Ever feel like life is going great… until it’s not? In this episode, Joe and Curt unpack a simple yet powerful framework for understanding the messy, yet beautiful, loop we all go through: Orientation, Disorientation, and Reorientation. Whether you're cruising through a season of clarity or stuck in the middle of confusion, this cycle can help you navigate life’s ups and downs with resilience and purpose. And of course, there’s plenty of classic rock talk, blender recommendations, and a reminder that leaving a concert early is practically a crime.

• Orientation: This is when life feels stable and predictable. You feel confident, grounded, and like you’ve found your groove. Appreciate it, because it won’t last forever.
• Disorientation: Something shakes your world, externally or internally, and suddenly nothing makes sense. It’s tempting to rush or numb this phase, but real growth starts here.
• Reorientation: The clarity after the storm. You don’t go back to who you were, you evolve into someone stronger, wiser, and more aligned with what really matters.
• The Loop is Life: This isn’t a one-time deal. You’ll go through this cycle again and again in different areas of life—but each time, you emerge a little more whole.

• Win: Went to a Styx + REO Speedwagon + Don Felder concert with his daughter at the Hartford Healthcare Amphitheater. Four hours of rock glory and nostalgia!
• Resource: Rainbow – Rising (vinyl). Curt dove deep into the Ronnie James Dio era of rock, exploring Rainbow, Black Sabbath, and Holy Diver. Stargazer is a standout track.
• Quote: “Anyone who stops learning is old, whether at 20 or 80. Anyone who keeps learning stays young.” — Henry Ford

• Win: Finalized the hire of a talented internal candidate to lead sales efforts in Europe—bringing clarity and momentum to the team.
• Resource: Nutribullet SmartSense Blender (1400W) – Joe’s new go-to for fluffy protein shakes and fiber-packed smoothies. Worth every penny.
• Quote: “Every adversity, every failure, every heartache carries with it the seed of an equal or greater benefit.” — Napoleon Hill

Life’s not a straight line, it’s a loop. Understanding the cycle of orientation, disorientation, and reorientation helps you move forward with grace and resilience. Whether you’re in the storm or coming out of it, just keep moving. Remember, progress is better than perfection.

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 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.

• 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.

• 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

• 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

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.

• 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.

• 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

• 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