Former NFL players Soul Cole and Marcus Smith II kick off the episode with a guided meditation, then dive into a conversation about boundaries, spirituality, grounding, overcoming pornography addiction, and finding purpose in outside of football. Marcus and Soul share why they invest in community, the tools and techniques that helped them recover, their secret talents and hobbies, and the story behind SOUL.

This episode was produced in partnership with All Points North.

Learn more: https://apn.com/podcasts/ or give us a call at (720) 807-0799.

This episode was produced by Keith Weiner. Show design by Jenn Hu, Molly Eddington, and Eber Marin. Copy editing and quality analysis by Jess Johnson. Special thanks to Vanessa Detwiler for supporting this program through email marketing.

In this episode of The Circle of M, Marcus Smith II sits down with artist and filmmaker Justin Gilmore to discuss their journeys through life, fatherhood, and creative passions. They dive deep into the importance of hard work, affirmations, and being diligent in both personal and professional pursuits. Justin shares how his role as a father shapes his daily priorities and how the influence of his son drives him to be more organized and purposeful. Marcus reflects on his own experiences, balancing creative work with mental health, and the lasting impact of mentorship from friends like Justin.

Throughout the conversation, the two discuss their personal mental health journeys, sharing how they have navigated moments of doubt, grief, and success. From managing time as busy fathers to overcoming challenges in their careers, Marcus and Justin give an inside look at what drives them, what keeps them grounded, and the lessons they’ve learned along the way. Tune in for an honest conversation about growth, resilience, and the everyday battle of staying true to yourself in a fast-paced world.

This episode was produced in partnership with All Points North.

Learn more: https://apn.com/podcasts/ or give us a call at (720) 807-0799.

This episode was produced by Keith Weiner. Show design by Jenn Hu, Molly Eddington, and Eber Marin. Copy editing and quality analysis by Jess Johnson. Special thanks to Vanessa Detwiler for supporting this program through email marketing.

The Circle of M host, Marcus Smith II, talks with former NFL linebacker, Whitney Mercilus.