The Generosity NOW Podcast

Embracing Generosity and Stewardship: With Fran and Neal Davidson

In this heartfelt episode of the Generosity Now podcast, we sit down with Fran and Neal Davidson, a remarkable couple with decades of experience in whole-life stewardship and generosity. From their roots in Southern California to building a life in Colorado, Fran and Neal share their journeys of faith, family, and the incredible lessons they've learned along the way.
Join us as Fran discusses her upbringing in a loving, faith-filled environment, her transformative college years, and her successful career as a CPA before transitioning to full-time motherhood. Neal opens up about his contrasting childhood, his spiritual awakening during the Jesus Revolution, and the couple’s shared path toward generosity, shaped by raising two special needs daughters and their commitment to giving back.
Key Takeaways:
Fran and Neal’s individual faith journeys, from discovering personal relationships with God to navigating life challenges together.
Raising two daughters with Fragile X syndrome and the steps they’ve taken to secure their future, including the use of special needs trusts and ABLE accounts.
The power of generosity: how Fran and Neal found joy in giving, even during times of financial uncertainty, and how they use their donor-advised fund to support ministries close to their hearts.
Their impactful work in marriage ministry and leading small groups, creating a ripple effect of hope and stability in their community.
Insights into maximizing charitable impact through focused giving and personal relationships with supported ministries.
Resources Mentioned:
Living with Wealth Without Losing Your Soul by Steve Perry
The Accidental Philanthropist by Steve Perry
From a Millstone to a Milestone: Get Out of Debt in Five Years Including Mortgage by Bob Marett
Financial Peace University by Dave Ramsey
Doxology to Close: Psalm 34:3 – Let us tell of the Lord’s greatness; let us exalt His name together.

Building Communities Through Real Estate: A Conversation with Tony Julianelle

Join us as we sit down with Tony Julianelle, CEO of Atlas Real Estate, a visionary leader in the real estate industry with over 24 years of executive experience. Tony shares his journey from climbing the corporate ladder in mortgage finance to discovering a deeper purpose through real estate. We explore Atlas Real Estate’s mission to "uplift humanity through real estate," how faith informs Tony’s leadership, and innovative programs like the Uplift Cycle that pave a path for renters to become homeowners and investors.
This conversation dives into how business can be a powerful tool for human flourishing and kingdom impact. If you’re passionate about faith-driven leadership, impactful business models, or building community in the workplace, this episode is for you!
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
Tony’s career journey and how his faith influenced his leadership style.
The origin story behind Atlas Real Estate and its core values.
Insights into the Uplift Program and how it enables renters to achieve homeownership.
The triple-win approach to investing and how it benefits communities, investors, and residents alike.
How businesses can solve societal challenges while fostering generosity and whole-life stewardship.
A sneak peek into the leadership philosophy behind Atlas Real Estate’s success.
Resources Mentioned:
Atlas Real Estate
Made to Flourish
The Human Operating System by Jack Nicholson and Rob Murray (Link in show notes).
Generosity Now Podcast Website
NCF Giving - Rocky Mountains
Connect with Us:If you enjoyed this episode, learn more about us at www.generositynow.org
Closing Benediction:"You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us, your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God." – 2 Corinthians 9:11

Living a Legacy: Embracing Whole Life Stewardship

In this episode, Eric and Laurie dive into the concept of Whole Life Stewardship—a framework for aligning our lives with purpose and generosity.
What does it mean to truly steward your labor, influence, finances, and expertise? How can we live in such a way that our presence in a community is both meaningful and transformative?
Eric and Laurie unpack these questions, blending personal insights, scripture, and real-life examples. They share practical wisdom on how to balance your time, embrace your unique God-given gifts, and lean into the opportunities to serve others—no matter your profession or stage of life.
Highlights from this episode include:
A powerful question: Would your neighbors miss you if you left?
The acronym LIFE: Stewardship of Labor, Influence, Finances, and Expertise.
Rethinking generosity: It’s not just about finances but a whole-life approach.
Why there’s no divide between the sacred and the secular in how we live and work.
Practical steps to steward your influence and expertise, even in challenging contexts.
This episode challenges us to see stewardship not as a duty, but as a privilege to glorify God in all we do. Whether you’re a business leader, a teacher, or someone exploring their next steps, Eric and Laurie offer fresh perspectives to inspire action and cultivate a legacy of generosity.
Scripture Focus:“This is how one should regard us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found faithful.” - 1 Corinthians 4:1-2
Resources Mentioned:
Article: Whole Life Stewardship: The Call to Greatness
For more information on NCF Rocky Mountains: NCF Giving
Connect with Us:
Email: info@generositynow.org
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God's Faithfulness in Times of Trial; With John & Ash Marsh

In this episode of the Generosity Now podcast, Eric nd Laurie sit down with John and Ash Marsh to unpack their compelling story of redemption, reconciliation, and the transformative power of generosity.
The Marsh family’s journey showcases the depth of God’s faithfulness and serves as a moving testimony to the power of love, community, and intentionality.
Together, they discuss the importance of hospitality, stewardship, and building a legacy through community engagement, emphasizing that true generosity goes beyond financial giving to encompass love, support, and intentionality in relationships.
Their story serves as a powerful reminder of God's faithfulness and the impact of living a life dedicated to serving others.About our guests
John Marsh is the Co-Founder of Marsh Collective, host of the Redemptification Podcast and investor helping steward over $1.5b in redemptive real estate in 12 small towns (with populations of  800-180k) around America. 
Over the last 25 years, John and Ash have guided over 60 startup businesses in various industries, such as Hospitality, Construction, Real Estate Investing, Advertising, and multiple Restaurants. John and his wife have renovated 280+ buildings within ten blocks of downtown Opelika to help save their city. Today, John's current focus is helping others make generational differences in communities and companies. By helping patrons bridge the gap between redeeming vision, financial sustainability, and execution to pioneering a new asset class of real estate which we have coined "Irreplaceable Real Estate." John and Ashely are grateful to have two sons and grandchildren who also live in Opelika.
Myers Briggs (MBTI): ENFP
Enneagram: 3
5 VOICES: Connector Creative
Lover of: Statistics, Measuring all things, Overcomplicated Smoothies
Ash Marsh is a proud native of Opelika, AL. As Co-Founder and CEO of Marsh Collective, she actively runs a collection of companies that she, along with Co-Founder and husband, John, have built.   Ash focuses on Marsh Collectives' operations and strategy and fosters strategic relationships that share with her passion for hospitality design to stimulate the company's growth. She incorporates beauty, creativity, and hospitality into the world through creating Irreplaceable Real Estate.  She is  a seasoned entrepreneur with more than 25 years of real estate development, hospitality, and investment experience. 
Ash has been featured on Faith Driven Investor, Faith Driven Entrepreneur, Strong Women, The Policy Circle, and Redemptification podcasts.  
Ash’s definition of hospitality is best summed up through her vision and leadership style, “I thought of you before you got here.”
Myers Briggs (MBTI): ISTJ
Enneagram: 8
5 VOICES: Guardian Nurturer
Lover of: Fast cars, & pull up bars
Takeaways
John's journey from addiction to faith is a testament to God's transformative power.
Ash's story highlights the importance of surrender and acceptance of God's love.
Reconciliation in marriage can lead to healing and restoration of broken relationships.
Generosity is not just about money; it's about giving time, love, and attention.
Building a legacy involves intentional community engagement and hospitality.
True love in marriage requires ongoing effort and understanding of each other's needs.
Hope is essential for overcoming challenges and finding purpose in life.
God's faithfulness is evident in the Marsh family's journey and their impact on others.
Generosity should be a lifestyle, reflecting God's love and grace.
The importance of mentorship and community support in personal and relational growth.
Connect wtih John and Ash
https://www.marshcollective.com/

From Tradition to Transformation: Greg Ast’s Journey of Faith, Family, and Generosity

In this episode of the Generosity Now podcast, we sit down with Greg Ast, who shares his inspiring journey of moving from religious tradition to a deep, personal relationship with Christ. Raised in a strong Catholic household, Greg always knew God, but it wasn’t until later in life that he truly understood what it meant to have a relationship with Jesus.
Join us as Greg talks about his family’s faith journey, the role of generosity in their lives, and how they’re embracing whole-life stewardship. This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking to deepen their faith and live a life of purpose.
About Greg
 
reg Ast is an Executive Vice President at Encore Electric. Before taking on his current role as Executive Vice President, Ast served as the Chief Financial Officer, where he managed the company’s financial, accounting, and risk management functions.
Prior to joining Encore Electric, Ast spent more than 20 years as a consultant to business owners, boards of directors, and executive leadership teams, addressing their most difficult business challenges and guiding strategic decision-making, operational and financial planning and leadership team development. During this period, Ast was a trusted advisor to hundreds of both public and private sector organizations in manufacturing, distribution, banking, services, healthcare and telecommunications. He has also consulted with family ownership groups, national and state boards, public-private partnership groups, and non-profit organizations. Ast also spent four years in finance at General Electric Capital Corporation and Accenture.
Ast received his BS in Finance from Georgetown University and his MBA from Wichita State University. He also earned his CCIFP (Certified Construction Industry Financial Professional) certificate and has completed several leadership development programs.
He and his wife enjoy hiking, camping, skiing and travelling.
 
Key Takeaways: Transitioning from religious tradition to a personal relationship with Christ The importance of generosity and whole-life stewardship How faith shapes family and purpose in life

The Power of Stewardship and Generosity: With Tim McTavish

Tim McTavish shares his background growing up in a Christian home and his journey of falling in love with Jesus. He discusses his experience as a business owner and how integrating biblical principles transformed his company's culture and success. Tim emphasizes the importance of stewardship and generosity in all aspects of life, including finances and investing. He also highlights the hope he sees in the next generation of Christian leaders and the impact they can make in the world. Tim recommends the book 'No Longer I' by Jacob Hotchkiss as a resource for understanding the power of the gospel.
About Tim
 
Tim A. McTavish joined the CCU Board of Trustees in 2009 during the tenure of then-President Bill Armstrong and at the outset of the initial phases of the Lakewood campus redevelopment effort. He was elected chair of the Board of Trustees in June 2020 and stepped into the role of interim president in August 2022 when former President Donald W. Sweeting transitioned to the role of chancellor.
McTavish founded InsureMe in 1993, an entrepreneurial venture that connected insurance agents with high-intent prospects shopping for insurance. McTavish credits the success of that platform to dedicating the business to Christ while implementing basic biblical principles in the workplace. During his time leading the company, InsureMe was ranked in the "Top 25 Great Places to Work in America" and was also named the most philanthropic small business in Colorado.
Since selling InsureMe in 2008, McTavish has been an active investor and advisor to several businesses in Colorado and abroad. He has also taught entrepreneurship and finance courses in the School of Business and Leadership in CCU's College of Undergraduate Studies, where he was named affiliate faculty member of the year in 2018, 2021, and 2024.
A "faithful steward wanna-be," McTavish's mission is to model a life of generosity and good and faithful stewardship of the relationships and resources God has entrusted to him in a way that inspires people to live well within their means, give generously to life-changing causes, and to fall in love with Jesus and experience abundant life in Him. He is passionate about Christian higher education because it solidifies students in their faith and prepares them for effective ministry in their careers and personal lives. He experienced this when he earned his MBA in CCU's College of Adult and Graduate Studies in 2013, grateful for CCU's integration of faith throughout the curriculum.
He and his wife, Pam, have three grown children who have graduated from CCU: David '18, Katie '20, and Laura '23. All three flourished in their faith and love for Jesus at CCU because of the competent, Spirit-filled faculty and staff who intentionally strive to transform students to impact the world with grace and truth. Tim and Pam consider it an honor and a privilege to serve and support CCU.
Resources Mentioned
No Longer I' by Jacob Hotchkiss 
 

Collaborating to Fight Human Trafficking; Wes Lyons and Vip Vipperman

Vip Vipperman and Wes Lyons discuss their personal faith journeys and their work in the fight against human trafficking. They share their experiences with the Lion's Den, a faith-driven angel network that invests in companies making a positive impact. They highlight the importance of collaboration between for-profit, nonprofit, and government organizations in addressing human trafficking. They also discuss the need for transparency in supply chains and the importance of providing job opportunities for survivors of trafficking.
 
Overall, their work aims to bring light into darkness and create a better future for those affected by trafficking.
 
Wes Lyons
Wes serves the entrepreneurs who are restoring the world. He is a General Partner at Eagle Venture Fund, where he leads Eagle's investment themes of combating human trafficking and economic opportunities for the poor. Wes has previously been a general partner in two private equity funds focused on real estate and venture capital.  Wes has been the primary operations and compliance partner for every fund he been partner in. He's been the lead partner for more than a dozen investments before Eagle and more than a dozen at Eagle.Wes has four sons and loves running with them. Wes's passion to combat trafficking was born as a naval aviator fighting ISIS in the Philippines. Wes witnessed children used in combat and experienced compassion for the Filipino youth who were becoming ISIS fighters. Wes went on to lead the US detachment to the Philippines, assisting the Filipino military in re-taking a city from ISIS
Vip Vipperman
Vip Vipperman is Vice President at Eagle Venture Funds, a family of funds dedicated to helping audacious entrepreneurs battle for causes & places that are desperate for change (with a current focus on tech to combat human trafficking and slavery) . He is cofounder of The Lion’s Den DFW pitch competition & was one of the early team members at Faith Driven Entrepreneur &  Investor co-creating projects like Marketplace, Demo Days, and Unmuted. He previously worked for one of the nation’s largest faith based multifamily developers and spent his early career doing missions works alongside underground church planters in China. He has been married for 20 years to Carrie and they have 3 kids and a yellow lab.  His spends a lot of time at volleyball games, on Boy Scouts camping trips or at gymnastics meets.
Takeaways
Collaboration between for-profit, nonprofit, and government organizations is crucial in addressing human trafficking.
Transparency in supply chains is essential to ensure ethical sourcing and reduce labor trafficking.
Investing in job training and placement for survivors of trafficking can help prevent recidivism.
The Lion's Den provides a platform for entrepreneurs and investors to make a positive impact.
Impact investing allows individuals to grow their capital on mission and make a difference in social issues.
Sound Bites
"We actually see viable paths to shutting down tens of thousands of brothels in the next few years."
"There's so many businesses that are effectively getting used to traffic people that would like... Most people that work in those businesses would like to stop it."
"We're stepping in as learners. We constantly are reminded that we're trying to learn how to be most helpful and most effective."
https://www.thelionsdendfw.org/
https://www.eagleventurefund.com/

Finding Joy and Unity in Partnership; With Josh & Kaitlin Saenz and Nick and Rachel Wolverton

The conversation revolves around the topic of giving together as couples and families. The guests, Josh and Caitlin Saenz, and Rachel and Nick Wolverton, share their experiences and motivations for partnering in a project to support Bible translation for the Niha people in Tanzania.
 
They discuss the importance of having scripture in the heart language of communities and the impact it can have on their lives. The guests also highlight the joy and unity they have found in partnering together and involving their families in the project. The conversation explores the benefits and challenges of partnering together in giving and generosity. The participants discuss the importance of openness and vulnerability in discussing taboo topics like money. They highlight the joy and connection that comes from giving together and the accountability it provides.
 
They also discuss the impact on their children and the normalization of generosity. The conversation concludes with advice for those interested in partnering together in giving and the potential for future projects.
 
Takeaways
Giving together as couples and families can bring joy, unity, and a sense of purpose.
Having scripture in the heart language of communities is essential for transformation and understanding.
Partnering with others in a project can provide support, accountability, and shared experiences.
Involving children in giving and mission work can help instill values of generosity and compassion. Openness and vulnerability are key in discussing taboo topics like money
Giving together multiplies joy, connection, and impact
Partnering together allows for larger projects and a broader range of giving
Accountability and encouragement are important aspects of giving together
Engaging children in giving together can normalize generosity and create a multi-generational vision
Finding a partner with shared values and open communication is crucial
Consider attending a Journey of Generosity retreat to learn more about giving and stewardship
Sound Bites
"To have other people who are inviting you into being all in, like is so exciting."
"Scripture is step one in so many other great commission works."
"Getting to partner with each other and try to bring that into reality in our everyday lives."
"We're hungry for openness. We're hungry for like the light of Christian community to shine into those places."
"Money has to be without question, one of the biggest of those [taboo topics]."
"An unexpected benefit is the accountability around even staying connected at a heart level to our project."