Being Human with Steve Cuss

In this episode of Being Human, Steve Cuss talks with Christine Caine—speaker, bestselling author, and co-founder of A21—about her adoption story, childhood trauma, emotional healing, and identity in Christ. Christine shares how she discovered at age 33 that she was adopted, how she began healing from childhood sexual abuse, and how Scripture memorization helped renew her mind and strengthen her faith. She also reflects on the role of mentors Alan and Deb Hirsch in her recovery and discusses her book, The Faith to Flourish, explaining how the olive tree reveals God’s design for a rooted, resilient, and fruitful life—even in hardship. This conversation explores family of origin, Christian healing, resilience, and what it means to flourish in faith.

Episode Resources:


Christine Cain’s The Faith to Flourish: God's Design for a Rooted, Resilient, and Fruitful Life


Dan Allender’s The Wounded Heart: Hope for Adult Victims of Childhood Sexual Abuse


More about Alan and Deb Hirsch

More From Christine Caine:


Other books by Christine Caine


Christine Caine’s website

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In this episode of Being Human, host Steve Cuss and monthly guest Clarissa Moll from The Bulletin explore how family-of-origin dynamics shape individuals' relationships with themselves, others, and God. Drawing on family systems theory, they discuss how families function as interconnected systems where dysfunction is shared rather than isolated. They introduce the genogram as a tool for mapping generational patterns, values, and beliefs. Emphasizing curiosity and kindness over blame, they encourage listeners to examine inherited "family propaganda" and discern how it aligns—or conflicts—with their Christian faith.

Episode Resources:


Genograms in Practice Explainer (pdf)


Pete Scazzero’s Emotionally Healthy Spirituality


Biography of Murray Bowen 


Family Systems Theory’s Eight Concepts

Scripture referenced:


Genesis 28 (ESV)


Luke 24 (ESV)


Exodus 20:5–6 (ESV)


Jeremiah 31:29 (ESV)


Genesis 25–27 (ESV)

More From Clarissa Moll:


Clarissa Moll’s The Bulletin podcast


Explore Clarissa Moll’s website


Read Clarissa Moll’s substack

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In this episode of Being Human with Steve Cuss, Steve and Lisa do a raw, provocative deeper dive into the current “family of origin” series. They feature standout insights from Shane Wood, Dr. Craig Mattson, and Justin Heap on trauma, Revelation, social media, marriage loops, and the inherited, subconscious beliefs secretly shaping your relationships with yourself, others, and God. The second half of this episode explores childhood wounds and abuse that remained buried for decades. There is definitely a hidden cost of unresolved pain—making it a must-listen for anyone exploring the Christian mental health space, family systems therapy, emotional healing, and faith-based relationship advice. 

Episode Resources:


Dr. Mattson’s Digital Overwhelm: A Mid-Career Guide to Coping at Work


Substack: Shane J. Wood: Letters from the Desert


Shane J. Wood’s website


Shane J. Wood’s Between Two Trees: Our Transformation from Death to Life


Justin’s Nine Spaces Enneagram Coaching


Justin’s Lines & Spaces podcast


Read Justin’s book By & By & Never: Poetry & Art


Being Human episode: “Are You Carrying Your Family's Emotional Baggage? with Steve & Lisa Cuss”

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Capable Life Intensives

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In this episode of Being Human with Steve Cuss, Steve  interviews Dr. Craig Mattson, professor and author of "Digital Overwhelm." They explore how technology and workplace pressures affect early-career professionals, discuss generational differences in resilience and anxiety, and reflect on the impact of family upbringing on personal and spiritual life. Craig shares insights from his research, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness, presence, and community. 

Episode Resources:


Dr. Mattson’s Digital Overwhelm: A Mid-Career Guide to Coping at Work


Dr. Mattson’s Calvin College Professor Bio


Jonathan Malesic’s End of Burnout: Why Work Drains Us and How to Build Better Lives


Jonathan Malesic’s Burnout Culture


Aristotle’s Poetics


More About Hannah Arendt

Being Human episode: “Are You Carrying Your Family's Emotional Baggage? with Steve & Lisa Cuss”

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In this episode of Being Human with Steve Cuss, Steve talks with New Testament scholar Shane J. Wood about the book of Revelation and its relevance today. He reflects on how vulnerability and sacrificial love—not power or aggression—are central to Christian faith and transformation. Their conversation weaves together biblical insights, personal stories of trauma and healing, and reflections on family of origin. The episode explores how unhealed pain is passed down, the importance of bringing wounds into the light, and the church’s unique role in fostering wisdom, openness, and hope in a turbulent world.

Episode Resources:


Shane J. Wood’s Thinning the Veil: Encountering Jesus Christ in the Book of Revelation Genesis 3 (ESV)


2 Peter 3 (ESV)


Matthew 5-7 (ESV)


More About Walter Brueggemann

More From:


Substack: Shane J. Wood: Letters from the Desert


Shane J. Wood’s website


Shane J. Wood’s Between Two Trees: Our Transformation from Death to Life

Sign up for Steve’s Newsletter & Podcast Reminders:

Capable Life Newsletter

Get the Communication Styles Guide:

https://capablelife.com/pages/podcast

Join Steve at an Upcoming Intensive: 

Capable Life Intensives

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