Shows
The Nothing Is Wasted PodcastEpisode 384 - Sacred Attachment with Michael CusickWhat happens when our lived experience doesn’t align with what we believe about God? How do we hold on to faith when trauma, suffering, or loss shatters our spiritual foundation?
Author and counselor Michael Cusick understands this tension intimately. As a survivor of childhood abuse, Michael found himself caught in self-destructive cycles that threatened his soul and relationships. Yet through his own healing journey, he discovered the profound impact our personal stories have on our attachment to God — and how restoring that attachment can transform our lives.
Now, through his intensive counseling work...2025-07-031h 07
UpNext with Tommy LeeHealing, Shame, and the Inner Life of a Leader with Michael CusickIn this episode, Tommy Lee sits down with licensed counselor, spiritual director, and author Michael Cusick for an honest conversation about pain, identity, and healing in the life of a leader.Michael shares how his early experiences shaped his calling, the critical difference between guilt and shame, and how God’s severe mercy, grace in our broken moments can transform us. They also reflect on biblical characters and the importance of closing the gap between what we believe and how we live.Whether you're navigating burnout, carrying hidden wounds, or longing to lead more authentically, th...2025-05-2037 min
Broken to Beloved Podcast050: Seeing Our Brokenness as a Bridge, Not a Barrier with Michael CusickHow do you restore a relationship with God after spiritual abuse?It makes sense that you might struggle with the idea of being held and loved by God after experiencing spiritual abuse, or any other form of abuse, for that matter.In this episode with Michael Cusick, author of Sacred Attachment: Escaping Spiritual Exhaustion and Trusting in Divine Love, helps us understand the safe love available through God and how we might go about receiving it.We cover everything from dancing nuns to adult bookstore floors to the holiness of wholeness. Listen and...2025-05-1359 min
Restoring the Soul with Michael John CusickEpisode 343 - Michael John Cusick, "Two Kinds of Christians"Welcome to another episode of "Restoring the Soul with Michael John Cusick." Today, we delve into the compelling concept of what it means to be a Christian – a question that sparks a fascinating discussion on the dichotomy between list makers and storytellers. Inspired by the insights of Dr. Rodney Reeves, Michael and AJ Denson explore themes from Michael's book, "Sacred Attachment," emphasizing the importance of moving beyond doctrines and commandments to embrace a vibrant, embodied faith. Join us as we unpack the profound invitation to experience God not just through belief but through the intimate storytelling of our...2025-04-0753 min
Soul Talks With Bill & Kristi GaultiereSacred Attachment (Conversation with Michael Cusick)Many of us carry trauma or wounds that make us believe there’s no hope for secure attachment with God. But what if Jesus is already present in the parts of you that feel wounded and embarrassed? The good news is that brokenness is a bridge — not a barrier — to embracing the depths of God’s love.Join us for this episode of Soul Talks as Kristi chats with Michael Cusick —professional counselor and author of Sacred Attachment: Escaping Spiritual Exhaustion and Trusting in Divine Love. His story of abuse and restoration will help you open every...2025-02-1837 minRestoring the Soul with Michael John CusickEpisode 337 - Michael John Cusick, "Sacred Attachment, Part 2: How We Close the Gap In Our Spiritual Life"Welcome to Restoring the Soul with Michael John Cusick. In this engaging episode, we dive into the profound themes of Michael's latest book, "Sacred Attachment: Escaping Spiritual Exhaustion and Trusting in Divine Love." Joined by A.J. Denson, Michael explores the deep-seated gaps between what we believe and what we actually experience in our spiritual lives. Delving into the concept of "Delta," he discusses both the distance and potential union between these gaps, drawing from personal experiences and spiritual wisdom. With references to spiritual giants like Dallas Willard and employing rich imagery of rivers meeting, Michael illustrates how healing...2025-02-1432 minRestoring the Soul with Michael John CusickEpisode 336 - Michael John Cusick, "Sacred Attachment, Part 1: Being Held"Welcome to another episode of "Restoring the Soul with Michael John Cusick." In today's conversation, Michael sits down with AJ Denson to dive deep into the profound themes of Michael's latest book, "Sacred Attachment." Together, they explore the concept of 'spinning' introduced in the first chapter and reflect on how it symbolizes the disorientation and reorientation we experience in life's journey. Michael shares a personal childhood story that beautifully illustrates the unexpected embrace of love amid chaos, providing a powerful foundation for understanding God's unwavering love and connection. As they unpack the transformative power of love and spiritual connection...2025-02-0727 minRestoring the Soul with Michael John CusickEpisode 335 - Michael John Cusick & Ian Morgan Cron, "The 12 Steps for Everyone"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 profound and transformative 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 spiritual 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 fo...2025-01-3143 minRestoring the Soul with Michael John CusickEpisode 334 - Michael John Cusick & James Bryan Smith Discuss Sacred AttachmentWelcome to another episode of Restoring the Soul with Michael John Cusick. Today we're diving into a meaningful conversation on spiritual formation, brokenness, and divine love with our dear friend and ally, James Bryan Smith. In this episode, Michael shares deeply from his own journey of overcoming personal brokenness, including abuse, addiction, deception, and betrayal, to find wholeness through a closer walk with God. He opens up about the stark contrast between his troubled home life and the nurturing he found in visits to a cloistered Carmelite nunnery during his childhood—moments that profoundly shaped his spiritual out...2025-01-2456 min
Things AboveMichael Cusick Sacred AttachmentJames Bryan Smith has a Things Above Conversation with author Michael J. Cusick about his book, Sacred Attachment. Michael will be a plenary speaker at The Apprentice Gathering 2025, register here! Michael John Cusick voices the questions and contradictions that are inherently part of living an authentic spiritual faith. With raw honesty and vulnerability, he […]
The post Michael Cusick Sacred Attachment appeared first on Apprentice Institute.2025-01-2354 minRestoring the Soul with Michael John CusickEpisode 331 - Michael John Cusick, "Trauma-Informed Care, Part 2"Welcome to another episode of "Restoring the Soul with Michael John Cusick." Today, we delve deeper into the essential principles of trauma-informed care in part two of our series. Our host, Michael John Cusick, will guide us through the various resources therapists can provide, such as handouts, whiteboard concepts, and development models, to enhance therapeutic sessions. We'll explore the profound significance of experiencing the "Four S's"—seen, soothe, safe, and secure—within a therapy context.Join us as we uncover how a trauma-informed approach not only navigates past experiences and trauma but also equips individuals to live flou...2025-01-0435 minRestoring the Soul with Michael John CusickEpisode 330 - Michael John Cusick, "Trauma-Informed Care, Part 1"Welcome to another episode of "Restoring the Soul with Michael John Cusick." In today's episode, we'll explore the critical concept of trauma-informed care—a term that's become widespread yet is often misunderstood. Originating from clinical and research settings and gaining broader cultural awareness, trauma-informed care prioritizes understanding the comprehensive life experiences of individuals to improve their engagement and outcomes in care settings.Michael shares personal stories that underscore the importance of this approach, illustrating the profound impact it can have on patient experiences and outcomes. We'll delve into practical ways organizations can create sensitive environments for those wi...2024-12-2830 minRestoring the Soul with Michael John CusickEpisode 327 - Michael and Peter Zaremba, "Letting Go of Control Through the Serenity Prayer"Welcome to another episode of "Restoring the Soul with Michael John Cusick." In today's episode, part two of our conversation with Peter Zaremba, we embark on a journey through the concepts of control, powerlessness, and acceptance. Michael opens with the profound Serenity Prayer, elegantly setting the tone for discussions on letting go and embracing peace through acceptance.Our dialogue delves deep into the biblical teachings on contentment and the spiritual wisdom of the 12-step program. Peter shares his transformative experiences, discovering strength in acknowledging powerlessness and trusting a greater power. Michael breaks down the "circle of control"...2024-12-0933 minRestoring the Soul with Michael John CusickEpisode 326 - Michael with Peter Zaremba, "Embracing Freedom: The Journey from Control to Acceptance"Welcome to another episode of "Restoring the Soul with Michael John Cusick." In today's thought-provoking conversation, Michael sits down with our good friend Peter Zaremba to explore the profound themes of self-confession, freedom, and the intricate dance between control and acceptance. They delve into the notion of attachment to outcomes and how this affects our mental health, relationships, and overall sense of well-being.Through personal anecdotes and biblical references, Michael and Peter discuss the detrimental impacts of turning desires into demands, leading to transactional relationships and emotional turmoil. The episode highlights the importance of understanding our "circle...2024-12-0239 minRestoring the Soul with Michael John CusickEpisode 324 - Michael John Cusick, "Discovering Lectio Divina: Ancient Practices for a Modern Spiritual Journey"Welcome to another episode of Restoring the Soul with Michael John Cusick. Today, we dive deep into the hunger many of us feel for a more profound relationship with God. Michael opens up about his journey with spiritual practices and the struggles he faced with traditional devotions and disciplines. He introduces us to the transformative ancient practice of "Lectio Divina"—a sacred reading method that focuses on prayerful, contemplative engagement with the scriptures.Throughout this episode, Michael shares personal stories and insights on how Lectio Divina can reboot your experience with scripture, foster a deeper connection with Go...2024-11-1624 min
We Are VineyardLeadership Under Pressure: Michael CusickIn this episode of We Are Vineyard, Jay talks with Michael Cusick about being raised in a family with an extensive history of addiction, the circumstances that brought his brokenness and trauma to the forefront of his life, and how God rescued his marriage. Michael shares about starting the Restoring The Soul ministry, engaging people’s brokenness, and why sin management is not the best approach. Finally, Michael shares a profound story of redemption and he and Jay talk about how pastors can support each other.
Michael Cusick is a Licensed Professional Counselor, spiritual director, speaker, and author of two boo...2024-11-061h 05Restoring the Soul with Michael John CusickEpisode 322 - Julianne & Michael John Cusick, "Exploring Neurodiversity in Marriage"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 u...2024-08-3027 minRestoring the Soul with Michael John CusickEpisode 321 - Julianne & Michael John Cusick, "Embracing the Unchangeable in the Messiness of Life"Welcome to another episode of Restoring the Soul with Michael John Cusick. Today, we have a special treat as the tables are turned, and Julianne takes the helm to interview Michael. Join us as they delve deep into the reality of life's messiness, exploring themes of frustration, overwhelm, and the importance of self-awareness and compassion. Michael shares his struggles with over-scheduling, resentment, and irritability, while Julianne opens up about her emotional battles. Together, they reveal the power of vulnerability, humility, and maintaining healthy connections. So, prepare for an honest, relatable conversation that underscores the true essence of l...2024-08-2324 minRestoring the Soul with Michael John CusickEpisode 303 - Michael and Julianne Cusick, "Unpacking Forgiveness"Welcome to another episode of Restoring the Soul with your host, Michael John Cusick. Forgiveness is a term often uttered with ease but practiced with considerable difficulty. What does forgiveness truly entail? Does it inherently mean reconciliation or forgetting?Joined by Julianne in the studio, they tackle heavyweight questions together. What happens when forgiveness feels incomplete? How might unresolved trauma complicate the process? And how do you navigate forgiveness in the aftermath of deep wounds and betrayal?Julianne brings to light the intricate journey of forgiving, reminding us that it is a layered and intertwined...2024-04-0527 minRestoring the Soul with Michael John CusickEpisode 302 - Michael and Julianne Cusick, "Unraveling Layers of Trauma"Welcome to another episode of Restoring the Soul. Today, Michael and Julianne delve into the complex tapestry of trauma, unwinding the threads that bind us to our past experiences. Many regard trauma as stemming from life-shattering events, but today’s discussion unfolds its layers, revealing that trauma can emerge from the wounds of both presence and absence. Whether it's through neglect or the absence of nurturing, the imprints of trauma take many forms.Understanding trauma not as what's wrong with you but what happened to you, we'll explore its symptoms, ranging from physiological responses and relational challenges to...2024-03-2939 minRestoring the Soul with Michael John CusickEpisode 299 - Michael John Cusick, "Trauma-Informed Care, Part 2"Welcome to Restoring the Soul with Michael John Cusick. In this second part of our exploration into Trauma-Informed Care, we continue to understand how our past experiences inform our present reality and how vital it is to feel safe and secure—not just in our external environment but within the therapeutic space.Today, we’ll delve deeper into the pillars supporting a trauma-informed approach—one that equips you with the resources to understand, manage, and develop the intrinsic tools necessary for self-care, especially in the face of life’s triggering events. We're looking at how techniques like breathin...2024-03-0836 minRestoring the Soul with Michael John CusickEpisode 298 - Michael John Cusick, "Trauma-Informed Care, Part 1"Welcome to another episode of Restoring the Soul with Michael John Cusick. Today, Michael takes you through the deep waters of understanding trauma's impact and how entities like hospitals and clinics are integrating Trauma-Informed Care into their daily routines. With practical insights and real-life scenarios, this episode begins a profound dialogue on creating environments that aid healing rather than hindering it.Highlights from the episode include:- The importance of incorporating trauma-informed care into clinical settings—beyond therapeutic modalities and organizational culture and practices.- Personal anecdotes that underscore the consequences of neglecting a...2024-03-0431 minRestoring the Soul with Michael John CusickEpisode 297 - Michael John & Julianne Cusick, "A Deep Dive into Restoring the Soul's Intensive Counseling"Welcome to Restoring the Soul with Michael John Cusick. This episode delves into the transformative power of intensive counseling, a unique process honed over nearly two decades. Michael and Julianne Cusick explain how Restoring the Soul provides a safe, sacred space where you get clarity on your struggles and a clear path forward for healing. Tailored to each individual, psychological insight with spiritual practices are combined to ensure you are transformed and truly equipped to live differently. In just 1-2 weeks, we accomplish what might otherwise take months.Support the showENGAGE THE...2024-02-2143 minRestoring the Soul with Michael John CusickEpisode 295 - Michael John Cusick, "Brokenness: The True Currency of Heaven"“We need to exchange the currency by which we do life for the currency of heaven.” - Michael John CusickWelcome to the Restoring the Soul podcast. You’re in for a treat as we’re featuring a talk given by our host, Michael John Cusick, to Denver Community Church titled “The Currency of Heaven.” From the Beatitudes in Matthew 5:3 to the rich tapestry of Isaiah 55, we'll explore the idea that heaven is not just a far-off promise but an earthly reality where "heaven is happening here." And what does it mean to be blessed? To be "poor in...2024-01-2035 minRestoring the Soul with Michael John CusickEpisode 293 - Michael John Cusick, "The Serenity Prayer: Letting Go of Control"Welcome to Restoring the Soul! In this episode, Michael and Peter Zaremba explore the essence of courage, not as an absence of fear, but as the willingness to take intentional action amidst it. Peter brings to light the profound acts of everyday bravery witnessed within his men's group, intertwining their discussions with the biblical narrative that emphasizes the value of such courage.They also reveal that courage is woven into the small, everyday fabrics of our lives—be it through acts of vulnerability, trust, or the simple yet profound steps toward spiritual growth. Michael likens courage to a...2024-01-071h 00Restoring the Soul with Michael John CusickEpisode 291 - Michael with Peter Zaremba, "Inner Transformation Through the Welcoming Prayer"Welcome to another episode of Restoring the Soul with Michael John Cusick, where today we’re diving deep once again with Peter Zaremba into the transformative power of the Welcoming Prayer. This practice is your toolkit to embracing difficult emotions right where you are – focus on the emotion, welcome it with open arms, and surrender it actively to God. Our experiences and insights reveal how welcoming your feelings, not the circumstances, can shift your perspective and connect you deeper to divine peace. It's not about the noise around you but the stillness within you. Transform fear into love, chaos into...2023-12-2231 minRestoring the Soul with Michael John CusickEpisode 289 - Michael with Peter Zaremba, "Releasing Control, Embracing Serenity"Welcome to another episode of Restoring the Soul with Michael John Cusick. In today's conversation, we dive into the practice of releasing our grip on judgment, control, and attachment to outcomes. Peter Zaremba shares an eye-opening personal account of encountering an irritating traveler, prompting a reflection on his quick-to-judge nature. This episode explores the liberating concept of being fully present in the moment and the pitfalls of becoming entangled with future expectations.Together with Michael, the conversation unfolds to reveal the challenges and benefits of detachment—from mental, emotional, and physical standpoints. We'll hear how expectations can cl...2023-12-0133 minRestoring the Soul with Michael John CusickEpisode 288 - Michael with Peter Zaremba, "7 Toxic Outcomes of Maintaining Control"Welcome to another episode of Restoring the Soul with Michael John Cusick. Today, Peter Zaremba is our guest, and we'll dive into the intricate topic of control and its negative impact. Control has become a paramount issue, particularly during the pandemic and times of global upheaval. It's a universal human condition, a survival mechanism, but often, the desire to control is tethered to our outcomes, and that's where things start getting complicated. Join us as we share our journeys with control, our struggles, and the toll it has taken on our well-being. It's not always easy to a...2023-11-2440 minRestoring the Soul with Michael John CusickEpisode 280 - Michael John Cusick, "Grounding and Centering: Soul Care with iCare""Many of us feel aimless and unable to direct our lives effectively. But fear not, iCARE will guide you to a calm and grounded state of being." - Michael John CusickIn today's episode, we delve into the concept of "iCARE," focusing on what lies within us, including our body, mind, and emotions. Michael John Cusick explores the practice of becoming aware of our inner experiences and sensations through a body scan, allowing us to observe and notice without judgment. Drawing on scripture passages, he highlights the importance of self-compassion, kindness, humility, and gentleness as t...2023-09-2956 minRestoring the Soul with Michael John CusickEpisode 277 - Julianne Cusick, "Finding Your Inner Encourager""Contrary to what most Enneagram Ones think, they're fantastic. I don't know what it is about Enneagram Ones, but of all the numbers on the Enneagram, they are the most resistant to learning that that's their type."In today's episode, our good friend Ian Cron will be joined by our very own Julianne Cusick for a captivating conversation about finding our inner encourager through the lens of the Enneagram.Ian shares his belief that the Enneagram is not just a tool for self-discovery but a fundamental part of our daily lives. As a psychotherapist and...2023-09-1151 minRestoring the Soul with Michael John CusickEpisode 274 - Julianne & Michael John Cusick, "Embracing the Unchangeable in the Messiness of Life""To truly embrace the present moment, especially when we have no power to alter the result, it is essential that we approach life with compassion." - Michael John CusickWelcome to another episode of Restoring the Soul with Michael John Cusick. In today's episode, titled "Embracing the Unchangeable in the Messiness of Life," we dive into the antidote to negative messages, starting with the power of self-compassion and self-awareness. Julianne and Michael John Cusick explore the importance of becoming aware of what's happening within ourselves and around us and the value of offering self-compassion in t...2023-08-1124 minRestoring the Soul with Michael John CusickEpisode 272 - Julianne & Michael John Cusick, "Unpacking Neurodiverse Marriages: Understanding and Navigating the Unique Challenges""If you've met one person on the autism spectrum, you've met one person." — Michael John CusickIn today's episode, Michael is joined by his wife of 32 years, Julianne Cusick. Together, they delve into the fascinating topic of neurodiverse marriages.Neurodiversity encompasses a range of neuro differences, from autism to nonverbal learning disorder and everything in between. However, the diagnosis and understanding of neurodiversity can be challenging due to the lack of specific criteria. Commonly diagnosed conditions related to neurodiversity include mood disorders, anxiety, ADD/ADHD, and sensory integration disorder, among others.On the po...2023-07-2827 minRestoring the Soul with Michael John CusickEpisode 271 - Julianne & Michael John Cusick, "Unmasking Neurodiversity: Embracing the Challenges in Relationships""After all that work, you started to wonder that there's got to be something else going on that we're missing." - Julianne CusickOn this episode of Restoring the Soul, Michael and Julianne Cusick have a candid conversation about neurodiversity and how it has impacted their marriage. They discuss terms like autism spectrum difference (ASD), neurodiverse, neurotypical, and neurodivergent, highlighting the importance of understanding and embracing these differences. Michael shares his personal experience of being diagnosed with Asperger's and how it has changed their perspective on their neurodiversity. They also discuss their communication challenges and how the...2023-07-2130 minRestoring the Soul with Michael John CusickEpisode 269 - Michael John Cusick, "Discovering Your Rhythm: Understanding the Importance of Devotions in Shaping Your Life""What is the way that you can connect with your heart and become aware of the presence of God in your life?" - Michael John CusickOn this episode of Restoring the Soul, Michael dives into practicing devotions and the significance of having them in our spiritual journey. He explores different ways to connect with our hearts and become aware of the presence of God in our lives. Whether walking, praying, or remembering scripture, there are countless ways to cultivate a deeper relationship with Jesus.Michael emphasizes the need for deeper connection and understanding. Sharing...2023-07-0723 minRestoring the Soul with Michael John CusickEpisode 268 - Michael John Cusick, "The Art of Listening: Cultivating Intimacy with God through Lectio Divina""It's about letting the words and the images wash over you. It's about allowing them to surround you. It's about allowing God's spirit to draw you close." - Michael John CusickOn this episode of Restoring the Soul, Michael discusses the practice of Lectio Divina, a spiritual reading practice that deepens one's relationship with God. He reflects on the importance of the four movements: reading, reflecting, responding, and resting. Michael also shares personal experiences and insights, emphasizing the need to listen for words and images when engaging with scripture. Join him as he invites listeners...2023-06-3022 minRestoring the Soul with Michael John CusickEpisode 267 - Michael John Cusick, "Slow Down and Open Your Heart with Lectio Divina: 5 Reasons to Learn""I didn't need more information about God. I needed more experience with God." - Michael John CusickIf you're like us, you always seek to grow your relationship with God. In this week's episode of Restoring the Soul, Michael explores the practice of Lectio Divina and the many benefits it offers for scripture readers. He shares five key aspects of the practice, including how it helps to slow down and create a spiritual conversation while posturing our hearts to receive. This episode dives deep into the importance of taking a posture of receiving, personalizing scripture...2023-06-2224 minRestoring the Soul with Michael John CusickEpisode 263 - Julianne Cusick, "Overcoming Intimate Betrayal and Embracing Forgiveness"Have you ever struggled with the pain of betrayal, especially in intimate relationships? On today's episode of Restoring the Soul, we hear from Julianne Cusick, a licensed marriage and family therapist specializing in helping individuals and couples navigate the difficult journey of forgiveness and reconciliation after intimate partner betrayal. Julianne's powerful story of healing and redemption provides hope and encouragement for those who have experienced sexual betrayal in their relationships.Julianne Cusick, who Bill Arnold recently interviewed on Faith Radio, explored the challenges of navigating betrayal trauma and shame and the importance of finding a confidential support...2023-05-2644 minRestoring the Soul with Michael John CusickEpisode 260 - Jim Cusick, "Getting Sober"“I’m sober and I love it because I found something better than drinking.” - Jim CusickOn this edition of Restoring the Soul, we are introduced to Michael’s father, James Edward Cusick...otherwise known as "Jim." We are offered the rare privilege of stepping inside an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting to hear Jim’s story which was recorded when he was 80 years of age.One of the primary reasons we are making this recording available to you is to emphasize the importance of legacy and the impact one’s story can have on present and future g...2023-05-0550 min