Host Steve Cuss and bestselling author and Bible teacher Lysa TerKeurst shares her raw, faith-filled journey through betrayal, gaslighting, and the heartbreak of an unwanted divorce while discovering how to stay rooted in God’s presence and emotional health. Steve and Lysa explore mismatched relationships, codependency, and the sacred work of setting healthy boundaries that protect peace and dignity. A deeply honest and redemptive conversation offering hope and wisdom for anyone walking through relational pain, loss, or the slow rebuilding of trust.

Episode Resources:

Lysa Terkeurst’s Surviving an Unwanted Divorce

Learn more about Craig Groeschel’s work HERE

Lysa TerKeurst and Craig Groeschel: The Power To Change

Lysa TerKeurst and Craig Groeschel: Doubts Don’t Make You a Bad Christian 

Learn more about Dr. Joel Muddamalle’s work HERE

Get in touch with Dr. Jim Cress HERE

Dr. Jim Cress: Practical Ways To Talk About Boundaries (video)

Read Why Betrayal Can Cause Trauma and How to Start Healing

Biblical References:

Genesis 28 (ESV) - Jacob’s Dream

Mark 14:32-43 (ESV) - Jesus Prays in Garden of Gethsemane

More From Lysa TerKeurst:

Check out Lysa’s website

Follow Lysa on Instagram

Lysa’s podcast: Therapy & Theology

Sign up for Steve’s Newsletter & Podcast Reminders:

Capable Life Newsletter

New Candles, Advent Prayers, and Journals:

https://www.stevecusswords.com/

Join Steve at an upcoming intensive: 
Capable Life Intensives

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Host Steve Cuss and Clarissa Moll explore what it means to live “human-sized” — not too big, not too small — in our relationships with others, ourselves, and God. Through personal stories and honest reflection, they unpack how anxiety distorts reality, driving us to dominate or shrink back, and how spiritual practices help us return to balance. Learn how to recognize reactivity, practice discernment, and stay grounded in God’s presence, even in moments of stress or conflict. Steve and Clarissa help listeners move toward emotional health, self-awareness, and spiritual growth in everyday life.

Episode Resources:

Steve Cuss’s book Managing Leadership Anxiety: Yours and Theirs 

Anne Lamott’s book Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life (“crappy first draft”)

Biblical References:

Luke 19:1–10 (ESV) Zacchaeus and Jesus

1 Kings 19 (ESV) Elijah Flees Jezebel 

More From Clarissa Moll:

Clarissa Moll’s The Bulletin podcast

Explore Clarissa Moll’s website

Read Clarissa Moll’s substack

Sign up for Steve’s Newsletter & Podcast Reminders:

Capable Life Newsletter

New Candles, Advent Prayers, and Journals:

https://www.stevecusswords.com/

Join Steve at an upcoming intensive: 

Capable Life Intensives

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Steve and Lisa Cuss explore how to transform emotional reactivity into deeper, more authentic relationships in this episode of Being Human. Guests Carla Harding and Brian Heasley from 24-7 Prayer share insights on using prayer to turn anxiety into spiritual growth, even across partisan divides. Alicia Britt Chole discusses sacred lessons found in the dark nights of the soul. We dive into practical tools for healthier communication, understanding generational dynamics, and fostering compassion in all your relationships with Clarissa Moll. Join us and learn to navigate life with greater presence and relational resilience.

Episode Resources:

Rich Mullins' Eli’s Song

John Townsend's 21 Relational Nutrients

Dr. Alicia Britt Chole’s The Night Is Normal: A Guide through Spiritual Pain

Dr. Alicia Britt Chole’s The Sacred Slow: A Holy Departure from Fast Faith

Learn more:  24-7 Prayer International

Download & Explore: Lectio 365 (a free daily prayer app)

Carla Harding’s Stories of Prayer (Video)

Books by Brian Heasley

Article: “Gen-Z Is Labeled As ‘Difficult’ In The Workplace, But There’s More To The Story”

Article: 'We See Children As Pestilent' (building on the idea attributed to Socrates)

Clarissa Moll’s The Bulletin podcast

Explore Clarissa Moll’s website

Read Clarissa Moll’s substack

Matthew 26:36-46 (ESV) - The Garden of Gethsemane

Sign up for Steve’s Newsletter & Podcast Reminders:

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New Candles, Advent Prayers, and Journals:

https://www.stevecusswords.com/

Join Steve at an upcoming intensive: 
Capable Life Intensives

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Host Steve Cuss welcomes Dr. Alicia Britt Chole (Dr. ABC) for a profound conversation on faith, doubt, and spiritual transformation. Once a strident atheist, Dr. ABC shares her journey to a deep faith in Jesus, revealing how questioning and belief can coexist beautifully. Together, they explore the art of living in the plural—inviting Jesus into our thoughts, relationships, and even the challenges of parenting a child on the autism spectrum—showing how grace, wisdom, and love shape a resilient life of faith.

Episode Resources:

Dr. Alicia Britt Chole’s The Night Is Normal: A Guide through Spiritual Pain

Dr. Alicia Britt Chole’s The Sacred Slow: A Holy Departure from Fast Faith

Matthew 22:36-40; John 17 (ESV) - The Greatest Commandment

Matthew 26:36-46 (ESV) - The Garden of Gethsemane

More From Dr. Alicia Britt Chole:

Read Dr. Britt Chole’s blog HERE
Follow Dr. Britt Chole on instagram

Sign up for Steve’s Newsletter & Podcast Reminders:

Capable Life Newsletter

Join Steve at an upcoming intensive: 

Capable Life Intensives

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Host Steve Cuss speaks with Brian Heasley and Carla Harding of the 24-7 Prayer Movement, drawing from their experiences as a Protestant and Catholic who lived through The Troubles in Northern Ireland and the lasting impact of that divided era. Together, they discuss how prayer, faith, and empathy can bring healing, unity, and peace to both individuals and communities. Through honest reflections on anxiety, spiritual discipline, and grace, Brian and Carla share how the Lectio 365 app helps people stay grounded in God amid life’s pressures. This inspiring conversation offers hope for anyone seeking Christian unity, emotional well-being, and deeper spiritual growth.

Episode Resources:

Is this America’s version of ‘The Troubles’ of Northern Ireland? (San Diego Union-Tribune)

A Brief History of “The Troubles”

Learn more:  24-7 Prayer International

Download & Explore: Lectio 365 (a free daily prayer app)

More about Pete Greig (24-7 Prayer founder)

Carla Harding’s Stories of Prayer (Video)

Books by Brian Heasley

Books by Carla Harding

Sign up for Steve’s Newsletter & Podcast Reminders:

Capable Life Newsletter

Join Steve at an upcoming intensive: 

Capable Life Intensives

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Clarissa Moll is back to flip the script on Steve Cuss, unpacking the power dynamics, generational divides, and identity challenges that shape today’s leadership. From Colin Powell’s intentional practices to the biblical wisdom of Jesus and Paul, they explore how emotional safety, vulnerability, and faith create healthier families, workplaces, and churches. This conversation offers practical insights for leaders seeking to build inclusive communities, authentic connections, and resilient discipleship in a divided world.

Episode Resources:

Colin Powell’s book It Worked for Me

Article: Gen-Z Is Labeled As ‘Difficult’ In The Workplace, But There’s More To The Story

Me Too movement - Mentioned in relation to creating emotionally safe environments.

Exploring Malcolm Gladwell’s "Magic Third" Rule

Article: 'We See Children As Pestilent' (building on the idea attributed to Socrates)

More From Clarissa Moll:

Clarissa Moll’s The Bulletin podcast

Explore Clarissa Moll’s website

Read Clarissa Moll’s substack

Previous Episodes with Steve and Clarissa:

Steve and Clarissa’s August episode of Being Human

Steve and Clarissa’s September episode of Being Human

Sign up for Steve’s Newsletter & Podcast Reminders:

Capable Life Newsletter

Join Steve at an upcoming intensive: 

Capable Life Intensives

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Hosts Steve and Lisa Cuss look back at insights from Matt Wenger, Ben Mandrell, and Kyle Strobel on the themes of healing, leadership, and spiritual formation. Matt shares insights on overcoming pornography and sex addiction with grace and self-kindness, Ben reflects on playful leadership and resilience during his time at Lifeway, and Kyle unpacks the role of discipleship and spiritual growth in navigating life’s challenges.

Episode Resources:

Explore Matt’s work at the Begin Again Institute

Understanding the Signs and Causes of Betrayal Trauma

More about Ben Mandrell 

Read about the turbulent times at Lifeway Resources 

Read Dr. Strobel’s Formation Substack

Read Dr. Strobel’s book The Way of the Dragon or the Way of the Lamb: Searching for Jesus’ Path of Power in a Church that Has Abandoned It

Read Galatians 3

Complete Episodes:

Sex and Porn Addiction, Misconceptions That Prevent Healing with Matt Wenger

Beyond Self-Help: Real Spiritual Formation with Dr. Kyle Strobel

Ben Mandrell on Leadership and Resilience in Turbulent Times

Sign up for Steve’s Newsletter & Podcast Reminders:

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Join Steve at an upcoming intensive: 

Capable Life Intensives

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Host Steve Cuss welcomes Ben Mandrell, former president of Lifeway Resources and current senior pastor at Bellevue Baptist Church, for a rich conversation on leadership,faith, and resilience when things are good or in flux. Ben shares candid reflections on navigating cultural shifts, organizational challenges, and the personal cost of leadership amid institutional changes. From closing bookstores at Lifeway to finding joy and playfulness even amid tragedy, his journey reveals how presence and discernment sustain both leaders and communities. Steve and Ben explore the power of daily spiritual practices and small acts of connection that strengthen our relationships with God and one another.

Episode Resources:

More about Ben Mandrell 

Learn about Bellevue Baptist Church

Read about Ben Mandrell's call to the Bellevue senior pastor role

Read about the turbulent times at Lifeway Resources 

Watch Rick Warren's address to the SBC in 2022 

Listen to the sermons of Adrian Rogers

Explore the work of Mark Batterson 

Read Steve Cuss’ book: Managing Leadership Anxiety 

Sign up for Steve’s Newsletter & Podcast Reminders:

Capable Life Newsletter

Join Steve at an upcoming intensive: 

Capable Life Intensives

Explore more CT with our free newsletters: christianitytoday.com/newsletters

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Host Steve Cuss and Dr. Kyle Strobel disrupt self-help versions of spirituality and call us back to genuine encounters with Christ. Together we explore how hidden dynamics like assumptions, reactivity, and self-reliance often sabotage spiritual formation—and why cultivating watchfulness in prayer and scripture is the antidote. Drawing from Colossians 4:2, early evangelical practices, and personal stories, Dr. Strobel shows how honesty about our emotions in real time opens the door to true transformation. We also name the dangers of “guruism,” guilt-driven church culture, and unrealistic expectations, pointing instead to authentic growth rooted in humility, friendship, and God’s presence in the ordinary.

Episode Resources:

Read Dr. Strobel’s Formation Substack

Read Dr. Strobel’s book The Way of the Dragon or the Way of the Lamb: Searching for Jesus’ Path of Power in a Church that Has Abandoned It

Read Dr. Strobel’s book Where Prayer Becomes Real: How Honesty with God Transforms Your Soul

John Coe’s free online Bible courses

An introduction to the life and writings of John Cassian (video)

Read Colossians 4:2

Read Galatians 3

Read Colossians 2

Read Psalm 73

Sign up for Steve’s Newsletter & Podcast Reminders:

Capable Life Newsletter

Join Steve at an upcoming intensive: 

Capable Life Intensives

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Host Steve Cuss sits down with Matt Wenger for a candid conversation about addiction, intimacy, and healing. Together, they unpack the complexities of sexual addiction, the ripple effects it has on loved ones, and why recovery is best understood as a "team sport." Matt highlights the power of vulnerability, group support, and true intimacy as antidotes to the false connections addiction promises. Steve and Matt also shine a light on betrayal trauma experienced by partners, offering hope, empathy, and pathways toward healing for everyone impacted.

Episode Resources:

Explore Matt’s work at the Begin Again Institute

Understanding the Signs and Causes of Betrayal Trauma

Romans (from the New Testament) - It is mentioned in the context of discussing sin as an infection or condition rather than solely a moral issue.

Read The Great Commandment (in Luke, Matthew, and Mark’s gospels)

Read Romans 8:38-39 

Read Romans 7 (Paul discuss sin struggles)

More about Matt Wenger

Other Media:

Steve & Clarissa Moll discuss the Four Spaces of Anxiety

Sign up for Steve’s Newsletter & Podcast Reminders:

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Join Steve at an upcoming intensive: 

Capable Life Intensives
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