Faith Driven Investor

Join Richard Cunningham and John Coleman for the first Marks on the Markets episode of 2026 as they welcome Brandon Pizzurro, President & Chief Investment Officer at GuideStone Capital Management, to unpack what investors need to know heading into the new year. After three consecutive years of double-digit returns, the conversation explores whether markets can sustain this momentum, the future of AI investing, and the opportunities emerging in small caps and private markets. Key Investment Topics: Market outlook after three straight years of 20%+ returns and where opportunities lie in 2026 The Mag 7 dominance: Will small and mid-cap stocks finally see their rotation moment? Federal Reserve policy expectations and why current rates may be historically appropriate Private equity and IPO markets thawing after years of constrained liquidity Geopolitical shocks to watch: Iran, Venezuela, and international market divergence AI's impact on productivity, employment, and whether we're entering a new economic era Notable Quotes: "Breathless is probably one word. Just coming off three straight years like that, you always wanna protect on the downside. You wanna think about how things can go wrong. And when they don't for a third year in a row, you wanted to catch your breath and really take stock of what just happened." - Brandon Pizzurro "This is the Lord's capital that we're all stewarding, and we need to remember that as we kind of start the year off again. We have a charge here for our investors, but I think it's important to take a moment and be present, be thinking about why you're doing what you're doing." - Brandon Pizzurro "We are people under authority and it's easy to forget that sometimes. When we receive word from God, whether that be through scripture, whether that be through prayer or insight or inspiration, we are intended to execute against that will." - John Coleman About the Guests: Brandon Pizzurro serves as Managing Director at GuideStone Capital Management in Dallas, Texas, bringing sophisticated market analysis with a faith-driven perspective on stewardship and investing. John Coleman is a Managing Partner at Sovereign's Capital and regular co-host of the Marks on the Markets series, known for his thoughtful integration of economic analysis with Kingdom principles. This episode offers both tactical market insights and strategic wisdom for faith-driven investors navigating what promises to be a consequential year in financial markets.

Join hosts Henry Kaestner, Justin Forman, and Luke Roush as they preview the upcoming 2026 Faith Driven Investor Conference, exploring the transformative theme "Seeds vs. Silos" and what it means for how we steward capital in service of God's kingdom. Key Investment Topics: Understanding the J-curve of investing and why seed capital requires patience before bearing fruit The convergence of giving, investing, and building into unified asset allocation focused on mission First-loss capital strategies: How philanthropic capital can unlock larger investment tranches The urgency of African investment: Addressing 80% of the world's poor by 2030 through market-driven solutions Redefining risk from an eternal perspective rather than purely financial metrics Powerful Quotes: "We're planting these seeds and the seeds are planted in the ground and they go down. And with the J-curve, all of a sudden it's underground, it doesn't look like it's great, and then it comes back up someplace further away, far enough away from where you planted it so that maybe you don't even get credit for it." - Henry Kaestner "It's not a failure of the system, usually, in terms of people using the platform God's given them. It's usually a failure of nerve." - Luke Roush "The tragedy is when you go into some of these dark places, tragically we find that darkness is more coordinated than the church." - Justin Forman Episode Description: Six years into the Faith Driven Investor Conference journey, the movement has reached an inflection point. What began as storming and forming is now transforming into coordinated action as investors, advisors, and fund managers converge around a unified mission: solving the world's greatest problems under God's power for His glory. This preview episode unpacks the conference theme "Seeds vs. Silos," challenging investors to move beyond accumulation mindsets (the barns and silos of our age) toward scattering seeds that grow underground before bearing fruit in unexpected places. Henry, Justin, and Luke explore how the J-curve of investing mirrors spiritual growth—requiring faith during the valley period when capital is deployed but results aren't yet visible. The conversation addresses critical shifts in the faith-driven investing ecosystem: the three-sided marketplace now including river guide advisors, the convergence of philanthropic and investment capital into unified asset allocation maps, and real-world examples of first-loss capital unlocking larger investment opportunities in emerging markets. With top-quartile performers now visible across virtually every asset class—from multifamily real estate to African venture funds—the movement has matured beyond feel-good stories to demonstrable excellence because of, not despite, biblical values. The hosts issue a clarion call for urgent action in Africa, where 80% of the world's poor will live by 2030, and challenge investors to rethink risk from an eternal perspective rather than merely financial metrics.

Behind The Chosen: Faith, Film, and the Fight for Culture Join host John Coleman on the set of The Chosen in Midlothian, Texas, for an unprecedented conversation with producers Chris Juen and Chad Gundersen of Out of Order Studios. From the Sanhedrin throne room itself, Chris and Chad share the untold story of how a crowdfunded Jesus project became a global phenomenon reaching 520 million people—and what it means for faith-driven investors seeking to impact culture through entertainment. Key Investment & Industry Topics: Why entertainment investment requires a platform approach, not one-off project bets How The Chosen scaled from $0 budget for episode 5 to a multi-season global franchise The three investment pillars for cultural impact: spark the next generation, build infrastructure, create content Why investors should think like oil drillers: invest in a slate of 10 films, not just one The unpredictable nature of entertainment returns and how to approach risk wisely Building production companies that operate between $1M-$150M budgets with studio-level quality Powerful Quotes: "I'm tired of crappy Christian content. God doesn't want your crap. He calls us to be excellent." - Chad Gundersen "Christians yielded culture, then got mad when culture went bad. Fine, it's risky, but is it worth the risk?" - Chris Juen "Platforms, not projects. How do you get around the most excellent people in the industry who have a slate of content and invest in that diversified platform?" - John Coleman About the Guests: Chris Juen and Chad Gundersen are the co-founders of Out of Order Studios and executive producers of The Chosen, the largest crowdfunded media project in history. Chris brings 20 years of studio experience from major productions including Contact, Spider-Man, and Polar Express, while Chad contributed 20 years of independent filmmaking expertise. Together, they've pioneered a hybrid production model that delivers studio-quality content at independent budgets—proving that faith-driven content can compete at the highest levels of entertainment while maintaining both artistic excellence and fiscal responsibility. Their production philosophy centers on creating environments where cast and crew are valued, where believers and non-believers alike can experience the gospel through excellent storytelling, and where investors can participate in cultural transformation through strategic, well-managed capital deployment.

Join FDI hosts Richard Cunningham, John Coleman, and Luke Roush, along with Justin Forman of Faith Driven Movements, as they recap an extraordinary year in markets and ministry. Recording just before Thanksgiving, this special year-end episode explores the key economic trends that shaped 2025 and the remarkable growth of the faith-driven investing ecosystem. Key Investment Topics Discussed: US economic resilience despite tariff concerns and employment volatility The AI revolution and its impact on mega-cap valuations and energy demands Continued illiquidity in private markets and the wait for distributions Housing affordability crisis and growing wealth inequality concerns Interest rate environment returning to historical norms after post-GFC anomaly Powerful Insights: "Bible sales are up 41% this year. There's this real sense that younger people in particular have realized that they need some sort of purpose and meaning that they're lacking." "We're in this how moment. People generally understand that their work matters. They know that their capital can make a difference. But they're questioning, well, how do we do it?" "If we lost everything tomorrow, doesn't matter. We know that the most important thing we have is Jesus." This episode provides essential perspective for faith-driven investors navigating uncertainty while maintaining eternal focus. From the maturity of faith-driven investment strategies across asset classes to the intersection of affordability challenges and Kingdom opportunities, this conversation equips investors to approach 2026 with wisdom, hope, and missional clarity.

Join Justin Forman in Lagos, Nigeria for an inspiring conversation with Adesuwa Okunbo Rhodes, founder and Managing Partner of Arura Capital. Adesuwa shares her journey from J.P. Morgan to building the first female-led private equity fund in Nigeria focused on female-founded, female-led, and female-focused businesses across Africa. Key Topics: Why Africa has the highest rate of female entrepreneurship globally (4x more than Europe) yet women receive only 2% of capital How Arura Capital's $20M Fund One delivered top-quartile returns above global benchmarks while creating 205,000 jobs and $150M in value chain revenue The $150 billion capital gap facing African SMEs and the arbitrage opportunity in overlooked founders Digital transformation as Africa's leapfrog strategy - from embedded finance to B2B commerce platforms serving 150,000 retailers Why now is the best time to invest in Nigeria despite (and because of) recent policy reforms Powerful Quotes: "To live life where it's only about you is a very, very boring life, I think. You really wanna be able to showcase legacy. You really want to be able to showcase how has it impacted that woman who would have never had access to capital if we didn't show up." "Female founders actually generate more revenue than their male counterpart. For every dollar invested in a startup, a female founder returns 2.5 times more revenue than her male counterpart." "If you're an investor that's allocating capital, you can no longer afford to ignore or avoid the African continent, because this is really where the growth in the next 30 to 50 years is gonna come from." About Adesuwa:  Adesuwa Okunbo Rhodes is the founder and Managing Partner of Arura Capital, a pioneering private equity fund investing in female-founded, female-led, and female-focused businesses across Africa. After a successful career at J.P. Morgan, she launched Arura in July 2019 to address the massive funding gap facing female entrepreneurs on the continent. Her Fund One raised $20M and has delivered top-quartile returns while creating measurable social impact across Nigeria, Ghana, and Côte d'Ivoire. Adesuwa was the first woman in Nigeria to raise over $10M for a private equity fund and is passionate about using capital redemptively to transform lives across Africa's value chains.  

Join hosts Richard Cunningham and Luke Roush alongside special guests Andrew Behrman and Jonathan Carvalho Pruna of Sovereign’s Capital for FDI’s November Marks on the Market episode. With over 130 general partners from across private equity, venture capital, real estate, and private credit in attendance, this episode captures the heart of a movement where faith and capital are converging for Kingdom impact. Key Topics: How faith-driven GPs are creating operational value in the current higher-for-longer rate environment Spiritual integration practices: broad-based employee ownership and workplace chaplaincy The explosive growth of secondary markets addressing liquidity needs Private market trends across healthcare, education, and other sectors Building cultures that serve employees, investors, and Kingdom purposes Notable Quotes: "If not us, who? If not now, when? The Lord has given each of us an opportunity to be impactful in the spheres where he has us operating." - Luke Roush "You got to step into a space and create real value with the operations of the company that you're partnering with, or you're just not going to be an outperformer in private equity venture capital for much longer." - Andrew Behrman "I would just challenge folks to really land into the ways that they can love on their investment teams and their portfolio companies." - Jonathan Carvalho Pruna Episode Description: More than 130 faith-driven fund managers gathered at Wheaton College for the 3rd Annual Faith Driven Investor Fund Manager Gathering, representing a movement that spans venture capital, private equity, real estate, and private credit. This episode takes you inside that catalytic gathering, where vulnerability, operational excellence, and spiritual integration practices took center stage. Richard Cunningham leads a conversation with Luke Roush (Managing Partner, Sovereign's Capital), Andrew Behrman, and Jonathan Carvalho Pruna from Sovereign's fund-to-funds team. Together, they unpack key themes from the gathering: how operational value creation is becoming the primary driver of private equity returns in today's rate environment, why secondary markets are experiencing explosive growth, and how faith-driven managers are pioneering spiritual integration through broad-based employee ownership and workplace chaplaincy programs. The episode features insights from panels covering healthcare and education investing, secondary markets, real estate strategies, and founder care in venture capital. Hear how Riverside Value Fund is rolling out employee ownership across portfolio companies, how Brinley Fire Services employees are living out faith-driven culture through chaplaincy, and why the democratization of private markets is creating new opportunities for Kingdom-minded capital allocators. Whether you're a fund manager seeking community, an LP evaluating faith-driven strategies, or an investor curious about integrating faith and finance, this episode offers a compelling vision for how God is moving through the private markets.

Join host Justin Forman as he sits down with John Coleman, a leading investor in faith-driven entertainment, on the set of The Chosen to explore the explosive growth happening in faith and family content. This conversation reveals how Christians are reclaiming their place as culture-shapers through strategic capital deployment in Hollywood. Key Topics: • The shift from philanthropic "passion projects" to commercially viable platform-based investing in entertainment • How Wonder Project raised $100 million from faith-driven investors to unlock hundreds of millions more from Amazon and Sony • Why investing in platforms (not individual projects) creates sustainable cultural impact • The business infrastructure required to make faith-driven content commercially successful • How to apply private equity rigor to entertainment investing while maintaining creative authenticity Powerful Quotes: "My philosophy right now is bet on platforms, not projects. How can I ally with teams that are producing at the highest level of what they do and allow them to do the hard work of sorting through projects across multiple different projects." - John Coleman "The studio system puts $250 billion into content around the world every year. A lot of people have made a great deal of money in these production studios, but Christians had not really cracked the code." - John Coleman "If these projects are philanthropic, that money runs out one day. If you can create a return on investment consistently enough to get institutions confident in this as an asset class, that will unleash more capital." - John Coleman About John Coleman: John Coleman is a leading investor in the faith-driven entertainment space, helping to raise capital for platforms like Wonder Project that partner with major studios including Amazon Prime Video and Sony. His investment philosophy emphasizes backing proven teams and platforms rather than individual projects, applying venture capital rigor to create commercially sustainable faith-driven content. Coleman believes that by applying business discipline to entertainment investing, the faith community can unlock institutional capital and create a self-sustaining ecosystem that shifts culture while generating market-rate returns for investors.

Join hosts Richard Cunningham and John Coleman alongside special guest Tim Macready for FDI's October Marks on the Markets episode. This roundtable discussion examines Q4 2025's complex investment landscape: Fed rate cuts colliding with government shutdowns, sticky inflation at 2.9%, and markets continuing their remarkable 14% year-to-date climb despite mounting uncertainties. Key Topics: Federal rate cuts and their impact on private credit markets and real estate The bifurcation of the US economy: wealth creation at the top versus challenges for lower-income households AI revolution's early effects on employment across different sectors and wage bands Private markets landscape: venture capital resurgence, private equity stagnation, and real estate headwinds Tariffs, H-1B visa changes, and the reshoring debate's practical implications Faith-driven investing movement update: growth in ETF options, impact measurement frameworks, and theological deepening Notable Quotes: "The workforce in this country is so mobile relative to other parts of the world, willing to move for economic reasons... there's so much entrepreneurial drive, and this impetus to create and create new ideas and new products." - Tim Macready "I'm of the personal opinion it would actually be quite healthy for financial markets if we saw a 10, 15% correction over the next 12 months or so concentrated in those really highly valued growth stocks at the top end." - John Coleman "We're seeing more products, more assets, more options. We're also seeing a deepening of the recognition of integrity, impact integrity, of authenticity, of being able to articulate not just, hey, we're a Christian organization and we're investing, but what that means in practice." - Tim Macready Episode Description: As Q4 2025 begins, faith-driven investors face a paradox: soaring public markets alongside economic bifurcation, technological disruption, and policy uncertainty. This October Marks on the Market episode brings together three seasoned investors to dissect what's really happening beneath the surface of headline numbers. Richard Cunningham, John Coleman, and Tim Macready examine the Fed's recent rate cut against the backdrop of a government shutdown, 3.8% GDP growth, and inflation that refuses to fully retreat. The conversation moves beyond macro headlines to explore what matters for faith-driven capital deployment: Are small and mid-cap stocks finally poised for their moment? How will AI's early employment impacts ripple through different economic strata? What does authentic impact measurement look like as the faith-driven investing movement matures? The discussion tackles private markets with particular nuance. Venture capital is resurging as IPO markets reopen, but private equity remains sluggish as firms wait for better exit conditions. Real estate continues working through its post-pandemic adjustment, while private credit faces questions about sustainability as rates potentially decline. John shares profound reflections from a recent World War II historical tour, connecting lessons about human courage and evil to today's calling for faithful stewardship. Tim provides encouraging updates on the faith-driven investing ecosystem's growth, including new ETF launches and the Christian Impact Framework's development for authentic impact measurement.

Join host Richard Cunningham as he sits down with Richard Okello, founder and managing partner of Sango Capital, at the 10th Anniversary Lions Den in Dallas, Texas. Richard shares his remarkable journey from a chicken arbitrage business in Uganda at age 12 to becoming a partner at Bridgewater Associates and ultimately founding one of Africa's premier institutional-grade investment firms. This episode explores the compelling investment thesis for Africa, the evolution of risk perceptions, and why faith-driven investors should seriously consider African markets for both commercial returns and kingdom impact. Key Investment Topics: Africa's growth trajectory now matching China's economic expansion Currency stabilization across major African economies for the first time in history Private equity opportunities in a market with 35 years of institutional development The critical minerals opportunity beyond traditional gold and platinum Why African political risk perceptions are 10-15 years outdated Powerful Quotes: "Africa today provides an opportunity for commercial returns which the faith driven investor is interested in and high level of impact with variety." - Richard Okello "I think a faith driven investor needs to lock in on what they are called to do with the money that they are entrusted with." - Richard Okello Richard's story demonstrates how God orchestrates divine appointments—from a scholarship opportunity through a friend's sacrifice, to meeting a dean of admissions in Wales, to joining Bridgewater the only year they recruited three-year graduates. Now managing nearly $600 million in assets, Sango Capital focuses on private equity, venture capital, and private credit across select African markets, delivering institutional-grade returns while driving meaningful economic transformation across the continent.

Energy Markets Deep Dive: Faith, Finance, and the Future of Oil & Gas Join hosts Richard Cunningham and Luke Roush as they take their first deep dive into the energy markets with two legends from the Permian Basin in Midland, Texas. Jordan Strebeck of Fortress Energy Partners and Chas Perry of PBEX offer insider perspectives on oil and gas investing, geopolitics, and how energy production enables human flourishing globally. This Marks on the Market episode explores the technological revolution that transformed American energy independence, the capital discipline reshaping the industry, and why natural gas could be the key to both domestic prosperity and global development. Key Topics: The Permian Basin's role as America's energy epicenter - producing half of US oil within 200 miles of Midland Horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing technology that revolutionized unconventional oil recovery Capital discipline versus "drill baby drill" - why the industry learned to prioritize shareholder returns Geopolitical implications of US energy independence and LNG export capacity How abundant natural gas could enable cheaper electricity and AI infrastructure development Energy density and human flourishing - why hydrocarbons remain essential for economic advancement Notable Quotes: "OPEC doesn't really care a whole lot about what we think. And I've learned also, like President Trump, neither he nor anyone in his administration, has called and ask me my opinion." - Jordan Strebeck "You can't always rely on [renewable energy]. Natural gas, we've got a ton of it in the United States. All of us on this podcast will be dead and gone before we're out of fossil fuel." - Chas Perry "There is no such thing as an economically advanced economy that does not require energy." - Jordan Strebeck

Join us for an extraordinary conversation as Faith Driven Investor shares a special crossover episode from the Faith Driven Entrepreneur podcast, where host Justin Forman sits down with President Lazarus Chakwera of Malawi at his lakeside residence. President Chakwera brings a unique perspective as both a former pastor who led the Assemblies of God for 24 years and now as the leader of a nation, sharing profound insights on the intersection of faith, investment, and nation-building. In this powerful discussion, President Chakwera reveals how God called him from the pulpit to the presidency, his vision for transforming Malawi from an aid-dependent nation to an investment-driven economy, and the critical role faith-driven investors can play in Africa's development. He shares candidly about the importance of shifting from poverty alleviation to wealth creation, the untapped potential in Malawi's agriculture, tourism, and mining sectors, and why partnership—not paternalism—is the key to unlocking Africa's vast resources. Key Investment Topics Discussed: • The transition from aid to investment: Creating sustainable economic growth through strategic partnerships • Malawi's ATM strategy: Agriculture, Tourism, and Mining as key investment sectors with massive potential • Infrastructure development as the critical enabler: From 11% to 75% electricity access by 2030 • The $1 trillion+ opportunity in rare earth minerals, including the world's largest rutile deposits • Why Africa's youth demographic (average age 18 in Malawi) represents an unprecedented investment opportunity Powerful Quotes from President Chakwera: "Investing for me is using what God has given me in order that I might be a blessing to other people." "We need to re-engineer ourselves and how we look at all these resources and say, how do we now become a productive oriented community, rather than a consumption oriented one?" "A faith-based investor recognizes that we've got to build on the trust we have, and then our dealings will not be based on any corrupt practices." President Chakwera's journey from pastoral ministry to presidential leadership offers unique insights for investors seeking both financial returns and Kingdom impact. His vision for Malawi to become "an inclusively wealthy, self-reliant, upper middle income economy" by 2063 presents compelling opportunities for faith-driven capital to make a transformative difference in one of Africa's most beautiful and resource-rich nations.

Join host Richard Cunningham with John Coleman and Brian McClard (Chief Investment Officer at Blue Trust) for the first-ever video edition of the Faith Driven Investor Marks on the Markets podcast. In this comprehensive market analysis, our panel discusses the Fed's decision to hold rates steady, the economic impact of Trump administration tariffs, and the exciting developments in AI and cryptocurrency regulation. Key Investment Topics Discussed: • Federal Reserve rate decisions and their 4.25-4.50% range - are we seeing appropriate monetary policy? • Trump administration tariff strategies with the EU, Japan, and their impact on inflation vs. economic growth • Market valuations at the 97th percentile historically - what this means for future returns • The breakthrough GENIUS Act providing regulatory clarity for dollar-backed stablecoins • AI's disruptive potential across industries and job markets - opportunity or threat? Notable Quotes: "We're paying 40% more now for earnings than we were 10 years ago, as we're looking at 22 times forward earnings. I think US returns going forward are likely to be more muted than what we've experienced the last five or 10 years." - Brian McClard "Anytime you have a spirit of fear, it's really originating from a lack of control. He's not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and a sound mind." - Brian McClard This marks-on-the-markets episode provides essential investment insights for faith-driven investors navigating today's complex economic landscape. Richard, John, and Brian bring decades of investment expertise while maintaining a biblical worldview on stewarding capital in uncertain times. Please note that the views expressed by the hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily represent the opinions of Faith Driven Investor.

In this episode, Faith Driven Movement’s co-founder, Henry Kaestner, sits down with Ndidi Okonkwo Nwuneli, CEO of the ONE Campaign and serial social entrepreneur from Nigeria. With a background spanning McKinsey, Harvard Business School, and founding multiple organizations including LEAP Africa and Sahel Capital, Ndidi brings a unique perspective on Africa's role in the global economy. Key Topics DiscussedThe current state of global advocacy and the retreat from international cooperation How the flattening of USAID affects Africa and global stability The power of individual voices in shaping policy (PEPFAR example) Investment opportunities in Africa's food ecosystem Why Africa is the continent of the future with 2.5 billion people by 2050 The role of faith-driven investors in transforming African agriculture Notable Quotes"You interact with Africa every day, whenever you have a cup of coffee, when you have a chocolate bar, it's not a continent of lack, it's a continent of opportunity." "We've been too dependent on a few men and their ideologies, and we've kind of drifted away from the foundations of our faith." "$1 invested today saves $103 in defense action." Key TakeawaysEvery individual has a voice that can influence policy decisions Africa's food ecosystem presents significant investment opportunities across the spectrum The continent's young workforce (70% under 35 by 2050) represents the future global workforce Faith-driven partnerships can create sustainable change beyond government programs

Episode Overview In this July 2025 episode of Marks on the Markets, we dive deep into the venture capital landscape with two battle-tested VCs who've weathered the storm from COVID boom to AI revolution.  Key Themes Explored The "Quiet Freakout" Phenomenon Why even well-funded startups are secretly terrified about the next 6-18 months How AI has created a "boxing match during an earthquake" for entrepreneurs The unprecedented uncertainty facing venture founders in 2025 The Great Liquidity Crisis Why LPs haven't seen distributions in years and what it means for new funding The IPO market's slow reopening and what it signals for exits How the DPI (distributions to paid-in capital) drought is reshaping the industry AI's Seismic Impact Why this technological shift dwarfs previous internet revolutions The emergence of AI-native companies and what it means for traditional software Why we're likely underestimating AI's transformative power The Hardware Renaissance How software commoditization is driving investment toward "hard tech" The rise of American dynamism and defense technology startups Why friction is becoming the new competitive moat Faith-Driven Innovation Learning from social media's mental health failures Why Christian entrepreneurs feel called to shape AI's development Biblical frameworks for understanding technology's role in society Standout Quotes "Everybody is quietly freaking out. You might have money in the bank, you might have venture backers, and yet everybody's quietly freaking out because you just don't know what's going to happen in three months, six months, three years." - Jake Thomsen "We are on the precipice of what could be the biggest series of technological changes in human history... more radical than at any point in history." - John Coleman "I continue to believe we are much more likely to underestimate the impact of AI than we are to overestimate it." - Rob Go "We kind of missed the boat in social media... We can't miss the boat with AI. Believers have to step in." - Jake Thomsen Deep Dive Segments The Venture Market Transformation (03:22-15:36) Jake Thomsen provides a masterclass overview of venture's roller coaster ride from pre-COVID normalcy through the 2021-22 bubble, the 2022 crash, banking crisis, and today's AI-driven uncertainty. Four Forces Reshaping Early-Stage Investing (15:36-25:00) Rob Go breaks down the industry's permanent structural changes: maturation and concentration, Y Combinator's dominance, mega-fund competition, and the AI supercycle's 20-30 year horizon. The Optimist vs. Realist Debate (25:00-35:00) John Coleman makes the bull case for venture while Rob and Jake wrestle with ground-level challenges, exploring the disconnect between macro optimism and micro struggles. Hardware's Moment (35:00-45:00) Why the pendulum is swinging from pure software plays to capital-intensive "hard tech" solutions, and whether this represents a fundamental shift or temporary trend. Faith and Technology (45:00-49:07) A powerful discussion on how Christian entrepreneurs are approaching AI development with lessons learned from social media's unintended consequences. Guest Profiles Jake Thomsen - Partner at Sovereign's Capital, focusing on faith-driven founders and early-stage ventures. Previously worked in venture capital and strategic consulting. Rob Go - Co-founder and Partner at NextView Ventures, a seed-stage VC firm. 15+ years in venture capital with investments spanning consumer, enterprise, and frontier tech. Key Takeaways for Investors The Power Law is Real: Top quartile VCs still dramatically outperform public markets, but the gap between best and worst performers has widened to 2,000+ basis points. Timing Matters: We're in the infrastructure phase of the AI revolution—similar to early internet days where enabling technologies capture initial value before applications flourish. Defense Through Friction: As software becomes commoditized, companies with hardware, services, or regulatory moats may prove more defensible. Liquidity Patience Required: The venture asset class needs patient capital as exit timelines extend and public market windows remain selective. Values-Driven Advantage: Founders building with clear ethical frameworks may have competitive advantages in an AI-dominated future. Resources Mentioned Hallow (Catholic prayer app) "God Looks Like Jesus" by Greg Boyd All-In Podcast Y Combinator Reindustrialized Conference (Detroit) Connect with Our Guests Jake Thomsen: Sovereign's Capital Rob Go: NextView Ventures

Episode 200 marks a major milestone—not just for the podcast, but for an entire movement that's reshaping how investors think about capital, impact, and stewardship. In this celebration episode, Faith Driven Investor founders Henry Kaestner and Luke Roush take us back to the very beginning—from their first meeting at Joe's Diner in Durham (famous for hot dogs with mustard, chili, or just hot dog) to building Sovereign's Capital and eventually launching a global movement that now spans nearly 100 countries. The Origin Story Behind the Movement: How a matchmaker pastor named J.D. Grear connected two investors who would change everything The "Eastern Block Bodega" problem: too little product on the shelf and no line of customers Why turning away 99 out of 100 entrepreneurs led to a "heartbreaking" realization The Holy Spirit moment that shifted everything from scarcity to abundance thinking From Fund to Movement: The transition from Sovereign's Capital to Faith Driven Entrepreneur to Faith Driven Investor Why they decided to expose their own LPs to competing fund managers The infamous John Porter story from Rwanda and what it taught them about being "tight-gripped" How a gathering at a French bistro with 25-30 leaders sparked something bigger The Philosophy That Changed Everything: Henry and Luke dive deep into the shift from traditional "biblically responsible investing" (focused on what to avoid) to "faith-driven investing" (focused on what to support). This isn't just about screening out "sin stocks"—it's about actively seeking investments that promote human flourishing and build God's kingdom. Global Vision and What's Next: Why Africa represents the most exciting investment opportunity of our generation The math that doesn't add up: $100+ trillion in managed assets globally, but only a couple hundred billion in explicitly faith-aligned products Why 60% of Americans identify as Christian but the investment numbers don't reflect it The "top of the second inning" reality: we're still incredibly early in this movement Key Insights for Investors: The power of being known for what you're FOR rather than what you're against Why "one size fits one" when it comes to faith-driven investing approaches The importance of seeking Godly counsel, prayer, and Scripture in investment decisions How spiritual integration looks different across asset classes (even oil and gas)

Robin John had a problem. He looked at the biggest mutual funds in America and realized he couldn't invest in their top holdings without compromising his values. So he and co-founder Finny started asking a different question: if investing is just allocating capital, where should Christians actually put their money? What started as a simple conversation about avoiding "ill-gotten gain" evolved into something much bigger—a framework for investing as an act of neighborly love. Instead of just screening out tobacco and pornography, Eventide began hunting for companies that actively serve their customers, employees, and communities. The results speak for themselves. Robin shares stories of biotech companies getting kids out of wheelchairs, trucking firms that let 90% of drivers sleep at home every night, and businesses that prove you don't have to choose between doing good and doing well. The data backs it up too—19 years of research shows values-based investing performs just as well as traditional approaches. This isn't feel-good investing. It's a fundamental rethinking of what stewardship looks like when you're managing serious capital. Robin's new book "The Good Investor: How Your Work Can Confront Injustice, Love Your Neighbor, and Bring Healing to the World" releases July 22nd, and this conversation reveals why he believes we're still in the first inning of a movement that could reshape how Christians think about money, work, and calling.

The economic landscape is shifting beneath our feet, and this episode of Marks on the Markets delivers the clarity you need to navigate what's ahead. Richard Cunningham and John Coleman sits down with Matt Monson, Partner of Public Equity at Sovereign's Capital, to dissect the most pressing issues facing investors today. The conversation begins with Moody's recent downgrade of US creditworthiness and what it signals about America's unsustainable fiscal trajectory—a $36 trillion debt problem that's finally getting the attention it deserves. Market Concentration and Hidden Risks The hosts dive deep into the Magnificent Seven phenomenon, revealing why having 30% of the S&P 500 concentrated in seven companies creates more portfolio risk than most investors realize. Monson shares his framework for analyzing tariff impacts across revenue and supply chains, while Coleman explains why this isn't just about stock picking—it's about understanding correlated risk factors that could catch investors off guard. Tariffs: Beyond the Headlines Moving past the political rhetoric, the discussion explores the real-world impact of trade policy on American businesses. From the company sourcing 100% of its goods from China to the complex web of global supply chains, listeners get an inside look at how tariff uncertainty is forcing businesses to stockpile cash and delay investment decisions. The hosts examine whether the current 90-day pause with China signals a path toward resolution or deeper economic disruption. Middle East Partnerships and AI Infrastructure The episode takes a strategic turn as Coleman and Monson analyze Trump's Middle East tour and the massive foreign direct investment commitments in AI infrastructure. They discuss why these partnerships matter for America's technological competitiveness and how they fit into the broader geopolitical and economic picture. Federal Reserve in an Impossible Position With inflation pressures from tariffs and a still-strong labor market, the Fed faces an unprecedented challenge. The hosts explain why rate cuts seem unlikely despite market volatility, and what this means for mortgage rates, business investment, and the broader economy. Faith-Driven Investing Insights The conversation concludes with practical insights for faith-driven investors, including Monson's compelling math on why your investment balance sheet—often 100 times larger than annual giving—represents an enormous opportunity for kingdom impact. The hosts share how the movement is evolving beyond traditional ESG frameworks toward employee flourishing and cultural excellence. Key Topics Covered: US credit downgrade implications and fiscal sustainability Magnificent Seven concentration risks and portfolio diversification Tariff impact analysis and business uncertainty Federal Reserve policy constraints and rate outlook Middle East AI partnerships and foreign investment Small vs. large cap performance cycles Faith-driven investing trends and cultural impact This episode offers both macro-economic analysis and practical investment insights for anyone seeking to understand how current events will shape markets and investment opportunities in the months ahead.

In this special episode recorded at SXSW in Austin, Texas, hosts Justin Forman and Richard Cunningham sit down with Brent Beshore, founder and CEO of Permanent Equity, to discuss what it means to take a long-term, cathedral-like perspective in business and investing. Brent shares his transformation from an achievement-driven atheist to a faith-focused entrepreneur, highlighting how his approach to private equity challenges industry norms with long-term capital, zero debt, and transparent fee structures. Throughout the conversation, Brent reveals how vulnerability and authentic relationships have been crucial both in his personal faith journey and in building a successful investment firm. Key Highlights:Brent's journey from atheism to faith and how it transformed his perspective on business, family, and achievement The dangers of "acceptable sin" that starts small but eventually leads to devastating consequences Why living in the light through authentic relationships is essential for both personal healing and business success How Permanent Equity's unique model of 30-year capital and no debt creates true alignment with business owners The concept of "cathedral thinking" - building something that may take generations to complete The importance of community and authentic relationships in combating isolation, especially for successful entrepreneurs Why achievement, control, and self-reliance can be more dangerous addictions than substances

In this May 2025 episode of Faith Driven Investor, hosts Richard Cunningham and John Coleman welcome Deirdre Gibson, ETF Specialist and National Sales Director at Praxis Investment Management, for a wide-ranging discussion on faith-driven investing and current market conditions. Episode Highlights: Understanding ETFs vs. Mutual Funds (2:31-4:42) Gibson explains the structural differences between ETFs and mutual funds Key advantages of ETFs: tax benefits, liquidity, transparency, and lower minimum investments How ETF structure makes diversified investing more accessible to everyday people Jesus as a Model for Engagement (7:39-12:03) Gibson shares insights from her Kingdom Advisors conference presentation Examines how Jesus engaged with sinners rather than avoiding them Applies this model to faith-driven investing: avoid, seek, engage framework Makes the case for strategic engagement with companies rather than only screening them out The "Sullivan Principles" and Christian Influence (12:03-15:19) Coleman discusses how the Episcopal Church's 1971 engagement with GM over apartheid led to industry-wide change How Christians can use capital ownership to influence corporate behavior The missed opportunity when Christians only avoid rather than engage Research on Faith-Aligned Investing (20:50-24:24) Praxis research reveals significant gap between investor desires and advisor actions 70-85% of investors want values-aligned options while only 9% of advisors initiate these conversations Evidence that clients are making investments outside advisor relationships when values-alignment isn't offered Tariffs and Market Analysis (29:01-41:42) Comprehensive breakdown of the Trump administration's tariff strategy and goals Analysis of four key administration objectives: reducing trade deficits, leveling playing fields, securing critical supply chains, and changing allies' position toward China Coleman's five-point framework for achieving a "soft landing" through modest and reciprocal tariffs Market Outlook and Behavioral Finance (42:11-47:05) Disconnect between resilient economic data and fearful consumer/investor sentiment The phenomenon of "home bias" in investment portfolios The importance of maintaining business confidence to avoid recession despite uncertainty Closing Thoughts on Human Dignity in Economics (48:33-53:19) Discussion of valuing human contributions beyond productive capacity Faith perspective on economic disruption from AI and technology advancement Biblical frameworks for approaching economic uncertainty with confidence

Can you build a thriving business while facing back-to-back life-threatening crises? Travis Penfield did exactly that, transforming his brush with death from a brain tumor and his wife's cancer battle into clarity for scaling 49 Financial to 200+ advisors. His blueprint for bridging the trillion-dollar advisor succession gap prioritizes mentorship over metrics, revealing how personal trials became his greatest business advantage. Join us for this special joint episode of the Faith Driven Investor & Entrepreneur podcast.  Key MomentsTravis shares his recent experience meeting Jack Nicklaus and John Maxwell, highlighting Nicklaus's emphasis on family over golf achievements The powerful story of Travis's brain tumor in 2016, requiring him to relearn basic functions His wife Jacqueline's cancer diagnosis and the emotional journey of shaving her head during chemotherapy The doctor telling Travis to "prepare as if she's gone" and taking his daughters to San Diego while contemplating single fatherhood How these health crises fundamentally changed his approach to business success and identity Business Insights49 Financial's three-pillar strategy: handling more complex issues, offering more services, and building more community The company's focus on young advisors (22-year-olds) in an industry where the average advisor is in their upper 50s How 49 Financial is addressing the industry-wide 9% retention rate for new advisors Travis's shift from "quantity over quality" to "quality over quantity" in building his business His vision for bridging the gap between aging advisors with trillions in assets and the next generation Faith PerspectiveHow facing mortality transformed Travis's relationship with God and clarity about priorities The role of childlike faith in entrepreneurship versus the challenges of maintaining bold faith as a business matures Using their platform to help clients turn "tax dollars into giving dollars" through strategic charitable planning The daily struggle of enjoying present moments while awaiting his wife's five-year cancer-free milestone Quotable Moments"I think maybe a lot of entrepreneurs out there, it is so easy, even as believers, to make our business our identity. And it's such a sneak." "It puts you in a different place in your faith when each one of you experience the thought of losing the other one within a day." "If the business doesn't make it, it's okay. If the business does hit that growth goal, it's okay... I'm going home to my bride." "My heart and why 49, as long as I'm around, is going to be for the young person." "We're going to turn tax dollars into giving dollars."