A tragedy unfolds, or someone we know is in distress. We send our thoughts and prayers—a kind and compassionate gesture, but what comes next? In this episode, Joe and Curt discuss moving beyond words to take real action. They highlight outstanding charities that turn generosity into tangible impact, helping with disaster relief, mental health, veterans, homelessness, and at-risk youth. Whether writing a check or volunteering your time, today is about making a difference.

• Thoughts & Prayers Matter—But Action Matters More: Compassion is essential, but real change happens when we follow up with concrete steps to help.
• Charitable Giving & Volunteering Make a Difference: From supporting disaster victims to mentoring at-risk youth, even small contributions can have a significant impact.
• The Power of Community: Whether donating to a major nonprofit or helping a single individual in need, collective action creates real change.
• Faith Without Works is Dead: Faith and belief should be reflected in action—helping others is part of a meaningful life.

• Win: Successfully launched a brand refresh at work, managing internal branding and a viral blog post with over 2,500 reads!
• Resource: Calm Moments for Anxious Days by Max Lucado – A 90-day devotional that provides scripture, reflections, and a structured way to release anxieties through prayer.
• Quote: “No one is useless in this world who lightens the burdens of another.” — Charles Dickens

• Win: Developed a marketing and sales strategy for a new region, helping expand business opportunities.
• Resource: Google Wallet – A game-changer for organizing credit cards, travel passes, and payments with a simple tap. Why didn’t I start using this sooner?
• Quote: “Faith without works is dead.” — James 2:14-18

Here are five well-respected organizations making a real difference:

1. Matthew 25 Ministries – Provides disaster relief and humanitarian aid. 99% of donations go directly to programs. https://m25m.org/
2. American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) – Focuses on crisis support, education, and suicide prevention. https://afsp.org/
3. Wounded Warrior Project – Supports injured veterans with mental health services, job training, and rehabilitation. https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/
4. Volunteers of America – Offers shelter, addiction recovery, and job training for the homeless, including veterans. https://www.voa.org/
5. Big Brothers Big Sisters of America – Mentors at-risk youth, helping them succeed academically and in life. https://www.bbbs.org/

Thoughts and prayers are a beautiful start, but real change happens when we step up and do more. Whether through donations, volunteering, or simply being there for someone in need, even small acts of kindness make an enormous difference. Progress, not perfection—just keep moving forward.

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

Today we dive into the profound world of prayer structures that can enhance and guide your spiritual journey. If you've ever struggled with finding the right words for your prayers, you’re not alone. Explore the wisdom of the Lord's Prayer and learn three more practical structures that can help both beginners and seasoned believers deepen their prayer life.

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

The information provided in this episode is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Joe and Curt are not doctors, medical professionals, or healthcare experts. Always consult with a qualified physician or healthcare provider before making any decisions regarding your health, medical tests, or treatments. Your doctor knows your personal medical history best and can provide the most accurate guidance for your individual needs.

Stay informed, stay proactive, but always seek professional medical advice when it comes to your health.

No one loves a trip to the doctor, but if you're over 50, regular health screenings can be the key to a longer, healthier life. In this episode, Joe and Curt run down the must-do medical tests every guy should know—from simple blood pressure checks to life-saving cancer screenings. The goal? Stay in the game, stay active, and stay ahead of potential health issues before they become major problems.

• Annual Physicals Matter: A yearly check-up is a great way to catch small issues before they become big problems. Don’t skip it.
• Know Your Numbers: Blood tests for cholesterol, glucose, and PSA levels can provide critical insights into your overall health.
• Screenings Save Lives: Colonoscopies, prostate exams, and skin cancer checks are uncomfortable but essential for catching diseases early.
• Lifestyle is Key: Exercise, diet, hydration, and sleep play just as big a role in your long-term health as any medical test.

• Win: Celebrated his birthday in style with a trip to New York City, where he and his daughter saw Little Shop of Horrors on Broadway.
• Resource: A Ryobi Electric Screwdriver Kit—handy for home projects and even doubles as a phone charger!
• Quote: “The first wealth is health.” — Ralph Waldo Emerson

• Win: Had a blast at his first-ever University of Cincinnati basketball game with his grandkids, followed by a weekend of go-karts and arcade fun.
• Resource: Home Blood Pressure Monitor—A simple, affordable way to keep track of your health at home. Available for around $30 on Amazon.
• Quote: “Those who think they have no time for healthy eating will sooner or later have to find time for illness.” — Edward Stanley

Staying healthy isn’t just about living longer—it’s about living better. Regular check-ups, proactive screenings, and smart lifestyle choices can make all the difference. Take the time to schedule those appointments and invest in your well-being. Future you will thank you!

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

And hey, milestone alert—this is episode 103, meaning we’ve officially passed 100 episodes of Dudes in Progress! Here’s to 100 more. Progress, not perfection—just keep moving forward!

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

In this episode, Grandpa Curtis and Papa Joe, share life lessons and reflections for those in the final quarter of their lives. The episode begins with a discussion on how names chosen by grandchildren can create cherished bonds. We then delve into Matthew Kelly's book, 'The Fourth Quarter of Your Life,' exploring themes such as downsizing, the value of experiences over possessions, the importance of relationships, and letting go of control. The conversation also touches on transformative advice like becoming a better listener, offering affirmations, and the power of reconciliation. We discuss finding new talents, trusting in spirituality, and embracing the present moment over past regrets. We share personal anecdotes, from managing family expectations to the joy of giving, providing listeners with practical advice and inspiration for making their final years meaningful and fulfilling.

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

Have you ever felt like the world is just too loud? In this episode, Joe and Curt explore The Classroom of Silence, a transformative concept from Matthew Kelly’s book The Fourth Quarter of Your Life: Embracing What Matters Most. Discover how intentional quiet time can help you connect with your inner wisdom, deepen your relationship with God, and clear out life’s noise. Get ready to unlock the power of silence and gain practical tips to start your own journey of self-discovery.

• The Classroom of Silence: A space for introspection and self-discovery where silence teaches us what we need to know.
• Intentional Quiet Time: Silence isn’t just absence of noise—it’s about being intentional, resisting distractions, and letting thoughts flow freely.
• Practical Approach: Start with 10 minutes a day in a quiet, distraction-free space. Sit still, let thoughts come and go, and journal immediately afterward.
• Difference from Meditation: Unlike mindfulness meditation, the Classroom of Silence encourages letting thoughts flow without control or judgment.

• Win: Received a clean bill of health after annual bloodwork—proof that regular check-ups are invaluable.
• Resource: American Primeval on Netflix—a gritty, historical fiction series set in 1857, filled with action and adventure.
• Quote: “We need to find God, and he cannot be found in noise and restlessness. God is the friend of silence.” — Mother Teresa

• Win: Crafted a custom console table for his daughter, solving a hinge design problem through quiet reflection and persistence.
• Resource: Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 for PlayStation 5—providing relaxation and connection through immersive gaming.
• Quote: “In the silence of the heart, God speaks. If you face God in prayer and silence, God will speak to you.” — Mother Teresa

This episode reminds us of the profound power of quiet time to clear mental clutter, deepen spirituality, and find clarity. Whether you start with 10 minutes of intentional silence or pair it with structured prayer, small steps can lead to big transformations.

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

Remember, even in silence, you can make progress. Just keep moving forward.

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

We discuss Matthew Kelly's book 'The Fourth Quarter of Life,' offering practical advice for navigating the later stages of life, while emphasizing the importance of physical activity, mental stimulation, social engagement, finding purpose and more. You can support the show by visiting dudesinprogress.com/support. Visit our Facebook page HERE and our Twitter page HERE

Ever hesitate to offer advice, fearing it might be taken the wrong way—or ignored altogether? In this episode, Joe and Curt delve into the art of sharing wisdom in a way that resonates. From tough conversations with loved ones to navigating the fine line between helpfulness and intrusiveness, the Dudes break down when and how to speak up, the importance of humility, and why wisdom delivered with care can change lives.

• Listen First: People often just want to feel understood. Stephen Covey’s mantra applies: “Seek first to understand, then to be understood.”
• Ask for Permission: A simple, “Would you like my thoughts on this?” can shift the dynamic from intrusive to supportive.
• Lead by Example: Actions speak louder than words. Be someone they can trust based on your own experiences.
• Simplify Your Advice: Avoid overcomplicating solutions. Clear, actionable guidance is easier to follow and more impactful.
• Extend Grace: Whether to yourself or others, compassion is key—especially when facing tough or emotional conversations.

• Win: Enjoyed a much-needed holiday break filled with family time, movies, and quiet moments for reflection.
• Resource: “The Fourth Quarter of Your Life” by Matthew Kelly and Alan Hunt – A reflective guide to embracing what matters most in your later years. Perfect for contemplating how to live with intention and purpose.
• Quote: “Humility will open more doors than arrogance ever will.” – Zig Ziglar

• Win: Spent a memorable day with a longtime friend in New York City, exploring the Metropolitan Museum of Art and reconnecting through meaningful conversation.
• Resource: DIY vinyl record storage project, inspired by a blog post by John Vantine. A great beginner woodworking project for practical and stylish results.
• Quote: “You are as young as your faith, as old as your doubt, as young as your self-confidence, as old as your fear, as young as your hope, as old as your despair.” – Douglas MacArthur

Sharing wisdom isn’t just about knowing what to say—it’s about knowing when and how to say it. With humility, patience, and intention, your words can leave a lasting impact on those you care about. Remember, progress, not perfection, is the goal.

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 dive into the significance of Christmas, exploring the story of God becoming human through the birth of Jesus, and reflect on themes like humility, kindness, joy, and hope. We discuss the importance of generosity, share personal anecdotes about family traditions, and emphasize the everlasting impact of the Christmas spirit. Additionally, we highlight the importance of faith, the history behind Christmas traditions, and the joy of giving over receiving. The episode aims to uplift listeners as they transition into the New Year while maintaining the Christmas spirit. You can support the show by visiting dudesinprogress.com/support. Visit our Facebook page HERE and our Twitter page HERE