Pursuit Of Purpose

Dr. John Matthews, superintendent of Lumberton ISD, recounts his journey from molecular biology and seminary studies into a lifelong career in education, shares his family’s moving adoption story, and describes the daily impact teachers have on students. He outlines challenges facing the district—budget shortfalls, enrollment trends, and a proposed voter-approved tax-rate adjustment—while emphasizing the importance of parent-school partnership, community support, and investing in public education.  #pursuitofpurpose #education #life #podcast #journey

In this episode of the Pursuit of Purpose podcast, hosts Rod and Chuck sit down with Corey Stark to trace his journey from Southeast Texas — growing up in Orange and Mauriceville, musical roots with a Hall‑of‑Fame grandfather, and a brief stint in the Army — to becoming the founder of Alturos Strategic Benefits. Corey shares lessons learned from hardship and entrepreneurship, his transition through insurance and human resources into group benefits and virtual healthcare solutions, and the meaningful discovery that his office sits in the same historic San Jacinto building linked to his ancestor. Key themes include resilience, the idea that "all work works," and the importance of choosing to do good despite setbacks.

In this episode, the Pursuit of Purpose hosts sit down with the cast and crew of the short film $3 Bet, which was shot on location in downtown Beaumont. The conversation covers how the city became a key character in the film, the serendipitous origins of the project, and the hands-on roles both on and off camera. The team discusses production challenges, community support, fundraising needs, and upcoming plans for the film’s screening, inviting listeners to follow and support the project as it moves into post-production.    #pursuitofpurpose #threedollarbet #growth #movie #success

In this episode, Mike Campbell explains how Crime Stoppers collects anonymous tips, offers rewards for verified information, and works with police and schools to keep communities safe. He also shares his life story—from the YMCA and Habitat for Humanity to leading community programs—and encourages listeners to get involved and report crimes through 409-833-TIPS or 833tips.com.

Hosts Rob and Chuck discuss the episode's central question — are you a critic or a creator — while engaging live with audience comments, celebrating America's 250th, and sharing stories from their community and new downtown office. The show honors veterans, encourages taking constructive action instead of only criticizing, and offers practical support like a free seven-week grief class and leadership coaching to help listeners create solutions and move forward.

In this episode Jada Kamp shares her life story—from childhood memories at Kamps Junction to co-running Cardinal Fence—with deep reflections on marriage, faith, family and resilience. She discusses a pivotal ‘reset’ that renewed her 41-year marriage, the role of faith in hardship, and her work supporting fathers through Buckner’s Fatherhood Effect program. Along the way Jada offers practical wisdom about parenting, communication, and staying focused on God, and encourages listeners to build stronger families and communities.

Laura May shares her life story—from being adopted and raised in Texas, to discovering purpose through Girl Scouts and church, to a 36-year career at Buckner serving vulnerable children and families. She opens up about adoption, grief, leading through trauma, surviving cancer and major injuries, and the faith and resilience that shaped her leadership. Her message is a call to give, persevere, and repurpose life’s next chapter.

Marine Corps veteran Kurt Woodard joins the Pursuit of Purpose podcast to share his 23-year military career, deployments, and unexpected path from boot camp to service on Capitol Hill and back home in Silsbee, Texas. He discusses his work organizing Toys for Tots, running for city council, and the challenges of transitioning to civilian life — including struggles with PTSD and TBI — and how faith and community helped him rebuild. Throughout the episode Kurt offers practical advice for service members, families, and employers on supporting veterans, and encourages listeners to serve and receive help when needed.

Judge Joseph “Little Joe” Guillory shares stories from Port Arthur — childhood discipline, family mentors, near-death moments, and his path to serving as a justice of the peace. He reflects on community values, faith, fatherhood, and the importance of presence, sacrifice, and leadership.

Rob and Chuck discuss freedom—especially freedom of speech—and how rights come with responsibilities and consequences. They explore military speech rules, private platforms’ moderation, political influence by public figures, and the balance between protest, law enforcement, and civic action. The hosts respond to live comments, touch on immigration, the Second Amendment, and cultural topics like sports and the Olympics, urging listeners to stand up, act responsibly, and engage in constructive activism.