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