
Restoring the Soul with Michael John Cusick
Helping people become whole by cultivating deeper connection with God, self, and others. Visit www.restoringthesoul.com.
Latest episodes

Apr 5, 2024 • 28min
Episode 303 - Michael and Julianne Cusick, "Unpacking Forgiveness"
Welcome to another episode of Restoring the Soul with your host, Michael John Cusick. Forgiveness is a term often uttered with ease but practiced with considerable difficulty. What does forgiveness truly entail? Does it inherently mean reconciliation or forgetting?Joined by Julianne in the studio, they tackle heavyweight questions together. What happens when forgiveness feels incomplete? How might unresolved trauma complicate the process? And how do you navigate forgiveness in the aftermath of deep wounds and betrayal?Julianne brings to light the intricate journey of forgiving, reminding us that it is a layered and intertwined path, often requiring us to revisit and release it repeatedly. Prepare to be moved by authentic stories, gain practical insight, and perhaps confront the unforgiveness lurking within your soul. Because here, we believe in restoration and the power that comes from an honest, in-depth conversation about the pains and possibilities of forgiving. 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!

Mar 29, 2024 • 40min
Episode 302 - Michael and Julianne Cusick, "Unraveling Layers of Trauma"
Welcome to another episode of Restoring the Soul. Today, Michael and Julianne delve into the complex tapestry of trauma, unwinding the threads that bind us to our past experiences. Many regard trauma as stemming from life-shattering events, but today’s discussion unfolds its layers, revealing that trauma can emerge from the wounds of both presence and absence. Whether it's through neglect or the absence of nurturing, the imprints of trauma take many forms.Understanding trauma not as what's wrong with you but what happened to you, we'll explore its symptoms, ranging from physiological responses and relational challenges to mood disturbances, sleep issues, and beyond. It's often hard to identify trauma when there are no symptoms, but it can lurk in the system, precipitating unforeseen issues in our lives.With transformational insight, this episode affirms that real healing is possible.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!

Mar 22, 2024 • 28min
Episode 301 - Ian Morgan Cron, "Navigating Spiritual Growth"
Welcome to Restoring the Soul with Michael John Cusick. Join Michael and Ian Morgan Cron as they delve into the profound topic of spiritual growth. Ian shares insights from his new book, offering a raw and unfiltered look into the existential turmoil that plagues the human condition. They discuss the paradox of powerlessness as a catalyst for true change and unveil the profound impact of consent in spiritual transformation. From the depths of vulnerability to the nuanced nature of addiction and recovery, this conversation is a powerful exploration of the soul's yearning for wholeness and its unwavering resilience.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!

Mar 15, 2024 • 28min
Episode 300 - Ian Morgan Cron, "What Happened To You?"
Congratulations, Michael John Cusick, for publishing your 300th episode of Restoring the Soul!In this episode, our good friend Ian Morgan Cron joins the program to discuss the thought-provoking book "What Happened to You? Conversations on Trauma, Resilience, and Healing" by Bruce Perry, MDPhD, and Oprah Winfrey. Michael and Ian explore the impact of interpreting one's experiences on their mental and emotional well-being. They delve into the importance of community and conversations in the healing process, particularly within twelve-step programs. The episode concludes with a message of hope and resilience for individuals of all ages, emphasizing the possibility of real change and healing. Join us for a deep and insightful conversation on trauma, resilience, and the journey towards 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!

Mar 8, 2024 • 36min
Episode 299 - Michael John Cusick, "Trauma-Informed Care, Part 2"
Welcome to Restoring the Soul with Michael John Cusick. In this second part of our exploration into Trauma-Informed Care, we continue to understand how our past experiences inform our present reality and how vital it is to feel safe and secure—not just in our external environment but within the therapeutic space.Today, we’ll delve deeper into the pillars supporting a trauma-informed approach—one that equips you with the resources to understand, manage, and develop the intrinsic tools necessary for self-care, especially in the face of life’s triggering events. We're looking at how techniques like breathing exercises, somatic awareness, and other strategies can help us navigate the waters of emotional dysregulation, all from the comfort of our homes or even online.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!

Mar 4, 2024 • 31min
Episode 298 - Michael John Cusick, "Trauma-Informed Care, Part 1"
Welcome to another episode of Restoring the Soul with Michael John Cusick. Today, Michael takes you through the deep waters of understanding trauma's impact and how entities like hospitals and clinics are integrating Trauma-Informed Care into their daily routines. With practical insights and real-life scenarios, this episode begins a profound dialogue on creating environments that aid healing rather than hindering it.Highlights from the episode include:- The importance of incorporating trauma-informed care into clinical settings—beyond therapeutic modalities and organizational culture and practices.- Personal anecdotes that underscore the consequences of neglecting a trauma-informed approach, exemplified by a discouraging visit to a dental clinic.- Why it's vital for organizations to actively engage clients in the planning process and how this empowerment can make all the difference in care situations.- The episode also delves into the specialized field of clinical trauma care, spotlighting treatment methods like EMDR, brain spotting, and somatic interventions.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!

Feb 21, 2024 • 43min
Episode 297 - Michael John & Julianne Cusick, "A Deep Dive into Restoring the Soul's Intensive Counseling"
Welcome to Restoring the Soul with Michael John Cusick. This episode delves into the transformative power of intensive counseling, a unique process honed over nearly two decades. Michael and Julianne Cusick explain how Restoring the Soul provides a safe, sacred space where you get clarity on your struggles and a clear path forward for healing. Tailored to each individual, psychological insight with spiritual practices are combined to ensure you are transformed and truly equipped to live differently. In just 1-2 weeks, we accomplish what might otherwise take months.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!

Feb 8, 2024 • 36min
Episode 296 - Alan Fadling, "A Non-Anxious Life"
Welcome to "Restoring the Soul with Michael John Cusick." Today, we explore the depths of a non-anxious life with guest Alan Fadling. We discuss the power of embodying peace and the transformative practice of God’s presence in our daily lives. Alan shared insights from his new book and his journey of replacing anxiety with gratitude, patience, and the rhythm of God's grace. We also see that peace is not just the absence of turmoil but the tangible presence of the divine we can experience moment by moment. Join us in embracing the simple virtues—humility, gentleness, and kindness—that counter anxiety and guide us toward a life marked by serenity and trust in God's perfect pace.Click here for a link to purchase Alan's book.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!

Jan 20, 2024 • 35min
Episode 295 - Michael John Cusick, "Brokenness: The True Currency of Heaven"
“We need to exchange the currency by which we do life for the currency of heaven.” - Michael John CusickWelcome to the Restoring the Soul podcast. You’re in for a treat as we’re featuring a talk given by our host, Michael John Cusick, to Denver Community Church titled “The Currency of Heaven.” From the Beatitudes in Matthew 5:3 to the rich tapestry of Isaiah 55, we'll explore the idea that heaven is not just a far-off promise but an earthly reality where "heaven is happening here." And what does it mean to be blessed? To be "poor in spirit"? Today, we're delving into a profound paradox where brokenness is not a sign of spiritual bankruptcy but the very currency of heaven.Michael will share a bit of his journey, from a young man yearning to touch the kingdom of God through struggle and restlessness to moments of being understood in the most unexpected of sanctuaries—a bedroom closet. A space where a friend's presence reflected Christ's love and attention.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!

Jan 15, 2024 • 1h 7min
Episode 294 - Dr. Barbara Peacock, "African American Soul Care”
“Freedom is birthed out of suffering.” - Dr. Barbara PeacockWelcome to Restoring the Soul with Michael John Cusick. On this celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King's birthday, we wanted to highlight our conversation with 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 a spiritual coach for individuals and groups.On this episode, she and Michael discuss her book, 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 vital soul care was to their lives. 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!