Faith Ventures Podcast

Norman Horn sits down with renowned author and investor, David Bahnsen. Together, they explore the intersection of Christian faith, work, and economic stewardship in today’s marketplace. David Bahnsen shares his personal journey from the son of a theologian to building a successful career in investment management and opens up about how his faith has shaped his approach to business and money. The discussion dives into how Christians often misunderstand economics, the intrinsic value of work, and the deeper meaning behind financial investment. They touch on topics like biblical stewardship, market ethics, and the importance of integrating faith with everyday vocational decisions. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, professional, or simply curious about how faith influences your financial worldview, this episode offers wisdom, challenge, and practical insight.

In this thought-provoking episode of Faith Ventures Podcast, host Norman Horn sits down with Robin John, guest author and CEO at Eventide Financial, to explore what it truly means to honor God in the world of investing and business. Robin shares his inspiring journey from a childhood in rural India to leading a Christian investment firm in the United States, challenging the "sacred-secular" divide and showing how every vocation—including investing—can be a meaningful expression of faith.Drawing on the principles outlined in his book, "The Good Investor," Robin discusses the biblical foundations for ethical business, the power Christians have to shape the marketplace, and practical ways believers can align their investments with their values. The conversation touches on real-world victories and tough lessons, from engaging companies on issues like slave labor in supply chains to transforming retirement portfolios to better reflect Christian ethics.Whether you're an investor, a professional, or simply seeking to do good through your daily work, this episode offers wisdom, encouragement, and actionable steps on living out your faith in every area of life.GUEST BIO:Robin John was born in a small village in Kerala, India, and immigrated to the United States at the age of eight. Robin’s family arrived in Boston as the only Indian family in an Irish and Italian neighborhood. After graduating from Tufts University, Robin entered the corporate world, where he recognized the immense power businesses hold to create value and blessings—or to cause harm and distress. Robin is the cofounder and CEO of Eventide, an asset management firm dedicated to honoring God and investing in companies that create compelling value for the common good. Eventide has become one of the largest faith-based asset managers, inspiring individuals to embrace “investing that makes the world rejoice.” Robin and his wife Jaunita have four children, who enrich and bring much joy to their lives. Together, they cofounded Darsha Academy, a girls’ school in southern India committed to educating and empowering young women in science and enabling them to reach their full potential. Robin also serves on the boards of Made to Flourish and the Derby Entrepreneurship Advisory Board at Tufts University. Robin and Jaunita are faithful members of their church. In his free time, Robin enjoys playing basketball and spending time with his family.

Norman Horn welcomes Stephen Dissette, investment advisor and Navy veteran, for a heartfelt conversation about financial freedom, stewardship, and living out faith in business. Stephen Dissette shares the journey that shaped his career—from his aspirations in athletics and military service to discovering his calling in financial advising. He opens up about the centrality of faith through life’s twists, professional setbacks, and the pursuit of purpose. The discussion dives deep into biblical principles for money, the difference between stewardship and consumerism, and practical insights for faithful wealth creation and generosity. From memorable stories about giving, gratitude, and serving others, this episode is packed with wisdom for Christians seeking to honor God with their finances and daily work.

Faith Ventures welcomes Ryan Skoog—serial entrepreneur, bestselling author, and passionate advocate for melding business with kingdom impact. Faith Ventures is also proud to introduce our new co-host of the podcast Matthew Bellis, whom many listeners will recognize from our previous Good News Bad News show at LCI.Ryan shares his unique journey from growing up in a family steeped in the travel industry and missionary work to founding multiple travel-centric businesses that serve churches, mission groups, and humanitarian organizations globally. But Ryan’s story doesn’t stop at entrepreneurial success. He’s also the co-founder of the nonprofit Venture, which operates in the world’s toughest places—“unsafe, unreached, and unresourced” communities—bringing hope, humanitarian aid, and the gospel where it’s needed most.Together, Matthew and Ryan discuss how integrating prayer, purpose, and generosity can transform a business into a vehicle for bringing even greater change to the world. Ryan reveals the foundation of his global impact, the lessons he’s learned from witnessing the explosive growth of the church in perilous places, and why he believes prayer should be at the heart of every leader’s life. Ryan also introduces us to his new book, Lead with Prayer, co-authored with Peter Greer and Cameron Doolittle—an inspiring guide that uncovers the common threads of prayerful leadership among world-changing Christian leaders.Whether you’re a business owner, ministry leader, or someone searching for a deeper purpose in your daily work, this episode is packed with wisdom, practical strategies, and encouragement for the future.

Faith Ventures welcomes Mark Whitaker, Vice President of Culture and Care at Coca-Cola Consolidated, to share a fascinating journey of Christian faith in the workplace. Mark tells us how the company changed dramatically under the leadership of Chairman and CEO Frank Harrison, who implemented a mission statement to honor God in all they do. Listeners will learn how Coca-Cola Consolidated integrated faith-based initiatives like chaplains at every plant, prayer groups, discipleship programs, and a rapid response team to support employees during crises. We also discuss how others can learn from that example and apply it in their own work and businesses. Mark also opens up about his personal story, from scaling the heights of corporate America driven by ambition and material success, to becoming a Christian after exposing a major price-fixing scandal—and later finding a new calling in servant leadership. Through candid storytelling, practical advice, and encouragement, this episode highlights how businesses of any size can foster a culture rooted in faith, service, and significance. Whether you’re an executive, entrepreneur, or employee, Mark’s message will challenge you to become salt and light in your own workplace, pursuing a life of significance for the glory of God.

Faith Ventures welcomes Dean Zarras, serial entrepreneur and the Founder-CEO of ClearFactor. Join us for a fascinating discussion about the "hockey stick" effect in societal progress and the crucial role of cultural respect and innovation. The conversation touches on thought-provoking books, the misconceptions about markets, sharing ideas within our church communities, Artificial Intelligence, and truth-seeking. Dean emphasizes the importance of courage, shares his career journey from software development to Wall Street, and recounts the founding of ClearFactor as the outgrowth of a decade's worth of work. He also reflects on the influence of faith on his professional life and the challenges of balancing courage with respect for others. Throughout the episode, Dean provides personal anecdotes and wisdom gained from his remarkable career path, including lessons learned in the liberty movement, AI "hallucinations," and the inspiring ways in which faith has guided his entrepreneurial ventures.

Faith Ventures welcomes Ryan Paterno, Vice President of Facilities at EOS Fitness, to unpack what it means to be a manager led by the spirit of God. Ryan brings a remarkable blend of career experience and faith-based leadership to the table. From his beginnings in retail and property management to his current role overseeing operations at one of the largest corporately owned fitness companies in the U.S., Ryan's journey is a testament to the power of servant leadership and radical candor. Ryan shares invaluable insights into balancing company operations with genuine customer feedback, a practice rooted in his extensive background in sales and member-facing roles. He recounts his personal experiences to illustrate the importance of responsiveness and treating customers with Christ-like love. Ryan also opens up about his progression from a volunteer role to Church Administrator, and how his faith has guided him through various leadership positions at his church and at EOS.We’ll dive deep into his belief in universal leadership principles, demonstrating how skills and lessons learned in one sphere can seamlessly apply to another, whether it's managing a team during a crisis or setting up systems that empower others to succeed independently. Ryan also stresses the importance of radical candor, servant leadership, and using one's strengths across different industries to create a cohesive, high-functioning team. Moreover, he draws from biblical parables and figures to emphasize accountability, integrity, and the practical application of faith in leadership. Join us as we explore how Ryan's commitment to "Love God, love people" translates into effective team dynamics and personal growth. Whether you're a seasoned leader or aspiring to improve your managerial skills, today's episode offers a treasure trove of wisdom and practical advice, bound to resonate and inspire.

Faith Ventures welcomes Matthew Potter, co-founder of Pray.com, to explore the intersection of faith, technology, and entrepreneurship. They delve into the intricate journey behind the seemingly "overnight success" of Pray.com, which took nearly eight years to materialize, and how unconventional beginnings and innovative approaches fueled its growth. Matthew shares his compelling backstory, highlighting formative experiences with tech icon Steve Jobs and prior entrepreneurial ventures like HomeStack before founding Pray.com. The conversation emphasizes Pray.com's mission to create a legacy of helping others, focusing on expanding access to mental and spiritual health resources and deepening the global reach of Christian content. Listeners will gain insights into the meticulous research process that involved engaging thousands of religious leaders and congregants to understand their needs, leading to a robust platform that today boasts 152 million shares, 17 million downloads, and over 2.5 billion listening minutes. They’ll also hear about the app’s user-centered design, tools like the "mom test" for genuine feedback, and the drive to integrate technology for enhancing faith practices—particularly critical in regions with restricted access to religious content. Norman and Matthew also touch on the integration of scientific research in app development, the significance of building a strong company culture, and the ongoing challenge of balancing mission with profitable and purposeful growth. Tune in for an inspiring and informative episode, plus a special offer at the end!

Faith Ventures welcomes Jake Wiskerchen, professional counselor and entrepreneur helping others in the realms of mental health and emotional well-being. This episode dives deep into Jake's thought-provoking insights on the crucial role of core emotions in our lives, the power of vulnerability, and the significance of authentic connections within a spiritual framework. Jake, the founder of Zephyr Wellness, discusses how societal norms often suppress emotional expression, and explains the importance of exploring emotions like anger to achieve peace. He emphasizes that effective counseling should be goal-oriented and time-limited, not indefinite. (He even says he is trying to work himself out of a job!) Beyond his counseling endeavors, Jake shares the evolution of his mental health podcast "Noggin Notes," which started as an app and pivoted into a global platform addressing mental well-being in areas that have not typically been receptive to such ideas. He also sheds light on his involvement with "Walk the Talk America," a unique initiative bridging the gap between firearms ownership and mental health care. We delve into Jake's personal journey, his past experiences, and how his deep faith and Christian values influence his professional life. From his insights on integrating psychology with spirituality to advocating for mental health within church communities, Jake's story is one of holistic healing and community service.

Faith Ventures welcomes content creator, video producer, and entrepreneur Kyle Scott. Kyle reflects on his inspiring career journey, starting from his days as a sports anchor to transitioning into independent video production driven by his passion for excellent storytelling. Kyle dives deep into the importance of pre-planning and beginning with the end in mind to deliver exceptional products efficiently and cost-effectively. Listeners will be moved by Kyle's mission trip to Guatemala, which marked a turning point in his career and faith, inspiring him to create documentaries that support the vital work of ministries. He speaks candidly about the misconceptions Christians may have regarding creative work in ministry and shares insights on the relentless effort required to produce impactful stories. For those aspiring to enhance their video production skills, Kyle offers advice drawn from his experiences in the TV industry, emphasizing the critical role of time management, stress handling, and the continual pursuit of learning. His journey into drone operation as a specialized skill also highlights the innovative ways he has distinguished his business and created revenue sources. Don't miss this episode filled with actionable tips, profound reflections, and a powerful testament to how faith and storytelling can intersect to make a meaningful impact!Linkswww.revivedproductions.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/kyle-joseph-scott/IG/FB: @wwjddevotional

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/