"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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"What is the way that you can connect with your heart and become aware of the presence of God in your life?" - Michael John Cusick

On this episode of Restoring the Soul, Michael dives into practicing devotions and the significance of having them in our spiritual journey. He explores different ways to connect with our hearts and become aware of the presence of God in our lives. Whether walking, praying, or remembering scripture, there are countless ways to cultivate a deeper relationship with Jesus.

Michael emphasizes the need for deeper connection and understanding. Sharing insights from his experience as a therapist and conversations with people across the country, he addresses the struggles many face in sustaining a spiritual practice and offers alternative language that aligns with our hearts.

Together, we'll navigate struggles, guilt, and the purpose of having regular devotions. Remember, your devotional life and spiritual practices are not meant to earn anything but to posture our hearts to make space for God, who already dwells within us.

HELPFUL RESOURCES:
- Episode 268 - Michael John Cusick, "The Art of Listening: Cultivating Intimacy with God through Lectio Divina"
- Episode 267 - Michael John Cusick, "Slow Down and Open Your Heart with Lectio Divina: 5 Reasons to Learn"
- Opening to God: Lectio Divina and Life as Prayer
- Too Deep for Words: Rediscovering Lectio Divina 

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"It's about letting the words and the images wash over you. It's about allowing them to surround you. It's about allowing God's spirit to draw you close." - Michael John Cusick

On this episode of Restoring the Soul, Michael discusses the practice of Lectio Divina, a spiritual reading practice that deepens one's relationship with God. He reflects on the importance of the four movements: reading, reflecting, responding, and resting. Michael also shares personal experiences and insights, emphasizing the need to listen for words and images when engaging with scripture.

Join him as he invites listeners to practice Lectio Divina using a passage from Matthew 11:28-30, known for teaching about learning the unforced rhythms of grace. Throughout the episode, Michael encourages listeners to embrace silence, respond authentically, and find rest in God's words.

HELPFUL RESOURCES:
- Episode 267 - Michael John Cusick, "Slow Down and Open Your Heart with Lectio Divina: 5 Reasons to Learn"
- Opening to God: Lectio Divina and Life as Prayer
- Too Deep for Words: Rediscovering Lectio Divina

ENGAGE THE RESTORING THE SOUL PODCAST:
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- Follow Michael on Twitter
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Thanks for listening!

"I didn't need more information about God. I needed more experience with God." - Michael John Cusick

If you're like us, you always seek to grow your relationship with God.

In this week's episode of Restoring the Soul, Michael explores the practice of Lectio Divina and the many benefits it offers for scripture readers. He shares five key aspects of the practice, including how it helps to slow down and create a spiritual conversation while posturing our hearts to receive. This episode dives deep into the importance of taking a posture of receiving, personalizing scripture through a holistic prayer, and using imagination to experience God beyond left-brain knowledge.

Lectio Divina may be the answer you've been searching for if you struggle with motivation or finding meaning in traditional spiritual disciplines. So why not slow down and explore this transformative practice? Through this exploration, we hope you will gain a newfound understanding of how Lectio Divina can help you connect more deeply with God.

HELPFUL RESOURCES:
Opening to God: Lectio Divina and Life as Prayer
Too Deep for Words: Rediscovering Lectio Divina

ENGAGE THE RESTORING THE SOUL PODCAST:
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- Tweet us at @michaeljcusick and @PodcastRTS
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- Follow Michael on Twitter
- Email us at [email protected]

Thanks for listening!

"I think there's ways in which I've defined life on the banks. To get into the river would be, in a sense, losing my life. But there's actually something that awakens in me, and I begin to see I was actually made to be in the river." - Brian Boecker

Ever feel stuck in life and not sure how to move forward? Our colleague at Restoring the Soul, Brian Boecker, joined us to help you unravel this feeling and guide you towards the River of Integration, a powerful concept by Dan Siegel that embodies the flow of energy and defines mental health and well-being. Discover how understanding your family system and navigating the banks of rigidity and chaos can lead to harmony and expansive well-being.

Together with Brian, we let go of control and find solace in the parable of the Prodigal Son, viewing the river's banks as coping strategies and embracing vulnerability. We also emphasize the importance of community and leaning on others in times of struggle, breaking free from cultural biases of individualism. Don't miss out on this insightful episode that will inspire you to examine your life and move towards greater well-being. Join us on this journey toward healing and integration!

HELPFUL RESOURCES:
Episode 215 - Brian Boecker, "The Awakening: A Move Toward Wholeness"
Episode 223 - Brian Boecker, "False Self vs. True Self"

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- Follow Michael on Twitter
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“You will be at your best if you are doing it from a rested soul.” - Alan Fadling

Feeling overwhelmed and exhausted, Alan Fadling's life spiraled out of control until he discovered a game-changing practice that completely transformed his life. His mentors introduced him to the art of taking a day each month for solitude and reflection, which helped him reconnect with his true purpose. This monthly retreat catalyzed Alan to create a daily journaling practice that allowed him to explore his thoughts and emotions and capture meaningful moments with God. The unexpected twist? It only took five minutes each day to start seeing a significant difference in his mental health. Unleash the power of five minutes and discover a new level of peace and balance in your life.

In this episode, you will be able to:

• Discover the benefits of incorporating mindful moments in your daily life for spiritual growth.
• Learn how dedicating time each day to mental well-being can transform your outlook.
• Uncover techniques for fostering a deeper connection with oneself and the divine through an unhurried pace.
• Explore the power of journaling as a tool for self-discovery and fostering a dialogue with your higher power.
• Realize the importance of communal connection and the nurturing space it can create while slowing down.

Alan is the president and founder of Unhurried Living, inspiring people to rest deeper, live fuller, and lead better.

HELPFUL RESOURCES:
Episode 237 - Gem Fadling, “Hold That Thought"
Episode 238 - Alan Fadling, “An Unhurried Life"

ENGAGE THE RESTORING THE SOUL PODCAST:
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- Follow Michael on Twitter
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What if you could save your crumbling marriage by embarking on a cross-country adventure in an RV? Today, we sit down with Eli and Kelly Pyke, who did precisely that. Join us as they share their extraordinary journey from a counseling intensive to their life-changing experience documented in their films, The Far Green Country. They reveal how they found strength in Jesus and held onto their promise to each other, even through the trauma and joy of their son's birth.

As the Pykes recount their adventure, we discuss the unique challenges of living in close quarters with two young children and a pet, and the importance of continued soul work and relational counseling to navigate their marriage journey. They also reveal how being present in the moment has shifted their lives and allowed them to experience life to the fullest.

Listen closely as Eli and Kelly share the deep emotion that went into the production of their influential films. We explore their journey's profound metaphors and the importance of creating something that will remain for them and others facing their own struggles. Be inspired by their heartfelt conversation, and don't miss out on watching their films on Amazon Prime and social media. Let's discover the power of storytelling and how it can transform our lives, as we all have the opportunity to ask ourselves what kind of story we want to tell about ourselves.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:

• Watch The Far Green Country on Amazon (free with Prime)
• Watch Far Green Country 2: At Road's End on Amazon
• Check out their site, thefargreencountry.com to get merch, get updates, and/or get the low-down
• Follow them on Instagram @thefargreencountry
• Sky Ranch

ENGAGE THE RESTORING THE SOUL PODCAST:
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- Tweet us at @michaeljcusick and @PodcastRTS
- Like us on Facebook
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- Follow Michael on Twitter
- Email us at [email protected]

Thanks for listening!

Have you ever struggled with the pain of betrayal, especially in intimate relationships? On today's episode of Restoring the Soul, we hear from Julianne Cusick, a licensed marriage and family therapist specializing in helping individuals and couples navigate the difficult journey of forgiveness and reconciliation after intimate partner betrayal. Julianne's powerful story of healing and redemption provides hope and encouragement for those who have experienced sexual betrayal in their relationships.

Julianne Cusick, who Bill Arnold recently interviewed on Faith Radio, explored the challenges of navigating betrayal trauma and shame and the importance of finding a confidential support system. Julianne also shared her insights on forgiveness and reconciliation, emphasizing the need for trust, repentance, and commitment to ongoing healing and growth to restore a relationship after an intimate partner betrayal. Her marriage to her husband, Michael Cusick, is a testament to what can happen when two people are willing to forgive and work toward restoration.

Julianne and Bill delved into the current landscape of pornography, affairs, and infidelity and its impact on relationships and the church. Julianne shared a word of caution for those whose spouses may not be forthcoming. She invited listeners to learn more about the intensive counseling programs offered through Restoring the Soul. Join us for this inspiring and insightful conversation with Julianne Cusick, a true champion for healing and forgiveness.

HELPFUL RESOURCES:
Afternoons with Bill Arnold
Episode 218 - Julianne Cusick, "A Holy & Horrible Journey"
Episode 195 - Julianne Cusick, “Devastated But Not Destroyed”
Episode 166 - Julianne Cusick, "Treatment Barriers to Healing from Betrayal Trauma"
Episode 165 - Julianne Cusick, "Barriers to Overcoming Betrayal Trauma"
Episode 115 - Julianne Cusick, "5 Things Husbands Can Do to Support Their Wives After Betrayal"
Episode 114 - Julianne Cusick, "5 Facts Wives Need to Know After Betrayal"

ENGAGE THE RESTORING THE SOUL PODCAST:
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- Follow Michael on Twitter
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Thanks for listening!