Hype Pod - The Hype Network Podcast

Adam Smallcombe, Ben Lee

Conversations from the Hype Network; Business innovation, technology, and current events from a faith-filled perspective.

  1. 09/03/2025

    [Ep 57] AI, Faith & The Human Edge with Bobby Johnson

    In this episode of The Hype Pod, we sit down with Pastor Bobby Johnson—AI/ML strategist, product leader, husband, father, and lead pastor of Vive Church Oakland—whose journey bridges Silicon Valley innovation and Kingdom impact.  Bobby shares how a season of job loss pushed him to dive deep into product management and AI, and how early adoption of tools like ChatGPT reshaped the way he thought about work, creativity, and leadership. We talk about the rise of AI agents and even superintelligence, what it means for critical thinking, parenting, and discipleship, and why context, prayer, and creativity are still irreplaceable in a tech-driven age.  Whether he’s consulting companies on integrating AI, mentoring teams, or preaching in Oakland, Bobby brings wisdom on staying grounded in faith while navigating disruptive change. He reminds us that while technology can accelerate our abilities, it’s our foundation in Christ that shapes our identity, our calling, and our impact.  This is a conversation filled with insight for entrepreneurs, leaders, parents, and believers ready to embrace the future without losing what matters most. -- 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hypenetwork_  💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-hype-network/  🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7wb9HtgbtxAFf658CIo8uR?si=b86efc30d2924617 📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheHyPeNetwork Questions or feedback? info@hypenetwork.org

    58 min
  2. 08/20/2025

    Resilience, Calling & Kingdom Impact with Pastor Alen Yaghoubi

    In this episode of The Hype Pod, we sit down with Pastor Alan Yaghoubi, a forensic psychologist, San Jose State professor, and church pastor whose life is a powerful example of beating the odds. As a child, he was placed in special education and told he’d never make it to college. Today, he holds a doctorate and works with everyone from inmates to law enforcement. Alan shares the hurtful words from a teacher that almost shaped his future, the unexpected moment that set him on the path to college, and the prayer that changed the direction of his life. We talk about his deep interest in understanding what makes people think and act the way they do, from the criminal mind to the schemes of the enemy, and how modern psychology often aligns with biblical truth. Whether he’s evaluating prison inmates, mentoring students, or preaching on spiritual warfare, Pastor Alan offers practical wisdom on identity, breaking free from lies, and living with eternal impact. You’re one connection from your breakthrough. This is a conversation filled with insight for entrepreneurs, leaders, and anyone ready to close the gap between their potential and their purpose. --📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hypenetwork_  💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-hype-network/  🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7wb9Htg...  📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thehypenetworkQuestions or feedback? info@hypenetwork.org

    1h 21m
  3. 07/23/2025

    Building a Legacy Through Faith and Resilience with Luis Ponce

    In this powerful episode of The Hype Pod, we sit down with Pastor Luis Ponce, a man whose journey from childhood hustle to commercial painting CEO to pastor is anything but ordinary.  Luis shares how selling candy on the playground sparked his entrepreneurial fire, how working in the family business prepared him to launch his own, and how God’s hand was evident every step of the way. But this isn't just a business story, it's a faith story.  We dive deep into how Luis overcame adversity, built a thriving company with excellence and integrity, and now pours that same passion into ministry. He opens up about leading with faith in the workplace, stewarding teams, and why legacy matters more than success.  Whether you're building a business, leading a ministry, or figuring out your next step—this episode is packed with wisdom, grit, and godly perspective. --Like what you’re seeing so far? Check out our website for ways to get involved, find a cohort, and a community to walk alongside you in this faith entrepreneurship journey. Online or in person find your breakthrough community today. https://www.hypenetwork.org/---📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hypenetwork_/💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-hype-network/🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7wb9HtgbtxAFf658CIo8uR?si=3c72b85c549d42e4📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheHypeNetwork Questions or feedback? info@hypenetwork.org

    45 min
  4. 06/06/2025

    Tech Executive to Ministry with Erik Fortin

    In this powerful episode of The Hype Pod, we sit down with Erik Forton, the new COO of Vive Church, whose story weaves together Silicon Valley success, deep personal transformation, and radical obedience to God’s call.  Erik shares how he went from nearly becoming a police officer to joining Facebook as employee #180, helping launch their Austin office, and leading at companies like Square, Dropbox, Uber, and Ramp. But it wasn’t just a journey of tech milestones — it was also one of spiritual reawakening.  From funemployed at HypeCon to stepping into what he calls his “dream shot,” Erik unpacks how his seasons of doubt, transition, and growth were all preparation for ministry. He opens up about his faith journey, how God used a single Hype encounter to re-ignite his confidence, and why bringing operational excellence to the Church matters more now than ever.  Whether you're in tech, ministry, or somewhere in between, this episode will challenge you to think bigger about calling, purpose, and legacy. Links:Amen Conference (https://amenexperience.com/)Hype Network (https://www.hypenetwork.org/)VIVE Church (https://www.vivechurch.org)Vest Fund (https://vestfund.org/) ---Each episode of the HYPE POD is a Hype Network conversation about innovation, technology, and other market trends from a faith-filled perspective. Some are from our LIVE events [Hype Sessions], and some are off-the-cuff between Adam Smallcombe, Vance Roush, Arun Koshy and Katrina Macaraeg. We hope these conversations fuel innovative ideas and give you the confidence to continue building with kingdom principles. Recorded at Overflow Studios, Silicon Valley Questions or feedback?podcast@hypenetwork.orgwww.hypenetwork.org The Hype Network is a growing global community of kingdom-minded industry experts, bold investors, tenacious entrepreneurs, thought leaders, ministry innovators, and faith-based disruptors. We gather in person and digitally to connect, create and collaborate to make a lasting impact on the people and industries we lead - the goal is innovative ministry acceleration.

    42 min

Ratings & Reviews

4.8
out of 5
11 Ratings

About

Conversations from the Hype Network; Business innovation, technology, and current events from a faith-filled perspective.