From Struggle to Surrender — How Faith, Mentorship, and God’s Calling Shaped a Man on Mission.

In Episode 33 of the Men Pursuing More podcast, Aaron Topp shares a powerful journey of faith, growth, and God's relentless pursuit of his heart. From his early years in Randolph, MN, to the move to Northfield filled with football success and family tension, Aaron opens up about the experiences that shaped him. He walks through his college years at UMD and NDSU, working with his dad, and the transformation that began with the birth of his daughter and when the Bible on tape stirred something deeper. Aaron shares how God used that moment to lead him into full surrender, opening doors through mentorship at Evergreen Church and later River Valley Church, where he grew in leadership and calling—from intern to youth pastor to Eagan campus pastor. He also unpacks the heart behind the Be the Man 30-Day Challenge and how God is using it to raise up men to lead with faith, courage, and purpose.

Join River Valley Eagan Campus Alpha Group this Fall to learn more about the Bible and Jesus

Never too late to join the Be The Man 30-Day Challenge

Follow Aaron online at:

https://www.rivervalley.org/

IG - https://www.instagram.com/topper_777/

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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

Podcast Produced by: KB PODCASTS

Podcast Music: SOUNDSTRIPE

“Shaping champions from the inside out”

In Episode 32 of the Men Pursuing Morepodcast, we sit down with Jay Holgate—a man whose journey from Augusta, Georgia to the sidelines of elite athletic performance. Jay reflects on his Southern roots, an early brush with greatness working at the Masters and how local legends like Charlie Watters ignited a lifelong passion for sports. Coach J walks us through his post-college grind, personal hardships in real estate and divorce, and the resilience that pulled him through. From writing for Yahoo Sports to working beside Fox Sports and ESPN, Jay carved a path in live radio before stepping into his true calling—mentally equipping quarterbacks, golfers, and baseball players to perform under pressure. He shares the highs, the setbacks, and the spiritual awakening that brought him clarity and purpose. This episode is a powerful reminder that growth often follows struggle—and that finishing well starts with pursuing more.

Follow Jay online at:

https://sportsintervention.com/

X - https://x.com/CollegeScoutFB

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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

Podcast Produced by: KB PODCASTS

Podcast Music: SOUNDSTRIPE

“From Olympian to Overcomer: Finding Strength Through Faith.”

In Episode 31 of Men Pursuing More, we sit down with 1992 Olympic shot putter Ron Backes to hear his incredible journey from growing up in Cold Spring, Minnesota to representing the U.S. on the world’s biggest stage. Ron shares powerful memories—from his favorite NCAA team moment at the University of Minnesota to his first failed Olympic attempt in 1988 that left him feeling empty, and the life-changing faith encounter just two weeks before the 1992 Trials that transformed his path. Ron also opens up about his faith journey, how FCA invited him to share his testimony, and his current role on staff—offering insight into what he's seeing on high school and college campuses today.

Contact Ron at:

Email - rbackes@fca.org

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ron-backes-51b2a16/

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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

Podcast Produced by: KB PODCASTS

Podcast Music: SOUNDSTRIPE