Restoring the Soul with Michael John Cusick

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!

Welcome back to Restoring the Soul with Michael John Cusick. In this episode, Michael sits down with Nate Larkin, founder of the Samson Society and author of Samson and the Pirate Monks. Together, they take a deep and honest dive into Nate's journey—growing up in a Pentecostal preacher’s home, wrestling with hidden addictions, hitting rock bottom, and experiencing the turning point that would ultimately lead to a worldwide ministry of hope and restoration for men.Nate opens up about the impact of secrecy and shame, the role his wife Allie played in his healing, and how hitting “bottom” opened the door to real recovery. He shares a moving excerpt from his forthcoming book, co-written with Allie, exploring the realities of betrayal, trauma, and the difficult yet transformative process of rebuilding trust and intimacy in marriage. Michael and Nate discuss the shifting landscape of addiction and recovery, the importance of connection and community, and why relapse can be part of the journey toward true healing.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!

Dan Allender, a renowned therapist and author, shares insights from his book, The Deep-Rooted Marriage. He delves into the complex interplay of trauma, vulnerability, and healing in relationships. Dan highlights the necessity of honesty to conquer deep-seated issues, fostering real growth. Through poignant stories from his own life, he illustrates how life’s challenges can deepen love. Listeners will appreciate the blend of humor and heartfelt wisdom as they explore the transformative power of gratitude and the importance of attunement in forging lasting intimacy.

On today’s episode of Restoring the Soul, Michael sits down with Dr. Michelle Keener, biblical scholar and author of the new book Comfort in the Ashes: Explorations in the Book of Job to Support Trauma Survivors. In this compelling conversation, Michelle shares the personal story and scholarly journey that led her to explore the Book of Job through the lens of trauma theory. Together, Michael and Michelle dig deep into how Job’s ancient story parallels the experiences of trauma survivors today—from grief and ruptured worldviews to the silence that so often follows devastation.Michelle brings a rare combination of biblical expertise and lived experience, showing how Job’s journey isn’t just about suffering and eventual restoration but about what it means to wrestle with God, faith, and meaning after trauma. They discuss the church’s struggle to meet the needs of trauma survivors, the importance of presence and lament, and how embracing a trauma-informed reading of scripture opens up new possibilities for healing, compassion, and honest faith. 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 this enlightening discussion, Chuck DeGroat—a pastor, therapist, and author—delves into his latest work, exploring how to heal from within. He shares insights on emotional and spiritual disconnection, emphasizing the journey back to our true selves. The conversation highlights the importance of self-awareness, compassion, and the metaphor of 'coming home' to foster deeper connections. DeGroat also integrates ancient spiritual practices with modern therapy techniques, inviting listeners to embrace transformative healing.

Sheila Wray Gregoire, a leader in Christian marriage resources and author of 'The Marriage You Want,' joins to discuss her innovative, research-based approach to improving relationships. She challenges harmful marriage stereotypes while highlighting the importance of shared responsibilities and emotional health. Topics include the significance of shared bedtimes and mutual support, reframing marriage as a supportive partnership, and the evolving understanding of intimacy. Sheila also shares insights from her platform, BareMarriage.com, offering practical resources for couples seeking genuine connection.

Adam Young, a trauma therapist and host of The Place We Find Ourselves podcast, dives into the healing journey through our personal narratives. He emphasizes how our early experiences shape our identity and relationships, urging listeners to confront past traumas with curiosity and compassion. The conversation explores concepts like emotional trauma, attachment styles, and the significance of storytelling in spiritual fulfillment. Adam also highlights the transformative power of suffering, encouraging a journey from brokenness to beauty.

Welcome to another episode of "Restoring the Soul with Michael John Cusick." Today, Michael is joined by Brian Lee, founder and director of Broken to Beloved, a ministry dedicated to providing practical resources for recovery from and safeguarding against spiritual abuse. In this heartfelt conversation, Brian shares his personal journey through repeated experiences of spiritual abuse and how these challenges birthed a passion for helping others reclaim their belovedness. Michael and Brian delve into the intricacies of spiritual abuse, the importance of cultivating humility and self-awareness in spiritual leadership, and the transformative power of naming and owning one’s story. They also discuss the innovative programs offered by Broken to Beloved, which include a book club, podcast, and an impactful eight-week cohort called "Through," designed to guide individuals in their healing journey. Join us for a thought-provoking discussion on finding hope, healing, and wholeness in the aftermath of spiritual trauma. About Brian LeeBrian Lee is a pastor, coach, and speaker. In his 20+ years of experience in vocational ministry, he experienced three instances of spiritual abuse and toxic leadership. After living with an identity of brokenness for too many years, he learned to recognize and embrace his belovedness.In 2023, he founded Broken to Beloved, a nonprofit organization that exists to provide practical resources for recovery from and safeguarding against spiritual abuse and religious trauma.He is a certified Trauma-Informed Coach (Centre for Healing) and holds a certification in Religious Trauma Studies from the Global Center for Religious Research.Based in Richmond, VA, Brian loves to go on mini-adventures with his family, exploring their neighborhood, community, and city with his family. As a coffee snob and addict, he could always use another cup.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!