“All transformation begins with story transformation.” - Ian Morgan CronOn this episode of Restoring the Soul, Michael welcomes back our good friend, Ian Morgan Cron, to discuss Ian’s latest book, “The Story of You: An Enneagram Journey to Becoming Your True Self.” In today’s conversation, Ian reveals how each of us inhabits a broken story that runs counter to the Larger Story of divine grace and who we were created to be. He and Michael look at the book that maps out a guide for using Enneagram wisdom to reauthor your life and experience deep inner transformation, healing, and happiness.Not only is Ian a master teacher of the Enneagram, but he is also an accomplished author, an Episcopal priest, and a trained psychotherapist. He and his wife, Anne, live in Nashville, Tennessee.HELPFUL RESOURCES:Ian Morgan Cron, The Story of You: An Enneagram Journey to Becoming Your True SelfChristopher Booker, The Seven Basic Plots: Why We Tell StoriesDiscover how the barrier built by porn addiction can become a bridge to abundant life.What if lust for porn is really a search for true passion?In a world where there are 68 million searches for pornography every day and where over 70 percent of Christian men report viewing porn in the last year, it's no surprise that more and more men struggle with an addiction to this false fantasy. Common wisdom says if they just had more willpower or more faith, their fight would be over.

Restoring the Soul with Michael John Cusick

Episode 209 - Ian Morgan Cron, "The Story of You, Part 1"

“I think God is continually beckoning us into this space of intimacy and in order to get there, we oftentimes have to be devastated.” - Ryan TaylorOn this episode of Restoring the Soul, Ryan Taylor joins Michael to conclude their conversation about Ryan’s book Awkward Spirituality: The Divinity of Ordinary Life. In today’s conversation, Ryan candidly reflects about expectations in life and how they “are meant to be disrupted” in order for us to find enough spaciousness and humility to grow—and find the courage to sink into our truest self in hopes to find the spiritual in the ordinary.Ryan is a pastor at Urban Mercy Church and Chaplain of Network Coffee House, a hospitality house for Denver’s chronically unhoused. Ryan and his wife Angela have two boys, Josiah and Micah, and live in Denver, Colorado. Discover how the barrier built by porn addiction can become a bridge to abundant life.What if lust for porn is really a search for true passion?In a world where there are 68 million searches for pornography every day and where over 70 percent of Christian men report viewing porn in the last year, it's no surprise that more and more men struggle with an addiction to this false fantasy. Common wisdom says if they just had more willpower or more faith, their fight would be over.

Episode 208 - Ryan Taylor, "Awkward Spirituality, Part 2"

“We’re afraid to lose the control that we think we have over the life that we think that we’re living.” - Ryan TaylorOn the next two episodes of Restoring the Soul, Ryan Taylor joins Michael to talk about his book Awkward Spirituality: The Divinity of Ordinary Life. In today’s conversation, Ryan reflects on his spiritual journey that was awakened through joining recovery efforts in Post-Katrina New Orleans. He now ministers among those many may consider irrelevant, and has learned that “wasting time” with people is actually a worthwhile endeavor. Ryan is a pastor at Urban Mercy Church and Chaplain of Network Coffee House, a hospitality house for Denver’s chronically unhoused. Ryan and his wife Angela have two boys, Josiah and Micah, and live in Denver, Colorado. Discover how the barrier built by porn addiction can become a bridge to abundant life.What if lust for porn is really a search for true passion?In a world where there are 68 million searches for pornography every day and where over 70 percent of Christian men report viewing porn in the last year, it's no surprise that more and more men struggle with an addiction to this false fantasy. Common wisdom says if they just had more willpower or more faith, their fight would be over.

Episode 207 - Ryan Taylor, "Awkward Spirituality, Part 1"

“Everyone is invited into the experience of God.” - Brian ZahndOn this edition of Restoring the Soul, Michael concludes his conversation with Brian Zahnd. Brian is the founder and lead pastor of Word of Life Church in St. Joseph, Missouri. He’s also the author of several books, including Sinners in the Hands of a Loving God, A Farewell to Mars, and Beauty Will Save the World.On today’s podcast, Michael and Brian dive into part 2 of their discussion about Brian’s latest book, When Everything Is On Fire, which seeks to answer the question, “Is it possible to hold on to faith in an age of unbelief?” Today, they talk about how to experience God in your everyday life & the recent conversations about deconstructing one’s faith.Follow Brian Zahnd on his blog.Discover how the barrier built by porn addiction can become a bridge to abundant life.What if lust for porn is really a search for true passion?In a world where there are 68 million searches for pornography every day and where over 70 percent of Christian men report viewing porn in the last year, it's no surprise that more and more men struggle with an addiction to this false fantasy. Common wisdom says if they just had more willpower or more faith, their fight would be over.

Episode 206 - Brian Zahnd, "When Everything Is On Fire, Part 2"

“Faith will not be sustained by some allegiance to a tradition but by one’s experience.” - Brian ZahndOn this edition of Restoring the Soul, Michael welcomes author and Pastor Brian Zahnd. Brian is the founder and lead pastor of Word of Life Church in St. Joseph, Missouri. Known for his theologically informed preaching and his embrace of the deep and long history of the church, he provides a forum for pastors to engage with leading theologians and is a frequent conference speaker. Brian is the author of several books, including Sinners in the Hands of a Loving God, A Farewell to Mars, and Beauty Will Save the World.On today’s podcast, Michael and Brian discuss his latest book, When Everything Is On Fire, which seeks to answer the question, “Is it possible to hold on to faith in an age of unbelief?” Various solutions exist―some people will double down on certainty, while others deconstruct their faith until there is nothing left at all. But Brian Zahnd offers a third way: he thinks that what is needed is not a demolition but instead a renovation of faith.Follow Brian on his blog.Discover how the barrier built by porn addiction can become a bridge to abundant life.What if lust for porn is really a search for true passion?In a world where there are 68 million searches for pornography every day and where over 70 percent of Christian men report viewing porn in the last year, it's no surprise that more and more men struggle with an addiction to this false fantasy. Common wisdom says if they just had more willpower or more faith, their fight would be over.

Episode 205 - Brian Zahnd, "When Everything Is On Fire, Part 1"

“There’s no better freedom than being the person God created you to be.” - Kevin TriplettOn this edition of the podcast, Michael welcomes back Kevin Tripplett. Kevin was a guest in 2017 alongside Tony Anderson as they recounted their 2013 Restoring the Soul Men’s intensive weekend that served as the catalyst to their radical life change. They went on to also recount their stories in the incredible film, The Heart of Man.Since then, Kevin has had the opportunity to join Michael and the team at more weekend intensives. Today, he and Michael discuss the foundational importance of these gatherings.Restoring the Soul is hosting another Men’s Intensive Weekend in February of 2022 in Colorado Springs and invites you to take an important and courageous step with other men to get your true heart back. Registration opens December 5th and you can find complete details at Restoring the Soul.HELPFUL RESOURCES:Episode 54 - Tony Anderson & Kevin Triplett, "Surfing For God Weekend Intensive"Discover how the barrier built by porn addiction can become a bridge to abundant life.What if lust for porn is really a search for true passion?In a world where there are 68 million searches for pornography every day and where over 70 percent of Christian men report viewing porn in the last year, it's no surprise that more and more men struggle with an addiction to this false fantasy. Common wisdom says if they just had more willpower or more faith, their fight would be over.

Episode 204 - Kevin Triplett, "Men's Weekend Intensive"

On this Thanksgiving weekend, we want to say how grateful we are for your continued support of this podcast and of the ministry. The podcast, in particular, started as a simple idea 5 years ago - now we have listeners all over the world who are being impacted by the teaching and encouragement found on this weekly audio program. Thanks for listening - be sure to spread the word!On today’s edition of Restoring the Soul, Michael will introduce you to Vance Crow...one of the newest members of the counseling team. Every once in a while we want to take an opportunity to introduce you to our staff in hopes of giving you an inside look at the ministry and the team that makes the magic happen.Vance has training in Emotionally Focused Therapy and has received extensive training in treating addiction, working with couples going through infidelity, and helping couples that have experienced betrayal. He also has a passion to see couples and individuals thrive rather than just survive in their marriage. Welcome to the team, Vance!Discover how the barrier built by porn addiction can become a bridge to abundant life.What if lust for porn is really a search for true passion?In a world where there are 68 million searches for pornography every day and where over 70 percent of Christian men report viewing porn in the last year, it's no surprise that more and more men struggle with an addiction to this false fantasy. Common wisdom says if they just had more willpower or more faith, their fight would be over.

Episode 203 - Vance Crow, "An Attuned Therapist"

“I go after the core of the Gospel but I do it from the stance of a pilgrim kind of wandering around trying to figure it out.” - Philip YanceyOn this edition, Michael concludes his conversation with author Philip Yancey. They discuss the major themes of Philip’s latest book, his memoir titled, “Where the Light Fell”. At its heart, this is a book about the possibility of healing and the hope that nothing in a person’s life need go to waste. Click here to subscribe to Philip Yancey’s blog.HELPFUL RESOURCES:Episode 201 - Philip Yancey, "Where the Light Fell, Part 1"Episode 123 - Philip Yancey, "Easter and COVID-19"Episode 105 - Philip Yancey, "Amazing Grace, Part 2"Episode 104 - Philip Yancey, "Amazing Grace, Part 1"Discover how the barrier built by porn addiction can become a bridge to abundant life.What if lust for porn is really a search for true passion?In a world where there are 68 million searches for pornography every day and where over 70 percent of Christian men report viewing porn in the last year, it's no surprise that more and more men struggle with an addiction to this false fantasy. Common wisdom says if they just had more willpower or more faith, their fight would be over.

Episode 202 - Philip Yancey, "Where the Light Fell, Part 2"

“Suffering and grace are the themes that have emerged - and they have defined the rest of my life.” - Philip YanceyOn this edition, Michael welcomes back our good friend, Philip Yancey. No author in contemporary Christian literature is more well-known for their writing on grace and suffering than Philip. He has authored over 25 books, in which he has wrestled with God, with the Church, and with fellow believers. After surviving a church background of what he now calls “toxic faith,” he ultimately came to know a God of grace and beauty. Over the next two episodes, Michael and Philip discuss the major themes of his latest book, his memoir titled, Where the Light Fell. At its heart, this is a book about the possibility of healing and the hope that nothing in a person’s life need go to waste. A fascinating read - we trust the conversation will be equally as stimulating.Click here to subscribe to Philip Yancey’s blog.HELPFUL RESOURCES:Episode 123 - Philip Yancey, "Easter and COVID-19"Episode 105 - Philip Yancey, "Amazing Grace, Part 2"Episode 104 - Philip Yancey, "Amazing Grace, Part 1"Discover how the barrier built by porn addiction can become a bridge to abundant life.What if lust for porn is really a search for true passion?In a world where there are 68 million searches for pornography every day and where over 70 percent of Christian men report viewing porn in the last year, it's no surprise that more and more men struggle with an addiction to this false fantasy. Common wisdom says if they just had more willpower or more faith, their fight would be over.

Episode 201 - Philip Yancey, "Where the Light Fell, Part 1"

“Healing requires fierceness and tenderness.” - Aundi KolberOn this edition of Restoring the Soul, Michael welcomes back Aundi Kolber to the Restoring the Soul podcast to conclude their 2-part discussion. On this episode, they will be discussing what it means to Discover Self Compassion”. Many of us don’t realize that just as God is profoundly kind and compassionate to us, we are invited to steward that compassion toward ourselves, too, in the form of self-compassion. How do we do this? We begin to practice gentleness and attentiveness toward our wounds in the same way that God is already kind to us. Aundi Kolber is a Licensed Professional Counselor (MA LPC), writer, and speaker from Castle Rock, Colorado who specializes in trauma- and body-centered therapies and is passionate about the integration of faith and psychology. She has written for Relevant, CT Women, and (in) courage. As a survivor of trauma, Aundi brings hard-won knowledge around the work of change, the power of redemption, and the beauty of experiencing God with us in our pain. Connect with Aundi at aundikolber.com, on Facebook at aundikolberwrites, and on Instagram at aundikolberHELPFUL RESOURCES:Episode 199 - Aundi Kolber, "Understanding Attunement" Episode 111 - Aundi Kolber, "Try Softer, Part 2"Episode 110 - Aundi Kolber, "Try Softer, Part 1"Episode 71 - Aundi Kolber Part II, “Healing Trauma: Getting Unstuck and Becoming Whole”Episode 70 - Aundi Kolber Part I, “Healing Trauma: Getting Unstuck and Becoming Whole”Discover how the barrier built by porn addiction can become a bridge to abundant life.What if lust for porn is really a search for true passion?In a world where there are 68 million searches for pornography every day and where over 70 percent of Christian men report viewing porn in the last year, it's no surprise that more and more men struggle with an addiction to this false fantasy. Common wisdom says if they just had more willpower or more faith, their fight would be over.

Episode 200 - Aundi Kolber, "Discovering Self Compassion"

“Attunement is an awareness and an attendance to your present experience.” - Aundi KolberOn this edition of Restoring the Soul, Michael welcomes back Aundi Kolber to the Restoring the Soul podcast. They will be discussing what it means to understand “Attunement” and the companion “Try Softer” resources that are now available, including The Try Softer Guided Journey: A Soulful Companion to Healing. Aundi Kolber is a Licensed Professional Counselor (MA LPC), writer, and speaker from Castle Rock, Colorado who specializes in trauma and body-centered therapies and is passionate about the integration of faith and psychology. She has written for Relevant, CT Women, and (in) courage. As a survivor of trauma, Aundi brings hard-won knowledge around the work of change, the power of redemption, and the beauty of experiencing God with us in our pain. Connect with Aundi at aundikolber.com, on Facebook at aundikolberwrites, and on Instagram at aundikolber.HELPFUL RESOURCES:Episode 70 - Aundi Kolber Part I, “Healing Trauma: Getting Unstuck and Becoming Whole”Episode 71 - Aundi Kolber Part II, “Healing Trauma: Getting Unstuck and Becoming Whole”Episode 110 - Aundi Kolber, "Try Softer, Part 1"Episode 111 - Aundi Kolber, "Try Softer, Part 2"Discover how the barrier built by porn addiction can become a bridge to abundant life.What if lust for porn is really a search for true passion?In a world where there are 68 million searches for pornography every day and where over 70 percent of Christian men report viewing porn in the last year, it's no surprise that more and more men struggle with an addiction to this false fantasy. Common wisdom says if they just had more willpower or more faith, their fight would be over.

Episode 199 - Aundi Kolber, "Understanding Attunement"

“Real accountability leads to accessibility.” - Michael John CusickOn this edition of Restoring the Soul, Michael concludes our 3-part series on Accountability:Cop AccountabilityCoach AccountabilityCardiologist AccountabilityToday&apos;s episode emphasizes the third and final part, cardiologist accountability. With the cardiologist accountability strategy, this is an approach where…“…we move from accountability to accessibility. We expose our hiddenness, but more than that, we acknowledge our brokenness. Instead of trying to manage our sin, or be inspired to obey, we recognize our need for transformation. We begin to allow God, and a few others, to walk into the messiness of our lives, and we learn that we are more than the sum of our brokenness. Cardiologist accountability does not require a professional therapist or counselor. It begins with the assumption that our whole lives, including our brokenness, are the soil in which God grows us. The only requirements for becoming a cardiologist of this kind are a healthy curiosity, a desire to be a caring friend, and a willingness to grow in your understanding of the process of spiritual transformation.”Discover how the barrier built by porn addiction can become a bridge to abundant life.What if lust for porn is really a search for true passion?In a world where there are 68 million searches for pornography every day and where over 70 percent of Christian men report viewing porn in the last year, it's no surprise that more and more men struggle with an addiction to this false fantasy. Common wisdom says if they just had more willpower or more faith, their fight would be over.

Episode 198 - Michael John Cusick, "From Accountability to Accessibility, Part 3"

"The coach model is less about trying to get to the truth, it’s more about trying to inspire." - Michael John CusickOn this edition of Restoring the Soul, Michael continues a 3-part series on Accountability:Cop AccountabilityCoach AccountabilityCardiologist AccountabilityToday&apos;s episode emphasizes the second part, coach accountability. With the coach accountability strategy, Michael says, “Our accountability partner plays the role of an instructor, trainer, and coach, who helps us manage our lives so we can keep moving forward. We are second-string players on God’s team with a pretty good shot of making it to the spiritual big leagues. When we fail to perform well, we check in with the coach, who encourages us from the rulebook, sends us back in the game, and tells us to keep our eye on the ball. This approach implies that if we give it enough effort, time, and attention, we can earn a victory over sin and make our lives work. This ‘try harder’ emphasis concerns itself less with sin management and more with the relentless effort to be good. It is a gospel of inspiration.”Discover how the barrier built by porn addiction can become a bridge to abundant life.What if lust for porn is really a search for true passion?In a world where there are 68 million searches for pornography every day and where over 70 percent of Christian men report viewing porn in the last year, it's no surprise that more and more men struggle with an addiction to this false fantasy. Common wisdom says if they just had more willpower or more faith, their fight would be over.

Episode 197 - Michael John Cusick, "From Accountability to Accessibility, Part 2"

"The man who lives under the cop accountability approach will eventually fail in one of two ways that reinforce the gospel of sin management." - Michael John CusickOn this edition of Restoring the Soul, Michael begins a 3-part series about Accountability:Cop AccountabilityCoach AccountabilityCardiologist AccountabilityToday&apos;s episode emphasizes the first part, cop accountability. With the cop accountability strategy, by sharing your sin with someone, you will have a greater incentive to choose what is right. It’s about the avoidance of shame. This form of accountability is a gospel of sin management that is all too common, and fraught with problems.Discover how the barrier built by porn addiction can become a bridge to abundant life.What if lust for porn is really a search for true passion?In a world where there are 68 million searches for pornography every day and where over 70 percent of Christian men report viewing porn in the last year, it's no surprise that more and more men struggle with an addiction to this false fantasy. Common wisdom says if they just had more willpower or more faith, their fight would be over.

Episode 196 - Michael John Cusick, "From Accountability to Accessibility, Part 1"

Today’s episode is very special since you’ll be listening to a message from Julianne Cusick, Michael&apos;s bride of over 25 years. Her talk, “Devastated but not Destroyed” is a message she gave in 2004 where for the very first time she shared her story of heartbreak, hope, and healing from sexual betrayal and sexual addiction that was exposed in 1994. Giving this talk took a tremendous amount of courage and strength, and as you will hear she delivered the message with profound grace and dignity.  Julianne holds a Master&apos;s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy and her passion is to fight for the hearts of women and men shattered after pornography, affairs, and other forms of intimate partner betrayal. She is EMDR trained and utilizes a trauma-informed lens when working with women, men, and couples. Julianne embodies hope arising from her own story of healing and redemption.HELPFUL RESOURCES:Episode 94 - Julianne Cusick, "A Holy & Horrible Journey"Episode 114 - Julianne Cusick, "5 Facts Wives Need to Know After Betrayal"Episode 115 - Julianne Cusick, "5 Things Husbands Can Do to Support Their Wives After Betrayal"Episode 165 - Julianne Cusick, "Barriers to Overcoming Betrayal Trauma"Episode 166 - Julianne Cusick, "Treatment Barriers to Healing from Betrayal Trauma"Discover how the barrier built by porn addiction can become a bridge to abundant life.What if lust for porn is really a search for true passion?In a world where there are 68 million searches for pornography every day and where over 70 percent of Christian men report viewing porn in the last year, it's no surprise that more and more men struggle with an addiction to this false fantasy. Common wisdom says if they just had more willpower or more faith, their fight would be over.

Episode 195 - Julianne Cusick, “Devastated But Not Destroyed”

Conversations that cultivate freedom, flourishing, and wholeness of heart through Jesus-shaped spirituality. If you would like further information about Michael and Restoring the Soul, visit restoringthesoul.com

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Restoring the Soul with Michael John Cusick

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