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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

Monday Jun 17, 2024
Monday Jun 17, 2024
In this week's episode, Roz and Callie Picardo return to the podcast to talk about their new book Healthy Money: A 30-Day Journey toward Spiritual, Emotional, and Financial Freedom (Invite, 2024). We share a powerful and insightful conversation around money mindsets, money in relationships, and how these relate to our spiritual growth and formation.
Take the Money Mindset Assessment: https://app.agolix.com/assessment/24830
Order a copy of the book: https://amzn.to/4emzZ8x
For bulk orders, contact Invite for discounts: https://www.inviteresources.com/lp/healthy-money-landing
Listen to our previous conversation: Money Talks: A Biblical Take on Earning, Saving, Spending & Giving https://youtu.be/FHB4SKQqLlA
Signup for Brian's free Summer Spiritual Growth workshops: www.brianrussellphd.com/growthworkshops
Brian's Free Centering Prayer course: https://www.brianrussellphd.com/challenge-page/fb06a8df-99bd-47c0-bc06-0892ec6777ed
Brian Russell’s Books:
Astonished by the Word: Reading Scripture for Deep Transformation (2023) https://amzn.to/3Vw9I07
Centering Prayer: Sitting Quietly in God’s Presence Can Change Your Life (2021) 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/
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. #stewardship #moneymindset #financialabundance

Saturday Jun 08, 2024
Episode 163 Amos Smith on Healing the Divide: Recovering Christianity's Mystic Roots
Saturday Jun 08, 2024
Saturday Jun 08, 2024
In this week’s episode, Amos Smith shares deeply from his personal experience in contemplative mysticism. We talk about the release of the 10th anniversary edition of Healing the Divide: Recovering Christianity's Mystic Roots, why centering prayer is a critical practice today and his writing practice.
Amos Smith (D.Min) earned a Bachelor's degree in Comparative Religion from The University of California at Santa Cruz in 1993, a Masters of Divinity from Pacific School of Religion in Berkeley in 1998, and a Doctor of Ministry from Chicago Theological Seminary in 2008.
Buy a copy of Healing the Divide: Recovering Christianity's Mystic Roots https://amzn.to/3KFju9L
Check out his other books on Amazon: https://amzn.to/39oIxPs
Connect with Amos Smith:
Twitter: @amossmi
Email: amossmi@gmail.com
Web: www.amossmith.org Password: friends
Books mentioned in the conversation:
Van der Kolk, The Body Keeps the Score https://amzn.to/4bU1ODE
Athanasius, On the Incarnation https://amzn.to/4bSyzRr
Brian's Free Centering Prayer course: https://www.brianrussellphd.com/challenge-page/fb06a8df-99bd-47c0-bc06-0892ec6777ed
Brian Russell’s Books
Astonished by the Word: Reading Scripture for Deep Transformation (2023) https://amzn.to/3Vw9I07
Centering Prayer: Sitting Quietly in God’s Presence Can Change Your Life (2021) 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/
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.
#mysticism #spirituality #silence

Friday May 24, 2024
Friday May 24, 2024
In this episode, I (Brian Russell) take you on a deep dive into Paul's words in Philippians 3:17 "Brothers and sisters, join in imitating me, and observe those who live according to the example you have in us.”
Questions I explore: What kind of person do I need to become to serve as a model of Christ like character for others? Is Jesus' life merely aspirational or can humans literally live out the mind and character of Christ? How might God be calling me today to surrender even deeper into the love God and neighbor? What kind of person do I need to become in order to serve as a model of Christ like character for others even more effectively tomorrow than I do today?
Highlighted resource:
Astonished by the Word: Reading Scripture for Deep Transformation https://amzn.to/3OKecg8
Free centering prayer course: https://www.brianrussellphd.com/challenges
Brian Russell’s Other Books:
(re)Aligning with God: Reading Scripture for Church and World (Cascade): https://amzn.to/3PU5RqE
Invitation: A Bible Study to Begin With (Seedbed) https://my.seedbed.com/product/onebook-invitation-by-brian-russell/
Centering Prayer: Sitting Quietly in God’s Presence Can Change Your Life https://amzn.to/2S0AcIZ
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.
#philippians #paul #christianliving

Friday May 17, 2024
Episode 161 Paul, Missional Holiness, and Sharing the Gospel Today
Friday May 17, 2024
Friday May 17, 2024
In this week’s episode, I reflect on Paul, missional holiness and the Gospel for today. I offer a deep dive into Paul’s missional method as he describes it in 1 For 9:19–27. This episode will empower you for more profound missional engagement in your community.
Highlighted resources:
(re)Aligning with God: Reading Scripture for Church and World (Cascade): https://amzn.to/3PU5RqE
Invitation: A Bible Study to Begin With (Seedbed) https://my.seedbed.com/product/onebook-invitation-by-brian-russell/
Free centering prayer course: https://www.brianrussellphd.com/challenges
Brian Russell’s Other Books:
Astonished by the Word: Reading Scripture for Deep Transformation https://amzn.to/3OKecg8
Centering Prayer: Sitting Quietly in God’s Presence Can Change Your Life https://amzn.to/2S0AcIZ
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.

Friday May 10, 2024
Episode 160 The Book of Acts as a Missional Map for Today
Friday May 10, 2024
Friday May 10, 2024
In this week’s episode, I offer a missional overview of the book of Acts. I cover three core aspects of the missional message of the book: Mission is spirit driven; Mission advances in spite of persecution through the bold and courageous witness of people; and the apostles use a variety of methods to fulfill the mission of God in their day.
Highlighted resources:
(re)Aligning with God: Reading Scripture for Church and World (Cascade): https://amzn.to/3PU5RqE
Invitation: A Bible Study to Begin With (Seedbed) https://my.seedbed.com/product/onebook-invitation-by-brian-russell/
Brian Russell’s Other Books:
Astonished by the Word: Reading Scripture for Deep Transformation https://amzn.to/3OKecg8
Centering Prayer: Sitting Quietly in God’s Presence Can Change Your Life https://amzn.to/2S0AcIZ
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.

Thursday May 02, 2024
Episode 159 Spiritual Reflections on My Extended Sabbath and Travel
Thursday May 02, 2024
Thursday May 02, 2024
In this week's episode, I share key spiritual growth lessons from my recent extended sabbath time and travel to Italy and Greece.
I start with reading a section of Seneca’s Letter 28 on Travel, reflect on not working at all for 19 days, ponder the wonders of 21st century life, share a deep insight into “eternal” kingdoms and life’s meaning, contemplate the “relics” of Christendom (Eastern and Western versions), marvel at the long term influence of Athens and Rome, describe the brilliant missional audacity of Paul, and share a couple of my “heart strangely warmed” moments from the trip.
Check out Seneca's Letters from a Stoic (Penguin) https://amzn.to/3Wo2cp1
Brian Russell’s Books:
Astonished by the Word: Reading Scripture for Deep Transformation https://amzn.to/3OKecg8
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): https://amzn.to/3PU5RqE
Invitation: A Bible Study to Begin With (Seedbed) https://my.seedbedhttps://my.seedbed.com/product/onebook-invitation-by-brian-russell/
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.

Friday Apr 19, 2024
Friday Apr 19, 2024
In this week's episode, I share key growth lessons that I've learned from coaching pastors and spiritual leaders. If you listen to this episode you will gain insight into the challenges of ministry as well as learn actionable steps for growing in grace as a pastor or in support of a pastor.
To learn more about my coaching: www.brianrussellphd.com or www.deepdivespirituality.com
Brian Russell’s Books:
Astonished by the Word: Reading Scripture for Deep Transformation https://amzn.to/3OKecg8
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): https://amzn.to/3PU5RqE
Invitation: A Bible Study to Begin With (Seedbed) https://my.seedbed.com/product/oneboo...
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.

Thursday Apr 11, 2024
Episode 157 Ryan Danker on The Faith Once Delivered
Thursday Apr 11, 2024
Thursday Apr 11, 2024
In this week’s episode, I interview Dr. Ryan Danker, director of the John Wesley Institute. He is hear to introduce an important new book The Faith Once Delivered: We talk about the unique contribution of Wesleyan theology and future of “Methodism” as a multi-denominational movement.
The John Wesley Institute: www.nextmethodism.org
Get a copy of The Faith Once Delivered: A Wesleyan Witness to Christian Orthodoxy https://amzn.to/4cEN9wX
Books Recommended by Ryan Danker:
Heitzenrater, Wesley and a People Called Methodists https://amzn.to/3TroGSW
Ken Collins, The Theology of John Wesley https://amzn.to/3Py2HZ8
Collins/Vickers, The Sermons of John Wesley https://amzn.to/3viG7Nr
Billy Abraham, Methodism: A Very Short Introduction https://amzn.to/3VvRuw2
Rowell, et al, Love’s Redeeming Work: The Anglican Quest for Holiness https://amzn.to/495gsW7
Brian Russell’s Books:
Astonished by the Word: Reading Scripture for Deep Transformation https://amzn.to/3OKecg8
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): https://amzn.to/3PU5RqE
Invitation: A Bible Study to Begin With (Seedbed) https://my.seedbed.com/product/onebook-invitation-by-brian-russell/
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.

Thursday Apr 04, 2024
Episode 156 Resurrection and Mission: Reading Luke 24 as 21st Century Disciples
Thursday Apr 04, 2024
Thursday Apr 04, 2024
Dr. Brian Russell (Ph.D., Professor of Biblical Studies) reflects on the missional implications of the resurrection through the lens of Luke 24.
Please "like", subscribe and/or share if you found this video helpful for your faith and growth in grace.
Questions? Reach out to me: brian@brianrussellphd.com or www.brianrussellphd.com
Check out my books:
The featured resources are my two book on the missional message of Scripture:
For pastors and teachers: (re)Aligning with God: Reading Scripture for Church and World (Cascade): https://amzn.to/3PU5RqE (usually 2.99 via kindle)
For everyone: Invitation: A Bible Study to Begin With (Seedbed) https://my.seedbed.com/product/onebook-invitation-by-brian-russell/
Brian Russell’s Other Books:
Astonished by the Word: Reading Scripture for Deep Transformation https://amzn.to/3OKecg8 Centering Prayer: Sitting Quietly in God’s Presence Can Change Your Life https://amzn.to/2S0AcIZ
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.

Friday Mar 29, 2024
Episode 155 Discipleship and the Message of the Cross
Friday Mar 29, 2024
Friday Mar 29, 2024
In this week's episode, I reflect on the centrality of the cross in the life of a disciple.
Here is the poem I share:
I can see Jesus carrying his cross all alone,
He took on our flesh so far from his rightful throne.
Disregarded his name , He embraced the cross
And its shame
To save the lost.
He’s the Son of God, carrying the sins of the world
I can see Jesus wearing a crown made of thorns,
In the anguish of death, feeling humanity’s scorn.
His Father’s will to obey
He died on the tree
To set us free
And show the way.
He’s the Son of God, healing all the pain of the world.
I can see Jesus crying to all “It is done,”
Creation’s redeemer, our Lord God’s victory won.
The offer is made
The price has been paid
To give us life
And end all strife.
He’s the Son of God, still reaching out to us everyday.
He’s the Son of God, still reaching out to us everyday.
So see through the pain
The means to true gain
For its true
He died for you.
He’s the Son of God, carrying the sins of the world.
Brian Russell’s Books:
Astonished by the Word: Reading Scripture for Deep Transformation https://amzn.to/3OKecg8
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): https://amzn.to/3PU5RqE
Invitation: A Bible Study to Begin With (Seedbed) https://my.seedbed.com/product/onebook-invitation-by-brian-russell/
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.