Men Pursuing More

Episode 14 - Earl Williams

"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, and trying to stay on course as a promising athlete. Division I dreams were within reach, but academic struggles forced him to take the junior college route—first at NIACC, then at Emporia College in Kansas, where he played football and found a new purpose in serving his community.
A life-changing moment came when his girlfriend asked, “Who are you?”—a question that made him confront his past and redefine his future. Today, as a part-time campus & church minister, Earl pours his heart into mentoring at-risk youth, using sports to open doors and guide young men toward a better path. Earl’s story is one of resilience, redemption, and the relentless pursuit of purpose.  Join us for an inspiring conversation on overcoming adversity, discovering identity, and the power of giving back.
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Follow Roger Maupin online:
Website - https://maupincoaching.com/
IG - https://www.instagram.com/rogercmaupin/
FB - https://www.facebook.com/roger.c.maupin
Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/rogermaupin
 
Podcast Produced by: KB PODCASTS
Podcast Music: SOUNDSTRIPE

Episode 13 - Neil Turner

"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 a renewed commitment to God, Neil found restoration. An opportunity to serve in ministry at River Valley became a turning point, allowing Neil and his wife to not only heal but also step into a calling—ministering to couples facing their own struggles. Neil’s story is a testament to the power of faith, resilience, and God's grace in turning trials into testimonies.
Follow Neil on social media:
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/neil.turner.984
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/coolioturner/
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Follow Roger Maupin online:
Website - https://maupincoaching.com/
IG - https://www.instagram.com/rogercmaupin/
FB - https://www.facebook.com/roger.c.maupin
Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/rogermaupin
 
Podcast Produced by: KB PODCASTS
Podcast Music: SOUNDSTRIPE

Episode 12 - Paul Glaser

"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 atheist or agnostic, a neighbor's invitation to church planted an unexpected seed and a church that truly taught the Bible and it intrigued him. Years later, that seed grew into a life-changing journey and he shares the transformative impact of a 2017 mission trip, the power of a supportive church community, and how surrounding himself with believers helped him overcome the grip of functional alcoholism. His story is a testament to the profound change that faith, purpose, and intentional relationships can bring.
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Follow Roger Maupin online:
Website - https://maupincoaching.com/
IG - https://www.instagram.com/rogercmaupin/
FB - https://www.facebook.com/roger.c.maupin
Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/rogermaupin
 
Podcast Produced by: KB PODCASTS
Podcast Music: SOUNDSTRIPE

Episode 11 - Chad Harris

"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 decision between pursuing amateur football glory or an intense career in professional wrestling, Chad Harris path is anything but ordinary. With 22 years in pro wrestling and 21 years as a security officer at Eastview High School, he has become a man of truth—serving as a counselor, mentor, advisor, father figure, administrator at times of conflict, and coach for countless adolescents. His story is one of grit, perseverance, and a relentless dedication to uplifting the next generation.
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Follow Roger Maupin online:
Website - https://maupincoaching.com/
IG - https://www.instagram.com/rogercmaupin/
FB - https://www.facebook.com/roger.c.maupin
Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/rogermaupin
 
Podcast Produced by: KB PODCASTS
Podcast Music: SOUNDSTRIPE

Episode 10 - Omar McMillan

 “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 to the pride of his family owning the neighborhood’s first color TV, his childhood was marked by perseverance. When his stepfather passed away from cancer, Omar stepped into a fatherly role to help his family, guided by the unwavering faith and strength of his God-fearing mother, who instilled in him the importance of trusting in God. Initially aspiring to a medical career, he discovered his true calling after a coach recognized his potential to excel as a teacher and coach.
Omar shares his deep appreciation for the mentorship of his former coaches and the enduring relationships he maintains with them, highlighting how their influence shaped his life. He reflects on his transition to the Twin Cities, building a family, and his impactful career as a teacher and coach—from high school and AAU basketball to coaching women’s basketball at Minneapolis Technical Community College and leading Richfield High School as the head boys' coach. 
Check out Omar on Social Media:
X - @HighRichfield
X - @MnDiamondelite1
X - @Omar_mcmillan33
IG - @Omarmac33
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Follow Roger Maupin online:
Website - https://maupincoaching.com/
IG - https://www.instagram.com/rogercmaupin/
FB - https://www.facebook.com/roger.c.maupin
Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/rogermaupin
 
Podcast Produced by: KB PODCASTS
Podcast Music: SOUNDSTRIPE

Episode 9 - Akeen Smith

"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 passionate about speaking hard truths, believing that true friendship means telling people what they need to hear, not just what they want to hear. Akeen emphasizes the importance of health, nutrition, and a relentless work ethic, teaching that life won’t hand you success—you have to earn it. Known as a great connector among men, Akeen inspires through his reliability, refusal to complain, and dedication to uplifting others. His message centers on building a community of people who support, challenge, and speak life into each other.
 
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Follow Roger Maupin online:
Website - https://maupincoaching.com/
IG - https://www.instagram.com/rogercmaupin/
FB - https://www.facebook.com/roger.c.maupin
Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/rogermaupin
 
Podcast Produced by: KB PODCASTS
Podcast Music: SOUNDSTRIPE

Episode 8 - Ed Cassidy

“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 basketball and has continued competing in men’s leagues and tournaments into his 60s, he reflects on the deep relationships and fraternity of men forged over decades on the court.
We explore the life lessons learned as a teacher and coach, including the journey to winning a state championship and numerous state tournament appearances. Hear inspiring stories about the post-game conversations, the bonds built through hoops, and the unwavering belief that shaped his career and personal growth.
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Follow Roger Maupin online:
Website - https://maupincoaching.com/
IG - https://www.instagram.com/rogercmaupin/
FB - https://www.facebook.com/roger.c.maupin
Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/rogermaupin
 
Podcast Produced by: KB PODCASTS
Podcast Music: SOUNDSTRIPE

Episode 7 - Mark Warder

“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.
Hear how a false start in the 400 hurdles at nationals became a platform to share his story of perseverance with audiences across the country. Showing how setbacks can become stepping stones in God’s plan. Now a senior trainer with Pulse, he exemplifies living with intention, serving others, perseverance, and trusting God’s greater plan.
 
Follow Mark at:
FB - https://www.facebook.com/mark.c.warder
IG - https://www.instagram.com/markwarder/
______________________________
Follow Roger Maupin online:
Website - https://maupincoaching.com/
IG - https://www.instagram.com/rogercmaupin/
FB - https://www.facebook.com/roger.c.maupin
Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/rogermaupin
 
Podcast Produced by: KB PODCASTS
Podcast Music: SOUNDSTRIPE
Follow Mark at:
FB - https://www.facebook.com/mark.c.warder
IG - https://www.instagram.com/markwarder/
______________________________
Follow Roger Maupin online:
Website - https://maupincoaching.com/
IG - https://www.instagram.com/rogercmaupin/
FB - https://www.facebook.com/roger.c.maupin
Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/rogermaupin
 
Podcast Produced by: KB PODCASTS
Podcast Music: SOUNDSTRIPE