Letting Go of Who You Were to Become Who You Are
Brave Men Dare
What would happen if you let go of every identity you’ve ever clung to? In this deep and honest episode, Craig sits down with longtime friend Steven Roccazzella to explore life after letting go—of jobs, roles, identities, and old versions of self. They talk about what it means to live with no safety net, to reinvent who you are, and to surrender to what’s next… even when you don’t know what that is. 🎧 Topics include: Identity, work, and why it’s so hard to let go Fatherhood and the illusion of control Safety, fear, and being okay in the unknown Attachment, ego...
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What Starting Over Really Looks Like
Brave Men Dare
How do you rebuild your life from the ground up—and actually enjoy it? In this episode, Craig sits down with Michael Blanton for a conversation about starting over. From leaving California and healthcare to raising a family in Tennessee and brewing beer for a living, this is a story about burnout, fatherhood, and making peace with change. 💭 Topics include: The chaos of working in emergency medicine Fatherhood fears and learning to let go Brewing as a creative & therapeutic craft Moving cross-country and planting roots Social media, overstimulation, and reclaiming your...
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Why Men Struggle to Connect (And What Our Sons Learn From That)
Brave Men Dare
What do kids really learn by watching their dads? In this episode, Craig and Ben dive into the funny, awkward, and meaningful parts of being men, husbands, and fathers. From gift-giving disasters and love languages, to how boys learn emotional expression (or don’t)—this is one of those laid-back conversations with deeper layers underneath. They talk about the things that get passed down without us even realizing it—and how to be more intentional about the kind of men (and fathers) we are. 🔥 In this episode: •Why men need more emotional connection than they think...
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Adventure, Resilience & Lessons from a Life Less Ordinary
Brave Men Dare
What does it mean to truly live your own story? In this episode, Craig sits down with Rob Dake—Peace Corps volunteer, world traveler, jiu-jitsu practitioner, and lifelong Tennessean—to explore a life packed with adventure, resilience, and real-world lessons. From evacuations in West Africa, to disaster relief after the Haiti earthquake, to building a life and community back home in Tennessee, Rob shares his powerful and hilarious stories of growth, loss, service, and survival. 🔥 What You'll Discover: ✅Growing up in small-town Tennessee after the loss of his father...
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Becoming the Father I Never Had
Brave Men Dare
What happens when a man chooses to rewrite his story? In this episode of Brave Men Dare, guest co-host, Joe Young, joins Craig for a deeply honest conversation about growing up with an absent father, breaking generational cycles, and learning what it really means to show up as a man, husband, and dad. Joe shares personal stories about: His father’s time as a POW in WWII Growing up in a chaotic, loving household as the youngest of seven Becoming a father later in life—and the fear that came with it What he's learned in 26 years of marriage Letting go of...
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Jurassic Park 8: The Return of Dire Wolves
Brave Men Dare
In this episode, Ben and Craig catch up after a much-needed vacation and dive straight into the weird, the wild, and the wonderfully honest. From sunburns and dolphin sightings to ditching caffeine and prepping for a new job—this one covers it all. But it wouldn’t be Brave Men Dare without a little controversy. What happens when tech bros start bringing back dire wolves? Are we living in Jurassic Park? And what does this all say about where humanity is headed? You’ll hear: A deep convo about quitting caffeine and what it does to your body Honest reflections...
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How Much of Your Personality is Shaped by Patriarchy?
Brave Men Dare
Ever stop to wonder: How much of who I am was shaped by patriarchy? In this thought-provoking episode of Brave Men Dare, Craig and Ben explore how masculine identity is formed—from the first car you’re told to love, to the pressure to “man up” instead of feel. Through personal stories and deep reflection, they unpack: ✅ How boys are taught to perform masculinity early in life ✅ The subtle (and not-so-subtle) influence of patriarchy on our personalities ✅ Why men struggle with emotional vulnerability—and how to change that ✅ The power of self-inquiry in becoming a better man...
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Caffeine, Sleep & The 90-Day Challenge-Can We Function Without It
Brave Men Dare
How much caffeine do you actually need? Are you truly awake—or just running on stimulants? In this episode, Craig and Ben take on the challenge of quitting caffeine and stimulants for 90 days, diving deep into the effects of coffee, energy drinks, and sleep deprivation. From their personal habits to the science behind caffeine addiction, they explore whether life without stimulants leads to better focus and energy—or just misery. 🔥 What You'll Hear in This Episode: The truth about caffeine, sleep, and nervous system regulation Quitting caffeine – what happens...
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Faith, Spirituality & Purpose- What Do You Believe In?
Brave Men Dare
Have you ever questioned what you truly believe? Is faith something you're born into, or something you discover? In this episode, Craig and Ben dive into faith, spirituality, and purpose—challenging old beliefs, exploring new perspectives, and reflecting on the experiences that shape us. From religion and childhood influences to addiction, healing, and self-discovery, this conversation takes a deep and honest look at what it means to believe in something bigger than ourselves. 🔥 What You'll Hear in This Episode: Growing up in religion & questioning long-held...
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Healing, Brotherhood & the Power of Therapy
Brave Men Dare
How do you rebuild after loss? How do you find meaning after your world has been shattered? In this powerful episode, Craig and Ben sit down with Mike Neff, a Marine Veteran and therapist, to discuss surviving trauma, rediscovering purpose, and the importance of male friendships in healing. Mike opens up about his journey through loss, military service, and finding his path as a therapist after struggling with identity, grief, and self-worth. He shares how brotherhood, Jiu-Jitsu, and meaningful conversations with men helped him break cycles and step into a new purpose. ...
info_outlineWhat’s some of your favorite moments around a campfire?
In this laid-back and unscripted episode, Craig and Ben embrace the vibe of a campfire conversation and sit down for the first Brave Men Dare After Dark episode.
Diving into a wide range of topics, they share stories about their past experiences, from Craig’s days in law enforcement and Ben’s days in the military, to reflecting on how those roles shaped their lives.
With humor and candid reflections, they discuss everything from favorite campfire memories and Boy Scout adventures to the challenges of aging and staying active. It’s a raw, unfiltered look at life, connection, and the moments that make us who we are.
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In this episode:
05:53 Law Enforcement Insights: Miranda Rights and Communication
09:08 Personal Stories: Alter Egos and Identity
12:02 Military Experience: Flying the CH-53 Echo
14:57 Exploring the Matrix: Reality and Perception
18:09 Yoga Journey: Finding Balance and Flexibility
24:07 Camping Memories: Core Experiences Around the Fire
40:45 The Importance of Connection
44:51 Social Media and Personal Presence
50:35 Diving into the Penguin Series
01:01:40 Movies and Personal Experiences
01:08:16 The Book Era and Learning Styles
01:12:58 Evolution of Communication: From Oral to Written
01:18:09 Perception and Individual Experience
01:20:45 Left Brain vs Right Brain: Understanding Thought Processes
01:29:24 Travel Adventures and Future Plans
01:42:18 Disaster Response and Humanitarian Efforts
01:45:39 Camping Adventures and Family Bonding
01:49:58 Childhood Camping Experiences
01:53:38 Creating Lasting Memories with Family
01:58:21 Personal Growth and Emotional Connections
02:02:12 Friendship Dynamics: Wartime vs. Peacetime