Reality TV alum Jinger Duggar Vuolo joins host Steve Cuss to share her powerful journey from fear-based religion to authentic faith and emotional freedom. She opens up about growing up under Bill Gothard’s teachings, breaking free from people-pleasing, and healing from spiritual trauma. Together, Jinger and Steve explore how vulnerability, community, and self-awareness can lead to lasting transformation. This episode offers encouragement for anyone navigating identity, faith, and the pressure to meet others’ expectations.

Resources mentioned in this episode include:

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Author, psychotherapist, and recovering addict Ian Cron joins Steve Cuss for a powerful conversation on addiction, identity, and faith. Ian shares his personal struggles with alcoholism, the complexities of living as a public figure, and the spiritual insights gained through recovery. Steve and Ian explore the nature of addiction as a misguided solution to deeper wounds, the process of deconstructing faith on the way to reconstruction, and the church’s unique role in offering forgiveness and healing. This episode offers a raw reflection on the journey toward wholeness and the power of love in relationships.

Resources mentioned in this episode include:

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We may not expect leadership experts, a Grammy Award-winning music producer, and a former USAID worker to have much in common. But as Steve and Lisa Cuss reflect on the past four episodes of Being Human, they discover a trio of themes arising throughout the conversations. 

Tune in as Steve and Lisa discuss words of wisdom from Uli Chi, Nathaniel Moller, Charlie Peacock, and Steve J. Cuss. They ponder the common threads of wondering what we do with fear, embracing curiosity, and exploring the intersection of playfulness and imagination. As they consider these poignant topics, Steve and Lisa offer insights into relational connection with ourselves, one another, and God.

Resources mentioned in this episode include:

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First things first: Yes, both the host and guest on this episode are named Steve Cuss. The overlap doesn’t stop there, either. Both Steves work in the leadership space, host Steve through Capable Life and guest Steve through The GamePlan Consultancy.

The two discuss guest Steve’s career in the video game industry, the importance of mentorship, and the intensity of burnout. They talk about cultivating joy among teams, balancing compassion for others with one’s own needs, and the hallmarks of servant leadership. Steve and Steve reflect on the predictable patterns and attempted solutions among professionals, the dynamics of trauma healing, and the journey from self-awareness to self-growth.

Resources mentioned in this episode include:

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Charlie Peacock is a Nashville music producer, jazz and rock-and-roll recording artist, singer-songwriter, and author. As Steve Cuss reflects on his friend Charlie's life, work, and new book Roots & Rhythm, a beautiful theme arises: the wildly relational nature of art.

Charlie and Steve talk about the world-class musicians Charlie has worked with, the vulnerability of creating songs in collaboration, and what it looks like to stay human sized on a global stage. They discuss encouragement, love, and the power of praise. Steve and Charlie also talk about Charlie’s sensitivity to the fear of others and how he has put into practice the work of love casting out fear.

Resources mentioned in this episode include:

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

“The richest man in the world turned off billions of dollars in funding for the literal poorest people in the world. It’s just, from my perspective, incomprehensible.”

So says Nathaniel Moller, former USAID worker. Nathaniel and Steve discuss the presidential administration’s recent mass cuts to USAID programs and what the effects may be. They consider the cultural moments in America’s history when “the big C Church and the little church” have had a choice—operate out of fear or from love—and why Nathaniel believes such a moment is upon us now. They talk about the tenacity required to combat global issues such as malaria, the beauty of using our gifts and skills to further the kingdom, and why Nathaniel still has hope for the common good. 

Resources mentioned in this episode include:

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

When Uli Chi thinks of wisdom, he primarily thinks of relational well-being. 

Steve and Uli discuss where wisdom and relationships intersect, why we need wise leaders, and what it looks like to relate rather than react. They discuss the current political climate and how it affects human connections, and they consider the importance of treating people as persons, not as simple ideas. Uli sheds light on concrete steps for living wisely, drawing on biblical examples that provide hope, direction, and opportunities for delight.

Resources mentioned in this episode include:

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What does it mean to live a fully integrated life in Christ?

Lisa and Steve Cuss return to do a deeper dive into some of the profound themes that have emerged in recent episodes of Being Human. They reflect on what it means to be bewildered by God, as Zach Meerkreebs experienced during the Asbury Outpouring. They unpack Kathleen Smith’s definition of differentiation and Eugene Cho’s challenge to focus on one global need while championing others in their callings. The conversation also delves into Steve Carter’s reflections on grief and the ways loss has shaped their own journeys of faith.

Tune in for a thoughtful, hope-filled conversation on living whole lives in Christ.

Resources mentioned in this episode include:

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

“Did you have integrity today?” 

That’s the question that Steve Carter—author, podcaster, and former lead teaching pastor of Willow Creek Community Church—pictured his son asking him when allegations of sexual harassment against Bill Hybels emerged. Steve Carter shares how he has dealt with being misunderstood when his highest values were wielded against him. He talks about the power of the Resurrection and shares what propelled him to write Grieve, Breathe, Receive—a memoir on grief and healing. Listen in for a rich discussion on relationships, reactivity, and remembrance.

Resources mentioned in this episode include:

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Feeling overwhelmed by the state of the world? 

Steve Cuss and Eugene Cho, president of Bread for the World, offer wisdom for Christians who want to pursue justice without burning out. Eugene and Steve discuss moving from a savior complex to faithful discipleship, engaging politics with compassion, and using our gifts to fight hunger and inequality. Tune in for a powerful conversation on justice, mercy, and making a lasting impact.

Resources mentioned in this episode include:

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices