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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.
Episodes
4 days ago
4 days ago
Brian Russell teaches on Taming the Wilderness Within: Centering Prayer and the Via Negativa. During Lent as well as the rest of the year, embrace practices such as centering prayer as a means of allowing God to do the deep sanctifying work that God desires to do in each of us. The via negative is spiritual growth through subtraction. In this practical and actionable episode, Brian explores the transformational possibilities of the consistent practice of the prayer of silence, i.e., centering prayer.
Questions or comments: Brian@brianrussellphd.com
Brian’s Newsletter: www.brianrussellphd.com/newsletter
Brian’s book: Centering Prayer: Sitting Quietly in God’s Presence Can Change Your Life (Paraclete, 2021): https://amzn.to/47Dwdpk
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 royalty 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.
Wednesday Feb 18, 2026
Wednesday Feb 18, 2026
Brian Russell (Ph.D.) asks a poignant question as we enter into Lent: Do I Really Trust that God Has My Best Interests at Heart? How you answer this question changes everything. He guides you through a poignant reading of Genesis 2-3, Psalm 51 and Romans 5 and invites us all to open ourselves up even deeper to God's work during this season.
Email him: brian@brianrussellphd.com and ask for the Rule of Life worksheet
Interested in going even deeper? Brian has two books that go really well with the Lenten Season:
Astonished by the Word: Reading Scripture for Deep Transformation https://amzn.to/48fey8l
Centering Prayer: Sitting Quietly in God’s Presence Can Change Your Life https://amzn.to/2S0AcIZ
Sign up for his updates: www.brianrussellphd.com/newsletter
Interested in coaching with Brian? Email him today to initiate a transformational conversation: Brian@brianrussellphd.com
Brian Russell’s Other Books
(re)Aligning with God: Reading Scripture for Church and World (Cascade): https://amzn.to/3Mzfw7p
Invitation: A Bible Study to Begin With (Seedbed) https://my.seedbed.com/product/onebook-invitation-by-brian-russell/
Information on Brian’s Signature Deep Dive Spirituality Coaching for Pastors and Spiritually Minded Leaders: www.deepdivespirituality.com
Connecting with Brian: Website: www.brianrussellphd.com
X: @briandrussell
Interested in coaching or inviting Brian to speak or teach for your community of faith or group? Email: deepdivespirituality@gmail.com
Links to Amazon are Affiliate links. If you purchase items through these links, Amazon shares a small 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.
Monday Feb 16, 2026
Monday Feb 16, 2026
Dr. Brian Russell (Ph.D.) offers tips and insights for building a spiritual container for deep transformation during Lent in 2026.
Interested in going even deeper? Brian has two books that go really well with the Lenten Season:
Astonished by the Word: Reading Scripture for Deep Transformation https://amzn.to/48fey8l
Centering Prayer: Sitting Quietly in God’s Presence Can Change Your Life https://amzn.to/2S0AcIZ
Sign up for his updates: www.brianrussellphd.com/newsletter
Interested in coaching with Brian? Email him today to initiate a transformational conversation: Brian@brianrussellphd.com
Brian Russell’s Other Books
(re)Aligning with God: Reading Scripture for Church and World (Cascade): https://amzn.to/3Mzfw7p
Invitation: A Bible Study to Begin With (Seedbed) https://my.seedbed.com/product/onebook-invitation-by-brian-russell/
Information on Brian’s Signature Deep Dive Spirituality Coaching for Pastors and Spiritually Minded Leaders: www.deepdivespirituality.com
Connecting with Brian: Website: www.brianrussellphd.com
X: @briandrussell
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 shares a small 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.
Saturday Jan 24, 2026
Saturday Jan 24, 2026
Dr. Brian Russell (Ph.D.) reflects on the Jesus’ announcement of the kingdom and how to realign with God’s missional calling in 2026. You’ll be renewed in your soul and refreshed for living out the life that God’s called you to embody. Brian shares the message of realizing with mission, community and holiness for our day.
Interested in going deeper? Check out his book (re)Aligning with God: Reading Scripture for Church and World https://amzn.to/30tP4S9
Interested in coaching with Brian? Email him today to initiate a transformational conversation: Brian@brianrussellphd.com
Sign up for updates on Brian's work: www.brianrussellphd.com/newsletter
Brian Russell’s Books
Astonished by the Word: Reading Scripture for Deep Transformation https://amzn.to/48fey8l
Centering Prayer: Sitting Quietly in God’s Presence Can Change Your Life https://amzn.to/2S0AcIZ
Invitation: A Bible Study to Begin With (Seedbed) https://my.seedbed.com/product/onebook-invitation-by-brian-russell/
Information on Brian’s Signature Deep Dive Spirituality Coaching for Pastors and Spiritually Minded Leaders: www.deepdivespirituality.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: deepdivespirituality@gmail.com
Links to Amazon are Affiliate links. If you purchase items through these links, Amazon returns a small 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.
Wednesday Dec 10, 2025
Wednesday Dec 10, 2025
In today's episode, Rev. Allyce Fogle–Logue discusses her new book Heaven's Ache: A Walk Through the Psalms with Lament and Hope. We talk about the power of the lament psalms for ministry and life.
Buy a copy of Heaven's Ache https://amzn.to/3KRS7x5
Books recommended by Allyce:
Richard Foster, Celebration of Discipline: https://amzn.to/4pvwJwz
Os Guiness, The Call: https://amzn.to/44kusMi
Brian Russell’s Books
Astonished by the Word: Reading Scripture for Deep Transformation https://amzn.to/48fey8l
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/
Brian’s Recommended Resources on Centering Prayer:
https://www.brianrussellphd.com/post/my-top-ten-favorite-resources-on-centering-prayer
Information on Brian’s Signature Deep Dive Spirituality Coaching for Pastors and Spiritually Minded Leaders: www.deepdivespirituality.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: deepdivespirituality@gmail.com
Links to Amazon are Affiliate links. If you purchase items through these links, Amazon returns a small 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.
Tuesday Dec 02, 2025
Tuesday Dec 02, 2025
In this week’s episode, Dr. Joel Pérez shares with us how to become exceptional leaders who embraces cultural humility and build bridges to create a truly inclusive organizations and churches.
Purchase a copy of Dear White Leader: How to Achieve Organizational Excellence through Cultural Humility https://amzn.to/4rpmBa6
Connect with Joel: Website: https://apoyocoaching.com
Courses: https://apoyocoaching.com/courses
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joelperezphd/
Resource Recommended by Joel:
Mai Moua, Culturally Intelligent Leadership https://amzn.to/3JZhVT5
Brian Russell’s Books
Astonished by the Word: Reading Scripture for Deep Transformation https://amzn.to/48fey8l
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/
Brian’s Recommended Resources on Centering Prayer:
https://www.brianrussellphd.com/post/my-top-ten-favorite-resources-on-centering-prayer
Information on Brian’s Signature Deep Dive Spirituality Coaching for Pastors and Spiritually Minded Leaders: www.deepdivespirituality.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: deepdivespirituality@gmail.com
Links to Amazon are Affiliate links. If you purchase items through these links, Amazon returns a small 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.
#spiritualgrowth #culturalhumility #culturalcompetency
Tuesday Nov 25, 2025
Tuesday Nov 25, 2025
Brian Russell shares ideas and practices to help you cultivate gratitude. Gratitude is the fuel for a deep dive spirituality.
Interested in receiving a monthly update that includes a list of resources/books that I've found helpful as well as my most recent essays, content, and offerings?
Sign up: www.brianrussellphd.com/newsletter When you sign up, I'll share the Gratitude Amplifier tool with you.
If you only want the tool, email me: brian@brianrussellphd.com
Join Brian’s Monthly free centering prayer gathering:
www.centeringprayerbook.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/
Brian’s Recommended Resources on Centering Prayer:
https://www.brianrussellphd.com/post/my-top-ten-favorite-resources-on-centering-prayer
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 small 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.
#gratitude #thanksgiving #spiritualgrowth
Wednesday Nov 12, 2025
Wednesday Nov 12, 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.
Tuesday Oct 14, 2025
Tuesday Oct 14, 2025
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.
Tuesday Oct 07, 2025
Tuesday Oct 07, 2025
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.