Purpose Maker

  What happens when all the ingredients are right? What happens when wisdom, knowledge, and a love story come together? You get Elder Piper Brewery, ranked the #3 Best New Brewery by USA Today.   Elder Piper has captured massive critical attention. [They are celebrating their 2 year anniversary this June!] Trace and Eeva Redmond didn't stumble into brewing. They earned it. Over a decade...

What happens when an investigative journalist sets out to disprove Christianity — and the evidence won't let him? In this episode of the Purpose Maker Wisdom & Leadership Podcast, Dr. Wegmann sits down with two of the most respected and influential voices in Christian apologetics: Lee Strobel, the former atheist and journalist behind The Case for Christ, and Mark Mittelberg, evangelist, author...

Today's guest didn't set out to build a business. He set out to build a paddle board for his daughter — a little girl who wanted to feel the water beneath her feet, and wanted it to be real. Made from the earth. Made with intention. What happened next is a masterclass in what we talk about in this show — how Transitions, Identity, and Purpose converge at exactly the right moment to create somethin...

Mary Grace McCaskill, Executive Director of Ann's Nest, joins the Purpose Maker podcast to share how true leadership is built on influence, adding value to others, and developing people to reach their full potential. With more than 20 years leading nonprofit teams and raising millions to support children's hospitals, healthcare, and community initiatives, Mary Grace embodies the principle that lea...

In this captivating episode of the Purpose Maker Podcast, host Dr. Wegmann sits down with award-winning author and fellow northern Michigan resident Chad V. Broughman. Chad's debut novel The Fall of Bellwether; won Historical Fiction Book of the Year! We explore the power of storytelling in uncovering life's deeper meanings, drawing from Chad's experiences as an educator, writer, and family man. C...

In this powerful episode of the Purpose Maker Podcast, host Dr. Wegmann sits down with LT Kegan "Smurf" Gill, USN (Ret.) — a former F/A-18E Super Hornet pilot who survived the fastest ejection in Naval Aviation history at a blistering 695 mph, nearly breaking the sound barrier.  What should have ended his life (and career) instead became the beginning of an extraordinary comeback. After catas...

Join host Dr. Wegmann (Coach MJ) for an enlightening conversation with Brian Wagner, a trailblazing entrepreneur and packaging industry icon with over 40 years of experience. In this episode of "Unpacking Identity and Purpose," Brian shares his journey from co-founding PTIS to leadership roles at powerhouse companies like Sara Lee, Kellogg's, and Burger King. Inducted into the Michigan State Unive...

Join us for an insightful conversation with Jonathan Lee, founder of Jonathan Lee Architects and one of the Midwest’s leading classical architects. Raised as a missionary kid in the Congo, Jonathan earned his Master of Architecture from the University of Michigan, with advanced studies at the Technical University of Vienna. He refined his craft in the New York offices of Charles Warren and Ferguso...

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Ernie Wood, a Detroit-born sailor, veteran, author, and lifelong public servant who has lived a life of service in the truest sense. Raised in the Motor City, Ernie left home at just 17 to join the U.S. Navy, where he would go on to serve 20 proud years before retiring. Twelve of those years were spent aboard three different destroyer ships, standing watc...

Join host Dr. Wegmann on the Purpose Maker podcast as we dive into the inspiring story of Jim Rummer, Michigan's 2023 CTE Administrator of the Year. From expanding a handful of vocational programs into over 20 innovative pathways—like drone tech, lineworker training, and mobile Street STEM—Jim has revolutionized career education in Northern Michigan, empowering thousands of students to discover hi...

Tune into this episode of the Purpose Maker Podcast for "Beyond the Scoreboard: Purpose in Motion," where we sit down with Dennis Starkey—the Petoskey High School basketball legend who dedicated 32 seasons to the court, amassing over 550 wins, hall of fame accolades, and a trail of transformed lives. Dennis sits down and discusses the unyielding drive that fueled his legacy: It's a masterclass in...

Join us on Purpose Maker as we sit down with Joseph W. Shea III, one of the Midwest’s most accomplished trial attorneys. Through the lens of Transitions, Identity, and Purpose, Joe shares his journey from philosophy student to securing record-breaking verdicts like $8.3M in Hamilton County, his identity as an ethical leader honored with the Ohio State Bar Association’s Ritter Award, and his purpos...

In this inspiring episode, Dr. Wegmann sits down with David "DJ" Jones, Executive Director of the Petoskey-Harbor Springs Area Community Foundation, to explore his lifelong journey of service—from his formative childhood to leading impactful community initiatives. Dive into the story behind the Lofts at Lumber Square, a game-changing project addressing northern Michigan’s housing crisis. With over...

Join us for an inspiring episode of Serving Hope, where we sit down with Carrie Klingelsmith, the passionate Executive Director of The Manna Food Project in Harbor Springs, Michigan. In this heartfelt conversation, Carrie shares her journey from recreation and community planning to leading a vital food bank that fights food insecurity across Antrim, Charlevoix, and Emmet counties. Discover how Man...

Join host Dr. Wegmann and John the Butcher for this sizzling 4th of July episode called: Grilling Meats. In this episode, we dive into the art of grilling meat. John shares tips, stories, recipes and laughs about mastering the grill while navigating mid-life. Food is a wonderful way to enjoy the holiday weekend and extra company. From perfecting juicy burgers to embracing the joys of backyard BBQs...

Join me, host Dr. Wegmann on Purpose Maker as we sit down with Ben Manthei, the visionary founder of Redi-Rock International, a global leader in innovative retaining wall systems. A third-generation entrepreneur, Ben’s journey began in 2000 when a simple need for a retaining wall in Northern Michigan sparked a revolutionary idea. From creating massive, machine-set blocks to building a company with...

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Bill McMaster, the heart and soul behind Petoskey, Michigan’s beloved Bill’s Farm Market. For over 40 years, Bill cultivated more than just unique crops—he grew a legacy of community, resilience, and purpose. In this episode, we dive deep into his early years, uncovering the struggles and convictions that shaped his journey, from defying expectations to s...

In this inspiring episode of the Purpose Maker Podcast, host Dr. Wegmann, founder of Purpose Maker, sits down with Peter Manthei, the dynamic owner of Beards Brewery and Director of Investments at Manthei Capital. Based in Petoskey, Michigan, Peter shares his entrepreneurial journey, revealing how he balances leadership, community impact, and personal purpose. Through the lens of the T.I.P. framew...

Join Dr. Wegmann as he speaks with Des Moore, the dynamic founder of an IT empire, as he shares the life principles that fuel his success. In this episode, Dr. Wegmann and Des dive into the intersection of leadership, technology, and purpose, offering actionable insights for entrepreneurs, tech enthusiasts, and anyone striving for balance and impact. From scaling a business to navigating personal...

Internationally known as the “doctor's’ doctor”, Dr. Davis Brockenshire is a graduate from Logan University and has been in private practice for over 20 years. Dr. Brockenshire is a post-graduate instructor in Applied Kinesiology, Naturopathy, Herbal Therapy, Clinical Nutrition, Athletic Injury Management, Pediatrics, Homeopathy, Rehabilitation, and is a Certified Blood Type practitioner. Dr. B is...

Emily Stapleton's health strggles began remarkably early. At just ten years old, she sensed something wasn't right with her body—an intuition that would take years to fully validate. Growing up in a family deeply rooted in traditional medical practices, holistic approaches were dismissed or overlooked entirely. For years, Emily struggled with persistent digestive issues and sleep disturbances, fin...

Join us for an inspiring episode of the Purpose Maker Podcast as we welcome John Stracey, a man whose life is a testament to resilience, passion, and the healing power of music. Hosted by Dr. Wegmann, this episode kicks off with Bob Dylan’s timeless "Blowing in the Wind" setting the tone for a deeply personal and uplifting conversation. John opens up about his journey through chronic back pain, a...

In this episode, Dr. Wegmann sits down with John Marshall the Founder and President of Crooked Tree Capital Advisors to discuss financial wellness in midlife. John holds the prestigious Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation and is a member of the CFA Institute and the CFA Society of West Michigan. John is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ practitioner and is a member of the Financial Planning...

In this powerful episode of Purpose Maker Podcast, I sit down with Father Roman, a young priest whose four years of training in Rome brings unique insight to life's deepest questions. Together, we dive deep into the raw reality of human suffering, the search for purpose, and the transformative power of understanding our true identity. Whether you're questioning your faith, searching for meaning, o...

Host Dr. Wegmann and guest and friend, Dr. Brandon White, take a deep dive into overcoming adversity, the brain-gut connection, functional brain health and purpose. We explore dealing with extreme challenges, how nutraceuticals work and strategies you can in your own life.  Make sure to sign up for the Purpose Maker newsletter @ www.purposemaker.com/newsletter .  Wisdom Programs can be f...