Being Human with Steve Cuss

In this episode of Being Human with Steve and Lisa Cuss, we recap the current series on family of origin, exploring how inherited patterns shape us spiritually and emotionally. Brain surgeon Dr. Lee Warren explains neuroplasticity and synaptic pruning, showing how early experiences wire the brain. Father-son duo Judson and Ryan Poling share their journey of breaking generational cycles, while Clarissa Moll discusses family roles and how upbringing shapes our view of God. Steve and Lisa weave in attachment theory, genograms, and parenting insights, offering a blend of neuroscience, personal storytelling, and faith-based wisdom to guide listeners toward healing and transformation.

Episode Resources:


Genograms in Practice Explainer (pdf)


Learn more about Attachment Theory


Listen to Prayer, Neuroscience, and the Presence of God with Strahan Coleman

More From Clarissa Moll:


Explore Clarissa Moll’s website


Read Clarissa Moll’s substack

More From Dr. Lee Warren:


Dr. Lee Warren’s The Life Changing Art of Self Brain Surgery


Listen to The Dr. Lee Warren Podcast

More From Judson & Ryan Poling:


Books by Judson Poling


Redwood Psychology


Judson Poling’s articles at The Crucible Project

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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In this episode of Being Human with Steve Cuss, father and son Judson Poling, Ryan Poling explore masculinity, emotional health, and generational patterns. Judson, a Christian author and men's ministry leader, and Ryan, a clinical psychologist specializing in male identity, discuss why men struggle to access and express emotions, the socialization behind emotional suppression, and how unresolved family-of-origin patterns are passed down. They share personal reflections on their own relationship, including inherited strengths and liabilities, and emphasize that healing happens in community.
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In this episode of Being Human, host Steve Cuss welcomes Dr. Lee Warren, neurosurgeon and author of The Life Changing Art of Self Brain Surgery. Drawing from his experiences as a military surgeon in Iraq and the devastating loss of his son, Dr. Warren explains how functional MRI technology revealed the profound mind-brain-body connection. He discusses how intentionally choosing our thoughts can literally restructure the brain—what he calls "self brain surgery"—and how concepts like selective attention and gratitude offer genuine agency over emotional suffering. The conversation also explores how deeply ingrained family patterns shape our thinking and faith.

Episode Resources:


Dr. Lee Warren’s The Life Changing Art of Self Brain Surgery


Philippians 4:8 (ESV)


Gabor Maté’s The Myth of Normal: Trauma, Illness, and Healing in a Toxic Culture 


Functional MRI explainer

More From Dr. Lee Warren:


Listen to The Dr. Lee Warren Podcast


Dr. Warren’s website


Dr. Warren’s  No Place to Hide


Dr. Warren’s  Hope Is the First Dose


Dr. Warren’s  I've Seen the End of You

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In this episode of Being Human with Steve Cuss, host Steve Cuss and Clarissa Moll explore how family of origin shapes behavior, workplace dynamics, and faith. They discuss family roles, birth order, triangulation, and unspoken emotional rules, examining how these patterns follow us into adulthood. Steve shares personal reflections on suppressing emotions and struggling to grieve, while Clarissa draws from her experience as a widowed parent. Together, they offer practical guidance on identifying triggers, finding trusted support, and using boundaries to pursue healing and freedom in Christ.

Episode Resources:


Genograms in Practice Explainer (pdf)


Pete Scazzero’s Emotionally Healthy Spirituality


Biography of Murray Bowen 


Family Systems Theory’s Eight Concepts


Circle of Permitted Emotions

More From Clarissa Moll:


Clarissa Moll’s The Bulletin podcast


Explore Clarissa Moll’s website


Read Clarissa Moll’s substack

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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In this episode of Being Human with Steve Cuss, hosts Steve and Lisa Cuss explore how upbringing shapes relationship dynamics, feelings of shame, and our faith. Guest Christine Caine shares her powerful journey through adoption trauma, childhood sexual abuse, and healing. Bible scholar Yana Jenay Conner reframes Jesus' "turn the other cheek" teaching as a dignified response to dehumanization. Steve and Lisa also address gaslighting and its impact on trust. Throughout, the episode emphasizes that family of origin work isn't about blame, but about pursuing healing, forgiveness, and flourishing rooted in God's transformative love.

Episode Resources:


Yana Jenay Conner’s Living Beyond Offence: Finding the Shalom of Jesus on the Path to Forgiveness


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

More From Christine and Yanna:


Other books by Christine Caine


Christine Caine’s website


Yana Jenay Conner’s website

Yana Jenay Conner’s podcast ⁠Living Single with Yana Jenay⁠

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