Being Human with Steve Cuss
Being Human with Steve Cuss
Christianity Today
How Memory, Identity, and Story Shape Discipleship with Jessie Cruickshank & Julia Schmaltz
45 minutes Posted Aug 17, 2026 at 9:00 am.
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Show notes
In this episode of Being Human, host Steve Cuss is joined by pastor and Harvard-trained brain scientist Jessie Cruickshank and first-time guest Julia Schmaltz to explore whether changing our internal narratives can enable transformation. Jessie and Julia discuss their co-authored book, Becoming Good News, and examine spiritual growth and discipleship through the lenses of theology, neuroscience, and personal experience. They challenge unrealistic “superhuman” expectations in church culture, advocate for grace-based discipleship, and emphasize that spiritual maturity means becoming more fully who God created us to be—joyful, childlike, and close to Jesus.
Episode Resources:
Jessie Cruickshank & Julia Schmaltz’s Becoming Good News: Reimagining Discipleship Through Identity, Story, and Science
Jessie Cruickshank’s Ordinary Discipleship: How God Wires Us for the Adventure of Transformation
Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s Nobel lecture: The Quest for Peace and Justice
Nietzsche’s concept of the Übermensch
Jessie Cruickshank’s previous appearance on Being Human: Episode 171
Scripture Referenced:
2 Corinthians 3 (ESV)
Psalm 139 (ESV)
More from:
Jessie Cruickshank’s Ordinary Discipleship podcast
Julia Schmaltz’s Sermons
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Capable Life Newsletter
Get the Assets & Liabilities pdf and the Life Giving List
Join Steve at an Upcoming Intensive
Capable Life Intensives
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