“Wholeness and holiness are inseparable.” - Dallas WillardOn this edition of Restoring the Soul, we dig deep into our archives for one of the most important discussions Michael has taken part in. In his words, it was one of the highlights of his life. Together, let’s go to Los Angeles. The year is 2008 and we’ll be privileged to listen to Michael’s discussion with Dr. Dallas Willard, who for several decades taught Philosophy at the University of Southern California, and was the author of several books including The Spirit of the Disciplines, Hearing God, and The Divine Conspiracy.Dr. Willard passed into glory at 77 years old in May of 2013.In this conversation, he and Michael discuss spiritual formation, having an interactive relationship with God, the idea that solitude is the most radical of the disciplines. And so much more. You’re going to want to listen intently to this conversation - even playing it over again so that you don’t miss anything.We also want to take this opportunity to congratulate Apple IDs who go by Rathclayton1 and Atlasfreak, respectively, as they are the winners of a copy of Andrew Bauman’s book, “The Sexually Healthy Man. Thank you for your reviews on Apple Podcast - please send an email to info@restoringthesoul.com with your current address and we’ll be sure to get a book right out to you!ENGAGE 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!

“We eroticize our pain to make sense of it. We sexualize our brokenness.” - Andrew BaumanOn this edition of Restoring the Soul, Michael welcomes Andrew Bauman, author of The Sexually Healthy Man. Now, you may have grown up in the 90's during the height of the True Love Waits movement, accompanied by Joshua Harris’ bestseller, I Kissed Dating Goodbye. Many of the ideas perpetuated by this culture were infused with fear and shame, offering no practical help or guidance in equipping young people to become healthy sexual human beings. As a result, shame accompanied any thoughts around sexuality; with guys trying to white-knuckle purity and falling short over and over again. Leaving them with feelings of self-hatred and hopelessness. Andrew hopes his brand new book will serve as the guide - providing comfort and clarity to those who find themselves in a similar struggle for sexual health. The essays in the book are not only for men but also for women who want to understand what healthy sexuality can look like in a partner. Speaking of women, you may remember Andrew’s wife Christy as she was a guest on a September 2020 podcast called The Theology of the Womb. Definitely something worth checking out.Andrew has graciously provided us 2 copies copy of The Sexually Healthy Man that we’ll send to a randomly selected listeners. All you need to do to qualify is log into Apple Podcasts and write a review of Restoring the Soul. Be sure to listen to next week’s podcast for an update on the winners.In this podcast, we hope you will discover:How to engage with honor instead of objectification.For us to become whole, for us to become sexually healthy, we need to become embodied.What we believe is not what we say. What we believe is how we live.You cannot look at pornography and be an authentic man at the same time.ENGAGE 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!

“Our soul is not something that we have, it is more something that we are. It is the very life pulse within us that which names us alive.” - Ronald RolheiserHappy New Year! We hope that 2021 is off to a great start for you. Thankful that you have chosen to start the year off with us and hope that Restoring the Soul can become a regular part of your weekly podcast diet. Don’t forget that we have 160 other episodes from our archives featuring great conversations about life, love, and the pursuit of a whole heart. Some guests that have joined us range from John Eldredge, Lysa TerKeurst, Ian Morgan Cron, and Curt Thompson. There’s definitely something for everyone.On today’s podcast, Michael will continue and conclude the second part of a conversation he began last week on Understanding the Soul. A quick summary of the 6 points shows us that: Our souls are created for union with God.Our souls were created for life and love and joy and delight.Our souls are designed with a particular rhythmOur souls are created for connectionOur souls can be brokenYou can forfeit your soulDefinitely worth downloading and listening if you’re interested in grasping the foundations of why we have a soul and why it’s important to care for your soul.Today we will learn 3 consequences from not understanding the soul and that “the soul was created for union with God. For Communion. For intimacy. For one in the other.”ENGAGE 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!

“The most beautiful place in all of creation is the center of the soul.” - St. Teresa of AvilaOn this Christmas weekend edition of Restoring the Soul, Michael has invited his good friend Peter Zaremba into the studio to discuss one of the most perplexing topics known to man. They’re hoping to unpack what it means to understand the soul. The human soul is central to the personhood of a human being. As George MacDonald said, “You don’t have a soul. You are a Soul. You have a body.” And as we’ll learn from today’s conversation, our soul is the deepest part of who we are. It’s the most real part.ENGAGE 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!

“Happiness is a sense of looking back on our life and knowing it’s been well-lived.” - Rabbi Evan MofficOn this edition of Restoring the Soul, we’re taking a trip in the way back machine to feature a conversation with Michael and Rabbi Evan Moffic. In light of the Coronavirus pandemic and how difficult this year has been for so many, we thought it would be nice to offer a look at the ancient Jewish Happiness Prayer that helps to open up opportunities for gratitude and joy.Respected as a Jewish thought leader both in the Chicago area and nationally, Rabbi Moffic is the author of four best-selling books. He is regularly featured as part of the Religion Panel on Fox and Friends and on CNN, and his articles appear in Huffington Post.The Chicago Tribune described Evan as “a brilliant antidote to all that divides us. He constructs bridges where others drive wedges” and “the Rabbi we’d love to call our own. Humble, wise and good beyond words.”Finally, we have been encouraging you to share a review of Restoring the Soul on Apple Podcasts. In return, we would randomly select a review and award the author of the review with a copy of Susie Larson’s latest book, “Fully Alive”. Well, we received a number of wonderful posts and we’re happy to say that "JimmyinNYC", if you’re reading this, drop us an email at info@restoringthesoul.com with your mailing address and we’ll be happy send you a free copy of Fully Alive by Susie Larson. Thank you and congratulations!In this podcast, we hope you will discover:The connection between forgiving your parents and forgiving yourself.The ten elements of the Happiness PrayerThe difference between happiness and pleasureENGAGE 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!

“What happens in our souls happens in ourselves.” - Susie LarsonOn this edition of Restoring the Soul, Michael welcomes back Susie Larson to the podcast to complete their discussion they started last week. Be sure to download and listen to Episode 157 that will complement today’s conversation. Susie is a talk radio host, national speaker, and bestselling author. She hosts the daily talk show, Susie Larson Live, which airs on the Faith Radio Network and reaches a half million people weekly through her daily posts on Facebook. Today, she and Michael will discuss healing from a biblical & theological perspective. Susie also provides some helpful advice on how to communicate hope to those who are struggling in the healing process.Finally, last week we encouraged you to write a review of Restoring the Soul on Apple Podcasts. In return, we would randomly select a review and award the author of the review with a copy of Susie Larson’s latest book, “Fully Alive”. Well, we received a number of wonderful posts and we’re happy to say that Rebecca Lawrence, if you’re listening today, drop us an email at info@restoringthesoul.com with your address and we’ll send you a copy of Fully Alive. Thank you and congratulations! On that note, we have one more copy available, so head on over to the Apple Podcast Review page for Restoring the Soul and let us know you’re out there and how the podcast has impacted your life. We’re so grateful for you!In this podcast, we hope you will discover:Hope, faith & the love of God are important to the healing processNothing testifies like a life that’s healed and whole.What is functional medicine?ENGAGE 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!

“The storms reveal the lies we believe and the truths we need.” - Susie LarsonOn this edition of Restoring the Soul, Michael welcomes Susie Larson to the podcast. Susie is a talk radio host, national speaker, and bestselling author. She hosts the daily talk show, Susie Larson Live, which airs on the Faith Radio Network and reaches a half million people weekly through her daily posts on Facebook. Today, she and Michael will discuss the essence of her latest book, “Fully Alive: Learning to Flourish--Mind, Body & Spirit.” In it Susie Larson shows how intertwined our emotional, spiritual, and physical health are. Spiritual difficulties can have physical consequences, and physical illnesses can have emotional and even spiritual ramifications. So in order for true healing to occur, it must happen holistically.This discussion is packed full of advice and practical strategy to overcome your fears and start walking confidently with God. He is accessible and available to you - today.Susie has graciously provided us a copy of Fully Alive that we’ll send to a randomly selected listener. All you need to do to qualify is log into Apple Podcasts and write a review of Restoring the Soul. We’d love to hear from you! Join us next week for the conclusion of their discussion and we’ll be sure to let you know who wins.In this podcast, we hope you will discover how to:Replace defeating thoughts with redemptive onesOvercome stress and embrace God's peaceDeal with the "I can'ts" embedded in our soulsTrade unhealthy habits for new life-giving practicesENGAGE 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!

“I never wanted this story told because I never wanted this to be my story.” - Lysa TerKeurstRegardless of whether we’re in a pandemic or not, the holidays bring families together - and with these gatherings, painful memories oftentimes surface and difficult conversations happen - or are avoided… At the center of these conflicts are the need for forgiveness and healing. Come to think of it, it’s not just during the holidays - issues related to forgiveness are everywhere. If this resonates with you - stay with us as Michael welcomes back popular author and President of Proverbs 31 Ministries, Lysa TerKeurst. Lysa’s personal life has been on display the past few years - and her journey of forgiveness has been one that has inspired many to pursue wholeness and reconciliation.On this edition of Restoring the Soul, Michael and Lysa discuss her latest book, Forgiving What You Can't Forget. The subtitle of the book really provides the essence of their conversation, “Discover How to Move On, Make Peace with Painful Memories, and Create a Life That’s Beautiful Again.” As you will discover, Lysa has spent over 1000 hours studying the biblical foundation for forgiveness and wants nothing more than for you and her readers to walk in freedom and healing. It’s our prayer that you discover what forgiveness is, what it isn’t, and that forgiveness is not about forgetting. It’s about listening to the way you now share your story. And the way you share the story of what happened will determine where you are in the healing process.In this podcast, we hope you will discover:What are the barriers to forgiveness?Reconciliation does not always hold hands with forgiveness.Grieving is dreaming in reverse.ENGAGE 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 order for me to understand the journey of the slave, I had to be on the ship.”  - Dr. Barbara PeacockMichael’s guest on today’s podcast is Dr. Barbara Peacock. An experienced preacher, teacher and minister of discipleship and prayer, Dr. Peacock trains in spiritual direction and soul care for ministry leaders and has a God-given call and desire to serve as spiritual coach for individuals and groups.Her latest book is titled Soul Care in African American Practice. It’s a fascinating look at prayer, spiritual direction, and soul care and how the transatlantic journey for the slaves was the entry point or beginning of spiritual direction and soul care from an African American perspective. As she and Michael wrap up the second half of their conversation, they will discuss the impact of Frederick Douglas, Dr. Martin Luther and Coretta Scott King, and Dr. Renita Weems. Be sure to listen the whole way through the interview as Barbara leads us in the practice of Lectio Divina.In this podcast, we hope you will discover:In Christ, nobody is better than anybody.Singing brings healing. Singing touches the soul. Singing is meaningful.Spiritual disciplines don’t have a color.ENGAGE 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!

“I went on a journey of seeking an entry point for the beginning of African American soul care.” - Dr. Barbara PeacockMichael’s guest on today’s podcast is Dr. Barbara Peacock, an experienced preacher, teacher and minister of discipleship and prayer. Dr. Peacock trains in spiritual direction and soul care for ministry leaders and has a God-given call and desire to serve as spiritual coach for individuals and groups.Her latest book with Intervarsity Press is titled Soul Care in African American Practice. It’s a fascinating look at prayer, spiritual direction, and soul care and how the transatlantic journey for the slaves was the entry point or beginning of spiritual direction and soul care from an African American perspective. Dr. Peacock also uses examples of ten significant men and women—like Frederick Douglass, Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks, Howard Thurman and others—to give leadership examples of how important soul care was to their own lives. In this podcast, we hope you will discover:Soul care is a parallel to spiritual direction.Freedom is birthed out of suffering.The definition of spirituality with tenacity.ENGAGE 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!