Welcome back to the Restoring the Soul podcast with Michael John Cusick. In this episode, Michael sits down for a thoughtful and deeply personal conversation with his wife of nearly 35 years, Julianne Cusick. Together, they explore the emerging world of neurodiversity, focusing on neurodivergent individuals, neurodiverse couples, and the impact these differences can have on relationships.

Drawing from Julianne Cusick’s extensive work, research, and recent conference presentations, they break down commonly misunderstood terms like neurodiversity, neurodivergent, and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). This conversation doesn’t just dwell on diagnosis—instead, it offers a new framework for understanding ourselves and our partners, emphasizing how assessment and awareness can bring clarity, freedom, and healing to relationships.

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Welcome back to Restoring the Soul with Michael John Cusick. In today's episode, Michael sits down with Christine Wolf Hoover, a licensed professional counselor from Texas and author of "Soul Adventuring: Your Guide to Living with Bravery and Joy." Together, they explore the idea that our faith journey is an invitation into risk, bravery, and joy, not just a checklist of spiritual practices.

Through honest conversation and stories drawn from her clinical experience and personal life, Christine breaks down the barriers of toxic positivity, sharing how embracing vulnerability and facing the hard places in life can lead to real transformation. You'll hear practical wisdom on navigating trauma, setting boundaries, and improving emotional health, along with fresh perspectives on classic ideas like "doing the work," regulating your brain, and cultivating joy.

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Welcome back to the Restoring the Soul podcast with Michael John Cusick. In this episode, Michael is joined by two longtime friends and fellow journeyers, Justin and Aaron, who share their transformative experiences at the Restoring the Soul Men’s Intensive Weekend.

Together, the trio dives into what makes this weekend so different from the average men’s retreat. From the healing power of anonymity—where first names replace job titles and last names—to the profound brotherhood that develops among men seeking freedom from shame, brokenness, and the barriers that keep them from intimacy. Justin and Aaron reflect on arriving desperate for change, confronting their fears, and discovering a safe space to be truly themselves. Both men describe the event as life-changing, recounting how it ushered in lasting transformation not only for themselves but for hundreds of others.

If you’ve ever wondered what it means to encounter deep healing and genuine, spiritual safety among brothers—and why these men keep returning to serve others year after year—this episode offers an honest glimpse into the heart of the Men’s Intensive Weekend.

For more information or to register, visit Restoring the Soul Men's Weekend

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Welcome to another episode of "Restoring the Soul with Michael John Cusick." Today, Michael welcomes back his friend, author and spiritual leader Alan Fadling, to dive into themes from Alan’s book, "A Non-Anxious Life." Together, they explore what it means to live with peace in a world gripped by anxiety, unpacking Alan’s personal journey from being "a master of anxiety" to learning to cultivate peace.

Throughout the conversation, Alan Fadling shares how his upbringing, family dynamics, and spiritual formation shaped his experience of anxiety, illuminating the thin line between caring and worrying. The discussion touches on practical ways to practice the presence of God, the unique role that virtues like humility and gentleness play in displacing anxiety, and the centrality of embodiment—experiencing peace not just spiritually, but in our bodies and everyday lives.

Listeners will find hope in the idea that anxiety doesn’t need to be eradicated, but can become a catalyst for experiencing God’s presence and peace more fully. As always, the episode closes with a heartfelt prayer, inviting us into a life marked not by frantic striving, but by the gentleness and trust that come from walking with the Prince of Peace.

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Welcome back to Restoring the Soul! In this episode, Michael John Cusick and Julianne Cusick dive deep into the world of intensive counseling, unpacking what makes Restoring the Soul’s approach unique and transformative. You’ll hear about the practical structure of their intensives—meeting with individuals and couples in three-hour blocks over one or two weeks—and what sets this method apart from traditional weekly counseling. They explore the importance of stepping away from daily life to create space for profound healing, the individualized attention each client receives, and the holistic integration of soul care, psychological expertise, and contemplative spiritual practices.

Throughout their candid conversation, Michael shares stories of how Restoring the Soul began, while Julianne offers reflections on the power of holding sacred space for clients' stories. If you’ve ever wondered what intensive counseling really means, or how a focused, custom-tailored process can spark breakthroughs in just two weeks, this episode will give you clarity and inspiration.

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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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