Advertise on podcast: Being Human with Steve Cuss

In this episode of Being Human, host Steve Cus sits down with Yana Jenay Conner, author of Living Beyond Offence: Finding the Shalom of Jesus on the Path to Forgiveness. They explore practical forgiveness, family of origin influences, and conflict avoidance. Yana shares insights on "turning the other cheek," the difference between hurt and harm, and setting boundaries the Jesus way. She also reflects personally on trust issues, self-reliance, and the challenge of praying for herself—revealing how childhood experiences shape our relationships with others and with God. Episode Resources: Yana Jenay Conner’s Living Beyond a Fence: Finding the Shalom of Jesus on the Path to Forgiveness Dr. Henry Cloud and Dr. John Townsend’s Boundaries Updated and Expanded Edition: When to Say Yes, How to Say No To Take Control of Your Life Check out The Bible Project Psalm 139 (ESV) More From Yana: 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

In this episode of Being Human, Steve Cuss talks with Christine Caine—speaker, bestselling author, and co-founder of A21—about her adoption story, childhood trauma, emotional healing, and identity in Christ. Christine shares how she discovered at age 33 that she was adopted, how she began healing from childhood sexual abuse, and how Scripture memorization helped renew her mind and strengthen her faith. She also reflects on the role of mentors Alan and Deb Hirsch in her recovery and discusses her book, The Faith to Flourish, explaining how the olive tree reveals God’s design for a rooted, resilient, and fruitful life—even in hardship. This conversation explores family of origin, Christian healing, resilience, and what it means to flourish in faith. Episode Resources: Christine Cain’s The Faith to Flourish: God's Design for a Rooted, Resilient, and Fruitful Life Dan Allender’s The Wounded Heart: Hope for Adult Victims of Childhood Sexual Abuse More about Alan and Deb Hirsch More From Christine Caine: Other books by Christine Caine Christine Caine’s website 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

In this episode of Being Human, host Steve Cuss and monthly guest Clarissa Moll from The Bulletin explore how family-of-origin dynamics shape individuals' relationships with themselves, others, and God. Drawing on family systems theory, they discuss how families function as interconnected systems where dysfunction is shared rather than isolated. They introduce the genogram as a tool for mapping generational patterns, values, and beliefs. Emphasizing curiosity and kindness over blame, they encourage listeners to examine inherited "family propaganda" and discern how it aligns—or conflicts—with their Christian faith. Episode Resources: Genograms in Practice Explainer (pdf) Pete Scazzero’s Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Biography of Murray Bowen  Family Systems Theory’s Eight Concepts Scripture referenced: Genesis 28 (ESV) Luke 24 (ESV) Exodus 20:5–6 (ESV) Jeremiah 31:29 (ESV) Genesis 25–27 (ESV) 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

In this episode of Being Human with Steve Cuss, Steve and Lisa do a raw, provocative deeper dive into the current “family of origin” series. They feature standout insights from Shane Wood, Dr. Craig Mattson, and Justin Heap on trauma, Revelation, social media, marriage loops, and the inherited, subconscious beliefs secretly shaping your relationships with yourself, others, and God. The second half of this episode explores childhood wounds and abuse that remained buried for decades. There is definitely a hidden cost of unresolved pain—making it a must-listen for anyone exploring the Christian mental health space, family systems therapy, emotional healing, and faith-based relationship advice.  Episode Resources: Dr. Mattson’s Digital Overwhelm: A Mid-Career Guide to Coping at Work Substack: Shane J. Wood: Letters from the Desert Shane J. Wood’s website Shane J. Wood’s Between Two Trees: Our Transformation from Death to Life Justin’s Nine Spaces Enneagram Coaching Justin’s Lines & Spaces podcast Read Justin’s book By & By & Never: Poetry & Art Being Human episode: “Are You Carrying Your Family's Emotional Baggage? with Steve & Lisa Cuss” 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

In this episode of Being Human with Steve Cuss, Steve  interviews Dr. Craig Mattson, professor and author of "Digital Overwhelm." They explore how technology and workplace pressures affect early-career professionals, discuss generational differences in resilience and anxiety, and reflect on the impact of family upbringing on personal and spiritual life. Craig shares insights from his research, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness, presence, and community.  Episode Resources: Dr. Mattson’s Digital Overwhelm: A Mid-Career Guide to Coping at Work Dr. Mattson’s Calvin College Professor Bio Jonathan Malesic’s End of Burnout: Why Work Drains Us and How to Build Better Lives Jonathan Malesic’s Burnout Culture Aristotle’s Poetics More About Hannah Arendt Being Human episode: “Are You Carrying Your Family's Emotional Baggage? with Steve & Lisa Cuss” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of Being Human with Steve Cuss, Steve talks with New Testament scholar Shane J. Wood about the book of Revelation and its relevance today. He reflects on how vulnerability and sacrificial love—not power or aggression—are central to Christian faith and transformation. Their conversation weaves together biblical insights, personal stories of trauma and healing, and reflections on family of origin. The episode explores how unhealed pain is passed down, the importance of bringing wounds into the light, and the church’s unique role in fostering wisdom, openness, and hope in a turbulent world. Episode Resources: Shane J. Wood’s Thinning the Veil: Encountering Jesus Christ in the Book of Revelation Genesis 3 (ESV) 2 Peter 3 (ESV) Matthew 5-7 (ESV) More About Walter Brueggemann More From: Substack: Shane J. Wood: Letters from the Desert Shane J. Wood’s website Shane J. Wood’s Between Two Trees: Our Transformation from Death to Life 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

In this episode of Being Human with Steve Cuss, Steve interviews Justin Heap, an Enneagram coach and creative consultant, about the impact of his turbulent upbringing. Justin shares candidly about growing up amid parental conflict, frequent moves, and emotional turmoil, and how these experiences shaped his sense of safety, responsibility, and coping mechanisms. Together, they discuss the challenges of recognizing and processing childhood trauma, the influence of family dynamics on faith and relationships, and the ongoing journey toward healing and self-understanding through therapy and honest reflection. Episode Resources: More about Missio Alliance Enneagram Type Seven What is Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)? More From Justin Heap: Justin’s Nine Spaces Enneagram Coaching Justin’s Lines & Spaces podcast Read Justin’s book By & By & Never: Poetry & Art Justin’s Pax Coworking Justin’s Curious Human creative consulting agency 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

In this episode of "Being Human," hosts Steve and Lisa Cuss launch a new season focusing on family of origin that explores how inherited "assets and liabilities" shape our lives. They discuss family propaganda, permitted emotions, and generational traits, sharing personal stories about how these dynamics influence relationships and self-understanding. Emphasizing a gospel-centered approach, they encourage listeners to reflect on their own family patterns with compassion and curiosity, offering practical tools for growth.  Biblical Passages John 1:1–5 (ESV)  Exodus 20:5–6 (ESV) Deuteronomy 5:9 (ESV) Jeremiah 31:29 (ESV) Ezekiel 18:2 (ESV) Genesis 25–27 (ESV) Episode Resources: What is a genogram? More about the Family Systems Theory Family Diagram (Bowen Center) Pete Scazzero’s Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Human Sized Journal – Digital Edition (PDF Download)  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

In this episode of Being Human with Steve Cuss, Steve and Lisa react to recent conversations and wrap up our series on communication styles. They explore the invisible dynamics that shape our relationships—with others, ourselves, and God. They discuss the transformative power of listening postures, emphasizing curiosity and spiritual presence. Clarissa Moll shares insights on vulnerability and judgment in communication, while additional guests, Zack Windahl and Andrew Arndt reflect on self-awareness and honesty before God. The Cusses highlight the importance of empathy, respect, and bringing truth to our inner lives. Biblical Passages James 1:19-20 (ESV) Episode Resources: Andrew Arndt’s A Strange and Gracious Light: How the Story of Jesus Changes the Way We See Everything Fyodor Dostoevsky’s The Brothers Karamazov C.S. Lewis's The Abolition of Man Zach Windahl’s The Bible Simplified: Learn the Story, Live the Story 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

In this episode of "Being Human with Steve Cuss," Steve and author and spiritual guide Andrew Arndt explore fallout from prominent Christian leaders' public confessions of wrongdoing. They explore the spiritual and psychological dynamics that lead to such failures, including the dangers of living a double life, the creation of a false self, and the importance of empathy and repentance. Andrew shares insights from his new book A Strange and Gracious Light: How the Story of Jesus Changes the Way We See Everything and reflects on personal growth, leadership, and the healing power of unconditional love within the church community. Steve and Andrew emphasize honesty, vulnerability, and the ongoing journey toward wholeness. Biblical Passages I Corinthians 13 (ESV) Luke 5:31 (ESV) Episode Resources: Andrew Arndt’s A Strange and Gracious Light: How the Story of Jesus Changes the Way We See Everything Fyodor Dostoevsky’s The Brothers Karamazov Frederick Buechner’s Telling the Truth: The Gospel as Tragedy, Comedy, and Fairy Tale C.S. Lewis's The Abolition of Man Rich Mullins on Salvation and "God in His Mercy" (video) Henri Nouwen's In the Name of Jesus More From Andrew Arndt: Andrew Arndt’s Streams in the Wasteland: Finding Spiritual Renewal with the Desert Fathers and Mothers Andrew Arndt’s All Flame: Entering into the Life of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit Sign up for Steve’s Newsletter & Podcast Reminders: Capable Life Newsletter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of "Being Human with Steve Cuss," Steve talks with Zach Windahl, author of The Bible Simplified. They discuss making the Bible more approachable, overcoming common misconceptions, and the emotional challenges of engaging with scripture. Zach shares his journey of faith and unique Bible reading practices. Steve and Zach offer practical encouragement for anyone feeling intimidated by Bible reading, highlighting the importance of authenticity, patience, and fresh approaches to scripture. Zach’s passion for simplifying complex topics and empowering readers shines throughout the episode. Episode Resources: Zach Windahl’s The Bible Simplified: Learn the Story, Live the Story Zach Windahl’s The Bible, Simplified Study Guide plus Streaming Video Zach Windahl’s Bible reading plan Zach Windahl’s 21 day Bible reading plan Pareto Principle Explained: How the 80/20 Rule Changes Everything Nathan Finochio’s website J.R. Briggs’ at Missio Alliance Infographic: How long does each Book of the Bible tale to read? More From Zach Windahl: Zach Windahl’s website How to Study the Bible (and Actually Enjoy It) Zach Windahl’s The Bible Study: A One-Year Study of the Entire Bible and How It Relates to You 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

In this episode of Being Human, host Steve Cuss and guest Clarissa Moll explore how different communication and listening styles shape our relationships. They discuss the impact of mental and emotional load, the importance of listening to learn rather than to fix or defend, and offer practical strategies for fostering empathy and connection. Steve shares personal experiences about self-awareness and emotional honesty, especially as a pastor, while both emphasize the transformative power of compassionate listening for individuals, families, and faith communities.  Biblical Passages James 1:19-20 (ESV) Psalm 139 (ESV) Episode Resources: Past Episode: Steve Cuss & Clarissa Moll: How Your Communication Style Fuels Reactivity—and How to Change It 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 New Candles and Journals: https://www.stevecusswords.com/ 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

In this episode of Being Human with Steve Cuss, Steve and Lisa explore how communication styles—rigid vs. fluid, internal vs. external processing, and rapid vs. deliberative thinking—shape relationships, well-being, and spiritual growth. They share personal experiences, unpack how trauma and certainty can impact faith, and revisit recent conversations with Cheryl McKissick (a fifth-generation Black business leader) on family legacy and authenticity in predominantly white spaces; Adam Young on self-awareness, empathy, and spiritual disciplines for healthier connection with others and God; and Clarissa Moll (The Bulletin) in a thoughtful back-and-forth. Biblical Passages Psalm 139 (ESV) Episode Resources: Learn more about the McKissack firm Check out Cheryl Mc Kissack Daniel’s website Cheryl McKissack Daniel’s The Black Family Who Built America: The McKissacks, Two Centuries of Daring Pioneers Adam Young’s Make Sense of Your Story: Why Engaging Your Past with Kindness Changes Everything Adam Young’s website Adam Young’s The Places We Find Ourselves podcast 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 New Candles and Journals: https://www.stevecusswords.com/ 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

In this episode of Being Human with Steve Cuss, Steve interviews Cheryl McKissack Daniel, a trailblazing African American architect and business leader. Cheryl shares her family’s remarkable 230-year legacy, beginning with her enslaved ancestor Moses McKissick. She discusses the challenges of leading a multi-generational Black-owned business, the importance of resilience, succession planning, and corporate culture, and her experiences navigating race and gender in the industry.  Episode Resources: Cheryl McKissack Daniel’s The Black Family Who Built America: The McKissacks, Two Centuries of Daring Pioneers More From Cheryl McKissack Daniel: Learn more about the McKissack firm Check out Cheryl Mc Kissack Daniel’s website Sign up for Steve’s Newsletter & Podcast Reminders: Capable Life Newsletter New Candles and Journals: https://www.stevecusswords.com/ 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

In this episode of Being Human, host Steve Cuss interviews trauma counselor and author Adam Young about his book, Make Sense of Your Story. Together, they explore how personal stories and trauma shape relationships with ourselves, others, and God. Adam shares his own journey of understanding childhood wounds, the importance of self-kindness, and how faith can become entangled with coping mechanisms. They discuss the body’s role in healing, the impact of certainty in theology, and practical steps toward emotional freedom. The conversation offers hope, insight, and tools for listeners seeking healing and deeper connection. Biblical Passages Genesis 37-50 (ESV) -The Joseph Story Episode Resources: Nervous System Regulation What is Polyvagal Theory? Understanding the Window of Tolerance More From Adam Young: Adam Young’s Make Sense of Your Story: Why Engaging Your Past with Kindness Changes Everything Adam Young’s website Adam Young’s The Places We Find Ourselves podcast Sign up for Steve’s Newsletter & Podcast Reminders: Capable Life Newsletter New Candles and Journals: https://www.stevecusswords.com/ 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