Purpose NIL

By @JamesMRink

Purpose NIL is where personal branding meets impact. We help you define your Purpose as your NIL—your Name, Image, and Likeness—and show you how to align it with business opportunities that matter. M... more

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FAQs about Purpose NIL:

How many episodes does Purpose NIL have?

The podcast currently has 43 episodes available.

Purpose NIL episodes:

February 04, 2026Purpose NIL: How Purpose Fuels NIL, Leadership, and AI Strategy
Purpose NIL: How Purpose Fuels NIL, Leadership, and AI Strategy
10-Word Description:
College athletes show CEOs how purpose drives performance and growth.

🎙️ Purpose NIL — Episode Show Notes
Episode Title: Winning in the AI Age: Purpose, People, and Competitive Advantage
Host: James M. Rink, Founder of Purpose of You & Purpose NIL
📌 Episode Overview
In this episode of Purpose NIL, host and purpose coach James M. Rink explores why purpose-driven leadership is the competitive advantage in the age of AI. As artificial intelligence accelerates disruption across business, sports, and culture, the leaders who win are those who lead with clarity, emotional intelligence, and human purpose.
This episode connects business leadership, neuroscience, Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA), and NIL strategy, showing how purpose fuels engagement, trust, performance, and long-term growth.
🧠 Key Themes & Insights
Why AI amplifies leadership—but cannot replace human intelligence
The Purpose of You Formula:
Feelings + Actions + People = Purpose
Neuroscience insight: humans make decisions based on emotion first, logic second
Why purpose is bigger than products, services, or technology
How purpose aligns teams, strengthens culture, and increases ROI
Using purpose as a reinforcer to drive behavior, engagement, and accountability
Purpose as a strategy for winning customers, talent, and trust
🏈 Featured Guests
John Locke — University of Oklahoma Football Tight End
Discovering his personal purpose
Intentionally influencing children and families
Leveraging purpose to grow his NIL brand
Zya Vann — University of Oklahoma Women’s Basketball Guard
Living her purpose with teammates, family, and classmates
Turning purpose into leadership and opportunity
Using intentional purpose to build NIL alignment
💼 CEO & Business Owner Takeaways
AI is only as good as the language and purpose you feed it
Emotional intelligence is your unfair advantage in an AI-driven world
Purpose aligns personal values with company mission
Engaged teams create better customer experiences and stronger revenue outcomes
Leaders who lead human-first win in uncertainty
📣 Call to Action
If you’re a CEO, business owner, or leader navigating AI disruption, disengaged teams, or cultural misalignment:
👉 Schedule a FREE Purpose Strategy Call
This is not a sales pitch—it's an honest conversation about aligning human purpose with business mission to create measurable ROI.
🌐 Learn more at PurposeOfYou.com
🎥 More Purpose NIL
Watch more episodes featuring John Locke & Zya Vann
Subscribe on YouTube: James M. Rink
Follow on social media: @JamesMRink
✨ Closing Thought
Purpose isn’t a slogan.
It’s not a side project.
It’s how leaders win—on purpose.
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26min
January 28, 2026Purpose NIL; Purpose as Strategy: How Clear Purpose Builds CEOs, Brands, and NIL
Purpose NIL; Purpose as Strategy: How Clear Purpose Builds CEOs, Brands, and NIL

Episode Description
Purpose isn’t soft—it’s strategic.
In this episode of Purpose NIL, host and purpose coach James M. Rink reveals why leaders, entrepreneurs, and athletes who clearly define their purpose gain a measurable advantage in business, NIL, and life. Drawing parallels between artificial intelligence and human intelligence, James shows why purpose is the foundation that unlocks clarity, focus, energy, and long-term success.
You’ll watch University of Oklahoma football tight end John Locke and Oklahoma women’s basketball guard Zya Vann write and refine their personal purpose statements—purpose statements that guide how they lead, serve others, build NIL opportunities, and prepare for life beyond sport.
This episode is a masterclass in purpose as a growth strategy—for athletes, CEOs, and anyone building a meaningful career.
Show Notes
Why Purpose Is a Strategic Advantage
Purpose is not abstract—it’s practical, actionable, and scalable
Just like AI systems require purpose to function effectively, people do too
Purpose becomes a decision filter, growth compass, and energy source during adversity
History proves purpose-driven leaders and companies outperform
Purpose NIL Framework
Feelings + Actions + People = Purpose
Identify the feelings you want to create
Clarify the actions you love to take
Commit to the people you want to serve for the greater good
John Locke: Writing Purpose That Transcends Football
John shares three drafts of his personal purpose statement
Key themes: inspiring children, investing in families, leading with passion
How purpose applies on the football field, in NIL, internships, leadership, and future family life
Why purpose must be broad enough to outlast a playing career
Purpose as a bridge from athletics to finance, business, and fatherhood
Zya Van: Purpose in Motion On and Off the Court
Zya identifies her core feelings: love, happiness, peace, safety, gratitude, inspiration
Her core actions: strengthen, play, overcome, influence, achieve, commit
People she wants to influence: people broadly, with a heart for service and connection
Zya shares her first draft purpose statement and how it fuels her NIL identity
Purpose as clarity for life after basketball and future leadership opportunities
Purpose for CEOs, Entrepreneurs, and Business Leaders
Disengagement is a hidden profit killer—costing companies $15,000–$50,000 per employee annually
Purpose alignment increases engagement, culture, performance, and ROI
Purpose monetization is not choosing between people and profits—it’s aligning them
Personal Reflection from James
Purpose as a coach: communicating hope, helping people, creating happiness
How purpose-driven leadership aligns financial goals with culture
The “Purpose Flywheel”:
Purpose creates action
Action serves people
People return the feeling
Challenge for the Listener
Choose one feeling you love to feel
Intentionally give that feeling to someone today
Watch how purpose comes back to you
Resources & Links
Discover your purpose:com
Take the free Purpose Transformation Assessment
Explore Purpose of You for organizational leadership and professional development
Subscribe to Purpose NIL on YouTube:@JamesMRink
Follow James M. Rink on social media for more Purpose NIL insights

John Locke recorded in Norman, OK
Zya Vann Recorded in Norman, OK
James M. Rink Recorded in Nashville, TN

PNIL 019
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26min
January 15, 2026Purpose NIL; Who You Serve Defines You: Purpose, People, and Influence
Purpose NIL;
Who You Serve Defines You: Purpose, People, and Influence

Description
In this Purpose NIL, the focus is on people—who you choose to serve, influence, and show up for consistently. Purpose isn’t abstract or future-focused; it becomes real when it’s aimed outward. With University of Oklahoma Football’s John Locke and Oklahoma State University’s NIL Brand Squad – Dr. K.
James M. Rink: A Personal Story of Purpose and Influence
James opens the episode with a deeply personal reflection on influence across generations—from his father coaching him in baseball, instilling confidence and belief, to now mentoring his own son through photography and video. These moments reveal a foundational truth:
Purpose is shaped by who invests in us—and who we choose to invest in next.
Featured Guest: John Locke — OU Football Tight End
John Locke walks through the four people groups he wants to influence for the greater good:
Children — inspiring those following behind him
Men — supporting men facing pressure, identity, and responsibility
Leaders — redefining leadership beyond recognition and stats
Family — building a future legacy rooted in values and presence
John’s story shows how leadership isn’t always loud—and how purpose fuels both performance and NIL opportunity.
NIL & Branding Strategy with Dr. Kay (Oklahoma State University)
Dr. Kay, founder of Brand Squad, shares how athletes can practically grow their NIL by clearly defining who they want to impact and why. Together with John, she covers:
Why followers matter in NIL (and how to grow them)
The importance of behind-the-scenes storytelling
Conducting a personal brand audit
Cleaning up social media to align with future opportunities
Treating social platforms like a business resume
These insights apply not only to athletes—but to entrepreneurs, professionals, and leaders alike.
Purpose Beyond Sports
The episode expands beyond athletics, highlighting how purpose clarity fuels:
Emotional well-being
Confidence and identity
Stronger relationships
Business growth and monetization
James shares a powerful real-world example of purpose-driven leadership resulting in $23M revenue growth over four years—demonstrating that purpose is not just meaningful, it’s measurable.
Key Takeaways
Purpose becomes powerful when it’s aimed at people
Influence starts with clarity about who you serve
Leadership isn’t about visibility—it’s about consistency
NIL success requires authentic storytelling, not just highlights
When you give others the feelings you love to feel, they return to you
Action Challenge
Choose one feeling you love to feel—hope, confidence, joy, belonging—and intentionally give it to someone today.
Resources & Links
🎯 Free Purpose Transformation Assessment: purposeofyou.com
📺 Watch more episodes: YouTube – @JamesMRink
📲 Follow John Locke: @JohnLockeOC
🤝 NIL opportunities via Opendorse

John Locke Recorded in Norman, OK
James M. Rink Recorded in Nashville, TN
PNIL 018
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26min
January 06, 2026Purpose NIL; Purpose in Motion
Purpose NIL
Purpose in Motion: How Action Builds Identity, Performance, and Impact
Show Notes
Purpose doesn’t live in your head—it lives in motion.
In this powerful episode of Purpose NIL, host James M. Rink explores why action matters more than ideas, intention, or even talent. At the intersection of business, competition, and identity, this episode reveals how the actions you love to take become the foundation of purpose, performance, and personal brand.
James shares a deeply personal story from growing up in Pittsburgh in a family rooted in radio and storytelling—discovering early on that communication, emotion, and connection were central to who he is and why he exists. That childhood curiosity grew into a lifelong purpose: communicating hope.
Using the Purpose NIL Formula — Feelings + Action + People = Purpose, this episode brings purpose to life through real-world examples from elite college athletes:
🏈 John Locke, University of Oklahoma Football (Tight End)
John identifies the core actions that have defined him since childhood:
Achieve
Dream
Exceed
Lead
Practice
You’ll hear how these actions shaped his identity, fueled his performance, and became the foundation of his NIL brand—culminating in a powerful story of connection involving his father, Southwest Airlines, and his first Division I scholarship offer.
🏀 Zya Vann, University of Oklahoma Women’s Basketball (Guard)
Zya reveals the action words that drive her purpose on and off the court:
Strengthen
Play
Overcome
Influence
Achieve
Commit
Her story shows how loving the actions you take every day creates joy, resilience, leadership, and authenticity—transforming purpose into a living, breathing personal brand.

The episode also connects purpose to business and leadership, revealing the hidden cost of disengagement and how purpose-driven individuals and organizations outperform by up to 6x. From NIL to entrepreneurship to workplace culture, the same principles apply: when purpose aligns with action, energy replaces burnout and clarity replaces confusion.

The episode closes with a powerful reflection on hope through the story of Jelly Roll, reminding us that purpose can rise from pain, redemption is real, and transformation is always possible.
Key Takeaways:
Purpose is practiced daily through action
The actions you loved as a child often reveal your calling
Connection is one of the most powerful actions in life and business
Purpose-driven performance fuels both impact and income
Your NIL—name, image, and likeness—is built on consistent actions
👉 To go deeper, visit PurposeOfYou.com
👉 Subscribe on YouTube: @JamesMRink
👉 Follow and support featured athletes through their NIL platforms
This is Purpose NIL—where purpose moves, identity forms, and impact multiplies.

James M. Rink recorded in Nashville, TN
John Locke recorded in Norman, OK
Zya Vann recorded in Norman, OK

PNIL 017
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22min
December 31, 2025Purpose NIL — Purpose Is the Power You Carry
Purpose NIL — Purpose Is the Power You Carry
Welcome to Purpose NIL, hosted by James M. Rink, where leaders, athletes, entrepreneurs, and purpose-driven individuals learn how to align their work, life, and calling through purpose.
In this powerful episode, James introduces a simple but transformational truth:
The feelings you love to feel are the feelings you are called to give to others.
This idea forms the foundation of the Purpose NIL Formula:
Feelings + Action + People = Purpose
Purpose is not something you discover someday in the future—it’s something you live daily. Through personal reflection, real-life stories, and inspiring athlete interviews, this episode shows how purpose becomes a compass during seasons of exhaustion, uncertainty, and noise.
A Personal Reflection on Purpose
James opens the episode by sharing a vulnerable moment from his own life—feeling overwhelmed by work, family responsibilities, and unanswered questions. Instead of withdrawing, he intentionally steps into his purpose by encouraging others. That decision doesn’t change external circumstances, but it transforms everything internally—bringing clarity, peace, and renewed energy.
Purpose, as James explains, turns obstacles into stepping stones and makes work meaningful again.
Athlete Stories: Purpose in Action
You’ll hear from two standout University of Oklahoma student-athletes who demonstrate how purpose shows up through relationships, leadership, and resilience.
John Locke – Oklahoma Football
John reflects on the people who loved him into becoming the man he is today—especially his parents. He shares powerful stories about his father’s sacrifices during the recruiting process and his mother’s unwavering support during the uncertainty of the transfer portal. Through these experiences, John identifies the core feelings he received—love, security, gratitude, inspiration—and how those same feelings now define his purpose and NIL brand.
James connects John’s story directly to Purpose NIL, showing how athletes can authentically align those core feelings with brands, leadership, and long-term impact.
Zya Vann – Oklahoma Women’s Basketball
Zya walks through a deeply moving exercise identifying the people who shaped her life—her mother, father, and grandfather. She reflects on moments of emotional struggle, faith, encouragement, and loss, especially honoring her grandfather’s recent passing. Through this process, Zya names the feelings she received—love, joy, peace, compassion, hope—and how those feelings now define who she is both on and off the court.
Her story beautifully illustrates how purpose is passed down through love and how honoring those who shaped us empowers us to live with intention.
Purpose Beyond Sports
This episode reinforces that Purpose NIL is not just for athletes. The same principles apply to business leaders, professionals, and anyone seeking clarity and fulfillment. When people understand who they are and why they do what they do, confidence increases, decisions sharpen, and opportunities align naturally.
You’ll also hear from members of the Purpose community who share how discovering their purpose helped them move through burnout, regain self-worth, and create meaningful impact in their relationships and careers.
Living Purpose as a Lifestyle
James closes the episode with a heartfelt personal story celebrating his mother’s 87th birthday—a moment that perfectly reflects his own purpose: to communicate hope, help people, and create happiness. It’s a reminder that purpose isn’t about achievement—it’s about creating moments that matter.
Take the Next Step
Take the free transformational purpose assessment at PurposeOfYou.com
Join the Live On Purpose livestream, held the first Wednesday of every month at noon ET
Watch more Purpose NIL episodes and athlete stories on James’s YouTube channel
Explore NIL opportunities rooted in authenticity, values, and impact
Living your purpose isn’t a one-time decision—it’s a lifestyle.
Make it your commitment today.
James M. Rink recorded in Nashville, TN
John Locke recorded in Norman, OK
Zya Vann recorded in Norman, OK
PNIL 016
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29min
December 24, 2025Purpose NIL; OU WBB’s Zya Vann - Be the Light: Purpose Beyond the Game
University of Oklahoma Women’s Basketball Zya Vann’s faith-driven journey transforming purpose into leadership, impact, and hope.

In this episode of Purpose NIL, host James M. Rink engages with Zya Vann, a guard from the University of Oklahoma's women's basketball program, as she explores her life's purpose and how it intertwines with her academic and athletic pursuits. Joined by Dr. Kathleen Shea Smith, they delve into career planning, personal values, and the importance of mentorship in navigating life's challenges. Zya shares her journey of self-discovery, the impact of her grandfather's passing, and her aspirations in sports and mental health, while Dr. Kathleen provides valuable insights on aligning one's purpose with career goals.
takeaways
Zya Vann emphasizes the importance of being a positive light for others.
Her purpose statement focuses on uplifting marginalized groups through strength and gratitude.
Zya reflects on her relationship with God as a source of strength during tough times.
She aims to bring joy and happiness to her friends and family.
Zya is actively working on building her personal brand for NIL opportunities.
She acknowledges the struggle of staying motivated in her academic work.
Zya expresses a desire to play in the WNBA and pursue a career in therapy.
Dr. Kathleen highlights the significance of values, strengths, and interests in career planning.
Zya's journey illustrates the importance of mentorship and guidance in self-discovery.
The conversation underscores the role of purpose as a guiding force in life decisions.

Recorded on October 23, 2025
Zya Vann in Norman, OK
Dr. Kathleen Shea Smith in Norman, OK
James M. Rink in Nashville, TN
PNIL 015
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22min
December 17, 2025Purpose NIL The Light Within: OU’s WBB Zya Vann’s Purpose in Play
Purpose NIL
The Light Within: OU’s WBB Zya Vann’s Purpose in Play
In this episode of Purpose NIL, University of Oklahoma Women’s Basketball guard Zya Vann opens up about discovering her purpose through basketball, gratitude, core values, and authentic living. From supporting teammates to shaping her NIL brand, Zya shares how pruning distractions and honoring her purpose helps her grow, inspire others, and shine on and off the court.

Summary
In this episode of Purpose NIL, host James M. Rank engages with Zaya Vann, a student-athlete from the University of Oklahoma, to explore her journey in defining her life's purpose and how she applies it in various aspects of her life, including basketball, academics, and NIL opportunities. The conversation delves into the importance of authenticity, mental health, and the significance of setting missions and goals that align with one's purpose. Zaya shares her experiences of overcoming challenges, the impact of her purpose on her teammates, and the necessity of pruning negative influences from her life to maintain focus and positivity.
takeaways
Zaya's purpose is to bring peace and happiness to others.
Shorter purpose statements can attract more sponsors.
Living your purpose can help you overcome personal struggles.
Authenticity is key in building NIL opportunities.
Mental health is crucial for maintaining one's purpose.
Missions in life are seasonal and should align with purpose.
Pruning negative influences can enhance personal growth.
Social media can impact mental health and should be managed.
Purpose-driven living leads to fulfillment and happiness.
Engaging with others positively can uplift oneself.
Sound Bites
"Shorter is better."
"You are the author of your own purpose."
"It's okay to prune away at things."
Chapters
00:00Introduction to Purpose and Identity
01:29Defining Purpose Statements
03:12Living Purpose on the Basketball Court
04:43Authenticity in NIL Opportunities
07:07Self-Care and Mental Health
11:19Missions and Goals in Life
13:45Setting Goals and Missions
15:06Identifying Personal Missions
17:17Pruning Distractions for Quality Living
18:09Leveraging Social Media for Purpose
20:06Reflections on Purpose and Self-Care
21:13NEWCHAPTER
PNIL 014
Recorded on October 8, 2025
Zya Vann in Norman, OK
James M. Rink in Nashville, TN
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26min
December 09, 2025 Purpose NIL; Zya Vann’s Purpose Play at University of Oklahoma Women’s Basketball
Zya Vann shares her journey of gratitude, growth, and purpose—on and off the court—showing how core values, boundaries, and authenticity shape true success. In this conversation, Zya Vann discusses her journey of discovering her purpose both in basketball and in life. She emphasizes the importance of core values, gratitude, and supporting her teammates. Zya reflects on her personal growth and the significance of setting boundaries in relationships. The discussion also touches on how to market one's purpose through social media and the impact of living authentically. Overall, Zya's insights provide a roadmap for others seeking to find their own purpose and live it out in meaningful ways. takeaways • My values protect my purpose. • Supporting teammates is crucial for personal growth. • Gratitude enhances my perspective on life. • Setting boundaries is essential in relationships. • Living my purpose brings peace and happiness. • Social media can be a platform for purpose. • I want to inspire other women through basketball. • Personal growth takes time and reflection. • Core values guide my decisions and actions. • Finding purpose leads to overall well-being. Sound Bites • "I have so much gratitude." • "My purpose is to stay committed." • "You don't have any respect for me." Chapters 00:00Introduction to Purpose and Identity 01:33Living Purpose Through Team Support 03:14Embracing Leadership as a Sophomore 04:18Gratitude and Self-Care Practices 06:35Introduction to Purpose and Values 08:55Identifying Core Values 09:25Exploring Personal Values and Their Impact 10:03Defining Purpose Through Values 11:28Empathy as a Core Value 13:08Spirituality and Self-Respect 15:12Reflection on Purpose and Well-Being 22:21Discovering Personal Values and Purpose Recorded on October 5, 2025 Zya Vann in Norman, OK James M. Rink in Nashville, TN
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25min
December 02, 2025Purpose NIL; OU Women Basketball’s Zya Vann’s Intentional Acts of Purpose
In this episode of Purpose NIL, Zaya Vann, a women's basketball player at the University of Oklahoma, shares her journey of discovering her purpose and how it influences her life as a student-athlete. The conversation explores her evolving purpose statement, the balance between athletics and academics, and the importance of self-care and mental health. Zaya discusses how she brings positivity to her team, her aspirations in career choices, and the significance of empathy and leadership. The episode concludes with reflections on living purposefully and the impact it has on her and those around her.
takeaways
Zaya's purpose is to inspire and bring happiness to others.
She enjoys the growth and camaraderie of her basketball team.
Living your purpose creates a positive feedback loop.
Purpose can guide career choices in psychology or communications.
Self-care is essential for maintaining a positive mindset.
Intentional acts of purpose can enhance daily life.
Empathy is a key trait of effective leaders.
Gratitude practices can improve mental health.
Understanding your 'sweet spot' helps in living purposefully.
Zaya's name means 'light', reflecting her mission to inspire.

Sound Bites
"It just makes me feel good."
"When I do good, I feel good."
"Purpose makes you feel better."
Chapters
00:00Introduction to Purpose and Identity
01:13Refining Purpose Statements
03:05Purpose in Team Dynamics
05:21Purpose and Academic Aspirations
07:39Living Purpose Through Self-Care
09:01Intentional Acts of Purpose
10:21Leadership and Commitment in Sports
12:25Empathy and Purpose in Leadership
12:56Overcoming Public Speaking Challenges
14:06Intentional Acts of Kindness
14:40Defining Personal Purpose
15:13Monetizing Purpose in Business
15:41The Significance of Names and Identity
17:40Being a Light to Others
19:57Reflections on Personal Growth and Purpose

Purpose NIL 012
Recorded on October 5, 2025
Zya Vann in Norman, OK
James M. Rink in Nashville, TN
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26min
November 25, 2025 Purpose NIL: OU Women Basketball’s Zya Vann’s Mission Beyond the Court
Purpose NIL: OU Women Basketball’s Zya Vann’s Mission Beyond the Court.
In this episode of Purpose NIL, host James M. Rink engages with Zya Vann, a University of Oklahoma women's basketball player, to explore her journey of discovering her purpose in sports and life.
Zya shares her insights on how her commitment to basketball is intertwined with her desire to inspire others, emphasizing the importance of community and support among teammates.
The conversation delves into the significance of crafting a personal mission statement and how it can guide one's actions and influence in the world. Zya's reflections on vulnerability and personal growth highlight the transformative power of living with purpose.
takeaways
• Zya's purpose is to bring happiness and inspiration to others.
• Community support is vital in sports and life.
• Purpose is deeply connected to feelings and actions.
• Crafting a mission statement helps clarify one's goals.
• Influencing others positively can create a ripple effect.
• Vulnerability is a strength in personal growth.
• Commitment to one's purpose is essential for fulfillment.
• Understanding marginalized groups can enhance one's influence.
• Daily practice of purpose can lead to meaningful change.
• Embracing challenges can inspire others to overcome their own.
Chapters 00:00Introduction to Purpose and Passion
01:33Living with Gratitude and Team Dynamics
02:51Understanding Feelings and Their Impact
04:48Defining Actions and Influences
06:35Identifying Target Groups for Influence
07:57Crafting a Personal Purpose Statement
09:54Discovering Purpose: Zya's Journey Begins
10:40Crafting a Purpose Statement: Zya's First Draft
12:28Living Your Purpose: Legacy and Mission
14:13Exploring Career Paths: Integrating Purpose into Life
16:23Refining the Purpose Statement: The Importance of Practice 17:48Taking Action: Being a Light in the World
19:35Self-Discovery: Lessons Learned About Purpose
Recorded on September 28, 2025 Zya Vann in Norman, OK James M. Rink in Nashville, TN Purpose NIL 011
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26min

FAQs about Purpose NIL:

How many episodes does Purpose NIL have?

The podcast currently has 43 episodes available.