Restoring the Soul with Michael John Cusick

Welcome to another episode of "Restoring the Soul with Michael John Cusick." In today's podcast, Michael continues his conversation with Dr. Janelle Hallman, diving deep into the practice of mindfulness and its transformative power. In this episode, Janelle opens up about her struggle with feeling disconnected from her body and how mindfulness played a crucial role in her journey towards reconnection. Together, they explore the significance of paying attention to bodily sensations, how our bodies help us understand and process emotions, and the concept that "everything belongs."Listen to the first half of the conversation -> Episode 357 - Dr. Janelle Hallman, "Mindfulness and the Presence of God, Part 1"Michael and Janelle also discuss the integration of body, mind, and spirit, emphasizing the importance of being present and cultivating a relationship with God. Janelle guides listeners through a mindful breathing exercise, encouraging us to redirect our attention from mental chatter to the present moment. Discover how mindfulness supports spiritual growth and healing from trauma and brings a compassionate and nonjudgmental perspective into everyday life. Tune in and learn how setting your mind on the things above can lead to meaningful and practical changes that restore the soul.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!

Alan Kraft, a pastor and author, shares insights from his book "The Intimate God." He highlights the practice of scripture meditation as a way to foster a closer relationship with God. Kraft discusses the importance of stillness, prayer, and engaging with scripture to deepen our understanding of Jesus' love. He introduces the concept of 'practicing the presence of Jesus' during daily emotions, viewing them as growth opportunities. Kraft also emphasizes the gift of Sabbath as a time for self-care and renewal, transforming it from obligation to a treasured pause.

Alan Kraft, lead pastor of Christ Community Church and author of 'The Intimate God,' shares his insights on bridging the gap between knowing God and experiencing His love. He discusses the significance of authenticity in spirituality, explaining how discipline doesn't always equate to genuine connection with God. The conversation also touches on the importance of understanding personal perceptions of God's love and reviving spiritual connection through community engagement. Kraft emphasizes that true faith is rooted in experience and meaningful engagement.

Dr. Janelle Hallman, a licensed professional counselor and ordained minister, dives into the transformative power of mindfulness as a key spiritual practice. She shares her journey of integrating mindfulness with God's presence, highlighting how it can rewire our brains and enhance emotional regulation. Janelle also discusses the importance of self-compassion, especially during life's little challenges. Join her for insights on letting go of control, embracing the moment, and cultivating inner virtues organically through intentional practice.

In this conversation with Peter Zaremba, a seasoned voice in the 12-step community, the dialogue navigates the themes of control, powerlessness, and acceptance. They delve into the transformative power of the Serenity Prayer, emphasizing the importance of surrendering expectations and trusting a higher power. Peter shares personal experiences that highlight inner peace found through acknowledging one's limitations. The discussion also offers insights on being present and fostering emotional well-being, encouraging a joyful approach to life's challenges.

Join Peter Zaremba, a friend of Michael John Cusick and a contemplative life advocate, as he dives into themes of freedom and acceptance. They discuss the detrimental effects of trying to control life outcomes, especially during challenging times. The conversation explores how attachment to specific outcomes can lead to emotional turmoil in relationships. Through personal stories and biblical references, they emphasize recognizing our 'circle of control' and the necessity of surrendering to achieve inner peace. This thought-provoking dialogue offers profound insights for personal growth.

Welcome back to Restoring the Soul with Michael John Cusick. In today’s episode, Michael welcomes friend and fellow leader Robby Angle for an engaging conversation about Robby’s new book, The Path: What if the Way of Jesus is Different Than You Thought?—a collaborative work designed to help the next generation rediscover grace, true identity, and the heart of discipleship.Together, Michael and Robby dive into how our cultural assumptions about Jesus and our spiritual journey might be missing the mark. The discussion explores why so many of us, especially young adults, get stuck striving for God’s approval or sliding into spiritual passivity, and how learning to trust and receive God’s love changes everything. They reflect on the importance of authentic community, the dangers of approaching spiritual disciplines as a “how-to-get-better” manual, and how a shift from outside-in to inside-out spiritual growth can lead to real transformation.As they unpack themes from Robby’s book and his work with Trueface, you’ll also hear their thoughts on the deeper mystery of encountering God, why relationships are foundational for lasting change, and how churches can cultivate environments that foster true discipleship.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 sits down with Tara Owens, author of Embracing the Body: Finding God in Our Flesh and Bone, for a rich conversation about the intersection of faith, embodiment, and the profound ways our physical selves connect us to God. Together, they explore how centuries of Christian teaching have shaped our views of the body, often separating the spiritual from the physical, and what it looks like to reclaim embodied living as part of spiritual wholeness.Tara shares deeply from her own story, reflecting on the journey toward befriending her body, wrestling with illness, and moving beyond inherited theologies that diminish the goodness of our physicality. Michael and Tara discuss the ongoing relevance of Jesus’s embodiment—his exhaustion, pain, and friendships—and how this shapes our understanding of being human and spiritual.Touching on themes like Gnosticism, church history, touch deprivation in our society, and the real-life struggles of finding God amid physical limitations, this episode is a vulnerable invitation to embrace the sacredness of our skin and bones.Whether you’re curious about embodiment, recovering from damaging messages about your body, or simply longing for a deeper spiritual connection, this conversation illuminates the wholeness available when we find God not despite our bodies but through them. Plus, Tara offers insights into her ministry, Anam Cara, and the role of spiritual direction in nurturing soulful friendship with God.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 Summer Joy Gross—Anglican priest, spiritual director, and author of the new book, The Emmanuel Promise: Discovering the Security of a Life Held by God. Together, they dive into the transformative power of secure attachment with God, exploring how our personal histories, traumas, and life transitions shape our ability to connect with both ourselves and the Divine.Michael and Summer unpack the vital concepts of attachment theory, discuss the different attachment styles, and reflect on the power of lament, imaginative prayer, and community for deep inner healing. Summer shares candidly about her own story, the wounds and resilience that formed her, and her passion for helping others experience true rest and rootedness in God’s presence.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 the Restoring the Soul podcast with Michael John Cusick. In today’s episode, Michael sits down in the studio with Dr. Janelle Hallman, a seasoned intensive therapist at Restoring the Soul and a longtime friend and colleague. With decades of experience leading therapy intensives, groups, and workshops around the world, Janelle shares powerful insights from her work, especially her passion for walking alongside women in their journeys of healing and transformation.From memorable fishing adventures in Alaska to the profound privilege of witnessing souls come to life in the therapy room, Janelle opens up about what drew her to this vocation and why group work with women has been so transformative, both for her and the participants. The conversation delves into the unique healing power of supportive community, the importance of being truly seen, and the creative ways Janelle now facilitates online “Essence Circles” for women seeking authenticity, connection, and restoration.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!