As 2024 wraps up, Joe and Curt take a thoughtful dive into planning for 2025—but not with traditional goal-setting. This episode is all about aligning your life with your core values. The Dudes discuss how prioritizing values over arbitrary goals can create a meaningful year, fostering deeper connections, intentional living, and personal growth. With practical insights and relatable stories, this episode is your guide to living a values-centered life in 2025.

• Understand and Prioritize Your Values: Define what truly matters to you, such as relationships, community, or personal growth. Let these guide your decisions and actions.
• Build Habits for Consistency: Small, daily actions aligned with your values create sustainable momentum.
• Time Management with Purpose: Plan your time around your values to ensure your schedule reflects what matters most.
• Maintain Motivation and Accountability: Use reflection and accountability partners to stay on track with your values.
• Embrace Flexibility and Progress Over Perfection: Let life unfold with your values as a guide, and celebrate small wins along the way.

• Win: A fun-filled weekend with his grandkids at Winterfest and a Bengals game, creating cherished memories.
• Resource: "Things That Matter" by Joshua Becker – A minimalist guide to eliminating distractions and focusing on what truly matters.
• Quote: "Someone’s sitting in the shade today because someone planted a tree a long time ago." — Warren Buffett

• Win: Built a DIY storage ottoman from wood pallets—a creative and practical project aligned with his values.
• Resource: YouTube for Pallet Woodworking – A treasure trove of tutorials for beginners and seasoned DIYers alike.
• Quote: "Your beliefs become your thoughts. Your thoughts become your words. Your words become your actions. Your actions become your habits. Your habits become your values. And your values become your destiny." — Mahatma Gandhi

As you gear up for 2025, take time to reflect on your values and how they can shape your year. Whether it’s building habits, deepening connections, or pursuing meaningful projects, focus on progress over perfection. Remember, every small step counts toward a life aligned with your values.

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

Dive into holiday chaos and laughter with us! In our latest episode, we explore the timeless hilarity and heartfelt moments from 'Planes, Trains, and Automobiles' and 'National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation.' Perfect to get into the holiday spirit! You can support the show by visiting dudesinprogress.com/support. Visit our Facebook page HERE and our Twitter page HERE

Thanksgiving—a time for turkey, pie, and the wild gauntlet of family dynamics. Whether you’re dodging controversial conversations, dealing with that one uncle who overshares, or sitting next to your least favorite cousin, there’s a way to not only survive but thrive. Today, we’ll dive into tips for keeping the peace, finding gratitude in the chaos, and laughing through it all. Because even when things get awkward, there’s still plenty to be thankful for.

• Prepare Your Mindset: Approach Thanksgiving with gratitude and the mantra: “This is temporary, and I’m thankful for this experience.”
• Redirect Conversations: Steer discussions away from contentious topics by focusing on movies, shared memories, or neutral subjects.
• Reframe the Moment: Treat awkward or tense interactions as future funny stories. Every Cousin Eddie moment can be a cherished memory.
• Find Gratitude: Reflect on the good food, the funny moments, and the people you’re with—quirks and all. Thanksgiving is about appreciating what you have.

• Win: Completed three days’ worth of work on a focused Saturday, clearing his plate for the Thanksgiving break.
• Resource: A portable cordless air compressor, perfect for inflating car tires, sports balls, and more. Handy and effective at just $30 on Amazon.
• Quote: “Thanksgiving is a time to count your blessings one by one as each relative goes home.” — Melanie White

• Win: Margita booked a last-minute Christmas trip to Disney World, complete with Disney magic and time with friends.
• Resource: PetSafe Easy Walk Dog Harness — an essential tool for enjoying walks with energetic or strong-pulling dogs.
• Quote: “Family is not an important thing. It’s everything.” — Michael J. Fox

Thanksgiving may bring its challenges, but it’s also an opportunity for connection, gratitude, and great food. Approach it with a positive mindset, a sense of humor, and a focus on making memories. Progress, not perfection—just 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

Introducing Transformative Practices Habits vs. Transformative Practices Defining Transformative Practices Examples of Transformative Practices The Importance of Lifelong Learning Learning Through Side Hustles Seven Tips for Transformative Practices Managing Your Energy Levels Starting Small and Being Consistent Setting Clear Intentions Creating a Routine Reflecting Regularly Seeking Support Celebrating Small Wins Weekly Wins and Resources Inspirational Quotes You can support the show by visiting dudesinprogress.com/support. Visit our Facebook page HERE and our Twitter page HERE

In this episode, Joe and Curt dive into side hustles you can start for under $500. Whether you’re looking to boost your income, explore a new passion, or add some flexibility to your retirement plans, there’s a side hustle for you. Join the Dudes as they discuss practical, affordable business ideas, offer tips to make your hustle successful, and share personal wins for the week.

Key Takeaways

Start Where You Are: Whether you have skills in a craft, tech consulting, or even walking dogs, start with what you know and explore ways to monetize it. Focus on Low-Cost Businesses: From online course creation to print-on-demand designs, many side gigs require minimal upfront investment. Keep Your Goals in Mind: Are you looking for extra income, a new career, or a creative outlet? Knowing your goals will help you focus on the best side hustle for you. Consider Passive Income Opportunities: Some side hustles, like creating online courses or print-on-demand products, offer the potential for income that can grow over time without constant effort.

Joe's Stuff for the Week

• Win: Finished a series of small home repairs just before hosting friends for dinner.
• Resource: Side Hustle School by Chris Guillebeau — short, insightful podcast episodes packed with tips for launching a side hustle.
• Quote: “I've been impressed with the urgency of doing. Knowing is not enough; we must apply. Being willing is not enough; we must do.” — Leonardo da Vinci

Curt's Stuff for the Week

• Win: Progressed on his bathroom remodel by installing baseboards and prepping for final touches.
• Resource: Seasonal sales at Lowe’s, Home Depot, and Harbor Freight for tools and gadgets to help complete home projects on a budget.
• Quote: “Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.” — Arthur Ashe

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

Curtis and Joe delve into various horror movies' significant impact and thematic elements, discussing their favorite films and the lessons they glean from them. They explore how horror movies like 'Jaws,' 'The Exorcist,' 'Halloween,' 'Silence of the Lambs,' 'An American Werewolf in London,' 'The Ring,' 'The Skeleton Key,' 'Evil Dead 2,' and 'The Shining' convey deeper themes of courage, survival, mental health, and the importance of respecting boundaries. They also share personal anecdotes about their experiences with horror movies and reflect on the broader significance of Halloween. The episode wraps up with both hosts celebrating their wins for the week and offering practical resources and tips.

Joe’s Stuff: Win for the week: Weekend at my daughter’s house

Resource: https://www.netflix.com/browse/genre/8711 Quote: "All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy." – The Shining Written obsessively by Jack Torrance, underscores the importance of balance and the dangers of losing oneself to obsessive pursuits.

Curt’s Stuff: Win for the Week: I finished the luxury vinyl flooring install in my bathroom. Resource, Tip or Hack: Luxury vinyl flooring from Home Depot

• Use scrap pieces for the ¼ “ gap on the ends
• Use a scrap piece of floor for hammering floor together
• Bought the flooring kit from Harbor Freight that has a pull bar for $10
• YouTube videos

Quote: "You’re going to need a bigger boat." – Chief Brodie - Jaws Symbolizes the need for preparation and resourcefulness in tackling big challenges.

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

In this episode, Joe and Curt dive into why starting a side hustle can be more than just an extra income stream—it can boost your life satisfaction, provide more control over your time, and even enhance your mental and physical well-being. Inspired by Joe’s passion for creating fulfilling income streams and Curt’s personal experiences, they lay out the top 10 reasons why a side hustle is worthwhile, especially as retirement nears. Whether you're just starting or looking to expand, this episode will get you inspired to hustle for a healthier, happier future.

• Flexibility & Control: A side hustle lets you decide how, when, and where to work, offering freedom that a traditional job might not.
• Financial Benefits: From extra income to potential long-term security, a side hustle can relieve financial stress.
• Skill Development: Gain new skills, expand your network, and find new interests that might transition into full-time work.
• Increased Life Satisfaction: Whether through earning, exploring new interests, or just keeping mentally sharp, side hustles can boost overall happiness.

Win:
Joe had a blast taking his grandkids to Kings Island, where they experienced big roller coasters for the first time. Spending quality time with his family made for a fantastic, memorable weekend.

Resource:
Joe found a deal on solid-state storage: a 128GB thumb drive for $12. With portable storage becoming so affordable, it's easier than ever to store important files on the go.

Quote:
"The best way to predict the future is to create it." – Peter Drucker

Win:
Curt celebrated a great week in fantasy football, securing wins in all three of his leagues, plus his beloved Yankees are in the World Series—a win on all fronts!

Resource:
Curt’s Halloween-themed resource is a top 10 list of classic Halloween movies, including "Halloween," "The Nightmare Before Christmas," and "It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown"—perfect picks for the spooky season.

Quote:
"Things may come to those who wait, but only the things left by those who hustle." – Abraham Lincoln

Tune in to hear Joe and Curt discuss how starting a side hustle could be the key to a fulfilling life, retirement, or new career direction. The journey to a happier, healthier you starts with just a small step—so get hustling!

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

Imagine standing at a crossroads after selling your successful T-shirt business, unsure of your next move. This was Mike Dooley's reality. Faced with three “crappy” options, Mike chose to take small actions in each direction. Through this exploration, his true talents and passions emerged. By embracing the unknown and following the clues revealed by his actions, Mike built a thriving career that has inspired millions worldwide. His journey shows how even “crappy” choices can lead to discovering your talents and true path. Let's explore how you can uncover your own potential and navigate your next career move, even when the options seem less than ideal.

In this episode, Curt and Joe dive into the often confusing and challenging journey of finding your true passion and career path. Inspired by the story of Mike Dooley, who turned three seemingly dead-end options into a thriving career, the hosts share personal stories, practical tips, and deep reflections on how to embrace uncertainty, take small actions, and ultimately discover your unique talents. From volunteer work to seeking feedback and staying patient, they cover nine actionable steps to help you move forward, even when the road ahead seems unclear. Tune in for an insightful conversation that will motivate you to take that first step—because progress is better than perfection.

• The importance of taking small actions to explore different paths.
• How experimenting, seeking feedback, and reflecting on past successes can help clarify your passions.
• The value of patience, persistence, and staying positive on your journey.
• Encouraging faith and belief in both yourself and a higher purpose as you navigate your life’s direction.

Win:
Joe implemented the first steps of a new European strategy at work and stayed committed to the process, despite pushback. He reinforced the importance of consistency and following through, even when things feel redundant.

Resource:
Joe’s Android phone has a built-in recorder that transcribes meetings, differentiates between speakers, and even provides action items. It’s been a game-changer for note-taking and follow-up at work.

Quote:
“What man actually needs is not a tensionless state, but rather the striving and struggling for a worthwhile goal, a freely chosen task.” – Viktor Frankl

Win:
Curt finally had three potentially dangerous trees removed from his yard and has been cutting and stacking the wood. It’s physical work that brings a sense of accomplishment, despite being a reminder of how out of shape he feels!

Resource:
Curt used Chrome Remote Desktop to help a friend troubleshoot computer issues. It’s an easy tool to remotely access another computer, reducing the frustration of trying to guide someone over the phone.

Quote:
“Talent is luck. The important thing in life is courage.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

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