Welcome back to Restoring the Soul with Michael John Cusick. In today’s episode, Michael sits down with Ashley Opliger, author of the new book Cradled in Hope: Trusting Jesus to Heal Your Heart as He Holds Your Baby in Heaven. This deeply moving conversation explores Ashley’s personal journey through the heartbreak of miscarriage and infant loss, and how her grief led to unexpected hope and purpose.

Ashley shares the story of her daughter, Bridget Faith, whose brief life inspired not only her book but also the founding of Bridget’s Cradles—a ministry bringing comfort to thousands of families facing similar tragedy. Throughout the episode, Ashley and Michael discuss the realities of grieving with hope, the importance of lament and honest faith, and the ways Jesus meets us in our deepest darkness.

You’ll hear practical wisdom for grieving parents, profound reflections on faith and suffering, and the incredible story behind a small handmade cradle that’s touched tens of thousands of lives. Whether you are navigating loss yourself or want to better understand how to support those who are, this conversation offers raw honesty, biblical hope, and a reminder that we are never alone in our pain.

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Welcome to another episode of Restoring the Soul with Michael John Cusick. In today’s conversation, Michael sits down with Drs. Bill and Kristi Gaultiere—psychologists, spiritual directors, and founders of Soul Shepherding—to explore the transformative power of empathy in the Christian life. Together, they dive into the heart behind Bill and Kristi’s newest book, Deeply Loved: Receiving and Reflecting God’s Great Empathy for You, discussing why so many of us struggle to receive love from God and others, and how empathy connects deeply to healing, spiritual maturity, and healthy relationships.

From personal stories of overcoming shame and abandonment wounds to confronting misconceptions around empathy in Christian circles, this episode offers practical wisdom and tangible spiritual practices for those longing to experience God’s love more fully. Whether you’re a leader, caregiver, or someone simply searching for greater connection and soul care, you’ll discover steps toward living more vulnerably, building stronger attachments, and living out the truth that you are deeply loved. Stick around for Kristi and Bill’s insights on soul care, their unique approach to spiritual direction, and ways you can get involved in their community.

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Welcome back to "Restoring the Soul with Michael John Cusick." In today's episode, Michael dives deep into a conversation with Sam Jolman, author of "The Sex Talk You Never Got: Reclaiming the Heart of Masculine Sexuality." Sam’s groundbreaking book, explores the often misunderstood landscape of male sexuality, emphasizing that true sexual healing involves far more than just avoiding lust or overcoming shame. Instead, Sam introduces the concept of reclaiming innocence through awe and kindness, leading to an integrated, holistic experience of our sexuality. 

Michael and Sam challenge traditional perspectives, shifting the focus from purity as an end goal to embracing our sexuality as a means of drawing closer to God and experiencing life’s profound beauty. They also address the pivotal question: What is the true goal of male sexuality? Join us for this enlightening discussion that promises to reshape how we understand and experience our deepest desires and connections. 

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Welcome to another episode of Restoring the Soul with Michael John Cusick. Today, our special guest is Sam Jolman, author of the book, "The Sex Talk You Never Got: Reclaiming the Heart of Masculine Sexuality."

In this episode, Michael and Sam explore the genesis of Jolman's book and the pivotal discussions that underpin men's sexual health and well-being. Learn about the distinctive approach Jolman takes in his writing, offering prescriptive advice and a descriptive, story-rich exploration of masculinity and sexuality. Discover why Jolman believes that understanding male sexuality is crucial, especially in the wake of the Me Too movement, which has left many questioning the inherent goodness of male desire.

Tune in as we discuss the necessity for open, ongoing conversations about sexuality, the concept of men as lovers, and the true needs behind sexual desires. We'll also touch on the impact of shame and the need for a more nurturing, informed approach to sexual education. Whether you're a man seeking a deeper understanding of your own sexuality or someone wanting to support the men in your life, this episode is packed with insights and compassion.

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Welcome to another episode of Restoring the Soul with Michael John Cusick. Today, Michael sits down with Rachel Moses, the newest therapist to join the Restoring the Soul team. In this heartfelt conversation, Rachel shares her fascinating journey—from growing up with dreams of being a missionary, to living in Munich, Germany with Young Life, and ultimately becoming a seasoned therapist with nearly two decades of experience. Together, Michael and Rachel delve into her background working with individuals abroad, her deep experience with trauma and intensive therapy, and how challenges like depression shaped her life and faith. Rachel opens up about her passion for helping motivated clients do the deeper work of healing, as well as the importance of community and compassion in her counseling approach.

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Welcome to another episode of "Restoring the Soul with Michael John Cusick." In today's podcast, Michael continues his conversation with Dr. Janelle Hallman, diving deep into the practice of mindfulness and its transformative power. In this episode, Janelle opens up about her struggle with feeling disconnected from her body and how mindfulness played a crucial role in her journey towards reconnection. Together, they explore the significance of paying attention to bodily sensations, how our bodies help us understand and process emotions, and the concept that "everything belongs."

Listen to the first half of the conversation -> Episode 357 - Dr. Janelle Hallman, "Mindfulness and the Presence of God, Part 1"

Michael and Janelle also discuss the integration of body, mind, and spirit, emphasizing the importance of being present and cultivating a relationship with God. Janelle guides listeners through a mindful breathing exercise, encouraging us to redirect our attention from mental chatter to the present moment. Discover how mindfulness supports spiritual growth and healing from trauma and brings a compassionate and nonjudgmental perspective into everyday life. Tune in and learn how setting your mind on the things above can lead to meaningful and practical changes that restore the soul.

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Welcome to another episode of Restoring the Soul with Michael John Cusick. Joining Michael is Alan Kraft, who will delve into the spiritually nourishing practice of scripture meditation and its power to let the Holy Spirit speak directly to our hearts.

In today's episode, titled "The Intimate God," Alan unravels his spiritual trifecta — stillness, prayer, and scripture — to cultivate a profound connection with the Father. We'll explore how scripture is a gateway to a relational experience with Jesus, offering insights into his nature and deepening our knowledge of His love.

We'll also discuss Alan's thought-provoking approach of slowly reading scripture and integrating prayer, inviting reflection, and an open dialogue with Jesus through the pages of the Bible. The concept of "practicing the presence of Jesus" emerges as a transformative method to bring Jesus into the entirety of our experiences, even the difficult emotions, as a path to growth and prayer.

We touch on the significance of stillness, as echoed in the Psalms and the book of Genesis, carving out space to gaze within and commune with our Creator, and how this practice informs a genuine personal reality.

Finally, we'll touch upon Sabbath, emphasizing it as a treasured time of self-care ordained by God, an invitation to rest in gratitude rather than an obligation.

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Welcome to another episode of Restoring the Soul. Alan Kraft is joining Michael on today's podcast. Alan has served as lead pastor of Christ Community Church since 1990. He is passionate about teaching, writing, and prayer to help people experience Jesus in transformative ways. He holds an MDiv degree from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School.

Alan and his wife Raylene live in Greeley, Colorado, and love hanging out with their ever-growing family. He enjoys playing golf, drinking sweet tea, watching British crime dramas with his wife, and doing ministry with the amazing staff at Christ Community. 

In this episode, "The Intimate God," we're exploring the transformative power of experiencing God's love and the practical ways this can reshape our lives and our congregations. We'll tackle some challenging issues facing the body of Christ, such as the gap between knowing God and genuinely experiencing His love. Alan will offer insights from his journey and his newest book, "The Intimate God," which offers a practical guide for encountering the God who delights in us.

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Welcome to another episode of "Restoring the Soul with Michael John Cusick." Today, we welcome Dr. Janelle Hallman back to the podcast. Janelle serves on the team at Restoring the Soul and is a Licensed Professional Counselor, ordained minister, professor, author, and speaker on issues such as redemption, healing, and wholeness. Janelle has taught courses at Colorado Christian University and Denver Seminary. She received her MA in Counseling from Denver Seminary and her Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision from Regent University.

In today's conversation, Dr. Hallman takes us on a journey through the power of mindfulness as a fundamental way of being, far beyond mere stress reduction. She also shares how her love for birdsong led her to embrace mindfulness and teach others to find relaxation in nature's melodies. Together with Michael, they explore the benefits of practicing the presence of God and being truly present and how these spiritual practices can rewire our brains and reduce reactivity.

So, whether you're struggling to embody the tenets of your faith in daily life or looking for a deeper connection with your inner self and the world around you, this conversation offers valuable insights and practical wisdom. Let's embark on this journey of restoring the soul with mindfulness and presence.

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Welcome to another episode of "Restoring the Soul with Michael John Cusick." In today's episode, part two of our conversation with Peter Zaremba, we explore the concepts of control, powerlessness, and acceptance. Michael opens with the profound Serenity Prayer, elegantly setting the tone for discussions on letting go and embracing peace through acceptance.

Our dialogue delves deep into the biblical teachings on contentment and the spiritual wisdom of the 12-step program. Peter shares his transformative experiences, discovering strength in acknowledging powerlessness and trusting a greater power. Michael breaks down the "circle of control" and explores the mental and emotional shifts required for true detachment from outcomes.

Together, we reflect on balancing brain functions to foster greater awareness and approach life with joy rather than stress. We also touch on the transformative impact of the 12-step practices in daily life, from personal prayer routines to handling emotional pain and judgment.

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Welcome to another episode of "Restoring the Soul with Michael John Cusick." In today's thought-provoking conversation, Michael sits down with our good friend Peter Zaremba to explore the profound themes of self-confession, freedom, and the intricate dance between control and acceptance. They delve into the notion of attachment to outcomes and how this affects our mental health, relationships, and overall sense of well-being.

Through personal anecdotes and biblical references, Michael and Peter discuss the detrimental impacts of turning desires into demands, which can lead to transactional relationships and emotional turmoil. The episode highlights the importance of understanding our "circle of control," shedding light on what we can influence directly and what lies beyond our grasp. 

Join us as we navigate the complexities of seeking freedom from compulsive behaviors, thought patterns, and the universal human condition of needing control. This episode promises to offer profound insights and practical wisdom for anyone looking to restore their soul and live a more liberated life. 

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Welcome back to Restoring the Soul with Michael John Cusick. In today’s episode, Michael welcomes friend and fellow leader Robby Angle for an engaging conversation about Robby’s new book, The Path: What if the Way of Jesus is Different Than You Thought?—a collaborative work designed to help the next generation rediscover grace, true identity, and the heart of discipleship.

Together, Michael and Robby dive into how our cultural assumptions about Jesus and our spiritual journey might be missing the mark. The discussion explores why so many of us, especially young adults, get stuck striving for God’s approval or sliding into spiritual passivity, and how learning to trust and receive God’s love changes everything. They reflect on the importance of authentic community, the dangers of approaching spiritual disciplines as a “how-to-get-better” manual, and how a shift from outside-in to inside-out spiritual growth can lead to real transformation.

As they unpack themes from Robby’s book and his work with Trueface, you’ll also hear their thoughts on the deeper mystery of encountering God, why relationships are foundational for lasting change, and how churches can cultivate environments that foster true discipleship.

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Welcome back to Restoring the Soul with Michael John Cusick. In today’s episode, Michael sits down with Tara Owens, author of Embracing the Body: Finding God in Our Flesh and Bone, for a rich conversation about the intersection of faith, embodiment, and the profound ways our physical selves connect us to God. Together, they explore how centuries of Christian teaching have shaped our views of the body, often separating the spiritual from the physical, and what it looks like to reclaim embodied living as part of spiritual wholeness.

Tara shares deeply from her own story, reflecting on the journey toward befriending her body, wrestling with illness, and moving beyond inherited theologies that diminish the goodness of our physicality. Michael and Tara discuss the ongoing relevance of Jesus’s embodiment—his exhaustion, pain, and friendships—and how this shapes our understanding of being human and spiritual.

Touching on themes like Gnosticism, church history, touch deprivation in our society, and the real-life struggles of finding God amid physical limitations, this episode is a vulnerable invitation to embrace the sacredness of our skin and bones.

Whether you’re curious about embodiment, recovering from damaging messages about your body, or simply longing for a deeper spiritual connection, this conversation illuminates the wholeness available when we find God not despite our bodies but through them. Plus, Tara offers insights into her ministry, Anam Cara, and the role of spiritual direction in nurturing soulful friendship with God.

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Welcome to another episode of Restoring the Soul with Michael John Cusick. In today’s conversation, Michael is joined by Summer Joy Gross—Anglican priest, spiritual director, and author of the new book, The Emmanuel Promise: Discovering the Security of a Life Held by God. Together, they dive into the transformative power of secure attachment with God, exploring how our personal histories, traumas, and life transitions shape our ability to connect with both ourselves and the Divine.

Michael and Summer unpack the vital concepts of attachment theory, discuss the different attachment styles, and reflect on the power of lament, imaginative prayer, and community for deep inner healing. Summer shares candidly about her own story, the wounds and resilience that formed her, and her passion for helping others experience true rest and rootedness in God’s presence.

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Welcome back to the Restoring the Soul podcast with Michael John Cusick. In today’s episode, Michael sits down in the studio with Dr. Janelle Hallman, a seasoned intensive therapist at Restoring the Soul and a longtime friend and colleague. With decades of experience leading therapy intensives, groups, and workshops around the world, Janelle shares powerful insights from her work, especially her passion for walking alongside women in their journeys of healing and transformation.

From memorable fishing adventures in Alaska to the profound privilege of witnessing souls come to life in the therapy room, Janelle opens up about what drew her to this vocation and why group work with women has been so transformative, both for her and the participants. The conversation delves into the unique healing power of supportive community, the importance of being truly seen, and the creative ways Janelle now facilitates online “Essence Circles” for women seeking authenticity, connection, and restoration.

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Welcome back to Restoring the Soul with Michael John Cusick. In this episode, Michael sits down with Nate Larkin, founder of the Samson Society and author of Samson and the Pirate Monks. Together, they take a deep and honest dive into Nate's journey—growing up in a Pentecostal preacher’s home, wrestling with hidden addictions, hitting rock bottom, and experiencing the turning point that would ultimately lead to a worldwide ministry of hope and restoration for men.

Nate opens up about the impact of secrecy and shame, the role his wife Allie played in his healing, and how hitting “bottom” opened the door to real recovery. He shares a moving excerpt from his forthcoming book, co-written with Allie, exploring the realities of betrayal, trauma, and the difficult yet transformative process of rebuilding trust and intimacy in marriage. Michael and Nate discuss the shifting landscape of addiction and recovery, the importance of connection and community, and why relapse can be part of the journey toward true healing.

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Welcome to another episode of Restoring the Soul with Michael John Cusick. In today’s honest and insightful conversation, Michael sits down with Dr. Dan Allender—a renowned therapist, author, and longtime mentor—to discuss Dan’s latest book, The Deep-Rooted Marriage, co-authored with Dr. Steve Call and enriched by the wisdom and vulnerability of their wives, Becky Allender and Lisa Call.

This episode isn’t just a discussion about techniques for a better marriage—it’s a candid exploration of the real, raw journey through conflict, trauma, shame, and, ultimately, transformation inside marriage. Dan and Michael reflect on how our histories, wounds, and unmet needs shape our relationships; why true change can’t happen without naming the truth; and how attunement, humility, and honest confession become the very soil in which a marriage can deeply root and flourish.

You’ll hear moving stories from Dan’s own marriage, laughter about old cars and TV shows, and wisdom about the tension between safety and danger in vulnerability. It’s a heartfelt look at how marriages are shaped not only by their joys but also by their hardest moments—and why learning to bless, be curious, and face the deep roots beneath our conflicts is the path to lasting intimacy and hope.

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On today’s episode of Restoring the Soul, Michael sits down with Dr. Michelle Keener, biblical scholar and author of the new book Comfort in the Ashes: Explorations in the Book of Job to Support Trauma Survivors. In this compelling conversation, Michelle shares the personal story and scholarly journey that led her to explore the Book of Job through the lens of trauma theory. Together, Michael and Michelle dig deep into how Job’s ancient story parallels the experiences of trauma survivors today—from grief and ruptured worldviews to the silence that so often follows devastation.

Michelle brings a rare combination of biblical expertise and lived experience, showing how Job’s journey isn’t just about suffering and eventual restoration but about what it means to wrestle with God, faith, and meaning after trauma. They discuss the church’s struggle to meet the needs of trauma survivors, the importance of presence and lament, and how embracing a trauma-informed reading of scripture opens up new possibilities for healing, compassion, and honest faith. 

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Welcome to another episode of Restoring the Soul with Michael John Cusick. In this conversation, Michael is joined once again by Chuck DeGroat—pastor, therapist, and author—for an honest and hope-filled exploration of what it means to truly heal from the inside out. Together, they discuss Chuck’s latest book, Healing What’s Within: Coming Home to Yourself and to God When You’re Wounded, Weary, and Wandering.

Diving deep into the heart of spiritual and emotional disconnection, the episode unpacks the journey of finding our way “home”—to our true selves and to God—especially when life’s wounds and weariness leave us lost or cut off from real care and love. Michael and Chuck reflect on their own experiences of brokenness and restoration, exploring practical wisdom from therapy, Christian spirituality, and neuroscience.

You’ll hear how our bodies, behaviors, thoughts, emotions, and relationships all tell the deeper story of our lives, often pointing us to places within that need kindness and attention. Michael and Chuck also reframe some of the most familiar questions in Scripture—not as interrogations fueled by shame, but as invitations from a compassionate God who pursues us with curiosity and love.

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Welcome to another episode of Restoring the Soul with Michael John Cusick. Today, Michael sits down with returning guest Sheila Wray Gregoire to dive into her latest book, The Marriage You Want: Moving Beyond Stereotypes for a Relationship Built on Scripture, New Data, and Emotional Health.

Sheila, known for her groundbreaking research and no-nonsense approach to Christian marriage resources, unpacks the myths, harmful teachings, and outdated stereotypes that have often taken root in Christian culture. Together, she and Michael explore new, peer-reviewed data on what actually leads to thriving, satisfying marriages—and what doesn’t. They discuss topics ranging from cognitive load and mental labor in relationships to partnership, decision-making, friendship, equality, and sexual fulfillment, challenging traditional teachings and offering practical, research-backed advice for couples seeking genuine intimacy and unity.

Whether you’re struggling in your marriage, eager to move beyond unhelpful stereotypes, or just want to learn what healthy, scripturally grounded love can really look like, you’ll walk away from this rich conversation with hope, insight, and actionable wisdom.

Plus, Sheila shares the heart behind her platform BareMarriage.com, and Michael highlights the importance of curiosity, partnership, and looking for “good fruit” in all aspects of marriage. 

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Welcome to another episode of Restoring the Soul with Michael John Cusick. In today’s conversation, Michael sits down with Adam Young—trauma therapist, host of The Place We Find Ourselves podcast, and author of the brand new book, Make Sense of Your Story. Together, they explore the profound journey of making sense of the stories that shape our lives, diving into how our earliest experiences continue to form our hearts, minds, and relationships well into adulthood.

From raw personal anecdotes to reflections on faith and neuroscience, Adam and Michael unpack why true healing requires curiosity, kindness, and courage to examine the ground-level scenes that haunt or shape us. They tackle the exhaustion that comes from running from our pain, the importance of kindness toward our past selves, and how our earliest attachments impact not only our relationships with others but our connection to God.

This episode is an honest and vulnerable exploration of pain, redemption, and beauty in embracing our full stories. Whether you’re deeply familiar with story work or just beginning to question how your past affects your present, you’ll find encouragement, practical wisdom, and hope here.

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Welcome to another episode of "Restoring the Soul with Michael John Cusick." Today, Michael is joined by Brian Lee, founder and director of Broken to Beloved, a ministry dedicated to providing practical resources for recovery from and safeguarding against spiritual abuse. 

In this heartfelt conversation, Brian shares his personal journey through repeated experiences of spiritual abuse and how these challenges birthed a passion for helping others reclaim their belovedness. Michael and Brian delve into the intricacies of spiritual abuse, the importance of cultivating humility and self-awareness in spiritual leadership, and the transformative power of naming and owning one’s story. They also discuss the innovative programs offered by Broken to Beloved, which include a book club, podcast, and an impactful eight-week cohort called "Through," designed to guide individuals in their healing journey. Join us for a thought-provoking discussion on finding hope, healing, and wholeness in the aftermath of spiritual trauma. 

About Brian Lee

Brian Lee is a pastor, coach, and speaker. In his 20+ years of experience in vocational ministry, he experienced three instances of spiritual abuse and toxic leadership. After living with an identity of brokenness for too many years, he learned to recognize and embrace his belovedness.

In 2023, he founded Broken to Beloved, a nonprofit organization that exists to provide practical resources for recovery from and safeguarding against spiritual abuse and religious trauma.

He is a certified Trauma-Informed Coach (Centre for Healing) and holds a certification in Religious Trauma Studies from the Global Center for Religious Research.

Based in Richmond, VA, Brian loves to go on mini-adventures with his family, exploring their neighborhood, community, and city with his family. As a coffee snob and addict, he could always use another cup.

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Welcome to another episode of "Restoring the Soul with Michael John Cusick." Today, we delve into the compelling concept of what it means to be a Christian – a question that sparks a fascinating discussion on the dichotomy between list makers and storytellers. Inspired by the insights of Dr. Rodney Reeves, Michael and AJ Denson explore themes from Michael's book, "Sacred Attachment," emphasizing the importance of moving beyond doctrines and commandments to embrace a vibrant, embodied faith. 

Join us as we unpack the profound invitation to experience God not just through belief but through the intimate storytelling of our journey with Him. Whether you're a steadfast list maker or a passionate storyteller, this episode is a clarion call to lean into the heart of spiritual life, where love and relationship triumph over rigid adherence to theological checklists. 

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Welcome to another episode of the "Restoring the Soul with Michael John Cusick" podcast. We're excited to welcome Aimee Byrd, a renowned author and theologian, to discuss her latest book, "Saving Face: Finding Myself, God, and One Another Outside a Defaced Church." 

Join Michael and Aimee as they dive deep into the pages of her profound work, unpacking themes of vulnerability, spiritual abuse, and the journey toward embracing one's true self. Throughout the episode, Aimee shares her personal experiences with brokenness, healing, and the powerful act of unlearning to find truth and freedom. This conversation invites listeners to rethink their understanding of repentance, the role of women in faith communities, and the transformative power of God's grace. 

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In this episode of "Restoring the Soul with Michael John Cusick," we'll journey through a candid and enlightening conversation between Michael and AJ Denson. Together, they embark on a thought-provoking exploration of the season of Lent. Michael shares personal reflections on the significance of 40 days of renewal leading up to Easter, highlighting the duality of detachment and engagement that comes with spiritual practices. 

With vulnerability and insight, Michael opens up about the profound impact of relinquishing news apps and striving to be a "better Christian" during Lent. AJ joins in with fresh perspectives, inviting listeners to reflect on their practices and consider how detaching from certain rhythms might create space for a deeper connection with God. Join us as we delve into the essence of Lent and explore how we can live with intentionality, grace, and openness to the divine. 

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