Ep. 31: Technology and Prayer, with Matthew Potter

Faith Ventures welcomes Matthew Potter, co-founder of Pray.com, to explore the intersection of faith, technology, and entrepreneurship. They delve into the intricate journey behind the seemingly "overnight success" of Pray.com, which took nearly eight years to materialize, and how unconventional beginnings and innovative approaches fueled its growth. Matthew shares his compelling backstory, highlighting formative experiences with tech icon Steve Jobs and prior entrepreneurial ventures like HomeStack before founding Pray.com. The conversation emphasizes Pray.com's mission to create a legacy of helping others, focusing on expanding access to mental and spiritual health resources and deepening the global reach of Christian content. Listeners will gain insights into the meticulous research process that involved engaging thousands of religious leaders and congregants to understand their needs, leading to a robust platform that today boasts 152 million shares, 17 million downloads, and over 2.5 billion listening minutes. They’ll also hear about the app’s user-centered design, tools like the "mom test" for genuine feedback, and the drive to integrate technology for enhancing faith practices—particularly critical in regions with restricted access to religious content. Norman and Matthew also touch on the integration of scientific research in app development, the significance of building a strong company culture, and the ongoing challenge of balancing mission with profitable and purposeful growth. Tune in for an inspiring and informative episode, plus a special offer at the end!