Dudes In Progress

Effortless Action

Ever feel like productivity is more exhausting than empowering? In this episode, Joe and Curt explore how to unlock Effortless Action—a mindset and strategy inspired by Greg McKeown’s book Effortless. Whether it’s organizing the garage, hitting fitness goals, or untangling complex work projects, the Dudes dive into how clarity, simplicity, and steady momentum can make big wins feel breezy. From defining what “done” really means to using AI and visual trackers to build progress, this episode is a practical guide to doing less but achieving more. Because when you simplify the path, progress flows naturally—and stress takes a back seat. Key Takeaways Define “Done”: Clarity creates motion. If you know what success looks like, it’s easier to get there. Simplify to Amplify: Strip out the fluff. Less friction = more action. Momentum Over Motivation: Small wins build energy and confidence. Direction Beats Speed: Slow progress in the right direction beats fast chaos. Curt’s Stuff for the Week Win: Built a solar powered water fountain and bird bath Resource: Ninja Outdoor Pizza Oven - Refurbished Amazon for $200 Been practicing for a couple weeks; fun afternoon at friends house making pizza Quote: “Instead of pushing harder, find a different path.” Ask yourself a question. “What if this could be easy?” - Greg McKeown Joe’s Stuff for the Week Win: Pulled off a surprise Bday party for my wife Resource: Forbes article: The Cycle Of Success: How Momentum Turns Habits Into Results by Mike Cangi https://www.forbes.com/councils/forbesbusinesscouncil/2024/10/08/the-cycle-of-success-how-momentum-turns-habits-into-results/?utm_source=chatgpt.com Quote: “Any intelligent fool can make things bigger, more complex... It takes a touch of genius to move in the opposite direction.” - Ernst F. Schumacher Effort doesn’t have to feel heavy. This episode is your permission slip to lighten the load, think with clarity, and move with purpose. From DIY projects to drafting blog posts, the key is to simplify, define, and start. Let the wins compound—because when the action’s effortless, the results speak for themselves. Website: dudesinprogress.com Email: dudes@dudesinprogress.com P.S. Want a free copy of Effortless or The Big Leap? Be one of the first to shoot us an email! Support the show 👉 dudesinprogress.com/support Come hang with us on Facebook and Twitter

Go Slow to Go Fast

Ever feel like you’re sprinting through life but not getting anywhere? In this episode, Joe and Curt explore the counterintuitive truth that slowing down can actually speed you up. From Navy SEAL tactics to Agile software principles, from the tortoise and the hare to portable air conditioners—yep, we went there—the Dudes dive into how doing fewer things well and pacing yourself with purpose leads to greater productivity, less burnout, and more joy. Whether you’re stuck in rush-mode or just need permission to take a breather, this episode will help you find power in pause. Key Takeaways Slow Down to Speed Up: Whether you're building a grill, remodeling a bathroom, or leading a mission, going slow avoids rework and actually saves time. Einstein Time is Real: You create time by how you use your attention. Being fully present stretches time—and your effectiveness. Single-Tasking Beats Multitasking: Focus on one thing at a time. Study after study proves it’s how the best work gets done. Slowing Down = Strategic Advantage: From Toyota’s stop-the-line quality controls to the Navy SEALs’ “slow is smooth, smooth is fast,” smart organizations and leaders go slow to win. Curt’s Stuff for the Week Win: Appeared on The Cliff Ravenscraft Show and navigated a live, introspective exercise about imagination and future goals—even if it felt awkward in the moment. Resource: Apple AirPods 4 (with noise cancellation) – A perfect blend of comfort, clarity, and awareness control. Great for walks or dodging honey-do lists. Quote: “Slow and steady wins the race.” — Aesop Joe’s Stuff for the Week Win: Hosted Camp Grampy Joe—Kings Island, water parks, fishing at 5 a.m., and fearless grandkids. Memory-making at its finest. Resource: Black + Decker Portable Air Conditioner – A $230 lifesaver that made upstairs rooms livable again without tearing into ductwork. https://amzn.to/4eKV8d3 Quote: “Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished.” — Lao Tzu Slowing down isn’t lazy—it’s wise. It’s how we avoid mistakes, get more clarity, reduce burnout, and maybe even enjoy the ride. Go ahead, pause. Breathe. Choose the more deliberate pace. As Joe says: “Slow is fast.” Make progress, not perfection—and keep moving forward. Website: dudesinprogress.com Email: dudes@dudesinprogress.com P.S. Want a free copy of Effortless or The Big Leap? Be one of the first to email us! You can support the show by visiting dudesinprogress.com/support. Visit our Facebook page HERE and our Twitter page HERE

When the Cheese Moves: Adapting and Thriving

In this episode, Curtis and Joe open up about life’s unexpected changes, inspired by the book Who Moved My Cheese?. Through honest stories of job loss and reinvention, they explore how fear, hope, and courage shape our paths. It’s a reminder that embracing change—rather than resisting it—can lead to surprising growth and new beginnings. Key Takeaways Theme: Exploring the power of adapting to change, inspired by Who Moved My Cheese by Dr. Spencer Johnson. Personal Stories: Curtis and Joe share real-life experiences of navigating career and life changes. Core Lessons: Emphasis on overcoming fear, taking proactive steps, and building resilience. Practical Advice: Tips for managing uncertainty and embracing change with a positive outlook. Additional Resources: Mention of the book Phish as a related tool for growth and mindset. Encouragement: Listeners are urged to face change with courage, flexibility, and hope. Curt’s Stuff for the Week Win for the Week: 6 podcast recordings; 3 episode produced/scheduled in 2 weeks prepping for vacation Resource, Tip or Hack: “Who Moved My Cheese” - Quote: “If you don’t like change, you’re going to like irrelevance even less.” — General Eric Shinseki Joe’s Stuff for the Week Win for the week: Hired a sales resource for my NA regions. - 9 months Resource: Fish! A Proven Way to Boost Morale and Improve Results - Seattle Fish Market By: Stephen C. Lundin, Harry Paul, and John Christensen Quote: “Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future.” - John F. Kennedy Summary: In this episode, Curtis and Joe dive into the lessons of Who Moved My Cheese, sharing personal stories and insights on how to navigate life’s inevitable changes. They explore themes like overcoming fear, taking action, and staying resilient, offering practical advice for facing uncertainty with courage. Along the way, they highlight related resources and encourage listeners to embrace change as a path to growth. 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

The Power of Encouragement

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. Key Takeaways 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. Curt’s Stuff for the Week 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 Joe’s Stuff for the Week 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

Neoteny: A Key to Joyful Adulting

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