First & Focused – Details, episodes & analysis

Christian music is exploding—and the leaders behind the microphones are shaping more than playlists. In this episode of First and Focused, we sit down with Bill Montgomery, CEO of River Radio Ministries, to explore faith-driven leadership in the rapidly evolving music and broadcast industry.

Recorded inside the studios of 104.9 The River, Bill shares how God prepared him for leadership, how Christian music is reaching younger generations at unprecedented levels, and what it really takes to keep Jesus at the center of a growing media organization. We also talk family life, universal leadership principles, AI-generated Christian artists, and the daily practices that help leaders stay focused on Christ amid constant demands.

Connect with Bill Montgomery: https://www.linkedin.com/in/billmontgomery/

Learn more about 104.9 The River: https://riverradio.com/

Connect with Mark Greaves: https://www.markgreaves.com/

What if your profession became your greatest mission field? In this powerful episode of First and Focused, legendary dental implant pioneer Dr. Duke Heller shares how a lifetime career turned into a platform for bold, personal evangelism.

With over 20,000 dental implants placed and thousands of dentists trained, Dr. Heller reveals how his love for Jesus shaped his work, his family life, and his relentless energy—even approaching 90 years old. We unpack his simple May I Share method for sharing Christ, lessons from his friendship with Zig Ziglar, and what kind of legacy truly lasts when your life is centered on the Gospel.

LINKS: 

Connect with Duke Heller and “May I Share” Ministries: May I Share | Sharing Christ

Connect with Mark Greaves: https://www.markgreaves.com/

How does a financial advisor build one of the fastest-growing firms in the country while putting God first? In this episode of First and Focused, Joe Schmitz shares the mindset, courage, and faith that fueled his rapid rise as a Kingdom-driven leader in finance.

From launching Peak Retirement Planning to becoming a Certified Kingdom Advisor, Joe explains how biblical principles guide his leadership, culture, and client relationships. We talk risk, obedience, influence beyond the office, and what he’s learned about God—and himself—while choosing faith over fear in a volatile financial world.

Connect with Joe Schmitz: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-schmitz-jr/

View Peak Retirement YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@peakretirementplanninginc.  

Connect with Mark Greaves: https://www.markgreaves.com/

What if true healing required more than exercises and prescriptions? In this episode of First and Focused, Doctors of Physical Therapy Kevin Nowacki and Kenton Keeslar share how faith, love, and purpose are transforming health outcomes at Elevate Human Performance.

The founders reveal why they chose to challenge traditional healthcare norms, how faith shapes their approach to rehabilitation, and the stories of healing that wouldn’t have happened in a typical clinic. We explore leadership as business partners, future expansion, and why addressing the spiritual and mental aspects of health leads to lasting transformation.

LINKS: 

Connect with Kevin Nowacki: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinnowacki/

Connect with Kenton Keeslar: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kenton-keeslar-9600a4356/

To learn more about Elevate Human Performance:  https://www.elevateptperformance.com/

Connect with Mark Greaves: https://www.markgreaves.com/