Faith Ventures Podcast

Faith Ventures welcomes Nathan Newton, president of Brian's Masterpiece in Las Vegas. In this episode, Nathan shares his journey from the professional kitchen to the workshop, discussing the profound ways radical honesty and faith have shaped his relationships with clients and employees. He recalls for us how working in the corporate world prepared him to run his family's business, and how his father in particular encouraged him to embrace learning about every aspect of the job, and don't skip a step! From embracing failures to leading by ethical example, Nathan’s insights are a testament to the powerful intersection of faith and work. Whether it’s managing a growing team or handling high-stakes projects, he reveals how biblical principles guide his business decisions, impacting everything from customer interactions to personal life balance. Join us as Nathan delves into the lessons learned from his past and the continuous journey of living out his faith in his work.Links:http://www.briansmasterpiece.com/https://www.instagram.com/briansmasterpiece/

Faith Ventures welcomes tech entrepreneur Juan Acosta. We dive into his inspiring journey integrating faith and business, and how this philosophy has shaped his entrepreneurial endeavors. Juan shares his personal story of immigration, early entrepreneurship endeavors, and educational exploration, all while coming to grips with deeper faith during struggles. We hear about Juan’s challenging yet transformative path, from dropping out of college to become the main breadwinner for his family, to working with Silicon Valley giants and fostering over 700 entrepreneurs, to founding his own companies. Juan talks about his innovative project, Tabella – a church app aimed to strengthen community ties and bring church values into the digital age. He also touches on his mission to bring the world closer to the sacraments and his launch of the Catholic Angel Network, supporting Catholic entrepreneurs. Juan's story is a testament to the powerful blend of faith and work, and his efforts to create clean, technology-driven spaces for nurturing faith are poised to revolutionize how the church interacts with the digital world.Links:Tabella: https://tabella.appCatholic Angels on LinkedIn

Faith Ventures welcomes Arturo Del Rio, partner and chief mission outreach officer at Pro Life Payments. We take a deep dive into the journey of a man who has woven his faith into the fabric of his entrepreneurship, from his early days serenading diners to a total career shift into the tech industry despite not having a technical background. His story is a testament to the power of patience, learning, and grace through difficult twists and turns of life. We explore how Arturo’s entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to Christian values drives his work with Pro-Life Payments and their mission to become the world’s largest pro-life funder, turning commerce into a force for life-affirming change. He reflects on the surprises along the way, such as the lack of pro-life support from Christian organizations. Stick with us as we uncover Arturo Del Rio’s captivating story and learn how to practice persistence, integrity, and Christian love in the face of adversity, both in life and in business.

Faith Ventures welcomes Robert Netzly, CEO of Inspire Investing and a major thinker behind the concept of "biblically responsible investing". Robert shares his unusual journey from teaching 4th grade to spearheading one of the fastest-growing investment firms in the nation. We take a deep dive into the moral impact of our financial decisions and how Robert envisions aligning investments with biblical principles. Robert shares his story of starting a career in finance despite clear opposition, with nothing more than a laptop and sheer determination. Though early days were filled with struggle and skepticism, his firm now manages close to $2.7 billion in assets. We unpack the challenges that come with pioneering this kind of fund, engaging with companies, standing firm against societal pressures, maintaining integrity, and staying true to Christian values. Robert's testimony is filled with insights on tackling misconceptions in the Christian community about money management and the belief that one must choose between financial returns and ethical considerations. Remember, our conversation today is not about financial advice but about raising awareness and sparking curiosity on where and how we invest as people of faith. So, join us as we explore the intersection of faith and finances, and learn how every investment can be faithfully stewarded, right here on the Faith Ventures Podcast.Additional Resources:https://www.inspireadvisors.com/author/robert-netzlyhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-netzly-5703a534/https://www.inspireinvesting.com/Biblically Responsible Investing (book via Amazon)

In this episode of the Faith Ventures Podcast, we welcome to the show Jeff Miller, the CEO and chief writer of ChristianGhostWriting.com, a devoted pastor of Godspeed Church, and a man who wears multiple hats with grace and purpose. We delve into Jeff's incredible journey from a career in music and opera to following his faith and leaving it all behind to plant a church. This pivotal change led him down a path he never expected—into the world of ghostwriting and coaching writers.We hear about how Jeff's humble beginnings on Fiverr evolved into a thriving business and how he eventually reconciled his role as a behind-the-scenes writer with his desire for acknowledgment and partnership. Jeff shares his insights on the art of ghostwriting, his passion for coaching, and why he believes in the crucial balance between personal pursuits and creating value for others—especially in the Christian community where profit is often a topic of inner conflict.As we discuss Jeff's reflections on his own career, he also offers up wisdom on what he would tell his younger self about work, business, and faith—affirming the multitude of ways one can serve God in various professions.So, stay tuned, lean in, and let's gain some perspective on leveraging our talents to serve, create value, and enjoy the ventures of faith in our daily lives. Join us for this compelling dialogue with Jeff Miller here on the Faith Ventures Podcast.Watch on YouTube

Faith Ventures welcomes Christian media business veteran James Burkhardt to talk about his storied career in the industry and how he helped shape it into what it is today. From setting up a modest book table in college to working with Campus Crusade and a miraculous donation of 10,000 Bibles, James embodies the power of faith in action. Join us as James recounts his pivotal switch from accounting to the world of marketing and advertising, where his tenacity and discipline fueled his success in the competitive realm of Christian bookselling and music promotion. After decades in Christian media, James has now founded SNTV, an ambitious platform for independent podcasters to broadcast news and values rooted in truth. His passion for providing a counter-narrative to mainstream media is just one of the many ways James seeks to make a difference. In our conversation, we delve into the challenges of balancing a demanding career with education, the strategic approach to selecting professors, and how his background in Christian music has led to lifelong connections and an impactful presence in the industry.Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/0lsj6tywugY Links: https://www.sntradio.tv/ https://www.burkhardtmediagroup.com/ 

Faith Ventures welcomes my long-time friend and colleague Pat Dixon. Pat is an accomplished engineer, entrepreneur, and liberty advocate, and he is VP of Automation at Pulmac Systems and consults as well as DPAS, Inc. Pat and I discuss the evolution of our engineering careers, ethical dilemmas in the professional space, and the importance of maintaining faith-based principles throughout.  Pat shares insights from his extensive experience in industrial automation and customer relations, and we even discuss alternative education paths (engineering and otherwise) beyond traditional college. Join us as we delve into the intersection of faith, engineering, and the pursuit of ethical leadership in the corporate world!

Summary - Unleashing Your Leadership Potential, with Guy RodgersFaith Ventures welcomes Guy Rodgers, a seasoned business and nonprofit leader, leadership coach, and founder of Flourishing Leadership. In this episode, we delve into the integral components of character, growth, and service in the marketplace. Guy emphasizes the significance of humility, self-examination, and the willingness to listen as keys to personal and professional development. With insights into the challenges and blind spots that leaders may face, we talk about being secure in oneself and having a deep relationship with God as the well from which we draw out our leadership potential. Join us as we uncover valuable lessons on leadership, ambition, and seizing unexpected opportunities, and learn how to navigate the delicate balance between serving others and being decisive in the world of business.

Faith ventures welcomes John Savage, founder of The Savage Group leadership consulting firm. John shares his journey from his early commitment to Christ to founding The Savage Group and his focus on equipping the saints for works of service in the marketplace and church. They discuss the challenges of navigating theological beliefs within leadership roles, the importance of building a team for organizational growth and impact, and the value of stewardship in faith ventures and personal development. John highlights the "7 C's" representing different learning styles, including individual coaching, organizational consulting, peer group cohorts, content publishing, capital raising, community building, and national conferences. Join us as we delve into the intersection of faith and leadership with John Savage in this insightful episode of Faith Ventures. Links: https://www.johnsavagegroup.com/

Faith Ventures welcomes Matt Neff, CEO of Sight and Sound, a renowned live production company with a passion for bringing Bible stories to life on stage and screen. We dive into Matt's journey, from starting as a stage technician to leading the company, and his deeply rooted conviction that storytelling is a powerful gift for inspiration and ministry. Matt shares how his team's transition into filmmaking was guided by a calling to tell true historical stories of God's intervention with humanity. We discuss the pivotal role of "presence-based leadership", the challenges and opportunities in the film industry, and the importance of aligning with God's wisdom and guidance in decision-making. We delve into the transformative impact of recognizing and embracing the unique gifts within team members, as well as the process of shifting towards a Christ-centered leadership approach. Join us for an insightful conversation on faith, storytelling, and leadership.

Faith Ventures welcomes Mark Odland, founder of Lion Counseling and author of "Taming the Tiger." Starting with Mark's career journey, we discuss his move from art to counseling in the context of the crucial topic of mental health awareness. We talk about how Christians often misunderstand and resist opportunities where counseling and therapy can help. Mark shares insights about the importance of seeking therapy, dispelling misconceptions, and encouraging a more open dialogue about mental and emotional well-being. The conversation also delves into the balance of faith, personal growth, and the journey of entrepreneurship, offering valuable perspectives for those navigating the challenges of both personal and professional development. Join us as we explore the significance of faith, patience, and personal preparedness in pursuing a fulfilling and purposeful life.

Faith Ventures welcomes Brent Dusing, CEO and founder of TruPlay Games. Learn about Brent's journey through the world of venture capital to creating intentionally Christian games. From the impact of "The Passion of the Christ" to the motivation behind TruPlay's mission to counter the prevalence of toxic content targeted at children, this episode unpacks the importance of creating positive and wholesome entertainment for kids, and doing it with an eye for excellence. Dusing also shares insights on humility, collaboration within the Christian community, and advice for mission-driven individuals and entrepreneurs. Learn about TruPlay's impact on kids and families, the significance of their content, and their ambitious goals to change the percentage of kids believing in God. Stay tuned for an inspiring conversation about aligning Christian values with entrepreneurial endeavors and striving for excellence in a competitive market.

Faith Ventures welcomes Brandon Harvath, president and CEO of Christian Care Ministry. CCM is the parent ministry of MediShare, a health-sharing service rooted in Christian principles. Brandon jokes that he has "no idea how the Lord got me to where I am in life" as he began his career in banking but always feeling a bit of a failure complex for not doing "traditional ministry". But by continuing a steady path and doing work all over the map, he has grown into a role of having a tremendous impact serving others in the marketplace of what one can even call a "parallel economy." Brandon shares valuable insights on living out one's faith in the workplace, the importance of work ethics for Christians, and leveraging your skills to make an impact. As he reflects on a leadership style that reflects Christ, the brevity of life, and the significance of eternity, Brandon encourages listeners to pursue meaningful work and make an impact in the kingdom of God. Join us as we explore the intersection of faith, work, and technology in this enriching discussion.

Faith Ventures welcomes Jennifer Richey, Chief Strategy Officer of Gravity Jack, the first Augmented Reality (AR) company in the USA! Jennifer founded Gravity Jack along with her husband Luke, who was FV's guest on last week's episode. So in this "Part 2" interview, we get to know Jennifer better and her own unique perspective on the Richey's life together running technology companies. Amidst a difficult season in their business, Jennifer and her husband both experienced a spiritual awakening and revitalization of the Holy Spirit, and the result was a newfound joy, peace, and contentment in their faith and family life. They leaned into their relationship with God, prayed together fervently, and shifted their perspective on life and work. Jennifer highlights the importance of authentically living out one's faith in the workplace, understanding our work as an analog to ministry that impacts not only your own life but also those around you. We delve into the significance of personal interactions in the hiring process and how caring attitudes can impact the workplace environment. And of course, we explore the idea and technology behind Gravity Jack's innovative game that has the potential to help people all across the world and even introduce people to the Gospel.

Faith Ventures welcomes Luke Richey, the Chief Visionary Officer of Gravity Jack, the first Augmented Reality (AR) company in the US. Luke has been deeply involved in the world of technology for many years, from coding at a young age, to running teams of coders, to founding and exiting multiple companies. He shares his fascinating journey, from meeting his wife Jennifer and starting their first company together to the pivotal moment when he discovered the potential of AR. (Also, Jennifer will be our guest in next week's FV episode!) Luke believes that Christians have an important role to play in shaping all kinds of technological advancements, including the long-term impact of AR. Luke introduces his vision of using AR and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to translate the Gospel into unreached languages, creating a game that combines entertainment and financial transactions to fund language translation initiatives. This bold approach has the potential to uplift those in poverty, provide income opportunities, and spread the Gospel to unreached populations. As Luke shares insights on how we can take ownership of various spaces, like the internet, for the glory of God, we are reminded as well that God can take all of our experiences, struggles, successes, and failures and make something of them: nothing is wasted.

Faith Ventures welcomes Randy Lovejoy, vocational minister, coach, and author at the Substack channel Make Good Happen. Randy shares his experiences working with churches in South Carolina and Los Angeles, explaining how he draws inspiration from both entrepreneurial business leaders and Christian missionaries. He aims to bridge the gap between their ways of thinking and bring a fresh translation of the gospel to western culture. We reflects on the decline of Christianity in the US, the need for Christian voices in the secular intellectual realm, and the impact of storytelling and imagination in connecting with biblical and human themes. Randy also shares his thoughts on the role of business leaders in transforming communities and churches, encouraging them to use their skills for the sake of the church. Being an entrepreneur often takes tremendous courage, but what it brings to the world is worth the effort.

Faith Ventures welcomes Aaron Ginn, co-founder and CEO of Hydrahost and serial entrepreneur. Aaron shares his insights on running companies that align with traditional values and a freedom orientation while navigating a business landscape that trends in the opposite direction. Aaron describes his journey creating products that reflect his values, his thoughts on the meaning of success, and the importance of providing a positive and meaningful work environment. We also explore his fascinating venture into the world of GPU computing and how his company has become a marketplace for data centers in need of high-demand machines. As if that wasn't enough, Aaron also shares his perspectives on the intersection of faith and politics, the deep meaning of Christian rebirth, and the importance of integrity and character in Christian leadership. It's dense, it's meaningful, and it's exciting! Aaron is a great example of challenging the status quo and seeking a deeper understanding of faith and purpose in today's world.

Faith Ventures welcomes Philip Alford, a certified financial planner and investment manager with Values First Advisors. Philip practices biblically-based financial planning and shares his unique perspective on how Christians can make wise investment decisions. Join us as we explore Philip's personal journey and how he arrived at his current position, as well as his insights into the biblical stewardship model and investing in companies that align with Christian values. Phil wants to inspire us to live generously and further God's kingdom through our finances.

Faith Ventures welcomes David Ramirez, additive manufacturing engineer and manager with Uptive Manufacturing in Chicagoland. (As FV's first engineer interview, host Norman gets to nerd out a little with him a bit in the show!) David shares his story of conversion, growth in faith, and engineering journey. David believes in the power of serving others and putting their interests above his own, a principle we all believe is at the heart of human flourishing and God's design. He shares practical examples of how he has applied this mindset in his own business ventures and how it has affected his life deeply. Whether going above and beyond to serve a customer and make them whole, to enduring mistreatment, to embracing new opportunities, David's story is a testament to the faith-driven mindset and the impact it can have on both individuals and the marketplace.

Faith Ventures welcomes Erik Radle, CEO of Miller Ad Agency and a seasoned professional in the world of marketing and entrepreneurship. We dive deep into the importance of character-shaping mentors, instilling accountability, and seeking out individuals who share a heart for giving. Erik shares his personal journey, from navigating corporate America to taking over the family business, and how mentors played a crucial role along the way. Reflecting on the power of mentorship in both career progression and Christian life, we touch on decision-making, fear of failure, and the impact of a supportive spouse. Erik shares how the question of "If not me, then who?" resonated in his discipleship journey too. Join us as we uncover the wisdom and insights that can propel us towards success, both personally and professionally.