Applied Generosity

Cody Hobelmann and Kealan Hobelmann
  • 5.0 (3)
  • CHRISTIANITY
  • WEEKLY SERIES

Whether you are just launching your journey in generosity or are a seasoned giver with decades of experience, we want to take you to frontiers of the generous life that you’ve never seen before. There are numerous books, podcasts, and resources available for those who have yet to take the plunge into generosity. This podcast is for those who are already on the path. We’ve spent over 200 hours with some of the world’s most experienced givers and deepest thinkers in nearly every realm of generosity. This has included pastors, financial advisors, radically generous givers, influential authors, professional speakers, entrepreneurs, philanthropy consultants, CEOs, impact investors, and nonprofit leaders. We’ve built on their experience to chart out just how far the generous life can go in every direction. In this podcast, we’ll explore the 7 major dimensions of generosity, including: Motivation: What fuels your desire to give? Domain: What target areas form the focus of your giving? Intervention: How do you engage with your giving domains? Allocation: How much do you give and keep? Flow: How and when do your resources flow to others? Investing: How does generosity affect the resources you keep? Mobilization: How do you encourage generosity in those around you? We hope this journey opens up entirely new worlds for you to explore.

  1. EPISODE 1

    Intro to Applied Generosity

    What if generosity is not just something we do—but one of the primary ways God forms who we are becoming? Welcome to the Applied Generosity Podcast. This space exists to explore generosity not as a formula, but as a lifelong journey of formation. We believe generosity shapes what we trust, loosens what we cling to, deepens our love for others, and slowly teaches us to see God more clearly in everyday life. In this podcast, we walk the generous life together. While each of us travels a unique path, we share a common landscape—a shared map shaped by Scripture, wisdom, and the experiences of givers who have gone before us. The terrain is familiar, but the paths are personal. No two journeys look exactly the same, and that’s not a flaw—it’s part of the design. In this introduction, we explore: Why generosity is deeply formational, not just transactional A shared map of generosity with many faithful paths How honest questions and real tensions help us discern next steps Learning from well-worn paths without forcing a single route Walking together with humility, openness, and trust This is a place to grow, to be formed, and to keep responding with trust. We don’t have it all figured out—but we’re grateful to walk this landscape together, each taking the next faithful step forward.

    10 min
  2. Motivation Part 1 | Intro to Motivation

    EPISODE 2

    Motivation Part 1 | Intro to Motivation

    Why do we give? In this episode, we begin exploring the first of seven dimensions of a generous life: Motivation. We introduce a framework built around six core motivations we’ve seen again and again in conversations with givers of all kinds. Each one reflects a different starting point—but together, they help us grow into a more complete vision of generosity. Relational Givers give to build connection. For these givers, generosity is about people, community, and shared mission. Joyful Givers give because it brings them life. They see generosity as a celebration—and it’s contagious. Faithful Stewards give to grow in intimacy with the Spirit. Their generosity is rooted in obedience, trust, and surrender. Compassion Givers give to meet urgent need. These givers are moved by suffering and drawn to respond. Impact Givers give to make a difference. Impact givers think in high-yield outcomes and long-term change. Strategists give to mobilize resources. Strategists look for leverage, asking how every dollar can be multiplied and aligned for maximum effect. Each profile reflects a unique doorway into generosity—and together, they point toward a fuller, more integrated vision of giving with all your heart, soul, and mind. This episode will help you identify your natural starting point, recognize where you’re growing, and see what might be next on your journey.

    9 min
  3. Motivation Part 2 | The Heart Motivations

    EPISODE 3

    Motivation Part 2 | The Heart Motivations

    What makes generosity so deeply contagious? In this episode, we explore the heart givers—the first of three broader categories that help explain how and why people give. These givers are marked by warmth, collaboration, and joy, and they often draw others into the generous life by sheer presence and invitation. We focus on two powerful motivation profiles: Relational Givers – Motivated by people and partnership. These givers are energized by shared mission, collaboration, and helping others flourish. They draw people together and bring out the best in those they partner with and give alongside. Joyful Givers – Motivated by delight in the act of giving. For them, generosity is deeply life-giving and resilient, often expressed through spontaneity and freedom. Their joy is magnetic—and often the spark that gets others asking deeper questions. We also cover several cautions—the potential blind spots that can arise when givers stay only within their comfort zones. And we explore how pairing these motivations with others can deepen your impact and keep your giving strong for the long haul. If you identify as a heart giver, your generosity is a breath of life—uplifting, joyful, and deeply encouraging to those around you. Your light doesn’t just bless others—it has the power to inspire and awaken generosity in those who witness it.

    10 min
  4. Motivation Part 3 | The Soul Motivations

    EPISODE 4

    Motivation Part 3 | The Soul Motivations

    What happens when generosity flows from deep conviction? In this episode, we explore the soul givers—those whose generosity is rooted in a deep spiritual foundation. These individuals are driven by obedience, connection to the Spirit, and a profound desire to reflect God’s heart through their giving. Their posture is one of surrender, sacrifice, and steadfast faithfulness, often giving in ways that go far beyond their finances. We focus on two distinct profiles: Faithful Stewards – Motivated by obedience and responsibility. These givers are guided by the Word and Spirit, committed to consistent giving through every season. What often begins as simple acts of discipline can lead to radical generosity fueled by trust in God’s provision. Compassion Givers – Motivated by love for those who suffer. Often shaped by personal pain or powerful moments of empathy, these givers are drawn toward causes that feel deeply personal. They invest their whole selves—time, talent, and treasure—into specific missions where they feel called to stand in the gap. We also look honestly at some of the cautions that come with these motivations. But these challenges are met with wisdom and strength when other motivations are integrated over time. If you identify as a soul giver, you’re part of the spiritual backbone of the generosity movement. Your faithfulness, empathy, and willingness to sacrifice reflect God’s character in powerful ways.

    8 min
  5. Motivation Part 4 | The Head Motivations

    EPISODE 5

    Motivation Part 4 | The Head Motivations

    What lies at the intersection of generosity, leverage, and intentionality? In this episode, we explore the final two giving motivations: Impact Givers and Strategists. These givers approach generosity with their minds fully engaged—bringing focus, intentionality, and a strong desire to see resources make a measurable difference. We focus on two head-driven profiles: Impact Givers – Motivated by effectiveness and measurable outcomes. These givers want to know their gifts are truly making a difference. They are drawn to data, research, and scalable solutions—often thinking big and aiming for root-level change. Their generosity can produce extraordinary fruit, and their thoughtful approach often raises the bar for others. Strategists – Motivated by resource mobilization. Strategists are energized by finding creative ways to unlock and deploy more dollars for Kingdom purposes. Many come from marketplace backgrounds and thrive on multiplying impact through smart structures, tools, and partnerships. They often serve behind the scenes to help others give more than they thought possible. We also explore some of the common pitfalls for head givers—but each one can be wisely navigated by drawing from the strengths of the other motivations. When head, heart, and soul come together, generosity becomes far more holistic and life-giving. If you identify as a head giver, your presence is vital to the generosity movement. You help us ask the right questions, aim for excellence, and ensure that every gift can go as far as possible.

    8 min
  6. Motivation Part 5 | Bringing It All Together

    EPISODE 6

    Motivation Part 5 | Bringing It All Together

    What happens when all six giving motivations begin working together in your life? In this final episode of our Motivation series, we step back to see the big picture. Each of the six motivations—relationships, joy, faithfulness, compassion, impact, and strategy—shape our generosity in unique ways. But when we integrate them all, our giving becomes deeper, more intentional, and more effective. The remaining six dimensions of the Applied Generosity framework will draw each profile out more fully, showing where they naturally thrive and where they stretch us toward maturity. Relational Givers — Thrive in supporting the local body of Christ, and in Mobilization, where generosity is multiplied by drawing others into the journey. Joyful Givers — Flourish in everyday generosity, where spontaneous acts of kindness take center stage, in responsive Allocation patterns that release resources freely, and in anonymous giving, where the act itself becomes a source of delight. Faithful Stewards — Connect deeply with a surrendered posture of Allocation, and with milestone giving, those rare, once-in-a-lifetime gifts that mark seasons of sacrifice and obedience. Compassion Givers — Find a natural home in Domains that engage suffering and brokenness and advance the good news of the gospel. Impact Givers — Come into their own in Intervention, the dimension that asks how we engage problems effectively and evaluate outcomes for lasting change. Strategists — Excel in Allocation through tools like giving goals, in Flow through creative tax-advantaged strategies, and in Investing, where financial acumen is harnessed to multiply kingdom resources. As the remaining six dimensions unfold, you’ll see how each motivation is woven into the larger story of generosity. Lean into the ones that feel less natural and you’ll discover entire realms where your generosity can deepen and expand.

    9 min
  7. Domain Part 1 | Intro to Domain

    EPISODE 7

    Domain Part 1 | Intro to Domain

    What focus areas define our giving? In this series, we continue our journey through the seven dimensions of the Applied Generosity Framework by introducing the second dimension: Domain. Building on the foundation of Motivation, we explore how the focus areas of our giving powerfully transform our hearts and faith. We introduce the four core domains, each offering unique ways generosity shapes us and draws us into God’s story: A Community: This refers to our local church—the people we interact with regularly. Giving here fosters unity, mutual commitment, and a sense of family within the body of Christ. A Conversation: Led by ongoing dialogue with the Holy Spirit, this domain is about everyday generosity. It’s learning to recognize His voice and respond to the nudges and opportunities that arise daily all around us. A Commandment: Rooted in the Great Commandment to love God and love our neighbor, this domain focuses on restoring the deep brokenness of a fallen world—responding to suffering and injustice among those who cannot help themselves. A Commission: Centered on the Great Commission, this domain invites us to engage in advancing the gospel, making disciples, and participating in God’s greater story of redemption. Each domain is a distinct invitation, forming a different part of how God shapes us through our giving. And while we may be more drawn to one domain than another, our growth comes when we’re willing to explore beyond the familiar. Some areas will resonate immediately—places where generosity already feels natural and energizing. Others may feel distant or even uncomfortable. But often, it’s in those unfamiliar places that the Holy Spirit does His deepest work in us. This episode sets the foundation for the series, where we’ll take a closer look at each domain one by one. Along the way, we’ll discover new doors God may be inviting us to walk through—doors that deepen our faith, stretch our imagination, and expand our experience of what generosity can become.

    11 min
  8. Domain Part 2 | A Community—the Local Church

    EPISODE 8

    Domain Part 2 | A Community—the Local Church

    How does generosity shape our connection to the local church? In this episode, we begin exploring the first of four domains in the Applied Generosity Framework: Community. This domain centers on the people we worship with, share meals with, serve alongside, and do life with—our local expression of the body of Christ. We consider how giving in this domain helps foster unity, build trust, and deepen our sense of spiritual family. For many, this is the first place generosity takes root—supporting full-time ministry, responding to tangible needs, and stepping into the kind of shared life described in Acts. Together, we reflect on how generosity moves beyond the offering plate and into the lives of real people—living and giving in such a way that “there was not a needy person among them.” We also introduce a growth progression to help you reflect on how you currently engage with this domain, and where God might be inviting you next: Nomad: You float between communities or attend occasionally, without deeper connection or commitment. Visitor: You're exploring a church but haven’t yet formed relational or spiritual ties. Member: You’ve put down roots, begun giving, and are contributing to the life of the church. Neighbor: You’re aware of needs, investing in relationships, and beginning to sacrifice for others. Family: You’re sharing meals, bearing burdens, and choosing to love others through their imperfections. Koinonia: This Greek word describes the early Acts church—a radical, Spirit-formed community where lives, resources, and mission are held in common. This episode is a call to press deeper—not just into church attendance, but into a kind of spiritual kinship. One where generosity isn’t just transactional, but transformative. And where giving draws us into communion with Christ and each other.

    15 min
See All Season 1 (33)

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Whether you are just launching your journey in generosity or are a seasoned giver with decades of experience, we want to take you to frontiers of the generous life that you’ve never seen before. There are numerous books, podcasts, and resources available for those who have yet to take the plunge into generosity. This podcast is for those who are already on the path. We’ve spent over 200 hours with some of the world’s most experienced givers and deepest thinkers in nearly every realm of generosity. This has included pastors, financial advisors, radically generous givers, influential authors, professional speakers, entrepreneurs, philanthropy consultants, CEOs, impact investors, and nonprofit leaders. We’ve built on their experience to chart out just how far the generous life can go in every direction. In this podcast, we’ll explore the 7 major dimensions of generosity, including: Motivation: What fuels your desire to give? Domain: What target areas form the focus of your giving? Intervention: How do you engage with your giving domains? Allocation: How much do you give and keep? Flow: How and when do your resources flow to others? Investing: How does generosity affect the resources you keep? Mobilization: How do you encourage generosity in those around you? We hope this journey opens up entirely new worlds for you to explore.

Information

  • Creator
    Cody Hobelmann and Kealan Hobelmann
  • Episodes
    33
  • Seasons
    1
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Applied Generosity