#24 Against The Grain

#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 this show — how Transitions, Identity, and Purpose converge at exactly the right moment to create something extraordinary. Jason Thelen is a master carpenter, an artist, and the founder of Little Bay Boards — a one-of-a-kind handcrafted paddle board company rooted right here in Petoskey, Michigan, on the shores of Little Traverse Bay. He builds hollow wooden paddle boards from sustainably forested lumber, and every single one is a work of art. But more than that — every board carries a story. Jason's story is one of the L.I.F.E. Flywheel in motion. A man who found his purpose not by searching for it, but by showing up fully for the people he loves — and letting that meaning pour into everything he creates. You're going to hear about craft, calling, and what it means to build something that matters. You can find Jason here: https://littlebayboards.com/ [https://littlebayboards.com/] SUBSCRIBE on Youtube: @purposemaker Join the FREE newsletter: www.purposemaker.com/newsletter [http://www.purposemaker.com/newsletter] Check out our Lifestyle and Wellness store here: https://www.purposemaker.store/ [https://www.purposemaker.store/] Join an online Wisdom class: https://www.purposemaker.com/wisdomhub [https://www.purposemaker.com/wisdomhub] Listen on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...] Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4F0XqPt... [https://open.spotify.com/show/4F0XqPt...] Follow on Instagram: www.instagram.com/dr.wegmann [http://www.instagram.com/dr.wegmann] Follow on Facebook: www.facebook.com/purposemaker [http://www.facebook.com/purposemaker] #PurposeMaker #LeadershipDevelopment #PersonalGrowth #LifePurpose #MidLifeWisdom #FaithAndBusiness #LegacyBuilding #LeadershipCoaching #IntentionalLiving #BusinessConsulting #SpiritualGrowth #MindsetMatters #HighPerformance #ProfessionalDevelopment #ImpactDriven #WisdomShared #ServantLeadership #TransformationalCoaching #GoalSetting #SuccessMindset

#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 children's hospitals, healthcare, and community initiatives, Mary Grace embodies the principle that leadership isn't about position—it's about positively influencing those around you to create lasting impact. At Ann's Nest, she is guiding the realization of a powerful vision: building dignified, inclusive housing for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Northern Michigan's Emmet and Charlevoix counties. This episode explores how intentional leadership—rooted in serving others, building trust, and empowering teams—addresses a deep family concern: ensuring loved ones with IDD have supportive, person-centered futures long after parents are gone. Hear insights on growing influence through daily growth, prioritizing people over programs, and leading communities toward greater purpose and inclusion. A must-listen for leaders, advocates, and anyone committed to making a difference by lifting others higher. Find Mary Grace https://www.annsnest.org/ [https://www.annsnest.org/] www.thinkanddogood.co [http://www.thinkanddogood.co] SUBSCRIBE on Youtube: @purposemaker Join the FREE newsletter: www.purposemaker.com/newsletter [http://www.purposemaker.com/newsletter] Check out our Lifestyle and Wellness store here: https://www.purposemaker.store/ [https://www.purposemaker.store/] Join an online Mid-Life Wisdom class: https://www.purposemaker.com/wisdomhub [https://www.purposemaker.com/wisdomhub] Listen on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...] Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4F0XqPt... [https://open.spotify.com/show/4F0XqPt...] Follow on Instagram: www.instagram.com/dr.wegmann [http://www.instagram.com/dr.wegmann] Follow on Facebook: www.facebook.com/purposemaker [http://www.facebook.com/purposemaker]  #PurposeMaker #LeadershipDevelopment #PersonalGrowth #LifePurpose #MidLifeWisdom #FaithAndBusiness #LegacyBuilding #LeadershipCoaching #IntentionalLiving #BusinessConsulting #SpiritualGrowth #MindsetMatters #HighPerformance #ProfessionalDevelopment #ImpactDriven #WisdomShared #ServantLeadership #TransformationalCoaching #GoalSetting #SuccessMindset

#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 uncovering life's deeper meanings, drawing from Chad's experiences as an educator, writer, and family man. Chad shares insights into his creative process, the themes of compassion and unity in his work, and how his background in teaching English and Creative Writing influences his narratives. We dive into his debut novel, The Fall of Bellwether, a historical epic that spans time, race, and religion, hailed as a "powerful depiction of humanity’s compassion and pursuit of unity." Whether you're a lifelong learner, book enthusiast, or someone seeking inspiration for your own purpose, this conversation is packed with wisdom for the head, heart, and soul. Connect with Chad: Website: https://chadvbroughman.com [https://chadvbroughman.com] Buy The Fall of Bellwether: https://a.co/d/08VBmjff [https://a.co/d/08VBmjff]

#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 ended his life (and career) instead became the beginning of an extraordinary comeback. After catastrophic injuries, over a dozen surgeries, battles with prescription drug addiction, undiagnosed brain trauma, and the depths of physical and mental despair, Keegan clawed his way back — not just to walk again, but to return to the cockpit and fly Super Hornets once more. This isn't just a survival story — it's a raw, unfiltered masterclass in rediscovering purpose after everything is stripped away.  Keegan opens up about:  * The terrifying moment of ejection and waking up shattered in a hospital bed.  * The grueling road of recovery, including groundbreaking alternative therapies like psychedelic-assisted treatment.  * Breaking free from pain meds and rebuilding his mind, body, and spirit  * How he now inspires others as a keynote speaker, performance coach, and author of Phoenix Revival.  If you've ever felt stuck, broken, or wondered whether it's truly possible to rise from your own wreckage stronger than before — this conversation will light a fire in you.  Prepare to be moved, challenged, and deeply inspired by one man's relentless proof that the impossible is just a starting point. Tune in now — because sometimes the greatest purpose emerges from the ashes.  Find his book here: https://a.co/d/1t1QiAC  Connect with Lt. Kegan "Smurf" Gill here: https://kegangill.com/  SUBSCRIBE on Youtube: @purposemaker  Join the FREE newsletter: www.purposemaker.com/newsletter  Join an online Mid-Life Wisdom class: https://www.purposemaker.com/wisdomhub  Check out our Lifestyle and Wellness store here: https://www.purposemaker.store/  Listen on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PurposeMaker Listen on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...  Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4F0XqPt...  Follow on Instagram: www.instagram.com/dr.wegmann  Follow on Facebook: www.facebook.com/purposemaker  #purposemaker #drwegmann #kegangill #phoenixrevival

#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 powerhouse companies like Sara Lee, Kellogg's, and Burger King. Inducted into the Michigan State University School of Packaging Hall of Fame and recipient of the prestigious Riester-Davis-Brody Lifetime Achievement Award, Brian dives deep into how discovering one's core identity fuels purposeful innovation and lasting impact. Explore the intersection of personal purpose and professional success as Brian unpacks strategies for building resilient brands, fostering sustainable practices, and creating value that transcends industries. Drawing from his contributions to publications like "Fundamentals of Packaging Technology" and "Creating Value Through Packaging," this discussion offers actionable insights for entrepreneurs, leaders, and anyone seeking to align their identity with meaningful goals. Tune in to rediscover your own purpose and learn how to turn it into a powerful force for change. Connect with Brian: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-wagner-a98395/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-wagner-a98395/] PTIS Global, LLC: https://ptisglobal.com/ [https://ptisglobal.com/] SUBSCRIBE on Youtube: @purposemaker Join the FREE newsletter: www.purposemaker.com/newsletter [http://www.purposemaker.com/newsletter] Check out our Lifestyle and Wellness store here: https://www.purposemaker.store/ [https://www.purposemaker.store/] Join an online Mid-Life Wisdom class: https://www.purposemaker.com/wisdomhub [https://www.purposemaker.com/wisdomhub] Listen on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...] Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4F0XqPt... [https://open.spotify.com/show/4F0XqPt...] Follow on Instagram: www.instagram.com/dr.wegmann [http://www.instagram.com/dr.wegmann] Follow on Facebook: www.facebook.com/purposemaker [http://www.facebook.com/purposemaker]  #purposemaker #drwegmann