The Christian Capitalist Podcast

Christian Capitalist Podcast

With Rich Sanders

Living Generously: Vanessa Russell on Catholic Charities, the Poor, and the Power of Purpose

In this inspiring episode, host Rich Sanders welcomes Vanessa Russell, CEO of Catholic Charities Atlanta and former corporate executive, for a wide-ranging conversation about service, faith, and what it means to truly love your neighbor. Vanessa shares the story of her unexpected transition from corporate life to nonprofit leadership and how the words of Pope Francis, her late father, and a lifetime of military family experience shaped her mission to serve.

From helping veterans navigate the VA to transforming financial literacy for families, Catholic Charities Atlanta works to lift people into lives of dignity and self-sufficiency. Vanessa shares real stories, hard-won lessons, and a moving reminder: "Charity that leaves the poor as they are is not sufficient." This is a must-listen for anyone called to align their business, faith, and generosity.

In This Episode:

• 02:30 Vatican Transitions & Pope Francis' Legacy • 09:45 The Call to Transform, Not Just Sustain • 14:30 A Story of Dignity: Veteran Outreach in Action • 19:30 From Uniform to Uncertainty • 26:15 From the Corporate World to Catholic Charities • 33:00 Seeing the Human Behind the Struggle • 38:15 Financial Education: The Secret Sauce of Self-Sufficiency • 44:00 Volunteers, Donors & Living Out the Faith • 50:20 The Heart of Catholic Social Teaching • 56:45 Work as Worship, Giving as Glory

Quotes:

· "Charity that leaves the poor as they are is not sufficient." [10:10]

· "If I can help, I should serve—not for my glory, but for the glory of our Creator." [31:30]

· "You may not be able to do everything, but if God puts someone in your path and you can help them—you should." [57:40]

Relevant Links:

· Christian Capitalist Website

• Catholic Charities Atlanta: catholiccharitiesatlanta.org
• AmeriCorps Program – A key partner in launching Catholic Charities' veterans support program
• The ARC (Army Residence Community) – Military retirement community discussed by Rich and Vanessa
• Book Mentioned: The Christian Capitalist

Christian Capitalist Podcast

With Rich Sanders

Faith in the Fields: Jean Ordillano on Work, Worship & Building a Church in Rural Philippines

In this powerful episode, host Rich Sanders interviews Jean Ordillano, an industrial engineer and systems strategist for IGNITE who lives in the rural agricultural province of Quezon in the Philippines. Jean shares her inspiring story of growing up as a pastor's daughter in a farming community, navigating life and faith during seasons of scarcity, and building a vibrant church community—physically and spiritually—from the ground up.

They explore what it means to be a Christian Capitalist in a place where economic means are limited but generosity and faith abound. Jean's story is one of grit, grace, and giving, as she supports her family, ministry, and church while working full-time and developing leaders within her local congregation.

In This Episode:

• 01:00 Life in Rural Quezon Province.
• 05:30 Growing Up in a Pastor's Family
• 08:30 God's Provision Through the Church
• 14:00 Moving to Manila for College
• 20:00 Choosing Industrial Engineering by Faith & Strategy
• 26:30 Coming Home After COVID
• 30:00 Leading Systems & SOPs for Ignite
• 32:00 Church Growth & Building by Faith
• 40:00 Living & Giving as a Christian Capitalist
• 55:30 Jean's Definition of a Christian Capitalist

Quotes:

· "What we are lacking financially is what we are gaining in the love of these people." [10:00]

· "He didn't give you something just for yourself—He gave it to you so you can be a blessing to others." [45:00]

· "Being a Christian Capitalist means working hard as an act of worship and giving generously as an act of love for God and people."[55:30]

Relevant Links:

· Christian Capitalist Website.

• Ignite Agency – Where Jean serves as a GPM Engineer helping businesses scale through systems.
• Redeem Assembly of Christ International, Inc. – Jean's home church in Quezon Province

Christian Capitalist Podcast

With Rich Sanders

Witnessing Business, Walking in Faith, and the Real American Dream"

In this inspiring and honest conversation, host Rich Sanders welcomes Kyle Martin and Steven Beckham, lifelong best friends, entrepreneurs, and co-hosts of the Witness Business Podcast. The three dive into the origins of their podcast, their passion for entrepreneurship through a Christian lens, and the bridge between working hard, building businesses, and giving generously. From Easter reflections and funny Easter egg stories to a powerful discussion on capitalism, calling, and charitable giving, this episode unpacks what it really means to live out your faith in the marketplace.

They explore how ideas become businesses, why starting is the hardest but most vital step, and how believers can use wealth as a tool to love their neighbors well without shame.

In This Episode:

06:30 Lifelong friendship, entrepreneurial roots, and founding Witness Business Podcast

09:30 Their mission: Inspire people to act on their business ideas through storytelling

13:00 Bridging generations: The American dream, then and now

18:50 Faith, risk, and making the leap into entrepreneurship

25:00 Is capitalism Christian? Unpacking scripture, ethics, and wealth

36:00 Mr. Beast, generosity, and being hardwired to give

40:00 Kyle & Steven's giving habits from tithing to IJM, Compassion, and local needs

50:00 A couch, a conference, and the cost of ignoring Spirit-led generosity

56:00 FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early) & passive income with purpose

1:00:00 Their free upcoming guide: How to move your idea into action

Quotes:

· "Faith is spelled R-I-S-K." -Kyle Martin [59:34]

· "Doing nothing will yield nothing." -Kyle Martin [1:00:19]

· "You are created to create." -Steven Beckham [1:03:16]

Relevant Links:

· Christian Capitalist Website.

Listen to The Witness Business Podcast: witnessbusinesspodcast.com

Kyle & Steven's giving partners:

· Compassion International

· International Justice Mission

Christian Capitalist Podcast

With Rich Sanders

Hard Work, Generous Giving, and Trusting God's Plan - A Conversation with Greg Holcombe

In this episode of the Christian Capitalist Podcast, host Rich Sanders welcomes his long-time friend and college roommate, Greg Holcombe. The discussion covers an array of topics, including the importance of hard work, financial discipline, and generous giving as reflections of faith. Greg shares his personal journey of career highs and lows, emphasizing the vital role of trust in God during difficult times. The conversation delves into Greg's involvement with financial services and his new venture in real estate. He also speaks about how he and his family practice generosity and disciplined finances through tithing and volunteer work. The episode underscores the principle that one's worth and success are grounded not in wealth but in faith and the impact on others.

In This Episode:

03:50 Greg's Career Journey and Current Role at Suus

05:30 The Impact of Debt and Financial Services

11:17 Navigating Personal Challenges with Faith

21:58 Teaching Financial Discipline to the Next Generation

39:49 The Importance of Tithing

45:44 Balancing Family and Career Decisions

50:43 The Role of Hard Work and Generosity

Quotes:

· "I put a lot of value on who I am based on what I do for a living, And that's not really the way God wants us to feel. He wants us to put all of our value into what he's done for us." [13:03]

· "When you need to make a change in life, it's not about money. We were no less happy in Tampa than we were in Connecticut. We were actually more happy and we're making a lot less money as a family." [49:37]

Relevant Links:

· Christian Capitalist Website.

Social Media:

· LinkedIn: @greg-holcombe

· Greg's IMDB

· SUUS website

· IJM website

· Dreamland AirBNB

Christian Capitalist Podcast

With Rich Sanders

Overcoming Challenges with Faith: Claudine McDaniel's Journey

In this episode of the Christian Capitalist Podcast, host Rich Sanders interviews Claudine McDaniel of Beyond Conquerors Ministry. Claudine shares her inspiring journey from a dysfunctional family in Togo, West Africa, to building a ministry in Silver Spring, Maryland. She discusses how her faith in Jesus Christ transformed her life, helped her overcome chronic illness, and led her through heartbreak to the United States. Claudine emphasizes the importance of forgiveness, strength in adversity, and the power of giving. Despite having limited resources, she serves 50 people weekly through her ministry, providing meals and spiritual support. Her story underscores the message that with faith, even the little we have can make a significant impact.

In This Episode:

00:24 Meet Claudine McDaniel: A Journey from Togo to the USA

05:59 The Power of Forgiveness and Moving Forward

08:20 Claudine's Ministry and Mission in the USA

16:59 Spreading the Light of Christ

23:24 Founding Beyond Conquerors Ministry

30:26 Spiritual and Practical Support

32:35 Sustaining the Mission

Quotes:

· " When we are in the dark place, he's still developing something great inside of us and he reveals himself to us even better in the dark place. [05:46]

· "No matter what they're going through, Jesus is there with them. If they take time and spend time with him, he will make himself tangible to them. [16:55]

" I tell people all the time, there are no such things as coincidences. It's the Holy Spirit at work in our lives. [26:06]

Relevant Links:

· Christian Capitalist Website.

Social Media:

· Beyond Conquerors Ministry : https://beyondconquerors.org/

· Donation: http://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=X2WLB7PYHDS8E

· Emotional Healing: https://beyondconquerors.org/emotional-healing

· Discover Your God-Given Talent: https://beyondconquerors.org/strengthsfinder

· Linked in: https://www.linkedin.com/in/claudineamcdaniel/

· Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@beyondconquerorsministry2214

· Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beyondconquerorsministry/

· Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BeyondConquerorsMinistry

Christian Capitalist Podcast

With Rich Sanders

The Power of Faith in Business Growth with Bob Thibodeau

In this episode of the Christian Capitalist Podcast, host Rich Sanders interviews Pastor Bob Thibodeau, a former police officer turned pastor and podcast host. Pastor Bob shares his journey from law enforcement to ministry and online broadcasting, discussing how faith led him to start a popular podcast and an online Christian radio station. They explore the intersection of faith and business, emphasizing the importance of giving, servant leadership, and trusting God. Pastor Bob highlights the transformative power of generosity and shares inspiring stories of faith-driven success and miraculous experiences.

In This Episode:

00:48 Meet Pastor Bob: From Police Officer to Podcast Host

08:28 Launching Evangelism Radio: A Journey of Faith

10:35 The Kingdom Crossroads Podcast: Expanding the Ministry

20:17 The Power of Giving: Stories of Faith and Generosity

32:22 A Divine Encounter

40:17 The Joy of Giving

Quotes:

· " And someone from over my right shoulder whispers in my ear, you need to start your own 30 minute online radio program, Now the speaker's right there, right? I turn around and see who it is and there's nobody there." [03:49]

· " Every story is different, but it's all centered around one thing, Jesus, because that's what we focus on." [12:17]

• " God Would rather have you give $1 to somebody out of the goodness of your heart than to have you give a hundred dollars with strife.:[21:21]

Relevant Links:

· Christian Capitalist Website.

Social Media:

· Kingdom Crossroads Podcast

· Instagram: @rthibodeau3377

· Facebook: KCR Podcast

Christian Capitalist Podcast

With Rich Sanders

Faith, Family, and Philanthropy: The Journey of Jared Carter

In this episode of the Christian Capitalist Podcast, host Rich Sanders interviews Jared Cartee about his life, ministry, and personal journey. Jared shares his experiences moving to Florida, battling addiction, and his work with the Safe in the Panhandle initiative to combat sex trafficking. He discusses the role of his supportive wife Julia, his background in youth ministry, and the importance of community and service. Jared also elaborates on the Ruth Lake Farm project, which aims to fund the rehabilitation of trafficking victims through sustainable farming. Additionally, the episode touches on the Christian concept of multiplying resources and talents for the greater good.

In This Episode

01:08 Journey to Florida: A Family Decision

04:05 Finding Faith: Jared's Spiritual Journey

11:50 Marriage and Support: Julia's Role in Jared's Life

24:32 Safe in the Panhandle: Ruth Lake Farm Initiative

31:14 Parable of the Talents

44:05 Farm Initiatives and Rehabilitation Programs

Quotes:

· " I tell my son all the time, if, if you're a person of integrity, you do what? You're honest and you can speak to people, you'll go a long way in life. [23:05]

· " If you would've told me 20 years ago that I was gonna be basically a PR person. Uh, for an organization that fought sex trafficking, human exploitation, say, you're crazy. But that's where I'm at now." [30:47]

"Snapchat is a snare that can get many people into, into conversations that they don't need to be in."[48:05]

Relevant Links

· Christian Capitalist Website.

· safeinthepanhandle.com

Social Media:

· Instagram: @jaredcartee

· Facebook: Jared Cartee

Christian Capitalist Podcast

With Rich Sanders

Discipline, Faith, and Community: A Journey with our guest Christopher Cumby

In this episode of the Christian Capitalist Podcast, host Rich Sanders, interviews Chris Cumby about his life, work, and ministry. They discuss the importance of a disciplined morning routine, the impact of physical and spiritual health, and the significance of giving and community involvement. Chris shares his journey from a successful career in sales to a faith-driven life, emphasizing the value of mentorship, resilience, and gratefulness. The conversation also touches on Chris's latest project to restore a historic school in Panama City, reflecting his commitment to community development and servant leadership.

In This Episode

01:09 Morning Routine and Physical Health

06:00 Building the Kingdom and Personal Reflections

16:28 Journey of Faith and Baptism

27:35 The Launch of Aquafina and Entering the Energy Business

33:13 Faith, Discipline, and Overcoming Challenges

40:44 Rebuilding Life and Finding Happiness

Quotes:

· "God talks to me through people, places, events, circumstances and things when I seek it. [14:01]

· "I don't look to get anything from anybody I try to serve because I know it's gonna come around another way." [35:27]

"If you are thankful and you show gratitude, you probably get more."[47:15]

Relevant Links

· Christian Capitalist Website.

· Christophercumby.com

· "On The Move" Radio Show

Social Media:

· LinkedIn: @christophercumby

· Instagram: @christophercumby

· Facebook: Christopher Lloyd Cumby

Christian Capitalist Podcast

With Rich Sanders

A discussion on giving back to your community with our guest Richard Propes

In this episode of the Christian Capitalist Podcast, host Rich Sanders interviews Richard Propes, a paraplegic double amputee and founder of the Tenderness Tour. The conversation covers Richard's incredible life journey, starting from losing everything and challenging God, to embarking on a 41-day, 1,000-mile wheelchair tour around Indiana. They discuss his continuous efforts over 35 years, raising over a million dollars to combat child abuse and medical debt. Richard also shares his experiences with mentorship, his work and contributions to the community, and his views on the role of government and church in providing aid. The episode highlights his dedication to showing up, listening, and loving people as a part of his mission. Richard's remarkable story serves as a powerful testament to faith, resilience, and the impact of generous giving.

In This Episode

02:16 The Birth of the Tenderness Tour

04:41 The Impact of the Tenderness Tour

06:39 Spreading the Message of Hope

12:26 Support and Evolution of the Tour

29:37 Journey to Becoming an Ordained Minister

42:54 The Impact of Mentorship

Quotes:

• " And so I kept wheeling and I kept wheeling and I kept wheeling and 41 days later I arrived back in Indianapolis. I had traveled for 41 days alone in my wheelchair, um, traveled right around 1,086 miles. [03:38]
• " …there was always hope, you know, that. You know, I was not supposed to live, my original life expectation was three days." [09:59]
• "For me, my mission is simple, uh, show up. Listen and love."[26:38]

Relevant Links

· Christian Capitalist Website.

· Website: https://tendernesstour.com

· Film/book review site: https://theindependentcritic.com

Social Media:

· Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/richardpropes/ (easily my most active)

· Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tendernesstour/

· Threads: https://www.threads.net/@tendernesstour

· Bluesky: Richard Propes (@richardpropes.bsky.social)

· LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richardpropes/

· https://www.secondchurch.org/

Christian Capitalist Podcast

With Rich Sanders

Exploring Generosity and Heritage: A Conversation with London Cab Driver Greg Smith

In this episode of the Christian Capitalist Podcast, host Rich Sanders talks with Greg Smith, a London taxi driver and tour guide. They discuss Greg's 27 years of experience as a cabbie, the rigorous training required to become a licensed London taxi driver, and the intricate knowledge of London's streets and history that drivers must possess. Greg explains his passion for his job and shares insights into London's historical landmarks and hidden gems. The episode also highlights the charitable work of London's taxi drivers, focusing on the Children's Magical Taxi Tour, an annual event providing sick children with a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Disneyland Paris. The discussion emphasizes the importance of hard work and generosity, reflecting the Christian Capitalist philosophy of giving back to the community.

In This Episode

02:28 The Knowledge: Becoming a London Cabbie

07:52 A Tour Guide's Perspective on London

09:03 The Rich History of London

17:40 Navigating London During Royal Events

22:58 The Children's Magical Taxi Tour

27:16 The History of Hackney Carriage Drivers

32:23 The Journey to Disneyland Paris

Quotes:

• " Whereas when you start talking about the buildings and the places and the people in the history, you're having a lot better human interaction and time is just more enjoyable." [08:17]
• " These kids just come to life. They, they, they find an energy that perhaps they haven't had." [38:20]

Relevant Links

· Christian Capitalist Website

· The Disney charity trip website: www.magicaltaxitour.com

· The trip is organized by the Worshipful Company of Hackney Carriage Drivers: https://thewchcd.co.uk/

· The website for my services as a London tour guide is: www.cityoflondonguides.com/gregsmith/

· IG @greglondonguide