Welcome to another episode of Restoring the Soul with Michael John Cusick. In today’s conversation, Michael is joined by Dr. J.R. Briggs, author of the book The Art of Asking Better Questions: Pursuing Stronger Relationships, Healthier Leadership and Deeper Faith. Together, they explore why the questions we ask—of God, ourselves, and each other—are so central to personal transformation, deep connection, and spiritual growth.

Drawing from years of research, lived experience, and insights from both ancient and modern sources, J.R. Briggs unpacks how better questions (not just more of them) shape the quality of our lives and relationships. They dig into why vulnerability, humility, curiosity, and wisdom are essentials for good questions, and how great question-askers build trust, intimacy, and growth.

The conversation is rich with practical tips, stories, and wisdom on becoming people who don’t just demand answers, but who pursue lives oriented around questions of substance and consequence. Whether you’re a leader, friend, partner, or simply someone seeking deeper relationships and faith, you’ll walk away inspired to ask, listen, and connect in new ways.

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Welcome back to another episode of Restoring the Soul with Michael John Cusick. Today, we bring you an encore presentation featuring a conversation between our host, Michael John Cusick, and Rev. Dr. Dennis Edwards. Known for his deep theological insights and compassionate pastoral work, Dr. Edwards dives into the concept of restoration, exploring its vital role in enriching faith amidst life's complexities.

In this episode, Michael shares about the ministry of Restoring the Soul. Drawing from his journey through trauma, addiction, and healing, Michael passionately discusses the holistic nature of the soul and the crucial process of restoring it to wholeness.

Dr. Edwards and Michael cover many compelling topics, from the unity within the Trinity to the importance of embodied spirituality and radical humility in healing personal and societal divisions. Prepare to be inspired and challenged as they unpack what it truly means to close the gap between belief and experience.

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Welcome to Restoring the Soul with Michael John Cusick. In this episode, Michael welcomes back Bette Dickinson to dig into the wisdom behind her new book, "The Art of Vine Making: Spiritual Flourishing in a Productivity Driven Culture." Together, they explore the rich metaphor of the vine and branches from John 15—not just as a theological concept, but as an intentional, relational process that mirrors the art of winemaking.

Bette Dickinson shares the story of her friendship with a real-life vine dresser, drawing deep parallels between tending vineyards and the journey of spiritual formation. Listeners will discover how God’s nurturing presence and attentive love invite us away from the relentless urge to be productive and towards true flourishing—where quality, process, rest, and relational attunement matter more than mere quantity or output.

Through personal stories, practical contrasts between productivity and flourishing, and profound insights into seasons of dormancy and growth, this episode offers a compassionate, hope-filled vision for anyone longing to abide more deeply in God’s love.

ON THE WEB: bettedickinson.com

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Welcome to another episode of the Restoring the Soul podcast with your host, Michael John Cusick. Today, we have the pleasure of diving into a conversation with Ian Morgan Cron. Ian is not just a friend to Michael but a celebrated author of books like "The Road Back to You" and his deeply impactful memoir, "Jesus, My Father, the CIA, and Me," as well as his novel "Chasing Francis."

In this episode, we take a close look at Ian’s latest book, "The Fix: How the 12 Steps Offer a Surprising Path of Transformation for the Well-Adjusted, the Down and Out, and Everyone in Between." Ian shares candidly about his own journey through addiction and recovery, emphasizing how the 12 steps can profoundly impact anyone's life, not just those battling addiction.

Even if you consider yourself "well-adjusted" or far from the grip of addiction, this conversation will challenge you to rethink what it means to truly live a life of transformation and spiritual awakening. Michael and Ian explore how all of us, in some way or another, have compulsive relationships with behaviors, substances, or people that affect our lives negatively. They delve into the essence of the 12 steps, their application beyond mere addiction recovery, and how they serve as a robust spiritual framework aligning us with God and our authentic selves.

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Welcome to another episode of Restoring the Soul with Michael John Cusick. In today’s discussion, Michael welcomes Tony Kriz to the podcast. This episode dives deep into crucial topics, including the impact of trauma on children's development, the importance of supportive adults in their lives, and how churches and communities can foster positive change through active involvement.

You'll hear about the startling statistics surrounding childhood literacy, the long-term effects of trauma, and inspiring initiatives like the Children's Literacy Project. This campaign aims to connect volunteers with local schools to help children read at grade level by the fourth grade, significantly influencing their futures. Together, we'll explore how a single caring adult can make a monumental difference, as well as the spiritual and social justice dimensions of ensuring that every child has the opportunity to succeed.

Prepare to be moved and motivated as we uncover the power of mentorship, the challenges faced by under-resourced schools, and practical ways you can be part of the solution. Whether through volunteering, supporting literacy programs, or committing to the well-being of children in your community, this episode is a call to action.

ON THE WEB: Children's Literacy Project

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Welcome to another episode of "Restoring the Soul with Michael John Cusick." Today, we're diving deep into the conversation around emotional health, spiritual formation, and the journey toward wholeness with our special guest, Dr. Alison Cook, psychologist, author, and expert in Christian spiritual and emotional integration.

In this episode, Michael and Alison explore her acclaimed book, "Boundaries for Your Soul." Together, they unpack what it truly means to set gentle, healthy boundaries within ourselves—not to exile or repress difficult emotions, but to get curious about them, listen to them, and ultimately befriend them as part of our God-given humanity. Drawing from Internal Family Systems (IFS) theory and Christian theology, Alison Cook explains how our inner world is made up of many different “parts,” each with their own stories and struggles. Through personal stories, practical takeaways, and a deep dive into the concept of the “Spirit-led self,” this episode invites listeners to consider a new way of relating to their internal experience, dealing with conflict within, and embarking on a path of true healing.

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Welcome to another episode of "Restoring the Soul with Michael John Cusick." Today, Michael sits down with Dr. Camden Morgante, licensed clinical psychologist and author of "Recovering from Purity Culture." Together, they dive into the real impact of purity culture within evangelical communities, exploring the myths and messages that have shaped so many lives, often with shame and fear at the center.

Drawing from both professional expertise and personal experience, Camden unpacks the psychological and spiritual wounds purity culture can leave behind and offers a thoughtful path toward healing, reconciling mind, body, heart, and soul. The conversation doesn’t stop at identifying problems; it reaches for hope and reconstruction, offering practical tools for embracing a healthier, grace-filled sex ethic—and even guidance for raising the next generation with greater wisdom and compassion.

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Welcome to another episode of Restoring the Soul. Today, Michael John Cusick is joined by author, speaker, and men's group leader Drew Boa to discuss Drew’s groundbreaking new book, Outgrow Porn: Find Lasting Freedom Without Fighting an Exhausting Battle.

This conversation dives deep into breaking free from pornography—not through more willpower or "white-knuckling," but by truly healing and growing emotionally, relationally, and spiritually. Drew shares how his approach helps men connect with their inner child, understand their sexual fantasies, and use practical tools (14 of them, to be exact) to experience genuine freedom. They also discuss the impact of betrayal and sexual addiction on wives and partners, highlighting the importance of support and compassion for everyone affected.

Together, Michael and Drew challenge the traditional “battle” rhetoric around pornography recovery and invite listeners into a paradigm-shifting journey—one where lasting change is possible and shame doesn't get the final word.

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Welcome to Restoring the Soul with Michael John Cusick. On today’s episode, Michael sits down with fellow intensive therapist Brian Boecker for an honest, heartfelt conversation about the universal human longing to belong. Inspired by Michael’s recent talk at the Connections Conference in Washington, D.C., the discussion explores how belonging shapes our sense of self, impacts our relationships, and is deeply tied to spiritual themes found in scripture—especially in Jesus' teachings on prayer.

Through personal stories, reflections on the Lord’s Prayer, and insights from attachment theory, Michael and Brian unpack what it means to be at home with ourselves, others, and God. They wrestle with vulnerability, shame, and the courage it takes to truly let ourselves be seen. Drawing on poems, psychology, and biblical wisdom, this episode invites listeners to consider how authentic belonging not only leads to healing but also to genuine transformation.

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In today's enlightening episode of "Restoring the Soul with Michael John Cusick," we delve into the intricate world of neurodiverse marriages. Join Michael and Julianne Cusick as they explore the challenges and dynamics couples face when one or both partners are on the autism spectrum. With Michael openly sharing his diagnosis of high-functioning Asperger's and Julianne bringing her expertise as a certified neurodiverse couples coach and licensed marriage and family therapist, this episode promises deep insights and practical advice. 

Learn about the common themes in neurodiverse relationships, the unique struggles and rewards, and the transformative power of understanding and tailored coaching. Whether navigating a neurodiverse marriage yourself or simply seeking to broaden your understanding, this episode is packed with valuable content and hopeful perspectives. Tune in and discover how embracing neurodiversity can pave the way for healthier, more fulfilling relationships.

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Welcome to another episode of Restoring the Soul with Michael John Cusick. In today’s conversation, Michael is joined by returning guest and renowned author John Eldredge, known to many as the author behind the bestselling book Wild at Heart. This time, John dives deep into the message of his latest book, Experience Jesus. Really. Together, Michael and John unravel the life-changing invitation to authentic, everyday communion with Jesus—beyond religious formulas, beyond inspiration, and into truly experiencing God’s presence in a way that’s both simple and profoundly transformative.

They discuss why many believers feel let down by empty promises of intimacy with God, how technology and today’s relentless pace are wounding the human soul, and why, now more than ever, we need ancient practices of deep attachment and interiority. John shares his heart for spiritual restoration—rooted in Isaiah 61 and a Gospel that offers not just rescue, but soul-deep wholeness and restoration for both men and women. The episode also explores the misunderstood beauty of Christian mysticism, the importance of “benevolent detachment,” and practical tools like the Pause app, which John’s team created to guide people into genuine encounters with Jesus—accessible to everyone, everywhere.

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