First & Focused

Send us Fan MailWhat 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: BooksVista Village Initiative https://www.vistavillage.org/Connect with Harvey: https://www.linkedin.com/in/harvey-hook-bb552b10/Connect with Mark: www.markgreaves.com

Send us Fan MailWhat 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 PodcastsIdle Treasure Series Idle Treasure: a Christian response to the wealth sitting in donor advised funds - Podcast - Apple PodcastsThe Treasure Principle by Randy Alcorn  The Treasure Principle, Revised and Updated Edition: Randy Alcorn: 9780525615033 - Christianbook.comConnect with Mark – markgreaves.com

Send us Fan MailLongevity 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 ChristConnect with Scott Arnold: Scott Arnold | LinkedInConnect with Mark Greaves: https://www.markgreaves.com/

Send us Fan MailYouth 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-fcaConnect with Central OH FCA: Central Ohio FCAConnect with Rye D’Orazio - Rye D'Orazio | LinkedInConnect with Mark Greaves: https://www.markgreaves.com/

Send us Fan MailScaling 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 | LinkedInConnect with Mark Greaves: https://www.markgreaves.com/

Send us Fan MailElite 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/

Send us Fan MailThe 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/

Send us Fan MailEducation 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-networkConnect with Mark Greaves: https://www.markgreaves.com/

Send us Fan MailWhat if families in crisis could receive short-term assistance without the fear of losing their children to the foster system? In this episode of First and Focused, Melody Marshall shares how My Village Ministries is reshaping family preservation through biblical hospitality and radical compassion.Melody explains how churches, businesses, and even the state are partnering to keep families together, restore dignity, and create better outcomes for children. We explore nonprofit leadership, faith in action, fundraising with purpose, and what it looks like to truly love your neighbor in one of society’s most broken systems.LINKS: Connect with Melody Marshall: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melody-marshall-6b28932ab/Learn More about My Village Ministries: https://myvillageministries.com/Connect with Mark Greaves: https://www.markgreaves.com/

Send us Fan MailCan faith thrive in the world of high finance? In this episode of First and Focused, Matt Wooster shares how his journey through banking, private equity, and global finance led him to a life fully centered on Jesus.Now a Managing Director at HPS Investment Partners (acquired by BlackRock), Matt opens up about his faith transformation, leading with integrity in the financial world, prioritizing family over titles, and helping grow the Tithe Foundation. This conversation is a powerful reminder that success means little without surrender—and that God can redeem any path.LINKS:Connect with Matt Wooster: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-wooster-cfa-73b8155/Learn more about Tithe Foundation: https://tithe.foundation/Connect with Mark Greaves: https://www.markgreaves.com/

Send us Fan MailSomething is changing on college campuses—and faith is at the center of it. In this episode of First and Focused, longtime ministry leaders Matt Kuchers and Jim Schmidtke share what they’re seeing firsthand among student-athletes and young leaders.With decades of experience in campus and professional sports ministry, they discuss revival, outspoken Christian athletes, leadership under pressure, and how faith is spreading in unexpected ways. From stories of bold obedience to wisdom on staying close to Jesus for the long haul, this episode is packed with insight, humility, and joy.LINKS:Connect with Matt Kuchers: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-kuch-kuchers-64540413/Learn more about Athletes in Action: https://athletesinaction.org/Connect with Mark Greaves: https://www.markgreaves.com/

Send us Fan MailWhat if true healing required more than exercises and prescriptions? In this episode of First and Focused, Doctors of Physical Therapy Kevin Nowacki and Kenton Keeslar share how faith, love, and purpose are transforming health outcomes at Elevate Human Performance.The founders reveal why they chose to challenge traditional healthcare norms, how faith shapes their approach to rehabilitation, and the stories of healing that wouldn’t have happened in a typical clinic. We explore leadership as business partners, future expansion, and why addressing the spiritual and mental aspects of health leads to lasting transformation.LINKS: Connect with Kevin Nowacki: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinnowacki/Connect with Kenton Keeslar: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kenton-keeslar-9600a4356/To learn more about Elevate Human Performance:  https://www.elevateptperformance.com/Connect with Mark Greaves: https://www.markgreaves.com/

Send us Fan MailHow does a financial advisor build one of the fastest-growing firms in the country while putting God first? In this episode of First and Focused, Joe Schmitz shares the mindset, courage, and faith that fueled his rapid rise as a Kingdom-driven leader in finance.From launching Peak Retirement Planning to becoming a Certified Kingdom Advisor, Joe explains how biblical principles guide his leadership, culture, and client relationships. We talk risk, obedience, influence beyond the office, and what he’s learned about God—and himself—while choosing faith over fear in a volatile financial world.Connect with Joe Schmitz: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-schmitz-jr/View Peak Retirement YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@peakretirementplanninginc.  Connect with Mark Greaves: https://www.markgreaves.com/

Send us Fan MailWhat if your profession became your greatest mission field? In this powerful episode of First and Focused, legendary dental implant pioneer Dr. Duke Heller shares how a lifetime career turned into a platform for bold, personal evangelism.With over 20,000 dental implants placed and thousands of dentists trained, Dr. Heller reveals how his love for Jesus shaped his work, his family life, and his relentless energy—even approaching 90 years old. We unpack his simple May I Share method for sharing Christ, lessons from his friendship with Zig Ziglar, and what kind of legacy truly lasts when your life is centered on the Gospel.LINKS: Connect with Duke Heller and “May I Share” Ministries: May I Share | Sharing ChristConnect with Mark Greaves: https://www.markgreaves.com/

Send us Fan MailChristian music is exploding—and the leaders behind the microphones are shaping more than playlists. In this episode of First and Focused, we sit down with Bill Montgomery, CEO of River Radio Ministries, to explore faith-driven leadership in the rapidly evolving music and broadcast industry.Recorded inside the studios of 104.9 The River, Bill shares how God prepared him for leadership, how Christian music is reaching younger generations at unprecedented levels, and what it really takes to keep Jesus at the center of a growing media organization. We also talk family life, universal leadership principles, AI-generated Christian artists, and the daily practices that help leaders stay focused on Christ amid constant demands.Connect with Bill Montgomery: https://www.linkedin.com/in/billmontgomery/Learn more about 104.9 The River: https://riverradio.com/Connect with Mark Greaves: https://www.markgreaves.com/