Being Human with Steve Cuss

Latest Episodes:

Justin Heap: The Rollercoaster of Growing Up in a Traumatic Family Situation Mar 09, 2026

Show notes

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

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Are You Carrying Your Family's Emotional Baggage? with Steve & Lisa Cuss Mar 02, 2026

Show notes

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

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

Steve & Lisa Cuss: “What % of God’s Image Is in That Person?” with Clarissa Moll, Zach Windahl, & Andrew Arndt Feb 23, 2026

Show notes

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

Andrew Arndt: The Hidden Struggles of Public Figures and Why Real Community Matters Feb 16, 2026

Show notes

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

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Zach Windahl’s Strategies to Overcome Bible Reading Barriers Feb 09, 2026

Show notes

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

Emotional Load and Listening Postures: Finding Balance in Our Conversations with Steve Cuss and Clarissa Moll Feb 02, 2026

Show notes

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

Steve & Lisa Cuss’ Insights into Communication Styles and Their Impact on Well-Being Jan 26, 2026

Show notes

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

From Slavery to Skylines: The McKissack Family's Journey in Building America Jan 19, 2026

Show notes

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

Adam Young on Trauma and Theology: Why Your Certainty Might Be Just a Fancy Disguise Jan 12, 2026

Show notes

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:

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

Steve Cuss & Clarissa Moll: How Your Communication Style Fuels Reactivity—and How to Change It Jan 05, 2026

Show notes

In this season-opening episode of Being Human, Steve Cuss and Clarissa Moll explore how communication styles can either fuel anxiety and reactivity—or reduce it through deeper connection. Instead of focusing on what we say, they examine how we say it: the hidden subtext, assumptions, and “static” that cause people (especially leaders, couples, and teams) to mishear one another. Steve shares a practical framework for identifying three key communication patterns—rigid vs. fluid, rapid vs. deliberate, and external vs. internal processing—and explains how these differences show up in marriages, workplaces, and conflict. The goal isn’t to label anyone as “right” or “wrong,” but to build awareness that leads to humility, curiosity, and spiritually grounded connection.

Biblical Passages