Michael Franzese was once one of the most notorious mob bosses of the 1980s, a caporegime in the Colombo crime family, and the son of legendary underboss Sonny Franzese. Known as the "Prince of the Mafia," Michael’s life was marked by power, crime, and a decade in prison. But everything changed when he encountered the transformative power of Jesus Christ.

Now, Michael’s mission is to share his incredible journey of redemption and freedom. Through his powerful testimony, he speaks to audiences worldwide, telling the story of how God's grace saved him and set him free—both in his heart and from a life of crime. Michael travels the globe, engaging with record crowds at events, sharing how God’s love can transform even the darkest of lives.

In addition to his ministry work, Michael has ventured into the world of fine wines, using his platform to expand his influence and share his story with even more people.

🎧 Tune in to Maverick River to hear Michael Franzese’s powerful testimony of faith, redemption, and transformation from mob boss to a servant of the King of Kings.

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Brant Hansen is a nationally syndicated radio host, author, and passionate advocate for healing children through CURE International. With his unique, offbeat style, Brant has captivated audiences on over 200 radio stations, earning national “personality of the year” awards. His podcast, The Brant and Sherri Oddcast, has been downloaded over 17 million times, showcasing his quirky humor and thoughtful discussions with his radio producer, Sherri Lynn.

Brant’s impact extends far beyond the airwaves. He’s a strong advocate for CURE International, a nonprofit organization that provides life-saving surgeries for children with treatable conditions. His work has been featured on ABC’s Good Morning America, Focus on the Family, Family Life Today, and in major outlets like The Washington Post and CNN.com.

An accomplished author, Brant’s books address deep, often provocative topics like forgiveness, spiritual struggles, and the complexities of faith. His first book, Unoffendable, sparked a nationwide conversation on the need for a culture shift away from self-righteous anger. In Blessed Are the Misfits, he provides comfort to those who feel disconnected from God, and The Truth About Us challenges readers to accept the truth of human flaws while highlighting the good news of God’s love. Brant’s latest work, Life is Hard, God is Good, Let’s Dance, speaks to living in peace amidst life’s challenges.

Through his writing and speaking, Brant has inspired many to embrace humility, forgiveness, and peace. He has traveled the world with CURE, including multiple trips to Afghanistan, to bring hope and healing to children in need.

🎧 Tune in to Maverick River to hear Brant Hansen’s inspiring journey and his heart for serving others, along with his unique perspective on faith and life.

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Mark Batterson is the lead pastor of National Community Church (NCC) in Washington, DC, a church with multiple locations that actively serves the community through impactful spaces like Ebenezers Coffeehouse, The Miracle Theatre, the DC Dream Center, and Capital Turnaround. His heart for revival, reformation, and cultural renaissance is at the core of his leadership, driving the vision behind The Dream Collective, an initiative that supports dreamers seeking transformation in the church, kingdom, and culture.

Mark is the author of 24 books, including the New York Times bestseller The Circle Maker and powerful reads like In a Pit with a Lion on a Snowy Day, Wild Goose Chase, Double Blessing, Whisper, and his latest works, Win the Day and Do It for a Day. His writing and preaching are deeply inspired by his passion to help others live boldly and dream bigger in alignment with God’s calling.

A visionary leader with a heart for prayer, Mark was also the first donor to the Maverick River Collective (MRC), sowing into the mission of Tim Lukei and the collective before it even began. On 2/23/23, Mark commissioned Tim and Korrie in front of his congregation, igniting the MRC ministry in a powerful moment of faith and support.

Mark earned his Doctor of Ministry degree from Regent University and is married to Lora, with whom he has three children: Parker, Summer (married to Austin), and Josiah.

🎧 Tune in to Maverick River as Mark Batterson shares his heart for revival, the importance of bold leadership, and how to dream big while living out God’s purpose.

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Mayor Will O’Neill made history in 2020 as the youngest person to serve as Mayor of Newport Beach in over 50 years. His leadership was pivotal during the COVID-19 pandemic, where he fought for the reopening of Newport Beach's iconic beaches and ensured a steady focus on supporting local small businesses. His time as Chairman of the City’s Finance Committee for six years and Chairman of the San Joaquin Hills Transportation Corridor Agency marked significant financial achievements, including reducing debt by $1.275 billion.

A Stanford-educated attorney, Mayor Will is known for his dedication to both his community and his faith. His leadership, grounded in Christian values, has earned him respect not only as a public servant but also as a man of God, devoted to his family, church, and Newport Beach. His unwavering support for the mission of Maverick River is a testament to his belief in faith-driven leadership and community transformation.

In this episode, Mayor Will shares insights into local leadership, his experience navigating the challenges of a global pandemic, and how faith shapes his decision-making process as a public servant.

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Nick Foles, former professional football quarterback and Super Bowl MVP, is known for his leadership both on and off the field. With a record-setting 2013 season and a historic Super Bowl LII win with the Philadelphia Eagles, Nick’s career is marked by perseverance, faith, and resilience. However, it is his role as a devoted husband and father to three children that truly defines him. His Christian faith has always been central to his life, and his understanding of the importance of fatherhood has driven him to create the DAD SZN brand alongside Pat O'Donnell.

Through DAD SZN, Nick aims to inspire fathers everywhere to step up and be present in their children’s lives, just as he strives to be for his own. Whether he's training, playing Pickleball, improving his golf skills, or spending time with his wife, Tori, Nick embodies a balanced life of faith, family, and personal growth.

In this episode, Nick shares the valuable lessons he’s learned throughout his football career, his journey to fatherhood, and how DAD SZN is helping to cultivate strong fathers.

🔹 Explore DAD SZN: dadszn.com

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Jim Burns, the President of HomeWord, has spent decades helping families build stronger marriages, more confident parents, and healthier leaders. With a reach of nearly 2 million print resources in over 30 languages, Jim’s influence extends worldwide. He is passionate about strengthening family dynamics through his teachings on key values: Strong Marriages, Confident Parents, Empowered Kids, and Healthy Leaders.

Jim is a renowned speaker, addressing thousands of people annually, and the author of several impactful books including Confident Parenting, The Purity Code, Creating an Intimate Marriage, and Closer. His expertise has shaped countless individuals and families toward healthier relationships and better communication.

In this episode, Jim shares insights from his vast experience, offering valuable advice for married couples, parents, and leaders, while highlighting his dedication to empowering families in their spiritual and relational journeys. Together with his wife, Cathy, Jim has raised three grown daughters in Southern California, further grounding his message in real-life experience.

🔹 Explore HomeWord: homeword.com

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Fernando Arroyo, a courageous U.S. Army veteran, has transformed his life into a mission to serve fellow veterans, with a passionate focus on preventing veteran suicide. As the Veterans Program Director at Step Forward Academy, Fernando mentors and coaches veterans transitioning to civilian life. His work helps them find career paths that lead to a living wage and connect them with healthy, supportive communities.

After returning from a deployment, Fernando faced deep personal struggles, culminating in a night of crisis. With a prayer and a moment of silence, he turned his life around, ultimately sharing his transformative journey in his book The Shadow of Death. His vulnerability and message continue to inspire countless veterans, and he now speaks at Men’s Ministry events across the country, offering hope to those who have sacrificed for our freedom.

Fernando is a proud member of Mariners Tustin and is part of the Men of Mariners group. His dedication to improving the lives of veterans is unwavering, and his story serves as a powerful reminder to support and pray for those who have served.

🔹 Learn more about Fernando: Paratrooper Arroyo

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Bruce Nelson, a man of God and fearless hero of faith, has experienced a life-transforming journey. Early in his career, Bruce found great success in real estate, indulging in the pleasures of financial success with radical toys like boats, bikes, and motorcycles, and exploring the world in search of thrilling adventures. However, it was during a trip to Israel that he heard God’s call, prompting him to leave his lucrative career behind and step into a higher purpose.

Obeying that divine calling, Bruce became the first Men’s Pastor at Mariners Church, serving faithfully in this role for 15 years. His unwavering commitment to God’s work has touched countless lives, helping men grow spiritually and lead with integrity.

Just last year, Bruce was diagnosed with cancer, and his story has taken another powerful turn. He shares how God has used his painful journey with cancer to minister to others, stewarding his illness for the Glory of God. Bruce's inspiring faith in the midst of suffering serves as a testament to the power of trusting God in all circumstances.

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Tim Rafalovich is a passionate leader deeply rooted in faith and dedicated to serving his local church. As an elder, finance committee member, and leader of a men's group focused on marriage, Tim has a heart for strengthening families and cultivating vibrant, impactful men’s ministries. He firmly believes that a thriving men's ministry is instrumental in increasing generosity within the church, impacting both the congregation and the broader community.

Tim’s commitment to marriage and financial stewardship is central to his leadership approach, emphasizing how healthy relationships and responsible financial management can foster growth in all areas of the church. His insights and dedication inspire those around him to live with purpose and contribute to the greater mission of the church.

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Matt and Summer Meddock have been married for 12 years, navigating a journey full of both challenges and triumphs. While marriage requires effort and sacrifice, their story is especially inspiring because of their unwavering commitment to one another during the toughest times. Even when divorce seemed inevitable, they refused to give up, continually fighting for the restoration of their relationship and family.

Together, they openly share the obstacles they faced and the steps they took to rebuild their marriage. A key factor in their journey was God’s healing from past traumas and His overwhelming grace and love. Matt’s active involvement in his men's ministry group played an essential role in keeping him determined to fight for the restoration of their relationship.

Matt is the founder and co-owner of Sessions West Coast Deli, which has grown to six locations across Orange County. Matt, Summer, and their three children now live in Park City, Utah, where they enjoy skiing and traveling as a family. Their story is a testament to God's power to restore and strengthen even in the toughest times.

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