Phoenix Prosperity Podcast

On this episode of The Phoenix Prosperity Podcast, Tim Fergestad sits down with Pastor Mark Rossman, the senior pastor of Living Water Lutheran Church in North Scottsdale. Mark shares his unexpected journey to ministry, from his early dreams of playing third base for the Pittsburgh Pirates to discovering his calling while working at a church camp.
He opens up about the challenges and rewards of pastoral life, the evolving role of faith communities, and the struggles many churches face in today’s world. From serving as an EMT in New Jersey to leading impactful mission work in Arizona and beyond, Mark’s commitment to stewardship and service shines through.
Listen in as Mark and Tim discuss:
How a last-minute decision led Mark to seminary
The shifting landscape of organized religion and declining church attendance
What it’s really like to be a pastor—the joys, the heartbreaks, and the deep relationships
Ways churches can adapt and grow in an increasingly secular world
The incredible outreach efforts at Living Water Lutheran Church
 
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In this episode of the Phoenix Prosperity Podcast, Tim Fergestad sits down with Chris Brown and Juli Rey, the powerhouse duo behind Wow Remote Teams. Chris, the CTO and partner at Wow, and Juli, the founder, share their journey in building a staffing company that connects Latin American talent with U.S. businesses.
They dive into the challenges and advantages of hiring remote teams, how Wow ensures high-quality talent, and why companies are increasingly turning to Latin America for skilled professionals. Juli also shares how Wow started from a simple idea to solve a friend's hiring problem and quickly grew into a company serving businesses across various industries.
Chris and Juli talk about:
How Wow Remote Teams finds top-tier remote talent in Latin America
The common challenges businesses face with outsourcing and how Wow solves them
The cultural and time zone advantages of hiring from Latin America vs. Asia
Their future plans for growth, including AI integration and real estate investments
What they wish they knew earlier about building wealth and success
---------------------------------------------------- Interested in being part of this? Please visit our guest invitation page where you can learn more and fill out a brief questionnaire to get started: https://phoenixprosperitypodcast.com/guest It’s going to be enlightening and, most importantly, a lot of fun. I’d love for you to be a part of it!

Phoenix is growing, and architect Brian Cassidy has been at the forefront of its urban transformation for decades. As the President and CEO of CCBG Architects and Chairperson of the Phoenix Warehouse District Council, Brian has dedicated his career to shaping a more vibrant, walkable, and sustainable city.
In this episode of the Phoenix Prosperity Podcast, host Tim Fergestad sits down with Brian to explore how Phoenix has evolved from suburban sprawl to a city with a thriving urban core. They dive into topics like:
Why Phoenix is one of the most underdeveloped urban cores in the U.S.
The shift towards mixed-use developments and higher-density housing
The adaptive reuse movement and how old buildings are being repurposed
How walkability, sustainability, and good design impact real estate development
The challenges and rewards of working in architecture and urban planning
Brian also shares his insights into investing in real estate, the impact of rising interest rates, and how his firm helps developers bring projects to life. Whether you're an investor, a developer, or just someone curious about the future of Phoenix, this episode is packed with valuable insights!
 
---------------------------------------------------- Interested in being part of this? Please visit our guest invitation page where you can learn more and fill out a brief questionnaire to get started: https://phoenixprosperitypodcast.com/guest It’s going to be enlightening and, most importantly, a lot of fun. I’d love for you to be a part of it!

Forensic science isn’t just about what you see on TV. In this episode of The Phoenix Prosperity Podcast, Tim Fergestad sits down with Anjali Ranadive—a forensic DNA analyst, attorney, professor, and fitness professional—to discuss her fascinating career at the intersection of science and law.
Anjali shares how a 1970s crime show sparked her passion for forensic science, leading her from biology and DNA analysis to the courtroom as an attorney. She dives into the evolution of forensic DNA testing, the ethical challenges in expert testimony, and her work in post-conviction cases—where science plays a crucial role in justice.
Tim and Anjali also discuss the rapid growth of forensic science education, the reality of job competition, and her high-profile case challenging FBI lab protocols.
In this episode, we cover:
How forensic science has evolved since the early days of DNA testing
The transition from forensic DNA analyst to attorney
The importance of ethics in expert testimony
How forensic experts influence criminal trials and post-conviction cases
Challenges in forensic science education and job placement
A recent case where Anjali’s work exposed flaws in FBI forensic testimony
 
---------------------------------------------------- Interested in being part of this? Please visit our guest invitation page where you can learn more and fill out a brief questionnaire to get started: https://phoenixprosperitypodcast.com/guest It’s going to be enlightening and, most importantly, a lot of fun. I’d love for you to be a part of it!

On this episode of the Phoenix Prosperity Podcast, I sit down with Dan Biswas, a real estate developer and the principal of Urban Phoenix and Drive-Thru Development. Dan shares his journey from landscaping and retail development to building multi-family housing in Phoenix. We talk about the lessons he learned working on 95 development projects in 26 states, the challenges of real estate cycles, and how he pivoted his business when market conditions shifted.
Dan also shares insights into the built-for-rent model, why he enjoys working with city officials to navigate the development process, and his experience with raising capital for projects. Plus, we discuss the Phoenix 2030 Club, a philanthropy group supporting disadvantaged youth, and how Dan’s own life experiences led him to get involved.
In this episode, we cover:
Dan’s journey from landscaping to large-scale development
How he transitioned from retail to multi-family projects
The challenges of real estate development in today’s market
The impact of rising interest rates on new construction
What makes a great real estate investment
How the Phoenix 2030 Club is giving back to the community
---------------------------------------------------- Interested in being part of this? Please visit our guest invitation page where you can learn more and fill out a brief questionnaire to get started: https://phoenixprosperitypodcast.com/guest It’s going to be enlightening and, most importantly, a lot of fun. I’d love for you to be a part of it!

Standardized tests have been debated for years—do they help students, or are they just a hurdle? In this episode of The Phoenix Prosperity Podcast, Tim Fergestad sits down with Andrew Caldwell, CEO of Shmoop, to talk about how his company is changing the game for test prep and education.
Andrew shares the fascinating story of how Shmoop started from a simple YouTube video and grew into a platform helping students nationwide. From SAT and ACT prep to financial literacy and even social-emotional learning, Shmoop offers a unique, humor-filled approach to education. Tim and Andrew discuss why standardized testing isn’t going away, how data-driven learning improves outcomes, and how Shmoop helped Texas and Utah students boost their scores and unlock new opportunities.
They also touch on the importance of adaptive learning, AI’s role in education, and what schools and parents can do to set students up for success. Plus, Andrew reveals a special discount for podcast listeners!
Tune in to learn:
Why humor and engagement are key to better learning outcomes
How a personalized test-prep approach can help students improve scores
Why standardized testing is making a comeback—and what it means for students and schools
How AI is shaping the future of test-taking and essay evaluations
---------------------------------------------------- Interested in being part of this? Please visit our guest invitation page where you can learn more and fill out a brief questionnaire to get started: https://phoenixprosperitypodcast.com/guest It’s going to be enlightening and, most importantly, a lot of fun. I’d love for you to be a part of it!

In this episode of the Phoenix Prosperity Podcast, Tim Fergestad sits down with Paul Zohav, a seasoned chaplain, domestic violence counselor, and marriage coach with over 30 years of experience helping couples build strong, lasting relationships. Paul shares insights from his new book, Marriage and Communication: Recipes for Life, offering practical tools for improving communication, deepening intimacy, and preventing common relationship pitfalls.
Paul introduces simple yet powerful techniques, such as using “Yes, and…” to foster connection and “seems” to avoid unnecessary conflict. He also dives into love languages, personality types, and the importance of responding rather than reacting in conversations. Whether you're newly married or decades into your relationship, these insights will help you create a more fulfilling partnership.
Paul also discusses how these communication strategies can apply in the workplace, helping businesses foster collaboration and reduce conflict.
Key Topics Discussed:
The five gifts of “Yes, and…” for better communication
How the five love languages impact relationships
The role of personality types in understanding your partner
The importance of presence in conversations
How corporate teams can benefit from improved communication
--------------------------------------------------- Interested in being part of this? Please visit our guest invitation page where you can learn more and fill out a brief questionnaire to get started: https://phoenixprosperitypodcast.com/guest It’s going to be enlightening and, most importantly, a lot of fun. I’d love for you to be a part of it!

In this episode of the Phoenix Prosperity Podcast, Tim Fergestad sits down with Kristin Hege, founder and CEO of Convey Communications, a leading PR and communications firm specializing in B2B tech. Kristin shares her journey in the PR industry, how she built her firm into a trusted partner for some of the most innovative software companies, and what it takes to stand out in an increasingly crowded media landscape.
Kristin dives into the challenges of modern PR, from shrinking newsrooms to the rise of influencer relations in B2B. She also offers insights into how growth-stage tech companies can effectively use PR to drive brand awareness, support long sales cycles, and build credibility in their industries.
Beyond her professional work, Kristin discusses her passion for mentoring the next generation of PR professionals, her involvement in industry organizations, and her personal goals for building long-term wealth through real estate investments.
In This Episode, You'll Learn:
How B2B tech companies can leverage PR for growth
The biggest challenges in media relations today
Why thought leadership is key in the tech industry
Kristin’s approach to leadership and company culture
Her personal journey in entrepreneurship and wealth-building
--------------------------------------------------- Interested in being part of this? Please visit our guest invitation page where you can learn more and fill out a brief questionnaire to get started: https://phoenixprosperitypodcast.com/guest It’s going to be enlightening and, most importantly, a lot of fun. I’d love for you to be a part of it!

In this episode of The Phoenix Prosperity Podcast, host Tim Fergestad sits down with Derek Lundsten, President and Chief Culture Officer of Lifeguides. Lifeguides is a unique platform that connects people facing life challenges with mentors who have been through similar experiences. Whether it’s becoming a new parent, transitioning from military to civilian life, or dealing with caregiving responsibilities, Lifeguides offers a human-centered approach to support and guidance.
Derek shares the inspiration behind Lifeguides and how the company is filling the gap left by traditional support systems. He discusses the platform’s peer-to-peer model, the role of technology in creating meaningful human connections, and the impact of intentional community-building.
Tim and Derek also explore how Phoenix has become a hub for Lifeguides and why it’s an ideal place to foster innovation and conscious leadership. Derek opens up about the challenges of growing the company, the lessons he’s learned as an entrepreneur, and Lifeguides’ ambitious vision to positively impact a billion people worldwide.
In this episode, you'll learn:✅ How Lifeguides is creating a world where no one navigates life alone✅ The power of peer mentorship in overcoming life’s challenges✅ Why Phoenix is a growing hub for innovation and conscious leadership✅ How Lifeguides balances technology with real human connection✅ Derek’s personal journey as an entrepreneur and what success looks like for him
Whether you're an entrepreneur, a leader looking to support your team, or simply someone seeking guidance from those who’ve walked your path, this episode is packed with insights and inspiration.
 
---------------------------------------------------- Interested in being part of this? Please visit our guest invitation page where you can learn more and fill out a brief questionnaire to get started: https://phoenixprosperitypodcast.com/guest It’s going to be enlightening and, most importantly, a lot of fun. I’d love for you to be a part of it!

In this episode of the Phoenix Prosperity Podcast, host Tim Fergestad sits down with Joshua Offenhartz, managing partner at Kahana Feld in Arizona. Joshua brings a wealth of experience in legal strategy, helping businesses navigate challenges from incorporation to litigation.
He shares insights on the common legal pitfalls entrepreneurs face, the importance of proactive legal planning, and how businesses can protect themselves from unnecessary disputes. Joshua also discusses how the legal industry is evolving with technology and what the future holds for firms like Kahana Feld.
In this episode, we discuss:
How Joshua helps businesses of all sizes with legal strategy
Common legal mistakes entrepreneurs make (and how to avoid them)
Why lawsuits are inevitable for successful businesses—and how to manage them
The impact of AI and technology on the legal industry
Joshua’s approach to investing and financial planning
 
---------------------------------------------------- Interested in being part of this? Please visit our guest invitation page where you can learn more and fill out a brief questionnaire to get started: https://phoenixprosperitypodcast.com/guest It’s going to be enlightening and, most importantly, a lot of fun. I’d love for you to be a part of it!