Being Human with Steve Cuss

Latest Episodes:

Brian Heasley & Carla Harding: Prayer That Heals Divides and Other Lessons from Northern Ireland’s Troubles Oct 13, 2025

Show notes

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

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Clarissa Moll and Steve Cuss on Power Dynamics, Faith, and Inclusive Leadership Oct 06, 2025

Show notes

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

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From Sex Addiction Recovery to Playful Leadership with Matt Wenger, Kyle Strobel, and Ben Mandrell Sep 29, 2025

Show notes

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:

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Ben Mandrell on Leadership and Resilience in Turbulent Times Sep 22, 2025

Show notes

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

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Beyond Self-Help: Real Spiritual Formation with Dr. Kyle Strobel Sep 15, 2025

Show notes

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

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Sex and Porn Addiction, Misconceptions That Prevent Healing with Matt Wenger Sep 08, 2025

Show notes

Host Steve Cuss sits down with Matt Wenger for a candid conversation about addiction, intimacy, and healing. Together, they unpack the complexities of sexual addiction, the ripple effects it has on loved ones, and why recovery is best understood as a "team sport." Matt highlights the power of vulnerability, group support, and true intimacy as antidotes to the false connections addiction promises. Steve and Matt also shine a light on betrayal trauma experienced by partners, offering hope, empathy, and pathways toward healing for everyone impacted.

Episode Resources:

Explore Matt’s work at the Begin Again Institute
Understanding the Signs and Causes of Betrayal Trauma
Romans (from the New Testament) - It is mentioned in the context of discussing sin as an infection or condition rather than solely a moral issue.
Read The Great Commandment (in Luke, Matthew, and Mark’s gospels)
Read Romans 8:38-39
Read Romans 7 (Paul discuss sin struggles)
More about Matt Wenger

Other Media:

Steve & Clarissa Moll discuss the Four Spaces of Anxiety

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Steve Cuss and Clarissa Moll Explore Anxiety, Faith, and the Presence of God Sep 01, 2025

Show notes

In her monthly visit to Being Human, Clarissa Moll from Christianity Today’s The Bulletin takes the host’s chair and turns the tables on Steve Cuss for another rich exploration of the Four Spaces of Anxiety. Together, they discuss how the frenetic pace of modern life can obscure God’s presence—and how intentional pauses can restore spiritual clarity and resilience. The conversation dives into rumination, false needs like control and approval, and the role of prayer and journaling in nurturing healthier relationships. Steve and Clarissa offer insights on differentiation, boundaries, over-functioning, and even the rapid rise of artificial intelligence.

Episode Resources:

Listen: The Bulletin
Read: Genesis 28 (NLT)
Read: Tom Hanks' most iconic roles, from Forrest Gump to Toy Story (EW)
Explore: Introduction to Bowen family systems theory

Other Media:

Steve and Clarissa’s August episode of Being Human
The Bulletin: Steve and Clarissa on Smart Drugs in the Workplace

Explore Clarissa Moll’s website
Read Clarissa Moll’s Substack

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Steve and Lisa Cuss Navigate the Four Spaces of Anxiety and Deeper Connectivity Aug 25, 2025

Show notes

Steve Cuss is joined once again by his wife and fellow counselor, Lisa Cuss, for a practical conversation on the Four Spaces of Anxiety and how these shape our relationships, leadership, and faith. Building on recent Being Human dialogues with Toni Collier and Dr. Les Parrott, Steve and Lisa unpack the hidden assumptions that fuel reactivity, disconnection, and stress. Steve and Lisa explore how faith, vulnerability, and intentional community can break anxiety’s grip and create healthier families, churches, and neighborhoods.

Episode Resources:

Steve & Clarissa Moll discuss the Four Spaces of Anxiety
Explore Toni Collier’s website
Toni Collier’s Don't Try This Alone
Toni Collier’s Broken Crayons Still Color
Toni Collier’s Brave Enough to Be Broken
Drs. Les & Leslie Parrott’s Saving Your Marriage Before It Starts
Dr. Parrott and Judah Smith’s Bad Thoughts: A Preacher and a Shrink's Guide to Reclaiming Your Mind and Soul
Drs. Les & Leslie Parrott’s website

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Dr. Les Parrott Challenges Empathy Myths in Christian Circles Aug 18, 2025

Show notes

World-renowned relationship expert Dr. Les Parrott sits down with host Steve Cuss for a raw discussion about reclaiming your mind and soul. Parrott shreds toxic beliefs about empathy, parenting, and vulnerability that have infiltrated Christian culture, replacing them with a vision for emotional and spiritual health that actually works. Together, Steve and Dr. parrott dissect the razor-thin line between empathy and enmeshment, reveal how technology can fuel genuine human connection, and unpack why hearing God’s voice without shame is a game-changer.

Resources mentioned in this episode include:

Drs. Les & Leslie Parrott’s Saving Your Marriage Before It Starts
Dr. Parrott and Judah Smith’s Bad Thoughts: A Preacher and a Shrink's Guide to Reclaiming Your Mind and Soul
Pastor Judah Smith’s instagram
Drs. Les & Leslie Parrott’s website
David Brooks’ How to Know a Person
Steve & Clarissa Moll discuss the Four Spaces of Anxiety
The Gospel of Mark (ESV)

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Toni Collier Heals from Childhood Wounds and Adult Betrayal Aug 11, 2025

Show notes

Discover how anxiety weaves its way into every corner of life—and how to break free. Host Steve Cuss sits down with Toni Collier, founder of Broken Crayons Still Color, for a raw conversation on her journey from brokenness to healing and redemption. Together, they unpack how faith, authentic community, and radical vulnerability can transform deep wounds—like “parentification,” betrayal, and infidelity—into powerful testimonies of hope and resilience. This episode continues Steve’s exploration of the Four Spaces of Anxiety and showcases the need to stop the spread of reactivity.

Resources mentioned in this episode include: