"No more settling for external success; it's about depth, sobriety, and engaging with my own soul's depths. That's where true fulfillment lies.” - Chris Bruno

Welcome to another episode of Restoring the Soul with Michael John Cusick. In today's episode, we delve into the profound journey of self-discovery and transformation that men undergo as they transition into the sage stage of life. 

Our guest, Chris Bruno, shares his experiences and insights as he navigates the in-between space between the past and the future. Drawing from the metaphor of a craggy peninsula and tumultuous waters, Chris beautifully articulates the desire to integrate fragmented parts of ourselves and embrace all aspects of our identity. 

Join us as we explore the importance of intentional living, the power of the sage, and the significance of tending to our inner child.

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“Risk-taking can lead to restoration only if it’s motivated by love.” - Haejin Shim Fujimura

In this episode of Restoring the Soul, Michael is joined by Mako & Haejin Shim Fujimura. They will engage in a conversation covering a wide range of topics, including trauma, the significance of 9/11, the art of Kintsugi, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the critical issue of human trafficking.

Mako is a prominent contemporary artist known for his deliberate and reflective approach to creating "slow art." His work, characterized by its thoughtful pace, has been aptly described by David Brooks of the New York Times as "a subtle rebellion against the accelerating pace of modern life." Beyond his artistry, Mako is a respected arts advocate, writer, and speaker, globally acknowledged as a cultural influencer. He has also held the prestigious role of a Presidential appointee to the National Council on the Arts from 2003-2009, where he played a crucial role in shaping arts-related policies and engaging with decision-makers internationally.

Haejin, who is married to Mako, is an accomplished international attorney and the CEO of Embers International. She also serves as the President of the Kintsugi Academy, where her mission is to illuminate the darkest corners of existence and aid others in their journey of renewal and recovery.

HELPFUL RESOURCES:
Episode 13 - Mako Fujimura, “Silence and Beauty, Part 1”
Episode 14 - Mako Fujimura, “Silence and Beauty, Part 2”

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"Contrary to what most Enneagram Ones think, they're fantastic. I don't know what it is about Enneagram Ones, but of all the numbers on the Enneagram, they are the most resistant to learning that that's their type."

In today's episode, our good friend Ian Cron will be joined by our very own Julianne Cusick for a captivating conversation about finding our inner encourager through the lens of the Enneagram.

Ian shares his belief that the Enneagram is not just a tool for self-discovery but a fundamental part of our daily lives. As a psychotherapist and spiritual director, Ian incorporates the Enneagram into his counseling and soul care work, recommending resources like books and podcasts to his clients.

Ian and Julianne explore the importance of self-knowledge and self-awareness as the starting point for personal growth, drawing from their own experiences and reflections. They delve into their challenges, such as the struggle with stillness for a Type One, and how they have learned and grown through those experiences. 

Stay tuned as they discuss the impact of the Enneagram on their relationships, the importance of appreciating different attention styles, and the lessons they have learned along the way. 

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"In EMDR therapy, we're trying to help activate the client's own brain's knowingness how to heal." - Barb Maiberger

In today's episode, we have Barb Maiberger joining us to delve into the fascinating world of trauma therapy. Barb is an expert in the field and a passionate advocate for EMDR therapy. We'll explore how this transformative approach helps clients address past experiences that still affect them today. From understanding the role of the brain in trauma to the power of integrating the mind-body connection, Barb shares her wealth of knowledge and experience. We'll also touch on the importance of finding the right therapist, the impact of trauma on relationships, and the promising shift toward trauma-informed treatment in schools. Get ready for an eye-opening conversation that will leave you with a newfound appreciation for the power of healing and transformation.
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Barb Maiberger is the founder and Director of the Maiberger Institute in Boulder, Colorado, where she trains counselors and mental health therapists from around the US in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing).

Barb is a dynamic instructor who engages and invites those who take her courses to bring their own professional experience, passion, and story to get equipped in EMDR to work with clients and handle real-life issues in a way that is immediately applicable and practical.

HELPFUL RESOURCES:
Episode 75 - Barb Maiberger & Dr. Arielle Schwartz, "Embodiment and Trauma"

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"But here's the beautiful part - God honors our honesty and vulnerability. Lament and grief are invitations to draw closer to Him." - Michael John Cusick

Welcome back to another episode of "Restoring the Soul with Michael John Cusick". In today's episode, titled "Navigating the Valley: How Lament and Grief Lead Us to Encounter God's Presence," Michael and Brian Boecker delve into the profound topic of grief and lament. 

They begin by examining Psalm 88, an intense Psalm that expresses the psalmist's anguish and feelings of abandonment by God. God honors our honesty and vulnerability, even in moments of anger and confusion toward Him. They also discuss the invitation to grieve and engage in lament as a means of intimacy and trust with God. Pulling from various sources, including Walter Brugeman's books on the Psalms and lament, we learn that lament is a form of worship, allowing us to bring our hearts before God. 

Join us as we welcome and engage with our suffering, embracing the paradox of suffering and resurrection and seeking to be hospitable to our pain. Prepare for a thought-provoking and soul-stirring conversation that will challenge and encourage you on your faith journey.

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"To truly embrace the present moment, especially when we have no power to alter the result, it is essential that we approach life with compassion." - Michael John Cusick

Welcome to another episode of Restoring the Soul with Michael John Cusick. In today's episode, titled "Embracing the Unchangeable in the Messiness of Life," we dive into the antidote to negative messages, starting with the power of self-compassion and self-awareness. 

Julianne and Michael John Cusick explore the importance of becoming aware of what's happening within ourselves and around us and the value of offering self-compassion in the face of old negative tapes that often replay in our minds. They discuss the role of humility and confiding in others, creating a sense of community and healthy attachment. We'll also explore the act of offering a blessing to those struggling with negative messages, lack of self-compassion, and self-awareness. 

Join us as we journey through this episode filled with wisdom, vulnerability, and the transformative power of self-compassion and connection.

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 "I think sometimes that feels like this journey that we're on is that sometimes God asks us to let go of something, not for the sake of because that thing is bad, but he's like, there's something more that is even deeper, what you long for and desire in that." - Brian Boecker

In this episode of Restoring the Soul, we dive into a fascinating conversation between Michael and Brian Boecker. Brian specializes in intensive counseling, particularly with missionaries, expatriates, and individuals who have lived abroad.

Today's episode takes us on a deep exploration of the concept of finding one's life by losing it. Drawing inspiration from a passage in the Gospel of Luke, Michael and Brian debunk common misunderstandings about dying to self and losing oneself. Particularly in the context of addiction, many individuals mistakenly believe that dying to self means suppressing their own needs and desires, leading to feelings of worthlessness and a loss of self-value.

Michael and Brian uncover the truth behind this misconception, revealing that unwanted behavior often stems from a deep desire that needs attention. They discuss how people often attach their desires to things they think will fulfill them, only to find that these attachments fall short. Through letting go of these attachments, one's true desire can be fully awakened.

So get ready to be challenged and inspired as we delve into this thought-provoking conversation about finding life and discovering our true selves.

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"If you've met one person on the autism spectrum, you've met one person." — Michael John Cusick

In today's episode, Michael is joined by his wife of 32 years, Julianne Cusick. Together, they delve into the fascinating topic of neurodiverse marriages.

Neurodiversity encompasses a range of neuro differences, from autism to nonverbal learning disorder and everything in between. However, the diagnosis and understanding of neurodiversity can be challenging due to the lack of specific criteria. Commonly diagnosed conditions related to neurodiversity include mood disorders, anxiety, ADD/ADHD, and sensory integration disorder, among others.

On the podcast, you'll hear how Michael and Julianne shed light on the experiences of neurodiverse individuals and their partners, exploring their unique challenges and dynamics in their relationships. Through their personal stories and professional expertise, Michael and Julianne provide valuable insights into the importance of communication, understanding each other's needs, and creating a shared language to bridge the gap between neurotypical and neurodiverse perspectives. They also delve into the impact of neurodiverse marriages on the neurotypical partner, offering guidance and support for those feeling emotionally neglected or frustrated.

HELPFUL RESOURCES:
www.AANE.org
www.neurodiverselove.com
https://www.christianneurodiversemarriage.com/

The Journal of Best Practices: A Memoir of Marriage, Asperger Syndrome, and One Man's Quest to Be a Better Husband

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"After all that work, you started to wonder that there's got to be something else going on that we're missing." - Julianne Cusick

On this episode of Restoring the Soul, Michael and Julianne Cusick have a candid conversation about neurodiversity and how it has impacted their marriage. They discuss terms like autism spectrum difference (ASD), neurodiverse, neurotypical, and neurodivergent, highlighting the importance of understanding and embracing these differences. Michael shares his personal experience of being diagnosed with Asperger's and how it has changed their perspective on their neurodiversity. They also discuss their communication challenges and how the concept of neurodiversity has provided insight and progress in their relationship. This episode offers a unique perspective on neurodiversity and its impact on marriage, providing valuable insights and understanding.

HELPFUL RESOURCES:
The Journal of Best Practices: A Memoir of Marriage, Asperger Syndrome, and One Man's Quest to Be a Better Husband

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"I think for myself, it's realizing that there is a journey has given me more patience sometimes with myself that it's okay, I haven't arrived. I can still be somebody who's learning and making mistakes." - Kyle Wisdom

On this episode of Restoring the Soul, we have a special guest, Kyle Wisdom, who shares his transformative experience on a pilgrimage to St. Cuthbert's Way. Kyle takes us on a journey of anticipation, disappointment, and profound reflections. Throughout the episode, we explore the significance of pilgrimage in the Christian faith and how it can impact our daily spiritual lives. Kyle's pilgrimage becomes a metaphor for navigating the twists and turns of everyday life, emphasizing the importance of living with anticipation. 

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