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What does it look like to follow God while building at the edge of innovation?

In this episode, we sit down with Andy Dickson—entrepreneur, venture builder, and leader in nanotechnology—to talk about faith, endurance, and long-term vision.

Andy shares his journey from early days at CompuServe to launching companies like SmartPaint, Nanotherm, and now leading Novara.

We dive into:

• His faith journey and spiritual growth 
• The challenges of pioneering new technology 
• Lessons learned in seasons of waiting 
• How personal trials reshaped his priorities 
• Why faith-based relationships matter in business 
• Where nanotechnology is heading in the future 

This is a conversation about resilience, perspective, and trusting God when the path isn’t clear.

Links

• Novara: https://www.novaramaterials.com/about 
• Carmen Ventures: https://www.carmenventures.com/
• Connect with Andy Dickson: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andy-dickson-047587/
• Connect with Mark: www.markgreaves.com 

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How do you keep your faith alive when it becomes familiar?

In this powerful conversation, Dr. Jeffrey Broadnax shares wisdom from over 30 years in pastoral leadership, coaching, and ministry development.

We discuss:

• How to maintain childlike faith over time 
• What great leaders are missing today 
• His family’s powerful story—from slavery to leadership in just generations 
• Why the Church is uniquely equipped to lead conversations on race 
• The future of Christian leadership and ministry 

Dr. Broadnax brings a rare combination of humility, wisdom, and clarity to some of today’s most important conversations.

Whether you’re leading a team, a family, or simply trying to grow in your faith—this episode will challenge and encourage you.

• GIANT Worldwide https://www.giantworldwide.com/
• Grace Communion International https://www.gci.org/
• Connect with Dr. Broadnax: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-jeffrey-broadnax-69571529/
• Connect with Mark: www.markgreaves.com

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What if the most impactful life you could live isn’t extraordinary—but faithful?

In this episode, we sit down with Harvey Hook, a respected ministry leader, author, and founder of The Gathering in Columbus, Ohio.

With over 50 years of experience in ministry and leadership, Harvey shares what he’s learned about living a life of purpose, proximity, and consistency.

We explore:

• His early walk with Jesus and key influences 
• The reality of spiritual warfare and its impact today 
• Why he chose to live within the communities he served 
• The story behind launching The Gathering and its regional impact 
• Lessons from his book, The Power of an Ordinary Life 
• Why he’s still building—now with Vista Village 

Harvey’s life is proof that you don’t need a platform to make an impact—just faithfulness over time.

• The Power of an Ordinary Life by Harvey Hook The Power of an Ordinary Life: Discover the Extraordinary Possibilities Within: Hook, Harvey A.: 9781414313443: Amazon.com: Books
• Vista Village Initiative https://www.vistavillage.org/
• Connect with Harvey: https://www.linkedin.com/in/harvey-hook-bb552b10/
• Connect with Mark: www.markgreaves.com

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What if the way you think about money is shaping your relationship with God more than you realize?

In this episode of First and Focused, we sit down with Courtney Markley—speaker, author, and founder of the Center for Financial Discipleship—to unpack the deeper connection between faith and finances.

Courtney shares her unexpected journey from the fashion industry into financial counseling, and how God used that pivot to lead her into a calling centered on heart transformation—not just financial behavior.

We dive into the conversations most people avoid:

• Why money and faith are so emotionally charged 
• What “financial discipleship” actually means 
• The tension pastors feel when talking about generosity 
• The truth behind “storing treasure in heaven” 
• And how Christians can rethink legacy, giving, and stewardship 

We also explore her newest project, Idle Treasure, where she brings together leading voices like Randy Alcorn, John Rinehart, and Leo Sabo to challenge the way we think about wealth and impact.

This conversation is honest, challenging, and deeply practical—if you’ve ever wrestled with money, purpose, or generosity, this episode is for you.

• Center for Financial Discipleship https://www.financialdiscipleship.center/
• The Heart of Money Podcast The Heart of Money - Podcast - Apple Podcasts
• Idle Treasure Series Idle Treasure: a Christian response to the wealth sitting in donor advised funds - Podcast - Apple Podcasts
• The Treasure Principle by Randy Alcorn  The Treasure Principle, Revised and Updated Edition: Randy Alcorn: 9780525615033 - Christianbook.com
• Connect with Mark – markgreaves.com

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Longevity in leadership is increasingly rare—but faithfulness over time leaves a powerful legacy. In this episode of First and Focused, we sit down with Scott Arnold, Executive Director of Central Ohio Youth For Christ, to discuss three decades of serving youth in one city.

Scott shares what he walked into when he first stepped into leadership, the “Only God” stories that shaped the ministry’s growth, and how he has remained steady through both organizational challenges and personal grief. We also discuss marriage, perseverance, and what long obedience teaches about trust. This episode is a thoughtful reflection on endurance, calling, and the quiet strength required to keep showing up year after year.

To learn more about Youth for Christ: https://yfc.net/

Connect with Central OH YFC: Central Ohio Youth for Christ

Connect with Scott Arnold: Scott Arnold | LinkedIn

Connect with Mark Greaves: https://www.markgreaves.com/

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Youth sports have transformed into a high-pressure, high-visibility environment shaped by NIL deals, social media, and rising expectations. In this episode of First and Focused, we sit down with Rye D'Orazio and Aaron Quinn of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes to examine where faith fits in today’s competitive culture.

Rye shares how he transitioned from a successful technology career into full-time ministry, while Aaron reflects on his journey from athletics and law enforcement into leadership at FCA. Together, they discuss the spiritual challenges facing student-athletes, the importance of identity beyond performance, and how FCA is equipping the next generation to compete without compromising conviction.

To learn more about FCA: https://www.fca.org/what-is-fca

Connect with Central OH FCA: Central Ohio FCA

Connect with Rye D’Orazio - Rye D'Orazio | LinkedIn

Connect with Mark Greaves: https://www.markgreaves.com/

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Scaling a company from zero to thousands of employees requires vision, grit, and leadership clarity. In this episode of First and Focused, we sit down with Greg Alcorn, founder and CEO of Global Contract Services, to discuss faith-driven entrepreneurship and building companies that create lasting impact.

Greg reflects on growing up as a minister’s son, stepping into risk as a young entrepreneur, and viewing business as ministry. We also explore his decision to launch ApSeed Early Childhood Education later in his career, investing in early literacy and the future of underserved children. From family priorities to executive leadership principles, this episode focuses on building more than businesses—it’s about building generations.

To check out ApSeed click here: https://apseed.org/

To connect with Greg Alcorn click here: Greg Alcorn | LinkedIn

Connect with Mark Greaves: https://www.markgreaves.com/

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Elite performance often focuses on physical strength—but sometimes the greatest strength is spiritual resilience. In this episode of First and Focused, we sit down with Brock Meadows, founder of Power Factory, Project Lean Nation, Dulci Sweets, and multi-location owner of Orangetheory Fitness, to discuss how two near-death experiences reshaped his life and faith.

Brock shares the powerful stories that changed his perspective forever, how those moments deepened his walk with Christ, and why he ultimately pursued entrepreneurship over the corporate path. We explore balancing body and spirit in a performance-driven industry, building businesses with purpose, and even how a fitness expert ended up launching a chocolate company. This conversation is about discipline, calling, and trusting God through unexpected turns.

To check out Dulci Sweets click here: https://dulcisweets.com/

To check out Project Lean Nation click here: https://projectleannation.com/

To connect with Brock Meadows click here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brock-meadows/

Connect with Mark Greaves: https://www.markgreaves.com/

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The mortgage industry has seen its share of volatility—but rarely does it see leaders put faith front and center. In this episode of First and Focused, we sit down with Brian Ziemer, Co-Founder and COO of Tithe Lending, to explore what it looks like to integrate faith and finance at scale.

With nearly 30 years of leadership experience through housing booms, crashes, and market resets, Brian shares how God shaped his journey long before launching Tithe in 2023. We discuss navigating economic cycles, leading large teams, stepping into bold faith later in life, and building a company committed to honoring God through mortgage and loving neighbors through generosity. Brian also reflects on fatherhood, legacy, and what it means to finish well in both business and belief.

To learn more about Tithe Lending click here: https://tithelending.com/

To connect with Brian Ziemer click here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-ziemer-5a75b39/

Connect with Mark Greaves: https://www.markgreaves.com/

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Education shapes the future—and faith shapes the soul. In this episode of First and Focused, Dr. Todd Marrah unpacks why Christian education is critical in today’s cultural moment and how spiritual formation prepares students for life, not just academics.

From leading Tree of Life Christian Schools to influencing education nationally and globally, Dr. Marrah shares leadership lessons, parenting wisdom, and practical ways families and businesses can support faith-based education. The conversation closes with a powerful reflection on fear, faith, and why Christmas should still blow our minds.

Connect With Todd Marrah: https://www.linkedin.com/in/todd-marrah-46187117/

Learn More About Tree of Life Christian Schools: https://tolcs.org/

Learn More about the Christian Education Network: https://www.ccv.org/news/announcing-todd-marrah-to-lead-the-new-united-states-christian-education-network

Connect with Mark Greaves: https://www.markgreaves.com/