Shows
unSeminaryReaching Gen Z Starts with Rethinking Church with Russ Ewell
Welcome back to another episode of the unSeminary podcast. Today we’re joined by Russ Ewell, Executive Minister at Bay Area Christian Church (BACC) in California and founder of Deep Spirituality.
How can churches meaningfully engage and empower the next generation of leaders? With campuses across Silicon Valley and a deep commitment to developing future leaders, Russ shares the practical strategies BACC is using to integrate Gen Z into leadership while staying grounded in spiritual formation.
Build for the future while leading the present. // Many churches struggle to reach Gen Z because they unintentionally lead only wi...2025-06-2632 minunSeminary PodcastReaching Gen Z Starts with Rethinking Church with Russ Ewell
Welcome back to another episode of the unSeminary podcast. Today we’re joined by Russ Ewell, Executive Minister at Bay Area Christian Church (BACC) in California and founder of Deep Spirituality.
How can churches meaningfully engage and empower the next generation of leaders? With campuses across Silicon Valley and a deep commitment to developing future leaders, Russ shares the practical strategies BACC is using to integrate Gen Z into leadership while staying grounded in spiritual formation.
Build for the future while leading the present. // Many churches struggle to reach Gen Z because they unintentionally lead only wi...2025-06-2632 min
Deep SpiritualityWe’re all a little stuck. But there’s a way out. | Deep Reads“We’re All a Little Stuck. But There’s a Way Out” explores how learned helplessness—the belief that nothing we do matters—can trap us spiritually. Russ Ewell blends psychology, Scripture, and real-life stories to show how God’s power can break through discouragement and help us reclaim hope, purpose, and agency.Written by Russ Ewell. Narrated by Darryl Howell.Read the article: https://deepspirituality.com/learned-helplessness/Join The Chemistry Lab: https://deepspirituality.com/the-chemistry-lab/Chapters:00:00 - Introduction...2025-06-2349 min
Deep SpiritualityWhat if Spirituality Could Help You Understand the World?What if your faith felt more like a lab: full of curiosity, growth, and breakthroughs?In this episode, Russ Ewell, Mike Query, and Sean Kiluk talk about the last six issues of The Chemistry Lab, a new way to explore your spiritual life through experimentation and discovery. Learn how to grow spiritually by mixing the right ingredients—heart, soul, mind, and strength—and why asking big questions can lead to even bigger transformation.🎧 Listen now and rediscover how powerful your faith can be.#TheChemLab #Spiritu...2025-06-1837 min
Unconventional MinistryDebunking Myths about Martial Arts with Dr. Kent Haralson S5 EP#192Welcome to the Unconventional Ministry Podcast with host Dennis Wiens. In this thought-provoking episode I visit with Dr. Kent Haralson, author of The Martial Arts: A Christian Perspective and Philosophy, to tackle several surprising questions: Can Christians practice martial arts with a clear conscience? Can Martial Arts be a platform for ministry?
Dr. Haralson unpacks the three most common objections believers raise about martial arts and offers biblical, historical, and practical responses.
Does martial arts promote violence? Kent explains how proper training prevents violence by equipping individuals to de-escalate and manage conflict.
Isn’t m...2025-06-1320 min
Deep SpiritualityFire in the lab, flow in the spirit | Deep ReadsIgnite your curiosity—and your soul. In “Fire in the Lab, Flow in the Spirit,” Russ Ewell connects the spark of scientific wonder with the spiritual ignition God longs to light within us. He shows how routine religiosity can dampen that flame and helps us rediscover our awe.Drawing from Proverbs, Romans, and Galatians, Russ invites readers into a spiritual “Chemistry Lab,” where our human spirit meets God’s. The alignment of our spirit with God's Spirit brings flow, freedom, and divine purpose into our lives. Want something more than duty-driven religion? Then it's time to step...2025-06-0921 min
Deep SpiritualityA new space for spiritual people in superficial times | Deep ReadsIn a world of distraction and superficiality, Russ Ewell introduces The Chemistry Lab—a weekly newsletter designed to spark spiritual curiosity and a deeper pursuit of faith. Inspired by childhood experiments and Proverbs 25:2, this narrative explains the heart behind the newsletter and the call to go beyond the surface in your spiritual life.Written by Russ Ewell. Narrated by Darryl Howell.Read the article: deepspirituality.com/welcome-to-the-chemistry-labJoin The Chemistry Lab: https://deepspirituality.com/the-chemistry-lab/Chapters:00:00 - In...2025-06-0616 min
Life!Line with Craig RobertsLife!Line with Craig Roberts 06-05-25 Hour 2Guest: Russ EwellSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.2025-06-0642 minDeep SpiritualityWhat If Anxiety Is A Spiritual Battle?Are fear, stress, and anxiety taking up too much space in your heart?In this episode, Russ Ewell sits down with Ray Kim and Stone Eleazer to talk candidly about the emotional and spiritual battles we all face—but often keep hidden. Through real stories and powerful insights from the Bible, they explore how fear, stress, and anxiety affect our mental and spiritual health. Whatever the source of our anxiety and fear might be, this episode reminds us that we're not alone. And we do...2025-06-041h 05
The David Kaufer Podcast: The Lighter Side of the SpectrumInclusive Innovations: Russ EwellDavid welcomes Russ Ewell, founder of Digital Scribbler, to discuss accessible technology and the importance of inclusion. Ewell, who has two sons on the autism spectrum, shares his journey from sports to tech, highlighting how inclusive programs like eSoccer have transformed lives. They explore the role of AI in communication and therapy, and offer valuable tips for parents navigating the challenges of raising children with special needs.
Topics
00:40 Meet Our Guest: Russ Ewell, Visionary in Accessible Technology
02:55 Russ Ell's Family Journey with Autism and Down Syndrome
08:59 The Evolution of A...2025-05-2349 minDeep SpiritualityDiscovering God in the Middle of Fear, Stress, and AnxietyHave you ever felt like fear, stress, or anxiety were running your life, even when everything looks fine on the outside?In this episode, Russ Ewell sits down with Ray Kim and Stone Eleazer for a powerful conversation about what it really means to connect with God in a personal, powerful, and purposeful way. Together, they unpack how fear, stress, and anxiety often go unspoken in our spiritual lives—and how these emotions can keep us stuck in surface-level faith.Whether you’ve been walking with God for years or a...2025-05-191h 08
Church Leadership LabEp. 121 | Russ Ewell: Creating Belonging in the Church Through Innovation and InclusionIn this episode, we sit down with Russ Ewell, executive minister at Bay Area Christian Church, author, social entrepreneur, and advocate for individuals with special needs and disabilities. Russ shares his powerful personal journey and how it led him to champion a church culture where everyone can belong, particularly those who are often overlooked in traditional ministry settings.In this conversation, we discuss:The personal experiences that ignited Russ’s missionThe vital need for accessible worship environmentsPractical strategies for creating inclusive children's ministriesLeveraging technology for greater accessibilityBuilding a spiritually vibrant culture that values eve...2025-05-1453 minDeep SpiritualityThe Great Adventure of Growing Spiritually: Q&A with Russ EwellIn this special Q&A podcast episode about our newsletter The Chemistry Lab, we tackle some of the most honest and heartfelt questions about faith, suffering, and spiritual growth. From dealing with pain to figuring out what to read in the Bible, this episode is a refreshing reminder that your relationship with God can be personal, powerful, and practical.This isn’t about having it all together. It’s about growing, exploring, and discovering how to walk with God in a way that’s real.✨ Subscribe to The Chemistry Lab news...2025-05-1035 minDeep SpiritualitySeeking Truth in a World of MisinformationWhat happens when the world starts saying everyone gets to have their own truth? In this honest and thought-provoking episode, Russ Ewell invites you into a new kind of spiritual journey—one built on curiosity, discovery, and a deeper search for what’s real.Inspired by his childhood love of science, Russ introduces The Chemistry Lab, a new newsletter and conversation space designed to help you explore God in practical, personal ways. Through scripture, storytelling, and a bit of soul-searching, this episode unpacks how we’ve gotten lost in a world of misinformation—and how we c...2025-05-0312 min
Coffee With CaregiversNavigating Special Needs Parenting: An Inspiring Journey with Russ EwellIn this insightful episode of Coffee with Caregivers, Jess sits down with Russ Ewell, a remarkable caregiver and father of three, including two sons with special needs. Russ shares his family's story, detailing their journey after discovering his eldest son had Down Syndrome at birth and later learning his second son had autism. He talks about the challenges they faced, the learning curve they navigated, and their innovative approaches to ensure their children's development and inclusion. Russ also discusses his work with the Bay Area Christian Church, his technology startup Digital Scribbler focused on inclusive software, and various programs...2025-04-2526 min
Hope on the Hard Road Special Needs Podcast'Autism and the Church' with Pastor Russ EwellDisability Ministry Series
'Autism and the Church' with Pastor Russ Ewell
Welcome back to the Podcast. Today we have Russ Ewell, lead pastor of Bay Area Christian Church and father of two children with special needs as our guest. As a father and an advocate in the special needs community he understands the need for creating inclusive environments for our children. As a Pastor, he and his wife have launched a free, step-by-step guide to help leaders begin or grow this ministry at their church. He knows that many Pastors are interested in servi...2025-03-3148 minUnconventional MinistryClosing the Special Needs Ministry Gap with Russ Ewell S5 EP#184While 99% of pastors and 97% of churchgoers say people with special needs are welcome in their churches, only 29% of churches have actual programs to support them. Why the disconnect?
In this episode, we sit down with Russ Ewell, pastor of Bay Area Christian Church and founder of Digital Scribbler, to uncover the barriers that keep churches from truly including people with disabilities, and how to break them down. Russ and his wife have developed the Spiritual Resource Ministry Manual, a FREE step-by-step guide to help churches create an accessible and thriving ministry for those with special needs.
2025-02-2516 min
The Ministry Growth ShowRuss Ewell from Bay Area Christian Church | Building Relational Churches in a Digital WorldSummary Description: In this episode of The Ministry Growth Show, host Zach Leighton sits down with Russ Ewell, pastor of Bay Area Christian Church, to discuss the intersection of faith, innovation, and relationship-building in ministry. Russ shares his personal journey from being an agnostic to leading a vibrant, diverse church in Silicon Valley. The conversation […]
The post Russ Ewell from Bay Area Christian Church | Building Relational Churches in a Digital World appeared first on Reliant Creative.
2025-01-081h 03
Very Bold Radio Podcast w/ Steve TeelVery Bold Radio 10-12-24 with Russ EwellSteve Teel had a great time getting to know author, minister, innovator Russ Ewell as they talk about his book: "He's Not Who You Think He Is: Dropping Your Assumptions and Discovering God for Yourself." Russ is a passionate communicator, authentic, genuine, and thoughtful about his faith in Jesus Christ. Visit the Website! https://verybold.com/ Be inspired every Saturday by difference-makers on Very Bold Radio & Podcast!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.2024-10-1244 min
Living by Faith with Trillia NewbellWhat We Can Learn from Our Special Needs Children and FriendsParenting children with special needs can have special challenges. But it can also teach us lessons about how unexpected hardships can bring us pure joy. Trillia Newbell talks with Pastor Russ Ewell about the lessons his two children with special needs have taught him and how raising them has made him into the man he is today on Living by Faith.Donate to Moody Radio: http://moodyradio.org/donateto/livingbyfaithSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.2024-10-0547 min
Youth Worker On Fire PodcastRuss Ewell - Special Needs MinistryRuss Ewell's first son was born while he and his wife Gail lived in the Washington, DC area. The doctor said to him “Congratulations! You have a son.” Next the doctor said, “He has down syndrome…”. In time, they moved to Silicon Valley. Russ and his wife, Gail’s, journey as parents of two children with special needs led them to start: Spiritual Resource Ministry at Bay Area Christian Church, which offers individuals with special needs and their families the ability to thrive spiritually alongside their neurotypical peers in every area of the church, which they may not...2024-09-1134 min
The Grit and Grace ProjectCutting Through the Discomfort Around Special Needs with Russ and Gail Ewell – 249How do you respond when you see a child with special needs? Most of us fall into one of two camps: We either choose to engage or we look the other way. But choosing to engage is always the right answer.
Russ and Gail Ewell will tell you the same thing. After dealing with judgment and unsolicited advice from others on how to raise their two special needs children, the couple decided the best way to inform others was to educate and integrate.
In this episode of This Grit and Grace Life, Russ and Gail...2024-09-1042 min
Smart Living with Grit and GraceCutting Through the Discomfort Around Special Needs with Russ and Gail Ewell – 249How do you respond when you see a child with special needs? Most of us fall into one of two camps: We either choose to engage or we look the other way. But choosing to engage is always the right answer.
Russ and Gail Ewell will tell you the same thing. After dealing with judgment and unsolicited advice from others on how to raise their two special needs children, the couple decided the best way to inform others was to educate and integrate.
In this episode of This Grit and Grace Life, Russ and Gail...2024-09-1042 minLiving by Faith with Trillia NewbellWhat We Can Learn from Our Special Needs Children and FriendsParenting children with special needs can have special challenges. But it can also teach us lessons about how unexpected hardships can bring us pure joy. Trillia Newbell talks with Pastor Russ Ewell about the lessons his two children with special needs have taught him and how raising them has made him into the man he is today.Donate to Moody Radio: http://moodyradio.org/donateto/livingbyfaithSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.2024-08-3147 min
Church Planter PodcastCPP #548 – Russ Ewell on Equipping Gen ZOur culture is changing whether you're ready or not. The next generation of leaders will be different from us and it's our job to figure out how to relate to them and equip them to follow Jesus in their own ways. In this episode, Chestly Lunday interviews Russ Ewell on how he's living this out in his local church and how he sees the generational shifts continuing into the future.Resources and Links Mentioned in this Episode:https://russewell.com/Reliant Mission: reliant.org/cppNewBreed TrainingMissionbyBusiness.comThanks for listening to the church planter...2024-06-101h 17
The Common Good PodcastRuss Ewell, executive minister of Bay Area Christian ChurchSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.2024-04-1310 min
Deep SpiritualityThe Blueprint for Living Spiritually | Deep ReadsA few weeks ago, we published our latest Featured Devotional by our editor in chief, Russ Ewell, entitled “The Blueprint for Living Spiritually: A five-step journey to a soul connection with God, through the footsteps of Jesus.”
We are excited to let you know that you can now listen to the Blueprint in its entirety on our website so you can listen as you read along.
We are introducing a new show format, called Deep Reads, in which we will narrate Featured Devotionals and release them as episodes on our podcast feed regularly.
To gi...2024-04-1154 min
Missions TodayReaching the Nones with Russ EwellA new report from Pew Research just came out suggesting that the number of “religious nones”, those with no religious affiliation, might be leveling off. That said, almost 30% of Americans today identify themselves this way and many churches are struggling to reach them. This weekend on Missions Today, Collin speaks with a pastor in the San Fransisco area whose church is trying some new things to try to reach these people with the Gospel. Reaching the Nones…this weekend on Missions Today!
For more information on our guest this week and his work, please check out the links belo...2024-02-2426 min
Christian Book Blurbep52 - Discovering God for Yourself with Russ EwellI had a wonderful discussion with author Russ Ewell about how we can discover God for ourselves, based on his book 'He's Not Who You Think He Is'. We speak about how to build relationship with God as well as how to form a deeper connection with Him. We also discuss his love of music, basketball and his favourite TV show Downton Abbey. Listen now.
Help keep this podcast on the web by simply buying me a coffee https://www.buymeacoffee.com/mattmcchlery
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...2024-02-0138 minChurch Leadership LabEp. 056 | Russ Ewell: How Technology Helps Reach More PeopleIn this episode, we sit down with Russ Ewell, Executive Minister of the Bay Area Christian Church, entrepreneur, and author of "Not Who You Think He Is: Dropping Your Assumptions and Discovering God for Yourself". With over 40 years of ministry experience, Russ is passionate about reaching out to a growing demographic of people called the "nones" as well as using technology to make church more accessible for all.In this conversation, we discuss:Utilizing tech for inclusive church experiences.The power of authenticity in social media.Reaching the "nones" through digital engagement.B...2024-01-3147 min
The Delta FlyersTim RussThe Delta Flyers is a weekly podcast hosted by Garrett Wang & Robert Duncan McNeill. This week’s episode is an interview with Tim Russ.We want to thank everyone who makes this podcast possible, starting with our Executive producers Megan Elise & Rebecca McNeillAnd a special thanks to our Ambassadors, the guests who keep coming back, giving their time and energy into making this podcast better and better with their thoughts, input, and inside knowledge: Lisa Klink, Martha Hackett, Robert Picardo, Ethan Phillips, Robert Beltran, Tim Russ, Roxann Dawson, Kate Mulgrew, Brannon Br...2023-09-1134 min
Deep SpiritualityHow Do I Make God Real to Me? The Story of Jacob's Struggle with God | Mini Quiet TimeGod wants to be real to us–he wants us to see him through our own eyes, not through the eyes of our parents, our friends, a person in a church, or the world around us. Today’s story is about a guy named Jacob who discovered God for himself by getting into a fight with him. Check out this Mini Quiet Time episode to learn from the story of Jacob that God becomes real to us when we stop running from who we are.
Show Notes:
Job 19:27 NIrV
Genesis 32:7-9,1...2023-06-0809 min
Deep SpiritualityDropping Your Assumptions and Discovering God for YourselfCheck out our newest podcast episode where we talk with our editor in chief Russ Ewell about the release of our new book on April 24! He's Not Who You Think He Is: Dropping Your Assumptions and Discovering God for Yourself is a guide to seeing God in a healthy way, softening our hearts to be close to him, and inspiring the world around us to discover him too.
In this episode we also talk about some of the new features of the book, like interactive notes, QR codes, and playlists to immerse you in...2023-04-0730 min
Deep SpiritualityWe're publishing our first book on April 24th!We are excited to tell you about a new project that has been born out of all the work we have done on Deep Spirituality. Our first book, He’s Not Who You Think He Is: Dropping Your Assumptions and Discovering God for Yourself, will be released on April 24. Listen to our editor in chief Russ Ewell talk with the team about some key highlights you can look forward to. Click here for more info and updates on the book! If you want to help us get the word out about this book, click here to join our book La...2023-04-0604 min
Deep SpiritualityWhy Vulnerability Helps Us See Our Need For God | One Quick ThoughtIn this new segment of our podcast, Deep Spirituality Editor-in-Chief Russ Ewell gives us one quick thought about walking with God to start our week.
At Deep Spirituality, our goal is to practice simple Christianity, where we believe God loves us, is interested in us, and has a plan for us. We want to provide anyone and everyone access to the tools they need to build this kind of personal relationship with God.
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish...2022-12-0609 min
Deep SpiritualityTrailer - One Quick ThoughtDo you ever feel like you need an extra dose of spirituality as you go through your day? We definitely do, especially during the extra busy holiday season. So we are excited to tell you about something that's coming soon to the Deep Spirituality channel: a new segment called "One Quick Thought"!
Starting on December 5, you'll get a weekly dose of Scripture and inspiration from our Editor-in-Chief Russ Ewell in your podcast feed. Each episode is about 10 minutes long and is designed to inspire growth in your personal walk with God. We'll release a new episode every Monday, so you...2022-11-2600 min
Think InclusiveRuss Ewell | Inclusive LeadershipFor this episode, Tim Villegas speaks with Russ Ewell, Founder of E-Soccer and Digital Scribbler, CEO of Hope Technology Group, host of the Lead Different Podcast, and father of children with disabilities. We discuss the characteristics of being an inclusive leader. And later in the interview he turns the tables on Tim and asks him some questions about why inclusion is important to him.Thanks for listening, and if you haven't already, please give us a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.Otter.ai Transcript: https://otter.ai/u/J_6dkIWVIt5ePGi6q1nJYzMzucsPDF Tran...2022-10-1340 min
Lead DifferentThe Five Levels of Inclusion with Tim VillegasToo often, people view leaders as those who are out front and in charge – they think in terms of power. But real leaders are those who have the ability to effect change in the lives of others. They are those who create a collaborative culture where everyone is supported, included, and set up to succeed. Join Russ Ewell’s conversation with educator and founder of Think Inclusive Tim Villegas as they discuss the necessity and importance of inclusion not just for those with disabilities, but for...2022-02-2547 minDeep SpiritualityThe Powerful Legacy of the Black Church and What We Should Learn from ItIt’s Black History Month, and taking this opportunity to educate ourselves on the untold and neglected stories of history is an invaluable experience (even if you are reading this post after the end of February). To that end, we are honored to present you with a rich conversation about the power, resilience, and inspiration of Black history and the Black Church. In this episode of our podcast, Deep Spirituality Editor-in-Chief Russ Ewell is joined by Daryl Reed, Lead Minister of the DC Regional Christian Church. Their conversation explores the roots of the Black Church, key Bible ver...2022-02-241h 10
Deep SpiritualityBigger Fish to Fry | Jonah's Unexpected Journey, Part 4So here we are, at the end of Jonah’s journey. And what a journey it’s been! Jonah has tried to run away from God, been swept up in a storm, almost died, spent several days inside a fish, got spit out by that fish, then finally decided to do what God wanted by going to preach to the enemies of his people. Those people put a stop to their evil ways, and God saved them from destruction. But Jonah is upset because he didn’t get what he wanted.[2] So he complained to the LO...2021-10-2115 min
Deep SpiritualityFish Out of Water | Jonah's Unexpected Journey, Part 3Have you ever made a really bad mistake? One of those mistakes that you just dread having to deal with? People are going to be mad at you, there might be some consequences, and you just want to crawl into a hole or move across the country. But you don’t. You own up to what you’ve done and put one foot in front of the other and start moving forward.When we pick up the story of Jonah in Jonah chapter 3, our hero is just coming off of one of those mistakes. He’s fina...2021-10-1414 min
Deep SpiritualityIn the Belly of the Beast | Jonah's Unexpected Journey, Part 2In our second episode of Jonah’s Unexpected Journey, we find our protagonist stuck in a fishy situation. What does Jonah do after being stuck in the belly of a fish for 3 days? He prays:Then Jonah prayed to the LORD his God from inside the fish. [2] He said, “I cried out to the LORD in my great trouble, and he answered me. I called to you from the land of the dead, and LORD, you heard me! [6] I sank down to the very roots of the mountains. I was imprisoned in the earth, whose gates lock shut...2021-10-0715 min
Deep SpiritualityGod Rocks the Boat | Jonah's Unexpected Journey, Part 1In this first episode of Jonah’s Unexpected Journey, we meet our protagonist:The LORD gave this message to Jonah son of Amittai: “Get up and go to the great city of Nineveh. Announce my judgment against it because I have seen how wicked its people are.”- Jonah 1:1-2 NLTGod called Jonah to do what he normally did - Jonah’s job was to talk to people about what God had to say. But this time, rather than talking to his fellow Israelites, God told Jonah to speak to the city of...2021-09-3011 minDeep SpiritualityHow To Have A Spiritual Conversation | ReUploadThis is a reupload of a previous podcast. We are releasing it because in a world where relationships are strained by the Pandemic this one is perfectly timed and at tune with what we need, relationships. Visit DeepSpirituality.com to sign up for our newsletter if you want devotionals, podcast and more delivered straight to your inbox. - - - While David was at Horesh in the Desert of Ziph, he learned that Saul was coming to kill him. [16] But Saul’s son Jonathan went to David at Horesh and stre...2021-05-1347 min
Russ Off The CuffThe Lost Art of Friendship, Final Episode of the Series: Are you willing to invest in building quality friendships?“The Friendship Factor” was the first book to make me think about the importance of friendship, and that how I had been building them was more careless than careful. Over the years I have come to understand the truth of the statement that, “deep friendship requires cultivation..."
With all we have discussed in this series based on the article from Lead Different titled "The Lost Art of Friendship," now is the time to take action by investing in quality friendships. This episode sets us up to take action. Enjoy building friendships.2021-04-0512 minRuss Off The CuffThe Lost Art of Friendship, Part 12: How do we increase the depth of our friendships?William Deresiewicz writing in his essay "The Death of Friendship" says, "We seem terribly fragile now. A friend fulfills her duty, we suppose, by taking our side..." This runs counter to the idea of depth and friendship leaning toward the superficiality of 'leaving each other alone,' instead of 'trying to make each other better.'
In this episode we talk about the 3 qualities we can invest in which increase the depth of our friendships.2021-04-0305 minRuss Off The CuffThe Lost Art of Friendship, Part 11: What does a real friendship look and feel like?William Deresiewicz writing in his essay "The Death of Friendship" makes the observation that modern day friendship is lacking in comparison to the ancients or classical friendship. He writes, "As for the moral content of classical friendship, its commitment to virtue and mutual improvement, that, too, has been lost." This episode is about reclaiming the true meaning of friendship, returning to the quality look and feel the ancients experienced.2021-04-0107 minRuss Off The CuffThe Lost Art of Friendship, Part 10: What are the qualities of character necessary to build friendships?This episode discusses the truth ancients believed about friendship, that it requires extraordinary qualities of character. We discuss 3 key qualities in this episode.
"The Death of Friendship by William Deresiewicz."
How Many Friends Does One Person Need? by Robin Dunbar
2021-03-3008 minRuss Off The CuffThe Lost Art of Friendship, Part 9: Do we accept as truth that friendship is rare?This episode discusses the truth that friendship is rare, precious, and hard won. This definition is taking from the ancients based on the essay "The Death of Friendship by William Deresiewicz."
How Many Friends Does One Person Need? by Robin Dunbar
2021-03-2909 minRuss Off The CuffThe Lost Art of Friendship, Part 8: Have we forgotten what it means to be friends?This episode takes as its thesis the idea that "We cannot be friends with everyone otherwise friendship has no meaning." Before you react consider the ideas inside this episode:
Aptitude for Friendship: Do we ever think about our question our aptitude for friendship?
The Meaninglessness of Friendship: What is it about our lack of definition to friendship which can cause it to become meaningless?
Restoring Meaning to Friendship: 9 things that give meaning and definition to our friendships
The Death of Friendship by William Deresiewicz
2021-03-2721 minRuss Off The CuffWhy Are We Afraid To Lead, Intro, Part 1This week I saw fear in the face of a young leader. He reminded me of my own fear at a similar age. This lead me to create an article called "Why Are We Afraid To Lead." You can find the article on Lead Different.
The Art of Non-Conformity
Discussed are the 6 sources of tension for young leader
Chronic Insecurity
Chronic Anxiety
Chronic Pressure
Chronic Stress
Chronic Emotional Confusion
Chronic Psychic Struggle
2021-03-2712 minRuss Off The CuffThe Lost Art of Friendship, Part 7: Friendship or Distraction?This is the 7th episode of our "Lost Art of Friendship" podcast series based on the Lead Different article of the same name which you can find here. This episode begins the breakdown of 7 questions based on reflections from the William Deresiewicz essay "The Death of Friendship."
The question answered in this episode: What is the difference between Friendship and Distraction?
Here is a snippet to give you an idea where we are going in this episode, "A common mistake is to identify relationships as friendships, when the only purpose they serve is to...2021-03-2618 minRuss Off The CuffThe Lost Art of Friendship, Part 6: A Few Thoughts About TeensTeenagers are experiencing a punishing loneliness during this pandemic. This experience is chronicled by Ellen McCarthy in “The loneliness of an interrupted adolescence.”
Teens reflect the general erosion of mental health during this pandemic. Everyone is effected in some way. The Lost Art of Friendship was written to highlight the importance of friendship in battling the emotional challenges of this pandemic as well as the general and ongoing need for genuine friendships. The hope is to provide definition to what they are and insight on how to build them. You can read the original arti...2021-03-2409 minLead DifferentWhy Emotional Intelligence is Essential for LeadershipWhen thinking about effective leadership, it can be easy to focus on the tangible: what needs to be done and how quickly can it be accomplished? While this is important, it is just as important to develop self-awareness and team-building skills as leaders. Leaders should ask questions, be accessible, be vulnerable, and create an environment that allows people to feel safe to give feedback, and this requires emotional intelligence.Join Russ Ewell as he talks with Dr. Patricia Thompson, a corpo...2021-03-2254 minRuss Off The CuffThe Lost Art of Friendship, Part 5: The Loneliness Epidemic"Something I have learned about my life and the lives of the hundreds I have spoken to about their emotional and spiritual lives is that loneliness is experienced more often than admitted."
This quote and episode theme is drawn from "The Lost Art of Friendship," which you can find at Lead Different.
"The Lonely Century" is a book by Noreena Hertz which I recommend and refer to.
This episode has several article references which can be found in the original article here.
2021-03-2214 minRuss Off The CuffThe Importance of Being a LearnerThis is a quick reflection on learning. No absolutes. No certainty. Only an awareness that the future belongs to those who learn, and organizations with a learning culture.
"we can then build “learning organizations,” organizations where people continually expand their capacity to create the results they truly desire, where new and expansive patterns of thinking are nurtured, where collective aspiration is set free, and where people are continually learning how to learn together."
The above quote belongs to Peter Senge. It is from his book "The Fifth Discipline: The Art & Practice of The...2021-03-2107 minRuss Off The CuffAm I Emotion Phobic?Emotional Phobias lead us to "suppress and diminish our emotions." After a time, we become emotionally deprived or dehydrated. This emotional deprivation or dehydration leaves us in a state of emotional hunger or thirst at which time we start pursuing...
Brené Brown: You can find all her works on Amazon here. I recommend Rising Strong, Braving the Wilderness, and Daring Greatly
Key Definition: Humility is the Absence Insecurity
Key Definition: Emotion Phobic people fear and devalue emotion
2021-03-2021 minRuss Off The CuffThe Lost Art of Friendship, Part 4: A Quick Sidebar About Men and LonelinessReal friendship tends to be difficult for men and boys. We are taught early on that our emotions can lead us into the “dark arts of human vulnerability...”
Brian's Song: Groundbreaking movie about friendships among men (1970s)
The Uncomfortable Truth about Male Loneliness: Honest depiction of the messiness involved with building male relationships
2021-03-1916 minRuss Off The CuffThe Lost Art of Friendship, Part 3: How we Lose the Art of Friendship?"One of the best ways to receive an emotional education is through friendship. For this to occur these friendships must be built from the inside out, intrinsically not extrinsically."
Tombstone: This movie's depiction of friendship is worth watching
The Lost Art of Friendship: This is the article upon which the podcast series is based
2021-03-1713 minRuss Off The CuffThe Lost Art of Friendship, Part 2: Friendship Requires an Emotional Education"We are all in desperate need of an emotional education, the very thing capable of helping us nurture and strengthen the relational aspects of life, and let’s face it, more often than not it isn’t our failure to understand the philosophy of Nietzsche or Einsteinian principles of physics which sink our lives. What sinks us most often is our failure to navigate relationships, the emotional aspects of life, and yet we continue to neglect and diminish the need for an emotional education."
The Lost Art of Friendship is a podcast series based on the article of the...2021-03-1543 minRuss Off The CuffThe Lost Art of Friendship, Intro: The Pursuit of LoveThe Lost Art of Friendship is an article of exploration of deeper relationships and can be found at Lead Different. This episode of the podcast is an introduction and is entitled "The Pursuit of Love" because of the following quote from the aforementioned article.
"We all want to know how it feels to be loved. I believe it feels like friendship, but my fear is we as a country and culture, be we secular or religious have lost the art, the considerable understanding and skill necessary to make real friends."2021-03-1323 minRuss Off The CuffLeadership In Times of CrisisThis is the introduction to a series about leading in times of crisis. In this first episode there are three broad topics. Featured prominently in the podcast and companion articles is the concept of empathy. You can read the article Why This Pandemic Requires Empathic Leadership to begin your journey of seeing its importance in the midst of crisis.
Leadership In Times of Crisis - a general sense of how the pandemic effects us and the world around us
The Research Behind Leadership In Times of Crisis - I share the texts which are helping me develop...2021-01-2838 minRuss Off The CuffThe 7 Core Character TraitsThis is an audio supplement to the Lead Different Article "The Pursuit of Greatness"2020-11-2112 minRuss Off The CuffThe Power of ChangeThis is another bonus episode for those searching for a Sunday Morning Spiritual Meditation. The theme is "The Power of Change." You as always can find the Russ Off The Cuff Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts. You can also check out my writing on leadership and change at Lead Different.
How To Become an Inspiring Leader
Deep Spirituality
Sign Up For A Change Plan
2020-11-1532 minRuss Off The CuffOnly If You Want To Change (Music Free)"Only If You Want To Change" is for people who are passionate about personal change, especially personal change can lead to changing the world. This episode takes a deep dive into making the type of choices that will reduce anxiety and stress, turn motion into action, help us choose confidence over control, live lives of boldness instead of timidity, to believe rather than second guess, so we can slow down rather than speed up, because we choose the spiritual rather than humanistic path, all of which can help us be present, living today rather than freaking out about tomorrow.2020-11-0829 minRuss Off The CuffThe Parenting and Leadership ConnectionThis episode evolved out my research on the topic "Leadership Begins with Leading Yourself." Hopefully there will be a time when I can complete this very practical episode, but today, "The Parenting and Leadership Connection" spoke to me personally, and if you give it a chance, whether you are married or single, with or without kids, my bet is it will speak to you, because all of us have experienced parenting and leadership. The goal of this episode is to inspire us to learn how to parent and lead, not merely do these things on instinct. Here...2020-10-2427 minRuss Off The CuffToo Much Truth???Thank you for your patience. My audio quality needs to get better. Since I am doing these on the move, in the wild so to speak, there is a bit more mastery needed. I will get there. Hence the title, "Russ Off The Cuff."
This episode may require bravery. It was helpful to me. Hope it is helpful to you. Never thought about the fact that the way to better manage life is to "run to rather than away from the truth."
The episode referred to here along with a couple...2020-10-2212 minRuss Off The CuffWhen Life Gets To Be Too Much"When Life Gets To Be Too Much" is the beginning of a conversation we should have about the overwhelming nature of life, especially in the midst of a pandemic, political polarization, presidential election, wildfires, racism, and the social unrest that goes along with all of these.
This is an acknowledgment I think some of you will agree with, which is that right now life has gotten to be too much.
There will be more content coming on this subject.
Home, bittersweet home - Can a single place - one that's failed...2020-10-2115 minRuss Off The CuffHow To Discover Your Voice (All Episodes in 1, Unedited, No Stops)Turn Up The Volume On This One
This recording is unique. While recording the separate 5 episodes for "How To Discover Your Voice," simultaneously I was recording a one complete episode, non-stop. You get to hear me prepare the entire series and add some commentary.
One note. I am learning. You may have to turn the volume up a bit higher to hear well. I will fix this in the future.
This is, again, all episodes in 1, with commentary and noises.
2020-10-191h 17Russ Off The CuffHow To Discover Your Voice (Part 5, Time To Woodshed)This is the 5th of 5 episodes under the title "How To Discover Your Voice." The article upon which each episode is based can be found at Lead Different. "Discovering Your Voice" is a journey, a hero's journey, it is about building our lives, finding our destiny, listening to our heart and soul, until we are set free of all labels allowing us to authentically be ourselves.
The links below are resources for all 5 episodes so if you don't hear the reference keep listening!
Lead Different "How To Discover Your Voice - This is my article...2020-10-1712 minRuss Off The CuffHow To Discover Your Voice (Part 4, Be Original)This is the 4th of 5 episodes under the title "How To Discover Your Voice." The article upon which each episode is based can be found at Lead Different. "Discovering Your Voice" is a journey, a hero's journey, it is about building our lives, finding our destiny, listening to our heart and soul, until we are set free of all labels allowing us to authentically be ourselves.
The links below are resources for all 5 episodes so if you don't hear the reference keep listening!
Lead Different "How To Discover Your Voice - This is my article...2020-10-1714 minRuss Off The CuffHow To Discover Your Voice (Part 3, Role of Spirituality)This is the 3rd of 5 episodes under the title "How To Discover Your Voice." The article upon which each episode is based can be found at Lead Different. "Discovering Your Voice" is a journey, a hero's journey, it is about building our lives, finding our destiny, listening to our heart and soul, until we are set free of all labels allowing us to authentically be ourselves.
The links below are resources for all 5 episodes so if you don't hear the reference keep listening!
Lead Different "How To Discover Your Voice - This is my article...2020-10-1713 minRuss Off The CuffHow To Discover Your Voice (Part 2, No Short Cuts)This is the 2nd of 5 episodes under the title "How To Discover Your Voice." The article upon which each episode is based can be found at Lead Different. "Discovering Your Voice" is a journey, a hero's journey, it is about building our lives, finding our destiny, listening to our heart and soul, until we are set free of all labels allowing us to authentically be ourselves.
The links below are resources for all 5 episodes so if you don't hear the reference keep listening!
Lead Different "How To Discover Your Voice - This is my article...2020-10-1712 minRuss Off The CuffHow To Discover Your Voice (Part 1, Intro)This is the 1st of 5 episodes under the title "How To Discover Your Voice." The article upon which each episode is based can be found at Lead Different. "Discovering Your Voice" is a journey, a hero's journey, it is about building our lives, finding our destiny, listening to our heart and soul, until we are set free of all labels allowing us to authentically be ourselves.
The links below are resources for all 5 episodes so if you don't hear the reference keep listening!
Lead Different "How To Discover Your Voice - This is my...2020-10-1712 min
WordPress UnleashedInclusion, Innovation, And Technology | Interview with Russ EwellIn this podcast episode, Jesus McDonald interviews Russ Ewell, who is the CEO of Digital Scribbler, a computer software company, whose “built in the garage” origin story typifies Silicon Valley. This garage is more mentality than a place. It is a mindset which says, “If we can dream it, we can build it.” The heart of their dream is leveraging the power of technology to help people overcome their human limits. In addition to Digital Scribbler, Russ Ewell is the Founder of E-Soccer and Hope Technology Group. Russ talks about what motivated him to start these companies, how he finds ti...2020-10-1449 minRuss Off The CuffBefore You Give Up On Being A LeaderTaking a snapshot from the best-selling biography of Ulysses S. Grant by Ron Chernow Russ Ewell reflects on how leaders can be worn down and potentially squander their leadership potential.
This episode is based on an original idea called "10 Fears That Limit Our Leadership Potential," which became "Before You Give Up On Being A Leader." Why change? Simplicity and Clarity!
You can find the post "Before You Give Up On Being A Leader" at Lead Different
"Grant asked himself whether the price of leadership was worth the pain" is a central question explored.
"The capacity...2020-10-0919 minRuss Off The CuffRuss Off The Cuff (Trailer)2020-10-0700 minLead DifferentThe 4 D's of EmotionalismPowerful emotions can derail, disrupt, distract, and disorient us. If we don’t learn how to handle strong emotions, they will begin to lead us and our company, department, or family. Join Russ Ewell on this episode as he gives us a spiritual and emotional antidote to emotionalism so we can reinvent our leadership.Subscribe to the Lead Different Newsletter2020-10-0207 min