Episodes

  • How to Stay Human-Sized: Managing Anxiety, Reactivity, and Faith with Steve Cuss & Clarissa Moll

    How to Stay Human-Sized: Managing Anxiety, Reactivity, and Faith with Steve Cuss & Clarissa Moll
    Nov 3 2025
    Host Steve Cuss and Clarissa Moll explore what it means to live “human-sized” — not too big, not too small — in our relationships with others, ourselves, and God. Through personal stories and honest reflection, they unpack how anxiety distorts reality, driving us to dominate or shrink back, and how spiritual practices help us return to balance. Learn how to recognize reactivity, practice discernment, and stay grounded in God’s presence, even in moments of stress or conflict. Steve and Clarissa help listeners move toward emotional health, self-awareness, and spiritual growth in everyday life. Episode Resources: Steve Cuss’s book Managing Leadership Anxiety: Yours and Theirs Anne Lamott’s book Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life (“crappy first draft”) Biblical References: Luke 19:1–10 (ESV) Zacchaeus and Jesus 1 Kings 19 (ESV) Elijah Flees Jezebel 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, Advent Prayers, and Journals: https://www.stevecusswords.com/ Join Steve at an upcoming intensive: Capable Life Intensives Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    30 mins
  • Spiritual Growth and Emotional Resilience with Carla Harding, Brian Heasley & Alicia Britt Chole

    Spiritual Growth and Emotional Resilience with Carla Harding, Brian Heasley & Alicia Britt Chole
    Oct 27 2025
    Steve and Lisa Cuss explore how to transform emotional reactivity into deeper, more authentic relationships in this episode of Being Human. Guests Carla Harding and Brian Heasley from 24-7 Prayer share insights on using prayer to turn anxiety into spiritual growth, even across partisan divides. Alicia Britt Chole discusses sacred lessons found in the dark nights of the soul. We dive into practical tools for healthier communication, understanding generational dynamics, and fostering compassion in all your relationships with Clarissa Moll. Join us and learn to navigate life with greater presence and relational resilience. Episode Resources: Rich Mullins' Eli’s Song John Townsend's 21 Relational Nutrients Dr. Alicia Britt Chole’s The Night Is Normal: A Guide through Spiritual Pain Dr. Alicia Britt Chole’s The Sacred Slow: A Holy Departure from Fast Faith Learn more: 24-7 Prayer International Download & Explore: Lectio 365 (a free daily prayer app) Carla Harding’s Stories of Prayer (Video) Books by Brian Heasley Article: “Gen-Z Is Labeled As ‘Difficult’ In The Workplace, But There’s More To The Story” Article: 'We See Children As Pestilent' (building on the idea attributed to Socrates) Clarissa Moll’s The Bulletin podcast Explore Clarissa Moll’s website Read Clarissa Moll’s substack Matthew 26:36-46 (ESV) - The Garden of Gethsemane Sign up for Steve’s Newsletter & Podcast Reminders: Capable Life Newsletter New Candles, Advent Prayers, and Journals: https://www.stevecusswords.com/ Join Steve at an upcoming intensive: Capable Life Intensives Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    46 mins
  • Dr. Alicia Britt Chole on Discovering Faith's Dual Nature

    Dr. Alicia Britt Chole on Discovering Faith's Dual Nature
    Oct 20 2025
    Host Steve Cuss welcomes Dr. Alicia Britt Chole (Dr. ABC) for a profound conversation on faith, doubt, and spiritual transformation. Once a strident atheist, Dr. ABC shares her journey to a deep faith in Jesus, revealing how questioning and belief can coexist beautifully. Together, they explore the art of living in the plural—inviting Jesus into our thoughts, relationships, and even the challenges of parenting a child on the autism spectrum—showing how grace, wisdom, and love shape a resilient life of faith. Episode Resources: Dr. Alicia Britt Chole’s The Night Is Normal: A Guide through Spiritual Pain Dr. Alicia Britt Chole’s The Sacred Slow: A Holy Departure from Fast Faith Matthew 22:36-40; John 17 (ESV) - The Greatest Commandment Matthew 26:36-46 (ESV) - The Garden of Gethsemane More From Dr. Alicia Britt Chole: Read Dr. Britt Chole’s blog HEREFollow Dr. Britt Chole on instagram Sign up for Steve’s Newsletter & Podcast Reminders: Capable Life Newsletter Join Steve at an upcoming intensive: Capable Life Intensives Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    43 mins
  • Brian Heasley & Carla Harding: Prayer That Heals Divides and Other Lessons from Northern Ireland’s Troubles

    Brian Heasley & Carla Harding: Prayer That Heals Divides and Other Lessons from Northern Ireland’s Troubles
    Oct 13 2025
    Host Steve Cuss speaks with Brian Heasley and Carla Harding of the 24-7 Prayer Movement, drawing from their experiences as a Protestant and Catholic who lived through The Troubles in Northern Ireland and the lasting impact of that divided era. Together, they discuss how prayer, faith, and empathy can bring healing, unity, and peace to both individuals and communities. Through honest reflections on anxiety, spiritual discipline, and grace, Brian and Carla share how the Lectio 365 app helps people stay grounded in God amid life’s pressures. This inspiring conversation offers hope for anyone seeking Christian unity, emotional well-being, and deeper spiritual growth. Episode Resources: Is this America’s version of ‘The Troubles’ of Northern Ireland? (San Diego Union-Tribune) A Brief History of “The Troubles” Learn more: 24-7 Prayer International Download & Explore: Lectio 365 (a free daily prayer app) More about Pete Greig (24-7 Prayer founder) Carla Harding’s Stories of Prayer (Video) Books by Brian Heasley Books by Carla Harding Sign up for Steve’s Newsletter & Podcast Reminders: Capable Life Newsletter Join Steve at an upcoming intensive: Capable Life Intensives Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    43 mins
  • Clarissa Moll and Steve Cuss on Power Dynamics, Faith, and Inclusive Leadership

    Clarissa Moll and Steve Cuss on Power Dynamics, Faith, and Inclusive Leadership
    Oct 6 2025
    Clarissa Moll is back to flip the script on Steve Cuss, unpacking the power dynamics, generational divides, and identity challenges that shape today’s leadership. From Colin Powell’s intentional practices to the biblical wisdom of Jesus and Paul, they explore how emotional safety, vulnerability, and faith create healthier families, workplaces, and churches. This conversation offers practical insights for leaders seeking to build inclusive communities, authentic connections, and resilient discipleship in a divided world. Episode Resources: Colin Powell’s book It Worked for Me Article: Gen-Z Is Labeled As ‘Difficult’ In The Workplace, But There’s More To The Story Me Too movement - Mentioned in relation to creating emotionally safe environments. Exploring Malcolm Gladwell’s "Magic Third" Rule Article: 'We See Children As Pestilent' (building on the idea attributed to Socrates) More From Clarissa Moll: Clarissa Moll’s The Bulletin podcast Explore Clarissa Moll’s website Read Clarissa Moll’s substack Previous Episodes with Steve and Clarissa: Steve and Clarissa’s August episode of Being Human Steve and Clarissa’s September episode of Being Human Sign up for Steve’s Newsletter & Podcast Reminders: Capable Life Newsletter Join Steve at an upcoming intensive: Capable Life Intensives Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    38 mins
  • From Sex Addiction Recovery to Playful Leadership with Matt Wenger, Kyle Strobel, and Ben Mandrell

    From Sex Addiction Recovery to Playful Leadership with Matt Wenger, Kyle Strobel, and Ben Mandrell
    Sep 29 2025
    Hosts Steve and Lisa Cuss look back at insights from Matt Wenger, Ben Mandrell, and Kyle Strobel on the themes of healing, leadership, and spiritual formation. Matt shares insights on overcoming pornography and sex addiction with grace and self-kindness, Ben reflects on playful leadership and resilience during his time at Lifeway, and Kyle unpacks the role of discipleship and spiritual growth in navigating life’s challenges. Episode Resources: Explore Matt’s work at the Begin Again Institute Understanding the Signs and Causes of Betrayal Trauma More about Ben Mandrell Read about the turbulent times at Lifeway Resources Read Dr. Strobel’s Formation Substack Read Dr. Strobel’s book The Way of the Dragon or the Way of the Lamb: Searching for Jesus’ Path of Power in a Church that Has Abandoned It Read Galatians 3 Complete Episodes: Sex and Porn Addiction, Misconceptions That Prevent Healing with Matt Wenger Beyond Self-Help: Real Spiritual Formation with Dr. Kyle Strobel Ben Mandrell on Leadership and Resilience in Turbulent Times Sign up for Steve’s Newsletter & Podcast Reminders: Capable Life Newsletter Join Steve at an upcoming intensive: Capable Life Intensives Explore more CT with our free newsletters: christianitytoday.com/newsletters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    27 mins
  • Ben Mandrell on Leadership and Resilience in Turbulent Times

    Ben Mandrell on Leadership and Resilience in Turbulent Times
    Sep 22 2025
    Host Steve Cuss welcomes Ben Mandrell, former president of Lifeway Resources and current senior pastor at Bellevue Baptist Church, for a rich conversation on leadership,faith, and resilience when things are good or in flux. Ben shares candid reflections on navigating cultural shifts, organizational challenges, and the personal cost of leadership amid institutional changes. From closing bookstores at Lifeway to finding joy and playfulness even amid tragedy, his journey reveals how presence and discernment sustain both leaders and communities. Steve and Ben explore the power of daily spiritual practices and small acts of connection that strengthen our relationships with God and one another. Episode Resources: More about Ben Mandrell Learn about Bellevue Baptist Church Read about Ben Mandrell's call to the Bellevue senior pastor role Read about the turbulent times at Lifeway Resources Watch Rick Warren's address to the SBC in 2022 Listen to the sermons of Adrian Rogers Explore the work of Mark Batterson Read Steve Cuss’ book: Managing Leadership Anxiety Sign up for Steve’s Newsletter & Podcast Reminders: Capable Life Newsletter Join Steve at an upcoming intensive: Capable Life Intensives Explore more CT with our free newsletters: christianitytoday.com/newsletters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    31 mins
  • Beyond Self-Help: Real Spiritual Formation with Dr. Kyle Strobel

    Beyond Self-Help: Real Spiritual Formation with Dr. Kyle Strobel
    Sep 15 2025
    Host Steve Cuss and Dr. Kyle Strobel disrupt self-help versions of spirituality and call us back to genuine encounters with Christ. Together we explore how hidden dynamics like assumptions, reactivity, and self-reliance often sabotage spiritual formation—and why cultivating watchfulness in prayer and scripture is the antidote. Drawing from Colossians 4:2, early evangelical practices, and personal stories, Dr. Strobel shows how honesty about our emotions in real time opens the door to true transformation. We also name the dangers of “guruism,” guilt-driven church culture, and unrealistic expectations, pointing instead to authentic growth rooted in humility, friendship, and God’s presence in the ordinary. Episode Resources: Read Dr. Strobel’s Formation Substack Read Dr. Strobel’s book The Way of the Dragon or the Way of the Lamb: Searching for Jesus’ Path of Power in a Church that Has Abandoned It Read Dr. Strobel’s book Where Prayer Becomes Real: How Honesty with God Transforms Your Soul John Coe’s free online Bible courses An introduction to the life and writings of John Cassian (video) Read Colossians 4:2 Read Galatians 3 Read Colossians 2 Read Psalm 73 Sign up for Steve’s Newsletter & Podcast Reminders: Capable Life Newsletter Join Steve at an upcoming intensive: Capable Life Intensives Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    47 mins