Skip to content
Artwork for Being Human with Steve Cuss
Religion & SpiritualityChristianityHealth & FitnessMental Health

Being Human with Steve Cuss

Christianity Today

From Christianity Today, Being Human with Steve Cuss is Christian counseling in podcast form. Steve Cuss, a former trauma and hospice chaplain, pastor, and leadership coach, guides listeners with a gospel-informed journey of discovery into the world of emotional health: everything from anxiety and reactivity, to triangulation, overfunctioning, and the Enneagram.

Play
  • 22 episodes
  • weekly
  • Avg 42 min
  • English
Counted on this page — what you have heard stays on this device, so it is not something the list can be paged by.
  • Monday · 30 min

    Steve Cuss: Beyond the Headlines in God’s Expansive Kingdom

    In this episode of Being Human, host Steve Cuss launches the new theme "God's Expansive Kingdom." Drawing from years of international travel, Steve shares inspiring stories of Christians making a difference worldwide—from floating hospitals in Southeast Asia to a small women's Bible study group running a halfway house for former inmates. He also addresses the prevalence of negative narratives about the church online, acknowledging that abuse must be exposed while cautioning against cynicism and shame-driven reporting. Steve emphasizes that despite troubling headlines, countless faithful believers are quietly and powerfully advancing God's kingdom globally. Episode Resources: Steve Cuss’s Managing Leadership Anxiety: Yours and Theirs Scripture Referenced: Luke 18:9–14 ESV Sign up for Steve’s Newsletter & Podcast Reminders Capable Life Newsletter Get the Assets & Liabilities pdf and the Life Giving List Join Steve at an Upcoming Intensive Capable Life Intensives Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  • August 31 · 37 min

    Steve & Lisa Cuss: Social Media Extremes, Political Problems, and Moving from Legalism to Grace with Ryan Burge and Jessie Cruickshank & Julia Schmaltz

    In this episode of Being Human, Steve and Lisa Cuss explore how politics, social media, and the stories we tell ourselves shape who we become. Pastor and political analyst Ryan Burge explains how social media amplifies political extremes, distorts public discourse, and increasingly allows partisanship to shape religious identity. Jessie Cruickshank and Julia Schmaltz, co-authors of Becoming Good News, unpack how internalized narratives, legalism, perfectionism, and the Christian “Übermensch” ideal—the pressure to become a superhuman believer—can hinder spiritual growth. Steve and Lisa use these conversations to offer a path toward self-awareness, grace, presence, and embracing weakness as essential to genuine faith and transformation. Original Episodes: Being Human: How Memory, Identity, and Story Shape Discipleship with Jessie Cruickshank & Julia Schmaltz Being Human: How Politics Hijacked the Pulpit with Ryan Burge Ryan Burge’s The Vanishing Church: How the Hollowing Out of Moderate Congregations Is Hurting Democracy, Faith, and Us Jessie Cruickshank & Julia Schmaltz’s Becoming Good News: Reimagining Discipleship Through Identity, Story, and Science Nietzsche’s concept of the Übermensch More from Ryan Burge: Ryan’s Graphs about Religion Ryan on X (formerly Twitter) More from Jessie Cruickshank and Julia Schmaltz: Jessie Cruickshank’s Ordinary Discipleship podcast Julia Schmaltz’s Sermons Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  • August 24 · 29 min

    How Do Injury, Pain, and Faith Shape Our Identity with Dr. Eric Shoemaker

    Host Steve Cuss welcomes physician Eric Shoemaker to explore the intersection of physical health, neuroscience, and spiritual fitness. Eric explains how injury and pain recovery mirror emotional and spiritual healing, and breaks down the difference between the body's "threat" and "challenge" responses, showing how faith can reshape our nervous system's reactions. Steve and Eric discuss whole-body discipleship, identity in Christ, and practical micro-habits to help rewire the brain toward trust over fear. Episode Resources: Eric’s article The Neurobiology of Victory: How the physical reality of performance reveals the spiritual power of faith Dan Allender’s Leading with a Limp: Take Full Advantage of Your Most Powerful Weakness Scripture Referenced: Genesis 32:22-32 (ESV) More from Eric Shoemaker: Eric Shoemaker’s Substack: The Divine Design Lab Follow Eric on instagram Sign up for Steve’s Newsletter & Podcast Reminders Capable Life Newsletter Get the Assets & Liabilities pdf and the Life Giving List Join Steve at an Upcoming Intensive Capable Life Intensives Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  • August 17 · 45 min

    How Memory, Identity, and Story Shape Discipleship with Jessie Cruickshank & Julia Schmaltz

    In this episode of Being Human, host Steve Cuss is joined by pastor and Harvard-trained brain scientist Jessie Cruickshank and first-time guest Julia Schmaltz to explore whether changing our internal narratives can enable transformation. Jessie and Julia discuss their co-authored book, Becoming Good News, and examine spiritual growth and discipleship through the lenses of theology, neuroscience, and personal experience. They challenge unrealistic “superhuman” expectations in church culture, advocate for grace-based discipleship, and emphasize that spiritual maturity means becoming more fully who God created us to be—joyful, childlike, and close to Jesus. Episode Resources: Jessie Cruickshank & Julia Schmaltz’s Becoming Good News: Reimagining Discipleship Through Identity, Story, and Science Jessie Cruickshank’s Ordinary Discipleship: How God Wires Us for the Adventure of Transformation Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s Nobel lecture: The Quest for Peace and Justice Nietzsche’s concept of the Übermensch Jessie Cruickshank’s previous appearance on Being Human: Episode 171 Scripture Referenced: 2 Corinthians 3 (ESV) Psalm 139 (ESV) More from: Jessie Cruickshank’s Ordinary Discipleship podcast Julia Schmaltz’s Sermons Sign up for Steve’s Newsletter & Podcast Reminders Capable Life Newsletter Get the Assets & Liabilities pdf and the Life Giving List Join Steve at an Upcoming Intensive Capable Life Intensives Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  • August 10 · 54 min

    How Politics Hijacked the Pulpit with Ryan Burge

    In this episode of Being Human, host Steve Cuss speaks with political scientist and pastor Ryan Burge about his book The Vanishing Church. They explore how American Christianity has become increasingly radicalized by political partisanship, the role of social media algorithms in amplifying extreme voices, and the disappearance of moderate congregations. Burge discusses how partisanship now shapes religious identity rather than the reverse, the impact of COVID had on churches, and how the church has become a "hospital for the healthy." Episode Resources: Ryan Burge’s The Vanishing Church: How the Hollowing Out of Moderate Congregations Is Hurting Democracy, Faith, and Us Michael Wear’s CT review of Ryan’s work on the “big church sort” Pew research: How the Pandemic Has Affected Attendance at U.S. Religious Services A Look at The Donatist controversy Who was Count Zinzendorf? Scripture Referenced: 1 John 1:5 (ESV) Matthew 20:16; Luke 13:30; Mark 10:31 (ESV) Mark 2:17 (ESV) More from Ryan Burge: Ryan’s Graphs about Religion Ryan on X (formerly Twitter) Sign up for Steve’s Newsletter & Podcast Reminders Capable Life Newsletter Get the Assets & Liabilities pdf and the Life Giving List Join Steve at an Upcoming Intensive Capable Life Intensives Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  • August 3 · 23 min

    Carrying What Only God Can Carry

    In this special travelogue episode of Being Human, host Steve Cuss records from Tinos, Greece, where he discovered a profound Orthodox Christian pilgrimage tradition. Pilgrims crawl a half-mile uphill to a famous church, seeking healing. Steve reflects on desperation, hope, and faith across traditions, he draws on MLK's words: "If you can't walk, crawl—but keep moving forward." He invites listeners to consider their own pace and bring their whole selves to God. Episode Resources: Learn about Christian Missionary Fellowship International Read about the church of Our Lady of Tinos, Greece History of Our Lady of Tinos (Panagia Evangelistria) More about Fred Craddock Scripture Referenced: Revelation 21:5 (ESV) 2 Corinthians 5:17 (ESV) Sign up for Steve’s Newsletter & Podcast Reminders Capable Life Newsletter Get the Assets & Liabilities pdf and the Life Giving List Join Steve at an Upcoming Intensive Capable Life Intensives Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  • July 27 · 51 min

    Steve & Lisa Cuss: When Jesus Meets the Judgmental with Listener Questions, Matt Smallbone, & Jenny Brown

    Hosts Steve and Lisa Cuss address listener questions about navigating judgmental believers, generational anger, and caregiving burnout. They encourage listeners to define their own positions without trying to change others, explore emotions beneath anger, and build connections through small, consistent moments. Steve and Lisa also revisit recent guests Matt Smallbone and Jenny Brown to offer insights on relating to strong personalities, praying the Lord's Prayer intentionally, and recognizing unhealthy family patterns. Episode Resources: Matt Smallbone’s The Prayer Experiment: How Praying Like Jesus Realigns Everything - Our Thoughts, Our Hearts, and Our Posture Toward God and the World Jenny Brown’s The Parenting Paradox: Loving Our Children by Giving Them Space to Grow Explore the Enneagram Brad Gray & Brad Nelson’s Bringing Heaven Here: How The Lord's Prayer Can Change Your Life and Our World Brad Gray: The Lord's Prayer (documentary) What is the Anger Iceberg Scripture Referenced: The Lord’s Prayer: Matthew 6:9–13 (ESV) Read Matthew 7:3–5 ESV More From Matt Smallbone: Matt Smallbone’s website Church of the City Downtown teaching podcast More From Jenny Brown: Jenny Brown’s Website Jenny Brown’s Author Page Jenny Brown’s Growing Yourself Up: How to bring your best to all of life's relationships Parent Hope Project Parent Hope Podcast Family Systems Institute Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  • July 20 · 50 min

    Andrew Ollerton’s Holy Plot Twists

    Host Steve Cuss speaks with theologian Dr. Andrew Ollerton about his book God's Book: An Honest Look at the Bible's Seven Toughest Topics. They discuss the importance of honestly engaging with difficult biblical passages rather than avoiding them, and how wrestling with tough questions can deepen faith. Andrew shares his own intellectual and emotional struggles, including reconciling science with Genesis and coping with loss. They also explore the role of community, spiritual practices, and humility in staying connected to God. Episode Resources: Andrew Ollerson’s God’s Book: An Honest Look at the Bible’s 7 Toughest Topics More about Bear Grylls Scripture Referenced: Genesis 3 (ESV) Matthew 1:1–17 (ESV) Genesis 1–2 (ESV) Joshua 6 (ESV) The Book of Job (ESV) Genesis 28:10–22 (ESV) 2 Kings 6:8–23 (ESV) Luke 24:13–35 (ESV) Numbers 22:21–35 (ESV) Numbers 13–14 (ESV) Joshua 14:6–15 (ESV) More From Dr. Andrew Ollerton: Andrew Ollerton’s website Learn more about Andrew Ollerton Andrew’s eight-session course: The Bible Course Andrew’s The Family Bible Course Sign up for Steve’s Newsletter & Podcast Reminders Capable Life Newsletter Get the Assets & Liabilities pdf and the Life Giving List Join Steve at an Upcoming Intensive Capable Life Intensives Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  • July 13 · 59 min

    Lee C. Camp Drops His Emotional Bombs

    Host Steve Cus welcomes Lee C. Camp—professor, podcaster, and author—for a rich conversation about anxiety, systems theory, and human flourishing. Lee shares his personal journey with anxiety and depression, and how discovering differentiation through therapy transformed his relationships and emotional health. They explore legalism within the Churches of Christ tradition and its lasting emotional impact. The discussion also touches on societal reactivity, the purpose behind Lee's podcast No Small Endeavor, and the importance of creating hospitable spaces for honest dialogue. Lee closes with reflections on gliding, music, and simple morning rituals as grounding practices. Episode Resources: Malcolm Gladwell’s The Alabama Murders: Part 1: The True Church Steve Cuss’ Managing Leadership Anxiety David Schnarch’s Passionate Marriage David McCullough’s The Wright Brothers Books by Parker J. Palmer Books by Thomas Merton Murray Bowen’s family systems theory More about Differentiation of self Scripture Referenced: Mark 12:30–31 (ESV) More From Lee C. Camp: Lee C. Camp’s Scandalous Witness: A Little Political Manifesto for Christians Books by Lee C. Camp Listen to No Small Endeavor and The Subtext Sign up for Lee C. Camp’s newsletter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  • July 6 · 27 min

    Defusing the Invisible Volcano: Mastering Reactivity in Leadership and Faith with Steve Cuss & Clarissa Moll

    Host Steve and Clarissa Moll explore how invisible dynamics like reactivity and anxiety affect leadership, relationships, and our connection with God. Steve shares six tools for diffusing reactivity—vulnerability, laughter, curiosity, clarity, love, and redirecting anxiety—while emphasizing playfulness as an underutilized organizational resource. They discuss how collective laughter and singing reset the nervous system, and how God's playful nature, reflected in creation, makes these habits spiritually meaningful. Episode Resources: More about Trisha Taylor More about The Chosen More about Ladysmith Black Mambazo More From Clarissa Moll: Explore Clarissa Moll’s website Read Clarissa Moll’s substack Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  • June 29 · 41 min

    Sex and Porn Addiction, Misconceptions That Prevent Healing with Matt Wenger (vault episode)

    Host Steve Cuss sits down with Matt Wenger for a candid conversation about addiction, intimacy, and healing. Together, they unpack the complexities of sexual addiction, the ripple effects it has on loved ones, and why recovery is best understood as a "team sport." Matt highlights the power of vulnerability, group support, and true intimacy as antidotes to the false connections addiction promises. Steve and Matt also shine a light on betrayal trauma experienced by partners, offering hope, empathy, and pathways toward healing for everyone impacted. Episode Resources: Explore Matt’s work at the Begin Again Institute Understanding the Signs and Causes of Betrayal Trauma Romans (from the New Testament) - It is mentioned in the context of discussing sin as an infection or condition rather than solely a moral issue. Read The Great Commandment (in Luke, Matthew, and Mark’s gospels) Read Romans 8:38-39 Read Romans 7 (Paul discuss sin struggles) More about Matt Wenger This episode of Being Human is from our vault. Sign up for Steve’s Newsletter & Podcast Reminders Capable Life Newsletter Get the Assets & Liabilities pdf and the Life Giving List Join Steve at an Upcoming Intensive Capable Life Intensives Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  • June 22 · 44 min

    Matt Smallbone: The Most Impactful Prayer Practice You’re Not Doing (But Should Be)

    In this episode of Being Human with Steve Cuss, Steve welcomes fellow Australian Matt Smallbone, a Nashville pastor and author of The Prayer Experiment. Matt shares how he overcame personal struggles with prayer—including a period of spiritual distance following a miscarriage—by committing to pray the Lord's Prayer multiple times daily. He explains it as a framework for reorienting from reactivity to connection with God. The conversation also explores family-of-origin dynamics, including the assets and liabilities of growing up in a pastor's household. Episode Resources: Matt Smallbone’s The Prayer Experiment: How Praying Like Jesus Realigns Everything - Our Thoughts, Our Hearts, and Our Posture Toward God and the World Dallas Willard's Teaching on Prayer Doctor Daniel Amen's Social Media Insights Church of the City: Downtown Nashville The Lord’s Prayer: Matthew 6:9–13 (ESV) Jon Tyson’s sermon: Teach Us To Pray: Pray What You’ve Got More From Matt Smallbone: Matt Smallbone’s website Church of the City Downtown teaching podcast Sign up for Steve’s Newsletter & Podcast Reminders Capable Life Newsletter Get the Assets & Liabilities pdf and the Life Giving List Join Steve at an Upcoming Intensive Capable Life Intensives Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  • June 15 · 49 min

    Jenny Brown: How Focusing on Yourself Can Help Your Children Thrive at Every Age

    In this episode of Being Human, host Steve Cuss welcomes Australian family systems expert and author Jenny Brown to discuss her new book, The Parenting Paradox. Steve and Jenny weave together family systems theory, faith, and practical parenting wisdom. They explore how parents can reduce anxiety by focusing on their own growth rather than trying to fix their children. Key topics include managing reactivity, setting healthy boundaries, navigating social media challenges, and parenting adult children and grandchildren. Jenny emphasizes that parental success shouldn't be measured by a child's behavior, but by a parent's own principles and self-awareness. Episode Resources: Jenny Brown’s The Parenting Paradox: Loving Our Children by Giving Them Space to Grow Bowen Family Systems Theory’s Eight Concepts Understanding Differentiation of Self Tim Keller’s Counterfeit Gods Australia bans social media for children under 16 Read Matthew 7:3–5 ESV More From Jenny Brown: Jenny Brown’s Website Family Systems Institute Jenny Brown’s Growing Yourself Up: How to bring your best to all of life's relationships Parent Hope Project Parent Hope Podcast Jenny Brown’s Author Page Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  • June 8 · 46 min

    Matthew and Joanna Raabsmith: Can Marriage Survive Betrayal and Sexual Addiction?

    In this episode of Being Human with Steve Cuss, married couple Matthew and Joanna Raabsmith share their personal journey through Matthew's sexual addiction and the betrayal it caused in their marriage. Joanna, a marriage and family therapist, describes how a class on shame and guilt led to Matthew's confession. Together, they discuss the importance of honesty, self-awareness, and understanding family-of-origin patterns in achieving healing. Now co-authors and ministry leaders, they help other couples rebuild trust and intimacy after betrayal, emphasizing curiosity over judgment and offering hope for lasting restoration. Episode Resources: Joanna & Matthew Raabsmith & Dan Drake’s Building True Intimacy: Creating a connection that stands the test of time Explore the Raabsmith’s Intimacy Pyramid Faithful & True workshops and intensives More about Mark and Debbie Laaser Explore Restoring the Soul and Michael Cusick Explore RelateStrong at Pepperdine's Boone Center What is The Murray Method's Trauma Egg More From Matthew & Joanna Raabsmith: The Raabsmith’s website Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  • June 1 · 28 min

    Play, Pray, Repeat: Unlock the Power of Life Giving Habits to Defuse Reactivity with Steve Cuss & Clarissa Moll

    In this episode of Being Human with Steve Cuss, Steve and Clarissa Moll explore the concept of "life-giving habits" — intentional practices categorized into people, places, and activities that help reduce reactivity and deepen awareness of God's presence. Steve explains how building a personalized list of God-given pleasures, from micro-habits like holding a spouse's hand to larger experiences like fly fishing, transforms everyday moments into acts of worship and gratitude. The conversation highlights how these habits build resilience, support community, and transcend cultural boundaries, ultimately inviting listeners to recognize and receive God's gifts more intentionally. Episode Resources: Download Steve Cuss’s Life Giving List Steve Cuss’s Managing Leadership Anxiety G.K. Chesterton’s Orthodoxy Zephaniah 3:17 (ESV) More From Clarissa Moll: Explore Clarissa Moll’s website Read Clarissa Moll’s substack Sign up for Steve’s Newsletter & Podcast Reminders Capable Life Newsletter Get the Assets & Liabilities pdf and the Life Giving List Join Steve at an Upcoming Intensive Capable Life Intensives Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  • May 25 · 41 min

    Steve & Lisa Cuss: Parenting and Healing From Generational Patterns with Dr. Lee Warren, Clarissa Moll, and Judson & Ryan Poling

    In this episode of Being Human with Steve and Lisa Cuss, we recap the current series on family of origin, exploring how inherited patterns shape us spiritually and emotionally. Brain surgeon Dr. Lee Warren explains neuroplasticity and synaptic pruning, showing how early experiences wire the brain. Father-son duo Judson and Ryan Poling share their journey of breaking generational cycles, while Clarissa Moll discusses family roles and how upbringing shapes our view of God. Steve and Lisa weave in attachment theory, genograms, and parenting insights, offering a blend of neuroscience, personal storytelling, and faith-based wisdom to guide listeners toward healing and transformation. Episode Resources: Genograms in Practice Explainer (pdf) Learn more about Attachment Theory Listen to Prayer, Neuroscience, and the Presence of God with Strahan Coleman More From Clarissa Moll: Explore Clarissa Moll’s website Read Clarissa Moll’s substack More From Dr. Lee Warren: Dr. Lee Warren’s The Life Changing Art of Self Brain Surgery Listen to The Dr. Lee Warren Podcast More From Judson & Ryan Poling: Books by Judson Poling Redwood Psychology Judson Poling’s articles at The Crucible Project 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  • May 18 · 51 min

    Judson and Ryan Poling Share Their Father & Son Journey Through Masculinity, Emotions, and Faith

    In this episode of Being Human with Steve Cuss, father and son Judson Poling, Ryan Poling explore masculinity, emotional health, and generational patterns. Judson, a Christian author and men's ministry leader, and Ryan, a clinical psychologist specializing in male identity, discuss why men struggle to access and express emotions, the socialization behind emotional suppression, and how unresolved family-of-origin patterns are passed down. They share personal reflections on their own relationship, including inherited strengths and liabilities, and emphasize that healing happens in community. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  • May 11 · 45 min

    Dr. Lee Warren on Using Neuroscience and Scripture to Rewire Your Brain

    In this episode of Being Human, host Steve Cuss welcomes Dr. Lee Warren, neurosurgeon and author of The Life Changing Art of Self Brain Surgery. Drawing from his experiences as a military surgeon in Iraq and the devastating loss of his son, Dr. Warren explains how functional MRI technology revealed the profound mind-brain-body connection. He discusses how intentionally choosing our thoughts can literally restructure the brain—what he calls "self brain surgery"—and how concepts like selective attention and gratitude offer genuine agency over emotional suffering. The conversation also explores how deeply ingrained family patterns shape our thinking and faith. Episode Resources: Dr. Lee Warren’s The Life Changing Art of Self Brain Surgery Philippians 4:8 (ESV) Gabor Maté’s The Myth of Normal: Trauma, Illness, and Healing in a Toxic Culture Functional MRI explainer More From Dr. Lee Warren: Listen to The Dr. Lee Warren Podcast Dr. Warren’s website Dr. Warren’s No Place to Hide Dr. Warren’s Hope Is the First Dose Dr. Warren’s I've Seen the End of You Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  • May 4 · 27 min

    How Do Family Roles Shape Our Faith and Freedom? with Clarissa Moll & Steve Cuss

    In this episode of Being Human with Steve Cuss, host Steve Cuss and Clarissa Moll explore how family of origin shapes behavior, workplace dynamics, and faith. They discuss family roles, birth order, triangulation, and unspoken emotional rules, examining how these patterns follow us into adulthood. Steve shares personal reflections on suppressing emotions and struggling to grieve, while Clarissa draws from her experience as a widowed parent. Together, they offer practical guidance on identifying triggers, finding trusted support, and using boundaries to pursue healing and freedom in Christ. Episode Resources: Genograms in Practice Explainer (pdf) Pete Scazzero’s Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Biography of Murray Bowen Family Systems Theory’s Eight Concepts Circle of Permitted Emotions 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  • April 27 · 48 min

    Steve & Lisa Cuss: Shame, Sexual Abuse, and Gaslighting with Christine Caine & Yana Jenay Conner

    In this episode of Being Human with Steve Cuss, hosts Steve and Lisa Cuss explore how upbringing shapes relationship dynamics, feelings of shame, and our faith. Guest Christine Caine shares her powerful journey through adoption trauma, childhood sexual abuse, and healing. Bible scholar Yana Jenay Conner reframes Jesus' "turn the other cheek" teaching as a dignified response to dehumanization. Steve and Lisa also address gaslighting and its impact on trust. Throughout, the episode emphasizes that family of origin work isn't about blame, but about pursuing healing, forgiveness, and flourishing rooted in God's transformative love. Episode Resources: Yana Jenay Conner’s Living Beyond Offence: Finding the Shalom of Jesus on the Path to Forgiveness Christine Cain’s The Faith to Flourish: God's Design for a Rooted, Resilient, and Fruitful Life More From Christine and Yanna: Other books by Christine Caine Christine Caine’s website Yana Jenay Conner’s website Yana Jenay Conner’s podcast ⁠Living Single with Yana Jenay⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Showing 1–20 of 22 episodes