Restoring the Soul with Michael John Cusick

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!

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!