The Deep Dive Spirituality Conversations Podcast

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.

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.

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 

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 

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.

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.

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 Brian: Dan Sullivan, The Gap and Gain https://amzn.to/44uDjtU 15 Commitments of Conscious Leadership https://amzn.to/4eCaUqO Taleb, Skin in the Game https://amzn.to/40xMWHb Willink, Extreme Ownership https://amzn.to/4eQdHNf 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.

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/3ZD43a9 Evagrius, The Praktikos and Chapters on Prayer: https://amzn.to/4kI6ErL 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.

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 your audience draw on their core “why” for internal motivation.  4 Your audience wants feedback from you (“Grade your own papers.”) 5 Master verbal kung-fu  6 Don’t be a prisoner to technology  7 Build systems so that you can give high touch on what matters most to your students  8 Overdeliver.  9 Future pace your students.  10. Share yourself 11. Learn and implement new tactics or techniques annually 12. Continuous quality improvement 13. Figure out the 20% that delivers 80% of the value and focus on it 14. Deliver an experience and  help students integrate learning immediately into their life 15. Set an intention each day for how you will show up: Curious. Interested. Committed. 16. Remember what it’s like to be student. 17. Only as good as your last class/session 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.

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 in the process of attaining it you become someone worth becoming.  – Jim Rohn     4 “Courage is the key that unlocks the door to the future of God’s dreams.” Brian 5 “Skin in the game.” Nassim Taleb 6 Small things done consistently over time yield extraordinary results – The Magic Lamp 7 Be for something not merely against things 8 Practice Abundance  9 IDEA Sex 10. Winning isn’t always learning; but learning is always winning. — Dan Sullivan Bonus: “Today is the 1st day of the rest of your life. Trust. Surrender. Walk the path.” Recommended Books:  John Maxwell, Failing Forward https://amzn.to/4dgeMwY  Epictetus, Discourses and Selected Writings https://amzn.to/42MJdY0  Hendricks, The Big Leap https://amzn.to/3GDtMJ5  Ellis, The Magic Lamp: Goal Setting for People Who Hate Setting Goals https://amzn.to/4k8f0bF  Taleb, Skin in the Game https://amzn.to/44r9nkj  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 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.