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Purpose Maker

by Dr. MJ Wegmann

Conversations with thought leaders, entrepreneurs, and authors on wisdom, leadership, faith and living on purpose.Through L.I.F.E. Golden Ticket — and the TIP Methodology (Transitions, Identity, and Purpose) — each episode unpacks how remarkable people navigate change, lead with integrity, and create meaning by serving others. Honest dialogue for anyone building a business, a team, or a life that matters. Welcome to the Purpose Maker conversation.

Publisher-supplied feed metadata · PodParley refreshed Oct 9, 2026 · Source feed

Episodes

  1. Nick Twomey: Biglife’s Blueprint for True Kingdom Impact #31

    Welcome back to Purpose Maker. Today, we’re diving into what it actually takes to move from maintaining a ministry to sparking an unstoppable movement. My guest today spent nearly four decades in traditional pastoral ministry right here in Michigan, planting roots, building community, and leading...

  2. Dare To Serve, Author & CEO Cheryl Bachelder | Purpose Maker Podcast #30

    Can putting others first actually deliver world-class financial results? In this episode of the Purpose Maker Podcast, host Dr. Michael Wegmann sits down with legendary restaurant executive, author, and board director Cheryl Bachelder. When Cheryl took the helm as CEO of Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen...

  3. AI, Identity, and the Search for What's True - Abdu Murray | Purpose Maker Podcast #29

    What Happens When AI Starts Answering "Who Am I?" — with Abdu Murray In a culture where technology and ideology are both racing to redefine what it means to be human, how do we hold onto a stable sense of identity and a purpose that actually means something? In this episode of Purpose Maker...

  4. John Burke: The Truth of Eternal Identity | Purpose Maker Podcast #28

    What happens to our identity when this life ends — and how should that truth shape the way we live right now? In this episode, I sit down with John Burke, founder of Gateway Church in Austin and New York Times bestselling author of Imagine Heaven, for a conversation that goes straight to the…

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  5. Jake Manthei: Concrete Ways | Purpose Maker Podcast #27

    Concrete Ways is a conversation about building things that matter — businesses, families, and lives with purpose at the foundation. Host Dr. Wegmann sits down with entrepreneurs, leaders, and builders who've learned that real growth isn't about maximizing the bottom line, it's about creating...

  6. Eeva Redmond: Elder Piper [USA Today #3 Best New Brewery] Purpose Maker Podcast #26

    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...

  7. Faith and Evidence #25

    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…

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  8. #24 Against The Grain

    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…

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  9. #23 Building A Nest

    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...

  10. #22 Redemption's Purpose

    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...

  11. #21 Phoenix Revival

    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...

  12. #20 Unpacking Identity & Purpose

    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...

  13. #19 Beauty & Purpose

    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...

  14. #18 Mid-life Mission; 12 Step Guide to Meaning

    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...

  15. #17 Purpose Built; Architect of the Future

    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…

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  16. #16 Beyond the Scoreboard; Purpose in Motion

    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...

  17. #15 Verdicts and Values; The Purpose Driven Career

    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...

  18. #14 Building Community Through Purpose

    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...

  19. #13 Serving Hope; Manna's Recipe for Purpose

    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…

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  20. #12 Grilling Meats - 4th of July

    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...

  21. #11 Concrete Vision - Building Blocks of Purpose

    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...

  22. #10 Lessons From the Land; Roots, Legacy & Purpose

    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...

  23. #9 Crafting Success; Beer, Business & Purpose

    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…

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  24. #8 Moore Insights; Leadership, Tech & Purpose

    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...

  25. #7 Brains, Trains & Automobiles

    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...

  26. #6 Evolution of Medicine

    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...

  27. #5 When Life Sings The Blues

    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...

  28. #4 Financial Wellness in Mid-L.I.F.E.

    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...

  29. Sacred Struggle: The Meaning of Suffering and Purpose

    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...

  30. The Functional Brain, Nutraceuticals & Overcoming Adversity

    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…

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  31. Exploring Wonder, Transitions, Identity & Purpose Through a Father-Daughter Lens

    Welcome to Purpose Maker, a Mid-L.I.F.E. podcast where we explore life's most profound questions through the lens of wonder, wisdom, and human connection. I'm your host Dr. Wegmann and today marks the beginning of a special journey. In today's episode, we'll dive into what I call the TIP method -...

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ABOUT THIS SHOW

Conversations with thought leaders, entrepreneurs, and authors on wisdom, leadership, faith and living on purpose.Through L.I.F.E. Golden Ticket — and the TIP Methodology (Transitions, Identity, and Purpose) — each episode unpacks how remarkable people navigate change, lead with integrity, and create meaning by serving others. Honest dialogue for anyone building a business, a team, or a life that matters. Welcome to the Purpose Maker conversation.

HOSTED BY

Dr. MJ Wegmann

Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes does Purpose Maker have?

Purpose Maker currently has 31 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.

What is Purpose Maker about?

Conversations with thought leaders, entrepreneurs, and authors on wisdom, leadership, faith and living on purpose.Through L.I.F.E. Golden Ticket — and the TIP Methodology (Transitions, Identity, and Purpose) — each episode unpacks how remarkable people navigate change, lead with integrity, and...

How often does Purpose Maker release new episodes?

Purpose Maker has 31 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.

Where can I listen to Purpose Maker?

You can listen to Purpose Maker on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.

Who hosts Purpose Maker?

Purpose Maker is created and hosted by Dr. MJ Wegmann.
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