Being Human with Steve Cuss

In this episode of Being Human, host Steve Cuss speaks with Douglas McKelvey, author of the Every Moment Holy series—books offering liturgical prayers for everyday and significant life moments. Both share personal journeys from skepticism toward formal liturgy to discovering its deep spiritual value. Douglas recounts how the Book of Common Prayer transformed his faith during a period of theological uncertainty, while Steve reflects on his experience as a hospital chaplain. They explore the power of communal liturgy, the specificity of prayers for modern moments, and how Douglas's latest volume, Rites of Passage, helps young adults connect with God throughout life's transitions.

Episode Resources:

Douglas McKelvey’s Every Moment Holy

Douglas McKelvey’s Every Moment Holy: Rites of Passage

Book of Common Prayer (online version)

More about Andrew Peterson

Scripture Referenced:

Psalm 131 ESV

More from Douglas McKelvey:

Every Moment Holy Website

Every Moment Holy Liturgy Downloads

Every Moment Holy Live Experience

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In this episode of Being Human, host Steve Cuss chats with Alexandra Thompson, founder of Cumberland Counseling Centers, a Georgia-based nonprofit embedding state-licensed counseling clinics inside local churches. Alex introduces her "clinic in a box" model, which allows churches to launch professional mental health services within weeks. The conversation covers trauma healing, EMDR therapy, faith integration, and the church's historical role as a community healing center.

Episode Resources:

More about Alexandra Thompson, LCSW

Partner with Cumberland Counseling Centers

Overview of EMDR

What Is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy?

Scripture Referenced:

Mark 12:30-31 ESV

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In this episode of Being Human, host Steve Cuss launches the new theme "God's Expansive Kingdom." Drawing from years of international travel, Steve shares inspiring stories of Christians making a difference worldwide—from floating hospitals in Southeast Asia to a small women's Bible study group running a halfway house for former inmates. He also addresses the prevalence of negative narratives about the church online, acknowledging that abuse must be exposed while cautioning against cynicism and shame-driven reporting. Steve emphasizes that despite troubling headlines, countless faithful believers are quietly and powerfully advancing God's kingdom globally.

Episode Resources:

Steve Cuss’s Managing Leadership Anxiety: Yours and Theirs

Scripture Referenced:

Luke 18:9–14 ESV

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In this episode of Being Human, Steve and Lisa Cuss explore how politics, social media, and the stories we tell ourselves shape who we become. Pastor and political analyst Ryan Burge explains how social media amplifies political extremes, distorts public discourse, and increasingly allows partisanship to shape religious identity. Jessie Cruickshank and Julia Schmaltz, co-authors of Becoming Good News, unpack how internalized narratives, legalism, perfectionism, and the Christian “Übermensch” ideal—the pressure to become a superhuman believer—can hinder spiritual growth. Steve and Lisa use these conversations to offer a path toward self-awareness, grace, presence, and embracing weakness as essential to genuine faith and transformation.

Original Episodes:

Being Human: How Memory, Identity, and Story Shape Discipleship with Jessie Cruickshank & Julia Schmaltz

Being Human: How Politics Hijacked the Pulpit with Ryan Burge

Ryan Burge’s The Vanishing Church: How the Hollowing Out of Moderate Congregations Is Hurting Democracy, Faith, and Us

Jessie Cruickshank & Julia Schmaltz’s Becoming Good News: Reimagining Discipleship Through Identity, Story, and Science

Nietzsche’s concept of the Übermensch

More from Ryan Burge:

Ryan’s Graphs about Religion

Ryan on X (formerly Twitter)

More from Jessie Cruickshank and Julia Schmaltz:

Jessie Cruickshank’s Ordinary Discipleship podcast

Julia Schmaltz’s Sermons

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Host Steve Cuss welcomes physician Eric Shoemaker to explore the intersection of physical health, neuroscience, and spiritual fitness. Eric explains how injury and pain recovery mirror emotional and spiritual healing, and breaks down the difference between the body's "threat" and "challenge" responses, showing how faith can reshape our nervous system's reactions. Steve and Eric discuss whole-body discipleship, identity in Christ, and practical micro-habits to help rewire the brain toward trust over fear.

Episode Resources:

Eric’s article The Neurobiology of Victory: How the physical reality of performance reveals the spiritual power of faith

Dan Allender’s Leading with a Limp: Take Full Advantage of Your Most Powerful Weakness

Scripture Referenced:

Genesis 32:22-32 (ESV)

More from Eric Shoemaker:

Eric Shoemaker’s Substack: The Divine Design Lab

Follow Eric on instagram

Sign up for Steve’s Newsletter & Podcast Reminders

Capable Life Newsletter

Get the Assets & Liabilities pdf and the Life Giving List

Join Steve at an Upcoming Intensive

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