Restoring the Soul with Michael John Cusick

“I want to become the person that naturally is like Jesus because I have been with Him for so long.”  - James Bryan SmithToday, we begin a 2-part conversation with James Bryan Smith.James is the author of The Good and Beautiful God and the Apprentice series. He earned his MDiv at Yale and his DMin at Fuller and is a theology professor at Friends University in Wichita, Kansas. He also serves as the director of the Apprentice Institute for Christian Spiritual Formation at Friends University.A founding member of Richard J. Foster's spiritual renewal ministry, Renovaré, Smith serves as a teaching pastor at Chapel Hill United Methodist Church. He is the editor of A Spiritual Formation Workbook and Devotional Classics (with Richard Foster), and the author of Embracing the Love of God, Rich Mullins: An Arrow Pointing to Heaven, and Room of Marvels. His most recent books are The Magnificent Story and The Magnificent Journey.In this podcast, we hope you will discover:The difference between spiritual formation and discipleship.What happens when God is the subject of active verbs.The devastating result of teaching people only the spiritual disciplines.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!

“You lead by serving, That’s what we’re to do. It’s not to impress people. It’s not to be perfect. It’s not to be right. It’s to serve.”  - Philip YanceyToday, we present the conclusion of one of our most popular interviews with Philip Yancey.Philip Yancey is one of Christianity’s best thinkers and writers. He’s an award-winning journalist and best-selling author whose books have sold over 14 million copies. His work has also been celebrated by Billy Graham and Bono - which is no wonder because of the universal themes of suffering and grace that he so often writes about. A few of his books include, “What’s So Amazing About Grace”, “The Jesus I Never Knew”, “Where is God When It Hurts?”, and “Disappointment With God”. Michael first met Philip in 1994 when he interviewed him for the Mars Hill Review. Since that time, the men have grown to know and enjoy each other, and have become significant sources of encouragement for their respective journeys.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!

“If this world ran by fairness or karma, we’d all be in trouble.”  - Philip YanceyToday, we’re pleased to feature an encore edition of the Restoring the Soul podcast with an interview Michael conducted with Philip Yancey.Philip Yancey is one of Christianity’s best thinkers and writers. He’s an award-winning journalist and best-selling author whose books have sold over 14 million copies. His work has also been celebrated by Billy Graham and Bono - which is no wonder because of the universal themes of suffering and grace that he so often writes about. A few of his books include, “What’s So Amazing About Grace”, “The Jesus I Never Knew”, “Where is God When It Hurts?”, and “Disappointment With God”. Michael first met Philip in 1994 when he interviewed him for the Mars Hill Review. Since that time, the men have grown to know and enjoy each other, and have become significant sources of encouragement for their respective journeys.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!

“If you really don’t want to grow as a person, don’t study the Enneagram.”  - Kelley GrayToday, we’re concluding our 5-part series on how the Enneagram can strengthen your marriage or intimate relationship. Michael’s Restoring the Soul colleague is Kelley Gray, our resident expert on the Enneagram. Part V will focus on the importance of taking care of yourself in order to thrive in your marriage.A popular guest on a previous Restoring the Soul podcast, Kelley—is a self-proclaimed growth nerd--works, counsels, and teaches at Restoring the Soul and specializes in intensive counseling with couples and individual. Prior to coming to Restoring the Soul she worked as a private practice psychotherapist in the Denver area for 17 years. She is deeply passionate about therapy, growth, and laughing. She is a writer, teacher, speaker and group leader who is passionate about transformation and wholeness. As you will hear, Kelly’s knowledge of the Enneagram as practical as it is deep. In this podcast, we hope you will discover:Your relationships start to look differently when you start to take ownership of your own flaws.The importance of learning to acknowledge your own needs, name them, and take responsibility for them.That when we take care of ourselves and deal with ourselves and choose to be responsible and mature, that will make for the healthiest and most loving relationship.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!

“See how much more connected you can be when you name and bless your differences.”  - Kelley GrayToday, we’re continuing a 5-part series on how the Enneagram can strengthen your marriage or intimate relationship. Michael’s Restoring the Soul colleague is Kelley Gray, our resident expert on the Enneagram. Part IV will focus on how to celebrate and bless your differences.A popular guest on a previous Restoring the Soul podcast, Kelley—is a self-proclaimed growth nerd--works, counsels, and teaches at Restoring the Soul and specializes in intensive counseling with couples and individual. Prior to coming to Restoring the Soul she worked as a private practice psychotherapist in the Denver area for 17 years. She is deeply passionate about therapy, growth, and laughing. She is a writer, teacher, speaker and group leader who is passionate about transformation and wholeness. As you will hear, Kelly’s knowledge of the Enneagram as practical as it is deep. In this podcast, we hope you will discover:That if we could deal with the ways we are different from our spouse, it could keep us out of some unnecessary fightsDifferences in marriage are not a threat to the health and stability of the relationship.That by studying the Enneagram, it can help couples put more language to deep drives, desires, and needs that develop in their relationship.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!

“Lower level behavior in one person begets lower level behavior in the other person.”  - Kelley GrayToday, we’re continuing a 5-part series on how the Enneagram can strengthen your marriage or intimate relationship. Michael’s Restoring the Soul colleague is Kelley Gray, our resident expert on the Enneagram. Part III will focus on how to not take things personally.A popular guest on a previous Restoring the Soul podcast, Kelley—is a self-proclaimed growth nerd--works, counsels, and teaches at Restoring the Soul and specializes in intensive counseling with couples and individual. Prior to coming to Restoring the Soul she worked as a private practice psychotherapist in the Denver area for 17 years. She is deeply passionate about therapy, growth, and laughing. She is a writer, teacher, speaker and group leader who is passionate about transformation and wholeness. As you will hear, Kelly’s knowledge of the Enneagram as practical as it is deep. In this podcast, we hope you will discover:That becoming a student of your partner which will bring a level of empathy and compassion you have been unable to experience before.How to develop the ability to see the other person’s vantage point.The healthy and unhealthy parts of your Enneagram number.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!

“The Enneagram is the Face of God and the Body of Christ.”  - Kelley GrayToday, we’re continuing a 5-part series on how the Enneagram can strengthen your marriage or intimate relationship. Michael’s Restoring the Soul colleague is Kelley Gray, our resident expert on the Enneagram. Part II will focus on understanding how your partner handles conflict.A popular guest on a previous Restoring the Soul podcast, Kelley—is a self-proclaimed growth nerd--works, counsels, and teaches at Restoring the Soul and specializes in intensive counseling with couples and individual. Prior to coming to Restoring the Soul she worked as a private practice psychotherapist in the Denver area for 17 years. She is deeply passionate about therapy, growth, and laughing. She is a writer, teacher, speaker and group leader who is passionate about transformation and wholeness. As you will hear, Kelly’s knowledge of the Enneagram as practical as it is deep. In this podcast, we hope you will discover:How the Enneagram can be used effectively in counseling for couples.The “Holy Idea” or “positive reach” for each of the Enneagram numbers.That conflict doesn’t have to be a barrier to intimacy and connection. It can be a bridge.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!

“A relationship will never ever improve or thrive on autopilot.”  - Kelley GrayToday, we’re excited to present a 5-part series on how the Enneagram can strengthen your marriage or intimate relationship. Michael’s Restoring the Soul colleague is Kelley Gray, our resident expert on the Enneagram.A popular guest on a previous Restoring the Soul podcast,  Kelley—a self-proclaimed growth nerd--works, counsels, and teaches at Restoring the Soul and specializes in intensive counseling with couples and individual. Prior to coming to Restoring the Soul she worked as a private practice psychotherapist in the Denver area for 17 years. She is deeply passionate about therapy, growth and laughing. She is a writer, teacher, speaker and group leader who is passionate about transformation and wholeness. As you will here, Kelly’s knowledge of the Enneagram as practical as it is deep. In this podcast, we hope you will discover:The path to becoming an expert on your spouse or partner.What prevents a spouse from becoming an expert on their partner.Brand new pathways for intimacy and connectedness with your partner.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!

“Listen to the voice that calls you beloved. That’s the beginning of the conversation that God has with us.” - Brennan ManningToday, we feature the concluding segment of a 3-part discussion between Michael John Cusick and Brandon Appelhans. Brandon is founder and Executive Director of My Quiet Cave, a ministry that helps close the gap between the church and the mental health community. As Brandon shares his own struggle with mental illness, you’ll hear about how his life of faith and the pursuit of mental health existed in separate worlds. Brandon’s passion is to make the church a safe place for people with mental health issues, as well as equipping the church to be a resource instead of a roadblock. Brandon holds a BA in Speech Communications from Colorado State University and a Master of Divinity from Denver Seminary. After living with bipolar disorder for years, he wants all people to experience hope and the fullness of life in the midst of the struggle. He and his family live in Denver, Colorado.In this podcast, we hope you will discover:What’s it like for people in ministry that deal with mental health issues.God’s “expectations” for us in our relationship with Him.The vital importance of genuine relationships for those who serve in church leadership.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!

“Normally we see mental illness as a huge obstacle to overcome. I think it's a huge opportunity.” - Brandon AppelhansOur guest today is Brandon Appelhans, founder and Executive Director of My Quiet Cave, a ministry that helps close the gap between the church and the mental health community. As Brandon shares his own struggle with mental illness, you’ll hear about how his life of faith and the pursuit of mental health existed in separate worlds. Brandon’s passion is to make the church a safe place for people with mental health issues, as well as equipping the church to be a resource instead of a roadblock. Brandon holds a BA in Speech Communications from Colorado State University and a Master of Divinity from Denver Seminary. After living with bipolar disorder for years, he wants all people to experience hope and the fullness of life in the midst of the struggle. He and his family live in Denver, Colorado.In this podcast, we hope you will discover:The various ways advocates for the mentally ill receive pushback for the work they doThe biggest problem related to churches and communities of faith and their understanding of mental illnessResources to help break the stigma of discussing mental illness in the churchSupport 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!