Restoring the Soul with Michael John Cusick

Latest Episodes:

Episode 234 - Andy Gullahorn, “The Healing Troubadour” Sep 23, 2022

Show notes

“A job of a songwriter is to not sleepwalk through the world.” - Andy Gullahorn
Our good friend Andy Gullahorn joins Michael on this edition of Restoring the Soul. Andy was born and raised in the rich musical climate of Austin, TX and then went to College at Belmont University in Nashville to join the legions of songwriters in the country music scene. After graduation, he spent several years as a staff writer for publishing companies while playing guitar on the road for singer/songwriter Jill Phillips (who he happens to be married to).
In 2004, after realizing that his second child was on the way and that his wife would need to come off the road, Andy released “Room to Breathe” and began performing his shows again for the first time in 5 years.
He now spends his time playing concerts and house shows across the country, accompanying other artists on the road, and providing his three kids with plenty of stories to tell their counselors in 20 years. Andy was a Kerrville New Folk Winner in 2010 and runner-up at the 2009 Rocky Mountain Folks Festival.
HELPFUL RESOURCES
https://www.andygullahorn.com/

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Episode 233 - Chris Bruno, "Sage: A Man's Guide Into His Second Passage” Sep 09, 2022

Show notes

“The idea of settling is actually stepping into a place of unfaithfulness.” - Chris Bruno
On this edition of Restoring the Soul, Michael welcomes Chris Bruno to the podcast where they will discuss, among other things, Chris’s latest work, “Sage.”
A promotional web page for the book reads, “The time comes for every man where he realizes the morning of his life will soon turn towards afternoon. There is just as much behind as there is ahead, and the passage into a new season is about to begin.
But many men have little sense of what this new season could or should entail, and we struggle knowing how to navigate it. We lack a vision for what it means to become a godly "Sage."
If you are in this particular stage of life, this conversation will draw you in and give you practical tools on how to navigate the waters of change, relevance, and purpose.
The web page goes on to say, “To become a Sage is the pinnacle of manhood, and yet the vast majority of men settle for a too-small story as they pass the midlife mark. This passage into the second half is God's invitation to His bigger story.”
Chris Bruno is currently residing in Colorado and is the Co-Founder and CEO of Restoration Project, and Founder of ReStory® Counseling, devoting his life to helping people come alive. He is the author of "Man Maker Project" and "Brotherhood Primer," and a licensed professional counselor. He has decades of experience helping men recover their hearts.
HELPFUL RESOURCES:
Purchase Sage on Amazon
Restoration Project

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Episode 232 - Julianne Cusick, "Treatment Barriers to Healing from Betrayal Trauma" Sep 02, 2022

Show notes

“Certain kinds of care for betrayal trauma actually makes people stuck or worse in their recovery.” - Julianne Cusick
On this edition of Restoring the Soul, Michael concludes his conversation with Julianne Cusick about Betrayal Trauma. Today they will focus on Treatment Barriers to Healing from Betrayal Trauma. Today’s conversation is a continuation from our previous episode on Barriers to Overcoming Betrayal Trauma. In summary, some barriers are:

Continued evidence of the partner acting out
Gaslighting (which is lying that changes a person’s perception)
Partner’s inability or unwillingness to own their impact
And the partner’s inability or unwillingness to open up and be honest about his healing journey.

Even if you feel this episode is far from where you are relationally, there is a chance you might know someone who is struggling in this way. I encourage you to lean in for today’s important conversation.
If there’s anything you’ll learn from this conversation, the key takeaway is that we have to address the underlying issues about the brokenness. We can’t just move forward.
HELPFUL RESOURCES:
Episode 231 - Julianne Cusick, "Barriers to Overcoming Betrayal Trauma"

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Episode 231 - Julianne Cusick, "Barriers to Overcoming Betrayal Trauma" Aug 26, 2022

Show notes

“It’s impossible to recover from betrayal trauma when you’re still a victim of betrayal trauma.” - Julianne Cusick
On this edition of Restoring the Soul, Michael welcomes back Julianne Cusick for the next two episodes as they discuss Betrayal Trauma. Today they will focus on Barriers to Overcoming Betrayal Trauma.
In this podcast, we hope you will discover:

Why a woman stays stuck in the process of betrayal trauma
Understanding what “gaslighting” means
Common barriers to healing relationally from betrayal trauma

Did you know you can follow Michael and Restoring the Soul on social media? Simply search on Facebook and Twitter for the Restoring the Soul podcast. You can also find Michael on Twitter by searching for him. And as always, be sure to tell a friend about the podcast.

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Episode 230 - Morgan Snyder, "Becoming a King” Aug 19, 2022

Show notes

“Masculine power is intended to be good when it’s wholehearted and in the service of love.” - Morgan Snyder
On this edition of Restoring the Soul, Michael welcomes Morgan Snyder to the podcast.
Morgan is a grateful husband of over 20 years and a proud father of a wildly creative and witty daughter and a joyful and passionate son. He serves as a strategist, entrepreneur, teacher, writer, and speaker. In 2010, he established BecomeGoodSoil and serves on the executive leadership team at Wild at Heart alongside John and Stasi Eldredge. Morgan goes off the grid every chance he gets, whether bow hunting in the Colorado wilderness or choosing the adventurous life with his greatest treasures: his wife, Cherie; his son, Joshua; and his daughter, Abigail.
Michael and Morgan discuss, “Becoming a King, The Path to Restoring the Heart of a Man.”
In this podcast, we hope you will discover:

Why should this issue of power be a category for men?
The common ways men respond to the desire to wield power.
What is a generalist and why is it so important for a man to get his heart back?

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Episode 229 - Dr. Todd Hall, "The Connected Life” Aug 05, 2022

Show notes

“We’re loved into loving. That’s ultimately how we’re transformed.” - Dr. Todd Hall
It's no secret that we live in an increasingly isolated world. The pandemic has only exacerbated a startling trend: loneliness and disconnection have been on the rise for a long time in our society. We long for a deep sense of meaning to make sense of our lives, but we don't know how to find it. Even worse, we often search for it in unhealthy ways that hinder the very thing we're desperate for: genuine relational connection.
On today’s Restoring the Soul conversation, Michael welcomes psychologist Dr. Todd Hall of Biola University, who has been researching human relationships and ways of connecting for many years. His latest book, “The Connected Life,” offers the fruit of that work, contending that real human growth doesn't come through head knowledge alone but through relational knowledge and strong attachment bonds. It's our relationships―with God and others―that lead to authentic transformation. Ultimately, the family of God provides the best context for lasting growth.
If you want to receive 30% off of your copy of The Connected Life as well as free shipping, visit ivpress.com and use the code HALL 22. That’s ivpress.com and the code HALL 22 for 30% off and free shipping.
HELPFUL RESOURCES:
Aundi Kolber
Episode 110 - Aundi Kolber, "Try Softer, Part 1"
Episode 111 - Aundi Kolber, "Try Softer, Part 2"

Curt Thompson
Episode 65 - Dr. Curt Thompson, “Being Known, Part 1”
Episode 66 - Dr. Curt Thompson, “Being Known, Part 2”
Episode 122 - Dr. Curt Thompson, "Love and Lament During the Pandemic"
Episode 189 - Dr. Curt Thompson, "Anatomy of the Soul, Part 1"
Episode 190 - Dr. Curt Thompson, "Anatomy of the Soul, Part 2"

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Episode 228 - Julianne Cusick, "Life After Betrayal” Jul 22, 2022

Show notes

“I came to see that Michael had the power to devastate me but not destroy me.” - Julianne Cusick
What’s the difference between forgiveness and reconciliation? There are similarities in the definition - but they are a world apart when it comes to practical application. Today’s podcast features a conversation between our very own Julianne Cusick, who was recently interviewed by Bill Arnold on Faith Radio. On previous Restoring the Soul podcasts, we have featured Julianne’s story of overcoming the wounds of sexual betrayal, and what you will find in her conversation with Bill are timeless insights and fresh perspectives that will encourage anyone.
HELPFUL RESOURCES:
Afternoons with Bill Arnold
Episode 218 - Julianne Cusick, "A Holy & Horrible Journey"
Episode 195 - Julianne Cusick, “Devastated But Not Destroyed”
Episode 166 - Julianne Cusick, "Treatment Barriers to Healing from Betrayal Trauma"
Episode 165 - Julianne Cusick, "Barriers to Overcoming Betrayal Trauma"
Episode 115 - Julianne Cusick, "5 Things Husbands Can Do to Support Their Wives After Betrayal"
Episode 114 - Julianne Cusick, "5 Facts Wives Need to Know After Betrayal"

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Episode 227 - Kelley Gray, "The Enneagram and Marriage, Part 2” Jul 09, 2022

Show notes

“The Enneagram is the Face of God and the Body of Christ.” - Kelley Gray
Today, we’re continuing a 5-part series on how the Enneagram can strengthen your marriage or intimate relationship. Michael’s Restoring the Soul colleague is Kelley Gray, our resident expert on the Enneagram. Part 2 will focus on understanding how your partner handles conflict.
A popular guest on a previous Restoring the Soul podcast, Kelley—is a self-proclaimed growth nerd--works, counsels, and teaches at Restoring the Soul and specializes in intensive counseling with couples and individuals. Prior to coming to Restoring the Soul, she worked as a private practice psychotherapist in the Denver area for 17 years. She is deeply passionate about therapy, growth, and laughing. She is a writer, teacher, speaker, and group leader who is passionate about transformation and wholeness. As you will hear, Kelly’s knowledge of the Enneagram is as practical as it is deep.
In this podcast, we hope you will discover:

How the Enneagram can be used effectively in counseling for couples
The “Holy Idea” or “positive reach” for each of the Enneagram numbers
That conflict doesn’t have to be a barrier to intimacy and connection. It can be a bridge.

HELPFUL RESOURCES:
Episode 91 - Kelley Gray, “Passion for Growth"
Episode 99 - Kelley Gray, "5 Ways the Enneagram Can Strengthen Your Marriage, Part 1: Expertise in your Spouse"
Episode 101 - Kelley Gray, "5 Ways the Enneagram Can Strengthen Your Marriage, Part 3: "How to Not to Take Things Personally"
Episode 102 - Kelley Gray, "5 Ways the Enneagram Can Strengthen Your Marriage, Part 4: "How to Celebrate and Bless Your Differences"
Episode 103 - Kelley Gray, "5 Ways the Enneagram Can Strengthen Your Marriage, Part 5: "Getting the Log Out of Your Own Eye"

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Episode 226 - Kelley Gray, "The Enneagram and Marriage, Part 1” Jul 01, 2022

Show notes

“A relationship will never ever improve or thrive on autopilot.” - Kelley Gray
On the next two episodes of Restoring the Soul, we’re going to feature the first two parts of a 5-part series of conversations with Kelley Gray, our resident expert on the Enneagram. Michael and Kelley will unpack how the Enneagram can strengthen your marriage or intimate relationship.
The Enneagram isn’t a new phenomenon. Depending on who you ask, its earliest iterations were either in the 1950s or the 1910s, though there are some experts who say versions of it can be found in the writings of fourth-century Christian mystics (and there are some who trace its roots all the way back to ancient Egypt). But it is a phenomenon, and it has gained new popularity in recent years, particularly among Christian circles.
On this episode, listen closely as Michael and Kelley describe how you can become an expert in knowing your partner or spouse, how they’re wired, what they think about, what they do with their emotions, and understand what’s difficult in their life.
To become an expert in someone else means you need to know yourself first. All good marriage and relationship work has to begin with good individual work. I know you’re going to learn a ton in this episode and you’re not going to want to miss any parts of this series of podcasts whose goal is to open up brand new pathways for intimacy and connectedness.
HELPFUL RESOURCES:

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Episode 225 - Pastor Sean Seay, "Pastoring from Emotional Health" Jun 24, 2022

Show notes

“I believe every leader in ministry is broken. And they are not alone.” - Sean Seay
There is a growing crisis for church leaders in America. Recent data collected from Barna indicate that U.S. pastors are currently in crisis and at risk of burnout causing them to give up their ministry calling or even jeopardize their marriages and families. In 2021 alone, there was a dramatic increase in the number of pastors who were thinking about quitting ministry entirely. With pastors’ well-being on the line, and many on the brink of burnout, 38 percent indicated they had considered quitting full-time ministry within the past year.
We here at Restoring the Soul recognize the crisis and want to do everything we can to support pastors and their wives in this fragile season of their lives.
On this edition of Restoring the Soul, Michael welcomes Pastor Sean Seay of Athens Church. Sean discovered Restoring the Soul and took part in a two-week intensive with Michael that changed the very course of his life. Today, they’ll discuss the story of his crisis moment, the redemption and healing that grew from that time, and how today he lives and loves, and leads from a place of vulnerability.

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