth and purpose.

Tony Kriz, a spiritual entrepreneur and co-author of "Read," discusses the urgent need for childhood literacy and the profound effects of trauma on development. He highlights alarming literacy statistics and connects illiteracy to societal issues like poverty and incarceration. Kriz emphasizes the crucial role of caring adults, advocating for community and church involvement to support children in reading. Inspiring stories and practical volunteering opportunities show how mentorship can change lives, making literacy a critical pathway to healing and justice.

Dr. Alison Cook, a clinical psychologist and author of "Boundaries for Your Soul," combines emotional insight with faith to help people heal. She discusses the importance of setting gentle boundaries with our emotions instead of suppressing them. Alison unveils her concept of the spirit-led self, encouraging listeners to befriend their feelings and view internal conflict as a growth opportunity. Practical tips are shared, emphasizing compassionate inquiry and the integration of self-awareness with spiritual guidance for holistic healing.

Dr. Camden Morgante, a licensed clinical psychologist and author of "Recovering from Purity Culture," reveals the damaging myths of purity culture, including its roots in patriarchy and the unrealistic expectations surrounding sex. She discusses the psychological scars it leaves and shares her personal journey of deconstructing faith through grace. With an insightful framework for rebuilding a healthy sexual ethic, she emphasizes the importance of open dialogue and empathy in raising the next generation, striving for healing and understanding in relationships.

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!