Episodes

  • Creedal Statements, the Nervous System, and Hunting For Character

    Creedal Statements, the Nervous System, and Hunting For Character
    Jul 7 2025
    Lisa Cuss joins Steve to recap three powerful conversations that remind us why our place in the universal, everlasting body of Christ matters now more than ever. Together, they revisit key insights from Glenn Packiam, Chuck DeGroat, and Kyle Idleman—connecting themes of identity and spiritual resilience. From the unifying power of the Nicene Creed to confronting toxic leadership and overcoming inner battles, Steve and Lisa show how spiritual formation offers bold clarity in the chaos of modern life. Resources mentioned in this episode include: Kyle Idleman’s Website Kyle Idleman’s Every Thought Captive: Calm the Mental Chaos That Keeps You Stuck, Drains Your Hope, and Holds You Back Explore Southeast Christian Church Glenn Packiam’s What's a Christian, Anyway?: Finding Our Way in an Age of Confusion and Corruption The Nicene Creed as stated in The Online Book of Common Prayer Glenn Packiam's website The work of Chuck DeGroat at Western Seminary Explore the Soul Care Institute The work of Michael Gurian Sign up for Steve’s Newsletter & Podcast Reminders: Capable Life Newsletter Join Steve at an upcoming intensive: Capable Life Intensives Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    40 mins
  • Michael Wear: Finding Purpose in Politics and Faith

    Michael Wear: Finding Purpose in Politics and Faith
    Jun 30 2025
    Feeling burned out by outrage culture and partisan spin? President and CEO of the Center for Christianity and Public Life Michael Wear joins Steve Cuss to chart a bold, faith-rooted path through today’s political chaos. Together, they unpack how Christians can reclaim civic agency through local action, community impact, and love-fueled political engagement. Michael’s sharp insights will challenge listeners to move beyond despair and toward a redemptive, grounded vision of faith and politics. Resources mentioned in this episode include: The Center for Christianity and Public Life Michael Wear’s The Spirit of Our Politics Michael Wear’s Reclaiming Hope Irresistible Church Network The Morning Five with Michael Wear (podcast) The Bulletin (podcast) Congregation Land Campaign The work of opinion columnist Ross Douthat (New York Times) The work of opinion columnist Jamelle Bouie (New York Times) Sign up for Steve’s Newsletter & Podcast Reminders: Capable Life Newsletter Join Steve at an upcoming intensive: Capable Life Intensives Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    42 mins
  • Kyle Idleman Takes Every Thought Captive

    Kyle Idleman Takes Every Thought Captive
    Jun 23 2025
    Senior pastor and bestselling author Kyle Idleman joins Steve Cuss to explore the mental battles we all face—and how to overcome them. Using insights from his latest book, Every Thought Captive, Kyle explains the powerful connection between brain science, biblical truth, and emotional health. Together, Steve and Kyle offer ways to break toxic thought patterns and rewire your mindset for spiritual and mental transformation. If you're struggling with anxiety, offense, or negative talk, this episode delivers practical tools to react well. Resources mentioned in this episode include: Kyle Idleman’s Website Kyle Idleman’s Every Thought Captive: Calm the Mental Chaos That Keeps You Stuck, Drains Your Hope, and Holds You Back All books by Kyle Idleman Explore Southeast Christian Church Bob Russell Ministries Dave Stone’s The Ascent Leader Anger, Grief, and C.S. Lewis 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane - Matthew 26:36-46 (ESV) How Do I Take My Thoughts Captive? Galatians 6:2-5 (NLT) Sign up for Steve’s Newsletter & Podcast Reminders: Capable Life Newsletter Join Steve at an upcoming intensive: Capable Life Intensives Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    43 mins
  • Dancing with Doubt, the Past, and Temporary Sacred Spaces

    Dancing with Doubt, the Past, and Temporary Sacred Spaces
    Jun 16 2025
    Lisa’s back! Join host Steve Cuss and the therapist he turns to with his own questions – his wife. They examine some of Steve’s recent conversations about the intricate dance between faith and doubt. Drawing insights from guests like Geoff and Cyd Holsclaw and Dr. Jennifer Ripley, they explore how doubt can serve as a catalyst for spiritual growth. Unpack the ways childhood attachment styles influence our adult relationships with God and others, and offer practical ways the church can support those in crisis. Tune in for a conversation that promises to deepen your understanding of faith's complexities and inspire meaningful discussions anywhere doubt tries to co-mingle with faith. Resources mentioned in this episode include: Jennifer Ripley’s Ministering to Families in Crisis Cyd & Geoff Holsclaw’s Landscapes of the Soul: How the Science and Spirituality of Attachment Can Move You into Confident Faith, Courage, and Connection Frederick Buechner: Faith Despite Doubt Frederick buechner’s defines Doubt Philip Yancy: Faith and Doubt Philip Yancy: A Time to Doubt N.T. Wright’s The Resurrection of Jesus as a Historical Problem N.T. Wright’s The Resurrection of the Son of God Matthew 28:16-20 (ESV) The Great Commission Further Listening: Inviting Doubt to Deepen Your Faith Experience Finding Freedom in Temporary Spaces Jen Ripley: Supporting Mental Health Without Sacrificing Your Well Being Cyd and Geoff Holsclaw: How Your Past Shapes You and Wounds Others Sign up for Steve’s Newsletter & Podcast Reminders: Capable Life Newsletter Finding Freedom in Temporary Spaces Join Steve at an upcoming intensive: Capable Life Intensives Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    39 mins
  • Glenn Packiam Tells What’s Missing From the Global Church

    Glenn Packiam Tells What’s Missing From the Global Church
    Jun 9 2025
    What happens when the Nicene Creed collides with TikTok theology? Host Steve Cuss and pastor-author Glenn Packiam unpack how this historic confession still anchors Christian identity in a digital age obsessed with individual “truth.” They explore the tension between personal experience and historic orthodoxy, the global church’s diverse voices, and why real unity starts in community—not algorithms. Steve and Glenn offer hope for listeners wrestling back to a rooted, resilient Christianity that rises above cultural noise. Resources mentioned in this episode include: Glenn Packiam’s What's a Christian, Anyway?: Finding Our Way in an Age of Confusion and Corruption The Nicene Creed as stated in The Online Book of Common Prayer Glenn Packiam's website Follow Glenn Packiam on instagram Books by Glenn Packiam Sign up for Steve’s Newsletter & Podcast Reminders: Capable Life Newsletter Join Steve at an upcoming intensive: Capable Life Intensives Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    36 mins
  • Chuck DeGroat and The Crisis of Integrity in Church Leadership

    Chuck DeGroat and The Crisis of Integrity in Church Leadership
    Jun 2 2025
    What happens when character formation breaks down in church leadership? Steve Cuss and psychologist-theologian Chuck DeGroat work through the hidden dynamics behind pastoral burnout, narcissism, and the slow erosion of integrity. They explore how unexamined coping mechanisms shape identity, why church boards often miss red flags, and what it really takes to create a culture of safety and true accountability. Steve and Chuck offer tools for healthier leadership—inside and outside the church. Resources mentioned in this episode include: The work of Chuck DeGroat at Western Seminary Explore the Soul Care Institute The work of Michael Gurian Chuck DeGroat’s When Narcissism Comes to Church: Healing Your Community From Emotional and Spiritual Abuse Chuck DeGroat’s Wholeheartedness: Busyness, Exhaustion, and Healing the Divided Self Chuck DeGroat’s Healing What’s Within: Coming Home to Yourself--and to God--When You're Wounded, Weary, and Wandering Sign up for Steve’s Newsletter & Podcast Reminders: Capable Life Newsletter Join Steve at an upcoming intensive: Capable Life Intensives Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    48 mins
  • Cyd and Geoff Holsclaw: How Your Past Shapes You and Wounds Others

    Cyd and Geoff Holsclaw: How Your Past Shapes You and Wounds Others
    May 26 2025
    What if your earliest relationships are still shaping your faith today? With this in mind, Steve Cuss sits down with Cyd and Geoff Holsclaw to explore how attachment theory influences our connection to ourselves, others, and God. From insecure attachment styles and coping mechanisms to trauma, church culture, and spiritual growth, Steve and the Holsclaws dive deep into the psychology behind our relational patterns—and how self-awareness and God’s love can lead to healing. Listen and join Steve as you navigate closeness or independence, maybe even rethink your faith journey. Resources mentioned in this episode include: The Pool of Siloam, Where Jesus Healed the Blind Man Cyd & Geoff Holsclaw’s Center for Embodied Faith Cyd & Geoff Holsclaw’s Landscapes of the Soul: How the Science and Spirituality of Attachment Can Move You into Confident Faith, Courage, and Connection Bessel van der Kolk’s The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma Sign up for Steve’s Newsletter & Podcast Reminders: Capable Life Newsletter Join Steve at an upcoming intensive: Capable Life Intensives Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    40 mins
  • Jen Ripley, Ph.D.: Supporting Mental Health Without Sacrificing Your Well Being

    Jen Ripley, Ph.D.: Supporting Mental Health Without Sacrificing Your Well Being
    May 19 2025
    How can we walk with people through a crisis without burning out? Psychologist and professor Dr. Jen Ripley joins Steve to offer a practical guide for churches supporting people facing grief, trauma, and emotional distress. From setting boundaries to building strong community networks, Jen extends clear, compassionate wisdom for both pastors and lay leaders. This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking to care well—without losing themselves in the process. Resources mentioned in this episode include: Charis Institute Regent University School of Psychology and Counseling The Church Cares Ministering to Families in Crisis Sign up for Steve’s Newsletter & Podcast Reminders: Capable Life Newsletter Join Steve at one of his upcoming intensives: Capable Life Intensives Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    37 mins