Wholeness and Holiness “The heart is central. Your heart matters. And the heart needs healing.” - John Eldredge We’re thrilled to welcome back John Eldredge to the Restoring the Soul podcast. John is an author, a counselor, and a teacher. He is also president of Ransomed Heart, a ministry devoted to helping people discover the heart of God, recover their own hearts in God's love, and learn to live in God's Kingdom.John earned his master’s degree in Counseling from Colorado Christian University, under the direction of Larry Crabb and Dan Allender. He worked as a counselor in private practice before launching Ransomed Heart in 2000. John and Stasi live in Colorado Springs with their three sons (Samuel, Blaine, and Luke), their golden retriever (Oban), and two horses (Whistle and Kokolo).To hear John’s 2016 interview on Restoring the Soul, click here for Part I and here for Part II.In this podcast, we hope you will discover:The centrality of the heart, from a biblical perspectiveThe importance of experiencing the fullness of GodHow Jesus rested in His humanity and why you should, too  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 Soul of Immigration “We just need to start seeing each other as God-created human beings instead of all these other labels that we have.” - Vivian LemusMarch 26, 2018 was the day that has forever have changed the lives of Tony and Vivian Lemus. It was on that day they were officially sworn in as United States citizens. We celebrate this special day with Tony and Vivian on this episode of Restoring the Soul and are excited to take you inside their nearly 17-year journey of becoming US citizens to help show that the issue of immigration is not just tied to laws and whether or not migrants are “dotting their i’s and crossing their t’s”. In Michael’s hour-long conversation, he hopes to show that immigration is a living and breathing story of people’s lives that have gotten caught in the sticky spokes of politics and misunderstanding.Tony Lemus is originally from Guatemala. He serves as Program Director at El Centro Humanitario where he oversees the design, development and execution of programs to serve the homeless seeking employment. He holds a law degree from Guatemala, as well as certificates in Public Management and Political Strategies acquired in Costa Rica and Taiwan. Vivian Lemus is also originally from Guatemala and serves as a paralegal at a Denver Immigration law firm. She has worked in administration and teaching, having interacted with people of different cultures and backgrounds throughout her life.In this podcast, we hope you will discover:What the process of “letting go” feels like for immigrants.The challenges associated with raising 3rd Culture Kids.The stresses related to immigrants living in the United States, legal or undocumented. 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!

Hidden in Plain Sight “We all have stories and they’re a goldmine. You must tend to them.” - Becky AllenderOn this edition of Restoring the Soul, Michael talks with Becky Allender. Becky helped co-found The Allender Center at The Seattle School, where she directs intercession for the Training Certificate program, leads groups for Story Workshops, and co-leads marriage retreats with her husband. She is the author of Hidden in Plain Sight: One Woman’s Search for Identity, Intimacy, and Calling and has been a regular contributor to Red Tent Living since 2013. A mother and grandmother, she is quite fond of sunshine, yoga, Hawaiian quilting, and creating 17th Century reproduction samplers. A community of praying women, loving Jesus, and the art of gratitude fill her life with goodness.In this podcast, we hope you will discover:The effects of parents’ trauma transferred on to their children.The importance of embodiment and why it matters in your story.How Becky got involved with trafficked women. 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 Happiness Prayer “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, Michael concludes his conversation with Rabbi Evan Moffic. Evan serves as the Senior Rabbi of Congregation Solel in suburban Chicago. He uses his experience as a rabbi working with people of all ages who experience the highs and lows of life, combined with the most cutting edge research in positive psychology and neuroscience, to explore what practices help us feel a greater sense of satisfaction, meaning and purpose in our lives.Rabbi Moffic is the author of three best-selling books, and a fourth set to release in early 2019. He is regularly featured as part of the Religion Panel on Fox and Friends, and his articles appear in Huffington Post. Evan speaks across the country to faith based groups and corporations wanting to improve strategies for understanding one another, facilitating increased productivity and harmony in the workplace and in our social circles. He is a skilled retreat leader, “lunch and learn” speaker, and large group debate moderator. He is at home in sanctuaries, company boardrooms and civic auditoriums.To learn more about him, visit https://rabbimoffic.com/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 pleasure 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 Happiness Prayer “I’m always looking for wisdom and it doesn’t matter where it comes from.” - Rabbi Evan MofficOn this edition of Restoring the Soul, Michael welcomes Rabbi Evan Moffic. Evan serves as the Senior Rabbi of Congregation Solel in suburban Chicago. He uses his experience as a rabbi working with people of all ages who experience the highs and lows of life, combined with the most cutting edge research in positive psychology and neuroscience, to explore what practices help us feel a greater sense of satisfaction, meaning and purpose in our lives.Rabbi Moffic is the author of three best-selling books, and a fourth set to release in early 2019. He is regularly featured as part of the Religion Panel on Fox and Friends, and his articles appear in Huffington Post. Evan speaks across the country to faith based groups and corporations wanting to improve strategies for understanding one another, facilitating increased productivity and harmony in the workplace and in our social circles. He is a skilled retreat leader, “lunch and learn” speaker, and large group debate moderator. He is at home in sanctuaries, company boardrooms and civic auditoriums.To learn more about him, visit https://rabbimoffic.com/In this podcast, we hope you will discover:Insights on the rise in anti-semitismThe importance of the pursuit of wisdomThe deeper meaning of honoring those who gave you life 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!

Boundaries for Your Soul “Internal conflict is growth trying to happen.” - Kimberly MillerOn this program, Michael concludes his conversation with author Kimberly Miller. They discuss her new book, Boundaries for Your Soul, co-written with Alison Cook. Kimberly Miller, MTh, LMFT, is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, speaker, and retreat leader. She is the founder of Leading Wholeheartedly, a ministry that helps Christian leaders tend to their inner lives, so that they can better serve others. She also founded Doing Good Well, a leadership development program for Christians in the Visual Arts. Prior to her work as a counselor, Kim was a campus minister with InterVarsity Christian Fellowship at Harvard University. To learn more about her, visit kimberlyjunemiller.com.In this podcast, we hope you will discover:Five elements of the “You” TurnHow to incorporate the Five Elements into your own soul careA brief counseling session between Michael and Kimberly!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!

Boundaries for Your Soul “Internal conflict is growth trying to happen.” - Kimberly MillerMichael welcomes author Kimberly Miller to Restoring the Soul with a discussion about her new book that she co-wrote with Alison Cook, Boundaries for Your Soul. Kimberly Miller, MTh, LMFT, is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, speaker, and retreat leader. She is the founder of Leading Wholeheartedly, a ministry that helps Christian leaders tend to their inner lives, so that they can better serve others. She also founded Doing Good Well, a leadership development program for Christians in the Visual Arts. Prior to her work as a counselor, Kim was a campus minister with InterVarsity Christian Fellowship at Harvard University. To learn more about her, visit kimberlyjunemiller.com.In this podcast, we hope you will discover:The parts of your soul called managers, firefighters, and exiles.The difference between the “true self” and the “Spirit led” selfIntegration vs. Disintegration 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!

Embodiment and Trauma “Therapists who get burned out are not taking care of themselves.” - Barb MaibergerIn this special episode of Restoring the Soul, Michael welcomes Dr. Arielle Schwartz and Barb Maiberger to discuss their new book, “EMDR Therapy and Somatic Psychology” that teaches therapists how to increase the client's capacity to sense and feel the body. The book is also intended to help the client work through traumatic memories in a safe and regulated manner as well as facilitating lasting integration.Click on the links below for more information about Michael's guests:Dr. Arielle SchwartzBarb Maiberger In this podcast, we hope you will discover:How experts in the field of trauma handle tragedy themselves.The importance of self-care for the therapist.Is it possible for a therapist to “leave their work at the office?”The definition of the “triune brain”. 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!

Remembering Eugene PetersonA Conversation with Winn Collier “It feels like Gandolf is gone.” - Former student of Eugene PetersonMichael welcomes back Winn Collier to Restoring the Soul with a discussion about Eugene Peterson, who recently passed away. Eugene was an American Presbyterian clergyman, scholar, theologian, author, and poet. He wrote over thirty books, including Gold Medallion Book Award winner The Message: The Bible in Contemporary Language.Winn has been selected to be Eugene’s personal biographer as he was on the receiving end of Eugene’s mentoring, guidance, and friendship. Winn agreed to have a conversation with Michael to remember Eugene’s life well-lived.To read Michael's interview with Eugene Peterson from 1996, click here.To learn more about Winn, visit winncollier.com.In this podcast, we hope you will discover:The importance of Winn’s honor to be selected to write Eugene’s story.Who Alexander White was and why he was so important to Eugene.Eugene’s favorite brand of whiskey.  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!

Defiant Joy“You cannot know joy if you live in denial.” - Stasi EldredgeMichael wraps up his conversation with Stasi Eldredge on this episode of Restoring the Soul. Stasi loves the joy and freedom that comes from knowing the passionate, stunning love of Jesus Christ and lives to see others come to know him more deeply.  She loves worship music, celebrating life, getting lost in a good novel, a powerful turn of phrase, the grace and beauty of horses, the affection of her dog and most of all her family and her God.In addition to Defiant Joy, Stasi is also the author of Captivating, Becoming Myself, and Beautiful Now.In this podcast, we hope you will discover:God’s design for joy.The importance of the cup of salvation and the cup of suffering as it relates to joy.How to walk with God through the “mess of your life” to get to true joy. 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!