Being Human with Steve Cuss

Dr. Craig Mattson, professor and author who studies work culture and tech, discusses digital overwhelm at work. He tells striking workplace stories and explains how constant connectivity shapes presence. He shares simple practices for being more present and outlines communication modes for better interactions. Generational differences, DEI contexts, and family influences on work habits also come up.

Shane J. Wood, New Testament scholar and professor known for work on Revelation, blends biblical insight with personal honesty. He talks about Revelation’s call to vulnerability and sacrificial love. He explores trauma, healing, and how unhealed pain gets passed down. He also reflects on the church’s role in offering wisdom, openness, and hope in a chaotic world.

Justin Heap, Enneagram coach, creative consultant, and founder of Curious Human, talks about growing up in a turbulent, move-filled household and how that shaped his sense of safety. He describes using fun to hold family together and the protector role he adopted. Conversation covers recognizing childhood trauma, nervous-system triggers, and the slow work of healing through therapy and faith.

They explore how family of origin hands down emotional assets and liabilities that shape relationships. They use a backpack metaphor and genograms to map hidden patterns. They discuss permitted emotions, family propaganda, childhood vows, and how stress reveals inherited habits. They offer a gospel-centered, non-blaming approach and point to tools for doing long, practical family work.

Andrew Arndt, pastor and author grounded in Scripture, offers theological reflection on repentance, mercy, and honest self-awareness. He talks about shame, scandal, and God’s healing presence. Conversation explores listening postures, treating others as made in God’s image, and how truth-telling and repentance open the way to restoration.

Andrew Arndt, author and spiritual guide exploring Christian formation, reflects on the fallout of public moral failures and the harm of living a double life. He discusses self‑deception, shame, and the false self. Conversations cover vulnerability in leadership, emotional health and projection, and the unique healing potential of real community and spiritual practices.

Zach Windahl, author and Bible teacher who simplifies Scripture, shares ways to make Bible reading less intimidating. He talks about long-form reads, handwriting the New Testament as a learning tool, and using varied practices to stay engaged. He also explains simplifying complex topics with first principles and the 80/20 rule.

Clarissa Moll, writer and podcaster who probes culture and leadership, joins the conversation. They unpack power dynamics, generational divides, and identity struggles. They explore listening postures, emotional safety, and practices for more inclusive leadership. Biblical examples and practical tactics for lowering conversational stakes are also discussed.

They explore how communication styles—rigid vs fluid, internal vs external processing, and rapid vs deliberative thinking—shape relationships and well-being. Conversations touch on trauma, certainty, and spiritual practices like silence and solitude. Stories include family legacy, navigating majority-white spaces, and how anxiety and empathy move through relationships.

Cheryl McKissack Daniel, a pioneering civil engineer and CEO of McKissack & McKissack, shares her family's extraordinary journey from enslavement to becoming leaders in architecture. She delves into the legacy of her ancestor Moses McKissick and the unique challenges of sustaining a multi-generational Black-owned firm. Cheryl discusses vital topics like resilience, succession planning, and navigating the industry as a Black woman. Highlighting notable projects and the importance of corporate culture, she emphasizes the power of recognizing Black contributions to America's built environment.