224: Pt. 1 Breaking the Back of the Poverty Spirit | Gene Newswanger

I have a new friend to introduce to you, Gene Newswanger. Gene is not only a business professor with the nickname “Professor Smiley” (which totally fits once you hear him talk), but he also has this incredible story of deep transformation—going from a conservative Mennonite upbringing to having these wildly beautiful, intimate experiences with God that are totally outside the box… and yet, so full of truth and joy.In our chats,

Gene and I dive into everything from growing up in a tight-knit religious community, to realizing that rules and striving don’t bring freedom—and how one powerful encounter with God completely changed everything for him. He shares what it looked like to step out of “performance Christianity” and into a relationship with God that is full of love, creativity, imagination, and even fun. 

Yes, FUN with God! Who knew?We talk about how our words create our world, how to stay curious and childlike in our spiritual journey, and how faith and trust are so much more than religious concepts—they’re daily, joyful invitations to walk with our Father, full of awe and wonder.So whether you’re feeling stuck in the “try harder” mindset, longing for deeper connection with God, or just curious about what’s possible when we let go of the old and embrace the more—pull up a chair, grab your favorite drink, and join us. I promise you’re going to be smiling right along with us.Let’s go!

BIO:
Gene Newswanger, R.Ph., MBA, is a pharmacist, business professor, and creator of the Freedom Flow framework. 
With decades of experience, Gene (aka “Professor Smiley”) empowers individuals and organizations to overcome scarcity mindsets, embrace abundance, and build connections through relational living.

Gene’s Freedom Flow model utilizes practical, actionable strategies rooted in ancient wisdom and spiritual principles.

A few of Gene’s other passions include, getting a “great deal”, enjoying all things peanut butter and telling really bad “Dad jokes”. Gene lives life abundantly in the Freedom Flow with his amazing wife Joy in rural Pennsylvania. 

HIGHLIGHTS:

1. You grow when you say yes to the uncomfortable.
   Gene opens up by admitting he’s a little nervous being on the show (adorable, right?), but he hits us with this truth bomb: “We expand by our choice.” Growth often means stepping into unfamiliar spaces—and saying yes, even when it’s scary.
   
   
2. He was raised in faith... but it was more “theory” than fire.
   Growing up Mennonite, Gene knew about God, but not with God. It was head knowledge without heart connection—until later, when divine sparks started flying.
   
   
3. His first God moments felt weird—and he ignored them.
   In college, he bumped into Holy Spirit encounters that didn’t fit his box… so he brushed them off. (Relatable much?) Looking back, he sees they were divine breadcrumbs.
   
   
4. Ministry happened...even when he didn’t feel qualified.
   Gene and his family—the adorable “Smiley Crew”—were doing ministry, and one night God just took over. Youth were weeping at the altar, and Gene was like, “Wait, what just happened?” It was a Holy Spirit ambush… in the best way.
   
   
5. He wasn’t seeking an encounter—God showed up anyway.
   Ten years ago, Gene wasn’t striving or hyping anything. He told God, “If I’m not feeling it, I’m not faking it.” That’s exactly when God showed up. No performance, just presence.
   
   
6. Same guy, new dimension.
   His wife noticed it—Gene was still the same man, but now he was walking in a deeper “yes” to God. He wasn’t becoming someone different—he was becoming more of who God made him to be.
   
   
7. From finance guy to faith guy.
   Gene taught financial classes from Dave Ramsey… now he hears God in his dreams. Talk about a shift! His journey moved from spreadsheets and savings to visions, encounters, and Kingdom abund