Steve and Lisa Cuss dive into the messy beauty of faith, spirituality, and personal growth. Together, they unpack the tension between divine love and human responsibility, revealing how everyday moments—even foraging for blackberries—can illuminate the spiritual journey. Through honest reflection and practical wisdom from Steve’s book The Expectation Gap, listeners will discover tools to bridge their faith gaps and cultivate deeper connections with God, themselves, and others. This episode offers powerful insights for building healthier, more grounded relationships—starting from within.

Resources mentioned in this episode include:

Elizabeth Barrett Browning’s Aurora Leigh: Book Seventh

The Camino de Santiago

This American Life with Ira Glass

Being Human: Grieve, Breathe, Receive  with Steve Carter

Being Human: Steve Carter (season 7 episode 7)

Steve Cuss’ The Expectation Gap: The Tiny, Vast Space between Our Beliefs and Experience of God

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Why does reflecting our Creator matter? Steve Cuss dives into the profound impact of remembering we are made in God’s image and how it is an antidote to the mundane. He challenges listeners to do the important work of engaging with beauty, wonder, the ability to learn, and more as a means of reshaping our daily focus. Steve shares actionable "summer homework" that could shift your perspective for good.

Resources mentioned in this episode include:

Annie Dillard’s Pilgrim at Tinker Creek 

Steve Cuss’ The Expectation Gap 

Steve’s Life Giving List

Andy Gullahorn’s Bury Me With My Friends 

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Lisa Cuss joins Steve to recap three powerful conversations that remind us why our place in the universal, everlasting body of Christ matters now more than ever. Together, they revisit key insights from Glenn Packiam, Chuck DeGroat, and Kyle Idleman—connecting themes of identity and spiritual resilience. From the unifying power of the Nicene Creed to confronting toxic leadership and overcoming inner battles, Steve and Lisa show how spiritual formation offers bold clarity in the chaos of modern life.

Resources mentioned in this episode include:

Kyle Idleman’s Website

Kyle Idleman’s Every Thought Captive: Calm the Mental Chaos That Keeps You Stuck, Drains Your Hope, and Holds You Back

Explore Southeast Christian Church

Glenn Packiam’s What's a Christian, Anyway?: Finding Our Way in an Age of Confusion and Corruption

The Nicene Creed as stated in The Online Book of Common Prayer

Glenn Packiam's website

The work of Chuck DeGroat at Western Seminary

Explore the Soul Care Institute

The work of Michael Gurian

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Feeling burned out by outrage culture and partisan spin? President and CEO of the Center for Christianity and Public Life Michael Wear joins Steve Cuss to chart a bold, faith-rooted path through today’s political chaos. Together, they unpack how Christians can reclaim civic agency through local action, community impact, and love-fueled political engagement. Michael’s sharp insights will challenge listeners to move beyond despair and toward a redemptive, grounded vision of faith and politics.

Resources mentioned in this episode include:

The Center for Christianity and Public Life

Michael Wear’s The Spirit of Our Politics

Michael Wear’s Reclaiming Hope

Irresistible Church Network

The Morning Five with Michael Wear (podcast)

The Bulletin (podcast)

Congregation Land Campaign

The work of opinion columnist Ross Douthat (New York Times)

The work of opinion columnist Jamelle Bouie (New York Times)

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Senior pastor and bestselling author Kyle Idleman joins Steve Cuss to explore the mental battles we all face—and how to overcome them. Using insights from his latest book, Every Thought Captive, Kyle explains the powerful connection between brain science, biblical truth, and emotional health. Together, Steve and Kyle offer ways to break toxic thought patterns and rewire your mindset for spiritual and mental transformation. If you're struggling with anxiety, offense, or negative talk, this episode delivers practical tools to react well.

Resources mentioned in this episode include:

Kyle Idleman’s Website

Kyle Idleman’s Every Thought Captive: Calm the Mental Chaos That Keeps You Stuck, Drains Your Hope, and Holds You Back

All books by Kyle Idleman

Explore Southeast Christian Church

Bob Russell Ministries

Dave Stone’s The Ascent Leader

Anger, Grief, and C.S. Lewis

2 Corinthians 12:9-10

Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane - Matthew 26:36-46 (ESV)

How Do I Take My Thoughts Captive?

Galatians 6:2-5 (NLT)

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Lisa’s back! Join host Steve Cuss and the therapist he turns to with his own questions – his wife. They examine some of Steve’s recent conversations about the intricate dance between faith and doubt. Drawing insights from guests like Geoff and Cyd Holsclaw and Dr. Jennifer Ripley, they explore how doubt can serve as a catalyst for spiritual growth. Unpack the ways childhood attachment styles influence our adult relationships with God and others, and offer practical ways the church can support those in crisis. Tune in for a conversation that promises to deepen your understanding of faith's complexities and inspire meaningful discussions anywhere doubt tries to co-mingle with faith.

Resources mentioned in this episode include:

Jennifer Ripley’s Ministering to Families in Crisis

Cyd & Geoff Holsclaw’s Landscapes of the Soul: How the Science and Spirituality of Attachment Can Move You into Confident Faith, Courage, and Connection

Frederick Buechner: Faith Despite Doubt

Frederick buechner’s defines Doubt

Philip Yancy: Faith and Doubt

Philip Yancy: A Time to Doubt

N.T. Wright’s The Resurrection of Jesus as a Historical Problem

N.T. Wright’s The Resurrection of the Son of God

Matthew 28:16-20 (ESV) The Great Commission

Further Listening:

Inviting Doubt to Deepen Your Faith Experience

Finding Freedom in Temporary Spaces

Jen Ripley: Supporting Mental Health Without Sacrificing Your Well Being

Cyd and Geoff Holsclaw: How Your Past Shapes You and Wounds Others

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Finding Freedom in Temporary Spaces

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What happens when the Nicene Creed collides with TikTok theology? Host Steve Cuss and pastor-author Glenn Packiam unpack how this historic confession still anchors Christian identity in a digital age obsessed with individual “truth.” They explore the tension between personal experience and historic orthodoxy, the global church’s diverse voices, and why real unity starts in community—not algorithms. Steve and Glenn offer hope for listeners wrestling back to a rooted, resilient Christianity that rises above cultural noise. 

Resources mentioned in this episode include:

Glenn Packiam’s What's a Christian, Anyway?: Finding Our Way in an Age of Confusion and Corruption

The Nicene Creed as stated in The Online Book of Common Prayer

Glenn Packiam's website

Follow Glenn Packiam on instagram

Books by Glenn Packiam

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What happens when character formation breaks down in church leadership? Steve Cuss and psychologist-theologian Chuck DeGroat work through the hidden dynamics behind pastoral burnout, narcissism, and the slow erosion of integrity. They explore how unexamined coping mechanisms shape identity, why church boards often miss red flags, and what it really takes to create a culture of safety and true accountability. Steve and Chuck offer tools for healthier leadership—inside and outside the church.

Resources mentioned in this episode include:

The work of Chuck DeGroat at Western Seminary

Explore the Soul Care Institute

The work of Michael Gurian

Chuck DeGroat’s When Narcissism Comes to Church: Healing Your Community From Emotional and Spiritual Abuse

Chuck DeGroat’s Wholeheartedness: Busyness, Exhaustion, and Healing the Divided Self

Chuck DeGroat’s Healing What’s Within: Coming Home to Yourself--and to God--When You're Wounded, Weary, and Wandering

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What if your earliest relationships are still shaping your faith today? With this in mind, Steve Cuss sits down with Cyd and Geoff Holsclaw to explore how attachment theory influences our connection to ourselves, others, and God. From insecure attachment styles and coping mechanisms to trauma, church culture, and spiritual growth, Steve and the Holsclaws dive deep into the psychology behind our relational patterns—and how self-awareness and God’s love can lead to healing. Listen and join Steve as you navigate closeness or independence, maybe even rethink your faith journey.

Resources mentioned in this episode include:

The Pool of Siloam, Where Jesus Healed the Blind Man

Cyd & Geoff Holsclaw’s Center for Embodied Faith

Cyd & Geoff Holsclaw’s Landscapes of the Soul: How the Science and Spirituality of Attachment Can Move You into Confident Faith, Courage, and Connection

Bessel van der Kolk’s The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma

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How can we walk with people through a crisis without burning out?

Psychologist and professor Dr. Jen Ripley joins Steve to offer a practical guide for churches supporting people facing grief, trauma, and emotional distress. From setting boundaries to building strong community networks, Jen extends clear, compassionate wisdom for both pastors and lay leaders. This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking to care well—without losing themselves in the process.

Resources mentioned in this episode include:

Charis Institute

Regent University School of Psychology and Counseling

The Church Cares

Ministering to Families in Crisis

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