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Reality TV alum Jinger Duggar Vuolo joins host Steve Cuss to share her powerful journey from fear-based religion to authentic faith and emotional freedom. She opens up about growing up under Bill Gothard’s teachings, breaking free from people-pleasing, and healing from spiritual trauma. Together, Jinger and Steve explore how vulnerability, community, and self-awareness can lead to lasting transformation. This episode offers encouragement for anyone navigating identity, faith, and the pressure to meet others’ expectations.
Resources mentioned in this episode include:
Becoming Free Indeed: My Story of Disentangling Faith from Fear by Jinger Duggar Vuolo
People Pleaser: Breaking Free from the Burden of Imaginary Expectations
“Teens and Social Media: Key findings from Pew Research Center Surveys”
“How Social Media Affects Your Teen’s Mental Health: A Parent’s Guide”
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Author, psychotherapist, and recovering addict Ian Cron joins Steve Cuss for a powerful conversation on addiction, identity, and faith. Ian shares his personal struggles with alcoholism, the complexities of living as a public figure, and the spiritual insights gained through recovery. Steve and Ian explore the nature of addiction as a misguided solution to deeper wounds, the process of deconstructing faith on the way to reconstruction, and the church’s unique role in offering forgiveness and healing. This episode offers a raw reflection on the journey toward wholeness and the power of love in relationships.
Resources mentioned in this episode include:
Ian Cron
The Road Back To You by Ian Morgan Cron
Chasing Francis by Ian Morgan Cron
The Enneagram
The Fix: How the Twelve Steps Offer a Surprising Path of Transformation for the Well-Adjusted, the Down-and-Out, and Everyone In Between by Ian Morgan Cron
Young Life
Alcoholics Anonymous
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We may not expect leadership experts, a Grammy Award-winning music producer, and a former USAID worker to have much in common. But as Steve and Lisa Cuss reflect on the past four episodes of Being Human, they discover a trio of themes arising throughout the conversations.
Tune in as Steve and Lisa discuss words of wisdom from Uli Chi, Nathaniel Moller, Charlie Peacock, and Steve J. Cuss. They ponder the common threads of wondering what we do with fear, embracing curiosity, and exploring the intersection of playfulness and imagination. As they consider these poignant topics, Steve and Lisa offer insights into relational connection with ourselves, one another, and God.
Resources mentioned in this episode include:
“Walking in Wisdom with Uli Chi”
The Wise Leader by Uli Chi
T. S. Eliot
“USAID’s Demise, Fighting Malaria, and Being the Church with Nathaniel Moller”
“Down the Rabbit Hole with Charlie Peacock”
Roots & Rhythm: A Life in Music by Charlie Peacock
“Life Beyond Burnout with (Another) Steve Cuss”
Liberated Leadership: Unmasking the Authentic Leader Within by Steve J. Cuss
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First things first: Yes, both the host and guest on this episode are named Steve Cuss. The overlap doesn’t stop there, either. Both Steves work in the leadership space, host Steve through Capable Life and guest Steve through The GamePlan Consultancy.
The two discuss guest Steve’s career in the video game industry, the importance of mentorship, and the intensity of burnout. They talk about cultivating joy among teams, balancing compassion for others with one’s own needs, and the hallmarks of servant leadership. Steve and Steve reflect on the predictable patterns and attempted solutions among professionals, the dynamics of trauma healing, and the journey from self-awareness to self-growth.
Resources mentioned in this episode include:
The GamePlan Consultancy
Liberated Leadership: Unmasking the Authentic Leader Within by Steve J. Cuss
Capable Life
The Contrarian’s Guide to Leadership by Steven Sample
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
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Charlie Peacock is a Nashville music producer, jazz and rock-and-roll recording artist, singer-songwriter, and author. As Steve Cuss reflects on his friend Charlie's life, work, and new book Roots & Rhythm, a beautiful theme arises: the wildly relational nature of art.
Charlie and Steve talk about the world-class musicians Charlie has worked with, the vulnerability of creating songs in collaboration, and what it looks like to stay human sized on a global stage. They discuss encouragement, love, and the power of praise. Steve and Charlie also talk about Charlie’s sensitivity to the fear of others and how he has put into practice the work of love casting out fear.
Resources mentioned in this episode include:
“Putting Beauty into the World with Charlie Peacock and Andi Ashworth”
Roots & Rhythm: A Life in Music by Charlie Peacock
Why Everything That Doesn’t Matter, Matters So Much: The Way of Love in a World of Hurt by Andi Ashworth and Charlie Peacock
The Odyssey by Homer
“You Can Call Me Al” by Paul Simon
No Man’s Land by Charlie Peacock
Turtle Island by Gary Snyder
“Rowing Song” by Patty Griffin
Music & Meaning
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“The richest man in the world turned off billions of dollars in funding for the literal poorest people in the world. It’s just, from my perspective, incomprehensible.”
So says Nathaniel Moller, former USAID worker. Nathaniel and Steve discuss the presidential administration’s recent mass cuts to USAID programs and what the effects may be. They consider the cultural moments in America’s history when “the big C Church and the little church” have had a choice—operate out of fear or from love—and why Nathaniel believes such a moment is upon us now. They talk about the tenacity required to combat global issues such as malaria, the beauty of using our gifts and skills to further the kingdom, and why Nathaniel still has hope for the common good.
Resources mentioned in this episode include:
“US President’s Malaria Initiative for States (PMI-S) Project”
The Hole in Our Gospel: What Does God Expect of Us? The Answer That Changed My Life and Might Just Change the World by Richard Stearns
“The United States President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief”
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When Uli Chi thinks of wisdom, he primarily thinks of relational well-being.
Steve and Uli discuss where wisdom and relationships intersect, why we need wise leaders, and what it looks like to relate rather than react. They discuss the current political climate and how it affects human connections, and they consider the importance of treating people as persons, not as simple ideas. Uli sheds light on concrete steps for living wisely, drawing on biblical examples that provide hope, direction, and opportunities for delight.
Resources mentioned in this episode include:
Uli Chi
The Wise Leader by Uli Chi
“Ash Wednesday” by T. S. Eliot
Necessary Endings: The Employees, Businesses, and Relationships That All of Us Have to Give Up in Order to Move Forward by Henry Cloud
The Humor of Christ by Elton Trueblood
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What does it mean to live a fully integrated life in Christ?
Lisa and Steve Cuss return to do a deeper dive into some of the profound themes that have emerged in recent episodes of Being Human. They reflect on what it means to be bewildered by God, as Zach Meerkreebs experienced during the Asbury Outpouring. They unpack Kathleen Smith’s definition of differentiation and Eugene Cho’s challenge to focus on one global need while championing others in their callings. The conversation also delves into Steve Carter’s reflections on grief and the ways loss has shaped their own journeys of faith.
Tune in for a thoughtful, hope-filled conversation on living whole lives in Christ.
Resources mentioned in this episode include:
Glenn Packiam
“Authentic Love and The Asbury Outpouring with Zach Meerkreebs”
“How to Be ‘True to You’ with Kathleen Smith”
“Eugene Cho’s Guide to Mercy Over Burnout”
“Revisiting ‘Grieve, Breathe, Receive’ with Steve Carter”
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“Did you have integrity today?”
That’s the question that Steve Carter—author, podcaster, and former lead teaching pastor of Willow Creek Community Church—pictured his son asking him when allegations of sexual harassment against Bill Hybels emerged. Steve Carter shares how he has dealt with being misunderstood when his highest values were wielded against him. He talks about the power of the Resurrection and shares what propelled him to write Grieve, Breathe, Receive—a memoir on grief and healing. Listen in for a rich discussion on relationships, reactivity, and remembrance.
Resources mentioned in this episode include:
Luke: Interpretation: A Bible Commentary for Teaching and Preaching by Fred B. Craddock
Steve Carter
Craft & Character with Steve Carter
Grieve, Breathe, Receive: Finding a Faith Strong Enough to Hold Us by Steve Carter
The Thing Beneath the Thing: What’s Hidden Inside (and What God Helps Us Do About It) by Steve Carter
Willow Creek Community Church
“Managing Leadership Anxiety: Yours and Theirs”
“Cadet Prayer”
Annie F. Downs
Ira Glass
Camino de Santiago
“What Is a Verbatim?”
Compassion International
“Welcoming Practice”
The Worst James Harden Flops
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Feeling overwhelmed by the state of the world?
Steve Cuss and Eugene Cho, president of Bread for the World, offer wisdom for Christians who want to pursue justice without burning out. Eugene and Steve discuss moving from a savior complex to faithful discipleship, engaging politics with compassion, and using our gifts to fight hunger and inequality. Tune in for a powerful conversation on justice, mercy, and making a lasting impact.
Resources mentioned in this episode include:
Eugene Cho
Bread for the World
One Day’s Wages
International Justice Mission
A21
Compassion International
World Vision
“Pastors Share Top Reasons They’ve Considered Quitting Ministry in the Past Year”
“HIRR Releases New Report on Increasing Clergy Discontentment”
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Where does your energy go?
That’s the question therapist and author Kathleen Smith ponders with Steve Cuss as they discuss anxiety, people-pleasing, and playfulness. Their conversation covers the way people turn to relationships for comfort and the importance of recognizing our finite nature as humans. They talk about systems theory and how it shapes Smith’s therapy practice.
Smith and Cuss discuss the ups and downs of gossip, the power of intergenerational connections, and the intention it takes to shift from overfunctioning to resting in God.
Resources mentioned in this episode:
Kathleen Smith
True to You: A Therapist’s Guide to Stop Pleasing Others and Start Being Yourself by Kathleen Smith
Everything Isn’t Terrible: Conquer Your Insecurities, Interrupt Your Anxiety, and Finally Calm Down by Kathleen Smith
The Anxious Overachiever
Bowen Family Systems Theory
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When Zach Meerkreebs finished preaching at a university chapel service February 8, 2023, he texted his wife to say he felt like his sermon hadn’t gone well at all. Four hours later, he wept into a voice memo, asking her to load up their kids and head his way as soon as possible. What we now know as The Asbury Outpouring was beginning.
Meerkreebs, a pastor and author, describes what it’s like to be part of a supernatural movement that takes on a life of its own. He and Steve talk about the shame many preachers feel after giving sermons they feel went poorly and how Meerkreebs has learned to steward his emotions in those moments. They talk about the vulnerability of grief, how God has met Meerkreebs at various moments throughout his life, and their hopes for the discipleship of Generation Z.
Resources mentioned in this episode include:
Lower: Igniting Spiritual Awakening Through Radical Humility by Zach Meerkreebs
The Asbury Outpouring
Adrenaline and Stress: The Exciting New Breakthrough That Helps You Overcome Stress Damage by Archibald Hart
The Toronto Blessing
Awakenings
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Every human has three core relationships: to themselves, to others, and to God. Within those relationships, there are four dynamics that can infect them: assumptions, reactivity, predictable recurring patterns, and attempted solutions.
Listen in as Steve and Lisa Cuss start a conversation that explores these relationships and dynamics throughout 2025. The couple provides a high-level overview of each relationship and dynamic, setting the stage for upcoming episodes that will take deeper dives. They consider what the Lord’s Prayer and the Book of Job have to say about who we understand God and ourselves to be. Steve also gives a preview of guests soon to appear on Being Human, including Zach Meerkreebs, Kathleen Smith, and Ian Morgan Cron.
Resources mentioned in this episode include:
Epiphany
“It’s Friday But Sunday’s Comin! - Tony Campolo”
Zach Meerkreebs
Ian Morgan Cron
Kathleen Smith
Managing Leadership Anxiety: Yours and Theirs by Steve Cuss
The Expectation Gap:, The Tiny Vast Space between Our Beliefs & Our Experience of God by Steve Cuss
Capable Life
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Whether our holidays are snowy or sunny—as they are for Steve Cuss as he records from Perth, Australia—the same thing is true: Christmas is a time to remember God’s nearness to us. Steve looks to the text of Luke 2, exploring Mary and Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem and their quest for a place to stay. He describes the meaning behind the Greek word philoxenia (“love of the stranger”) and the Hebrew word Immanuel (“God with us”) and considers what those terms may mean for Christians today.
Ultimately, Steve encourages listeners to recognize that God is the ultimate host—welcoming us with love into a forever family.
Resources mentioned in this episode include:
Peculiar Treasures by Frederick Buechner
“Six White Boomers”
Philoxenia
Immanuel
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When the American version of The Office premiered on NBC in 2005, its all-star cast charged right through the fourth wall and looked the audience in the eye. The show’s unique style and cringeworthy stories didn’t just put a new kind of television on display—they explored anxiety in the workplace and relationships in a fresh, often embarrassment-fraught way.
As Steve Cuss and his son Andrew talk about the episode “Dinner Party”—arguably one of the most “I can’t keep watching this but I also can’t look away” moments of the show—they explore how the episode reveals anxieties and idiosyncrasies in the characters. They talk about enmeshment, detachment, and differentiation. Listen and consider how art often reflects our anxieties back to us and can help us better understand them.
Resources mentioned in this episode include:
The Office
“Dinner Party”
Friedman’s Fables by Ed Friedman
“Anxiety Is on the Runway in ‘The Devil Wears Prada’”
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What do a high schooler’s senior year and the offices of a high-fashion magazine have in common? Stress.
During a discussion of The Devil Wears Prada, Steve Cuss and his college-bound daughter, Kaylee Cuss, talk about the anxiety on display in the iconic Meryl Streep film. The two talk about how Streep’s character, Miranda Priestly, may be the one in charge, but she’s arguably also the most anxious. They talk about trying to fit into existing systems, high emotions in the workplace, and relational enmeshment. Tune in for a heartfelt, insightful discussion of failure, success, and taking care of the relationships that matter most.
Resources mentioned in this episode include:
The Devil Wears Prada
“Ep148: Gilmore Girls and Systems Theory”
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When Joy Allmond was fresh out of college, she struggled to find a professional role in her field. She decided to make the most of her young, single years and became a flight attendant. The Lord used that experience to broaden her perspective—especially when she staffed one of the first flights to take to the skies after September 11, 2001.
Now, Allmond is the executive editor of Christianity Today. She and Steve talk about how airport behavior often reveals deeper feelings and what it takes to manage a crisis. They talk about the recent CT redesign, new content in the magazine, and Allmond’s hopes for CT’s future. Allmond shares her thoughts on the church at its best, experiences of feeling fully loved, and taking time to hear from the Lord.
Resources mentioned in this episode include:
“We Can’t Worry Our Way to Peace”
November/December 2024 issue of Christianity Today
“CT Design, Redesign, and Re-redesign, from 1956 to Today”
“Qualms and Proverbs” (CT advice column)
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As the Thanksgiving holiday draws near in the US, Steve and Lisa Cuss reflect on the importance of gratitude. They talk about intentionally prioritizing the activities, people, and places that help us feel alive. Steve shares how keeping a Life Giving List has helped him through challenging faith seasons, and Lisa gives some practical examples for cultivating thankfulness in everyday life.
Steve and Lisa talk about the often emotional experience of gathering with family for holidays and how to develop a noticing frame of mind. They discuss political differences among loved ones, strategies for deepening our relational capacity, and the power of curiosity.
Resources mentioned in this episode include:
Capable Life Free Resource Dashboard (includes Life Giving List)
“Enneagram, Anxiety, and What We Live For” with Jimmy Carnes
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How can Christians know if they are managing their relationships in a healthy way? What does it look like to treat people with mental health disorders lovingly and respectfully? When should parents of young adults speak up, and when should they let their children learn on their own?
These are the types of inquiries that you, listeners of Being Human, have shared with us. Listen as the Cusses answer:
What are family systems theory and internal family systems theory, and how do they relate to faith?
How can Christians discern between healthy, gospel-based differentiation of self and becoming detached or cynical?
How can leaders operate so that those around them can air their differences without dumping all their projections onto the leader?
What does it look like to navigate settings where an individual’s mental health struggle is setting the tone for a group?
Since most well-meaning laypeople are not trained therapists, what is the church’s role in dealing with mental illness?
What are some words of wisdom for parents whose children will soon exit their teen years and enter young adulthood?
Resources mentioned in this episode include:
Bowen family systems theory
Internal family systems theory
A Failure of Nerve: Leadership in the Age of the Quick Fix by Edwin H. Friedman
Borderline personality disorder (BPD)
“Introducing ‘Being Human with Steve Cuss’”
Managing Leadership Anxiety: Yours and Theirs by Steve Cuss
The Expectation Gap: The Tiny, Vast Space between Our Beliefs & Experience of God by Steve Cuss
Capable Life
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Being fully seen and fully known can feel, in a word, terrifying. And yet, that’s exactly what our souls crave—and exactly what God designed for us to experience.
From the Sheep Meadow of New York City’s Central Park, Steve Cuss explores the idea of being entirely ourselves. He considers the two protective extremes that often keep people from being fully human: pretense and pretending. Cuss walks through 1 John 3:19–20, which describes being vulnerable in the presence of a God who is greater than our hearts that condemn us. He looks at Jesus as the preeminent example of being exactly ourselves, shares stories from his time as a chaplain, and offers practical steps for remaining loving and curious in relationships.
Resources mentioned in this episode include:
The Meaning of Marriage: Facing the Complexities of Commitment with the Wisdom of God by Timothy Keller with Kathy Keller
Capable Life Intensives
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