In this episode of Being Human with Steve Cuss, Steve interviews Justin Heap, an Enneagram coach and creative consultant, about the impact of his turbulent upbringing. Justin shares candidly about growing up amid parental conflict, frequent moves, and emotional turmoil, and how these experiences shaped his sense of safety, responsibility, and coping mechanisms. Together, they discuss the challenges of recognizing and processing childhood trauma, the influence of family dynamics on faith and relationships, and the ongoing journey toward healing and self-understanding through therapy and honest reflection.

Episode Resources:

More about Missio Alliance

Enneagram Type Seven

What is Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)?

More From Justin Heap:

Justin’s Nine Spaces Enneagram Coaching

Justin’s Lines & Spaces podcast

Read Justin’s book By & By & Never: Poetry & Art

Justin’s Pax Coworking

Justin’s Curious Human creative consulting agency

Sign up for Steve’s Newsletter & Podcast Reminders:

Capable Life Newsletter

Get the Communication Styles Guide:

https://capablelife.com/pages/podcast

Join Steve at an Upcoming Intensive: 

Capable Life Intensives

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In this episode of "Being Human," hosts Steve and Lisa Cuss launch a new season focusing on family of origin that explores how inherited "assets and liabilities" shape our lives. They discuss family propaganda, permitted emotions, and generational traits, sharing personal stories about how these dynamics influence relationships and self-understanding. Emphasizing a gospel-centered approach, they encourage listeners to reflect on their own family patterns with compassion and curiosity, offering practical tools for growth. 

Biblical Passages

John 1:1–5 (ESV) 

Exodus 20:5–6 (ESV)

Deuteronomy 5:9 (ESV)

Jeremiah 31:29 (ESV)

Ezekiel 18:2 (ESV)

Genesis 25–27 (ESV)

Episode Resources:

What is a genogram?

More about the Family Systems Theory

Family Diagram (Bowen Center)

Pete Scazzero’s Emotionally Healthy Spirituality

Human Sized Journal – Digital Edition (PDF Download) 

Sign up for Steve’s Newsletter & Podcast Reminders:

Capable Life Newsletter

Get the Communication Styles Guide:

https://capablelife.com/pages/podcast

Join Steve at an Upcoming Intensive: 

Capable Life Intensives

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In this episode of Being Human with Steve Cuss, Steve and Lisa react to recent conversations and wrap up our series on communication styles. They explore the invisible dynamics that shape our relationships—with others, ourselves, and God. They discuss the transformative power of listening postures, emphasizing curiosity and spiritual presence. Clarissa Moll shares insights on vulnerability and judgment in communication, while additional guests, Zack Windahl and Andrew Arndt reflect on self-awareness and honesty before God. The Cusses highlight the importance of empathy, respect, and bringing truth to our inner lives.

Biblical Passages

James 1:19-20 (ESV)

Episode Resources:

Andrew Arndt’s A Strange and Gracious Light: How the Story of Jesus Changes the Way We See Everything

Fyodor Dostoevsky’s The Brothers Karamazov

C.S. Lewis's The Abolition of Man

Zach Windahl’s The Bible Simplified: Learn the Story, Live the Story

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

Get the Communication Styles Guide:

https://capablelife.com/pages/podcast

Join Steve at an Upcoming Intensive: 

Capable Life Intensives

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In this episode of "Being Human with Steve Cuss," Steve and author and spiritual guide Andrew Arndt explore fallout from prominent Christian leaders' public confessions of wrongdoing. They explore the spiritual and psychological dynamics that lead to such failures, including the dangers of living a double life, the creation of a false self, and the importance of empathy and repentance. Andrew shares insights from his new book A Strange and Gracious Light: How the Story of Jesus Changes the Way We See Everything and reflects on personal growth, leadership, and the healing power of unconditional love within the church community. Steve and Andrew emphasize honesty, vulnerability, and the ongoing journey toward wholeness.

Biblical Passages

I Corinthians 13 (ESV)

Luke 5:31 (ESV)

Episode Resources:

Andrew Arndt’s A Strange and Gracious Light: How the Story of Jesus Changes the Way We See Everything

Fyodor Dostoevsky’s The Brothers Karamazov

Frederick Buechner’s Telling the Truth: The Gospel as Tragedy, Comedy, and Fairy Tale

C.S. Lewis's The Abolition of Man

Rich Mullins on Salvation and "God in His Mercy" (video)

Henri Nouwen's In the Name of Jesus

More From Andrew Arndt:

Andrew Arndt’s Streams in the Wasteland: Finding Spiritual Renewal with the Desert Fathers and Mothers

Andrew Arndt’s All Flame: Entering into the Life of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit

Sign up for Steve’s Newsletter & Podcast Reminders:

Capable Life Newsletter

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In this episode of "Being Human with Steve Cuss," Steve talks with Zach Windahl, author of The Bible Simplified. They discuss making the Bible more approachable, overcoming common misconceptions, and the emotional challenges of engaging with scripture. Zach shares his journey of faith and unique Bible reading practices. Steve and Zach offer practical encouragement for anyone feeling intimidated by Bible reading, highlighting the importance of authenticity, patience, and fresh approaches to scripture. Zach’s passion for simplifying complex topics and empowering readers shines throughout the episode.

Episode Resources:

Zach Windahl’s The Bible Simplified: Learn the Story, Live the Story

Zach Windahl’s The Bible, Simplified Study Guide plus Streaming Video

Zach Windahl’s Bible reading plan

Zach Windahl’s 21 day Bible reading plan

Nathan Finochio’s website

J.R. Briggs’ at Missio Alliance

Infographic: How long does each Book of the Bible tale to read?

More From Zach Windahl:

Zach Windahl’s website

How to Study the Bible (and Actually Enjoy It)

Zach Windahl’s The Bible Study: A One-Year Study of the Entire Bible and How It Relates to You

Sign up for Steve’s Newsletter & Podcast Reminders:

Capable Life Newsletter

Get the Communication Styles Guide:

https://capablelife.com/pages/podcast

Join Steve at an Upcoming Intensive: 

Capable Life Intensives

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In this episode of Being Human, host Steve Cuss and guest Clarissa Moll explore how different communication and listening styles shape our relationships. They discuss the impact of mental and emotional load, the importance of listening to learn rather than to fix or defend, and offer practical strategies for fostering empathy and connection. Steve shares personal experiences about self-awareness and emotional honesty, especially as a pastor, while both emphasize the transformative power of compassionate listening for individuals, families, and faith communities. 

Biblical Passages

James 1:19-20 (ESV)

Psalm 139 (ESV)

Episode Resources:

Past Episode: Steve Cuss & Clarissa Moll: How Your Communication Style Fuels Reactivity—and How to Change It

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 and Journals:

https://www.stevecusswords.com/

Get the Communication Styles Guide:

https://capablelife.com/pages/podcast

Join Steve at an Upcoming Intensive: 

Capable Life Intensives

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In this episode of Being Human with Steve Cuss, Steve and Lisa explore how communication styles—rigid vs. fluid, internal vs. external processing, and rapid vs. deliberative thinking—shape relationships, well-being, and spiritual growth. They share personal experiences, unpack how trauma and certainty can impact faith, and revisit recent conversations with Cheryl McKissick (a fifth-generation Black business leader) on family legacy and authenticity in predominantly white spaces; Adam Young on self-awareness, empathy, and spiritual disciplines for healthier connection with others and God; and Clarissa Moll (The Bulletin) in a thoughtful back-and-forth.

Biblical Passages

Psalm 139 (ESV)

Episode Resources:

Learn more about the McKissack firm

Check out Cheryl Mc Kissack Daniel’s website

Cheryl McKissack Daniel’s The Black Family Who Built America: The McKissacks, Two Centuries of Daring Pioneers

Adam Young’s Make Sense of Your Story: Why Engaging Your Past with Kindness Changes Everything

Adam Young’s website

Adam Young’s The Places We Find Ourselves podcast

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 and Journals:

https://www.stevecusswords.com/

Get the Communication Styles Guide:

https://capablelife.com/pages/podcast

Join Steve at an Upcoming Intensive: 
Capable Life Intensives

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In this episode of Being Human with Steve Cuss, Steve interviews Cheryl McKissack Daniel, a trailblazing African American architect and business leader. Cheryl shares her family’s remarkable 230-year legacy, beginning with her enslaved ancestor Moses McKissick. She discusses the challenges of leading a multi-generational Black-owned business, the importance of resilience, succession planning, and corporate culture, and her experiences navigating race and gender in the industry. 

Episode Resources:

Cheryl McKissack Daniel’s The Black Family Who Built America: The McKissacks, Two Centuries of Daring Pioneers

More From Cheryl McKissack Daniel:

Learn more about the McKissack firm

Check out Cheryl Mc Kissack Daniel’s website

Sign up for Steve’s Newsletter & Podcast Reminders:

Capable Life Newsletter

New Candles and Journals:

https://www.stevecusswords.com/

Get the Communication Styles Guide:

https://capablelife.com/pages/podcast

Join Steve at an Upcoming Intensive: 

Capable Life Intensives

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In this episode of Being Human, host Steve Cuss interviews trauma counselor and author Adam Young about his book, Make Sense of Your Story. Together, they explore how personal stories and trauma shape relationships with ourselves, others, and God. Adam shares his own journey of understanding childhood wounds, the importance of self-kindness, and how faith can become entangled with coping mechanisms. They discuss the body’s role in healing, the impact of certainty in theology, and practical steps toward emotional freedom. The conversation offers hope, insight, and tools for listeners seeking healing and deeper connection.

Biblical Passages

Genesis 37-50 (ESV) -The Joseph Story

Episode Resources:

Nervous System Regulation

What is Polyvagal Theory?

Understanding the Window of Tolerance

More From Adam Young:

Adam Young’s Make Sense of Your Story: Why Engaging Your Past with Kindness Changes Everything

Adam Young’s website

Adam Young’s The Places We Find Ourselves podcast

Sign up for Steve’s Newsletter & Podcast Reminders:

Capable Life Newsletter

New Candles and Journals:

https://www.stevecusswords.com/

Get the Communication Styles Guide:

https://capablelife.com/pages/podcast

Join Steve at an Upcoming Intensive: 

Capable Life Intensives

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In this season-opening episode of Being Human, Steve Cuss and Clarissa Moll explore how communication styles can either fuel anxiety and reactivity—or reduce it through deeper connection. Instead of focusing on what we say, they examine how we say it: the hidden subtext, assumptions, and “static” that cause people (especially leaders, couples, and teams) to mishear one another. Steve shares a practical framework for identifying three key communication patterns—rigid vs. fluid, rapid vs. deliberate, and external vs. internal processing—and explains how these differences show up in marriages, workplaces, and conflict. The goal isn’t to label anyone as “right” or “wrong,” but to build awareness that leads to humility, curiosity, and spiritually grounded connection.

Biblical Passages

1 Corinthians 12:12-27 (ESV)

Ephesians 4:26 (ESV) 

Sign up for Steve’s Newsletter & Podcast Reminders:

Capable Life Newsletter

New Candles and Journals:

https://www.stevecusswords.com/

Join Steve at an Upcoming Intensive: 

Capable Life Intensives

Get the Communication Styles Guide:

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