Logo

    Episode 290 - Rob Mathes, "Bridging the Sacred and Secular: A Chat with Rob Mathes"

    enDecember 16, 2023
    What was the main topic of the podcast episode?
    Summarise the key points discussed in the episode?
    Were there any notable quotes or insights from the speakers?
    Which popular books were mentioned in this episode?
    Were there any points particularly controversial or thought-provoking discussed in the episode?
    Were any current events or trending topics addressed in the episode?

    About this Episode

    Welcome to another episode of Restoring the Soul.

    Today, we welcome the extraordinarily gifted Rob Mathes, a true maestro who has woven his life around the threads of music, working with legends across genres from classical to hip-hop and transforming the sacred into song. Rob's annual Christmas concert, celebrating its 30th anniversary this weekend, has been a melting pot of musical styles, capturing the essence of his spiritual journey through soulful melodies and collaborations with icons like Vanessa Williams, Michael McDonald, and David Sanborn.

    In Michael's conversation with Rob, you’ll discover the profound personal significance behind his song "Although It Is the Night," inspired by St. John of The Cross’s poem “Dark Night of the Soul”. Rob will also take us behind the scenes of his work with musical giants such as Bruce Springsteen and the incomparable Stevie Wonder. 

    This is more than a conversation; it's a journey through the soulful symphony of life and faith with Rob Mathes as our guide. 


    CONTACT RESTORING THE SOUL:
    - Tweet us at @michaeljcusick and @PodcastRTS
    - Like us on Facebook
    - Follow us on Instagram & Twitter
    - Follow Michael on Twitter
    - Email us at info@restoringthesoul.com

    Thanks for listening!

    Recent Episodes from Restoring the Soul with Michael John Cusick

    Episode 299 - Michael John Cusick, "Trauma-Informed Care, Part 2"

    Episode 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 breathing exercises, somatic awareness, and other strategies can help us navigate the waters of emotional dysregulation, all from the comfort of our homes or even online.

    Discover how the barrier built by porn addiction can become a bridge to abundant life.

    What if lust for porn is really a search for true passion?

    In a world where there are 68 million searches for pornography every day and where over 70 percent of Christian men report viewing porn in the last year, it's no surprise that more and more men struggle with an addiction to this false fantasy. Common wisdom says if they just had more willpower or more faith, their fight would be over.


    CONTACT RESTORING THE SOUL:
    - Tweet us at @michaeljcusick and @PodcastRTS
    - Like us on Facebook
    - Follow us on Instagram & Twitter
    - Follow Michael on Twitter
    - Email us at info@restoringthesoul.com

    Thanks for listening!


    Episode 298 - Michael John Cusick, "Trauma-Informed Care, Part 1"

    Episode 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 trauma-informed approach, exemplified by a discouraging visit to a dental clinic.

    - Why it's vital for organizations to actively engage clients in the planning process and how this empowerment can make all the difference in care situations.

    - The episode also delves into the specialized field of clinical trauma care, spotlighting treatment methods like EMDR, brain spotting, and somatic interventions.

    Discover how the barrier built by porn addiction can become a bridge to abundant life.

    What if lust for porn is really a search for true passion?

    In a world where there are 68 million searches for pornography every day and where over 70 percent of Christian men report viewing porn in the last year, it's no surprise that more and more men struggle with an addiction to this false fantasy. Common wisdom says if they just had more willpower or more faith, their fight would be over.


    CONTACT RESTORING THE SOUL:
    - Tweet us at @michaeljcusick and @PodcastRTS
    - Like us on Facebook
    - Follow us on Instagram & Twitter
    - Follow Michael on Twitter
    - Email us at info@restoringthesoul.com

    Thanks for listening!


    Episode 297 - Michael John & Julianne Cusick, "A Deep Dive into Restoring the Soul's Intensive Counseling"

    Episode 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.


    CONTACT RESTORING THE SOUL:
    - Tweet us at @michaeljcusick and @PodcastRTS
    - Like us on Facebook
    - Follow us on Instagram & Twitter
    - Follow Michael on Twitter
    - Email us at info@restoringthesoul.com

    Thanks for listening!

    Episode 296 - Alan Fadling, "A Non-Anxious Life"

    Episode 296 - Alan Fadling, "A Non-Anxious Life"

    Welcome to "Restoring the Soul with Michael John Cusick." Today, we explore the depths of a non-anxious life with guest Alan Fadling. We discuss the power of embodying peace and the transformative practice of God’s presence in our daily lives. Alan shared insights from his new book and his journey of replacing anxiety with gratitude, patience, and the rhythm of God's grace. We also see that peace is not just the absence of turmoil but the tangible presence of the divine we can experience moment by moment.

    Join us in embracing the simple virtues—humility, gentleness, and kindness—that counter anxiety and guide us toward a life marked by serenity and trust in God's perfect pace.

    Click here for a link to purchase Alan's book.


    CONTACT RESTORING THE SOUL:
    - Tweet us at @michaeljcusick and @PodcastRTS
    - Like us on Facebook
    - Follow us on Instagram & Twitter
    - Follow Michael on Twitter
    - Email us at info@restoringthesoul.com

    Thanks for listening!

    Episode 295 - Michael John Cusick, "Brokenness: The True Currency of Heaven"

    Episode 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 Cusick

    Welcome 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 spirit"? Today, we're delving into a profound paradox where brokenness is not a sign of spiritual bankruptcy but the very currency of heaven.

    Michael will share a bit of his journey, from a young man yearning to touch the kingdom of God through struggle and restlessness to moments of being understood in the most unexpected of sanctuaries—a bedroom closet. A space where a friend's presence reflected Christ's love and attention.


    CONTACT RESTORING THE SOUL:
    - Tweet us at @michaeljcusick and @PodcastRTS
    - Like us on Facebook
    - Follow us on Instagram & Twitter
    - Follow Michael on Twitter
    - Email us at info@restoringthesoul.com

    Thanks for listening!

    Episode 294 - Dr. Barbara Peacock, "African American Soul Care”

    Episode 294 - Dr. Barbara Peacock, "African American Soul Care”

    Freedom is birthed out of suffering.” - Dr. Barbara Peacock

    Welcome to Restoring the Soul with Michael John Cusick. On this celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King's birthday, we wanted to highlight our conversation with Dr. Barbara Peacock, an experienced preacher, teacher, and minister of discipleship and prayer. Dr. Peacock trains in spiritual direction and soul care for ministry leaders and has a God-given call and desire to serve as a spiritual coach for individuals and groups.

    On this episode, she and Michael discuss her book, Soul Care in African American Practice. It’s a fascinating look at prayer, spiritual direction, and soul care and how the transatlantic journey for the slaves was the entry point or beginning of spiritual direction and soul care from an African American perspective. Dr. Peacock also uses examples of ten significant men and women—like Frederick Douglass, Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks, Howard Thurman, and others—to give leadership examples of how vital soul care was to their lives. 


    CONTACT RESTORING THE SOUL:
    - Tweet us at @michaeljcusick and @PodcastRTS
    - Like us on Facebook
    - Follow us on Instagram & Twitter
    - Follow Michael on Twitter
    - Email us at info@restoringthesoul.com

    Thanks for listening!

    Episode 293 - Michael John Cusick, "The Serenity Prayer: Letting Go of Control"

    Episode 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 muscle that gets stronger with practice, a concept they both relate to the importance of being fully present, accepting the present moment as is, and taking life's meaningful risks.


    CONTACT RESTORING THE SOUL:
    - Tweet us at @michaeljcusick and @PodcastRTS
    - Like us on Facebook
    - Follow us on Instagram & Twitter
    - Follow Michael on Twitter
    - Email us at info@restoringthesoul.com

    Thanks for listening!

    Episode 292 - Aundi Kolber, "Embracing Strength and Vulnerability"

    Episode 292 - Aundi Kolber, "Embracing Strength and Vulnerability"

    Welcome to another episode of Restoring the Soul with Michael John Cusick. Today, we dive into the depths of emotional and psychological healing with Aundi Kolber as we explore the intricate interplay between somatic experiences, Internal Family Systems, and the transformative power of embracing our emotions with grace and strength.

    In this episode, we delve into Aundi's remarkable insights on somatic awareness, the body's intuitive sense of safety, and navigating challenging emotions with curiosity rather than criticism. Aundi shares how her bestselling book, "Try Softer," has influenced the lives of many and how her journey continues in her latest work, "Strong Like Water," an exploration of strength as a dynamic and adaptable force, much like the nature of water itself.

    Join us as Aundi takes us through a compelling conversation about validating emotions, employing grounding techniques, and understanding trauma's impact on our perception of safety. Together, Michael and Aundi discuss how podcasts like ours serve as a beacon of connection and healing, how faith intertwines with psychological well-being, and the importance of integrating our whole selves for a compelling journey toward healing.


    CONTACT RESTORING THE SOUL:
    - Tweet us at @michaeljcusick and @PodcastRTS
    - Like us on Facebook
    - Follow us on Instagram & Twitter
    - Follow Michael on Twitter
    - Email us at info@restoringthesoul.com

    Thanks for listening!

    Episode 291 - Michael with Peter Zaremba, "Inner Transformation Through the Welcoming Prayer"

    Episode 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 serenity, and unrest into a profound sense of presence.

    Join us as we welcome and surrender to the uncomfortable – turning every moment into an opportunity for growth and connection with the ever-present love of God.

     HELPFUL RESOURCES:
    Episode 288 - Michael with Peter Zaremba, "7 Toxic Outcomes of Maintaining Control"
    Episode 289 - Michael with Peter Zaremba, "Releasing Control, Embracing Serenity"
    Episode 290 - Rob Mathes, "Bridging the Sacred and Secular: A Chat with Rob Mathes" 


    CONTACT RESTORING THE SOUL:
    - Tweet us at @michaeljcusick and @PodcastRTS
    - Like us on Facebook
    - Follow us on Instagram & Twitter
    - Follow Michael on Twitter
    - Email us at info@restoringthesoul.com

    Thanks for listening!

    Episode 290 - Rob Mathes, "Bridging the Sacred and Secular: A Chat with Rob Mathes"

    Episode 290 - Rob Mathes, "Bridging the Sacred and Secular: A Chat with Rob Mathes"

    Welcome to another episode of Restoring the Soul.

    Today, we welcome the extraordinarily gifted Rob Mathes, a true maestro who has woven his life around the threads of music, working with legends across genres from classical to hip-hop and transforming the sacred into song. Rob's annual Christmas concert, celebrating its 30th anniversary this weekend, has been a melting pot of musical styles, capturing the essence of his spiritual journey through soulful melodies and collaborations with icons like Vanessa Williams, Michael McDonald, and David Sanborn.

    In Michael's conversation with Rob, you’ll discover the profound personal significance behind his song "Although It Is the Night," inspired by St. John of The Cross’s poem “Dark Night of the Soul”. Rob will also take us behind the scenes of his work with musical giants such as Bruce Springsteen and the incomparable Stevie Wonder. 

    This is more than a conversation; it's a journey through the soulful symphony of life and faith with Rob Mathes as our guide. 


    CONTACT RESTORING THE SOUL:
    - Tweet us at @michaeljcusick and @PodcastRTS
    - Like us on Facebook
    - Follow us on Instagram & Twitter
    - Follow Michael on Twitter
    - Email us at info@restoringthesoul.com

    Thanks for listening!