Being Human with Steve Cuss

There are different kinds of anxiety, but there is one type of anxiety that always feels real in the moment when it is not. Unlike acute anxiety which is always based on a real threat, like when you have to swerve to avoid a car, chronic anxiety is always based on a false threat. Like making everyone happy, or doing it perfectly every time or always needing to be there for others.  In this episode Steve and Lisa dig into what do you think you need that you don’t really need? And they also help you identify the big 5 sources of false anxiety.  Steve’s latest book explores the gap between our belief and our experience.  Help us spread the word! Leave a review or share this episode with someone who might benefit. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today on Being Human, it’s all about the Enneagram.  Steve Cuss welcomes back his friend and colleague Jimmy Carnes for a discussion about the nine types and how they reflect the character of God. Carnes explains the holy idea of each Enneagram type—also known as the nine faces of God—and the ways that we are all striving for one aspect of God to be true.  Carnes and Cuss discuss the nuances of their types and others. They consider how the Enneagram system can help people identify where they lose connection with God, themselves, and others. And they discuss navigating grief and anxiety as complex humans who are loved by God. Resources mentioned in this episode include: Capable Life The Enneagram Papillion Thomas Keating’s “Programs for Happiness” “If Discerning Good & Evil is Good, Why Was the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil Bad?” (Greg Boyd, ReKnew) I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For by U2 History of the World: Part I The Good Doctor Andy Gullahorn Rich Mullins “Being Human with Steve Cuss” is a production of Christianity Today Executive Produced by Erik Petrik and Mike Cosper Produced and Edited by Matt Stevens Associate Producers: McKenzie Hill, Raed Gilliam, and Abby Perry Theme song by Dan Phelps Original Music by Andy Gullahorn Mix Engineer: Kevin Morris Graphic Design: Amy Jones Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Start paying attention. Those three words sound simple enough. And yet, just about everyone who has tried to focus on understanding what’s going on inside themselves knows that the process can get tricky pretty fast. Introspection can be as infuriating as it is illuminating. On this episode of Being Human, host Steve Cuss welcomes his dear friend and co-laborer at Capable Life Jimmy Carnes to talk about paying attention. Their conversation covers dehumanization, inner critics, and anxiety. Carnes explains what triangulation is and how Christians can notice and respond to it. He shares some of his own sources of anxiety, how he’s working on addressing them, and how building Lego has become a life-giving habit for him. Tune in for an episode that is full of tips for growing more connected to God, yourself, and others. And be sure to come back next week as Carnes and Cuss’ describe how the Enneagram, reactivity, and anxiety all fit together, and how the Enneagram can help us connect to God. Resources mentioned in this episode include: Capable Life The Enneagram “Being Human with Steve Cuss” is a production of Christianity Today Executive Produced by Erik Petrik and Mike Cosper Produced and Edited by Matt Stevens Associate Producers: McKenzie Hill, Raed Gilliam, and Abby Perry Theme song by Dan Phelps Original Music by Andy Gullahorn Mix Engineer: Kevin Morris Graphic Design: Amy Jones Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What happens when we’re reactive? We disconnect from our awareness of God.  So says Steve Cuss on this episode of Being Human. With concrete advice and a tone of encouragement, Cuss illuminates the path for listeners who want to name what causes their reactivity so they can stay connected to themselves, God, and others.  Cuss explores how Jesus paves a way for us to connect to our so-called enemies. He directs listeners into prayer and peace as he shares stories of addressing anxiety and reactivity in his own life. And he helps listeners identify how reactivity shows up in their bodies so that they can actively diffuse it. Tune in for an episode that is Scripturally rich, gently guiding, and practically applicable. Resources mentioned in this episode include: Managing Leadership Anxiety  Capable Life Richard Villodas Experimental Theology with Richard Beck “Being Human with Steve Cuss” is a production of Christianity Today Executive Produced by Erik Petrik and Mike Cosper Produced and Edited by Matt Stevens Associate Producers: McKenzie Hill, Raed Gilliam, and Abby Perry Theme song by Dan Phelps Original Music by Andy Gullahorn Mix Engineer: Kevin Morris Graphic Design: Amy Jones Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Steve digs deeper into the anxiety known as "reactivity" and the different ways we all respond when our values are broken by others. He uses the 2024 presidential election as an example, giving viewers a couple of tools to manage reactivity. For more about Steve, and to download his video ‘The 4 Spaces of Anxiety’ visit stevecusswords.com Being Human with Steve Cuss, in collaboration with Christianity Today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The first episode of Being Human With Steve Cuss, in collaboration with Christianity Today. Steve talks about the nature of reactivity, how it disconnects us, and how being a ‘well self’ is kept for human flourishing. Steve shares much of his own journey and gives a couple of tools to manage reactivity.  For more about Steve, and to download his video ‘The 4 Spaces of Anxiety’ visit www.stevecusswords.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Hosts Steve and Lisa Cuss share five practical tips for maintaining emotional and mental well-being during the Christmas season. They discuss handling family tensions, grief, and the pressures of holiday preparations, emphasizing self-awareness, emotional preparation, and setting boundaries. Blending personal stories and spiritual reflections, they encourage listeners to notice their emotional states, manage reactions, and make space for both joy and sadness. The episode offers compassionate, human-sized advice to help listeners create a peaceful, connected, and meaningful holiday experience, even amid challenges.  Episode Resources: Secure your copy of The Five Steps to Christmas Sanity PDF Listen: Anxiety, the Nervous System, and Your Window of Tolerance: Lisa Cuss & Clarissa Moll John Chapter 1 (ESV)  Revelation 21:3-4 (Eugene Peterson’s The Message) AA Meeting Guidelines Sign up for Steve’s Newsletter & Podcast Reminders: Capable Life Newsletter New Candles, Advent Prayers, and Journals: https://www.stevecusswords.com/ Join Steve at an upcoming intensive:  Capable Life Intensives Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of Being Human, Lisa Cuss explores how anxiety and stress push us outside our God-given window of tolerance. With monthly co-host Clarissa Moll, Lisa unpacks how the nervous system reacts to overwhelm, the difference between hyperarousal and hypoarousal, and practical tools for grounding, breath prayers, embodied faith, and reconnecting with God’s presence. This conversation on emotional health, trauma, and Christian spiritual formation can help you stay rooted in God’s presence, reduce reactivity, and remain human-sized in stressful situations. Episode Resources: Learn about Dr. Daniel Siegel’s work Learn more about the Window of Tolerance  How to recognize Hyper arousal and Hypo arousal  30 30 Grounding Techniques to Quiet Distressing Thoughts Book recommendations on the Apostle Paul and His work as community Builder Read John 1:14 (ESV) Mark 12:28-31 (ESV) More From Clarissa Moll: Clarissa Moll’s The Bulletin podcast Explore Clarissa Moll’s website Read Clarissa Moll’s substack Sign up for Steve’s Newsletter & Podcast Reminders: Capable Life Newsletter New Candles, Advent Prayers, and Journals: https://www.stevecusswords.com/ Join Steve at an upcoming intensive:  Capable Life Intensives Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Hosts Steve and Lisa Cuss explore how to manage your mental load, emotional load, and anxiety by revisiting powerful conversations with Clarissa Moll, Lysa TerKeurst, and Abby Thompson. Together, they unpack how emotional and mental “fields” work, how anxiety spreads between people, and what it means to stay human-sized instead of reacting by getting bigger or smaller. Clarissa shares insights on reactivity and the “mama bear” instinct, Lysa offers transformative wisdom on boundaries, codependency, and healing from unwanted divorce, and Abby brings a Gen Z perspective on comparison, social media, and the slow work of God. It’s a practical guide for anyone seeking Christian emotional health, anxiety management, spiritual formation, self-awareness, and healthier relationships rooted in God’s presence and peace. Episode Resources: Abby Thomspon’s Growing Lysa Terkeurst’s Surviving an Unwanted Divorce Steve Cuss’s book Managing Leadership Anxiety: Yours and Theirs  Anne Lamott’s book Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life (“crappy first draft”) Learn more about: Kosuke Koyama More From Clarissa Moll: Clarissa Moll’s The Bulletin podcast Explore Clarissa Moll’s website Read Clarissa Moll’s substack Original Episodes Links: How to Stay Human-Sized: Managing Anxiety, Reactivity, and Faith with Steve Cuss & Clarissa Moll Lysa TerKeurst on Surviving an Unwanted Divorce and Finding Healing Through Faith Abby Thompson on Overcoming Anxiety in the Big City Sign up for Steve’s Newsletter & Podcast Reminders: Capable Life Newsletter New Candles, Advent Prayers, and Journals: https://www.stevecusswords.com/ Join Steve at an upcoming intensive:  Capable Life Intensives Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Host Steve Cuss and Author Abby Thompson talk about anxiety, faith, and the pressure of coming of age in the digital era. From high school to her college years in Nashville to her leap of faith moving to New York City, Abby shares how therapy, prayer, and community helped her navigate fear, self-doubt, anxious thoughts, and the noisy expectations of social media. Together, they explore what it means to stay human-sized in a world obsessed with achievement, and how slowing down to notice God’s presence can transform anxiety into peace and purpose. Episode Resources: Abby Thomspon’s Growing Redeemer Church (Upper West Side)  Jonathan Haidt’s The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood Is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness  Biblical References: Matthew 22:37-39 (ESV) 2 Corinthians 12:9 (ESV)  Sign up for Steve’s Newsletter & Podcast Reminders: Capable Life Newsletter New Candles, Advent Prayers, and Journals: https://www.stevecusswords.com/ Join Steve at an upcoming intensive:  Capable Life Intensives Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Host Steve Cuss and bestselling author and Bible teacher Lysa TerKeurst shares her raw, faith-filled journey through betrayal, gaslighting, and the heartbreak of an unwanted divorce while discovering how to stay rooted in God’s presence and emotional health. Steve and Lysa explore mismatched relationships, codependency, and the sacred work of setting healthy boundaries that protect peace and dignity. A deeply honest and redemptive conversation offering hope and wisdom for anyone walking through relational pain, loss, or the slow rebuilding of trust. Episode Resources: Lysa Terkeurst’s Surviving an Unwanted Divorce Learn more about Craig Groeschel’s work HERE Lysa TerKeurst and Craig Groeschel: The Power To Change Lysa TerKeurst and Craig Groeschel: Doubts Don’t Make You a Bad Christian  Learn more about Dr. Joel Muddamalle’s work HERE Get in touch with Dr. Jim Cress HERE Dr. Jim Cress: Practical Ways To Talk About Boundaries (video) Read Why Betrayal Can Cause Trauma and How to Start Healing Biblical References: Genesis 28 (ESV) - Jacob’s Dream Mark 14:32-43 (ESV) - Jesus Prays in Garden of Gethsemane   More From Lysa TerKeurst: Check out Lysa’s website Follow Lysa on Instagram Lysa’s podcast: Therapy & Theology Sign up for Steve’s Newsletter & Podcast Reminders: Capable Life Newsletter New Candles, Advent Prayers, and Journals: https://www.stevecusswords.com/ Join Steve at an upcoming intensive: Capable Life Intensives Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Host Steve Cuss and Clarissa Moll explore what it means to live “human-sized” — not too big, not too small — in our relationships with others, ourselves, and God. Through personal stories and honest reflection, they unpack how anxiety distorts reality, driving us to dominate or shrink back, and how spiritual practices help us return to balance. Learn how to recognize reactivity, practice discernment, and stay grounded in God’s presence, even in moments of stress or conflict. Steve and Clarissa help listeners move toward emotional health, self-awareness, and spiritual growth in everyday life. Episode Resources: Steve Cuss’s book Managing Leadership Anxiety: Yours and Theirs  Anne Lamott’s book Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life (“crappy first draft”) Biblical References: Luke 19:1–10 (ESV) Zacchaeus and Jesus 1 Kings 19 (ESV) Elijah Flees Jezebel  More From Clarissa Moll: Clarissa Moll’s The Bulletin podcast Explore Clarissa Moll’s website Read Clarissa Moll’s substack Sign up for Steve’s Newsletter & Podcast Reminders: Capable Life Newsletter New Candles, Advent Prayers, and Journals: https://www.stevecusswords.com/ Join Steve at an upcoming intensive:  Capable Life Intensives Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Steve and Lisa Cuss explore how to transform emotional reactivity into deeper, more authentic relationships in this episode of Being Human. Guests Carla Harding and Brian Heasley from 24-7 Prayer share insights on using prayer to turn anxiety into spiritual growth, even across partisan divides. Alicia Britt Chole discusses sacred lessons found in the dark nights of the soul. We dive into practical tools for healthier communication, understanding generational dynamics, and fostering compassion in all your relationships with Clarissa Moll. Join us and learn to navigate life with greater presence and relational resilience. Episode Resources: Rich Mullins' Eli’s Song John Townsend's 21 Relational Nutrients Dr. Alicia Britt Chole’s The Night Is Normal: A Guide through Spiritual Pain Dr. Alicia Britt Chole’s The Sacred Slow: A Holy Departure from Fast Faith Learn more:  24-7 Prayer International Download & Explore: Lectio 365 (a free daily prayer app) Carla Harding’s Stories of Prayer (Video) Books by Brian Heasley Article: “Gen-Z Is Labeled As ‘Difficult’ In The Workplace, But There’s More To The Story” Article: 'We See Children As Pestilent' (building on the idea attributed to Socrates) Clarissa Moll’s The Bulletin podcast Explore Clarissa Moll’s website Read Clarissa Moll’s substack Matthew 26:36-46 (ESV) - The Garden of Gethsemane Sign up for Steve’s Newsletter & Podcast Reminders: Capable Life Newsletter New Candles, Advent Prayers, and Journals: https://www.stevecusswords.com/ Join Steve at an upcoming intensive: Capable Life Intensives Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Host Steve Cuss welcomes Dr. Alicia Britt Chole (Dr. ABC) for a profound conversation on faith, doubt, and spiritual transformation. Once a strident atheist, Dr. ABC shares her journey to a deep faith in Jesus, revealing how questioning and belief can coexist beautifully. Together, they explore the art of living in the plural—inviting Jesus into our thoughts, relationships, and even the challenges of parenting a child on the autism spectrum—showing how grace, wisdom, and love shape a resilient life of faith. Episode Resources: Dr. Alicia Britt Chole’s The Night Is Normal: A Guide through Spiritual Pain Dr. Alicia Britt Chole’s The Sacred Slow: A Holy Departure from Fast Faith Matthew 22:36-40; John 17 (ESV) - The Greatest Commandment Matthew 26:36-46 (ESV) - The Garden of Gethsemane More From Dr. Alicia Britt Chole: Read Dr. Britt Chole’s blog HEREFollow Dr. Britt Chole on instagram 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

Host Steve Cuss speaks with Brian Heasley and Carla Harding of the 24-7 Prayer Movement, drawing from their experiences as a Protestant and Catholic who lived through The Troubles in Northern Ireland and the lasting impact of that divided era. Together, they discuss how prayer, faith, and empathy can bring healing, unity, and peace to both individuals and communities. Through honest reflections on anxiety, spiritual discipline, and grace, Brian and Carla share how the Lectio 365 app helps people stay grounded in God amid life’s pressures. This inspiring conversation offers hope for anyone seeking Christian unity, emotional well-being, and deeper spiritual growth. Episode Resources: Is this America’s version of ‘The Troubles’ of Northern Ireland? (San Diego Union-Tribune) A Brief History of “The Troubles” Learn more:  24-7 Prayer International Download & Explore: Lectio 365 (a free daily prayer app) More about Pete Greig (24-7 Prayer founder) Carla Harding’s Stories of Prayer (Video) Books by Brian Heasley Books by Carla Harding 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

Clarissa Moll is back to flip the script on Steve Cuss, unpacking the power dynamics, generational divides, and identity challenges that shape today’s leadership. From Colin Powell’s intentional practices to the biblical wisdom of Jesus and Paul, they explore how emotional safety, vulnerability, and faith create healthier families, workplaces, and churches. This conversation offers practical insights for leaders seeking to build inclusive communities, authentic connections, and resilient discipleship in a divided world. Episode Resources: Colin Powell’s book It Worked for Me Article: Gen-Z Is Labeled As ‘Difficult’ In The Workplace, But There’s More To The Story Me Too movement - Mentioned in relation to creating emotionally safe environments. Exploring Malcolm Gladwell’s "Magic Third" Rule Article: 'We See Children As Pestilent' (building on the idea attributed to Socrates) More From Clarissa Moll: Clarissa Moll’s The Bulletin podcast Explore Clarissa Moll’s website Read Clarissa Moll’s substack Previous Episodes with Steve and Clarissa: Steve and Clarissa’s August episode of Being Human Steve and Clarissa’s September episode of Being Human 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

Hosts Steve and Lisa Cuss look back at insights from Matt Wenger, Ben Mandrell, and Kyle Strobel on the themes of healing, leadership, and spiritual formation. Matt shares insights on overcoming pornography and sex addiction with grace and self-kindness, Ben reflects on playful leadership and resilience during his time at Lifeway, and Kyle unpacks the role of discipleship and spiritual growth in navigating life’s challenges. Episode Resources: Explore Matt’s work at the Begin Again Institute Understanding the Signs and Causes of Betrayal Trauma More about Ben Mandrell  Read about the turbulent times at Lifeway Resources  Read Dr. Strobel’s Formation Substack Read Dr. Strobel’s book The Way of the Dragon or the Way of the Lamb: Searching for Jesus’ Path of Power in a Church that Has Abandoned It Read Galatians 3 Complete Episodes: Sex and Porn Addiction, Misconceptions That Prevent Healing with Matt Wenger Beyond Self-Help: Real Spiritual Formation with Dr. Kyle Strobel Ben Mandrell on Leadership and Resilience in Turbulent Times Sign up for Steve’s Newsletter & Podcast Reminders: Capable Life Newsletter Join Steve at an upcoming intensive:  Capable Life Intensives Explore more CT with our free newsletters: christianitytoday.com/newsletters  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Host Steve Cuss welcomes Ben Mandrell, former president of Lifeway Resources and current senior pastor at Bellevue Baptist Church, for a rich conversation on leadership,faith, and resilience when things are good or in flux. Ben shares candid reflections on navigating cultural shifts, organizational challenges, and the personal cost of leadership amid institutional changes. From closing bookstores at Lifeway to finding joy and playfulness even amid tragedy, his journey reveals how presence and discernment sustain both leaders and communities. Steve and Ben explore the power of daily spiritual practices and small acts of connection that strengthen our relationships with God and one another. Episode Resources: More about Ben Mandrell  Learn about Bellevue Baptist Church Read about Ben Mandrell's call to the Bellevue senior pastor role Read about the turbulent times at Lifeway Resources  Watch Rick Warren's address to the SBC in 2022  Listen to the sermons of Adrian Rogers Explore the work of Mark Batterson  Read Steve Cuss’ book: Managing Leadership Anxiety  Sign up for Steve’s Newsletter & Podcast Reminders: Capable Life Newsletter Join Steve at an upcoming intensive:  Capable Life Intensives Explore more CT with our free newsletters: christianitytoday.com/newsletters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Host Steve Cuss and Dr. Kyle Strobel disrupt self-help versions of spirituality and call us back to genuine encounters with Christ. Together we explore how hidden dynamics like assumptions, reactivity, and self-reliance often sabotage spiritual formation—and why cultivating watchfulness in prayer and scripture is the antidote. Drawing from Colossians 4:2, early evangelical practices, and personal stories, Dr. Strobel shows how honesty about our emotions in real time opens the door to true transformation. We also name the dangers of “guruism,” guilt-driven church culture, and unrealistic expectations, pointing instead to authentic growth rooted in humility, friendship, and God’s presence in the ordinary. Episode Resources: Read Dr. Strobel’s Formation Substack Read Dr. Strobel’s book The Way of the Dragon or the Way of the Lamb: Searching for Jesus’ Path of Power in a Church that Has Abandoned It Read Dr. Strobel’s book Where Prayer Becomes Real: How Honesty with God Transforms Your Soul John Coe’s free online Bible courses An introduction to the life and writings of John Cassian (video) Read Colossians 4:2 Read Galatians 3 Read Colossians 2 Read Psalm 73 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

Host Steve Cuss sits down with Matt Wenger for a candid conversation about addiction, intimacy, and healing. Together, they unpack the complexities of sexual addiction, the ripple effects it has on loved ones, and why recovery is best understood as a "team sport." Matt highlights the power of vulnerability, group support, and true intimacy as antidotes to the false connections addiction promises. Steve and Matt also shine a light on betrayal trauma experienced by partners, offering hope, empathy, and pathways toward healing for everyone impacted. Episode Resources: Explore Matt’s work at the Begin Again Institute Understanding the Signs and Causes of Betrayal Trauma Romans (from the New Testament) - It is mentioned in the context of discussing sin as an infection or condition rather than solely a moral issue. Read The Great Commandment (in Luke, Matthew, and Mark’s gospels) Read Romans 8:38-39  Read Romans 7 (Paul discuss sin struggles) More about Matt Wenger Other Media: Steve & Clarissa Moll discuss the Four Spaces of Anxiety Sign up for Steve’s Newsletter & Podcast Reminders: Capable Life Newsletter Join Steve at an upcoming intensive:  Capable Life IntensivesExplore more CT with our free newsletters: christianitytoday.com/newsletters  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices