Restoring the Soul with Michael John Cusick

Latest Episodes:

Episode 257 - Dr. Dan Allender, “Healing Sexual Brokenness” Apr 14, 2023

Show notes

"Nothing affects the human heart more than our sexuality.” - Dan Allender
How do we begin the process of healing from past sexual abuse? How do we deal with the pain, the hurt, and the emotional brokenness that has taken hold of our lives? How are we able to move on?
Dan Allender says in his book, The Wounded Heart, “The journey involves bringing our wounded heart before God…”
We’re pleased to feature Michael's conversation with our good friend, Dr. Dan Allender. Dr. Allender pioneered a unique and innovative approach to trauma and abuse therapy. For over 30 years, the Allender Theory has brought healing and transformation to hundreds of thousands of lives by bridging the story of the gospel and the stories of trauma and abuse that mark so many.
On this edition, Michael and Dan Allender talk about topics such as:

Why every one of us is sexually broken, whether or not we have experienced sexual abuse or specific sexual harm.
The major difference between man and woman, male and female, as we are made in God’s image.
The category of lust as “desire gone mad” and why it’s crucial to understand lust in terms of relief and revenge.

Dan also co-hosts The Allender Center’s weekly podcast with Rachael Clinton Chen, which has had over 2 million downloads.
*Today's conversation was originally recorded in November 2020*

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Episode 255 - Michael John Cusick, "Less Is More" Mar 31, 2023

Show notes

“When we see God’s heart, our own heart becomes free.” - Michael John Cusick
Psalm 46:10 “Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations. I will be exalted in the earth!” The Psalms describe a time when the world is falling apart. We’ve all had a time like that, where the foundations of our lives are shaken. Yet despite the calamity, Psalm 46 proclaims that God is a fortress and we need not fear. That was true for the nation of Israel thousands of years ago, and it’s true for us today.
On this edition of Restoring the Soul, we’re digging deep into our archives to feature a presentation Michael gave to the students at Denver Seminary titled “Less Is More.” The essence of the message is about our need to be still and rest in what God has done for us in Christ. And that the depth of our relationship with God will be directly related to the depth at which we enter into our own souls.
We wanted to share a few reviews we recently received through Apple Podcasts.
A listener writes:
"Not only do I love the podcast, but so does my Amazon account. 😁 So many great interviews with amazing people. My library of books has grown tremendously since I started listening to the podcast, but more importantly, my walk with Jesus has grown more. Thank you, and keep up the great work."
And another said:
"I like this podcast, and I do not consider myself Christian… was truly born atheistic but would call myself spiritual at this point and intrigued with much of the wisdom of the bible. This podcast is great for those navigating infidelity and attempting to heal themselves and their marriage."
We love hearing from you and encourage you to drop us a quick note through Apple Podcasts or via email at info@restoringthesoul.com.

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Episode 254 - Aundi Kolber, "Discovering Self-Compassion" Mar 24, 2023

Show notes

“Healing requires fierceness and tenderness.” - Aundi Kolber
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 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.
On this edition, we’re featuring a discussion Michael had with our good friend Aundi Kolber, congratulating her on the recent publishing of Strong Like Water on March 21st. Today, Michael and Aundi will devote their time together discussing what it means to discover self-compassion.
If you’re not familiar with Aundi, she is a Licensed Professional Counselor, writer, and speaker from Castle Rock, Colorado, who specializes in trauma- and body-centered therapies. As a trauma survivor, Aundi brings what she has learned about the work of change, the power of redemption, and the beauty of experiencing God in our pain.
Connect with Aundi at aundikolber.com, on Facebook, and Instagram.
Helpful Resources:
Bonus content from Aundi
Previous episodes with Aundi:
Episode 110 - Aundi Kolber, "Try Softer, Part 1"
Episode 111 - Aundi Kolber, "Try Softer, Part 2"
Episode 70 - Aundi Kolber Part 1, “Healing Trauma: Getting Unstuck and Becoming Whole”
Episode 71 - Aundi Kolber Part 2, “Healing Trauma: Getting Unstuck and Becoming Whole”
Episode 199 - Aundi Kolber, "Understanding Attunement"
Episode 251 - Aundi Kolber, "Strong Like Water"

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Episode 253 - Robby Angle, "Trueface" Mar 17, 2023

Show notes

“More time with fewer people equals greater Kingdom impact.” - Robby Angle
Making disciples is an imperative delivered by Jesus in the Great Commission. In Matthew 28, He says, “go and make disciples of all nations… and teach them to obey everything I have commanded you.” So how are we as a Church at discipling?
A joint Barna Group and Navigators research project revealed confusion among leaders and followers regarding discipleship. Worse yet, the data indicates that most discipleship efforts are ineffective, with only 25% of Christians saying they were in a discipleship relationship.
On today’s podcast, Michael welcomes the President and CEO of Trueface, Robby Angle. If you have not heard of Trueface, they provide content, relational experiences, and leader development to help people and teams live authentically and experience freedom. We have featured a few conversations with former Trueface leaders Bill Thrall & John Lynch - see below for links.
We’re excited to hear from Robby today as he talks about his passions for ministry and how relational discipleship is foundational for Kingdom growth.
Helpful Resources:
- The Cure for Groups
- Trueface Journey
- The Celtic Way of Evangelism by George G. Hunter III
Podcasts:
Episode 3 - Bill Thrall Part 1, "The Soul of a Leader"
Episode 4 - Bill Thrall Part 2, "The Journey of Trust"
Episode 59 - John Lynch Part 1, “On My Worst Day”
Episode 60 - John Lynch Part 2, “On My Worst Day”

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Episode 252 - Steve Siler, "Songs Can Change Lives" Feb 24, 2023

Show notes

“I don’t believe people will trust you with their hope until you show you understand their pain.” - Steve Siler
The essence of the Restoring the Soul podcast is to present conversations that cultivate freedom, flourishing, and wholeness of heart through Jesus-shaped spirituality. Over the past six years, we have found that many conversations were springboards to help our listeners find freedom by connecting them to their true Healer. Today, we hope for the same result as we welcome Steve Siler to discuss Music for the Soul which helps people deal with impactful issues and to find hope and healing through music.
Steve is the founder and director of Music for the Soul as well as an award-winning songwriter who has had over 500 of his songs recorded in the Christian, pop, and country markets.
Innocent Child
Words & Music by Steve Siler
© Silerland Music (Administered by Clearbox Rights) ASCAP
HELPFUL RESOURCES
Podcasts
Episode 26 - Steve Siler Part 1, “Music for the Soul”
Episode 27 - Steve Siler Part 2, “Music for the Soul”

Books
This is Your Brain on Music
Finding Your Way after the Suicide of Someone You Love

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Episode 251 - Aundi Kolber, "Strong Like Water" Feb 17, 2023

Show notes

“Compassion and gentleness create something in us that is very solid and strong.” - Aundi Kolber
How do you define strength? And does the phrase, “what doesn’t kill you make you stronger,” really true? On today’s edition of Restoring the Soul, Michael welcomes back Aundi Kolber to the podcast, and they’re going to unpack the essence of true strength and discover that God has, and always will be with us on our journey of becoming more beautifully human in the midst of adversity.
Aundi’s latest book, “Strong Like Water” releases on March 21st. The following links will offer you an opportunity to pre-order the book. Aundi has also made available some bonus content via her website, and we’ve provided that link below.
Aundi is a frequent guest of Restoring the Soul; in fact, her “Try Softer” interview with Michael was the most downloaded podcast of ours to date. She is a licensed professional counselor from Castle Rock, CO; her work has been featured on Relevant, CT Women, The Huffington Post, The Mudroom, Happy Sonship, and Circling the Story. We’re always thrilled when Aundi can join us for the discussion - you’re in for a real treat today.
Helpful Resources:
Bonus content from Aundi

Pre-order Strong Like Water
Baker Books
Tyndale
Amazon
Barnes & Noble
Previous episodes with Aundi
Episode 110 - Aundi Kolber, "Try Softer, Part 1"
Episode 111 - Aundi Kolber, "Try Softer, Part 2"
Episode 70 - Aundi Kolber Part 1, “Healing Trauma: Getting Unstuck and Becoming Whole”
Episode 71 - Aundi Kolber Part 2, “Healing Trauma: Getting Unstuck and Becoming Whole”
Episode 199 - Aundi Kolber, "Understanding Attunement"
Episode 200 - Aundi Kolber, "Discovering Self Compassion"

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Episode 250 - Brad Jersak, "Out of the Embers, Part 2" Feb 10, 2023

Show notes

“It’s not about letting go of love. It’s about letting go of the false love so we can be held by the true love and receive what we need there.” - Brad Jersak
Brad Jersak is a frequent guest on the Restoring the Soul podcast and joins Michael for Part 2 in this conversation about Brad’s latest book, “Out of the Embers: Faith After the Great Deconstruction.” In the book, Brad explores the necessity, perils, and possibilities of the Great Deconstruction—how it has the potential to either sabotage our communion with God or infuse it with the breath of life, the light, and the life of Christ himself.
If you are in the stage of your journey with God where you are looking for inspiration or direction, this two-part conversation may just be what you need. The conversation in its entirety is riveting.
Helpful Resources:
Episode 249 - Brad Jersak, "Out of the Embers, Part 1"
Episode 194 - Brad Jersak, "IN: Incarnation, Inclusion, Abba & Lamb"
Episode 117 - Brad Jersak & Peter Zaremba, "Centering Prayer, Part 1"
Episode 51 - Brad Jersak Part II, "A More Beautiful Gospel"
Episode 50 - Brad Jersak Part 1, "A More Beautiful Gospel"

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Episode 249 - Brad Jersak, "Out of the Embers, Part 1" Feb 03, 2023

Show notes

“I needed to dismantle those elements of my image of God that were harming me.” - Brad Jersak
For the past five years or so, the term ‘deconstruction” has become quite familiar in evangelical circles and is used to describe a process as varied as the people who experience it, but it primarily revolves around questioning tenets of faith. For some, it can mean leaving a particular church. For others, it is a process of understanding their faith in a different way or leaving religion altogether.
Brad Jersak is a frequent guest to the Restoring the Soul podcast and is joining Michael for the next two episodes as they discuss Brad’s latest book, “Out of the Embers: Faith After the Great Deconstruction.” In the book, Brad explores the necessity, perils, and possibilities of the Great Deconstruction—how it has the potential to either sabotage our communion with God or infuse it with the breath of life, the light and life of Christ himself.
Brad will share a fascinating look back at his own spiritual journey and the ramifications deconstruction had on his ministry and his personal relationships.
Helpful Resources:
Episode 194 - Brad Jersak, "IN: Incarnation, Inclusion, Abba & Lamb"
Episode 117 - Brad Jersak & Peter Zaremba, "Centering Prayer, Part 1"
Episode 51 - Brad Jersak Part II, "A More Beautiful Gospel"
Episode 50 - Brad Jersak Part 1, "A More Beautiful Gospel"

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Episode 248 - Vance Crow, "A Passion for Intensives" Jan 27, 2023

Show notes

The heartbeat of the ministry of Restoring the Soul is intensive counseling - which allows you to experience a deep change in half-day blocks over one or two weeks rather than an hour here or an hour there with your counselor. The intensive program is focused and challenges both client and counselor to be “all in,” with the hopes of seeing breakthrough in a shorter amount of time.
Every once in a while, we love introducing you to one of our team members. Today, we welcome back Vance Crow to the podcast to see how his experience has been after joining the Restoring the Soul team 18 months ago.
Vance is well versed 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 is passionate about seeing couples and individuals thrive rather than survive in their marriage. Vance enjoys canoeing, hiking, and mountain biking. He and his wife are the proud parents of 6 children.
Helpful Resources:
Episode 203 - Vance Crow, "An Attuned Therapist"

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Episode 247 - Kevin Tracy, "Holy Handcuffs" Jan 20, 2023

Show notes

“How do you restart a dormant career without destroying everything that you love in the process?” - Kevin Tracy
If you haven’t heard, the church has been experiencing a mass exodus of pastors. Not because they are commissioned to plant new churches or join the mission field. They’re leaving the ministry altogether. There are several reasons behind this trend. COVID wreaked havoc on the church, and political division has caused many pastors to rethink their calling.
Recent data collected from the Barna organization indicated that U.S. pastors are currently in crisis and at risk of burnout. In 2021 alone, there was a dramatic increase in the number of pastors thinking about quitting ministry entirely. According to Barna, 38 percent indicated they have considered leaving full-time ministry within the past year.
On today’s edition of Restoring the Soul, Michael welcomes Kevin Tracy to the podcast. Kevin leads an organization called No Holy Handcuffs, whose primary mission is to help pastors discover how to leave the ministry & recover their calling.
Helpful Resources:
Podcasts
Episode 132 - Rev. Dr. Dennis Edwards, "Turning the Tables on Injustice"
Episode 212 - Laura Barringer, "A Church Called TOV"

Website
No Holy Handcuffs

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