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 being the “passive dad” and becoming more present

• His own inner programming and how he's still unpacking it at 60

• And, of course, Green Bay vs Detroit and the Power Rangers Rash Guard 😂

Whether you're a dad, son, or just a man navigating life—this episode will make you think, reflect, and maybe even soften a bit.

🎧 Listen in and join us for a conversation that covers war, wisdom, parenting, jiu-jitsu, marriage, and what really matters in life.

📩 Have a question for us? Send it to: bravemendare@gmail.com

Inerested in working with Craig 1 on 1? Scheudle a free coaching call now- https://linktr.ee/bravemendare

Give Joe a follow at- https://www.instagram.com/joe.young.376258/

🔗 CONNECT WITH BRAVE MEN DARE:
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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 on marriage, intentional time, and traveling without kids

• The real deal on dire wolves, DNA tech, and Jurassic-level science

Whether you’re in the middle of your own life shift, prepping for change, or just love smart, hilarious takes on big questions—this episode’s got you.

Subscribe and share this with a friend who’s questioning the system (or their coffee habit).

Have a question for us? Send it to: bravemendare@gmail.com

🔗 CONNECT WITH BRAVE MEN DARE:
📺 Watch full episodes on YouTube –https://www.youtube.com/@BraveMenDare/?sub_confirmation=1
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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
✅ How fatherhood and inner work are reshaping Ben & Craig’s lives

This episode is a mix of humor, vulnerability, and sharp insights into the forces that shape modern masculinity—often without us realizing it.

📩 Have a question for us? Send it to: bravemendare@gmail.com

🔗 CONNECT WITH BRAVE MEN DARE:
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🔥 SPONSORS:
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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 after 90 days?
• The psychology behind caffeine cravings & morning routines
• Military bootcamp & sleep deprivation – how the body adapts
• The connection between meditation, mental clarity & natural energy

Can you really function without coffee? A reality check

This is a fun, thought-provoking, and brutally honest conversation about one of life’s biggest dependencies. Could you go 90 days without caffeine? Tune in to find out!

🎧 Hit play and join us on this experiment!

📩 Send us your questions! → bravemendare@gmail.com

🔗 CONNECT WITH BRAVE MEN DARE:
🎥 YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@BraveMenDare
👍 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/bravemendare
📸 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/bravemendare
🎵 TikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@bravemendare

🔥 SPONSORS:
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🍳 Heritage Steel – High-Quality Stainless Steel Cookware (Made in the USA)
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🎟️ Use code BRAVE for 10% OFF!

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 beliefs
• Spirituality vs. organized faith – what’s the difference?
• Addiction, rehab experiences, and finding real healing
• How childhood shapes our beliefs about faith & self-worth
• Finding purpose through struggle, reflection, and growth
• And yes… dolphins, The Matrix, and existential thoughts!

This is a raw, insightful, and sometimes hilarious conversation about belief, meaning, and the search for something bigger than ourselves.

🎧 Hit play and join us on this journey!

📩 Have a question for us? Send it to: bravemendare@gmail.com

🔗 CONNECT WITH BRAVE MEN DARE:
📺 Watch full episodes on YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@BraveMenDare/?sub_confirmation=1
👍 Follow us on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/bravemendare
📸 Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/bravemendare
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🔥 SPONSORS:
🛍️ Woolly Clothing – High-Quality Merino Wool Apparel
➡️ Shop here: https://get.aspr.app/SHv6m
🎟️ Use code BRAVE for 15% OFF!

🍳 Heritage Steel – Premium Stainless Steel Cookware (Made in the USA)
➡️ Get yours: https://www.heritagesteel.us/BRAVE
🎟️ Use code BRAVE for 10% OFF!

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.

🔥 Topics Covered:

Surviving trauma, grief, and military service
Masculinity & therapy – breaking the stigma
Fatherhood & responsibility – how childhood shapes us as parents
The power of male friendships – why men need other men
Finding meaning & purpose after the military

This is one of the most raw and inspiring conversations we’ve had. If you’ve ever struggled with your past, felt lost, or wondered if healing is possible—this episode is for you.

🎧 Hit play and join us on this journey of growth, vulnerability, and resilience.

📩 Send us your questions! → bravemendare@gmail.com

Learn more about Mike- https://www.pcounseling.com/

🔗 Watch full episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BraveMenDare

📲 Follow us for more:
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🔥 SPONSORS:
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🎟️ Use code BRAVE for 15% OFF!

🍳 Heritage Steel – High-Quality Stainless Steel Cookware (Made in the USA)
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🎟️ Use code BRAVE for 10% OFF!

You spend your life assuming reality is real… but what if it isn’t?

In this episode, Craig and Ben dive deep into simulation theory, telepathy, precognition, and the mysteries of consciousness. Have you ever experienced déjà vu so strong it felt like you were reliving a moment? Or had a gut feeling that turned out to be eerily accurate?

We explore:
🧠 The science behind precognition – real or just coincidence?
👁️ Telepathy & shared consciousness – can minds connect beyond words?
🤖 AI, Neuralink & the future of thought – will technology unlock hidden abilities?
🌎 Are we in a simulation? What does the latest research say?

From unexplained phenomena to cutting-edge science, this episode will challenge everything you think you know.

🎧 Hit play and join us on this mind-bending journey!

📩 Send us your questions! → bravemendare@gmail.com

🔗 Watch full episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BraveMenDare

📲 Follow us for more:
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🔹 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bravemendare
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🔥 SPONSORS:
🛍️ Woolly Clothing – Premium Merino Wool Apparel
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🍳 Heritage Steel – High-Quality Stainless Steel Cookware (Made in the USA)
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🎟️ Use code BRAVE for 10% OFF!

You spend so much time teaching your kids, but do you ever pause and wonder what they might be teaching you?

In this episode, Craig and Ben explore the unexpected lessons that come from parenting—how kids mirror your behaviors, challenge your patience, and push you to grow in ways you never expected.

How do you balance discipline with connection? When do you step in, and when do you let them learn the hard way? And most importantly—what can you learn from them in the process?

From managing anger and emotional triggers to navigating ADHD and storytelling, this episode is packed with real talk about what it means to raise kids while still figuring out your own life.

Join Craig and Ben for an honest, reflective, and hilarious conversation about the wild journey of fatherhood.

Enjoyed this episode? Watch another- https://youtu.be/f3vrntDtaw8

Sponsors:

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Send in your questions- bravemendare@gmail.com

Connect with Brave Men Dare:

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Brave Men Dare on TikTok- www.tiktok.com/@bravemendare

In this episode:

00:00 - Introduction & Parental Reflections

02:56 - Processing Anger in Relationships

07:41 - Emotional Regulation & Conflict Resolution

14:36 - Parenting Styles & Childhood Influences

21:12 - Personal Experiences with Anger & Violence

30:52 - Childhood Outlets for Anger

39:40 - Emotional Expression & Coping Strategies

48:57 - Parenting Challenges & Lessons Learned

58:27 - The ADHD Discussion & Raising Kids

1:10:26 - Storytelling & Modeling Behavior

1:21:43 - The Chaos of Life & Finding Balance

1:40:24 - Closing Thoughts & Future Plans