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)
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Capable Life Newsletter
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Capable Life Intensives
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42:59
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42:59
Chuck DeGroat and The Crisis of Integrity in Church Leadership
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
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Capable Life Newsletter
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Capable Life Intensives
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47:46
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47:46
Jen Ripley, Ph.D.: Supporting Mental Health Without Sacrificing Your Well Being
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
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37:09
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37:09
Finding Freedom in Temporary Spaces
What do a layover in London and a territorial swan have to do with your spiritual growth? Host Steve Cuss unpacks how life’s in-between spaces—layovers, limbo seasons, and even awkward encounters—can become sacred ground that helps us destroy false needs. Drawing from biblical stories and personal insights, Steve challenges the false needs of control and perfection that block peace and presence. If you’ve ever felt stuck or spiritually adrift, this episode offers surprising insight, humor, and hope from the unlikeliest of places, even if you are only staying for a short time.
Resources mentioned in this episode include:
Learn more about Camp Elim
Learn more about Dan Faulkner
Being Human: Pilot Episode
Being Human: Notice and Diffuse Reactivity
Being Human: Precious vs. Core Beliefs
Being Human: The Nature of Every Belief
Learn more about the Freedom Movement and Martin Luther King Jr.
Sign up for Steve’s Newsletter & Podcast Reminders:
Capable Life Newsletter
Join Steve at one of his upcoming intensives:
Capable Life Intensives
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15:31
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15:31
Inviting Doubt to Deepen Your Faith Experience
What if doubt isn’t the enemy of faith but the beginning of deeper belief? On this episode of Being Human, Steve Cuss explores spiritual deconstruction and the way writers like Frederick Buechner and Madeleine L’Engle paved the way for honest, Christ-centered wrestling with belief. Sharing personal stories and biblical insight, Steve unpacks how anxiety, reactivity, and certainty can block spiritual growth—and how curiosity and vulnerability open the door to true connection with Jesus and others. If your faith is shifting, this episode offers clarity, hope, and a path toward deeper belief and renewal.
Resources mentioned in this episode include:
A conversation with Philip Yancey on faith and doubt
Excerpts from the works of Frederick Buechner on faith despite doubt
Madeleine L’Engle on those without doubt (video clip)
Madeleine L’Engle on faith (video clip)
The meaning of the disciples’ doubt in Matthew 28:17
Jude 1:22 and what it means to have mercy on those who doubt
John 8 and lessons of the woman caught in adultery
“Have Mercy on Those Who Doubt” by Jon Bloom
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From Christianity Today, Being Human with Steve Cuss is Christian counseling in podcast form. Steve Cuss, a former trauma and hospice chaplain, pastor, and leadership coach, guides listeners with a gospel-informed journey of discovery into the world of emotional health: everything from anxiety and reactivity, to triangulation, overfunctioning, and the Enneagram.
Listen to Being Human with Steve Cuss, Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep and many other podcasts from around the world with the radio.net app
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