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I sat down with a man who almost died proving he was enough — and what he found on the other side changed how I see my heart, my leadership, and honestly, my own life. This is what to do when your life stalls, and how that stall might set you free. My guest is Dale Sellers, author of Stalled, and his story starts with a quadruple bypass at 53. He had no family history and no warning. He shared with me that he had spent his life running toward a "there" that never arrived. What we uncover together at the root of this story goes beyond burnout. Dale shares about the father wound that quietly shaped his whole relationship with God, the moment a confession to a friend lifted what felt like a thousand pounds off his chest, and why "destination disease" — believing we will finally be whole once we arrive somewhere — keeps so many of us stuck. We also get honest about comparison and how we can poison churches, careers, and friendships when we measure our lives against everyone else's. If you've ever felt like you should be further along by now, this conversation is for you. You're not behind. You're not a failure. You are already approved — and freedom comes the moment you embrace where you actually are. WHO IS DALE SELLERS? Dale Sellers is a veteran pastor and Executive Director of 95Network with 40 years of experience in leadership burnout recovery. Author of Stalled: Hope and Help for Pastors Who Are Weary, Why-less, and Wandering, he helps leaders move from survival to mission-driven vision. DALE'S LINKS: Dale’s book: Stalled: Hope and Help for Pastors Who Thought They’d Be There by Now (https://www.amazon.com/dp/083079302X)Dale’s website: The Renewed Pastor (https://therenewedpastor.org) SCRIPTURES: Proverbs 4:23 NLTPsalm 27:13 NKJVPsalm 61:2 NIVEphesians 4:11-12 NIVMatthew 28:19-20 NIVActs 1:8 NIVLuke 18:8 NIVMatthew 9:36-37 VOICEPsalm 90:14 NIV CHAPTERS: 00:00 - Welcome to The Spiritual Frontier: What To Do When Your Heart Stalls 09:34 - The Surgery That Woke Up His Heart 14:39 - The Father Wound Behind The Drive To Prove Himself 20:55 - The Confession That Set Him Free 30:32 - Escaping The Comparison Trap 39:39 - The Five Quiet Habits That Poison Us 51:32 - Why You Can Stop Hoarding And Start Building Lives 58:41 - You Are Already Approved

If you've ever wondered whether Gen Z still wants anything to do with God, this conversation is for you. Dr. Tanita Maddox, Gen Z expert and the National Director for Generational Impact at Young Life, has spent 26 years on the front lines of Gen Z ministry, and what she taught me about talking to Gen Z about God completely reframed how I see this generation — and it's the most hopeful conversation I've had in a long time. We dig into why relationships — not statistics, not sermons, not slick programs — are still the doorway into faith for young people. Tanita shares the three things Gen Z says makes them actually feel listened to, why so many of them trust a stranger on TikTok more than the adults in their own home, and the surprising reason AI is becoming a competing spiritual authority in their lives. We also talk honestly about why being comfortable with being uncomfortable might be the most important skill we can give our kids — and ourselves. This one is for parents wondering how to reach their teenager, for pastors wondering why Gen Z church attendance doesn't always translate into real faith, and for anyone who's ever felt rejected while trying to love someone well. There is so much hope found in this conversation, and I think you're going to walk away encouraged, equipped, and ready to show up differently in the lives of the young people God has placed around you. TANITA'S LINKS: ​Website — https://tanitamaddox.com/​Book — https://a.co/d/0btS5MXa CHAPTERS: ​00:00 - Meet Dr. Tanita Maddox & Her Heart for Gen Z ​08:14 - Why Relationships Open Every Door to Faith ​20:06 - Trust Lives in People, Not Institutions ​26:19 - Answering the Questions They're Actually Asking ​30:53 - How to Truly Listen to Your Kids ​37:08 - Is AI Becoming a Spiritual Guide? ​45:30 - Getting Comfortable With Being Uncomfortable ​51:08 - The Power of Just Showing Up SCRIPTURES: ​1 Corinthians 9:22 NASB95​Psalm 22:30 NLT​Psalm 71:18 NIV​Acts 13:36 NIV​Exodus 33:11 TLB​2 Timothy 3:10 NIV

What if I told you there's hard data proving the Bible is changing lives right now — not someday, not in theory, but measurably, scientifically, today? Dr. John Plake from the American Bible Society joins me to unpack the research behind Bible engagement and mental health. Honestly, it left me smiling. Dr. Plake leads the State of the Bible study—the longest-running research on how Americans engage with Scripture—and what he's found is genuinely hopeful. People who are deeply engaged with the Bible show lower anxiety, lower traumatic stress, and higher hope than those who aren't. Harvard's Human Flourishing Study confirms it. Gen Zers, who statistically struggle the most with anxiety and depression, look completely different when they're Scripture engaged — like they've unlocked something their peers haven't found yet. We also dig into the real barrier holding people back: it's not desire, it's guidance. Millions of people want to read the Bible but don't know where to start, what translation to pick, or how to make sense of it. Dr. Plake breaks down practical first steps—from finding the right translation to using audio and video to build a consistent habit—so we can turn curiosity into a life-giving relationship with Scripture. If you've ever picked up a Bible and felt lost, this episode is your on-ramp. JOHN’S LINKS: State of the Bible → https://sotb.americanbible.orgAmerican Bible Society → https://www.americanbible.org YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@AmericanBibleSociety  SCRIPTURES SHARED: Isaiah 55:10-11 NIVJohn 10:10 NIVHebrews 4:12 NIV CHAPTERS: 00:00 — Trailer 01:03 — The Data Behind a Life-Changing Book 05:02 — Why Accessibility Matters More Than "The Right" Translation 11:00 — You Don't Have to Figure This Out Alone 12:28 — Inside America's Curiosity Wave 23:24 — What the Fastest-Growing Group Can Teach Us All 40:49 — The Well-Being Breakthrough: Hope, Resilience, and Science 47:41 — Rebuilding Real Community, One Honest Step at a Time

The best podcasts don’t just inform you. They hold up a mirror. That’s what happened the first time I listened to Ryan Wexelblatt, founder of ADHD Dude, licensed social worker, and one of the clearest voices on parenting I’ve ever encountered. I was ten minutes in before I started laughing at myself. Not because he was funny. Because he was right. I knew I had to get him on the Spiritual Frontier. Here’s the reality: 1 in 9 American children, 7 million kids, are carrying an ADHD diagnosis. Behind that number are millions of parents who love their children fiercely and were never handed a map. That’s not a failure. That’s simply where we begin. Here’s a number that stopped me cold: 40% of parents want to be the fun parent. Only 7% want to be seen as strict. But Ryan helped me see what I’d been missing. We’ve confused strictness with structure, and they are not the same thing. Strictness controls a child. Structure sets one free. For a child with ADHD, structure isn’t a cage. It’s the scaffolding they climb to become who they’re capable of being. Ryan doesn’t avoid the difficult. He explains and inspires. That’s his gift. He trades guesswork for what the evidence actually shows: how to read your child’s big emotions instead of fearing them, how to stop rescuing and start equipping, how to raise a child who learns they are capable rather than helpless. This is one of the most enjoyable, inspiring, and detailed episodes I’ve ever produced. Maybe the best yet. Not because it will make you feel you’ve gotten it wrong, but because you’ll walk away believing you can get it right. Don’t miss it. RYAN WEXELBLATT: Ryan Wexelblatt, LCSW, is a licensed social worker, ADHD specialist, and founder of ADHD Dude. An expert in behavior management and executive functioning, Ryan combines clinical expertise with his personal experience to help families replace daily chaos with structural discipline, resilience, and real-world independence. RYAN'S LINKS: ​YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@ADHDDude​Podcast → https://open.spotify.com/show/7xATyVhNZU3abIejNIggvD?si=f06f32163dc04dcb​Website → https://www.adhddude.com/ SUBSCRIBE TO THE SPIRITUAL FRONTIER: ​Deep Spirituality → https://deepspirituality.com/the-spiritual-frontier/​Substack → https://spiritualfrontier.substack.com/ CHAPTERS: ​00:00 - Trailer00:51 - ADHD Is Not an Attention Problem04:12 - The #1 Mistake in Every ADHD Household08:38 - "Parental Accommodation" Is Making It Worse13:01 - Why Your ADHD Kid Ignores Lectures15:56 - Why Individual Therapy Alone Doesn't Work25:42 - Stop Making ADHD Their Identity28:56 - How to Build Real Confidence (Not Reassurance)36:04 - Scaffolding: Teaching Kids to Do It Themselves

There are places in life most of us are afraid to go. The unknown. The unpredictable. The dreams we’ve quietly stopped believing in. The versions of ourselves we’ve glimpsed but never fully become. These are spiritual struggles. And they’re exactly where the most important growth happens. That’s The Spiritual Frontier. It’s not a place on a map. It’s the courageous decision to stop letting fear write the story of our lives and to start trusting that God has something extraordinary waiting on the other side of our hesitation. Proverbs 29:18 says it plainly: “Without vision, people perish.” The Spiritual Frontier exists to give us that vision back. And it’s for everyone. Whether you’re deeply rooted in faith or just beginning to wonder if there’s something more, you belong here. The Spiritual Frontier includes essays and podcast episodes that will go deep into faith and God—that’s the heartbeat of everything I do. But it won’t stop there. We’ll bring in researchers, psychiatrists, and business leaders. We’ll talk about developing the faith to conquer the things that are real and complex in our lives—like grief, leadership, disabilities, and more. God is the source of all wisdom and understanding, and he wants to fully equip us to be the best we can be in every area of our lives. I’m learning as I go. I’m overcoming my own fears in real time. And I’m inviting you to come with me. Watch the video above for my full launch message, where I share exactly what this new chapter is, where it’s headed, and what’s coming in the very first episode. (Spoiler: it might be the best one I’ve ever made.) The frontier is waiting. Let’s go. SUBSCRIBE TO THE SPIRITUAL FRONTIER: On Deep Spirituality → deepspirituality.com/subscribe On Substack → spiritualfrontier.org CHAPTERS: 00:00 - The Courage to Cross the Frontier00:37 - Welcome to The Spiritual Frontier01:03 - Why We Made This Easier to Access01:46 - Faith Means Facing the Impossible02:18 - The Vision That Changes Everything02:39 - Experts, Psychology & No Gatekeeping04:34 - The ADHD Episode That Changes Everything

Is your independence actually your biggest weakness? In football, a player left on an "island" is a liability. In life, a man who isolates himself is dangerous—to himself and everyone around him. In this episode of the Deep Spirituality Podcast, we sit down with Jeremy Ross (Former Cal & NFL Receiver) and BJ Jones (Cal Football Linebacker) to decode the "internal game" of elite athletes. We move beyond the clichés of "grinding" to explore how the high-pressure crucible of sports accelerates character growth and why you cannot win the battles of life without a team. If you are tired of fighting your battles alone or struggling to maintain focus when things get hard, this conversation provides lessons on resilience and building internal strength that lasts. About Our Guests: Jeremy Ross: Former Cal and NFL receiver (Packers, Lions, Patriots) who now mentors athletes on faith, resilience, and identity through '7 Mind and Body.' BJ Jones: Bishop O'Dowd alum and Cal Linebacker who champions neurodiversity and empowers athletes through inclusive E-Football programs. Check out Jeremy's website! → 7mindandbody.com Scriptures: 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 NASB1 Timothy 4:8 NIVMatthew 7:24-27 TLB ► SUBSCRIBE: https://youtube.com/deepspirituality/?sub_confirmation=1 Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction 01:55 - Run with purpose 04:00 - How you got started in sports 10:02 - The importance of playing outside 13:47 - How physical training reveals your heart 18:10 - Building culture in family and football 22:57 - How sports can help young people build character 29:04 - Sports builds friendships 44:24 - What churches can learn from sports 53:25 - Managing ADHD 01:00:30 - 7 Mind and Body

In this episode of Deep Spirituality, Russ Ewell chats with Matt McChlery about why picking up a book is actually a "rebellion" for your soul in a world of endless scrolling. After interviewing nearly 100 authors, Matt has seen firsthand how the power of story helps us connect with God far better than a dry lecture ever could. They get real about authenticity, sharing that we need to drop the "perfect Christian" mask and be honest about our messy journeys. Matt even opens up about his own battle with cancer, explaining that when we share our "storms," it creates "light through the cracks" for everyone else. To wrap things up, they talk about the magic of music—how it gets into the gaps of our hearts to take us straight to God—and why every community should celebrate its own unique "sound". Check out Matt! → https://www.mattmcchlery.com/Matt's podcast, Christian Book Blurb → https://open.spotify.com/show/32gv1Rl6HFBneRMygfjzM2Matt's books → https://www.amazon.com/stores/Matt-McChlery/author/B09L4YQGCL Scriptures: 2 Timothy 3:16-17 NIV2 Corinthians 1:8-9 NIVPhilippians 1:30 NLT1 Corinthians 12:13 TLBJohn 13:35 BSBJohn 17:23 NLT1 John 5:2 TPT ► SUBSCRIBE: https://youtube.com/deepspirituality/?sub_confirmation=1 Chapters: 00:00 - Meet Matt McChlery 02:30 - The power of pages 08:11 - The power of story when we read 16:24 - Promo: Why we're talking more about AI than God 17:32 - Insights from 98 Christian author interviews 22:39 - Struggle is normal, ditch the perfect performance 30:46 - Why we should journey together in faith 37:43 - Promo: The Kingdom of Change 38:54 - Why music is part of our spiritual journey 42:33 - What every worship leader should know 50:12 - Find and follow Matt McChlery

In Part 2 of this powerful conversation, Zack and Becky Mariscal return to the Deep Spirituality Podcast to discuss the "spiritual mechanics" of resilience. Their story reveals how internal strength is forged through profound suffering, moving from a place of human fragility to firm faith. This episode will help you shift your perspective on current troubles—not by ignoring them, but by learning how to fix your gaze on the unseen. Whether you are facing a health crisis or navigating the "ups and downs" of life, you will walk away with a meaning-making framework for resilience and the inspiration to turn toward God instead of shutting down. ► SUBSCRIBE: ⁠https://youtube.com/deepspirituality/?sub_confirmation=1⁠ Scriptures: 2 Corinthians 12:8-9 NIVEcclesiastes 9:11 NIV2 Corinthians 4:7-9 NLT2 Corinthians 4:16-18 NLTRomans 15:4 NASBPsalm 46:1-3 NASB95Psalm 77:19 NLT Chapters: 00:00 - Optimistic resilience 01:56 - How does your knowledge of God increase your resilience? 08:16 - How breaking up made us stronger. 21:44 - What young men can do. 26:09 - How do you stay joyful in suffering? 32:30 - Ad: Kingdom of Prayer 33:24 - Take initiative in relationships 40:05 - How what we go through can help others 50:51 - Wrap up

What happens when your "perfect" life is upended by a Stage 4 cancer diagnosis at just 17 years old? In our latest episode, Zack and Becky Mariscal join the podcast to share their incredible journey of faith, wrestling with God, and finding a love that endures the unthinkable. Whether you are walking through your own "wilderness" or supporting someone who is, this story is a powerful testament to the God who heals the brokenhearted and carries us through the storm. 🎧 Listen now to find hope in the struggle. Scriptures: Genesis 32:24,28 NIVLuke 7:47 VoiceIsaiah 6:5 NIVTitus 2:12 NIVActs 2:38 NIV2 Corinthians 1:8-11 NIVExodus 3:10-12 NASB95Psalm 56:8 NLT Psalm 126:5-6 NLTPsalm 147:3 NLT ► SUBSCRIBE: https://youtube.com/deepspirituality/?sub_confirmation=1 Chapters: 00:00 - Zack and Becky Mariscal 01:52 - Wrestling with God 04:58 - When they became Christians 08:29 - How do you handle the struggles of being a Christian as a teenager 14:14 - What young men can learn from others 19:03 - Getting sick and starting to date 27:03 - How God moved through the struggle 31:29 - The shock and trials of being diagnosed with cancer 46:01 - The scriptures reveal how the spirit brings us through difficulty 52:04 - Why God wants us to just show up sometimes 56:36 - God brings us through our sufferings to our destiny **** #DeepSpirituality #FaithJourney #CancerSurvivor #RelationshipGoals #GodIsReal #HopeInTheStruggle #PodcastRecommendation

Desperation is a feeling that no one really likes, but our willingness to admit that we are desperate is the key to experiencing God’s supernatural power. Desperation opens our hearts and makes room for God to move in ways that go far beyond our wildest dreams. In this scripture playlist, we’ll go from denial to desperation so that God can turn the impossible into the inevitable. Scriptures referenced: Psalm 34:6 MSGJames 4:2 ERVMark 11:25 ERVPsalm 66:18-20 NIVEphesians 6:13-18 MSGPsalm 5:1-3 TPTPsalm 77:2 AMPPsalm 86:1 TPTPsalm 107:6 CEBJeremiah 29:11-13 TPTIsaiah 55:6 TPTMatthew 6:5-6 MSGRevelation 3:20 ERV (00:00) Introduction and Welcome (01:31) Four reasons we don’t pray desperate prayers (04:06) After clearing our heart, we can pray (05:26) Powerful prayers unlock a powerful future (06:58) Desperate prayers start with simple steps (08:30) Outro and credits

The greatest battle of our age is spiritual. Long before Silicon Valley and algorithms, Jesus warned us that our way of seeing determines our way of being. But today, our "lamp is our screen," and the algorithms behind it are engineered to disciple us, shaping our reactions, emotions, and identity. In this profound conversation, Russ Ewell and Zach Leighton (Reliant Media Group) dive deep into the spiritual crisis of the digital age. They discuss the difference between conforming to the world's patterns and being transformed by the renewing of our minds. Zachary Leighton → Reliant Creative: https://reliantcreative.org/ Zach Leighton, founder of Reliant Media Group, empowers churches and nonprofits with story-driven, digital media strategies that deepen connection and build community. With expertise in brand development he helps ministries share their unique stories in a way that resonates and drives lasting impact. Scriptures: Luke 11:34-36 VoiceRomans 12:2 NIVHebrews 11:1 NLTRomans 5:3-4 NIVRevelation 12:11 NIV ► SUBSCRIBE: https://youtube.com/deepspirituality/?sub_confirmation=1 Chapters: 00:00 Coming up01:29 Algorithm of faith introduction06:13 What is Reliant Creative?08:01 Why churches are slow to change13:13 Why we run to social media19:28 [Ad] Deep Spirituality Newsletter20:51 What do churches have to invest in to tell their story30:01 What story does the average Christian need to tell?39:14 [Ad] Deep Spirituality Newsletter40:22 Why does the story speak to our soul?54:03 Reliant Creative + Outro

It’s hard to hear God when life feels chaotic. We often think the solution to our stress is to push harder or move faster, but the story of Elijah shows us that God doesn’t speak through the noise—he speaks through the whisper. Many of us miss moments of insight and renewal simply because we’re too distracted to notice. In this episode of Scripture Playlists, you’ll hear a short devotional and a curated collection of scriptures designed to help you quiet your mind, calm your heart, and create space to hear God’s voice. GO DEEPER: DOWNLOAD THE WORKBOOK: If the noise inside feels overwhelming, our free ebook workbook can help you understand what’s going on beneath the surface. It’s designed to help you process your emotions, grow in self-awareness, and deepen your relationship with God and the people closest to you. https://deepspirituality.com/what-god-whispers Scriptures used: 1 Kings 19:11-13 MSGPsalm 46:10 VoiceMatthew 11:28-30 AMPIsaiah 30:15 GWPsalm 131:1-3 NLTPsalm 62:5 TPTMark 4:39 NCVMatthew 7:24-27 TPTPsalm 94:19 TPTIsaiah 26:3 NLT1 Peter 5:7 NCVPsalm 37:7 TPTPsalm 42:5 VoicePhilippians 4:6-7 TLB

Gen Z is hurting—and they know it. In this candid conversation, therapist Liz Llamas and nurse leader MaryAnn McGaret join host Russ Ewell to explore why so many young adults feel exhausted, anxious, and alone—despite being more focused on wellness than any generation before. We cut through the noise of viral self-care trends and social media “The Great Lock-In” challenges to reveal what’s really missing: authentic connection, true meaning, and the courage to find your own path. Discover how discipline, community, and finding your unique motivation can bring the breakthrough you need—no matter where you’re starting from. Hit play for practical advice—and a reminder that you’re not alone in the search for a life that finally feels whole. ► SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST: https://youtube.com/deepspirituality/?sub_confirmation=1 Scriptures: Proverbs 20:5 NIV The purposes of a person’s heart are deep waters, but one who has insight draws them out. Chapters: 00:00 What "The Great Lock-In" reveals about Gen Z 07:03 What is your take on wellness 09:56 Why Gen Z is so into wellness right now 20:04 What's missing in Gen Z's relationships 28:47 Promo - The Chemistry Lab: Which super power do you need? 30:07 Simple tools to take care of yourself (AAA) 36:53 Steps towards being a likable person 50:34 Finding the right technique for you 57:45 Why Gen Z is still finding their way and stuck at home 01:08:53 Promo - Your Personalized Power Plan 01:10:11 How to motivate Gen Z towards progress 01:24:15 What did we learn today? **** 📬 Unlock spiritual breakthroughs every week—subscribe to The Chemistry Lab! https://deepspirituality.com/subscribe Quiz: Which spiritual superpower do you need? https://deepspirituality.com/superpower Quiz: Your Personalized Power Plan https://deepspirituality.com/your-personalized-power-plan/

If you’ve ever felt the weight of ambition—your own or others’—and wondered why efforts that seem good end up fracturing relationships, breeding anxiety or leaving you empty, this episode offers a clear, faith-rooted perspective. We explore how selfish ambition is driving spiritual and social decay, and how a different kind of ambition—rooted in humility, love, purpose and God’s vision—can rebuild what’s broken. In this edition of Deep Reads, Darryl Howell reads the article “What’s Going on with Our World? (Part I)” from Deep Spirituality, written by Russ Ewell. Whether you’re spiritually curious, disillusioned by religion, or simply seeking a truer, healthier way of living, this episode stakes new ground—a place where ambition isn’t the problem but the form of ambition is. Tune in, press play, and let’s together ask: What kind of ambition is shaping our lives—and what could be different if we chose a better one? What’s Going on with Our World? (Part I): Selfish ambition is breaking us. But here’s what we can do about it. → https://deepspirituality.com/whats-going-on-with-our-world-part-i/ Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction 00:35 - What’s Going on with Our World? 02:55 - The paradox of progress 09:47 - Observation 16:25 - Hypothesis 29:18 - To be continued… 30:22 - Reply or reach out

If you've ever felt like your spiritual life is compartmentalized (church on Sunday, work Monday-Friday, “real life” elsewhere), this episode invites you to reimagine how the spiritual and the physical can align. We dive into how God designed the world to explain Himself—through nature, science, relationships, and even everyday moments. In this edition of Deep Reads, Darryl Howell reads the article “The Spiritual Chemistry of Everything” from Deep Spirituality, written by Russ Ewell. Whether you’re curious about faith, feeling disconnected, or simply ready for a fresh way of seeing God in the world, this episode is for you. Press play and let the lab of your life begin: open your notebook, lean in, and let’s discover what it means to live fully integrated, alive to the spiritual chemistry of everything. Read along with the full article "The spiritual chemistry of everything" → https://deepspirituality.com/spiritual-chemistry-of-everything/ Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction 06:16 - The Workshop 14:47 - Weekly Experiment 19:15 - Field Notes