Faith Ventures Podcast

Ep. 35: The Power of Prayer and Business: Ryan Skoog and Marketplace Mission

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.

Ep. 34: Living a Life of Significance, with Mark Whitacre

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.

Ep 33: Speaking Truth & Staying Courageous, with Dean Zarras

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.

Ep. 32: Godly Management, with Ryan Patierno

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.

Ep. 31: Technology and Prayer, with Matthew Potter

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!