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

“Pro athlete turned men's health game-changer”

In Episode 30, we sit down with former professional football player Pat Woodcock whose journey began in Ottawa, Canada, where sports like hockey and football shaped his early years. He shares the highlights and challenges of his path—from earning a football scholarship to Syracuse University to navigating the demands of college athletics and academics. We dive into his time as an NFL free agent with the New York Giants and his extensive CFL career. His story is one of perseverance, purpose, and pushing through adversity at every level.

We also explore his transition into life after football—founding the Elite Performance Academy, where he trains top athletes, and launching the Elite Man Method in 2019 to help men take control of their health and hormones. For men over 40, he offers valuable insight on how to reset their fitness, nutrition, and overall well-being. If you're looking to elevate your performance, reclaim your health, or simply hear the inspiring story of a man who continues to impact lives, this episode delivers.

Follow Pat online at:

https://www.theelitemanmethod.com/man-method

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

FB - https://www.facebook.com/pat.woodcock16

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/patwoodcock/

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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

“Addict. Inmate. Servant of God.”

In this powerful episode 29 in “Men Pursuing More”, we sit down with Dennis Otto as he takes us on a raw and redemptive journey—from growing up in Hastings, MN to battling addiction, surviving a DWI, and enduring 110 months in state prison. Dennis opens up about the darkest parts of his life, including raising a family while struggling with addiction, undergoing open-heart surgery, and waking up from a coma. He shares how two weeks before his 48th birthday marked a major turning point, leading to the founding of All In Ministries with just $400. With 21 years of sobriety behind him, Dennis reminds us that the opposite of addiction is connection. His story is chronicled in the book That Man is Dead: How the Holy Spirit Transformed an Ornery Ex-Con into a Joyful Servant of God. This is a testimony of transformation, hope, and the relentless pursuit of purpose.

Check out Dennis’ book “That Man is Dead”.

Follow Dennis at:

https://www.allinministries.org/

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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

“NCAA Champ. Lute Olson. 13 years overseas.”

In Episode 28 of the Men Pursuing More podcast, we sit down with NCAA Champion Bennett Davison for an inspiring and unfiltered look at his basketball journey—from a small-town kid in Sebastopol, California, with a 1.8 GPA and a spot on the bench, to cutting down the nets with the University of Arizona. Bennett shares how playing multiple sports and navigating early setbacks shaped his drive, leading him to knock on doors for scholarship opportunities and eventually land at West Valley Junior College. From there, his path took him to Arizona, where he played under Hall of Fame coach Lute Olson and helped lead the Wildcats to a national title in his first year. After college, Bennett chose a different route, spending 13 years playing overseas, where he learned valuable life lessons and developed a passion for mentoring others. He now runs Euro Hoop Life, helping current and aspiring overseas players. Bennett also opens up about his move to Dallas to be closer to his three daughters and his newest venture, Bird Basketball. This episode is a story of grit, growth, and using every chapter—no matter how challenging—to build something meaningful.

Follow Bennett online:

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

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

Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/bennettdavison/

Email - eurohooplife@gmail.com

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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

“Built for the battle—on the court, in business, and in life.”

In Episode 27 of Men Pursuing More, Chris Neumann shares his powerful story—from growing up in Milwaukee with 12 siblings and finding his passion for basketball, to starring at Whitefish Bay High School and Minnesota-Duluth. He walks us through the decision-making process that landed him at Minnesota-Duluth, overcoming uncertainty and turning down other offers. At MDU, Chris teamed up with Brian Hanson ("B"), and together they built a legacy.

He reflects on how his belief in "winning and preparation" translated from the court to business and life. He reflects on key moments in sports, life, family, and business, including his long career at Western States Envelope, his battle with prostate cancer, and the joy of seeing his sons play Division I basketball. This is a story about grit, preparation, and the mindset it takes to win—on and off the court.

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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

"Rooted in Faith, Shaped by Brotherhood, Leading and Counseling with Purpose."

In this Episode 26 of Men Pursuing More, Quincy Davis shares with us growing up in Colorado Springs, Colorado, in a home full of energy, competition, and strong family ties. As one of four brothers raised by a single mother—with a father who served in the military—Quincy learned early on about resilience, responsibility, and the importance of sticking together. He shares what it was like attending Fountain Fort Carson High School, where he and his brothers made their presence felt in athletics. Those experiences, both the highlights and hardships, shaped his path and ultimately led him to play college basketball—first at Adams State and then Presentation College, where he not only continued his athletic journey but also met his future wife.

Quincy’s pursuit of purpose took him into counseling and coaching, earning his master’s degree from Northern State while serving as a graduate assistant. In 2016, he joined Eastview High School as a counselor and coach, helping lead a team to a state championship and mentoring student-athletes along the way. After the heartbreaking loss of his mother in 2021, Quincy continued to lean into his calling, eventually landing a role at Mississippi State as Assistant Director of Counseling and Sports Psychology.

Follow Quincy online:

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

X - https://x.com/DrQuincyDavis

Website - https://resoluteperformanceconsulting.com/

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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