The Deep Dive Spirituality Conversations Podcast

deepdivespirituality

Interested in taking a deep dive into your spiritual and missional formation? Hosted by Dr. Brian Russell (Professor of Biblical Studies and Spiritual Coach), the Deep Dive Spirituality Conversations Podcast will explore the contours of spiritual formation, leadership, and missional practice in our present reality through solo episodes and interviews with leading practitioners and thinkers.

  1. 3D AGO

    Episode 204 A Renewal Protocol for Thriving and Flourishing in your Mission in 2025

    Dr. Brian Russell shares his renewal protocol to help you thrive and flourish in your mission and ministry in 2025 and beyond. If you are feeling tired, burned out or desire simply tools to help you maintain your passion for mission, this episode will serve you powerfully. Brian will talk about the importance of sabbath, values work, learning your saboteurs, adjusting/building a rule of life, journaling and a 5 question check-in. How are Rule of Life Can Help you Grow in Love for God and Neigbor https://youtu.be/r98dPPZARH0  Saboteur test: www.positiveintelligence.com/saboteurs  Chamine, Positive Intelligence https://amzn.to/4hVRf6F  Interested in working with me in a coaching relationship. Email me today: brian@brianrussellphd.com   Brian’s Books Astonished by the Word: Reading Scripture for Deep Transformation https://amzn.to/3uuWCoQ    Centering Prayer: Sitting Quietly in God’s Presence Can Change Your Life https://amzn.to/4q8Z2BT   (Re)Aligning with God: Reading Scripture for Church and World (Cascade Books) https://amzn.to/30tP4S9    Invitation: A Bible Study to Begin With (Seedbed) https://my.seedbed.com/product/onebook-invitation-by-brian-russell/    Work with Brian: Brian is available for personal coaching in the areas of spiritual growth, missional leadership and biblical/theological training. Brian is also available for virtual or in person speaking/teaching. He offers workshops and stand alone talks on contemplative spirituality as well as on a variety of books and topics relating to engaging Scripture for a life of mission, community and holiness. Amazon links are affiliate links. Without affecting the cost on your end, Amazon shares a small percentage of the profit with me if you purchase any product after following these links to Amazon. In other words, if you shop regularly on Amazon, you can support my work by clicking on any of the books I linked and then searching for whatever you want to purchase. Thanks for your support.

    22 min
  2. OCT 14

    Episode 203 J.D. Walt on Romans: From Sin Management to Love Unleashed

    In this week’s episode, I interview J.D. Walt, Sower-in-Chief at Seedbed and pastor of Gillette Methodist Church in Gillett, Arkansas. We do a deep dive into his latest book Romans: From Sin Management to Love Unleashed. We also talk about his long standing exegetical/devotional series Wakeup Call, holiness of heart and life, and how serving in a local church has affected how he writes. Buy a copy of Romans: From Sin Management to Love Unleashed https://amzn.to/46Qlok1   Sign up for JD’s daily wake up call emails: www.seedbed.com/wakeupcall   Books Recommend by JD: E.B. White, Charlotte’s Web https://amzn.to/4n6yz5k   J. Oswald Chambers, My Utmost for His Highest https://amzn.to/4q4ocBv   Thomas Kelly, Testament of Devotion https://amzn.to/3KI3APz    Chuck Colson, The Body: Being Light in Darkness https://amzn.to/3KNlrVb   Brian’s Books Astonished by the Word: Reading Scripture for Deep Transformation https://amzn.to/3uuWCoQ    Centering Prayer: Sitting Quietly in God’s Presence Can Change Your Life https://amzn.to/4q8Z2BT   (Re)Aligning with God: Reading Scripture for Church and World (Cascade Books) https://amzn.to/30tP4S9    Invitation: A Bible Study to Begin With (Seedbed) https://my.seedbed.com/product/onebook-invitation-by-brian-russell/    Work with Brian: Brian is available for personal coaching in the areas of spiritual growth, missional leadership and biblical/theological training. Brian is also available for virtual or in person speaking/teaching. He offers workshops and stand alone talks on contemplative spirituality as well as on a variety of books and topics relating to engaging Scripture for a life of mission, community and holiness. Email me: brian@brianrussellphd.com or www.brianrussellphd.com  Amazon links are affiliate links. Without affecting the cost on your end, Amazon shares a small percentage of the profit with me if you purchase any product after following these links to Amazon. In other words, if you shop regularly on Amazon, you can support my work by clicking on any of the books I linked and then searching for whatever you want to purchase. Thanks for your support.

    58 min
  3. OCT 7

    Episode 202 J.R. Briggs on The Art of Asking Better Questions

    In this week's episode, I interview Dr. J.R. Briggs on his latest book The Art of Asking Better Questions. We do a deep dive into how to formulate and ask questions that help us to be better leaders and deepen our relationships with God, ourselves, and others.  Buy The Art of Asking Better Questions: https://amzn.to/4nMwY5S    Sign up for my monthly Newsletter: www.brianrussellphd.com/newsletter   Brian Russell’s Books  Astonished by the Word: Reading Scripture for Deep Transformation https://amzn.to/3uuWCoQ   Centering Prayer: Sitting Quietly in God’s Presence Can Change Your Life https://amzn.to/2S0AcIZ   (Re)Aligning with God: Reading Scripture for Church and World (Cascade Books) https://amzn.to/30tP4S9   Invitation: A Bible Study to Begin With (Seedbed) https://my.seedbed.com/product/onebook-invitation-by-brian-russell/   Interested in coaching or inviting Brian to speak or teach for your community of faith or group? Email: brian@brianrussellphd.com  Join Brian’s Monthly free centering prayer update and gathering: www.centeringprayerbook.com   Connecting with Brian:  Website: www.brianrussellphd.com  Twitter: @briandrussell  Instagram: @yourprofessorforlife  Links to Amazon are Affiliate links. If you purchase items through these links, Amazon returns a tiny percentage of the sale to Brian Russell. This supports the podcast and does not increase the price of the items you may choose to buy. Thank you for your support.

    47 min
  4. SEP 19

    Episode 201 Centering Prayer: What I've Learned So Far

    September 21 2025 marks the 4th year anniversary of the release of Centering Prayer: Sitting Quietly in God’s Presence Can Change Your Life (Paraclete Press, 2021). In this episode, I unpack key lessons that I’ve gained through my practice of centering prayer including some unexpected blessings.  If you haven’t read Centering Prayer: Sitting Quietly in God’s Presence Can Change Your Life, you can buy it here: https://amzn.to/42u4PYo . Contact Brian: brian@brianrussellphd.com or www.brianrussellphd.com  Brian’s Favorite Centering Prayer Resources: Murchadh O’Madagáin, Centering Prayer and the Healing of the Unconscious https://amzn.to/46odtsE  Carl Arico, A Taste of Silence: Centering Prayer and the Contemplative Journey https://amzn.to/3VY1flC   Martin Laird, Into the Silent Land: A Guide to the Christian Practice of Contemplation https://amzn.to/4ptQ7L1   Rich Lewis, Sitting with God: A Journey to Your True Self through Centering Prayer https://amzn.to/4niMZjK  Cynthia Bourgeault, Centering Prayer and Inner Awakening https://amzn.to/4nzs2Av  Other books that Brian mentioned: Cloud of Unknowing  https://amzn.to/47PjfGg  Pseudo-Dionysius, The Complete Works. https://amzn.to/3Itp69M  Bessel van Der Kolk, The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, Body in the Healing of Trauma https://amzn.to/3W1Acpu   Chuck DeGroat, Healing What’s Within: Coming Home to Yourself—and to God—When You're Wounded, Weary, and Wandering https://amzn.to/4mnZ7P8   Brian’s Other Books Astonished by the Word: Reading Scripture for Deep Transformation https://amzn.to/3uuWCoQ   (Re)Aligning with God: Reading Scripture for Church and World (Cascade Books) https://amzn.to/30tP4S9   Invitation: A Bible Study to Begin With (Seedbed) https://my.seedbed.com/product/onebook-invitation-by-brian-russell/   Work with Brian: Brian is available for personal coaching in the areas of spiritual growth, missional leadership and biblical/theological training. Brian is also available for virtual or in person speaking/teaching. He offers workshops and stand alone talks on contemplative spirituality as well as on a variety of books and topics relating to engaging Scripture for a life of mission, community and holiness. Amazon links are affiliate links. Without affecting the cost on your end, Amazon shares a small percentage of the profit with me if you purchase any product after following these links to Amazon. In other words, if you shop regularly on Amazon, you can support my work by clicking on any of the books I linked and then searching for whatever you want to purchase. Thanks for your support.

    41 min
  5. SEP 10

    Episode 200: A Health Update and the Unexpected Healing of a Soul Wound

    In this episode, I give an update to my recent health problems. I also share a testimony of an unexpected healing of a soul wound that dates back 54 years. I am grateful to God for his ongoing grace and deep work in my life. Listen in and perhaps you'll find some encouragement and inspiration for your life. Sign up for my monthly Newsletter: www.brianrussellphd.com/newsletter   If you ever need a fantastic urologist, check out: Dr. Parekattil at his practice Avant Concierge Urology in Winter Garden, FL. https://www.avanturol.com/  Brian Russell’s Books  Astonished by the Word: Reading Scripture for Deep Transformation https://amzn.to/3uuWCoQ   Centering Prayer: Sitting Quietly in God’s Presence Can Change Your Life https://amzn.to/2S0AcIZ   (Re)Aligning with God: Reading Scripture for Church and World (Cascade Books) https://amzn.to/30tP4S9   Invitation: A Bible Study to Begin With (Seedbed) https://my.seedbed.com/product/onebook-invitation-by-brian-russell/   Interested in coaching or inviting Brian to speak or teach for your community of faith or group? Email: brian@brianrussellphd.com  Join Brian’s Monthly free centering prayer update and gathering: www.centeringprayerbook.com   Connecting with Brian:  Website: www.brianrussellphd.com  Twitter: @briandrussell  Instagram: @yourprofessorforlife  Links to Amazon are Affiliate links. If you purchase items through these links, Amazon returns a tiny percentage of the sale to Brian Russell. This supports the podcast and does not increase the price of the items you may choose to buy. Thank you for your support. #soulwound #healing #spiritualgrowth

    34 min
  6. SEP 3

    Episode 199 Methodist Ministry in 2025 and How Pastors Can Use AI Effectively

    In this episode, Brian interviews Casey Taylor, Pastor of New Life in Christ Church in Punta Gorda FL, about how he uses AI effectively in ministry. Also we discuss his recent move from serving in the UMC in Illinois to an independent Methodist church on the Gulf coast of southwest Florida and his experience as a member of the Sanctification Network. Casey’s Recommended Books: NT Wright, The Challenge of Jesus https://amzn.to/4mD7TcO  Dallas Willard, The Divine Conspiracy https://amzn.to/3UXXUmo   Edwin Friedman, Failure of Nerve https://amzn.to/4nbDZwc   The Cloud of Unknowing https://amzn.to/3I3L7M7   Connecting with Casey: Email: casey@newlifeforall.church   New Life in Christ Church in Punta Gorda, FL www.Newlifeforall.church     Sanctification Network: www.sanctificationnetwork.com   Brian Russell’s Books  Astonished by the Word: Reading Scripture for Deep Transformation https://amzn.to/3uuWCoQ   Centering Prayer: Sitting Quietly in God’s Presence Can Change Your Life https://amzn.to/2S0AcIZ  (Re)Aligning with God: Reading Scripture for Church and World (Cascade Books) https://amzn.to/30tP4S9   Invitation: A Bible Study to Begin With (Seedbed) https://my.seedbed.com/product/onebook-invitation-by-brian-russell/   Interested in coaching or inviting Brian to speak or teach for your community of faith or group? Email: brian@brianrussellphd.com  Join Brian’s Monthly free centering prayer update and gathering: www.centeringprayerbook.com   Connecting with Brian:  Website: www.brianrussellphd.com  Twitter: @briandrussell  Instagram: @yourprofessorforlife  Links to Amazon are Affiliate links. If you purchase items through these links, Amazon returns a tiny percentage of the sale to Brian Russell. This supports the podcast and does not increase the price of the items you may choose to buy. Thank you for your support. #methodist #AI #ministry

    1h 6m
  7. AUG 16

    Episode 198 How Mentors Shape Our Lives

    In this episode, Brian takes us into a deep dive into the power of mentoring. He shares openly about the people who have made the most impact in his life. He also talks about how each of us can pour into others in order to advance the Christ following movement in our day. Let me know what you think. Interested in a coaching or mentoring relationship with me? I can help you deepen your spiritual life, think critically about your leadership and missional vision, and thrive in ministry and life. Email me today: brian@brianrussellphd.com  Select Books Written by Those Who Mentored Brian: David Bauer, Inductive Bible Study https://amzn.to/3JgGui5 – The Book of Acts as Story https://amzn.to/4oJXFJk – Matthew: The Gospel of the Son of God https://amzn.to/46ZyCLH  Joel Green, The Gospel of Luke, https://amzn.to/45AzaoR John Oswalt, Called to Be Holy, https://amzn.to/3V4lTA8   Brian Russell’s Books  Astonished by the Word: Reading Scripture for Deep Transformation https://amzn.to/3uuWCoQ  Centering Prayer: Sitting Quietly in God’s Presence Can Change Your Life https://amzn.to/2S0AcIZ  (Re)Aligning with God: Reading Scripture for Church and World (Cascade Books) https://amzn.to/30tP4S9  Invitation: A Bible Study to Begin With (Seedbed) https://my.seedbed.com/product/onebook-invitation-by-brian-russell/  Join Brian’s Monthly free centering prayer update and gathering: www.centeringprayerbook.com  Connecting with Brian:  Website: www.brianrussellphd.com  Twitter: @briandrussell  Instagram: @yourprofessorforlife  Interested in coaching or inviting Brian to speak or teach for your community of faith or group?  Email: brian@brianrussellphd.com  Links to Amazon are Affiliate links.  If you purchase items through these links, Amazon returns a tiny percentage of the sale to Brian Russell. This supports the podcast and does not increase the price of the items you may choose to buy. Thank you for your support.

    36 min
  8. AUG 5

    Episode 197 Transformations at the Sea: What the Victory at the Sea Means for a Life of Missional Holiness (Exodus 13:17–15:21)

    In this episode, Brian takes us into a deep dive into the true significance of God’s victory at the Red Sea. It is a transformational event that frees Israel from two primordial fears: uncreation and death so that God’s people can embody missional holiness for the sake of the world. Let me know what you think. Brian Russell’s Books  Astonished by the Word: Reading Scripture for Deep Transformation https://amzn.to/3uuWCoQ  Centering Prayer: Sitting Quietly in God’s Presence Can Change Your Life https://amzn.to/2S0AcIZ  (Re)Aligning with God: Reading Scripture for Church and World (Cascade Books) https://amzn.to/30tP4S9  Invitation: A Bible Study to Begin With (Seedbed) https://my.seedbed.com/product/onebook-invitation-by-brian-russell/  Join Brian’s Monthly free centering prayer update and gathering: www.centeringprayerbook.com  Connecting with Brian:  Website: www.brianrussellphd.com  Twitter: @briandrussell  Instagram: @yourprofessorforlife  Interested in coaching or inviting Brian to speak or teach for your community of faith or group?  Email: brian@brianrussellphd.com  Links to Amazon are Affiliate links.  If you purchase items through these links, Amazon returns a tiny percentage of the sale to Brian Russell. This supports the podcast and does not increase the price of the items you may choose to buy. Thank you for your support.

    33 min
4.9
out of 5
18 Ratings

About

Interested in taking a deep dive into your spiritual and missional formation? Hosted by Dr. Brian Russell (Professor of Biblical Studies and Spiritual Coach), the Deep Dive Spirituality Conversations Podcast will explore the contours of spiritual formation, leadership, and missional practice in our present reality through solo episodes and interviews with leading practitioners and thinkers.

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