Podcasts about financial stewardship

In this comprehensive episode, host Favour Obasi-ike, joined by guests Celese Williams, Dr. Fashion, and Ryan Dennis, cuts through the noise to deliver the five most essential SEO fixes small businesses must implement in 2026. Moving beyond abstract theory, the discussion provides a masterclass in actionable strategy, covering the non-negotiable foundations of site architecture, the currency of strategic link building, the revenue-killing impact of slow site speed, the power of dominating local search, and the technical integrations needed to get indexed and noticed by search engines.Next Steps for Booking A Discovery Call | Digital Marketing + SEO Services:>> ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Need SEO Services? Book a Complimentary SEO Discovery Call with Favour Obasi-Ike⁠ here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠>> Visit our Work and PLAY Entertainment website to learn about digital marketing services.>> ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join our exclusive SEO Marketing community⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠>> Read SEO Articles>> ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Subscribe to the We Don't PLAY Podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Key TakeawaysMaster Your Site Architecture: A well-structured website with proper canonical tags, optimized images, and clear headings is the non-negotiable foundation for both user experience and search engine visibility.Treat Links as Currency: Strategically build internal and external links, ensuring every piece of content has a corresponding URL on your website to build authority and drive traffic from multiple sources.Prioritize Blazing-Fast Speed: A slow website kills conversions and rankings. Actively manage site speed through optimized hosting, a Content Delivery Network (CDN), and compressed media files.Dominate Your Geographic Area: For businesses serving specific areas, embedding location data (maps, zip codes, city names) directly into your site is crucial for capturing "near me"searches.Integrate to Accelerate: Directly connect your website to Google Search Console and Bing Webmaster Tools and manually submit new content to get indexed significantly faster than waiting for organic crawls.Detailed Show Notes & Timestamps[00:00:00] Introduction: Setting the Stage for 2026Host Favour Obasi-ike kicks off the new year by tackling the evergreen challenge of Search Engine Optimization. He frames "fixing" SEO not as a one-time task but as a continuous process of optimization that is fundamental to brand awareness, website traffic, and revenue growth. He provides an initial call to action, directing listeners to the link in the show description to book a consultation or subscribe to his email list for ongoing insights. With the stage set, the episode transitions into the first and most foundational technical fix for any small business website.[00:04:15] SEO Fix #1: Site Architecture - The Foundation of Your Digital PresenceSite architecture is the fundamental blueprint of a website, dictating how both users and search engine algorithms navigate, understand, and value its content. A strong architecture is the bedrockof any successful digital presence, ensuring content is organized, accessible, and easily discoverable.Key components of a robust site architecture include:Canonical Tags: A canonical tag tells search engines which version of a page is the "master copy," preventing duplicate content issues. As Favour Obasi-ike explains with the "Adam Apple"analogy, just as a person has one true name, your content must have one single, consistent identity recognized by search engines to avoid confusion.Image Optimization: Large, uncompressed image files are a primary cause of slow load times. Uploading images that are several megabytes in size will significantly degrade site performance and hurt search rankings.Link Health: Regularly checking for and fixing broken or duplicate links is essential for a clean and functional site structure.Website Updates: Using the "brushing your teeth" analogy, Favour Obasi-ike explains that keeping content and copyright dates current signals relevance. Search engines prioritize fresh, well-maintained content, and an outdated copyright date is a direct signal that a site may be abandoned or irrelevant.*Heading Tags (H1-H6):* Properly structured headings organize content for human readers and provide a clear hierarchy that helps search engines understand the main topics and subtopics of a page.URLs & Schema: Keyword-rich URLs (e.g., .../cookie-recipes) and schema markup (microdata for recipes, events, etc.) give search engines explicit context about a page's purpose, improving its chances of ranking for relevant queries.[00:14:30] Guest Spotlight: Celese Williams on Design, UX, and SEOGuest speaker Celese Williams distills her formula for a successful small business website into three core principles: simple design, easy user experience (UX), and findable SEO. She powerfully underscores this advice with her own success story, revealing that her "basic" but architecturally sound website generated $247,000 in revenue last year, proving that a solid foundation is more valuable than flashy design.With a solid architectural blueprint defined, the next strategic imperative is to establish realistic implementation timelines, which vary dramatically based on a business's starting point.[00:19:45] Strategy Session: SEO Timelines for New vs. Existing BusinessesDetermining a realistic timeline for SEO results is a common strategic challenge. The approach differs significantly for a business building its digital footprint from scratch versus one that is optimizing an existing but underperforming presence.Prospect ProfileProspect A: No online presence, thriving on referrals.6-12 Months: Building a digital foundation from the ground up requires significant time to establish authority, build content, and gain visibility. Favour Obasi-ike notes this timeline can be shortened to 3 months if a podcast is part of the strategy.Prospect B: Existing local presence, but not definitive.3-6 Months: Leveraging an existing foundation allows for a faster path to scalable results. The focus shifts from creation to optimization, building upon the authority the site already has.Celese Williams adds a critical counterpoint, emphasizing that industry competition is the ultimate "X factor" that can heavily influence any projected timeline. A business in a low-competition niche may see results faster, while one in a saturated market will face a longer road. From this high-level strategy, the focus shifts to the practical tactics of audience building across different platforms.[00:26:30] Community Q&A: Building a Social Media AudienceThis Q&A session addresses a common pain point for small businesses: how to efficiently build and maintain an audience across multiple social platforms without getting overwhelmed. The speakers offer a unified message centered on smart, focused distribution.Celese Williams' "Master a Few" Strategy:Trying to be on every platform is an unsustainable and difficult strategy.Businesses should focus on mastering the top 2-3 platforms where their target audience is most active and engaged.Dr. Fashion's "Smart Distribution" Method:She advocates for the "create once, distribute smartly" approach.This involves batch recording long-form content and using tools like repurpose.io to efficiently atomize and distribute it across various platforms, tailoring the hook for each audience.Favour Obasi-ike's "Ecosystem" Approach:He analyzes the importance of building a presence within a platform ecosystem like Meta (Facebook, Instagram, Threads, WhatsApp).He highlights the power of using long-form content, such as a podcast, as a source for dozens of micro-content pieces (clips, quotes, articles), which dramatically improves searchability and reach.[00:39:00] Case Study: The Power of Organic Keyword GrowthFavour Obasi-ike presents his own podcast as a powerful case study on the long-term value of consistent, high-quality content. He illustrates its organic keyword growth over just three months:Top 3 Keywords: Grew from 85 on October 13th to 198 in January.Top 10 Keywords: Grew from 91 on October 13th to 245 in January.Top 50 Keywords: Grew from 469 on October 13th to 1,196 in January.Top 100 Keywords: Grew from 238 on October 13th to 627 in January.This tangible growth demonstrates how a steady stream of relevant content creates a compounding interest effect on search visibility. The discussion on content distribution logically pivots back to a core SEO technical fix: the links that tie all that content together.[00:41:10] SEO Fix #2: Web Links - The Pathways to ProfitabilityLinks are the nervous system of a website, creating pathways that guide both users and search engines to valuable content. They are the currency of the internet, signaling authority and relevance.Favour Obasi-ike outlines a simple yet powerful three-step strategy for link building:Identify Core Products/Services: Begin with a clear understanding of what you sell. This focus will guide your keyword and content strategy.Embed Keywords in URLs: Create descriptive, keyword-rich URLs for every page (e.g., velvet.com/red-velvet-cookies). Avoid using "stop words" (like for, the, a), as they add no contextual value for search engines and make URLs longer and less focused.Match Social Posts to Website Links: Implement a *"1-to-1 match"* strategy. For every social media post you create, ensure there is a corresponding article or landing page on your own website. This ensures you are building authority for your domain, not just for the social media platform.Celese Williams enthusiastically endorses this approach, noting that SEO agencies charge clients $1,000 on the low end, up to $20,000-$30,000 on the high end for this exact strategy. However, a perfectly linked site is useless if it's too slow to load. This brings us to the third critical fix: optimizing for pure speed, a non-negotiable factor for both user retention and rankings.[00:52:15] SEO Fix #3: Site Speed - Winning the Race for AttentionIn 2026, website speed is a make-or-break SEO factor. A slow website directly harms user experience, increases bounce rates, kills conversions, and leads to lower search rankings. Google prioritizes sites that provide a fast, seamless experience for its users.Key actions for improving site speed include:Identify Performance Bottlenecks: Use a tool like GTmetrix.com to analyze your website's performance and get a baseline score.Optimize Hosting: Invest in a high-performance hosting platform that can handle your traffic and content demands.Leverage a CDN: A Content Delivery Network (CDN) stores copies of your site in multiple geographic locations, serving content from the closest server to the user, which drastically improves loading times for a global audience.Compress Images: Use a tool like compressor.io to significantly reduce image file sizes without sacrificing visual quality. This is one of the most effective ways to boost speed.From the technical dimension of speed, the analysis moves to the equally important geographical aspect of location.[00:57:45] SEO Fix #4: Location - Dominating Your Local MarketSince the vast majority of online searches have local intent (e.g., "tacos near me"), it is strategically vital for businesses to clearly signal their service area to capture nearby customers. Location-based SEO is not just for brick-and-mortar stores; it's essential for any business serving a specific geographic region.Actionable strategies for location optimization include:Integrate Map Links: Embed Google Maps and Apple Maps links directly on your website to provide clear location signals and improve user experience.Connect to Google Business Profile: A complete, updated, and active Google Business Profile is the cornerstone of local SEO. Ensure it is linked directly to your main website.Focus on a Target Radius: Optimize your content and keywords for a specific 5-20 mile radius to serve the most relevant local audience and avoid competing on a national level unnecessarily.Celese Williams strongly reinforces this point, advising that local service-based businesses must "master their own backyard" before even considering expansion. This on-page focus on location provides a natural bridge to the final, technical step of integrating the site with search engines.[01:02:10] SEO Fix #5: Integrations & Setup - Connecting to the Digital EcosystemThe final critical fix involves technical integration. This is not just a one-time setup step but the official act of submitting your website to search engines, ensuring your content gets seen, crawled, and indexed in a timely manner.The essential integration process includes:Connect to Google Search Console: This is the primary and non-negotiable step for submitting your site to Google, monitoring performance, and identifying technical issues.Submit Your Sitemap: A sitemap (sitemap.xml) is a file that lists all the important pages on your website. Submitting it through Search Console is like handing Google a complete directory, ensuring it knows what to crawl.Integrate with Microsoft Bing: By importing your Google Search Console profile directly into Bing Webmaster Tools, you can easily gain visibility on the world's second-largest search engine.[01:06:15] The "Fast Pass" Technique: Manual IndexingRyan Dennis and Celese Williams highlight a powerful tactic for new content. By manually requesting indexing for a new page in Google Search Console, you can effectively get a "fast pass" that prompts Google to crawl it within hours or a day, rather than waiting weeks for an organic crawl. Favour Obasi-ike adds a key detail: Google allows a daily quota of 10 manual indexing requests per website. This tactical discussion sets up the final Q&A, shifting from established SEO practices to the emerging influence of AI.[01:08:30] Community Q&A: The Role of AI in Content CreationThe episode concludes with a forward-looking discussion on a pressing question for 2026: is using AI for content creation a viable SEO strategy or a potential pitfall? The consensus is that AI is a tool, not a replacement for human expertise and authenticity.The speakers offer nuanced perspectives:Favour Obasi-ike's "Personalized AI" Stance: AI-generated content is only effective when deeply infused with human elements: brand tone, personal stories, case studies, and unique media. AI should be used for leverage, but the final product must align with Google's quality principles.Celese Williams' "Cautious Tester" Approach: She advises that businesses with strong SEO have more to lose and should be wary of AI, while those starting from scratch could test it. She raises a critical question about how AI aligns with Google's ranking systems. In response, Favour Obasi-ike highlights that Google updated its E-A-T framework to E-E-A-T, adding a new "E" for Experience. This update reinforces the need for human-led content, as AI cannot generate genuine, first-hand experience—a critical ranking factor in 2026.The ultimate takeaway is that AI is a powerful assistant, but it must be used to enhance—not replace—the unique experience, expertise, and emotion that only a human can provide.[01:19:00] Final Thoughts & How to ConnectFavour Obasi-ike wraps up the episode by reiterating the five critical SEO fixes that can transform a small business's digital presence. The primary call to action for listeners is to click the link in the show description to either book a direct consultation or access his comprehensive 12-hour training course, which is available with a 26% discount throughout January. He also recommends reading his recent article, "Is it worth hiring an SEO expert in 2026," also available via the link.Mentions & ResourcesPeople:Favour Obasi-ike (Host)Celese Williams (Guest Speaker)Dr. Fashion (Guest Speaker)Ryan Dennis (Guest Speaker)Tools & Platforms:Google Search Console: Google's free tool for monitoring website performance in search.Microsoft Bing Webmaster Tools: The equivalent of Search Console for the Bing search engine.GTmetrix.com: A website for testing and analyzing site speed and performance.Compressor.io: An online tool for reducing the file size of images.Repurpose.io: A tool for automating the distribution of content across multiple social platforms.SerpApi.com: A real-time SERP API to see what search results look like from any location.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

SEO Secrets for 2026: A Deep Dive into Schema Markup, Structure, and Indexing with Favour Obasi-ike with Favour Obasi-Ike | Sign up for exclusive SEO insights.Happy New Year! This episode provides a focused, actionable roadmap for business and website owners aiming to dominate search rankings in 2026. It moves beyond basic SEO to reveal three foundational, yet often overlooked, strategies: two internal and one external.Favour synthesizes the strategy into a winning formula: Schema + Structure + Speed. A website that excels in these three areas becomes a "triple threat"—it's understood by algorithms, technically sound, and delivers a superior user experience, making it the preferred result in search.Call to Action: For professional SEO help, you can book a call at playinc.online, listen to the podcast at wedontplaypodcast.com, or contact the me via email (info@playinc.online). More resource links available below.Core Framework for 2026 SEO Success:Internal Secret #1: Master Schema MarkupWhat it is: Explicit code (microdata) that tells search engines and AI exactly what your content means (e.g., Article, FAQ, Product).Why it matters: It "future-proofs" your content by turning pages into structured assets that AI-driven search tools can understand and feature correctly. It's the essential language for communicating with modern algorithms.Internal Secret #2: Prioritize Logical Site StructureWhat it is: A clear, hierarchical blueprint for your website using heading tags (H1, H2, H3, etc.) in the correct, sequential order.Why it matters: It serves both crawlers and users. It guides algorithms through your content while creating an intuitive, trustworthy experience for visitors. A confused structure repels both.External Secret: Leverage Automatic IndexingWhat it is: A technical method using an API to submit thousands of pages per day to Google, bypassing the strict 10-URL daily limit of manual submission in Search Console.Why it matters: For content-rich sites, it ensures your work is efficiently seen and indexed by Google, preventing valuable content from being overlooked.Episode Timestamps[03:30] Internal Secret #1: Master Schema MarkupWhat it is: Explicit code that tells search engines and AI what your content means.Why it matters: It future-proofs content, turning pages into structured assets that modern algorithms and AI search tools can correctly understand and feature.[13:00] Internal Secret #2: Prioritize Logical Site StructureWhat it is: A clear hierarchy using heading tags (H1, H2, H3) in correct order.Why it matters: It guides search engine crawlers and creates an intuitive, trustworthy experience for human users. Poor structure confuses both.[22:00] External Secret: Leverage Automatic IndexingWhat it is: Using an API to submit thousands of pages/day to Google, bypassing manual limits.Why it matters: Ensures large volumes of content are efficiently seen and indexed. A case study showed 27% of a 17M-page portfolio indexed in two weeks.[29:30] Key Conclusion: The "Triple Threat" FormulaThe winning formula is Schema + Structure + Speed. This combination ensures a site is understood by algorithms, technically sound, and delivers a superior user experience.[31:00] Call to Action: For help, book a call at playinc.online, listen to the podcast, or contact the host via email/LinkedIn.Next Steps for Booking A Discovery Call | Digital Marketing + SEO Services:>> ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Need SEO Services? Book a Complimentary SEO Discovery Call with Favour Obasi-Ike⁠ here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠>> Visit our Work and PLAY Entertainment website to learn about digital marketing services.>> ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join our exclusive SEO Marketing community⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠>> Read SEO Articles>> ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Subscribe to the We Don't PLAY Podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Welcome to Season 12 of the We Don't PLAY!™️ Podcast show! Enjoy the latest instrumental for the show as we dive in shortly!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

SEO Expert vs. SEO Agency: Making the Right Choice for Your Business (Decision Makers Edition) with Favour Obasi-ike with Favour Obasi-Ike | Sign up for exclusive SEO insights.Episode SummaryBusiness decision-makers constantly face the challenge of choosing between a solo SEO expert and a full-service SEO agency to drive their online growth. In this episode, host Favour Obasi-ike is joined by guests Marc McIntosh, (G.A.) Pimpleton, and Jolanta Kissoon Young to demystify this critical choice.The discussion unpacks the distinct roles of each provider, revealing that an expert acts like a specialist "doctor" for targeted advice, while an agency serves as a holistic "coach" for comprehensive execution. The conversation also ventures into the dark side of the industry, exposing common pitfalls and scams with firsthand accounts of fraudulent practices.Finally, the group provides a concrete, actionable framework for vetting a trustworthy partner, emphasizing the non-negotiable need for proven results and the power of earned trust to ensure your SEO investment translates into real business growth.Read New SEO Article: Is It Worth Hiring an SEO Expert in 2026? [Table Comparison]Next Steps for Booking A Discovery Call | Digital Marketing + SEO Services:>> ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Need SEO Services? Book a Complimentary SEO Discovery Call with Favour Obasi-Ike⁠ here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠>> Visit our Work and PLAY Entertainment website to learn about digital marketing services.>> ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join our exclusive SEO Marketing community⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠>> Read SEO Articles>> ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Subscribe to the We Don't PLAY Podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Key Takeaways for Business LeadersFirst, define your need before you hire. The most critical first step is to align your business stage with the right provider. An SEO expert is ideal for startups or businesses needing strategic advice, specialized audits, or tactical guidance ("seeing where the needle is"). A full-service agency is better suited for mid-to-large companies that require an aggressive, multi-disciplinary growth strategy and hands-on implementation ("moving the needle").Second, "receipts" are non-negotiable. Do not hire a provider based on promises alone. Demand tangible proof of their competence and impact. Ask for detailed case studies, analytics, and data—what G.A. calls "receipts"—that show where past clients in your industry started and where they finished. This data should clearly demonstrate an increase in revenue, reach, and other key business metrics.Third, trust is earned through value. The most reliable and effective SEO partners are often those who don't rely on aggressive advertising. As Marc argues, trust is built over time. Seek out experts and agencies who freely educate their audience through podcasts, blogs, or online communities. This demonstrates genuine expertise, builds a foundation of trust, and proves they are more focused on delivering value than just making a sale.Detailed Episode Breakdown & Timestamps1. Introduction: The Core DilemmaStarting at 00:00, host Favour Obasi-ike opens the discussion by framing the critical decision business owners face: whether to engage a freelance SEO expert or a larger SEO agency. He emphasizes the strategic importance of this choice, noting that it can define a company's digital foundation and shape its future growth trajectory.At 01:15, Favour Obasi-ike provides an initial breakdown of the fundamental differences, describing an expert as a specialist focused on a specific problem, while an agency covers a comprehensive range of needs. He also introduces the idea that, under specific circumstances, the two can work together effectively.At 03:30, two primary scenarios for collaboration are detailed: an expert can augment an agency's team with specialized skills for a particular project, or an expert can be brought in to provide a "third eye" perspective for an established in-house team, offering an outside view to improve internal processes.With the core dilemma established, the discussion moves to the crucial task of matching your specific business needs to the right provider model.2. Differentiating Roles: The Doctor vs. The CoachBeginning at 05:00, the conversation highlights that to make a smart investment, you must first diagnose your own needs. This section provides a clear framework—the "Doctor vs. the Coach"—to help you distinguish between the need for tactical advice versus comprehensive execution and align your specific requirements with the right type of service provider.At 06:45, the conversation compares the two roles using a clear analogy: the expert is like a doctor who diagnoses and prescribes, while the agency is like a coach who manages the team and executes the game plan. The SEO Expert, or "Doctor," acts as a consultant or specialist who provides tactics and strategies, helping you "see where the needle is." They typically cost between $500 to $3,000+ per month on average. The SEO Agency, or "Coach," provides a full team for execution and acts as the "backbone of your brand online," actively "moving the needle" for you with a robust, multidisciplinary approach.At 09:10, Favour Obasi-ike explains the concept of an SEO agency acting as the technical "backbone" for a brand online. An agency is responsible for a wide array of needs, from generating traffic and performing technical fixes to assisting with branding, backlinks, and local SEO.At 11:25, clear advice is given on when to hire each: an expert is ideal for those just starting out who need to learn the ropes and get strategic direction. In contrast, an agency is necessary for mid-to-large businesses or well-funded startups that require an aggressive, multifaceted growth strategy.While understanding the ideal roles is essential, the real risk lies in the industry's dark side. The speakers now pivot to the critical red flags that can save a business from costly mistakes.3. Industry Pitfalls: Scams, Red Flags, and Cautionary TalesAt 15:30, the conversation shifts to address the "bad rep" of the SEO industry, highlighting why business owners must be exceptionally vigilant. This segment underscores the importance of recognizing red flags to avoid wasting money, losing time, and protecting critical company assets like websites and data.At 17:00, G.A. shares his negative experiences with agencies, explaining his preference for direct, one-on-one relationships. He recounts a client's horror story where a previous agency held their website and data hostage, making it nearly impossible to transition to a new provider and regain control of their own intellectual property.At 20:15, Marc McIntosh offers a powerful anecdote about a new client who had been paying a significant sum for "SEO services" but did not even have Google Analytics or Google Search Console connected to their site—a fundamental flaw. He warns against providers selling overpriced, templated services and using fake bot traffic to manipulate reports and create the illusion of progress.At 24:50, G.A. describes a common scam in his industry where companies buy recycled, low-quality leads from "SEO experts" who use impressive-sounding buzzwords like "quantum computing" to sell ineffective, boilerplate services that fail to deliver genuine clients.Recognizing the scams is half the battle; the other half is proactively identifying a trustworthy partner. The conversation now provides a practical vetting framework to do just that.4. Vetting a Partner: How to Find a Trustworthy ProviderStarting at 28:00, and armed with an understanding of the risks, this section delivers a practical toolkit for due diligence. Follow these systematic steps to move beyond a provider's sales pitch and verify their true capabilities, establishing a successful and transparent partnership from the start.At 29:30, the speakers collectively outline actionable steps for vetting any potential SEO provider.First, ask probing questions. Favour Obasi-ike suggests asking specific operational questions to gauge professionalism and process, such as: "What is your tech stack?", "How do you handle sensitive data and passwords?", and "How do you work as a team?".Second, demand "receipts" (proof of work). Synthesizing advice from the panel, this point stresses the need to see hard evidence. Demand what GA calls "receipts"—case studies, analytics, and performance data showing where clients started and finished. Additionally, as H advises, ensure these case studies explain the strategy behind the results, demonstrating their understanding of your industry.Third, check their own fundamentals. Marc provides a simple but effective tip: audit the provider's own website for basic SEO health. If they have fundamental errors like multiple H1 tags (Mark's example) or an outdated copyright date (Jolanta's example), it's a major red flag.Fourth, verify their authority. Look for tangible proof that they are a genuine expert in their field. A credible provider often has a presence on platforms like LinkedIn, hosts a podcast, writes a blog, or runs a community where they actively share knowledge and engage with their industry.Fifth, prioritize referrals and earned trust. Marc makes a compelling argument that the best partners are found through trusted referrals, not advertisements. He advises following potential experts over time. Those who consistently teach and give value freely are building genuine trust, making them a much safer and more reliable choice.A thorough vetting process is the best defense against industry scams and serves as the foundation for a fruitful, long-term relationship.5. Final Thoughts & Resources MentionedAt 45:00, the final segment wraps up the discussion by covering specific tools and platforms that can aid in SEO efforts. This reinforces the core idea that successful SEO is not a one-time fix but an ongoing, dynamic process of learning, implementation, and adaptation.At 46:15, the discussion touches on leveraging specific platforms for greater reach. In response to Jolanta's question, Favour Obasi-ike explains that Pinterest is a powerful visual search engine, not just a social media platform. Because the lifespan of a "pin" is 3.5 months to 5 months (compared to 19-72 hours for an Instagram post), content published there continues to drive traffic and build authority for a brand long after it's posted.At 52:30, the tools and platforms mentioned throughout the episode include: ClickUp, Zoom, Google Search Console, Google Analytics, ChatGPT, LinkedIn, Clubhouse, and Pinterest.At 55:00, Favour Obasi-ike closes the episode with a final call to action, encouraging listeners to connect with him directly via the link in his bio to turn the insights from the conversation into concrete action for their businesses.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this podcast episode, host Favour Obasi-Ike sits down with international conflict management expert Dr. Nashay Lowe to reveal how AI can serve as the ultimate mirror, reflecting our hidden biases and transforming how we communicate.Episode SummaryThis conversation delves into the strategic importance of understanding Artificial Intelligence not merely as a technological advancement, but as a transformative tool for enhancing professional communication, streamlining problem-solving, and fostering profound self-reflection. Dr. Nashay Lowe guides us through the necessary mindset shift required to harness AI's power, moving beyond skepticism to see its potential as an indispensable partner in complex human endeavors.The discussion charts a journey from initial resistance to a nuanced appreciation of AI's role in the modern workplace. Favour Obasi-Ike and Dr. Nashay Lowe dissect the common fear that AI will replace human jobs, reframing the technology as a "power tool" that augments human capability rather than rendering it obsolete.Dr. Nashay Lowe states that the real professional risk isn't being replaced by AI, but by a colleague who masters it. The conversation culminates in a powerful central metaphor: AI as an objective mirror. As Dr. Nashay Lowe states, "Conflict reveals who we are, it doesn't create our divisions it reflects them." In the same way, AI offers a unique ability to reflect our communication patterns and strategic gaps without the inherent lens of a human observer.Ultimately, the episode reveals that AI's effectiveness is entirely dependent on human guidance. Through skillful prompting, critical questioning, and a commitment to ethical use, professionals can leverage AI to see their challenges, and themselves, with unprecedented clarity. This episode provides a compelling roadmap for anyone looking to integrate AI thoughtfully into their work.These are the essential insights you need to navigate this new landscape.Key TakeawaysThis section distills the most critical and actionable insights from the conversation with Dr. Nashay Lowe. These takeaways serve as foundational principles for any professional seeking to adapt to and thrive in an increasingly AI-integrated world, transforming a complex technology into a practical asset for growth and efficiency.AI is an Evolutionary Tool, Not an EnemyResisting AI is akin to resisting the adoption of computers or smartphones—a futile effort against an inevitable technological evolution. The true professional threat is not being replaced by AI itself, but by someone who masters AI as a tool to work more efficiently and effectively. Adaptation is no longer optional; it's a core professional competency.AI Serves as an Objective MirrorThe most powerful application of AI in subjective fields like conflict management is its ability to act as a mirror to our own communication patterns, biases, and choices. By analyzing language and scenarios without a human's inherent emotional or experiential lens, it can reveal subtle tensions, repetitive biases, and strategic blind spots that we might otherwise miss.Human Input Dictates AI OutputThe value of AI is not in the technology alone, but in the user's ability to guide it. Dr. Nashay Lowe emphasizes the necessity of iterative prompting, asking critical questions, and providing specific context to achieve nuanced results. A generic prompt yields a generic answer; a thoughtful, challenging prompt unlocks a deeper level of analysis and creativity.AI Can Augment, But Not Replace, EmpathyWhile AI lacks genuine consciousness or empathy, it serves as an invaluable diagnostic tool. Dr. Nashay Lowe powerfully argues that AI can remind us where empathy is missing in our strategies and communications. It can highlight a failure to consider another perspective or identify language that lacks warmth, prompting the human user to inject the necessary emotional intelligence.The User is the Ultimate Guardian of PrivacyAs AI systems become more deeply integrated with our personal and professional data streams, the user's responsibility grows exponentially. The conversation highlights the valid paranoia around connecting AI to sensitive information. The key takeaway is that the user must proactively manage data connections and maintain confidentiality, for instance, by using anonymized scenarios rather than identifiable information.These core principles provide a framework for leveraging AI not just as a machine, but as a partner in professional development.Detailed Episode Timestamps & NotesThis structured guide provides a detailed breakdown of the episode's key moments and discussions. Use these timestamps to navigate directly to the topics and insights that are most relevant to your professional journey.[00:00:00] Introduction: The Power of Human ConnectionHost Favour Obasi-Ike and Dr. Nashay Lowe reflect on their meeting in Las Vegas, emphasizing how valuable real-world, in-person connections are for creating professional opportunities, including this very podcast episode.[00:02:15] Meet Dr. Nashay Lowe: Proactive Strategy Over Reactive Problem-SolvingDr. Nashay Lowe outlines her background in international conflict management and her current mission. She applies global frameworks to local conflicts in academic and nonprofit sectors, aiming to shift leaders from "putting out fires" to implementing proactive strategies. Her goal is to create long-term, healthy habits rather than relying on ineffective "one-off" workshops.[00:04:30] Navigating AI Skepticism: A Necessary Mindset ShiftDr. Nashay Lowe addresses the common resistance to AI, framing it as a crucial mindset shift. She draws parallels to the initial skepticism surrounding cell phones and computers, arguing that AI is an evolving tool that will inevitably become integrated into every aspect of our lives. Adaptation is key.[00:06:45] The AI & Human Partnership: More Power Tool, Less ReplacementThe conversation reframes AI not as a replacement for humans, but as a tool that enhances efficiency. Dr. Nashay Lowe shares a powerful analogy from her partner, comparing the evolution of work to building a house with a hammer and nail versus a power tool, the goal is the same, but the right tool makes the process faster and more efficient.[00:10:10] AI in Conflict Management: Reflecting Our DivisionsThis segment explores the episode's central thesis. Dr. Nashay Lowe explains, "Conflict reveals who we are, it doesn't create our divisions it reflects them. And so artificial intelligence to me works much of the same way." She argues that AI can serve as an objective mirror in the subjective process of conflict resolution, identifying patterns and biases that a human mediator, operating through their own lens, might overlook.[00:14:00] The Emerging Frontier: AI as a Therapeutic ToolDr. Nashay Lowe notes the surprising trend of people using generative AI like ChatGPT for therapeutic purposes. She shares an anecdote about users having "meltdowns" on TikTok after a software update made the AI seem less "nice," underscoring the complex, human-like relationships people are beginning to form with the technology.[00:17:30] Using AI Responsibly: The Art of the PromptThis section focuses on the principle that AI's output is only as good as its input. Dr. Lowe explains the importance of prompting AI to challenge your assumptions ("Don't confirm what I'm already telling you") rather than simply validating them. Responsible use involves an iterative process of refining the AI's output with specific human feedback.[00:20:45] Privacy vs. Progress: The Security DilemmaDr. Nashay Lowe addresses the valid security and privacy concerns surrounding AI's integration with personal data like emails, calendars, and financial accounts. She contrasts this risk with a practical strategy for maintaining confidentiality in her work: using anonymized scenarios ("Person ABC") to analyze conflicts without exposing personally identifiable information.[00:25:00] Crafting Dialogue: A Masterclass in SpecificityDr. Nashay Lowe provides a masterclass on using AI to develop communication scripts. Her method involves giving the AI a specific persona ("You are a 25-year vet in conflict management") and, crucially, directing it to pull information from credible, specific sources like peer-reviewed journals. She continually refines the output with detailed feedback until it meets the desired tone and substance.[00:30:10] Dr. Lowe's Core Message: A Reminder Where Empathy is MissingDr. Nashay Lowe delivers her powerful final takeaway. She concludes that AI can never replace essential human qualities like presence, listening, or humility. However, its greatest strength is its ability to "hold a mirror to our communication patterns and ask without judgment, 'Is this how you're meant to show up?'"Learn more about this episode's insightful guest in the section below.About Our GuestThis episode features the expert insights of Dr. Nashay Lowe, a strategist dedicated to transforming how leaders approach conflict and organizational health.Dr. Nashay Lowe is a specialist in international conflict management who applies global frameworks to solve local challenges. She works primarily with academic and nonprofit leaders to help them shift from reactive problem-solving to building proactive strategies for long-term success. With a focus on creating healthier, sustainable habits within organizations, Dr. Nashay Lowe is currently exploring the cutting edge of her field by integrating Artificial Intelligence as a tool to foster more objective, effective, and positive change.Resources & Ways to ConnectConnect with Dr. Nashay Lowe:Website: https://www.loweinsights.comPodcast: The Resolution RoomInstagram: @loweinsightsLinkedIn: Nashay LoweNext Steps for Booking A SEO Discovery Call | Digital Marketing + Done-for-you SEO Services:>> ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Need SEO Services? Book a Complimentary SEO Discovery Call with Favour Obasi-Ike⁠ here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠>> Visit our Work and PLAY Entertainment website to learn about our digital marketing services.>> Visit our Official website for the best digital marketing, SEO, and AI strategies today!>> ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join our exclusive SEO Marketing community⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠>> Read SEO Articles>> ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Need SEO Services? Book a Complimentary SEO Discovery Call with Favour Obasi-Ike⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠>> ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Subscribe to the We Don't PLAY Podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This Clubhouse marketing session explores the multifaceted world of Restaurant SEO and its application to local businesses. Favour details how establishing a strong digital presence through third-party platforms like Uber Eats and DoorDash creates a "franchise SEO" ecosystem that builds brand authority. The discussion emphasizes off-page strategies, such as connecting Google Business profiles and social media links, to drive traffic and foster community trust. Participants also examine the role of multimedia content, suggesting that podcasts and videos can humanize a brand by showcasing chef interviews or cooking processes. Beyond restaurants, the conversation expands to cover niche industries like private investigation, highlighting how AI-driven search and reputation management are reshaping modern visibility. Ultimately, the sources advocate for a strategic blend of long-term organic growth and immediate paid advertising to maintain a competitive edge.Restaurant SEO: Uber Eats, Grubhub and DoorDash Marketing Tactical Strategies with Favour Obasi-ike with Favour Obasi-Ike | Sign up for exclusive SEO insights.-------------------------------------------------------------------------Next Steps for Booking A Discovery Call | Digital Marketing + SEO Services:>> ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Need SEO Services? Book a Complimentary SEO Discovery Call with Favour Obasi-Ike⁠ here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠>> Visit our Work and PLAY Entertainment website to learn about our digital marketing services.>> Visit our Official website for the best digital marketing, SEO, and AI strategies today!>> ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join our exclusive SEO Marketing community⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠>> Read SEO Articles>> ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Need SEO Services? Book a Complimentary SEO Discovery Call with Favour Obasi-Ike⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠>> ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Subscribe to the We Don't PLAY Podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠-------------------------------------------------------------------------Episode Timestamps[00:00:00] Introduction: Defining Restaurant SEOThe discussion begins by establishing that "Restaurant SEO" is not a unique discipline but rather a specialized application of local SEO. This foundational understanding is critical for any business reliant on a physical location for customer visits, from restaurants and local stores to farm markets. At [00:01:15], the host defines Restaurant SEO as local SEO with a "restaurant tag" on it, emphasizing its importance for driving traffic, generating tangible results, and gathering customer feedback—all vital for a local establishment's growth.By [00:03:30], the conversation introduces two key strategies for extending a restaurant's online reach. The first is Franchise SEO, which involves leveraging third-party platforms with active communities, such as DoorDash, GrubHub, OpenTable, and NextDoor. Listing a restaurant on these services creates powerful backlinks to its primary website, enhancing its authority. The second is Off-Page SEO, which refers to activities on other digital platforms, primarily social media sites like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Connecting these profiles back to the main website helps build a robust online presence and authority. These definitions set the stage for the episode's central strategic debate on driving business growth.[00:10:00] The Core Debate: SEO for Trust vs. Ads for ImmediacyThis section frames the episode's central conflict, presenting two competing yet complementary philosophies for driving restaurant growth. The speakers weigh the immediate, traffic-driving power of paid advertising against the long-term, trust-building foundation of a solid SEO strategy.At [00:11:45], John makes a strong case for prioritizing paid advertising, asserting that restaurants "need customers now." He argues that paid strategies, such as a proven Facebook advertising model, are the most effective tools for immediate results and that SEO should be considered a secondary, long-term project. At [00:15:20], another speaker supports John's point on the need for immediacy, using a practical example to illustrate the customer mindset: "if I want chicken wings, I'm not worried about SEO."By [00:18:00], Favour presents the counter-argument, clarifying that SEO's primary role is to build trust and credibility before a sale can occur. He uses the analogy of a "red flag" for anyone promising immediate sales directly from SEO. The group reaches a consensus that a balanced approach is best: ads are essential for short-term traffic, while SEO serves as the indispensable long-term foundation for sustainable growth and brand authority. The conversation then transitions from this high-level strategy debate to a specific, actionable content strategy proposed by the host.[00:25:00] A Creative Content Strategy: The Restaurant PodcastThis segment introduces a novel and powerful idea for restaurants to differentiate themselves and build a deep, trust-based relationship with their community. The speakers frame podcasting as a way for a restaurant to move beyond simple listings and reviews to become a true content creator and community hub.At [00:26:10], the host proposes that a restaurant should start its own podcast, utilizing both audio and video formats to engage potential customers on a deeper level. By [00:27:30], the group brainstorms a range of compelling content ideas, including video recipes, cooking tutorials, and culinary tips; interviews with the restaurant's chefs to discuss their creative process; discussions on the quality and sourcing of ingredients; answering frequently asked questions from customers; exploring the history and cultural significance of the cuisine; collaborating with beverage brands featured on the menu; taste tests and sampling sessions; customer testimonials; and behind-the-scenes looks at special events or cookouts.By [00:30:00], the primary strategic goal of this podcasting strategy is articulated: to build profound trust by allowing customers to discover aspects of the restaurant they would never think to search for, thereby creating a stronger and more resilient brand connection. This discussion on creating unique content naturally leads to the technical necessity of structuring that content correctly on the restaurant's website.[00:33:00] Technical SEO Deep Dive: The Menu is Your WebsiteThis section uncovers a critical and often-overlooked technical SEO mistake that can severely handicap a restaurant's online visibility. The speakers reveal how relying on seemingly convenient third-party systems for menu hosting can prevent a restaurant from capitalizing on valuable search traffic.At [00:34:05], a speaker highlights the significant failure of using platforms like Toast that consolidate an entire menu onto a single landing page. He explains that this approach misses the opportunity to have 25 separate, indexable pages for a 25-item menu. By [00:36:15], the impact of this mistake is clarified: individual menu item pages should be treated like e-commerce products. Each page is capable of generating its own organic traffic and ranking for highly specific searches, such as "best chicken wings in [city]."The solution, discussed at [00:38:40], is to structure the restaurant's website so that each menu item has its own dedicated page. Each page should be optimized with rich descriptions, proper titles, and an easy-to-use ordering system, thereby maximizing the restaurant's "footprints and stamps across the internet." The conversation then shifts from these on-site technical details to the broader, future-facing topic of visibility within emerging AI search engines.[00:42:00] The Future: AI Visibility and Advanced AutomationSetting the stage for a forward-looking discussion, the experts explore how the concept of "being found" is expanding beyond traditional search engines. The focus shifts to include AI-powered Large Language Models (LLMs) and the new opportunities they present for visibility and automation.At [00:43:10], the group discusses the growing importance of "AI Visibility." This involves ensuring a restaurant's information appears when users ask direct questions to AI chatbots like ChatGPT (e.g., "what's the best sushi restaurant near me?"). They also touch on how platforms like Perplexity can be leveraged for rapid ranking within these new search paradigms.By [00:45:00], the concept of using AI agents and automation for SEO tasks is introduced. A speaker provides a powerful example of using a tool like N8N to create an agent that can log into a website daily and automatically optimize product titles. He elevates this concept by explaining the goal is to move beyond simple email reports and "upgrade to the voice agents... and my AI gives me a phone call about the listings that's been optimized," emphasizing a future where an AI proactively works and reports, even waking the owner from sleep with critical updates.At [00:47:25], the speakers identify some of the foundational data sources that LLMs use to answer queries, such as SERP API and DuckDuckGo. This highlights the necessity for businesses to be listed and visible in these core digital infrastructures to appear in AI-generated results. This look into the future of search concludes the main discussion.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Happy Birthday to Favour Obasi-ike. He shares a personal message of gratitude while celebrating a birthday. He reflects on the show's prolific output, noting that over 140 out of 600+ episodes were produced in the current year alone. As the show prepares to enter its twelfth season in 2026, listeners are encouraged to explore the extensive archives via a searchable website to find specific marketing and business topics via wedontplaypodcast.comThis brief update serves as a direct connection with the audience to offer appreciation for their consistent loyalty. Finally, the creator concludes the message by looking forward to future content and heading off to a commemorative dinner.-------------------------------------------------------------------------Next Steps for Booking A Discovery Call | Digital Marketing + SEO Services:>> ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Need SEO Services? Book a Complimentary SEO Discovery Call with Favour Obasi-Ike⁠ here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠>> Visit our Work and PLAY Entertainment website to learn about our digital marketing services.>> Visit our Official website for the best digital marketing, SEO, and AI strategies today!>> ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join our exclusive SEO Marketing community⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠>> Read SEO Articles>> ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Need SEO Services? Book a Complimentary SEO Discovery Call with Favour Obasi-Ike⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠>> ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Subscribe to the We Don't PLAY Podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠-------------------------------------------------------------------------See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Merry Christmas Eve everyone!

Merry Christmas to you and your beautiful family! This episode features Favour Obasi-ike offering a holiday greeting to his precious listeners. This captures a seasonal well-wish intended to convey warmth and spiritual favor during the winter festivities. By using a traditional festive salutation, Favour aims to establish a positive connection with you, the listener. The message is succinct and celebratory, focusing entirely on a Christian blessing associated with the Christmas season. This simple piece of media serves as a sincere gesture of goodwill and holiday cheer.Thank you for listening to the We Don't PLAY™️ Podcast Show! God bless you!-------------------------------------------------------------------------Next Steps for Booking A Discovery Call | Digital Marketing + SEO Services:>> ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Need SEO Services? Book a Complimentary SEO Discovery Call with Favour Obasi-Ike⁠ here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠>> Visit our Work and PLAY Entertainment website to learn about our digital marketing services.>> Visit our Official website for the best digital marketing, SEO, and AI strategies today!>> ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join our exclusive SEO Marketing community⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠>> Read SEO Articles>> ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Need SEO Services? Book a Complimentary SEO Discovery Call with Favour Obasi-Ike⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠>> ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Subscribe to the We Don't PLAY Podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠-------------------------------------------------------------------------See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, we sit down with a top entrepreneur and filmmaker Stewart Cohen, an expert and business owner of nearly 20 years, to unpack how to build genuine credibility and lasting success in an age of overwhelming digital noise ("cyber noise").Stewart shares timeless principles from his entrepreneurial journey, shaped by a family legacy of business ownership, and contrasts the foundational strategies of the past with the unique challenges of today.Stewart argues that in a world where “social media lies, websites lie,” the most valuable currency is in-person credibility. He provides a masterclass in turning client relationships into your most powerful marketing engine and explains why protecting your audience's attention is the ultimate business discipline.

How to Write Catchy Titles, Descriptions, and High-Impact Headlines for your websites, email marketing, social media marketing, Pinterest SEO, and more with Favour Obasi-Ike | Sign up for exclusive SEO insights.Episode Summary:In this comprehensive episode + guide on crafting effective digital headlines, titles, and descriptions to boost online engagement. The speaker emphasizes that metadata acts as the essential context for content, serving as the primary factor that drives click-through rates across platforms like Google, YouTube, and LinkedIn. Strategic advice includes maintaining a title length of approximately 55 to 65 characters to avoid text truncation while maximizing visual impact. I also recommend using odd numbers, brackets, and power words to leverage psychological triggers that improve visibility and user trust. Finally, the discussion frames intentional copywriting as a vital tool for business owners to transform passive web traffic into active conversions and long-term brand authority.In high-level digital strategy, titles, descriptions, and headlines are not merely decorative—they serve as the essential "key frames" of metadata. This content architecture bridges the gap between raw information and audience discovery by providing the necessary context (Author, Host, Duration, and Intent) that search algorithms require to categorize an asset. By transforming raw content into searchable, high-value assets, a strategist ensures that the brand is prioritized within the user's search journey.Favour emphasizes that structured delivery and architectural integrity correlate directly to business results. If a title fails to establish immediate relevance, the conversion path is broken before it begins. Success in the current landscape requires a commitment to iterative improvement—ensuring the "next version" of a title or metadata set is systematically optimized based on data rather than intuition. This log details the tactical framework used by Favour, currently ranked #2 (We Don't PLAY!) on the FeedSpot Top 100 Marketing Podcasts (trailing only Gary Vaynerchuk), to drive visibility across SEO, PPC, and email ecosystems.Deep Dive: The Quantitative Science of Click-Through Rates (CTR)To maximize ROI, content creators must move beyond "gut feeling" and toward research-backed optimization. Using industry benchmarks from Orbit Media and Moz, we can calibrate headlines to meet the psychological triggers that drive user action.-------------------------------------------------------------------------Next Steps for Digital Marketing + SEO Services:>> ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Need SEO Services? Book a Complimentary SEO Discovery Call with Favour Obasi-Ike⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠>> Visit our Work and PLAY Entertainment website to learn about our digital marketing services.>> Visit our Official website for the best digital marketing, SEO, and AI strategies today!>> ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join our exclusive SEO Marketing community⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠>> Read SEO Articles>> ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Need SEO Services? Book a Complimentary SEO Discovery Call with Favour Obasi-Ike⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠>> ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Subscribe to the We Don't PLAY Podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠-------------------------------------------------------------------------Timestamps[00:00] Catchy Titles vs. Structure; Metadata as the "Context to the Content."[05:00] The 600-Pixel Rule; Pixel Weight (W vs. l); The 55-Character Sweet Spot.[10:00] Moz Study Analysis; Numbers in Headlines; Why Odd Numbers Win; Brackets and Transparency.[15:00] Power Words and Psychological Triggering; Tool Highlight: CapitalizeMyTitle.[20:00] Platform Evolution: Instagram as TV; LinkedIn SEO and the One-Time URL Edit Rule.[25:00] Case Study: Ranking #2 on FeedSpot; The Math of the 12-Hour Masterclass; Call to Action.Effective content strategy requires tracking the flow of information to ensure "next-version" improvements. The following log segments the Masterclass into thematic chapters, providing the "So What?" factor for each strategic shift.Chapters:Chapter 1: The Metadata Framework [00:00 - 10:00] Context vs. Content. This segment establishes that metadata is the "context" (attributes like host and duration) that allows users to value an asset before engaging. Without these key frames, even high-quality content remains invisible to search engines and the "Exact Searcher Intent."Chapter 2: The Utility of Catchy Copy [10:00 - 18:00] Visibility Across the Funnel. Effective copy acts as the primary catalyst for Click-Through Rates (CTR) across SEO, LinkedIn, and Email. The speaker frames catchy titles as functional tools that pre-condition the audience for engagement and conversion.Chapter 3: The Physics of the Pixel [18:00 - 25:00] Typography Weight. Moving beyond character counts, this chapter introduces the 600-pixel display limit. Strategists must account for the "weight" of individual characters (e.g., a capital "W" vs. a lowercase "l") to prevent truncation and maintain a professional aesthetic on the SERP (Search Engine Results Page).Chapter 4: The Psychology of Numbers [25:00 - 35:00] Time-Value Perception. This section evaluates how numbers (specifically odd numbers) impact user psychology. The "So What?" factor is the "minute-per-item" rule: users subconsciously equate the number of items in a title to the minutes they must invest (e.g., 10 ways = 10 minutes), directly influencing the decision to click.Chapter 5: Platform Evolution [35:00 - 45:00] Ecosystem Logic. The speaker analyzes Instagram's transition to "TV-style" content and LinkedIn's rigid SEO URL logic. The key takeaway is the importance of "Exact Title Match" to meet user intent while navigating platform-specific constraints like DM automation and hashtag limits.Chapter 6: The Podcasting Marathon [45:00 - End] The Milestone Logic. Highlighting the "eighth-episode hurdle" where 500,000 creators quit annually, the speaker discusses his 600-episode milestone and the necessity of IAB Tech Lab compliance. Long-term distribution success is a result of persistence and technical "due diligence."High-Value Quotes"Metadata... that's just another way of saying how do we get context out of this content. Those are attributes... that's the context to the content." - Favour Obasi-ike"A capital W has more weight than a small w. A capital L has more weight than a small l... that weight they carry is a pixel size digitally.""If somebody clicks and finds your content valuable, resourceful, accurate, and responsive, then anything that you're going to do from SEO to PPC ads... you're able to use consistently."Resources:Companies Passing Tech Lab Compliance Programs | Podcast Compliance DirectoriesHeadline Analyzer Tool: Write Better Headlines | Write Better Headlines HereSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Compass Classroom is a ministry of Compass Bible Church Treasure Valley.For more information about Compass Bible Church go to https://www.compassbible.tv/To follow our daily Bible reading plan and podcast go to https://www.revivalfromthebible.com/

Compass Classroom is a ministry of Compass Bible Church Treasure Valley.For more information about Compass Bible Church go to https://www.compassbible.tv/To follow our daily Bible reading plan and podcast go to https://www.revivalfromthebible.com/

Compass Classroom is a ministry of Compass Bible Church Treasure Valley.For more information about Compass Bible Church go to https://www.compassbible.tv/To follow our daily Bible reading plan and podcast go to https://www.revivalfromthebible.com/

Welcome to Orrville Christian Church!Chapter Timecodes & Key Points:0:00 – Introduction & Holiday Context – Discusses Christmas services, preparing homes, and the metaphor of a cluttered garage representing spiritual life.1:53 – Spiritual Clutter – Distractions, neglected priorities, and unattended sins slowly creep in, affecting our relationship with God.3:37 – Malachi 3 Overview – Encourages honest reflection on self-deception and drifting spiritually; God calls for a return to Him.4:09 – The Three C's of Malachi 3 – Constant: God's unchanging character and people's unfaithfulness.7:20 – Confrontation – God challenges Israel on tithes and offerings; the principle of returning to God through giving.9:37 – The Challenge – Practical teaching on tithing: first fruits, Levitical tithe, festival tithe, and poor tithe.15:06 – Trust & Obedience – God calls for trust in adverse conditions; returning the whole tithe demonstrates faith.16:07 – Biblical Principle of First Fruits – Proverbs 3:9-10 emphasizes honoring God with the first and best of finances.18:09 – Practical Illustration with Apples – Visualizing financial stewardship and prioritizing giving back to God.21:46 – Practical Takeaways – Enroll in Financial Peace University, start a 90-day tithing challenge, and grow in generosity.26:22 – Closing & Prayer – Encouragement to put God first, live for His mission, and give with faith and joy.Scripture References:Malachi 3:6-12Exodus 3:14Proverbs 3:9-10 -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------We're so glad you're here! Visit us online at www.orrville.church Or connect with us on:• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/orrvillechristian.church/ • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/orrvillechristian/• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@orrvillechristianchurch5959 If you'd like to partner with us in giving, you can give online here: https://www.occgive.com/ As our guest, please feel no pressure to give—this is for those who call OCC home. Let us know you're listening! Fill out a Connection Card: https://www.orrville.church/connect We'd love to meet you in person! Join us any Sunday at 8:30, 9:45, or 11:00 AM

Compass Classroom is a ministry of Compass Bible Church Treasure Valley.For more information about Compass Bible Church go to https://www.compassbible.tv/To follow our daily Bible reading plan and podcast go to https://www.revivalfromthebible.com/

Compass Classroom is a ministry of Compass Bible Church Treasure Valley.For more information about Compass Bible Church go to https://www.compassbible.tv/To follow our daily Bible reading plan and podcast go to https://www.revivalfromthebible.com/

Join veteran car dealer and Christian businessman Randy Adams on AM 630 The Word as he shares the good, the bad, and the ugly about the car business. With over 60 years of experience, Randy teaches listeners how to protect their money, make biblically wise buying and selling decisions, and navigate today’s challenging auto market with integrity and common sense. Each episode blends practical car advice with timeless spiritual truths — helping you put on the full armor of God to protect your budget, your peace, and your future.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Send us a textIn this Healing the City podcast, Pastor Eric, Pastor Daniel, and Pastor Mark sit down to talk about tithing and giving. They practice the discipline of having an honest conversation about generosity, what it looks like for a community to be generous, and how their own experiences with giving have shaped them over the years. They reflect on how they understand generosity now, how they live it out, and what God may be inviting our church to step toward. Support the show"Healing the City" is a profound and dynamic weekly podcast that dives into the complexities of creating healthier communities. Featuring the voices and perspectives of the esteemed members of the Village Church, each episode is thoughtfully crafted to address the challenges and opportunities for meaningful change in our cities. With a holistic approach to healing, the podcast explores a wide range of topics, from soul care and spiritual direction to mental health and community involvement. It provides listeners with insightful and thought-provoking perspectives on the issues facing our cities, as well as practical steps they can take to make a difference. Join hosts Corey Gilchrist, Eric Cepin, Ashley Cousineau, Jessica Dennes, Michael Cousineau, Mark Crawford, and Susan Cepin as they navigate the complexities of our communities with wisdom, grace, and a deep commitment to positive change. Through their engaging discussions, listeners will be inspired to become active participants in healing the city and creating a brighter, healthier future for all. The Village Churchvillagersonline@gmail.comThe Village Church meets at 10a and 5p on Sundays1926 N Cloverland Ave, Tucson AZ 85712Mail: PO Box 30790, Tucson AZ 85751

Compass Classroom is a ministry of Compass Bible Church Treasure Valley.For more information about Compass Bible Church go to https://www.compassbible.tv/To follow our daily Bible reading plan and podcast go to https://www.revivalfromthebible.com/

This week, we examine whether we are stewarding our money wisely and how we ensure that our use of it is for His kingdom.

Living simply isn't about deprivation—it's about freedom. And that freedom can unleash extraordinary generosity.God calls us to live with eternity in mind—not clinging to possessions but using what we have for His Kingdom. Randy Alcorn joins us today to talk about how we can loosen our grip on earthly things to open our hands to eternal impact.Randy Alcorn is the founder and director of Eternal Perspective Ministries (EPM) and the New York Times Bestselling author of more than 60 books, including Heaven, Money, Possessions, and Eternity, The Treasure Principle, and Giving Is the Good Life. His books have been translated into over 70 languages and have sold more than 10 million copies.Simplicity That Leads to GenerosityYou've likely heard the phrase, “Live simply, that others may simply live.” It's a short sentence with a world of meaning behind it—and one that feels increasingly relevant today.Everywhere we look, we see need. It's been that way ever since sin entered the world, but now the sheer scale is staggering—billions of people living in poverty, lacking food, clean water, or access to opportunity. When we consider this, it should be shocking to see how much of a difference it would make if those of us who follow Jesus simply chose to live on less—so that we could give more.This isn't about rejecting good gifts or living in asceticism. It's about reordering our priorities so that what God provides doesn't end with us. Living simply creates margin. And that margin can fuel generosity that transforms lives, both now and for eternity.Some people hear “simplicity” and think of minimalism for its own sake—going off the grid, cutting out every comfort, or proudly living with as little as possible. But simplicity by itself accomplishes very little.You could live the simplest life imaginable, and still not help anyone. The goal isn't simplicity—it's purposeful simplicity that opens the door to generous living.If God blesses you with wealth, there's no shame in that. In fact, that's a great opportunity. The question isn't how much do you have?—but what are you doing with what you have? Go ahead and earn well, but then invest it in God's Kingdom. Use what He's entrusted to you to love Him and to love others.That's where simplicity finds its true purpose—in freeing you to give more boldly, more joyfully, and more eternally.Seeing Life Through the Lens of EternityWhen Jesus said, “Store up for yourselves treasures in heaven,” He wasn't speaking in riddles. He was revealing a reality that reshapes everything we own. But if we have no concept of Heaven—if we're not eager for the life to come—then treasures in Heaven won't mean much to us.Scripture promises that God will one day bring Heaven down to Earth—the new Earth, a renewed creation where righteousness dwells. That's our forever home. That's the world we were made for.When we live in light of that eternal perspective, it changes how we view possessions today. Why cling to what's temporary when you can invest in what lasts forever? The things of this world fade—but what's given to God's purposes endures.For many of us, money and possessions have enormous mass. But when we give generously, we shift our center of gravity from earth to eternity. We begin to orbit around God's Kingdom rather than our own comfort. That's freedom.Becoming God's Delivery SystemEverything we have comes from God—and it's meant to flow through us, not stop with us. I like to say we're not buckets, we're pipelines. God's resources are meant to move through our lives to accomplish His purposes.If the FedEx driver delivered a package to himself instead of the intended recipient, we'd say he misunderstood his job. And yet, that's what many of us do with God's provision. We assume it's all for us when in reality, we're the delivery system for His grace.The Bible says, “Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful.” (1 Corinthians 4:2) Faithful stewards don't hoard. They pass along what belongs to the true Owner.We've all heard the phrase, “God owns it all.” But do we live like it's true? If we really believe that everything we have belongs to Him, then generosity isn't a burden—it's obedience.That changes how we think about earning, saving, and spending. It means asking, “Lord, what do You want us to do with Your money?” That's stewardship in its purest form—managing God's resources for God's glory.Living for the Kingdom, Not the DreamThe Bible doesn't pit generosity against joy. In fact, they belong together. Paul writes in 1 Timothy 6 that God gives us all things richly to enjoy, even as he warns us about materialism.God delights in our joy. He gives good gifts. But He also invites us to hold them loosely. Take that vacation. Enjoy a good meal. But let gratitude and generosity flow together.Living simply doesn't mean rejecting enjoyment. It means finding joy in what pleases God most—seeing our resources advance His Kingdom and bless others in His name.It's easy to justify excess when someone else always seems to have more. But if we're not careful, we can baptize greed in the name of the American dream.God calls us to something far richer—a life rooted in gratitude, freedom, and Kingdom purpose. Living simply and giving generously keeps our hearts anchored in eternity and our hands open to bless others.That's not loss. That's joy. That's freedom. That's treasure that lasts forever.On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:I'm 72 years old, still teaching at a state school, and I'd like to resume making payments on my student loans. They've been in deferment, so I haven't been able to make my regular $100-a-month payments. Is there any way I can make those payments? I've been told my loans won't qualify for forgiveness until I start paying on them.My husband and I are 55 and 56, and we own a business along with several rental properties. We have about $500,000 we'd like to invest, and we're considering a hybrid life insurance policy with a benefit access rider for long-term care. We'd put in about $155,000 for a guaranteed $250,000 death benefit each, for a total of $500,000, plus any growth. What do you think about that kind of approach?Resources Mentioned:Faithful Steward: FaithFi's New Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner)Heaven: A Comprehensive Guide to Everything the Bible Says About Our Eternal Home (Clear Answers to 44 Real Questions About the Afterlife, Angels, Resurrection, and the Kingdom of God) by Randy AlcornMoney, Possessions, and Eternity: A Comprehensive Guide to What the Bible Says about Financial Stewardship, Generosity, Materialism, Retirement, Financial Planning, Gambling, Debt, and More by Randy AlcornEternal Perspective Ministries (EPM)Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on MoneyLook At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and AnxietyRich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich FoolFind a Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA) or Certified Christian Financial Counselor (CertCFC)FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every workday at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. You can also visit FaithFi.com to connect with our online community and partner with us as we help more people live as faithful stewards of God's resources. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

For many people, contentment feels just out of reach—always tied to the next raise, the next purchase, or the next season of life. Yet Scripture calls us to something deeper and more lasting: a contentment that doesn't depend on circumstances but rests in Christ Himself.Psalm 23 begins with a stunning declaration:“The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need.” — Psalm 23:1 (NLT)David's words remind us that contentment doesn't come from acquiring more but from trusting the One who provides. Just as sheep rest securely under the care of their shepherd, we can rest in God's faithful provision.True contentment isn't about suppressing desire—it's about redirecting it. When we find sufficiency in Christ rather than in money, possessions, or achievements, we're freed from the trap of covetousness and anchored in the truth that in Him, we already have all we truly need.The Ancient Lie of DiscontentmentDiscontentment has plagued humanity from the beginning. In Eden, Adam and Eve had everything they needed, yet the serpent's lie convinced them they lacked something essential. Discontentment still whispers, “God is holding out on you—you'd be better off if you had more.”Today, that same voice is amplified through advertising, social media, and cultural comparison. We scroll through highlight reels and feel our lives don't measure up. But Hebrews 13:5 offers the antidote:“Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.'”The cure for discontentment isn't having more—it's remembering that God is always with us.The Freedom of “Enough”Contentment is not resignation—it's liberation. It frees us from envy, overspending, and the crushing weight of comparison. Instead of striving endlessly for more, we learn to steward wisely what God has entrusted to us.Proverbs 30:8–9 captures this balanced perspective beautifully:“Give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with the food that is needful for me…”The wise steward seeks enough—not excess. When we live this way, our financial decisions change. We spend with purpose. We give with joy. We save with peace. Contentment reorients money from being our master to being a tool for God's Kingdom.Think of the widow of Zarephath in 1 Kings 17. With only a handful of flour and a little oil left, she faced famine. Yet when Elijah asked her to make him a cake first, she trusted God's word—and He provided, not with overflowing barns, but with daily sufficiency.Or consider the Macedonian believers in 2 Corinthians 8. Paul wrote,“In a severe test of affliction, their abundance of joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity.”Despite having little, they gave with glad hearts because their contentment was in Christ, not in their circumstances.These examples remind us that contentment and generosity often go hand in hand. When we are satisfied in Christ, we're free to bless others.Trusting the God Who ProvidesAt the heart of contentment is trust. Jesus said in Matthew 6:25–26,“Do not be anxious about your life… Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?”Contentment flows from believing that God knows what we need and delights to provide for His children. As Elisabeth Elliot once wrote, “The secret is Christ in me, not me in a different set of circumstances.”When Christ becomes our treasure, everything else finds its proper place.That's why Paul could say in 1 Timothy 6:6:“Godliness with contentment is great gain.”Contentment isn't a loss—it's true gain. It's the kind of wealth no market downturn can erase and no thief can steal. Choosing contentment doesn't mean settling for less; it means resting in the sufficiency of Christ.When we stop chasing “more” and start trusting God's daily provision, we discover freedom, peace, and joy. That's the essence of faithful stewardship—not just managing money, but aligning our hearts with the One who promises, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:I own several rental properties and would like to leave one to each of my children. I still want to collect the rental income, but I'd like to avoid probate and ensure a smooth transition when I pass away. How can I set up a trust to do that, and what's the best way to move forward?I got divorced in my mid-50s and had to start over from scratch. I'm now 66 with a little over $37,000 in my 401(k), which I'm eligible to roll over into an IRA. I'd really like to invest that money through a biblically based firm, but most of the ones I've contacted require a minimum investment of $50,000. Do you have any suggestions? And how can I build my savings over the next four years? $37,000 won't last long.I'm retired, and my husband will be retiring soon. We don't have a lot saved, but he does have a 401(k) through work. We're unsure what to do with it or how to ensure we'll have enough to live on in retirement. Can you help us think through the next steps?I work with students, and I've offered to invest $4,000, allowing them to choose some stocks to learn how investing works. Since I'll keep the money but let them make the decisions, what's the best way to buy individual stocks for this kind of project?My daughter's credit score is around 625, and she's committed to improving it. My score is over 800, and I've heard that adding her as an authorized user on my credit card could help her. Can you explain how that works and whether it could affect either of our credit scores?I feel completely lost when it comes to finances, but I want to set my family up for success. Can you recommend a reliable resource or starting point for learning the basics of managing money wisely?Resources Mentioned:Faithful Steward: FaithFi's New Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner)Open Hands FinanceFidelity | Charles Schwab | Robinhood | Public | Stash | SoFi InvestYour Money Counts: The Biblical Guide to Earning, Spending, Saving, Investing, Giving, and Getting Out of Debt by Howard DaytonMaster Your Money: A Step-by-Step Plan for Experiencing Financial Contentment by Ron Blue with Michael BlueRedeeming Money: How God Reveals and Reorients Our Hearts by Paul David TrippMoney, Possessions, and Eternity: A Comprehensive Guide to What the Bible Says about Financial Stewardship, Generosity, Materialism, Retirement, Financial Planning, Gambling, Debt, and More by Randy AlcornWisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on MoneyLook At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and AnxietyRich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich FoolFind a Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA) or Certified Christian Financial Counselor (CertCFC)FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions most days at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on the Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. Visit our website at FaithFi.com where you can join the FaithFi Community and give as we expand our outreach. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of the Connect podcast, Cole Phillips and Bobby Frauman explore the intersection of racing, generosity, and biblical principles of financial stewardship. They discuss the importance of managing finances in a godly way, the impact of generosity on community growth, and share real-life stories of financial transformation. The conversation emphasizes practical tips for managing money and the spiritual principles behind financial stewardship, encouraging listeners to prioritize their finances in alignment with their faith.TakeawaysFinancial stress is a leading cause of marital conflict.Jesus emphasized the importance of money management in his teachings.Generosity attracts people and fosters community growth.Real-life stories illustrate the impact of financial faithfulness.Practical financial management can lead to peace and stability.Tithing is a biblical principle that encourages generosity.Living on less than you earn is crucial for financial health.The pursuit of more money does not guarantee happiness.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Formula 1/1004:50 The Importance of Financial Stewardship10:04 Generosity vs. Misery: A Heart Condition14:45 Lessons from Racing: Managing Finances20:01 Real Stories of Financial Faithfulness24:45 Practical Financial Management Strategies30:03 The Formula of Giving: First and Ten Percent34:25 Conclusion and Call to ActionKeywordsracing, generosity, financial stewardship, biblical principles, money management, community impact, real-life stories, practical tips, financial transformation

Preaching The Truth The sermon emphasizes the importance of biblical stewardship, particularly regarding personal finances, as a path to spiritual well-being and blessing. Drawing from Proverbs and other scripture, the message encourages listeners to prioritize wisdom and understanding over worldly desires, laying up treasures in heaven rather than accumulating earthly possessions. Through a personal narrative of overcoming debt and achieving financial stability, the speaker illustrates the transformative power of obedience to God's principles, advocating for a shift in perspective from managing money to honoring God with it, and offering practical guidance for achieving financial peace and generosity.

Preaching The Truth The sermon emphasizes the importance of biblical stewardship, particularly regarding personal finances, as a path to spiritual well-being and blessing. Drawing from Proverbs and other scripture, the message encourages listeners to prioritize wisdom and understanding over worldly desires, laying up treasures in heaven rather than accumulating earthly possessions. Through a personal narrative of overcoming debt and achieving financial stability, the speaker illustrates the transformative power of obedience to God's principles, advocating for a shift in perspective from managing money to honoring God with it, and offering practical guidance for achieving financial peace and generosity.

In this episode of the Investor Fuel Podcast, host Leo Wehdeking speaks with Austin Cheviron, a financial expert who emphasizes the importance of financial stewardship and the steps to achieve financial success. Austin outlines a three-step process: making money, saving money, and investing money, while also discussing the significance of having a vision for one's financial future. The conversation delves into personal finance, consumer culture, and the need for awareness in spending habits. Austin shares insights from his own journey, including the challenges of managing personal finances and the impact of upbringing on financial behaviors. He concludes by introducing his upcoming book, 'The Money Puzzle', which aims to provide a blueprint for financial success.   Professional Real Estate Investors - How we can help you: Investor Fuel Mastermind:  Learn more about the Investor Fuel Mastermind, including 100% deal financing, massive discounts from vendors and sponsors you're already using, our world class community of over 150 members, and SO much more here: http://www.investorfuel.com/apply   Investor Machine Marketing Partnership:  Are you looking for consistent, high quality lead generation? Investor Machine is America's #1 lead generation service professional investors. Investor Machine provides true ‘white glove' support to help you build the perfect marketing plan, then we'll execute it for you…talking and working together on an ongoing basis to help you hit YOUR goals! Learn more here: http://www.investormachine.com   Coaching with Mike Hambright:  Interested in 1 on 1 coaching with Mike Hambright? Mike coaches entrepreneurs looking to level up, build coaching or service based businesses (Mike runs multiple 7 and 8 figure a year businesses), building a coaching program and more. Learn more here: https://investorfuel.com/coachingwithmike   Attend a Vacation/Mastermind Retreat with Mike Hambright: Interested in joining a “mini-mastermind” with Mike and his private clients on an upcoming “Retreat”, either at locations like Cabo San Lucas, Napa, Park City ski trip, Yellowstone, or even at Mike's East Texas “Big H Ranch”? Learn more here: http://www.investorfuel.com/retreat   Property Insurance: Join the largest and most investor friendly property insurance provider in 2 minutes. Free to join, and insure all your flips and rentals within minutes! There is NO easier insurance provider on the planet (turn insurance on or off in 1 minute without talking to anyone!), and there's no 15-30% agent mark up through this platform!  Register here: https://myinvestorinsurance.com/   New Real Estate Investors - How we can work together: Investor Fuel Club (Coaching and Deal Partner Community): Looking to kickstart your real estate investing career? Join our one of a kind Coaching Community, Investor Fuel Club, where you'll get trained by some of the best real estate investors in America, and partner with them on deals! You don't need $ for deals…we'll partner with you and hold your hand along the way! Learn More here: http://www.investorfuel.com/club   —--------------------

In this inspiring episode, I sit down with my dear friend of 30 years, Kim Holland—a faith-driven financial professional with nearly three decades of experience guiding families and business owners toward financial clarity and long-term prosperity. Kim shares her incredible journey from being a farmer's wife to building a seven-figure financial business, and how the 2008 financial crisis became the catalyst for her success. We dive into:

The Official Corporate Podcast of Antioch, The Apostolic Church

Salt & Light is a Bible-based financial teaching course to help you demonstrate God's kingdom locally. It helps you discover how to become better stewards of God's resources and actively engage with your local community, church, and youth.SALT reaches out globally to people in material poverty in dozens of countries through savings groups, agricultural development, microloans, and vocational training. We foster hope and opportunity to people in communities where life seems hopeless.The Salt & Light course provides Biblical stewardship teaching and endeavors to bring this same hope to our North American communities. The course is designed with four “Tracks” tailored for investing in our own churches as well as for reaching out to others. Many Anabaptist communities have been blessed for generations with godly homes and biblical teaching. The overarching goal of the Salt & Light course is to provide a tool to help “Kingdom Christians” walk with their neighbors, coworkers, employees, and others, demonstrating Christ while providing sustainable, long-term way-of-life help.contact@saltbooks.orghttps://saltbooks.org/

Some things change with the times—but God's financial principles never do. They're not only timeless; they work in every situation, for every person, at every income level.Whether you're barely making ends meet or managing significant wealth, the Bible's wisdom for handling money is always right on target. Today, Ron Blue will unpack five proven principles for managing your money well.Ron Blue is a nationally recognized financial expert, co-founder of Kingdom Advisors, and author of more than 20 books on biblical money management. With decades of experience advising families and leaders, he has dedicated his life to equipping Christians to manage their resources wisely and steward them for God's kingdom purposes.A Lesson From the Senate FloorBack in the early 1990s, Ron Blue was invited to testify before a U.S. Senate subcommittee on family and money matters. When asked what advice he would give American families, his response was simple yet profound:Spend less than you earn.Avoid debt.Build liquidity or margin.Set long-term goals.Give generously.To Ron's surprise, the senator responded, “That would work for every family—at any income level.” Ron smiled and added, “Yes, Senator, including the United States government.”These five principles, he says, are universal. They apply not just to families, but also to businesses, communities, and even nations.Principle 1: Spend Less Than You EarnThis is the foundation of wise financial decision-making.It's the “slow road to wealth,” but it's also the surest way to financial freedom. This principle enables families to establish stability without pursuing risky shortcuts or falling into the trap of trying to become wealthy quickly.Principle 2: Avoid DebtDebt can be both a practical and spiritual burden. From a financial standpoint, debt always mortgages the future. Any borrowed money becomes a priority expense—one that takes precedence over all others until it's repaid.Not all debt is created equal—some can be strategic, like a mortgage—but even “good” debt ties up future income and limits financial flexibility.Principle 3: Build Liquidity (Margin)Margin is what allows families to weather life's inevitable surprises—a medical bill, car repair, or job loss—without spiraling into crisis.People with cash flow margin are always more secure. They know they can meet the unexpected, and that creates peace of mind and security. An emergency fund isn't just about financial stability; it's about emotional and spiritual calm when life throws curveballs.Principle 4: Set Long-Term GoalsShort-term thinking often leads to financial stress and impulsive decisions. By setting long-term goals, families can prioritize spending and align their financial choices with their values.The longer term your perspective, the better your decision today. Goals give direction and help families measure progress—not just in wealth, but in stewardship and Kingdom impact.Principle 5: Give GenerouslyFinally, generosity breaks the power of money. Jesus taught that we cannot serve both God and money (Matthew 6:24). By giving, we release our grip on wealth and keep our hearts anchored in Christ rather than in material security.Generosity is the only way to break money's hold on you.Timeless Wisdom for Every HouseholdWhether you're just starting your financial journey or seeking a reset, these five principles offer a roadmap to freedom and peace. They are not about complicated strategies or quick fixes—they're about faithful, steady stewardship rooted in biblical wisdom. If you do these five things, you'll position yourself for God's best in your finances.On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:I recently started a new job, but I still have a 401(k) from my previous employer. Since I'm over 55, I was told I can withdraw from it without a penalty. My husband thinks we should withdraw $15,000 to cover some home repairs, but I'm nervous about dipping into my retirement savings.I'm 51 and planning to retire at the end of next year. I have a state pension, along with several 401(k) and 403(b) accounts I've accumulated over the years. What's the best way to handle these accounts once I retire?My husband and I have been married for 12 years, and we have a prenup that keeps our finances separate. I have around $700,000 in savings and a terminal illness. How should I decide how much to leave for my husband and how much to give to the Lord?I've had a reverse mortgage since 2010, and my house has increased significantly in value. I'd like to know how much equity I can access now and whether I need to refinance, or if it's possible to expand my line of credit simply.Resources Mentioned:Faithful Steward: FaithFi's New Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner)FamilyLife | FamilyLife BlendedWisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on MoneyLook At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and AnxietyRich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich FoolFind a Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA) or Certified Christian Financial Counselor (CertCFC)FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions most days at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on the Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. Visit our website at FaithFi.com where you can join the FaithFi Community and give as we expand our outreach.

Some things change with the times—but God’s financial principles never do. They’re not only timeless; they work in every situation and for every person. Whether you’re barely making ends meet or managing significant wealth, the Bible’s wisdom for handling money is always right on target. On the next Faith & Finance Live, Rob West and Ron Blue unpack five proven principles for managing your money well. Then, it’s on to your financial questions. That’s Faith & Finance Live, where biblical wisdom meets today’s finances—weekdays at 4pm Eastern/3pm Central on Moody Radio. Faith & Finance Live is a listener supported program on Moody Radio. To join our team of supporters, click here.To support the ministry of FaithFi, click here.To learn more about Rob West, click here.To learn more about Faith & Finance Live, click here. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Simon Pranaitis explores the use of money for the glory of God in his conclusion to the fourteen-week "Proof of Work" series. In this final lesson, we explore how money is God's good gift, designed to help us fulfill His purposes in our work and community. From Genesis to Revelation, Scripture reveals that money is neither evil nor ultimate, but a tool to be stewarded faithfully under God's sovereignty. We address lingering questions about debt, tithing, and the role of gold and silver, showing how biblical principles guide our financial decisions. Above all, we are called to use money wisely and generously, doing all things to the glory of God. ★ Support this podcast ★

In Part 2 of his conversation with John and Jim, Mike Kern III emphasizes the importance of personal financial health for pastors—urging proactive salary discussions, use of benchmarking tools, and wise financial habits. He also addresses emotional resilience, encouraging pastors to reject limiting beliefs, seek counsel, and reframe their mindset for greater clarity and confidence.

Procrastination might feel harmless—until it wrecks your retirement. In this episode, JoePat Roop explores how delaying financial planning can be more damaging than market volatility. From Roth conversions and asset location to legacy planning and stewardship, learn how to build a retirement strategy that reflects your values. Plus, hear insights from Tim Tebow on faith, generosity, and living with purpose. Whether you're just starting or months from retirement, this episode is a call to action. For more information or to schedule a consultation call 704-946-7000 or visit BelmontUSA.com! Follow us on social media: YouTube | Instagram | Facebook | LinkedInSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Investing in God's redemptive mission through generosityWhen we think about Christian financial disciplines, tithing 10 percent often comes to mind. But what if Scripture calls us to look beyond giving a portion of our income and to embrace a new way of seeing — where everything we have, not just our money, belongs to God? Bill and Dana Wichterman join Today's Conversation to discuss what it means to be stewards of all that God gives us to be used with joy, purpose and creativity.In this episode, Bill and Dana Wichterman, co-authors of “Stewards Not Owners,” join NAE President Walter Kim to explore what it means to practice financial discipleship in a culture shaped by abundance, anxiety and individualism. Dana and Bill offer practical wisdom and explain why financial stewardship is ultimately about joining God's redemption project.In their conversation, they discuss:  How God leads us from financial anxiety to freedom and joyful generosity;Trusting God's provision for the good works he's called us to;The reality that most living in the West can live below their means; andHow sharing your financial life with others cultivates accountability and discipleship.Subscribe today wherever you listen to podcasts.Do you like the podcast?Give us a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts and leave us a review. This is the best way for others to discover these conversations. If you listen on Spotify, give us a follow and hit the notification bell to be sure you never miss an episode. And don't forget to pass your favorite episodes along to colleagues, friends and family.Show Notes: https://www.nae.org/bill-and-dana-wichterman-flourishing-through-financial-stewardship/watch the full interview here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n6e4dEu8xJE

What happens when the church says "tithe first" but your lights are about to get cut off? In this financially honest episode of "You, Me, and Jesus," Keenya gets real about the pressure to tithe when you're struggling financially and shares what she learned about giving that changed everything.Discover the freedom that comes from understanding the heart behind biblical giving versus religious obligation. Keenya shares her own broke-but-tithing seasons and the surprising ways God provided when she learned to give from love rather than fear or duty.In our "What Would Jesus Actually Do?" segment, we explore how Jesus might respond to someone feeling guilty about not tithing during financial hardship—focusing on heart posture and practical wisdom rather than rigid percentages.Whether you're currently struggling financially but feeling pressure to tithe, wondering if God will "curse" your finances for not giving 10%, or simply trying to figure out generous living on a tight budget, this episode offers grace-filled guidance without the guilt trips.If you felt empowered by this episode, take a screenshot for your stories and tag Keenya on Instagram @keenyakelly. I would be honored to hear your takeaways and re-post your share!Important Links from the show:Understanding your spiritual gifts is definitely one of the foundational things that every single Christian needs to know.If you'd like a quick and free spiritual quiz assessment to understand why and how God gifted you what you have in life click here https://keenyakelly.com/ministry/!Subscribe to our new YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@youmeandjesus Connect with Keenya on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keenyakelly/ Connect with Keenya on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@keenyakelly Connect with Keenya on Twitter: https://twitter.com/keenyakelly For more information on courses and resources: https://keenyakelly.com/Are you building a business and you want to know what God is saying to you about your business?Looking for strategy on what to do next with your business or market your business in a way that's Christ focused?Click the following link to book a creative consulting session to get a strategy together for your business that is faith focused: https://keenyakelly.com/creativeconsulting/

In this episode, CJ is joined by Chris Greiner, CFO of Zeta Global and former CFO of IBM's analytics division, where he worked on AI during the development of Watson. He's had a front-row seat to the evolution of AI across industries. He's also on a 15-quarter streak of beat-and-raise performance in his current role. Chris breaks down how strong financial stewardship can be a launch pad for innovation, not a constraint, and unpacks his “Closest to code, closest to customer” philosophy. The conversation covers how to determine whether a company's data advantage is real or just storytelling, what Chris learned from cataloging every task in the finance org, and why some things are better left unautomated. He explains what's on his personal IPO pre-flight checklist, how and why Zeta Global tracks daily revenue, and the “hustle metric” as a predictor of good salespeople. He also shares many lessons and anecdotes from his time at IBM, including one where he played tennis with the Emperor of Japan.—LINKS:Chris Greiner: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisgreiner1Zeta Global: https://zetaglobal.comCJ on X (@cjgustafson222): https://x.com/cjgustafson222Mostly metrics: RELATED EPISODES:Monetizing Community Engagement: The Business of Fitness with Strava CFO Lily Yang - Everything You Need to Know About Sales Rep Comp + Commissions Planning w Ryan Walsh, CEO of RepVue - —TIMESTAMPS:(00:00) Preview and Intro(02:22) Sponsor – Aleph | RightRev | Navan(06:28) Chris's Tenure at IBM During the Development of Watson(08:24) The Evolution of Chris's Relationship With Data and AI(11:40) Why “Showing Not Telling” Is Key in Finance and Investor Relations(12:56) A Company's Data Advantage: Real Versus Storytelling(15:07) Cataloging Tasks in the Finance Org To Identify Automation Opportunities(17:02) Sponsor – NetSuite | Pulley | Brex(20:53) Enabling Internal Data Exploration Without Conflicting Results(23:13) The One Thing Chris Refuses To Automate and Why(26:46) Forecasting: The Tension Between Trusting AI and Your Own Calculations(28:58) Zeta Global's 15-Quarter Beat-and-Raise Streak(31:40) Daily Pacing and Confident Forecasting(33:58) Sizing Up Zeta Global by Daily Active Users and Usage-Based Activity(36:50) Unexpected Predictors of Customer Behaviour(38:47) The “Hustle Metric”: The Best Predictors of Good Salespeople(43:05) Chris's IPO Preflight Checklist(45:49) Strong Financial Stewardship as a Catalyst, Not a Constraint(48:10) The Top Controls That a CFO Should Have Their Eye On(49:55) The Fallacy of Having To Choose Between Growth and Margin Expansion(53:26) Finance Teams: Closer To Code Versus Closer to Customer(55:47) Value-Based Pricing(57:42) Long-Ass Lightning Round: A Career Mistake(58:20) Making Friends With the Emperor of Japan(1:02:32) Advice to Younger Self(1:03:57) Finance Software Stack—SPONSORS:Aleph automates 90% of manual, error-prone busywork, with the power of a web app, the flexibility of spreadsheets, and the magic of AI. Get a personalised demo at https://www.getaleph.com/runRightRev automates the revenue recognition process from end to end, gives you real-time insights, and ensures ASC 606 / IFRS 15 compliance—all while closing books faster. For RevRec that auditors actually trust, visit https://www.rightrev.com and schedule a demo.Navan is the all-in-one travel and expense solution that helps finance teams streamline reconciliation, enforce policies automatically, and gain real-time visibility. Visit https://navan.com/runthenumbers for your demo.NetSuite is an AI-powered business management suite, encompassing ERP/Financials, CRM, and ecommerce for more than 41,000 customers. Head to https://netsuite.com/metrics and get the CFO's Guide to AI and Machine Learning.Pulley is the cap table management platform built for CFOs and finance leaders who need reliable, audit-ready data and intuitive workflows. Switch in as little as 5 days and get 25% off your first year: https://pulley.com/mostlymetrics.Brex offers the world's smartest corporate card on a full-stack global platform. Plus, they offer modern banking and treasury as well as intuitive expenses and accounting automation, bill pay, and travel. Find out more at https://www.brex.com/metrics#BeatAndRaise #CFOInsights #AIinFinance #AutomationInFinance #FinancialStewardship Get full access to Mostly metrics at www.mostlymetrics.com/subscribe

The Official Corporate Podcast of Antioch, The Apostolic Church

The Official Corporate Podcast of Antioch, The Apostolic Church

How does recognizing Yahweh's ownership of everything shape the way you handle money? Discover how tithing, generosity toward the poor, the dangers of debt, and guarding against greed can transform your daily financial decisions and help you become a faithful steward of your resources.

He's back! Minister, leadership consultant, and global speaker Dr. Anthony D. Shannon returns to The Interludes Podcast for an empowering conversation on what it truly means to unlock your God-given prosperity. In this second appearance, Val “The Voice” Johnson reconnects with a dear friend to the show, sharing wisdom, laughter, and truth that cuts deep. Dr. Shannon breaks down the core message of his new book, Sacred Success: Unlocking God-Given Prosperity, describing it as more than a guide—it's a spiritual manifesto. He urges listeners to reject scarcity thinking, embrace divine timing, and understand prosperity through the lens of a covenant relationship with God. It's not about hustle—it's about inheritance. Val and Dr. Shannon also discuss: The transformational impact of the Leaders Live Generously Academy, which has trained over 3,000 leaders The upcoming Leaders Live Generously Summit (Nov. 17–19) with over 65 speakers How businesses must evolve or risk extinction (yes, we're looking at you, Blockbuster) The connection between branding, financial stewardship, and faith How to shift your mindset from "getting" to giving

  In this episode of the Profitable Christian Business Podcast, Doug Greathouse interviews Antione Anderson, a pastor, financial strategist, and coach who believes that faith and business should never be separate. Antione shares his journey from pastoring 2:TEN Church to helping Christian entrepreneurs build legacy-focused wealth through God-led financial strategies—including how to unlock tax-free retirement plans, rethink traditional investments, and align every decision with your Kingdom calling. This isn't just about money—it's about purpose, stewardship, and the power of prayer to bring clarity to your financial decisions.

You'll never experience complete deliverance until you walk in forgiveness. During the close of his series, Deliverance, Dr. Gabe challenges us to reflect deeply on generational patterns, personal transformation, and the realities of deliverance—not just for ourselves, but for those who will come after us.Through honest stories and scriptural insights, Dr. Powell confronts the realities that many of us normalize: from the everyday struggles we're reluctant to admit to the generational wounds we often hide. He emphasizes the urgent need for deliverance and the power that transforms forgiveness—reminding us that true freedom and breaking these cycles often come down to our willingness to forgive those who have passed down these patterns to us.Support the showText encounteratl to 94000 to stay up-to-date on all things Encounter.Worship with EncounterSundays at 9 AM ET | Wednesdays at 7:30 PM ETSupport EncounterText egive to 77977 Connect with EncounterFacebook | Instagram | TikTok | YouTube | WebsiteConnect with Dr. GabeInstagram | YouTube | Website

Welcome to the WealthBuilders Podcast with Karen Conrad Metcalfe and Dave Metcalfe exploring the biblical principles of financial stewardship and risk-taking. Using the Parable of the Talents from Matthew 25, the discussion addresses how Christians should put demands on their assets. Learn how to move from a scarcity mindset to an abundance mentality, and partner with God in financial growth.Be encouraged to actively work toward multiplying your resources with faith and wisdom. Mastering Financial Stewardship: Wealth Building God's WayMore Resources:Overcoming Disappointments Booklethttps://www.wealthbuilders.org/disappointment_overJuly Business Bootcamphttps://billyepperhart.lpages.co/business-nonprofit-bootcamp/

  In this episode of the Profitable Christian Business Podcast, Doug Greathouse sits down with Janine Mix, Christian entrepreneur, real estate investor, and best-selling author of Buy the Damn Coffee. Janine shares her incredible story of going from six figures in debt to becoming a multimillionaire by age 33. But this isn't just a rags-to-riches story—it's a faith-fueled mindset shift about money, worthiness, and building a life you don't have to escape from. They explore how guilt, shame, and “money influencers” shape our beliefs, why financial stewardship is about multiplication—not deprivation—and how to pursue wealth with God at the center. Whether you're just starting your journey to financial freedom or ready to scale to your next level, Janine delivers real talk, practical strategy, and spiritual clarity.

Salt & Light is a Bible-based financial teaching course to help you demonstrate God's kingdom locally. It helps you discover how to become better stewards of God's resources and actively engage with your local community, church, and youth.SALT reaches out globally to people in material poverty in dozens of countries through savings groups, agricultural development, microloans, and vocational training. We foster hope and opportunity to people in communities where life seems hopeless.The Salt & Light course provides Biblical stewardship teaching and endeavors to bring this same hope to our North American communities. The course is designed with four “Tracks” tailored for investing in our own churches as well as for reaching out to others. Many Anabaptist communities have been blessed for generations with godly homes and biblical teaching. The overarching goal of the Salt & Light course is to provide a tool to help “Kingdom Christians” walk with their neighbors, coworkers, employees, and others, demonstrating Christ while providing sustainable, long-term way-of-life help.contact@saltbooks.orghttps://saltbooks.org/

"Blessed is the one who finds wisdom, and the one who gains understanding, for her profit is better than silver, and her gain surpasses gold." - Proverbs 3:13-14Making wise financial decisions early in life can set the stage for long-term stability and generosity. But where should students and young professionals begin? Today, Bob Doll joins us to share practical financial advice to help young adults start their careers on the right foot.Bob Doll is the CEO and CIO of Crossmark Global Investments. He regularly contributes to Faith and Finance and other media outlets, such as Bloomberg TV, Fox Business, and CNBC. Building a Life of Faithful Stewardship from the StartFinances can feel overwhelming for students and young adults stepping into the world of work—budgets, debt, investing, generosity…where do you even begin? Yet these early years are some of the most formative when it comes to your long-term financial health and spiritual growth. That's why it's critical to lay a foundation not just of financial literacy but of biblical stewardship. Here are some timeless pieces of practical wisdom for young adults who want to honor God with their money from the beginning.1. Begin With a Plan—And a BudgetWithout a clear plan for spending, saving, and giving, it's easy to drift into debt or financial anxiety. A solid budget helps you take control of your finances before they start controlling you.And you don't have to do it alone. Tools like the FaithFi app make creating an intentional, faith-filled budget easy. It's not just about numbers—it's about aligning your finances with your values.2. Save for Emergencies—And Stay Out of DebtAfter budgeting, build an emergency fund with three to six months of expenses. Life is unpredictable, and this cushion can keep you from turning to debt when the unexpected hits.Also, make sure to pay off your cards in full each month and chip away at any student loans as quickly as you can.3. Learn from Others—and Find a MentorThere's no substitute for wise counsel. Watch those who are succeeding with money—and those who aren't. Learn from both.Having a mentor or a financial advisor who shares your values is essential. Surrounding yourself with godly counsel can help you avoid pitfalls like overspending or failing to save.4. Give Generously—Even When It's HardStart giving now. Like Randy Alcorn says, “God prospers us not to raise our standard of living, but our standard of giving.” Even when budgets are tight, generosity opens your heart and reminds you that God is the true provider.5. Start Investing Early—and ConsistentlyCompound interest is a powerful force—either for or against you. The earlier you start investing, the more time your money has to grow. Even small, consistent contributions—what financial experts call “dollar-cost averaging”—can make a huge impact over time.Start with low-cost index funds or retirement accounts like a Roth IRA. And don't overlook your workplace benefits. If your employer offers a match, take it. That's free money.6. Align Your Investments with Your FaithToday's investors have more opportunities than ever to make faith-based investment choices. As the movement toward values-based investing grows, believers can increasingly steward their portfolios in ways that reflect biblical principles.7. Embrace Rhythms and Celebrate MilestonesThe journey to financial stability can feel long, especially when progress is slow. That's why we suggest setting milestones and celebrating small wins. God wants us to enjoy things. We're not meant to live like monks but are called to be wise.These rhythms of budgeting, saving, investing, and giving aren't just habits—they're acts of worship.8. Talk About Money—Especially in MarriageMoney fights are one of the top reasons for marital conflict. Get on your knees in prayer and ask the Lord to guide you both. Set goals as a couple and revisit them often.Being on the same page financially brings unity and builds trust. It's also a way of inviting God into your relationship in a very practical, day-to-day way.9. Grow in Wisdom—And Keep LearningStaying in God's Word and learning from wise voices is crucial. Some books that we recommend to help you discern what the Bible really says about wealth and generosity are:Money, Possessions, and Eternity: A Comprehensive Guide to What the Bible Says about Financial Stewardship, Generosity, Materialism, Retirement, Financial Planning, Gambling, Debt, and More by Randy Alcorn The Treasure Principle: Unlocking the Secret of Joyful Giving by Randy AlcornStart StrongTo the student, recent graduate, or young couple just starting out: the best time to build wise financial habits is now. Begin with a plan. Learn from mentors. Avoid debt. Save for emergencies. Give generously. Invest consistently. Talk honestly. And let Scripture shape how you think about money.After all, financial wisdom isn't just about building wealth—it's about building a life that reflects the heart of God.On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:I'm 70 years old and have $112,000 in my checking account. I'm about to retire and unsure what to do with this money. Should I pay off my $110,000 mortgage or use the funds for home repairs and a new car?Resources Mentioned:Faithful Steward: FaithFi's New Quarterly MagazineCrossmark Global InvestmentsMoney, Possessions, and Eternity: A Comprehensive Guide to What the Bible Says about Financial Stewardship, Generosity, Materialism, Retirement, Financial Planning, Gambling, Debt, and More by Randy AlcornThe Treasure Principle: Unlocking the Secret of Joyful Giving by Randy AlcornWisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money (Pre-Order)Look At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and AnxietyRich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich FoolFind a Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA) or Certified Christian Financial Counselor (CertCFC)FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions most days at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on the Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. Visit our website at FaithFi.com where you can join the FaithFi Community and give as we expand our outreach.