The Journey to Wholeness with Michael John Cusick - Part 2

In this episode of the Face to Face Podcast, we continue our insightful conversation with Michael John Cusick. We are excited to invite you to join our Level 1 and Level 2 Immanuel Approach training sessions starting in December and January.

Michael delves into various topics, including spiritual disciplines, mysticism, and the importance of understanding our inherent brokenness through five Ws: wretchedness, weakness, woundedness, warfare, and wiring. He emphasizes the need to reframe our perceptions of spiritual performance and the profound impact of recognizing God's constant presence.

The episode ends with information on how to support the podcast and more resources for deeper connection and lasting freedom.

00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview

00:40 Listener Feedback and Apology

02:37 Immanuel Approach Training Details

04:53 Introduction to Michael Cusick's Interview

05:17 Experiencing God in Everyday Life

14:20 Understanding Human Brokenness

20:54 The Impact of Personal Limitations

21:30 Embracing Vulnerabilities

22:12 The Power of Weakness

24:08 Understanding Woundedness

25:15 The Reality of Spiritual Warfare

26:53 The Role of Our Nervous System

28:20 Reevaluating Spiritual Performance

30:28 Discovering a New Way

35:43 The Holiness Heresy

39:49 Final Thoughts and Reflections

E177 | Michael John Cusick | Authenticity: The Path to Wholeness

Welcome to Episode 177 of the Face to Face Podcast! Today we discuss their Immanuel Approach course levels and introduce their special guest, Michael John Cusick. Cusick, an author, podcaster, and therapist, shares his remarkable story of overcoming early-life trauma. The conversation delves into themes of vulnerability, the importance of embodied spirituality, and doing personal work for healing. Practical insights and valuable advice on experiencing God's love and navigating trauma are key highlights. 00:00 Introduction to the Face to Face Podcast 00:28 Upcoming Courses and Announcements 01:52 Introducing Michael John Cusick 02:39 Michael's Personal Journey and Professional Work 04:40 The Power of Vulnerability and Humility 08:05 Restoring the Soul: Intensive Counseling Ministry 09:54 Challenges and Growth in Personal Relationships 16:41 The Importance of Embodied Spirituality 38:51 Final Thoughts and Upcoming Episodes

Today we sit down and have a compelling conversation with Chuck DeGroat, a licensed therapist, spiritual director, and author of six books including 'Leaving Egypt'. Chuck shares his journey of emotional and spiritual transformation, the significance of vulnerability, and practical exercises for achieving a deeper sense of safety and connection. Special topics include insights on the Immanuel Approach, Understanding Trauma courses, and the challenge of maintaining genuine vulnerability within leadership roles. Don't miss this insightful episode filled with practical steps for lasting freedom and meaningful relationships. 00:45 Exciting Announcements and Upcoming Courses 01:57 Introducing Our Guest: Chuck DeGroat 03:38 Chuck DeGroat's Background and Family 06:22 Discussing Chuck's Books and Writing Journey 07:56 The Journey of Healing and Self-Reflection 13:11 Understanding Trauma and Inner Healing 16:33 Challenges of Leadership and Vulnerability 19:41 Narcissism and the Path to Transformation 27:38 Sympathetic Storm: A Personal Journey 28:41 Character Formation and Personal Growth 29:24 The Slow Process of Bearing Fruit 30:42 Navigating Midlife Crises 32:01 Embracing Vulnerability and Self-Compassion 33:56 Befriending Our Inner Parts 47:52 Embodied Practices for Healing 51:09 Resources and Final Thoughts

In Episode 175 we share part two of our enlightening discussion with Bishop Chris Green. This episode covers significant topics such as understanding trauma, the role of suffering in life, and the differences between tenderness and vulnerability. Chris provides profound insights into how one's view of God affects their emotional responses and emphasizes the importance of leaning into our humanity and finite nature. The episode also underscores the importance of embracing one's unique way of experiencing God, whether as a 'sea' or a 'cup,' and finding peace within that framework.

Additionally, we highlight the Understanding Trauma course available at Immanuelinstitute.com.

00:00 Introduction to the Face-to-Face Podcast

00:33 Episode 175: Part Two with Bishop Chris Green

01:00 Understanding Trauma Course Announcement

01:53 Diving Back into the Conversation with Chris Green

02:00 Theology and Tenderness: A Deep Dive

11:02 The Role of Suffering in the Christian Life

18:37 The Illusion of Control and Embracing Weakness

26:05 Healing, Isolation, and Theological Anchoring

32:47 Final Thoughts and Benediction

38:58 Closing Remarks and Upcoming Content

Welcome to episode 174 of the Face to Face Podcast, hosted by Melinda Wilson and Cathy Little.

We are excited to share with you an in-depth conversation with theologian and professor Chris Green, discussing the interplay between theology and everyday life. Chris Green shares his journey into theology, influenced by scholars like Stanley Hauerwas and Robert Jensen. Our discussion shifts to the role of theology in daily life and the importance of aligning head knowledge with heart experience. Chris also delves into his latest book, 'All Life Comes From Tenderness,' exploring the necessity of sensitivity and tenderness for a fulfilling faith and life. The episode concludes with a teaser for part two and appreciation for the listeners. Tune in for an enriching dialogue on living with authenticity and understanding through theology.

0:03 - Introduction and Welcome

0:54 - Announcements and Updates

3:02 - Introducing Chris Green

3:59 - Chris Green's Journey into Theology

10:25 - The Role of Theology in Daily Life

14:47 - Constructive and Public Theology

24:47 - The Importance of Tenderness

51:15 - Conclusion and Next Episode Teaser

In this episode of the Face to Face Podcast, we continue our insightful discussion with Dr. Baxter Kruger. We explore the significance of union with Jesus, practical ways it manifests in daily life, and how to recognize Jesus' presence in everyday actions. Our conversation also highlights upcoming events and courses from the Immanuel Institute that delve deeper into cultivating a closer relationship with Jesus. Dr. Kruger shares profound stories and joyful revelations, emphasizing the importance of embracing one's inherent connection with Jesus and viewing life through the lens of this union.

00:00 Introduction to the Face to Face Podcast

00:28 Upcoming Events and Announcements

02:35 Introduction to Dr. Baxter Kruger

02:45 Understanding Union with Jesus

04:07 Practical Examples of Union

05:04 Jesus' Presence in Daily Life

07:53 The Role of Faith and Delusion

13:57 The True Gospel and Identity

14:22 Jesus' Teachings and Miracles

18:20 The Simplicity of Walking with Jesus

23:03 Final Thoughts and Homework

24:11 Understanding Darkness and Light

24:37 Baby Steps and Love

25:07 Creativity and Divine Gifts

25:37 The Journey of Awakening

27:21 Union and Non-Duality

29:32 Hearing God's Voice

31:02 Facing Pain and Finding Jesus

36:03 The Power of the Gospel

42:13 Resources and Recommendations

46:04 Final Thoughts and Gratitude

Join us for an intriguing conversation with theologian, Dr. Baxter Kruger as he delves into theological discussions about the nature of God's love, the significance of the Trinity, and the purpose of creation. He challenges traditional Western Christian doctrines, advocating for a more beautiful gospel centered on love and unity with God. The episode encourages listeners to re-examine their beliefs and embrace a more profound relationship with the Divine

00:00 - 02:14: Introduction and current travels 02:15 - 06:33: Upcoming Immanuel Approach training details 06:34 - 07:40: Background on guest Baxter Kruger 07:41 - 12:00: Kruger's theological discussion on the Trinity and nature of God 12:01 - 16:30: Significance of God's love and purpose of creation 16:31 - 23:49: Jesus' actions and divine submission during the crucifixion 23:50 - 35:12: Interpretation of biblical passages and deeper theological insights 35:13 - 44:30: Faith, repentance, and knowing God intimately 44:31 - 52:45: Challenges to traditional Western Christian doctrines 52:46 - 1:09:10: Experiencing and describing God's love in everyday life 1:09:11 - 1:20:00: Final reflections and invitation to re-listen

Join us for a powerful episode of the Face to Face Podcast as we sit down with Dr. Margaret Nagib, a clinical psychologist with over 20 years of experience, to explore the integration of faith, psychology, and nervous system healing. Discover how trauma responses shape our lives, why nervous system regulation is foundational for emotional and spiritual health, and practical steps for moving from survival to wholeness.

Timestamps:

00:00 – Welcome & Introduction 00:29 – Broadcasting from Lake Tahoe & Upcoming Courses 02:38 – Introducing Dr. Margaret Nagib 03:22 – Dr. Margaret's Background: Integrating Faith & Psychology 05:42 – The Evolution of Christian Psychology & Inner Healing 09:35 – Mind, Body, Spirit Integration Explained 13:22 – The Role of the Nervous System in Healing 18:23 – Why Nervous System Work is Trending 21:14 – Understanding Trauma Responses: Fight, Flight, Freeze, Fawn 24:11 – Real-Life Examples: People-Pleasing & Fawn Response 27:00 – How to Recognize and Shift Out of Trauma Responses 31:00 – Practical Tools for Regulation & Completing the Stress Cycle 35:00 – Recognizing Long-Term Patterns & Building Capacity 39:00 – The Foundation of Nervous System Work

Key Topics:

• The integration of faith and psychology in healing
• How trauma responses (fight, flight, freeze, fawn) show up in daily life
• The importance of nervous system regulation for lasting change
• Practical tools for recognizing and shifting out of survival states
• Dr. Margaret's personal journey and resources

Connect with Dr. Margaret Nagib: Instagram: @margaretnagib Website: thedunamisproject.org

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a five-star review and visit facetofacenetwork.com for more resources!

In this episode, we continue our conversation with Suhail Stephen, exploring how the Enneagram can deepen spiritual formation and self-understanding. We discuss the Enneagram's origins, its nine personality types, and how it helps us recognize both our strengths and areas for growth.

Suhail shares personal insights and practical ways the Enneagram can foster compassion, freedom, and more authentic relationships—with God, others, and ourselves.

Learn More at: writingisprayer.com

00:00 - Welcome & Introduction 00:29 - Show Begins, Guest Introduction 00:55 - Announcements: Dash Away & Trauma Course 01:41 - Transition to Enneagram Topic 01:52 - Suhail on Spirituality & Enneagram 02:14 - Cathy's Enneagram Story 02:58 - Suhail: Enneagram's Impact & History 05:19 - Christian Perspective on Enneagram 08:00 - Suhail's Personal Enneagram Experience 10:32 - Triads & Undercurrents Explained 13:37 - Cathy & Melinda Discuss Their Types 15:13 - Suhail: What the Numbers Mean 16:58 - Triads: Shame, Anxiety, Frustration 18:45 - Compulsions & Avoidances 19:41 - Melinda: Resistance to Labels 21:47 - Suhail: Why Use "Undercurrent" & "Compulsion" 23:28 - Melinda & Cathy's Types Explored 24:39 - Cathy's Leadership & Independence 27:50 - Why Self-Awareness Matters 29:03 - Enneagram for Relationships 31:56 - Final Thoughts & Resources 34:15 - Where to Find Suhail 34:58 - Enneagram: Affirming the Good 35:54 - Closing Remarks 36:07 - Outro & Call to Action 36:27 - End

In this episode of the Face to Face podcast, we engage in a profound conversation with Suhail Stephen, a spiritual director from Manitoba, Canada. We delve into Suhail's multicultural upbringing, his journey into spiritual direction, and the significance of the contemplative Christian tradition. We also discuss practical steps like the Daily Examen and the role of a spiritual director in deepening one's spiritual experience. Suhail shares his personal experiences and insights, making this episode a valuable resource for anyone interested in authentic spiritual growth and connection with God.

00:28 Exciting Announcements and Upcoming Events

01:50 Meet Our Special Guest: Suhail Stephen

06:30 Suhail's Journey and Cultural Experiences

12:54 Exploring Spirituality Across Cultures

22:45 The Path to Spiritual Direction

24:49 Understanding Spiritual Direction

26:02 Personal Journey with God

27:52 First Encounter with Spiritual Direction

28:52 Discovering the Call to Spiritual Direction

30:39 Training and Becoming a Spiritual Director

37:02 The Contemplative Tradition

46:40 Practical Steps for Spiritual Growth

50:22 Conclusion and Final Thoughts