Men Pursuing More

"One Weekend. One Decision. A Whole New Direction." In this inspiring episode 25 of Men Pursuing More, we welcome entrepreneur and life insurance specialist Scott Zimmerman to the podcast. Scott shares his incredible journey growing up in California, reflecting on the highlights, challenges, and lessons learned.  He takes us back to his early days working as a custodian, the life-changing connecti...

“Where Passion meets Purpose—Story of Faith and Leadership”   In this Episode 24 of Men Pursuing More, we sit down with Davey Collins, a proud Eastview High School alum who grew up in Apple Valley, Minnesota.  With a father who served as a music pastor, Davey was immersed in ministry from a young age and felt an early call to serve. Davey also walks us through his transition from intern to youth p...

"Radio Roots, Faith-Fueled Leadership, Hometown Impact" In this Episode 23 of Men Pursuing More, we sit down with Mayor Jimmy Francis—a man whose life has been shaped by deep roots, a resilient spirit, and an unwavering commitment to community. Growing up as the 10th of 11 children—and the 7th son—in South St. Paul, Jimmy shares vivid memories of a bustling household filled with joy, grit, and val...

"Resilience, Coaching, and Calling Aligned" In this episode 22 of Men Pursuing More, Rudy Rodriguez shares his journey from growing up on the south side of Milwaukee to becoming a Special Education teacher and varsity baseball coach at Eastview High School. Rudy opens up about his childhood—attending a Spanish immersion school, navigating life with divorced parents, and finding his early love for...

"From Bodybuilding to Purpose-Driven Coaching" In this episode 21 of Men Pursuing More, Major Chumley III shares his journey from Minneapolis to Apple Valley, navigating challenges in a new environment before excelling in college and bodybuilding. He reflects on winning Mr. Minnesota 2016, his transition into fitness coaching, and his passion for helping others achieve lasting health. Major found...

“From Small-Town Roots to Kingdom Impact: Darin Eubanks on Faith, Family, and Purpose.” In this episode 20 of Men Pursuing More, we hear about Darin Eubanks' life growing up in a small town in SW Kansas. He discusses some of the struggles he had living in a divorced family and the lessons he learned from some of the difficult times he experienced. After going into sports journalism in college, Dar...

"Overcoming, Thriving, Leading" In this episode 19 of Men Pursuing More, Kyle Luebeck shares his journey from growing up in Braham, MN, excelling in a successful basketball program, and facing challenges like the sale of his family farm. He discusses his decision to play basketball at St. Olaf, the highs and lows of that experience, and his transition to Winona State, where he camped by the Missis...

"Faith, Family, and Finishing Well: Perry Laures on His Father’s Enduring Influence." In this deeply moving episode 18 of Men Pursuing More, Perry Laures opens up about the profound impact his father, Vern Laures, had on his life. As a proud son, Perry reflects on the values of faith, family, and service that shaped both his father’s journey and his own. From growing up in the heart of New Hampton...

“From the court to the community—faith, family, and the pursuit of purpose." In Episode 17 of Men Pursuing More, Dan Corley shares his journey from the rinks of Canada to the basketball courts of Minnesota is a story of resilience and transformation. Thinking he could juggle both hockey and basketball in the same season, Dan quickly faced reality after moving to Rosemount, MN. He shares his first...

“Survivor. Warrior. Faith in Action.” In episode 16 of Men Pursuing More, we sit down with Mitchell Kieffer, a retired U.S. Air Force Captain, Purple Heart recipient, and two-time Ultimate Champion of the Warrior Games. After surviving a devastating IED blast and battling traumatic brain injury and 10 broken vertebraes, Mitchell went on to compete in the Invictus Games and was Coach/Captain of the...

God’s Divine Intervention: From Struggles to Strength What happens when God steps in and completely transforms a life? In this inspiring episode 15 of Men Pursuing More, Chris Huerta shares his powerful testimony of redemption, faith, and perseverance. Growing up in Waukesha, Wisconsin, Chris excelled in sports and played football at Carthage College, but his life took a dark turn with struggles i...

"From the South Side of Chicago to a Life of Faith, Mentorship, and Redemption" In episode 14 of Men Pursuing More, Earl Williams shares his raw and inspiring journey from the South Side of Chicago to a life dedicated to faith and mentorship. Growing up in an environment where survival was the priority, he faced the daily struggles of taking the city bus to school, dealing with an alcoholic father...

"From Brokenness to Breakthrough—Restoring Marriages Through Faith and Grace."   Neil Turner’s journey is one of redemption, resilience, and faith. Married at 21, he faced life-altering challenges at 25, leading to deep personal and relational struggles. Amidst the fallout, Neil and his wife encountered hardships in their marriage, but through the unwavering support of a faith-driven community and...

"From Functional Alcoholic to Faithful Believer”     In this episode 12 of Men Pursuing More, we dive into the story of Paul Glaser who grew up in Two Rivers, Wisconsin and involved in high school sports and following Wisconsin professional and college sports teams and pursuing civil engineering at the University of Wisconsin. Amid the college parties and a lifestyle that led him to identify as an...

"From the wrestling ring to high school hallways—one man’s journey of grit, growth, and guiding young lives." In episode 11 of Men Pursuing More, we explore Chad Harris incredible journey of a man shaped by resilience, tough decisions, and an unwavering commitment to mentoring youth. From enduring a concussion at a young age that impacted memory and communication skills, to facing a life-altering...

 “Faith-driven leadership, resilience, lifelong mentorship, and a passion for empowering others” In episode 10 of Men Pursuing More, Omar McMillan shares his inspiring journey of resilience, faith, and leadership. Growing up in Milwaukee, Omar experienced both challenges and triumphs that shaped his character. From enduring 40-minute city bus rides to high school and living in low-income housing t...

"Truth, Work Ethic, Community, Transformation”     Akeen Smith, born in Brooklyn, New York, and raised in St. Paul, Minnesota, is a man shaped by life's highs and lows—an athlete who faced the consequences of bad decisions, including a year in prison.  Now a devoted father of four, Akeen is a man of truth who credits his transformation to God and the unwavering support of a strong community. He’s...

“Overcoming, Family support, Bonds built through hoops"   In this episode of Men Pursuing More, we dive into a story of resilience, faith, and the power of positivity. Ed Cassidy shares how a great attitude and a loving family provided strength during life’s toughest challenges, including overcoming prostate cancer through faith and countless prayers. As a lifelong athlete who played college baske...

“Faithful Resilience: A Journey of Redemption and Purpose” In this episode, we explore how  Mark Warder’s faith, resilience, and a heart for service have shaped an extraordinary life. From a college athlete surrendering to Christ and overcoming personal struggles to becoming a youth pastor and mission leader in Bolivia and Panama, our guest’s journey is a testament to God’s transformative power. H...

In this episode, Evan Peterson shares his journey from his upbringing in the South where he moved from state to state, to his eventual move to Minnesota. He reflects on how his search for fulfillment through sports and worldly pursuits during high school and college left him empty, leading to crippling depression and anxiety. Evan's turning point came when he shifted his focus from the world to Ch...

In this episode, Bill Halter shares his journey growing up as a sports fanatic kid in Minnesota to navigating the responsibilities and pressures of adulthood. He talks about his professional career that took him from television sports broadcaster, to working in politics, to trying to help start a nonprofit. Bill shares how he's always elevated doing what he's passionate about over pay and good hou...

“Leaving a Lasting Impact”  Meet Cal Baker, a North Carolina native and Hall of Fame track athlete from Moorhead State in Minnesota. Cal’s journey from a decorated collegiate career to mentoring others as a Minority Studies Counselor at his alma mater is a testament to his drive, resilience, and belief in the power of words to inspire change. His athletic discipline shaped a work ethic that carrie...

“Against All Odds”, Jason Kerr’s life exemplifies resilience, faith, and the power of prayer. In 2015, his wife Shannon was critically injured in a car crash and spent 11 weeks in a coma, with doctors giving little hope. Through unwavering prayer, Shannon miraculously recovered, inspiring their family’s journey of healing. In 2024, Jason survived a traumatic brain injury when a falling tree branch...

In this episode, William Jackson takes us on a journey from his upbringing in Oakland, California, where he was raised by a single mother, to his life in Eagan, Minnesota. He shares how his love for sports shaped his high school and college years and how faith and family became his guiding lights. William opens up about overcoming challenges in marriage, raising a child, and facing personal strugg...

In this episode, Anthony Irby Jr. shares his journey from growing up in Madison, Wisconsin, to chasing college basketball dreams and ultimately finding purpose through faith and family. He opens up about overcoming challenges in marriage and other challenges, including hitting rock bottom—“all cashed out and no place to go”—and a pivotal moment inspired by a T.D. Jakes sermon that ignited his rela...