Feeling stuck, burnt out, or just disconnected? You're not alone—and neither are the people around you. In this episode, Joe and Curt discuss the power of encouragement and how small acts of kindness can spark big changes. Whether it's a quick text, active listening, or just being present, the Dudes explore how encouraging others lifts everyone up, including yourself. Get ready for a heartfelt, practical chat with real-life examples, Disney detours, and a few mic-worthy quotes.

• Start with Empathy: Before you encourage someone, take the time to truly listen—active listening can be more uplifting than the perfect words.
• Celebrate Small Wins: Not everything needs a parade, but a fist bump for showing up can go a long way.
• Encourage with Specifics: “Great job” is fine, but saying why something was great hits harder and lasts longer.
• Allow Yourself to Be Encouraged: Receiving praise with grace isn't weak—it's an act of connection and humility.

• Win: Tackled the intimidating world of video editing using Final Cut Pro for a new project, Ask the Chimney Sweep. Took a frustrating learning curve and turned it into a shiny finished product.
• Resource: Suno.com – AI-generated music creation that blew Curt’s mind. Full songs, full voices, and genre options. Scary good.
• Quote: “Be an encourager. The world has enough critics already.” — Dave Willis

• Win: Spent a rare, relaxing day at Kings Island alone with his wife—just the two of them, some thrill rides, a good movie, and zero kid-related negotiation.
• Resource: Mission Impossible: Final Reckoning – Action-packed and everything you'd expect from a Tom Cruise finale. Catch part one (Dead Reckoning) first.
• Quote: “Our chief want is someone who will inspire us to be what we know we could be.” — Ralph Waldo Emerson

Encouragement doesn’t need a stage—it needs intention. Start small. Start now. A kind word, a listening ear, or a moment of honest praise can change the course of someone’s day—or their life. Be the person who sees, hears, and lifts others. Progress isn't about perfect words or timing—it’s about showing up and keeping each other moving forward.

Website: dudesinprogress.com
Email: dudes@dudesinprogress.com

You can support the show by visiting dudesinprogress.com/support. Visit our Facebook page HERE and our Twitter page HERE

In this episode, we explore the power of play, curiosity, and imagination in adult life—drawing inspiration from the concept of Neoteny, which refers to retaining youthful traits like fearlessness, energy, and wonder. Through humorous stories and personal reflections—from fidget spinner bets at work to playful parenting moments—they illustrate how embracing childlike qualities can reduce stress, boost creativity, and strengthen relationships. This uplifting conversation invites listeners to reconnect with their inner child and live more fully.

Key Takeaways:

• Rediscovering the joy of play
• Embracing playfulness in adulthood
• The importance of curiosity
• Learning and growing at any age
• Overcoming the fear of judgment
• Nurturing warmth in relationships
• The benefits of staying active
• Embracing childlike energy
• Fostering creativity and imagination
• Seeing the world through fresh eyes
• Balancing seriousness with lightheartedness
• Inspiring Neoteny in others

Joe’s Stuff: Win for the week: Daughter’s college graduation ceremony. Bachelors in Psychology

Resource: VRBO Vacation Rental

Quote: "We don’t stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing."

• George Bernard Shaw

Curt’s Stuff: Win for the Week: Handling of a family crisis with a happy ending

Resource, Tip or Hack: AI Video Maker by Descript - Discovered on Mother’s day and I created a video celebrating Moms in my Disney World community

Quote: "You can discover more about a person in an hour of play than in a year of conversation." — Plato

Website: dudesinprogress.com Email: dudes@dudesinprogress.com

You can support the show by visiting dudesinprogress.com/support. Visit our Facebook page HERE and our Twitter page HERE

Ever feel like you’re just not the “creative type”? This episode is here to bust that myth wide open. Joe and Curt dive into what it really means to be an artist—spoiler: it's not just about painting or writing music. From overcoming childhood labels to using tools like ChatGPT for creative momentum, they break down how everyone can tap into their inner artist. Whether you’re crafting with wood, telling dad jokes, or experimenting with AI-generated songs, this episode shows how creativity is everywhere—and how to get yours flowing.

Key Takeaways Creativity Is a Muscle, Not a Gift: Artistic ability isn’t something you’re born with—it’s something you practice. Everyone has it, and everyone can develop it.

Start Sloppy, Start Now: Whether you’re drawing, writing, or building, the most important thing is to begin. Progress happens through action.

Capture Ideas in the Moment: Use relaxed times—like walks or showers—to let your brain wander and spark ideas. Keep a “dumb idea notebook” to jot them down.

Use AI as a Creative Tool: AI can help defeat the blank page and spark new directions, but your input still matters. It’s a paintbrush, not the painter.

Curt’s Stuff for the Week Win: Enjoyed an incredible family weekend celebrating his grandson’s baptism—complete with brisket, ribs, and a side of walking like Clyde the orangutan.

Resource: YouTube Summary Chrome Extension – Transcribe any YouTube video with a click, perfect for learning, content building, or studying your favorite creators.

Quote: “You can’t use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have.” — Maya Angelou

Joe’s Stuff for the Week Win: Took his grandson to Kings Island for the season’s first visit—rediscovering joy and roller coasters through a kid’s evolving eyes.

Resource: Effortless by Greg McKeown – A book on simplifying your work and life to make meaningful progress. Joe even offered to send a copy to the first two listeners who email!

Quote: “Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up.” — Pablo Picasso

Creativity isn’t reserved for painters, poets, or musicians—it’s in your jokes, your furniture builds, your parenting, and your problem-solving. The blank page isn’t scary if you know how to fill it—so start. Start ugly, start messy, just start. Because progress is better than perfection. Keep moving forward, Dudes.

Website: dudesinprogress.com Email: dudes@dudesinprogress.com

You can support the show by visiting dudesinprogress.com/support. Visit our Facebook page HERE and our Twitter page HERE

Introduction: In this special episode recorded on Good Friday, Curt and Joe reflect on the life of Jesus through the lens of Holy Week. Exploring the historical Jesus, they unpack 11 powerful traits—like compassion, resilience, and servant leadership—that offer timeless wisdom and practical guidance for modern life. Through personal stories, research, and heartfelt conversation, the guys share how Jesus’ example can help us all live more meaningful, grounded, and impactful lives.

🗝️ Key Takeaways:

• Compassion: Empathy and small acts of kindness improve well-being and bring people together.
• Servant Leadership: Leading with humility, like Jesus washing the disciples' feet, builds trust and connection.
• Forgiveness: Forgiveness frees us emotionally—even if others never ask for it.
• Courage: Acting despite fear defines bravery; Jesus’ courage inspired his followers.
• Integrity: Staying true to your values, even under pressure, cultivates credibility.
• Inclusivity: Jesus welcomed outcasts and challenged bias—so should we.
• Wisdom: His parables offer timeless guidance on decision-making and understanding.
• Peacefulness: Calm in chaos is strength; true peace often requires mindful presence.
• Purpose-Driven Life: Jesus stayed on mission despite hardship—a model for intentional living.
• Resiliency: Trials build character; Jesus' perseverance through rejection and betrayal inspires us to bounce back.
• Love: The foundation of it all—sacrificial, unconditional, transformational.

Joe’s Stuff This Week:

• Wrapped up a work campaign that brought in over $1 million in revenue—his proudest win yet.
• Reflected on servant leadership and forgiveness in fatherhood, including heartfelt conversations with his kids.
• Shared a hack for Facebook Marketplace: use Google Image Search to price-check items and avoid overpaying.
• Quote of the Week : “The Jesus I read about in the Bible was fun, free, and wild. He loved to party and he always hung out with the non-religious folk. The only people he ever got angry with were the overly religious.” – Bear Grylls

Curt’s Stuff This Week:

• Finally solved persistent tech issues and got a new Mac Mini, Roadcaster Duo, and Final Cut Pro—streamlining his podcast workflow.
• Inspired by resilience and the peace that comes from preparation and reliability in tech.
• Told a powerful story about standing up to a bully on the bus, exemplifying real-world courage and peaceful strength.
• Quote of the Week (Curt): “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” – Jesus (John 14:27)

Through honest conversation and personal reflection, Joe and Curt explore how Jesus’ timeless traits can guide us toward living with more compassion, courage, and purpose.

You can support the show by visiting dudesinprogress.com/support. Visit our Facebook page HERE and our Twitter page HERE

Have you ever felt torn between chasing goals and staying true to your core values?

Well, today we're diving into how aligning small actionable milestones with your deepest values can lead to a more fulfilling and purpose-driven life. Let's explore this transformative approach together. I'm Joe, and my pal over there writing his to-do list, he's Curt, and we are Dudes in Progress.

• Goals Without Values Fall Flat: Chasing goals for the sake of achievement won’t lead to fulfillment unless they support what truly matters to you.
• Small Milestones Matter: You don’t need huge, audacious goals. Tiny next steps toward your values can build real momentum and create clarity.
• Systems Support Your Values: James Clear said it best—“You do not rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems.”
• Flexibility Is Growth: Changing your mind or refining your process isn’t failure—it’s maturity and progress, even in your fifties.

• Win: Enjoyed a full weekend of grandkid adventures—baseball, archery, hockey, and a lot of sugar. Realized that joy in the moment matters more than sticking to strict diets.
• Resource: Brown Noise – A deeper, richer sound that boosts focus and sleep. Great for folks with wandering minds or looking for some zen.
• Quote: “A goal is not always meant to be reached. It often serves simply as something to aim at.” — Bruce Lee

• Win: Came in 3rd place in a travel agency sales contest, thanks largely to his podcast community. Bonus win—11 years of podcasting!
• Resource: SCORE.org – A treasure trove of free mentoring and resources from retired executives. Perfect for entrepreneurs and side-hustlers alike.
• Quote: “When your values are clear to you, making decisions becomes easier.” — Roy E. Disney

Values don’t work without action, and goals feel hollow without meaning. The magic happens when you align both and build systems to support them. As Joe and Curt remind us, you don’t serve your goals—your goals should serve you.

Website: dudesinprogress.com
Email: dudes@dudesinprogress.com

You can support the show by visiting dudesinprogress.com/support. Visit our Facebook page HERE and our Twitter page HERE

Explore the wonders of everyday miracles sprinkled throughout our lives like hidden treasures. In this enlightening episode of "Dudes in Progress," Curtis and Joe take you on a journey through natural marvels that prove nature’s unparalleled genius. From the cosmic guardians that protect us to the intricate biological processes keeping us alive, these phenomena are far from ordinary—they're miraculous in every sense.

• Cosmic Harmony: The Earth’s position in the "Goldilocks Zone" is a remarkable balance protecting life from extreme environments. Its perfect distance from the sun ensures our survival.
• Magnetic Shield: Earth’s magnetic field acts as an invisible shield, safeguarding life by fending off harmful solar winds and cosmic radiation.
• Water’s Magic: H2O not only quenches our thirst but stabilizes global temperatures and nurtures life through its unique properties, ensuring continuity and balance.
• All Hail Jupiter: With its gravitational might, Jupiter acts as Earth’s protective big brother, deflecting potential asteroid catastrophes from our path.
• Incredible Biodiversity: From bees’ essential role in pollination to the marvelous migration patterns of monarch butterflies, each species plays a part in sustaining ecological harmony.

• Win: Leading a successful new sales initiative at work, focusing on the vital few over the trivial many to hit challenging targets.
• Resource: Exploring ChatGPT’s advanced image generation capabilities, seeing it as a revolutionary tool for creativity and project design.
• Quote: “Miracles are not contrary to nature, but only contrary to what we know about nature.” — St. Augustine

• Win: Sprucing up his grilling skills with new accessories, inspiring outdoor culinary adventures.
• Resource: A new book, A Million Little Miracles by Mark Batterson, reading that combines scientific insight with spiritual wisdom.
• Quote: “There are only two ways to live your life: one is as though nothing is a miracle, and the other is as though everything is a miracle.” — Albert Einstein

Embrace the miracles around you, those weaved into the fabric of our existence, waiting for us to notice and appreciate them. Let the fascination with everyday wonders enrich your perspective and ignite a sense of gratitude and awareness in your daily life.

Website: dudesinprogress.com

Email: dudes@dudesinprogress.com

Explore more about our journey and join the conversation. Whether you're curious about natural phenomenons or seeking practical advice on making progress, we're here to inspire the miracle of forward movement.

Spring is here, and so is your cue to throw open those windows, shake off the winter blues, and reconnect with life. In this energizing episode, Joe and Curt welcome the new season with open arms (and maybe a rake in hand). They explore the science of why we feel better this time of year, how to give your life a little spring cleaning (inside and out), and why dirt under your nails might be the sign of real progress. It’s time to wake up with the world and get moving.

• Serotonin’s in Session: Longer daylight hours naturally boost serotonin, lifting your mood while dialing down sleepy-time melatonin. You’re not imagining it—you really do feel better!
• Reconnecting with Nature: Even a quick walk, gardening session, or sunrise coffee on the deck can ground you and bring clarity. Don't underestimate the power of dirt and sunshine.
• Spring Cleaning = Mental Clarity: Decluttering your garage, car, or closet is about more than stuff. It clears space in your mind, too. Start small—a drawer, a shelf—and feel the freedom.
• Reflect and Realign: Spring is the perfect halfway check-in. Whether you're shedding winter weight or revisiting your goals, now’s a great time to course-correct and celebrate progress.

• Win: His niece asked him to help plan—and officiate—her June wedding! An honor and a heartfelt reminder of how meaningful connections can be.
• Resource: A 49-inch curved monitor, snagged via Facebook Marketplace, perfect for editing podcasts and upping his productivity game. Not necessary, but totally worth it.
• Quote: “Spring is nature's way of saying, 'Let's party.'” — Robin Williams

• Win: Got a surprise $100 work reward (he thought it was $10!). Spent it on something fun and useful for his office.
• Resource: A scrolling LED sign by Ray Home. Customizable, eye-catching, and perfect for podcasting or adding some flair to any space.
• Quote: “If we had no winter, the spring would not be so pleasant.” — Anne Bradstreet

Spring isn't just a season—it’s a mindset. Whether you’re planting tomatoes, walking your favorite trail, or blasting music while detailing your car, let this be your sign to refresh, reflect, and reconnect. Don’t wait for perfection. Get out there, get your hands dirty, and keep moving forward.

Website: dudesinprogress.com
Email: dudes@dudesinprogress.com

You can support the show by visiting dudesinprogress.com/support. Visit our Facebook page HERE and our Twitter page HERE

This week we debunk 20 popular myths in this lighthearted yet insightful episode. From Napoleon’s height and the Great Wall’s visibility from space to whether bulls truly hate red, we combines history, science, and humor to clarify some long-standing misconceptions.

Some of the Key Myths Explored:

• Napoleon Wasn’t Short: Propaganda from his enemies led to this myth, but Napoleon’s height was average for his time.
• The Great Wall Can’t Be Seen from Space: Astronauts confirm this widespread claim is false.
• Bulls Don’t Hate Red: Bulls are colorblind to red; they react to motion, not the cape’s color.
• Lightning Can Strike the Same Place Twice: Tall structures like the Empire State Building prove this true every year.
• The Five-Second Rule is a Myth: Bacteria transfer to food almost instantly, regardless of time.

Win for the Week: Completed a 3 shelf shoe rack from free wood pallets for the entrance of my house and family room. Resource, Tip or Hack: New album by Jason Isbell - Foxes in the Snow Quote: "Get your facts first, then you can distort them as you please." – Mark Twain

Win for the week: Father-in-laws Chicken and Dumplings Resource: Unwashed Farm Fresh Eggs Quote: “Trust, but verify.”

• Ronald Reagan

It’s okay to challenge what we think we know. Whether it’s debunking myths or celebrating small personal victories, it’s all part of the journey toward progress. Tune in for laughs, learning, and a reminder that progress is better than perfection—so just keep moving forward, dudes. Website: dudesinprogress.comEmail: dudes@dudesinprogress.com You can support the show by visiting dudesinprogress.com/support. Visit our Facebook page HERE and our Twitter page HERE