Tara Beth Leach is a pastor, preacher and author. She brings a rare combination of candor, thoughtfulness, depth and succinctness. Tara Beth talks us through grieving as a leader, unique challenges of being a female pastor, the life of an Enneagram 6 and more. This was one of my all time favorite conversations and reminds me how grateful I am for her voice, writing and way in this world. You can dig into Tara Beth’s books here . Want to increase well being and break stuck relational patterns in ...
Jan 22, 2023•45 min•Ep. 162
"People grow when they are in a quest or when they are in a crisis' so says the wonderful Dr Scot McKnight. Our church has built a philosophy of discipleship and change around this profound idea. Today I share our steps to transformation, whether talking about spiritual growth or relational health. Also, exciting announcements! 1. To be the first to hear when conference tickets go on sale, visit www.stevecusswords.com and grab the free PDF. We will email our whole email list when pre sale is rea...
Jan 15, 2023•40 min•Ep. 161
Lisa, 'The Friendly Neighborhood Therapist' joins Steve to chat about power dynamics, manipulation vs gas lighting. Steve and Lisa also talk about upcoming intensives and when you know you could benefit from one. To learn more about intensives, purchase a journal or join the self paced learning community, visit www.capablelife.me Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...
Dec 05, 2022•32 min•Ep. 160
Movie writers and show runners sometimes employ an 'unreliable narrator' - often a character in the show who is confused, or intentionally deceiving the audience. Shows like The Sting, The Prestige, Home Land, True Detective and more employee this technique to keep the audience guessing or confused. Chronic anxiety is an unreliable narrator and the sooner we learn to mistrust its message, the more freedom we can experience. For journals and our self paced experience, visit www.capablelife .me Le...
Nov 28, 2022•26 min•Ep. 159
Chronic anxiety has a gospel and if you don't stay on its treadmill, it tells you that Armageddon will happen. This is why we stay stuck - we assume we have to keep doing what we're doing so disaster won't strike. But Chronic anxiety is unreliable. How do we test our assumptions? On this solo episode, Steve further explores assumptions and doom that come with anxiety. For journal or our self paced learning community, visit www.capablelife.me To get on the interest list for 2023 intensives, email...
Nov 21, 2022•23 min•Ep. 158
A solo episode where Steve shares some of his current metaphors and tools on managing anxiety. This one - anxiety is like a lobster trap. You can leave anytime you want. Visit www.capablelife.me to order the new Calm, Aware, Present Journal, add on some video guides or join our Capable Life self paced community. To get on the interest list for Steve's 2023 intensives, email steve@stevecusswords.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...
Nov 13, 2022•36 min•Ep. 157
**For journals, online community or to inquire about Steve serving your organization, visit www.capablelife.me** This week Steve chats with Jay Kim, a thoughtful and wise young pastor who chats through analog Christianity, challenges of transition in leadership and minority culture. There were just so many fantastic nuggets of wisdom in this episode. Jay Y Kim serves as lead pastor at WestGate Church . He has written two cracking books on navigating our faith in a digital age: Analog Church and ...
Nov 07, 2022•54 min•Ep. 156
** For a journal, video series or to join our Capable Life self paced learning journey, visit www.capablelife.me ** I'm writing a new book! For feedback, or to share your own gaps, email steve@stevecusswords.com Also, shout out to Don Pape at PapeCommons . For more about Tyler Schultz: The Dropout Podcast Tyler Schultz Interview . Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...
Oct 31, 2022•39 min•Ep. 155
** For a journal, video series or to join our Capable Life self paced learning journey, visit www.capablelife.me ** Murray Bowen, founder of Family Systems Theory developed 8 concepts to guide and explain how we think and act. Understanding and putting into practice these 8 concepts can really revolutionize your relationship with people and with anxiety. This episode is part 2 of 2 as we cover the last 4 of the 8 concepts. Hosted by Steve Cuss and Brendan Reed. ( Listen to Part 1 here .) **This ...
Oct 24, 2022•46 min•Ep. 154
Lucy Peppiatt is the Principal of Westminster Theological Centre in the UK where she teaches classes in systematic theology and spiritual formation. She is the author of volumes on discipleship, women in the NT, and the imago Dei and has a particular interest in the relation of Christ and the Spirit. She and her husband, Nick Crawley, have been in church leadership for over 30 years. They have four married sons. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...
Oct 17, 2022•34 min•Ep. 153
DJ Chuang works as a freelance strategy consultant with over 20 years of experience in developing digital strategies and effective team processes for businesses, nonprofits and churches, accomplishing a reputation for pioneering innovations, developing effective resources, and strategically connecting people for greater impact. DJ is a recognized facilitator of dynamic conversations that co-create innovative solutions that meet specific organizational needs and context. He’s launched 3 podcasts,...
Oct 10, 2022•48 min•Ep. 152
Sharon Hodde Miller is a speaker, author, church planter, co pastor and scholar whose recent book The Cost Of Control is a must read. Sharon diagnoses our control issues, but then sifts them through modern challenges like smart phones and body image. A delightful chat with a sharp and vital thinker. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...
Sep 26, 2022•47 min•Ep. 151
**To join Capable Life before the price increase, sign up for our free communications masterclass or buy a journal, visit www.stevecusswords.com Murray Bowen, founder of Family Systems Theory developed 8 concepts to guide and explain how we think and act. Understanding and putting into practice these 8 concepts can really revolutionize your relationship with people and with anxiety. This episode is part 1 of 2 as we cover 4 of the 8 concepts. Hosted by Steve Cuss and Brendan Reed. Links referenc...
Sep 12, 2022•49 min•Ep. 149
Steve is delighted to be joined by his 15 year old daughter, Kaylee. Kaylee is a foremost expert on the TV show Gilmore Girls AND she has sat through enough of Steve’s workshops (and, frankly, dinner conversations) that she is able to diagnose the anxiety in the System of Gilmore Girls. Steve and Kaylee cover triangulation, double binds, mixed messages and more. Note: www.capablelife.me membership prices increase Sept 15th. Join now before the price goes up. Also, our journals are now available ...
Sep 04, 2022•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 148
Dr Anne Pattel-Gray was the first Indiginous Australian to receive a PhD in Theology and she has used her personal experience and training to speak prophetically into unjust and evil racist systems. Anne has achieved many firsts in her life, and she is known as a trail blazer and has opened many doors for her people. She is a recognised scholar, Aboriginal activist and prolific writer with several publications –chapters, articles, edited works and authored books. Steve first encountered Dr Patte...
Aug 29, 2022•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 147
After a quick update and a candle lighting, Steve digs into the nature of power by comparing the Roman Pax Romana to the Gospel of Jesus and the Gospel of our chronic anxiety and inner critic. To learn more about the free Communication Style masterclass, visit www.stevecusswords.com Note: Capable Life membership prices increase Sept 15. To join before the price increases, visit www.capablelife.me Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...
Aug 22, 2022•35 min•Ep. 146
Part 7 in this series. Ruth Haley Barton (Doctor of Divinity, Northern Seminary) is founding president/CEO of the Transforming Center , a ministry dedicated to strengthening the souls of pastors and Christian leaders, and the congregations and organizations they serve. For over twenty years, she has ministered to the soul care needs of pastors and leaders based upon her conviction that the best thing we bring to leadership is our own transforming selves. Ruth is the author of numerous books and ...
Jun 20, 2022•38 min•Ep. 145
Part 6 in this series. Ruth Haley Barton (Doctor of Divinity, Northern Seminary) is founding president/CEO of the Transforming Center , a ministry dedicated to strengthening the souls of pastors and Christian leaders, and the congregations and organizations they serve. For over twenty years, she has ministered to the soul care needs of pastors and leaders based upon her conviction that the best thing we bring to leadership is our own transforming selves. Ruth is the author of numerous books and ...
Jun 13, 2022•51 min•Ep. 144
Part 5 in this series. Ruth Haley Barton (Doctor of Divinity, Northern Seminary) is founding president/CEO of the Transforming Center , a ministry dedicated to strengthening the souls of pastors and Christian leaders, and the congregations and organizations they serve. For over twenty years, she has ministered to the soul care needs of pastors and leaders based upon her conviction that the best thing we bring to leadership is our own transforming selves. Ruth is the author of numerous books and ...
Jun 06, 2022•43 min•Ep. 143
Part 4 in this series. Ruth Haley Barton (Doctor of Divinity, Northern Seminary) is founding president/CEO of the Transforming Center , a ministry dedicated to strengthening the souls of pastors and Christian leaders, and the congregations and organizations they serve. For over twenty years, she has ministered to the soul care needs of pastors and leaders based upon her conviction that the best thing we bring to leadership is our own transforming selves. Ruth is the author of numerous books and ...
May 30, 2022•38 min•Ep. 142
Part 3 in this series. Ruth Haley Barton (Doctor of Divinity, Northern Seminary) is founding president/CEO of the Transforming Center , a ministry dedicated to strengthening the souls of pastors and Christian leaders, and the congregations and organizations they serve. For over twenty years, she has ministered to the soul care needs of pastors and leaders based upon her conviction that the best thing we bring to leadership is our own transforming selves. Ruth is the author of numerous books and ...
May 30, 2022•43 min•Ep. 141
Part 2 in this series. Ruth Haley Barton (Doctor of Divinity, Northern Seminary) is founding president/CEO of the Transforming Center , a ministry dedicated to strengthening the souls of pastors and Christian leaders, and the congregations and organizations they serve. For over twenty years, she has ministered to the soul care needs of pastors and leaders based upon her conviction that the best thing we bring to leadership is our own transforming selves. Ruth is the author of numerous books and ...
May 16, 2022•40 min•Ep. 140
On this brief episode, Steve lights a candle (water mint and eucalyptus), asks some questions that God asks and gives info about the Calm, Aware, Present Journal that is live on kickstarter for May 2022. If you've not had a chance to order a journal, would you do so now? Would you also consider posting about it on your socials and sharing the link with anyone who might benefit? Kickstarter is here . Thanks! Back next week with Part 2 of Steve's chat with Ruth Haley Barton. Learn more about your ...
May 09, 2022•16 min•Ep. 139
Ruth Haley Barton (Doctor of Divinity, Northern Seminary) is founding president/CEO of the Transforming Center , a ministry dedicated to strengthening the souls of pastors and Christian leaders, and the congregations and organizations they serve. For over twenty years, she has ministered to the soul care needs of pastors and leaders based upon her conviction that the best thing we bring to leadership is our own transforming selves. Ruth is the author of numerous books and resources on the spirit...
May 02, 2022•49 min•Ep. 138
Gina Cherion emailed me recently asking about Systems Theory in non white spaces, specifically how differentiation works in Asian culture. Gina is a pastor of Indian descent and when I received her email I knew I wanted to interview her and Marvin Williams who I have gotten to know through my Systems work and through Capable Life . Marvin is doing doctoral work at Fuller Seminary on Systems Theory, specifically on black presence in majority culture. I LOVED this conversation with these two pasto...
Apr 25, 2022•58 min•Ep. 137
Glenn Packiam is quite simply one of my favorite pastors and thinkers. Being an academic and a musician, a charismatic and an Anglican, as well as an immigrant gives Glenn a deep well of wisdom. Glenn is also one of the finest communicators I know. Profound, succinct, shepherding. That is probably why I keep hosting Glenn on this show. I just want to learn more and more from this gem of a human. Glenn’s latest book is the Resilient Pastor and he is also host of the podcast of the same name . Lea...
Apr 18, 2022•50 min•Ep. 136
Dr. Steve Brown develops Jesus-centered leaders as president of Arrow Leadership, a ministry focused on developing leaders who are led more by Jesus, lead more like Jesus and lead more to Jesus. Over the last two decades Steve has spent thousands of hours alongside hundreds of Christian leaders from around the world. Steve is the author of Jesus Centered - Focusing on Jesus in a Distracted World (2021) , Leading Me - 8 Keys To A Christian Leader's Most Important Assignment (2015) , Great Questio...
Apr 11, 2022•44 min•Ep. 135
Steve talks with Mark Sayers about Systems Theory, leading with Bipolar and his upcoming book ‘Non Anxious Presence.’ Mark is the senior leader of Red Church in Melbourne, Australia. He is passionate about spiritual renewal and the future of the church. Mark is the author of a number of books including Strange Days and Reappearing Church. Mark lives in Melbourne with his wife, Trudi, his daughter, Grace, and twin boys, Hudson and Billy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/...
Apr 04, 2022•41 min•Ep. 134
This week Steve’s wife Lisa joins the show to tackle listener questions. Lisa Cuss is Licensed Professional Therapist who offers physiology, neurobiology and attachment tools for anxiety management. Our listeners sent 4 pages of questions this week so we will tackle many of them throughout the year, but we spent most of our time on physiology tools and the brain’s response to various threats. Then we addressed some listener questions in rapid fire responses. You can connect with Lisa at www.capa...
Mar 28, 2022•54 min•Ep. 133
Angie Ward is a leadership teacher and author with over 30 years of experience in church, parachurch, and Christian higher education ministry. She is the editor of the Kingdom Conversations series for NavPress, author of I Am a Leader: When Women Discover the Joy of their Calling (2020, NavPress), and serves as Assistant Director of the Doctor of Ministry program at Denver Seminary. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...
Mar 21, 2022•37 min•Ep. 132
