• Top 10 Movies That Made Me a Better Human | Part 2
    Sep 13 2024
    Last week, we started counting down the top 10 movies that have made me a better human being, getting through numbers 10 to 6. Those films really hit home for me in so many ways—whether it was learning something new about love, resilience, or just seeing the world differently. This week, we're picking up right where we left off, diving into the top 5. These are the ones that really stuck with me, the ones that changed how I think and live my life. So, if you're looking for a little inspiration, stay put - these movies might just do the trick. In this episode of Dudes in Progress, Joe and Curt continue their countdown of the top ten movies that have had a lasting impact on their lives, moving through films 5 to 1. These are the films that have shaped their worldviews, inspired them to be better, and left them reflecting on life's big themes like resilience, hope, and courage. Along with the movie discussion, Joe and Curt also share their Win of the Week, Resource of the Week, and Quote of the Week, making this episode a treasure trove of inspiration and practical tips. Episode Breakdown: Forrest Gump (#5):Key Themes: Simplicity, kindness, loyalty.Joe reflects on Forrest’s honesty, integrity, and the impact his simple outlook on life has on others, while Curt highlights the film’s rich emotional storylines. Hacksaw Ridge (#4):Key Themes: Courage, faith, selflessness.Joe discusses Desmond Doss’s unwavering commitment to saving lives without violence, while Curt reflects on the brutal reality of the battle scenes and the strength of Doss’s convictions. The Shawshank Redemption (#3):Key Themes: Hope, friendship, perseverance.Both Joe and Curt dive into Andy Dufresne’s journey of resilience, finding hope in the darkest of circumstances, and the deep bond between Andy and Red. Joe shares his favorite quote, “Get busy living or get busy dying.” Rocky I & II (#1 & 2):Key Themes: Grit, determination, underdog triumph.Joe recounts how Rocky left a lasting impact on him as a young man, while Curt shares how the film motivated him during his high school sports career. Together, they explore the powerful underdog narrative and discuss why Rocky is a timeless inspiration. Honorable Mentions from Curt: The Outlaw Josey Wales: A Clint Eastwood western about justice, redemption, and survival in post-Civil War America.The Cowboys: A John Wayne classic where a group of young boys help drive cattle across the country, learning lessons about leadership, responsibility, and courage along the way. Weekly Segments: Win of the Week: Joe’s Win: Joe started decluttering his office, specifically tackling his closet filled with old electronics and cords. This win was all about minimizing and clearing space, which made him feel lighter and more productive.Curt’s Win: Curt had a memorable and meaningful vacation with friends at Disney World. While the planned events were fun, his win came from an unscripted moment, where he and his friends shared stories, laughter, and good times over dinner at the Grand Floridian. It reminded him that it’s often the spontaneous moments with people we care about that create the best memories. Resource of the Week: Joe’s Resource: A portable monitor for travel. Joe recently added a portable monitor to his setup while traveling, allowing him to maintain a consistent workflow with two screens. He also shares how it’s been a great tool for sales presentations, allowing him to display materials for clients without having to rely on projectors.Curt’s Resource: A Turvis insulated water bottle. Curt discovered this while at Disney World and found it incredibly helpful for staying hydrated during hot days. It has a flip-top, dual openings for sipping or chugging, and it’s sturdy enough for daily use. Curt highlights how a high-quality water bottle is essential for staying cool and refreshed during intense travel or long days out. Quote of the Week: Joe’s Quote: From Denzel Washington: "At the end of the day, it's not about what you have or even what you've accomplished. It's about who you've lifted up and who you've made better." Joe reflects on how movies have the power to lift us up and inspire us to be better versions of ourselves.Curt’s Quote: From The Cowboys (John Wayne): "I'm 30 years older than you are. I had my back broke once and my hip twice, and on my worst day, I could beat the hell out of you." Curt shares this tough, no-nonsense quote from John Wayne’s character, Will Anderson, highlighting themes of resilience and standing up to challenges, no matter the odds. Why You Should Listen: If you're a fan of inspiring films that leave a lasting impact, this episode is packed with personal stories, reflections, and powerful quotes that will resonate with anyone looking to grow and be inspired. Joe and Curt’s picks span a range of emotional themes—from the simplicity of Forrest Gump to the gritty determination in Rocky—offering a unique perspective on how ...
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    51 mins
  • Top 10 Movies That Made Me a Better Human | Part 1
    Sep 6 2024

    Movies have a unique way of touching our hearts and shaping our minds. They inspire us, challenge us, and sometimes, they even change us. In this episode, I’m counting down the top 10 films that didn’t just entertain me but inspired me to become a better human being. From life lessons on love and kindness to stories of resilience and hope, these movies have left a lasting impact. Stick around—you might find your next source of inspiration.

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

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    45 mins
  • Bursting the Happiness Bubble
    Aug 30 2024

    Today we're busting that happiness bubble we’ve all been sold. If you’re expecting 24/7 rainbows and unicorns, you might want to check your GPS because sometimes we feel we’re in the Twilight Zone. Let’s not chase happiness—let’s chase meaning, even if it sometimes means chasing our tails.

    Sometimes we’re not happy because, well, we’re human and life is tough! But don’t worry, it’s not all doom and gloom. The things that make life worthwhile bring us a delightful cocktail of emotions—happiness, love, joy, fear, shame, and even a bit of hurt. It’s like a rollercoaster but with fewer safety regulations!

    Let’s discover your personal values—they’re like your life’s GPS. Instead of ‘recalculating’ every time you make a wrong turn, they’ll help you power through those moments when life feels like a game of Whac-A-Mole. Let’s face it, if life were meant to be easy, it would have come with instructions… and a remote control.

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

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    57 mins
  • Building a Community
    Aug 23 2024

    Imagine starting with a love for something as specific as an amusement park, then turning that passion into a thriving, close-knit group that feels like family. That’s exactly what one incredible person did, creating a space where friendships flourish and shared experiences become lifelong memories. Today, we'll explore the power of bringing people together, why it matters, and how you can build your own community of friends.

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

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    1 hr and 3 mins
  • Is Low Mood a Thing?
    Aug 16 2024

    “I have days where I hate my job, this little town, and the whole world too. Last Sunday when the Bengals lost, Lord, it put me in a bad mood.” These lyrics from Montgomery Gentry’s “Lucky Man” might resonate with many of us. We all have days where everything seems to go wrong, and our mood takes a hit. But recognizing these low moods and finding ways to improve them is crucial for our well-being.

    Today, we’re diving into the topic of low moods—how to recognize them and discover effective ways to lift ourselves up.

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

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    1 hr and 2 mins
  • Resilience: "This Too Shall Pass" and "What Does This Make Possible?"
    Aug 9 2024

    At 13, Bethany Hamilton faced a life-changing moment when a shark attack left her with one arm. But just one month later, she was back on her surfboard, determined to conquer the waves. Through sheer willpower and unwavering resilience, Bethany adapted her technique and soared to new heights, even winning a national title. Her incredible journey of overcoming physical and mental challenges is a powerful testament to the human spirit. Today, her story continues to inspire millions, proving that with determination, no obstacle is too great.

    Today we explore two of Joe's favorite mindset sayings to reframe tough times.

    "This Too Shall Pass" and “What Does This Make Possible?"

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

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    58 mins
  • Don't be a Stranger
    Aug 2 2024

    Imagine walking into a room full of strangers and leaving with a bunch of new friends. Sounds like a dream, right? Well, as a self-described introvert, I know firsthand how hard and even a bit scary it can be to enter a room full of strangers. It’s like being a cat at a dog show! But despite that, I love making new friends, and I’m sure many of you feel the same way. So, how do we navigate this socially awkward situation and actually have a good time? Today, we’re going to explore some tried-and-true techniques that will help you connect authentically with strangers. Who knows, by the end of this episode, you could be as charming as Ferris Bueller minus the charade and at least not hiding in the bathroom all night.

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

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    59 mins
  • Be a Lifelong Learner
    Jul 26 2024

    Ever feel like it's too late to go back to school or pick up a new skill? Think again! In today's episode, we're diving into the best inexpensive and free ways for adults to educate themselves. From entrepreneurship to learning a new language, we've got all the resources you need to kickstart your personal and professional growth. Whether it's picking up a new hobby or advancing your skills, learning never stops—and neither should you.

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

    • Coursera - coursera.org.
    • edX - edX.org.
    • Khan Academy - khanacademy.org.
    • YouTube - youtube.com.
    • FutureLearn - futurelearn.com
    • OpenLearn by Open University - open.edu/openlearn.
    • Udemy - udemy.com.
    • BBC Languages - bbc.co.uk/languages.
    • Tandem - tandem.net.
    • SBA Learning Center - sba.gov/learning-center.
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    50 mins