Welcome to another episode of Restoring the Soul with Michael John Cusick. In today’s discussion, Michael welcomes Tony Kriz to the podcast. This episode dives deep into crucial topics, including the impact of trauma on children's development, the importance of supportive adults in their lives, and how churches and communities can foster positive change through active involvement.

You'll hear about the startling statistics surrounding childhood literacy, the long-term effects of trauma, and inspiring initiatives like the Children's Literacy Project. This campaign aims to connect volunteers with local schools to help children read at grade level by the fourth grade, significantly influencing their futures. Together, we'll explore how a single caring adult can make a monumental difference, as well as the spiritual and social justice dimensions of ensuring that every child has the opportunity to succeed.

Prepare to be moved and motivated as we uncover the power of mentorship, the challenges faced by under-resourced schools, and practical ways you can be part of the solution. Whether through volunteering, supporting literacy programs, or committing to the well-being of children in your community, this episode is a call to action.

ON THE WEB: Children's Literacy Project

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Welcome to another episode of "Restoring the Soul with Michael John Cusick." Today, we're diving deep into the conversation around emotional health, spiritual formation, and the journey toward wholeness with our special guest, Dr. Alison Cook, psychologist, author, and expert in Christian spiritual and emotional integration.

In this episode, Michael and Alison explore her acclaimed book, "Boundaries for Your Soul." Together, they unpack what it truly means to set gentle, healthy boundaries within ourselves—not to exile or repress difficult emotions, but to get curious about them, listen to them, and ultimately befriend them as part of our God-given humanity. Drawing from Internal Family Systems (IFS) theory and Christian theology, Alison Cook explains how our inner world is made up of many different “parts,” each with their own stories and struggles. Through personal stories, practical takeaways, and a deep dive into the concept of the “Spirit-led self,” this episode invites listeners to consider a new way of relating to their internal experience, dealing with conflict within, and embarking on a path of true healing.

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Welcome to another episode of "Restoring the Soul with Michael John Cusick." Today, Michael sits down with Dr. Camden Morgante, licensed clinical psychologist and author of "Recovering from Purity Culture." Together, they dive into the real impact of purity culture within evangelical communities, exploring the myths and messages that have shaped so many lives, often with shame and fear at the center.

Drawing from both professional expertise and personal experience, Camden unpacks the psychological and spiritual wounds purity culture can leave behind and offers a thoughtful path toward healing, reconciling mind, body, heart, and soul. The conversation doesn’t stop at identifying problems; it reaches for hope and reconstruction, offering practical tools for embracing a healthier, grace-filled sex ethic—and even guidance for raising the next generation with greater wisdom and compassion.

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Welcome to another episode of Restoring the Soul. Today, Michael John Cusick is joined by author, speaker, and men's group leader Drew Boa to discuss Drew’s groundbreaking new book, Outgrow Porn: Find Lasting Freedom Without Fighting an Exhausting Battle.

This conversation dives deep into breaking free from pornography—not through more willpower or "white-knuckling," but by truly healing and growing emotionally, relationally, and spiritually. Drew shares how his approach helps men connect with their inner child, understand their sexual fantasies, and use practical tools (14 of them, to be exact) to experience genuine freedom. They also discuss the impact of betrayal and sexual addiction on wives and partners, highlighting the importance of support and compassion for everyone affected.

Together, Michael and Drew challenge the traditional “battle” rhetoric around pornography recovery and invite listeners into a paradigm-shifting journey—one where lasting change is possible and shame doesn't get the final word.

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Welcome to Restoring the Soul with Michael John Cusick. On today’s episode, Michael sits down with fellow intensive therapist Brian Boecker for an honest, heartfelt conversation about the universal human longing to belong. Inspired by Michael’s recent talk at the Connections Conference in Washington, D.C., the discussion explores how belonging shapes our sense of self, impacts our relationships, and is deeply tied to spiritual themes found in scripture—especially in Jesus' teachings on prayer.

Through personal stories, reflections on the Lord’s Prayer, and insights from attachment theory, Michael and Brian unpack what it means to be at home with ourselves, others, and God. They wrestle with vulnerability, shame, and the courage it takes to truly let ourselves be seen. Drawing on poems, psychology, and biblical wisdom, this episode invites listeners to consider how authentic belonging not only leads to healing but also to genuine transformation.

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In today's enlightening episode of "Restoring the Soul with Michael John Cusick," we delve into the intricate world of neurodiverse marriages. Join Michael and Julianne Cusick as they explore the challenges and dynamics couples face when one or both partners are on the autism spectrum. With Michael openly sharing his diagnosis of high-functioning Asperger's and Julianne bringing her expertise as a certified neurodiverse couples coach and licensed marriage and family therapist, this episode promises deep insights and practical advice. 

Learn about the common themes in neurodiverse relationships, the unique struggles and rewards, and the transformative power of understanding and tailored coaching. Whether navigating a neurodiverse marriage yourself or simply seeking to broaden your understanding, this episode is packed with valuable content and hopeful perspectives. Tune in and discover how embracing neurodiversity can pave the way for healthier, more fulfilling relationships.

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Welcome to another episode of Restoring the Soul with Michael John Cusick. In today’s conversation, Michael is joined by returning guest and renowned author John Eldredge, known to many as the author behind the bestselling book Wild at Heart. This time, John dives deep into the message of his latest book, Experience Jesus. Really. Together, Michael and John unravel the life-changing invitation to authentic, everyday communion with Jesus—beyond religious formulas, beyond inspiration, and into truly experiencing God’s presence in a way that’s both simple and profoundly transformative.

They discuss why many believers feel let down by empty promises of intimacy with God, how technology and today’s relentless pace are wounding the human soul, and why, now more than ever, we need ancient practices of deep attachment and interiority. John shares his heart for spiritual restoration—rooted in Isaiah 61 and a Gospel that offers not just rescue, but soul-deep wholeness and restoration for both men and women. The episode also explores the misunderstood beauty of Christian mysticism, the importance of “benevolent detachment,” and practical tools like the Pause app, which John’s team created to guide people into genuine encounters with Jesus—accessible to everyone, everywhere.

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Welcome to Restoring the Soul with Michael John Cusick. In today’s episode, Michael guides us through the ancient and transformative practice of Lectio Divina, or "sacred reading"—a gentle, four-step approach to engaging scripture that moves beyond intellectual study and invites deeper communion with God. Drawing on his own journey and experience with this practice, Michael unpacks each movement—reading, reflecting, responding, and resting—offering practical wisdom and personal insights along the way.

Whether you’re new to Lectio Divina or seeking fresh ways to revive your spiritual life, this episode provides both a clear explanation and a real-time invitation to experience sacred reading for yourself. Michael walks listeners step-by-step through a beloved passage in Matthew, encouraging us to let the words of scripture nourish not just our minds, but our souls. Settle in, take a few deep breaths, and prepare to experience a slower, richer way of encountering God’s presence in your everyday life.

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Welcome to another episode of Restoring the Soul with Michael John Cusick. Today, we dive deep into the hunger many of us feel for a more profound relationship with God. Michael opens up about his journey with spiritual practices and the struggles he faced with traditional devotions and disciplines. He introduces us to the transformative ancient practice of "Lectio Divina"—a sacred reading method that focuses on prayerful, contemplative engagement with the scriptures.

Throughout this episode, Michael shares personal stories and insights on how Lectio Divina can reboot your experience with scripture, foster a deeper connection with God, and create a posture of stillness and receiving. He also highlights the importance of slowing down and integrating both our minds' analytical and imaginative aspects in our spiritual journey.

Join us as we explore five compelling reasons to incorporate Lectio Divina into your daily life and learn how it can cultivate the deep, experiential relationship with God that your heart longs for. Stay tuned to the end as we recommend some insightful books to guide you in this practice further. Get ready to be inspired to engage with scripture in a more meaningful and personal way.

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

- Opening to God: Lectio Divina and Life as Prayer by David G. Benner
- Too Deep for Words: Rediscovering Lectio Divina by Sister Thelma Hall

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Welcome to another episode of "Restoring the Soul with Michael John Cusick." In today's conversation, Michael sits down with James Bryan Smith to dive deep into the beautiful interplay between faith and psychology. Throughout this dialogue, they explore how spiritual formation and mental health are more intertwined than ever. You'll hear powerful anecdotes about moments that resonated deeply within church communities, the impact of transformative phrases, and the widespread acceptance of mental health tools like the Enneagram.

This episode also touches on significant topics like the integration of neuroscience, the evolving views within the Christian community towards therapy, and the importance of addressing sin and forgiveness responsibly. Smith sheds light on the growing acceptance of psychological insights in spiritual practices and the upcoming Apprentice Gathering Conference that aims to integrate these realms further.

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