In this episode of Being Human, host Steve Cuss launches the new theme "God's Expansive Kingdom." Drawing from years of international travel, Steve shares inspiring stories of Christians making a difference worldwide—from floating hospitals in Southeast Asia to a small women's Bible study group running a halfway house for former inmates. He also addresses the prevalence of negative narratives about the church online, acknowledging that abuse must be exposed while cautioning against cynicism and shame-driven reporting. Steve emphasizes that despite troubling headlines, countless faithful believers are quietly and powerfully advancing God's kingdom globally.

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In this episode of Being Human, Steve and Lisa Cuss explore how politics, social media, and the stories we tell ourselves shape who we become. Pastor and political analyst Ryan Burge explains how social media amplifies political extremes, distorts public discourse, and increasingly allows partisanship to shape religious identity. Jessie Cruickshank and Julia Schmaltz, co-authors of Becoming Good News, unpack how internalized narratives, legalism, perfectionism, and the Christian “Übermensch” ideal—the pressure to become a superhuman believer—can hinder spiritual growth. Steve and Lisa use these conversations to offer a path toward self-awareness, grace, presence, and embracing weakness as essential to genuine faith and transformation.

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Host Steve Cuss welcomes physician Eric Shoemaker to explore the intersection of physical health, neuroscience, and spiritual fitness. Eric explains how injury and pain recovery mirror emotional and spiritual healing, and breaks down the difference between the body's "threat" and "challenge" responses, showing how faith can reshape our nervous system's reactions. Steve and Eric discuss whole-body discipleship, identity in Christ, and practical micro-habits to help rewire the brain toward trust over fear. 

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In this episode of Being Human, host Steve Cuss is joined by pastor and Harvard-trained brain scientist Jessie Cruickshank and first-time guest Julia Schmaltz to explore whether changing our internal narratives can enable transformation. Jessie and Julia discuss their co-authored book, Becoming Good News, and examine spiritual growth and discipleship through the lenses of theology, neuroscience, and personal experience. They challenge unrealistic “superhuman” expectations in church culture, advocate for grace-based discipleship, and emphasize that spiritual maturity means becoming more fully who God created us to be—joyful, childlike, and close to Jesus.

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In this episode of Being Human, host Steve Cuss speaks with political scientist and pastor Ryan Burge about his book The Vanishing Church. They explore how American Christianity has become increasingly radicalized by political partisanship, the role of social media algorithms in amplifying extreme voices, and the disappearance of moderate congregations. Burge discusses how partisanship now shapes religious identity rather than the reverse, the impact of COVID had on churches, and how the church has become a "hospital for the healthy." 

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In this special travelogue episode of Being Human, host Steve Cuss records from Tinos, Greece, where he discovered a profound Orthodox Christian pilgrimage tradition. Pilgrims crawl a half-mile uphill to a famous church, seeking healing. Steve reflects on desperation, hope, and faith across traditions, he draws on MLK's words: "If you can't walk, crawl—but keep moving forward." He invites listeners to consider their own pace and bring their whole selves to God.

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Hosts Steve and Lisa Cuss address listener questions about navigating judgmental believers, generational anger, and caregiving burnout. They encourage listeners to define their own positions without trying to change others, explore emotions beneath anger, and build connections through small, consistent moments. Steve and Lisa  also revisit recent guests Matt Smallbone and Jenny Brown to offer insights on relating to strong personalities, praying the Lord's Prayer intentionally, and recognizing unhealthy family patterns. 

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Host Steve Cuss speaks with theologian Dr. Andrew Ollerton about his book God's Book: An Honest Look at the Bible's Seven Toughest Topics. They discuss the importance of honestly engaging with difficult biblical passages rather than avoiding them, and how wrestling with tough questions can deepen faith. Andrew shares his own intellectual and emotional struggles, including reconciling science with Genesis and coping with loss. They also explore the role of community, spiritual practices, and humility in staying connected to God.

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Host Steve Cus welcomes Lee C. Camp—professor, podcaster, and author—for a rich conversation about anxiety, systems theory, and human flourishing. Lee shares his personal journey with anxiety and depression, and how discovering differentiation through therapy transformed his relationships and emotional health. They explore legalism within the Churches of Christ tradition and its lasting emotional impact. The discussion also touches on societal reactivity, the purpose behind Lee's podcast No Small Endeavor, and the importance of creating hospitable spaces for honest dialogue. Lee closes with reflections on gliding, music, and simple morning rituals as grounding practices.

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Host Steve and Clarissa Moll explore how invisible dynamics like reactivity and anxiety affect leadership, relationships, and our connection with God. Steve shares six tools for diffusing reactivity—vulnerability, laughter, curiosity, clarity, love, and redirecting anxiety—while emphasizing playfulness as an underutilized organizational resource. They discuss how collective laughter and singing reset the nervous system, and how God's playful nature, reflected in creation, makes these habits spiritually meaningful.

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