Deep Spirituality

Can Faith Survive a World Ruled by Algorithms? | Zach Leighton

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/ [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 Voice * Romans 12:2 NIV * Hebrews 11:1 NLT * Romans 5:3-4 NIV * Revelation 12:11 NIV ► SUBSCRIBE: https://youtube.com/deepspirituality/?sub_confirmation=1 [https://youtube.com/deepspirituality/?sub_confirmation=1] Chapters: * 00:00 Coming up * 01:29 Algorithm of faith introduction * 06:13 What is Reliant Creative? * 08:01 Why churches are slow to change * 13:13 Why we run to social media * 19:28 [Ad] Deep Spirituality Newsletter * 20:51 What do churches have to invest in to tell their story * 30:01 What story does the average Christian need to tell? * 39:14 [Ad] Deep Spirituality Newsletter * 40:22 Why does the story speak to our soul? * 54:03 Reliant Creative + Outro

Scriptures to Quiet the Noise | Scripture Playlists

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 MSG * Psalm 46:10 Voice * Matthew 11:28-30 AMP * Isaiah 30:15 GW * Psalm 131:1-3 NLT * Psalm 62:5 TPT * Mark 4:39 NCV * Matthew 7:24-27 TPT * Psalm 94:19 TPT * Isaiah 26:3 NLT * 1 Peter 5:7 NCV * Psalm 37:7 TPT * Psalm 42:5 Voice * Philippians 4:6-7 TLB

Why Gen Z is hurting, and how to fix it

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 [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 [https://deepspirituality.com/subscribe] Quiz: Which spiritual superpower do you need? https://deepspirituality.com/superpower [https://deepspirituality.com/superpower] Quiz: Your Personalized Power Plan https://deepspirituality.com/your-personalized-power-plan/ [https://deepspirituality.com/your-personalized-power-plan/]

What’s Going on with Our World? (Part I) | Deep Reads

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/ [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

The spiritual chemistry of everything | Deep Reads

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/ [https://deepspirituality.com/spiritual-chemistry-of-everything/] Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction 06:16 - The Workshop 14:47 - Weekly Experiment 19:15 - Field Notes