Faith Driven Investor

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: 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: 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: 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 Discussed Notable Quotes Key Takeaways

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 The Great Liquidity Crisis AI's Seismic Impact The Hardware Renaissance Faith-Driven Innovation 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 RealTiming MattersDefense Through FrictionLiquidity Patience RequiredValues-Driven AdvantageResources Mentioned Connect with Our Guests

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: From Fund to Movement: 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: Key Insights for Investors:

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: 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:

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) Jesus as a Model for Engagement (7:39-12:03) The "Sullivan Principles" and Christian Influence (12:03-15:19) Research on Faith-Aligned Investing (20:50-24:24) Tariffs and Market Analysis (29:01-41:42) Market Outlook and Behavioral Finance (42:11-47:05) Closing Thoughts on Human Dignity in Economics (48:33-53:19)

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 Moments Business Insights Faith Perspective Quotable Moments

In this timely market analysis, Crossmark Global Investments' Bob Doll joins Richard Cunningham and John Coleman to dissect the dramatic market correction of Q1 2025 and the economic uncertainty driving it. Key Topics Covered: Bob shares his current recession probability assessment and what economic indicators he's watching closely. The discussion explores how the administration's aggressive early moves—particularly around tariffs and budget cutting—are creating short-term market turbulence but could potentially lead to economic benefits if properly executed. The conversation concludes with personal reflections on patience, humility, and maintaining proper perspective as faith-driven investors during uncertain economic times. Recorded on April 1, 2025

In this episode of the Faith Driven Investor podcast, hosts Richard Cunningham and Luke Roush welcome Chris Morris and John Farris, founders of LandFund Partners, to discuss their journey from a college classroom to managing 50,000 acres of farmland in the Mid-South. Episode Highlights: Connect with LandFund Partners: Visit landfundpartners.com to learn more about their farmland investment strategy and regenerative approach to agriculture.

In this March "Marks on the Markets" episode, hosts Richard Cunningham and Luke Roush welcome Kingdom Advisors CEO Rob West to discuss the transformative impact of the recent Kingdom Advisors Annual Conference in Orlando. Key Points: About Kingdom Advisors: Industry Trends: Market Opportunity: Next Generation Focus: Evolution of Faith-Based Investing: Market Commentary: Closing Wisdom: Featured Guest: Resources Mentioned:

In this episode of Faith Driven Investor, we dive deep with Brett Hagler, founder and CEO of New Story, a groundbreaking organization that's reimagining solutions to the global housing crisis. Brett shares his remarkable journey from a successful tech entrepreneur to launching New Story, which has become a pioneer in innovative housing solutions, including their revolutionary work with 3D-printed homes. The conversation explores how New Story is leveraging technology and entrepreneurial thinking to create sustainable housing solutions in developing nations. Brett discusses the challenges and opportunities of operating at the intersection of faith, innovation, and social impact, while sharing powerful stories of lives transformed through their work. Key topics include: This episode offers valuable insights for investors, entrepreneurs, and anyone interested in how faith-driven innovation can create lasting social impact while building God's kingdom through practical solutions to real-world challenges.

Join Richard Cunningham and John Coleman as they unpack all the excitement and insights from the 2025 Global Faith Driven Investor conference. Fresh off the gathering, they share how faith-driven investors are making an incredible impact across every corner of the investment world while pursuing excellence in all they do. Richard and John walk through the amazing transformation happening in public markets, where Christians are moving beyond just avoiding harmful companies to actively engaging and building positive cultures. They share their enthusiasm for what's happening in faith-driven entertainment, including the much-anticipated House of David, and discuss how Christians are reclaiming their legacy of cultural excellence. You'll hear about exciting innovations in real estate investment through Apartment Life's powerful ministry model, and learn how venture capital firms like Eagle Venture Fund are tackling human trafficking head-on. The conversation wraps up with John sharing his perspective on today's market dynamics, from groundbreaking AI developments to major policy shifts shaping 2025. Throughout their discussion, Richard and John highlight an inspiring truth: Christians can achieve remarkable success not despite their biblical values, but because of them.

Register for the 2025 FDI Conference at: faithdriveninvestorconference.org/ Introduction to guests Suzanne Daniel (Pilgrim Foundation) and Dana Wichterman (Impact Foundation), both speakers at the upcoming Global Faith Driven Investor Conference on February 7th, 2025 Discussion of their personal journeys: Exploration of the three key approaches to solving world problems: building, investing, and giving Insights on family stewardship: Current state of faith-driven investing: Details about the Global Faith Driven Investor Conference:

In this premiere 2025 episode of Faith Driven Investor, host Richard Cunningham welcomes David Bahnsen, founder and CIO of the Bahnsen Group, alongside regular contributor John Coleman. The conversation begins with a comprehensive review of 2024's market performance, examining how corporate profits exceeded expectations despite earlier recession fears. Bahnsen provides detailed analysis of current market valuations, particularly focusing on the concentration risk in the top 10 companies of the S&P 500 and potential opportunities in small-cap stocks. The discussion shifts to the implications of Trump's upcoming presidency, with particular focus on deregulation, M&A activity, and trade policy. Bahnsen offers a detailed critique of protectionist positions on the Nippon Steel deal, while Coleman provides perspective on global security implications. The episode also features insights from Coleman's recent piece on Pax Americana and the enduring strength of American innovation and economic leadership. The conversation concludes with deeper reflection on purpose and meaning, drawing from Bahnsen's 2024 book "Full Time Work and The Meaning of Life," and exploring Christian perspectives on work as a divine calling rather than a curse. Both guests share powerful closing thoughts on God's work in history and the promise of new beginnings in 2025. Time Stamps: 00:00 - Introduction and holiday reflections 09:45 - 2024 market review 18:30 - Current market valuations and concerns 27:15 - Trump administration and economic policy 35:40 - Discussion of Nippon Steel deal 42:20 - Global security and Pax Americana 48:15 - Work and meaning 53:30 - Closing reflections