The Heart of Money: Recent Episodes
Courtney
Join financial coach, Christ follower, and owner of the Markley Coaching Group, Courtney Markley as she takes on tough money questions and delivers actionable guidance. Courtney's gentle but straightforward approach creates a safe, nonjudgmental space for people to talk about their money challenges. After coaching for several years, Courtney understands that money stress is usually a symptom of a deeper problem. Her approach to money will expand your understanding of how to succeed financially. You will gain tools needed to improve your money mindset while becoming someone who can have deeper, Christ-centered money discussions. Join Courtney in her mission to change the way we talk about money, one conversation at a time.
What if your money told a story about who you worship? We dive into a question many believers feel but rarely voice: why would an infinite God care so much about money? The answer starts with identity. We were created first as worshipers and then as stewards, and that order reshapes every choice we make—earning, giving, saving, and spending. When worship leads, stewardship becomes an act of love rather than a race for output.
In this conversation, we trace this through scripture: Cain and Abel show that God weighs the heart behind the gift, not just the gift itself. Mary and Martha remind us that presence with Jesus outranks productivity for Jesus. And Paul’s letters to the Corinthians reveal generosity as a test of sincere love, pointing us back to the grace of Christ, who became poor so we could become rich in Him. Along the way, we wrestle with a real-world tension faced by high-capacity leaders: should I push for more ventures that crowd my calendar, or slow down to abide? The answer isn’t anti-ambition; it’s about alignment—offering God worship first so our work flows cleanly from it.
You’ll leave with practical questions that recalibrate the heart: Do my financial choices deepen my dependence on God? Does my giving lead others to thank Him? Where is my money training my affections? We share rhythms for prayerful decision-making, frameworks for planned and spontaneous generosity, and a simple test for stewardship that echoes Paul’s vision: use money in ways that meet real needs and spark praise.
What if the real tension in your finances isn’t about math, but about desire? In this episode, we look straight at the quiet canyon many believers feel between the life of faith they affirm and the money choices they make—then trace that divide to its source in the heart. With Scripture, lived experience, and clear-eyed data, we map how cultural wealth, silence in our churches, and rising anxiety have normalized a Christian lifestyle that is nearly undistinguishable from its non-Christian neighbors.
If you’ve felt the ache between your values and your Visa, this conversation offers clarity, courage, and next steps. We want to help you cross the canyon with trust, and your wants are slowly reshaped toward Christ.
If this resonated, subscribe, share it with a friend who needs hope, and leave a review to help more people find these honest, Christ-centered money conversations.
We are excited to bring you new episodes of the Heart of Money podcast this fall! In the meantime, enjoy one of our fan-favorites:
Discover how a life-altering shift in financial perspective can deepen your faith and transform your approach to money. Courtney Markley welcomes Leo Sabo, President of the Christian Stewardship Network, to the Heart of Money podcast, where they explore the intersection of spirituality and finances. Prepare to be inspired by Leo's journey from conventional money management to a life where every dollar is a testament to his relationship with God.
We are excited to bring you new episodes of the Heart of Money podcast in August! In the meantime, enjoy one of our favorite conversations....
Struggling with the idea of how to pass on your wealth to your children? In this episode we welcome back the ever-insightful Kate Gardner, a young inheritor with a powerful voice in shaping the next generation of stewards.
This conversation is a masterclass in the delicate art of family stewardship, where love, shared values, and communication take center stage. We share stories and strategies for involving the next generation in wealth decisions, considering their aspirations and encouraging their agency. From the unique challenges they face to the "burden of blessing," we take an honest look at the lives of inheritors, aiming to support them and maintaining people as the true treasure in the Great Wealth Transfer.
Whether you're a wealth holder, an inheritor, or an advisor, this episode is a goldmine of insights for nurturing financially savvy, compassionate, and responsible stewards of wealth. Join us for a heartfelt journey through the heart of money.
Links from episode:
Connect: MagnifyGeneration.com
Listen: Ascendants Podcast
Go to: financialdiscipleship.center to see available Bible studies, courses, or apply for 1-1 coaching.
We are excited to bring you new episodes of the Heart of Money podcast this August! In the meantime, enjoy one of our favorite past conversations.
In this episode Courtney interviews Michael Blue, Director of Discipleship for Ron Blue Institute and author of Free to Follow. In his early 30s, Michael was living the "quintessential Christian life," but there was a problem. He was spiritually empty. During their conversation, Michael shares how he came to a pivotal moment in his life: decide to live as if the Bible were true, or walk away from his faith.
Reference link:
Purchase Michael's book, Free to Follow.
We are excited to bring you new episodes of the Heart of Money podcast this August! In the meantime, enjoy one of our favorite past conversations....
Would you give up your affluence and influence to follow God's call? Our conversation with Mark Greaves, co-founder of Tithe Lending, centers on the real cost of discipleship.
Mark's testimony, from worldly success to kingdom impact, gives us a profound look at the impact of integrating faith with everyday life.
This week we continue highlighting some of our favorite episodes of The Heart of Money!
In this episode Courtney interviews financial coaching expert, Tracy Shunkwiler. Tracy has a knack for helping people gain clarity on their spending habits. During this discussion, Courtney and Tracy explain the four 'money scripts' that describe our behavioral patterns.
This week we continue highlighting some of our favorite episodes of The Heart of Money. Renee's testimony is a fan-favorite, deeming this our most popular episode from 2024.
Picture this: a life where your deepest desires for adventure and your spiritual calling coalesce into a rich tapestry of experiences that celebrate both wanderlust and faith. This episode takes you on that journey. Join our guest, Renee Rinehart, as she shares her story of becoming a global Christian, learning to walk by faith, and allowing God to use these experiences to form the Gospel Patrons movement.
It's an episode that promises to nourish your soul, ignite your generosity, and maybe even coax out a chuckle or two.
We're highlighting some of our favorite episodes of the Heart of Money podcast, starting with this thought-provoking interview with John.
What if everything you thought you knew about wealth and prosperity was turned upside down? Meet John Rinehart, a passionate speaker and author, who embarked on a unique journey from the business world to seminary, shaping his perspective on the purpose of wealth. Together with his wife, Renee, the duo runs the Gospel Patrons ministry, illuminating the importance of generosity in history and in spreading the gospel. John’s story and work serve as an invitation for us to rethink societal norms and discover our unique purpose in life.
During our conversation, we explored the paradoxical relationship between success, wealth, and spiritual health — a topic often brushed under the rug. Together with John, we unveiled the danger of anchoring our identity and security to material possessions, a stark contrast to the teachings of Jesus.
In a world that thrives on accumulation, we tackled the challenges of embracing radical generosity. And to top it off, we gave a sneak peek into John's forthcoming book "31 Gospel Patrons," a collection of enlightening interviews with business leaders discussing faith and generosity. Get ready to be inspired on this journey towards a deeper understanding of generosity, identity, and your relationship with God.
Links from episode
Website: Gospel Patrons
Book: 31 Gospel Patrons
What if setting a cap on your spending could actually lead to a more fulfilling and purpose-driven life? Join us on the Heart of Money podcast as we sit down with Cody Hobelmann, co-founder of the Finish Line Pledge, who shares his revolutionary approach to integrating biblical values into financial planning. Cody challenges the conventional mindset of wealth accumulation and introduces the concept of a personal financial "finish line," inspiring listeners to redefine their relationship with money through faith-driven boundaries.
Our conversation with Cody unveils the transformative power of contentment and intentionality in financial decisions. By recognizing all resources as divinely entrusted rather than personally owned, you'll discover how a lifestyle cap can bring peace and freedom from the ever-present urge to accumulate more. Cody's insights encourage a shift in how we view work and wealth, steering away from personal gain and towards a life aligned with a greater purpose through Christ.
We also explore the role of fear in financial decision-making and how it can obstruct our faith-led actions. Cody shares poignant stories that highlight the irony of wealth-induced anxiety and the importance of stewardship over ownership. By embracing a mindset that sees money as a tool for God's purposes, we are invited to re-evaluate our priorities and embrace the joy of participating in a larger mission. Listen in to see how Cody's experiences can inspire you to overcome fear and find contentment by aligning your faith and your finances.
Link from episode:
Finish Line Pledge
Ever wondered how churches can revolutionize their approach to finances while building stronger communities? On this episode of the Heart of Money podcast Nick Nye, executive director at For Columbus, shares his transformative journey from local pastor to city movement leader, shedding light on how churches are reimagining financial stewardship. From embracing real estate ventures to collaborating with local experts, discover how faith communities are creatively managing resources to better serve their cities and foster unity across diverse sectors.
Together with Nick, we also explore the challenges pastors face in navigating money discussions, and how openness can transform relationships between congregations and their leaders. This episode encourages you to take small, manageable steps toward financial discipleship, fostering a community that supports each other through the trials and triumphs of financial stewardship.
Links from Episode:
www.forcolumbus.org
www.financialdiscipleship.center
Have you ever been overwhelmed by the idea of giving? It can be difficult to know which causes to support, how much to give, and who to trust. Join me, Courtney Markley, as I engage in a compelling conversation with Brian Grasso, the insightful co-founder and CEO of Simple Charity. Brian sheds light on the often-overlooked challenges and emotions involved in charitable giving.
Brian's inspiring journey from fundraising in high school to confronting a nonprofit that misused donations reveals the complexities of impactful giving. This pivotal experience motivated him to study economics and nonprofit evaluation, bridging the gap between donor intentions and actual outcomes. Our discussion tackles the decision paralysis many face, emphasizing informed generosity as a means to align donations with personal values and create meaningful change.
As Brian shares, it all begins with love.
Link from episode:
Website: simplecharity.org
What if breaking the taboo around money conversations could transform your walk with Christ? Join us as Chris Kear, director of discipleship at the Center for Financial Discipleship, shares his wisdom on navigating the often uncomfortable terrain of financial discussions. This episode offers a candid look at the church's unrealized potential to engage in meaningful conversations about money, aiming to shift the focus from fundraising to fostering spiritual growth through financial discipleship.
Chris and I explore how vulnerability in money talks can lead to profound personal growth and stronger relationships. Together, we highlight the relief and healing that arises from sharing financial experiences in a safe, judgment-free space. By normalizing discussions about money, we hope to encourage more people to lean into financial discipleship as a regular form of spiritual growth.
Links to episode:
Website: Center for Financial Discipleship
Apply for 1-1 coaching with Chris
Email: Chris@financialdiscipleship.center
Attend an upcoming webinar
Could our approach to money be transformed by viewing it through the lens of discipleship? Join me, Courtney Markley, as I explore this fascinating intersection with Chris Kear, a seasoned expert in ministry, financial services, and education. Together, we're pioneering the Center for Financial Discipleship to weave financial discussions into spiritual growth. Chris brings his unique insights to the table, inviting listeners to consider how financial discipleship can reshape conversations about money as a vital part of our faith journey.
Links to episode:
Website: Center for Financial Discipleship
Apply for 1-1 coaching with Chris
Email: Chris@financialdiscipleship.center
Come to our launch party!
Join me and Nia Davenport as we discuss how to create a kingdom-centered marriage. Nia and her husband, John, have been called into a life of outrageous generosity. They support Christian organizations all over the world. But, as Nia says, none of their ministry work would have been possible if she first hadn't learned God's design for money and marriage.
Early in her marriage, Nia began to realize that couples who were on the same page with money tended to thrive. She began seeking God's will and what he revealed to her was life-changing.
In our conversation, Nia shares her inspiring story of trusting God beyond finances, highlighting the incredible journey of surrendering to God's provision.
Learn how small acts of consideration and a focus on God's will can foster a loving, respectful marriage. Whether you're navigating different personality types or seeking to grow in faith together, this episode offers encouragement and practical steps for cultivating a marriage centered on God.
P.S. Nia and John's testimony was recently captured in Gospel Patron's upcoming film, "The Supply Line." The film debuts this fall, and we highly recommend it. Be sure to follow @GospelPatons to see more announcements!
For many Christians, the act of giving seems more transactional than spiritual. In the age of automatic (online) payments, giving can simply feel like paying another bill.
Join me and Rodney Ross, generosity leader at Life Church, as we uncover the emotional journey behind each financial gift, transforming what often seems like mundane transactions into profound celebrations of faith.
Rodney, with his deep appreciation for the narratives that numbers can tell, invites us into a world where every contribution is recognized as a sacred footprint in someone's life story, showcasing the true richness of generosity and living life with Christ.
This episode promises to shift any discomfort around money talks into opportunities for connection and spiritual formation.
Links from episode:
Open.Life.Church
Go to: markleycoachinggroup.com to see available Bible studies, courses, or apply for 1-1 coaching.
Struggling with the idea of how to pass on your wealth to your children? In this episode we welcome back the ever-insightful Kate Gardner, a young inheritor with a powerful voice in shaping the next generation of stewards.
This conversation is a masterclass in the delicate art of family stewardship, where love, shared values, and communication take center stage. We share stories and strategies for involving the next generation in wealth decisions, considering their aspirations and encouraging their agency. From the unique challenges they face to the "burden of blessing," we take an honest look at the lives of inheritors, aiming to support them and maintaining people as the true treasure in the Great Wealth Transfer.
Whether you're a wealth holder, an inheritor, or an advisor, this episode is a goldmine of insights for nurturing financially savvy, compassionate, and responsible stewards of wealth. Join us for a heartfelt journey through the heart of money.
Links from episode:
Connect: MagnifyGeneration.com
Listen: Ascendants Podcast
Go to: markleycoachinggroup.com to see available Bible studies, courses, or apply for 1-1 coaching.
Many Christians express a level of frustration with their giving. "It feels more like checking a box than experiencing an intimate moment with Christ," they often say.
Join me, Courtney Markley, as I share a profound conversation with Todd Harper, co-founder of Generous Giving, where we explore how to make the shift from checking-the-box giving, to living a joy-filled life of outrageous generosity.
Todd is a treasure trove of wisdom on the joy that blooms from a giving heart. In this episode, he reveals three key factors that help Christians grow in generosity.
Embrace the journey of generosity with us and discover how adopting a spirit of enthusiastic giving can lead to a life that overflows with joy and purpose, perfectly aligning with God's intent for us.
Links from episode:
Connect: GenerousGiving.org
Watch: I Like Car
Read: Money, Possessions, and Eternity
Go to: markleycoachinggroup.com to see available Bible studies, courses, or apply for 1-1 coaching.
Discover how a life-altering shift in financial perspective can deepen your faith and transform your approach to money. Courtney Markley welcomes Leo Sabo, President of the Christian Stewardship Network, to the Heart of Money podcast, where they explore the intersection of spirituality and finances. Prepare to be inspired by Leo's journey from conventional money management to a life where every dollar is a testament to his relationship with God.
Do you struggle to create a plan with your giving? Do you desire to be generous, but the thought of deciding where to give your money seems too overwhelming? Has your giving routine grown a bit stale, and you want to inject some excitement back into the process?
You've come to the right place.
In this episode, Courtney interviews a young philanthropist named Kate Gardner. Kate is a follower of Christ who spends her days as a philanthropist and a community builder. At a young age, she discovered a rather unique way to approach giving. Join us as we uncover the profound spiritual journey that accompanies the stewardship of wealth and the conscious alignment of our finances with our love for the Lord.
Links from episode:
Gospel Patrons
To Tithe or Not to Tithe
Some messages are so good, we want to share them again!
~
Have you ever wondered how people can have such varying views on money? In this episode, Courtney interviews Lawrence Funderburke, aka Mr. Fundy. Lawrence is a follower of Christ, a former NBA player, and a Certified Financial Planner. He is the expert on how different social classes behave with money.
During their conversation, Lawrence not only shares how your life experiences shape your money habits, he also gives a thought-provoking message on what it truly means to be a steward for Christ.
Have you ever wondered who you are beyond your job title or family role? Join Courtney and her esteemed guest, Chris McAllister, in a conversation where they uncover the profound layers of identity and leadership. Chris shares his riveting transformation from business success to financial hardship, prompting a deep dive into the essence of his true identity in Christ. You'll find their conversation equally thought-provoking and inspiring.
Picture this: a life where your deepest desires for adventure and your spiritual calling coalesce into a rich tapestry of experiences that celebrate both wanderlust and faith. This episode takes you on that journey. Join our guest, Renee Rinehart, as she shares her story of becoming a global Christian, learning to walk by faith, and allowing God to use these experiences to form the Gospel Patrons movement.
It's an episode that promises to nourish your soul, ignite your generosity, and maybe even coax out a chuckle or two.
What if everything you thought you knew about wealth and prosperity was turned upside down? Meet John Rinehart, a passionate speaker and author, who embarked on a unique journey from the business world to seminary, shaping his perspective on the purpose of wealth. Together with his wife, Renee, the duo runs the Gospel Patrons ministry, illuminating the importance of generosity in history and in spreading the gospel. John’s story and work serve as an invitation for us to rethink societal norms and discover our unique purpose in life.
During our conversation, we explored the paradoxical relationship between success, wealth, and spiritual health — a topic often brushed under the rug. Together with John, we unveiled the danger of anchoring our identity and security to material possessions, a stark contrast to the teachings of Jesus.
In a world that thrives on accumulation, we tackled the challenges of embracing radical generosity. And to top it off, we gave a sneak peek into John's forthcoming book "31 Gospel Patrons," a collection of enlightening interviews with business leaders discussing faith and generosity. Get ready to be inspired on this journey towards a deeper understanding of generosity, identity, and your relationship with God.
Ever feel like you're the only one feeling the pinch of societal pressures? You're not alone. In this episode Courtney coaches Glo, a vibrant 30-year-old woman from the Dominican Republic. Glo has a deep desire to be a wife and mother, but unfortunately her life is not moving at the pace she wants. She's battling cultural expectations and constant societal pressures to conform to certain milestones, which turns into discontent and feelings of envy.
Embrace the power of perspective as we dive into an intimate coaching session, guiding Glo towards contentment and shifting the lens from a place of lack to one of gratitude.
Let's spark a conversation about the impact of social norms on self-perception and explore the liberating power of finding our identities in Christ.
Have you ever wondered how faith and work intertwine? Today's conversation with Mark Greaves, co-founder of Tithe Lending, centers on the profound impact of integrating faith with everyday life.
Don't miss our enlightening conversation with Pastor Emmanuel, who shares his incredible journey of starting a church in Romania with a unique vision. Born out of a desire to make the Kingdom of God accessible to all, especially non-religious individuals, Pastor Emmanuel's church has grown from a humble start to a bustling place of worship with over 250 attendees each Sunday. Pastor Emmanuel's story is a testament to the transformative power of faith and the miraculous ways God provides.
Ever wondered how to incorporate your faith into your work life? This episode features an enlightening conversation with the amazing Mike Perez, who has transitioned from being a Certified Financial Planner to a Certified Kingdom Advisor. Mike candidly shares his journey of discovering God's purpose for his money and pivoting his career to make God's kingdom a priority.
In our conversation we explore how our connections shape us, the transformative power of reaching out, and the necessity of boldness. Mike delivers encouraging words to Christian professionals who feel stuck, emphasizing the need to engage with like-minded professionals, step up, and act on faith - a sentiment we wholeheartedly echo.
In this episode Courtney interviews Dan Schilling, a father of seven who has been in the Christian financial ministry space for over 25 years. Dan helps us uncover some new perspectives on money and generosity that we can't wait to share with you.
Have you ever wondered why God has blessed you with more than you need? It's a challenging subject, but we aren't here to shy away from the tough conversations. Dan's personal experiences and insights bring a fresh understanding to the table and encourage us to view money in a whole new light.
In this episode Courtney coaches Kristine through a question many people wrestle with - will I ever have enough? Kristine runs a successful business, her home is paid off and she is nearing millionaire-status. Courtney helps Kristine get to the root of her question - why don't I trust God to provide?
In this episode Courtney coaches Amy through a spiritual and financial struggle she's having - is it wrong for her to want a nicer home?
Have you ever wondered how people can have such varying views on money? In this episode, Courtney interviews Lawrence Funderburke, aka Mr. Fundy. Lawrence is a follower of Christ, a former NBA player, and a Certified Financial Planner. He is the expert on how different social classes behave with money.
During their conversation, Lawrence not only shares how your life experiences shape your money habits, he also gives a thought-provoking message on what it truly means to be a steward for Christ.
In this episode Courtney interviews Art Rainer. Art is the founder of the Institute for Christian Financial Health, the author of The Money Challenge, and the host of the More Than Money podcast - he knows a thing or two about money!
During their conversation, Courtney and Art disclose some of their biggest money mistakes. Failure is an important step in one's financial journey, and everyone makes mistakes. Courtney and Art teach us that failure is never final.
In this episode Courtney interviews Michael Blue, Director of Discipleship for Ron Blue Institute and author of Free to Follow. In his early 30s, Michael was living the "quintessential Christian life," but there was a problem. He was spiritually empty. During their conversation, Michael shares how he came to a pivotal moment in this life: decide to live as if the Bible were true, or walk away from his faith.
Reference link:
Purchase Michael's book, Free to Follow.
In this episode Courtney coaches Rhonda, an accomplished principal who in recent years has earned her master's degree and paid off her debt. Rhonda is at the peak of her career and has reached a new height in her financial plan. But once you reach your goals, what do you do? Courtney helps Rhonda discern what's next for her life and her money.
We all have dreams, but how do you discern which dreams to pursue? In this episode, Courtney speaks with Lauren, a wife and mother who is unfulfilled in her current job. Lauren's dream is to move to Florida and become a Walt Disney Imagineer. Courtney and Lauren work together to bring clarity around Lauren's dream. Is this vision God-lead? And if it is, is her fear getting in the way of her faith?
Are you wanting to become a more generous person, but you're unsure where to start? You are not alone! Generosity is a learned skill, and there are many considerations as you get started. Should you give spontaneously or on a planned schedule? How much should you give? Who should you give to? It can start to feel overwhelming.
In this episode Courtney interviews Dave and David, fundraising experts and hosts of the Giving Room podcast. Dave and David have amazing insight on how to start cultivating a spirit of generosity. They give spiritual counsel as well as practical advice to encourage your generosity walk.
Dive into further generosity conversations with Dave and David. Listen to the Giving Room podcast! www.givingroompodcast.com
In this episode Courtney talks with Sarah - an entrepreneur, a wife and mom of two working from home. Sarah started a small business from her bedroom and is now outgrowing her space. Her ideal solution is to remodel to her current home. When construction quotes come back 2-3x over her budget, what should she do?
In this episode Courtney interviews Dean Fulks, lead pastor at Lifepoint Church. Dean leads us in a conversation about the joys of giving and how it is tied to who you were created to be. There is a direct correlation between your Gospel identity and how you handle money. When people are satisfied with their relationship with God, giving is a natural outflow.
To learn more about Dean, visit lifepointohio.com
In this episode Courtney interviews financial coaching expert, Tracy Shunkwiler. Tracy has a knack for helping people gain clarity on their spending habits. During this discussion, Courtney and Tracy explain the four 'money scripts' that describe our behavioral patterns.
In this episode, Courtney interviews Chip Bailey, a money and relationship expert. Chip has worked as a pastor, chaplain, Christian radio host, financial coach, author - and well, he knows people well! Courtney and Chip discuss how to effectively communicate with your loved ones about money and give actionable guidance on how to break down the barriers that hinder us.
In this episode Courtney interviews her client, Charlie. Charlie gives relatable insight into the importance of focusing on your mindset, challenging your narrative, and shares real-life examples through his struggle with addiction.
In this episode Courtney interviews Wally Martinson, Area Director of Mission Increase. Wally dedicates his time helping people fulfill their God-given mission and increase their Kingdom impact. During their conversation, Courtney and Wally describe how to talk about fundraising and generosity in a life-giving way.
In this episode, Courtney helps a father decide if he can trust God when he's called to let go of his stable job to pursue entrepreneurship.
In this episode Courtney speaks with loan officer, Matt, about the downturn in the housing market. The conversation takes an interesting turn when they begin to discuss the need for financial security and how much money is truly enough.
After listening, if you would like to contact Matt directly you may do so using his work email: msteinke@firstohiohome.com.