The Deep Dive Spirituality Conversations Podcast

Brian Russell teaches on Reading Scripture for Truth and Deep Transformation. He takes us on a deep dive into the Wesleyan quadrilateral properly understand, 2 Timothy 3:16–17, and Psalm 19. This podcast is a reaffirmation of what reading Scripture as God’s Word means for us personally and corporately as disciple making disciples of Jesus. The goal of interpretation is always our ongoing conversio...

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 tr...

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 Rul...

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 http...

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: Readi...

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  ...

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://a...

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 y...

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, jour...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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 Chall...

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 li...

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...

In today's Deep Dive, I share the key lessons about leadership that I learned thus far. I trust that these ideas and practices will help you lead in a way that helps you and those whom you lead to thrive and flourish for the sake of the kingdom. Interested in coaching? Email me: brian@brianrussellphd.com  Sign up for Brian's monthly newsletter: www.brianrussellphd.com/newsletter Book Mentioned by...

In today's Deep Dive, We explore the full meaning of the commands to love God and love neighbor by going deep into Deuteronomy 6:4–9 and Leviticus 19:18b. This episode is perfect for those interested in embodying a missional holiness for the world. Sign up for Brian's monthly newsletter: www.brianrussellphd.com/newsletter Books Mentioned by Brian: Moberly, Old Testament Theology: https://amzn.to/3...

Brian Russell (Ph. D., Professor of Biblical Studies) shares key lessons on teaching for transformation from 25 years as a professor at Asbury Theological Seminary. Sign up for Brian’s Monthly Update/Newsletter: www.brianrussellphd.com/newsletter  Key Lessons:  1 Focus on helping your audience succeed 2 People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care. –John Maxwell  3 Help yo...

Brian Russell (Ph. D., Professor of Biblical Studies) shares key lessons for life and mission on the occasion of his 56th birthday.  Sign up for Brian’s Monthly Update/Newsletter: www.brianrussellphd.com/newsletter Key Lessons: 1 Two One Line Prayers that Summarize My Relationship with God. 2 The Gospel comes to us on its way to someone else. – Alex McManus 3 You want to set a goal big enough that...

Seven Lessons the Church Can Learn from Bob Dylan The Never Ending Tour Don’t Rely on the Greatest Hits Package Challenge the Audience Go to New Places Make It about the Music Rely on Your Band Reinvent Continually While Always Being True to Your Roots Sign up for Brian’s Monthly Update: www.brianrussellphd.com    Buy me a coffee to support this work: www.paypal.me/drbrianrussell   Recommended Boo...

Brian Russell offers a poignant reading of Psalm 137 and shows how psalms of vengeance can help us to grow in love for God and neighbor. Brian talks about trauma and how certain expressions of faith actually oppress traumatized people.  Sign up for Brian’s Monthly Update: www.brianrussellphd.com Buy me a coffee to support this work: www.paypal.me/drbrianrussell Brian Russell’s Books Astonished by...

In this week's episode, Brian Russell reflects on how to think about and surrender into a time of spiritual growth during the season of Lent and beyond. He shares from his own experiences as well as from the wisdom of John Mark Comer, Dallas Willard, JR Woodward, John Wooden, AJ Sherrill, and Martyn Lloyd–Jones. Buy me a coffee (Thank you for supporting my work): www.paypal.me/drbrianrussell Resou...

In this week’s episode, Dr. Arianna Molloy takes us on a deep dive into the practice and mindsets of sustainable work. We talk about Christian identity and calling and the unique challenges around overwork and even burnout for persons living out a calling. You will gain valuable insights into pursuing your calling and doing so in a way that allows you to grow and serve for the long term.   Buy a c...

Brian Russell offers a deep dive into how to integrate high altitude spiritual experiences with God. He uses as a model the Transfiguration of Jesus as reported in Luke 9:28–36. Brian offers a close reading of the experience of Peter, John and James in light of the wider context of Luke 9. You will gain insights into the biblical text and learn practices for turning spiritual experiences into tran...