Men Pursuing More

"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 valuable life lessons. He opens up about his decision to attend St. Cloud State and later Brown Institute for broadcasting, diving into the reasons he pursued a life behind the mic. From early days hustling in local radio to packing up and moving to different states for broadcasting jobs, Jimmy’s journey is full of highs, challenges, and moments of growth that ultimately brought him back home to Minnesota.
Jimmy shares stories from his time with various news stations and radio gigs—including on-air experiences, promotions, and behind-the-scenes moments that shaped his career. From being the voice and personality behind community favorites like Basket of Bacon, to serving as a local mascot at countless events, and even appearing on Town Square Cable, his presence became a staple in South St. Paul media. His return home led to a new chapter—serving as Mayor of South St. Paul—while balancing a career at Assured Partners over the past decade. He also opens up about the lifelong impact of the Demontreville Jesuit Retreat, which he’s attended for 29 years, and how it’s deepened his faith, relationships, and leadership journey. This episode is packed with humor, humility, and wisdom from a man whose story reminds us what it means to stay rooted while boldly pursuing more.
 
Follow Jimmy online:
Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimmyjamesfrancis/
Website - https://ilovessp.wordpress.com/
—
 
Follow Roger Maupin online:
 
Website - https://maupincoaching.com/
IG - https://www.instagram.com/rogercmaupin/
FB - https://www.facebook.com/roger.c.maupin
Podcast Produced by: KB PODCASTS
 
Podcast Music: SOUNDSTRIPE

"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 sports with a red baseball bat in hand. Influenced by his father’s own baseball career, Rudy’s passion for the game carried him into two seasons of college ball at Anoka-Ramsey, where he battled through injury before transferring to the University of Minnesota. Though an opportunity to catch for the Gophers didn’t pan out, Rudy found renewed love for the game through Club Baseball and discovered his calling in education.
Rudy talks about how teaching and coaching go hand-in-hand, and how his experience working with Special Olympics athletes helped solidify his desire to impact lives both in the classroom and on the field. He shares how a chance encounter at a job fair led him to District 196, and how he's now thriving as a coach and teacher at Eastview High School.  From the lessons learned in adversity to the joy of mentoring young athletes, Rudy’s story is a powerful reminder of how purpose can be found through perseverance—and how one man’s journey can inspire the next generation to pursue more.
Follow Rudy online:
IG - @rudyrodthethird
 X -  @Rudyrod33
FB - @Rodriguez Rodolfo 
EMAIL - Rudyrod0033@gmail.com 
—
 
Follow Roger Maupin online:
 
Website - https://maupincoaching.com/
IG - https://www.instagram.com/rogercmaupin/
FB - https://www.facebook.com/roger.c.maupin
Podcast Produced by: KB PODCASTS
 
Podcast Music: SOUNDSTRIPE

"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 his true calling in fitness coaching, helping clients not just with physical training but also with deeper health concerns like hormonal imbalances, gut health, and metabolic issues. He explains his approach as a functional coach and how he transitioned to owning an Anytime Fitness gym, creating a space where people can transform their lives through fitness and wellness.
He also discusses the profound impact of his parents’ wisdom and work ethic, as well as his faith in God, which has guided his growth as a leader and coach. Major shares powerful lessons on discipline, resilience, and creating opportunities while staying grounded in purpose.
Tune in for an inspiring conversation on faith, fitness, and personal transformation.
 
Follow Major online:
FB - https://www.facebook.com/major.chumley
IG - https://www.instagram.com/physique_architect/
—
 
Follow Roger Maupin online:
 
Website - https://maupincoaching.com/
IG - https://www.instagram.com/rogercmaupin/
FB - https://www.facebook.com/roger.c.maupin
Podcast Produced by: KB PODCASTS
 
Podcast Music: SOUNDSTRIPE

“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, Darin fell in love with his now wife, Jamie, and started a family at a fairly young age. He currently works as an account manager for an environmental services company and also follows a passion for ministry. He has a heart to build up and encourage the body of Christ and through his podcast, the Kingdom Bringer Podcast, he encourages people in their walk with the Lord. He also produces multiple podcasts, including Men Pursuing More. He currently resides in Wichita, Kansas where he is married to his wife of 22 years and has three daughters, Zoe, Riley and Ashten. 
Follow Darin on social media at:
IG - https://www.instagram.com/darin.eubanks/
FB - https://www.facebook.com/darinkingdombringer
X - https://x.com/kb_podcast
WEBSITE - https://www.kingdombringer.com/
 
—
 
Follow Roger Maupin online:
 
Website - https://maupincoaching.com/
IG - https://www.instagram.com/rogercmaupin/
FB - https://www.facebook.com/roger.c.maupin
Podcast Produced by: KB PODCASTS
 
Podcast Music: SOUNDSTRIPE

"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 Mississippi River to save money while finishing his degree. With just $750 in his pocket, $782 in rent due, and an engagement on the horizon, he navigated the 2008 financial crisis, eventually securing a job and working for a Bloomington firm for nine years. He then took a bold step, gaining full ownership of his financial firm in 2020—closing 97% of discussions in just seven weeks. Through it all, his faith deepened, guiding him through uncertainty and shaping his approach to business and life. Now leading a thriving company, heshares valuable insights on resilience, entrepreneurship, and why listeners should consider a Financial advisor or might consider him as their trusted financial advisor. Tune in for an inspiring conversation!
Follow Kyle online:
Facebook: @luebeckgeislerhammwealthmanagement
 
LinkedIn: Luebeck Geisler Hamm Wealth Management 
—
 
Follow Roger Maupin online:
 
Website - https://maupincoaching.com/
IG - https://www.instagram.com/rogercmaupin/
FB - https://www.facebook.com/roger.c.maupin
Podcast Produced by: KB PODCASTS
 
Podcast Music: SOUNDSTRIPE

"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 to playing football at Iowa State, Perry shares how his father’s lessons—on hard work, resilience, and giving back—guided him through every chapter. His journey isn’t just about career success, but about building a legacy of community and connection that continues to inspire those around him.
Perry’s story is a powerful reminder of how the lessons passed down through generations shape who we are and who we become. As he honors his father’s legacy, listeners are taken on an inspiring journey of what it means to live with purpose, serve others, and lead with integrity. Perry reflects on the importance of legacy, showing that the impact of a life well-lived is measured by the strength of family bonds and the commitment to serve others. Tune in to hear how Perry, fueled by his father’s example, continues to build a life rooted in faith, family, service, and community. 
—
 
Follow Roger Maupin online:
 
Website - https://maupincoaching.com/
IG - https://www.instagram.com/rogercmaupin/
FB - https://www.facebook.com/roger.c.maupin
Podcast Produced by: KB PODCASTS
 
Podcast Music: SOUNDSTRIPE

“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 experiences playing basketball in the U.S., including a pivotal meeting with Coach Steve Bender, who instilled in him the toughness needed to compete at the next level. From there, he takes us through his college journey at UND, Normandale, and Mankato State, the highs and lows of his playing career, and his life-altering decision to marry Heather instead of pursuing professional basketball overseas.
Beyond sports, Dan’s entrepreneurial spirit led him to launch multiple businesses at just 25, navigating both triumphs and setbacks—including the impact of the recession and the challenge of raising a son with a rare liver disease. Through it all, faith became his anchor, guiding him through life’s toughest seasons. He also shares the inspiration behind Hope Fieldhouse, the obstacles he overcame to bring it to life, and the lasting impact it’s making in the community. Dan’s story is a powerful reminder that perseverance, faith, and purpose can shape a lasting legacy.
______________________________
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

“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 All-Air Force Triathlon Team while also overcoming stage 4 melanoma cancer. Through every challenge, he credits God’s divine intervention for guiding his path, strengthening his faith, and giving him the resilience to keep fighting.
Now, as the CEO of Business Leaders Quick Reaction Force LLC, Mitchell is dedicated to helping veteran-owned and service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses succeed. His journey has been featured on ESPN, Fox & Friends, and across multiple national platforms, inspiring others through his testimony of perseverance, faith, and purpose. Speaking on prestigious stages such as the U.S. Olympic Training Center, Air Force Memorial, and Army vs. Air Force football games, Mitchell shares how God’s plan, an unshakable mindset, and a warrior’s spirit have shaped his journey of triumph through resiliency.
Follow Mitchell at:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mitchell-r-kieffer-75a834b  
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mitchell_kieffer_capt/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mitchell.kieffer
Website: www.BusinessLeadersQRF.com
______________________________
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