The Men of the House Podcast
Exploring the unfiltered truths of fatherhood, self-care, mental health, and navigating the chaos of everyday life. Tune in for real conversations with a side of humor and heart.
When Death Speaks, Life Finally Tells The Truth
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Death doesn’t just end a story—it reveals what truly mattered in it. In this Unfiltered Friday episode, I share the deeply personal story of my last patient, David, a man who spent his life in the oil fields and his final days on a quiet front porch, telling me about his childhood, his work, and his regrets.
You’ll hear about his vigil, his send off, and what it meant to stand beside someone who had no one else. I open up about the emotional shift from working in the ER...
Why Are We Here? Breaking Generational Trauma to Discover Your True Purpose
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What if the real answer to “Why are we here?” isn’t out there, but buried beneath your own unhealed story? In this video, I share an honest conversation about purpose, identity, and what happens when we finally face the parts of ourselves that childhood, family, and generational trauma taught us to hide.
Together, we’ll explore how we quietly support a system that keeps humanity going—while ignoring the deeper truth within us that’s begging to be seen. I’ll walk you through my own journey of becoming comfortable with who I rea...
Rethink Your Route to Freedom: Finding Who You Are in the Life You Already Have
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Are you really where you want to be in life—or just where you thought you were supposed to end up? In this deeply personal episode, I pause and ask myself that exact question, inspired in part by the Nurse Dad Podcast. I look back over five decades of life, tracing the recurring themes of service, integrity, and doing what’s right, and ask: was I actually seeking freedom all along?
You’ll hear how I discovered that the freedom I now have looks very different from what I once envisioned—and why...
One Step Removed: When Caregiving Became a Two-Year Detour | Unfiltered Friday
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Sometimes the thing you're called to do for a season isn't where you're supposed to stay forever.
This Unfiltered Friday begins with September 11th and remembering Buck on what would have been his birthday. But it also forced me to look at where the last two years of my own life have gone.
Caregiving was supposed to be about helping someone else. Instead, it became a two-year detour that changed me physically and emotionally. I injured my back. Pain became something I had to manage. That road...
Unfiltered Friday on the Fly
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Who Is Caring for the Caregiver? | How Putting Others First Led to Burnout, Dependency & Recovery
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For years, I believed that putting everyone else first was simply what a good husband, father, caregiver, and provider was supposed to do.
Then one back injury changed everything.
In this deeply personal episode of The Men of the House Podcast, I share the story I've never fully told—from caring for a 97-year-old bedbound veteran, to developing a 15-month dependency on 7-OH while trying to keep showing up for everyone else.
This isn't an episode about addiction.
It's an episode about id...
The Dash Between Birth & Death | Why Being Present Might Be Your Greatest Purpose
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What if the “dash” between your birth and death dates is where your real purpose lives—and you’re sleepwalking through it? In this raw, solo episode, I open up about an intense week of hospital visits, a client’s passing, and the emotional weight of being a caregiver and empath when your superpower starts to feel like kryptonite.Â
I share a sleepless-night journey into TikTok Live—a wild digital bazaar of creators, healers, and musicians—where a chance connection with Brazilian fans of a band I’d just interviewed reminded me that music, lo...
🎙️ Turning 50, Letting Go & Saying Yes to What Matters Most
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I'm turning 50.
And while some people see that as getting older, I'm starting to see it differently.
In this episode of The Men of the House Podcast, I reflect on what it means to reach this milestone and the perspective that comes with it. Like most people, I've spent time wondering how life might have turned out if I had made different choices, taken different jobs, moved to different places, or followed different paths.
The truth is, none of us really know.
Maybe...
🎙️ Unfiltered Friday: Being Present in a World Obsessed with What's Next
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What if the best view isn't at the next level?
What if it's right where you're standing today?
In this week's Unfiltered Friday, I dive into something that's been on my mind all week: presence.
We live in a culture that constantly tells us to chase the next promotion, the next opportunity, the next achievement, the next level. We're conditioned to believe happiness is waiting somewhere in the future, just beyond our current circumstances. But in our pursuit of "what's next," how often...
Be Authentic or Be Forgotten | The Supervillains Story, Tour Life & Staying Real in Music
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What does it really take to stay authentic in a world that rewards conformity?
In this episode of The Men of the House Podcast, I sit down with Scott from The Supervillains to talk about the real, unfiltered journey of building a band that’s lasted decades—without selling out.
From discovering music on Napster to touring across the country, this conversation dives into what it means to stay true to who you are, even when it’s harder, slower, and less predictable.
This i...
Making Memories Monday: DC & NYC Trip, Fatherhood, Health & Being Present
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What does real life and real connection actually look like?
In this episode of The Men of the House Podcast, I take you behind the scenes of an unforgettable school trip chaperoning my daughter and a group of 12–14-year-olds through Washington DC and New York City—18-hour days, 25,000–32,000 steps, charter buses, flights, and nonstop movement.
From the powerful memorials in DC to the energy of Times Square, this journey is about more than travel—it’s about presence, perspective, and purpose.
Inside thi...
Unfiltered Friday: Life Updates, Turning 50, Dreams, Money Mindset & Real Talk
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Missed last week’s episode? No worries—this Unfiltered Friday episode of The Men of the House Podcast brings you two weeks of real-life updates, raw reflections, and powerful insights on growth, purpose, and connection.
From spontaneous nights at a reggae rock show to an emotional experience at a Mel Robbins tour that sparked tears of joy and inspiration, this episode dives deep into what it means to truly live.
As I approach 50, I open up about:
The reality of getting older and redefining successBuilding a lega...The Power of Saying NO | Stop People Pleasing & Take Control of Your Life
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Ever felt trapped by peer pressure, saying “yes” when your gut screams “no”? In this solo Monday episode, I share a hectic weekend story that perfectly illustrates why learning to say NO is a game-changer. From hosting a baby shower to reliving my wife and I’s first date at the Montgomery County Cookoff—complete with a minor car accident and hours spent walking in freezing rain—you’ll see how pushing past your boundaries can backfire. Discover the power of making NO a complete sentence without explanations, and how it builds trust in yourself, sha...
Grow or Die? | Or Be Content?
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Are you tired of the relentless “grow or die” mindset that dominates today’s culture? In this episode of Unfiltered Friday, I challenge the idea that constant growth is the only path to success and happiness. Drawing from personal experiences, I explore what it truly means to be content and question society’s obsession with always wanting more. Discover a fresh perspective that values stability, gratitude, and fulfillment over endless striving. If you’re ready to rethink growth and embrace a balanced life where your basic needs are enough, this episode is for you. Tune...
Rethink Your Mornings | No Phone For 1 Hour
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Struggling to find balance during chaotic times? In this solo Monday episode, I dive into organizing my life amidst the hustle and share powerful insights from an interview with Chris Williamson & Michael Smoak. Discover how being an only child shaped my journey of leaning on others without feeling diminished and why simply showing up and embracing the moment can transform your day. Plus, I explore a bold goal: no phone for the first hour each morning—could you do it? If your alarm clock is your phone, this challenge might change your routine co...
No One Should Die Alone | From Trauma ER to End-of-Life Doula (April 9 Reflection)
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Discover the profound journey of a healthcare professional who has witnessed life’s most critical moments firsthand. In this heartfelt episode of Unfiltered Friday, explore the significance of April 9—the day marking the start of a transformative career in a Level One Trauma Emergency Department. From intense emergency room experiences to managing family practice and becoming an end-of-life doula, this story reveals the true meaning of presence and compassion during life’s final transition. If you believe in the power of support and dignity in dying, this video will convince you why no one sh...
After Easter Reflection | Why Human Connection Matters In An AI Driven World
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What happens when AI replaces everything… except human presence?
In this powerful after-Easter reflection on The Men of the House Podcast, I share real-life insights from stepping into an unexpected caregiver shift while continuing my journey toward becoming a Certified End-of-Life Doula.
This episode dives into the tension between technology and humanity—exploring the rapid rise of AI, the future of work, and why human connection will never be replaceable, especially in life’s most vulnerable moments.
From wrestling with walking away from social media to rea...
St. Paddy’s Day Special: What Death Taught Me About Living | End-of-Life Doula Journey & The Truth About Fulfillment
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What if preparing for death is the key to finally learning how to live?
In this special St. Patrick’s Day episode of The Men of the House Podcast, I go deep into my ongoing journey toward becoming an end-of-life doula—and how confronting mortality has completely reshaped my perspective on life, purpose, and fulfillment.
After witnessing countless deaths firsthand in a Level One Trauma Emergency Department, I’ve seen what truly matters when everything else fades away. And it’s not money. It’s not status. It’s not the so-c...
Funerals, Death Doula Training & The 5 Truths That Will Change Your Life
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What happens when you attend a funeral while training to become a death doula?
This week on Unfiltered Friday from The Men of the House Podcast, I share raw reflections from a week that forced me to confront mortality, legacy, and the uncomfortable truths most of us avoid.
In week two of my death doula training; paired with the emotional weight of a recent funeral, I found myself revisiting powerful insights from Chase Hughes’ “Five Truths” and asking hard questions about how we’re really living. Are we build...
A Career in Compassion
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Are you searching for deeper purpose or meaning in your career? In this week’s episode of Unfiltered Friday, I share my journey as I embark on the End of Life Doula Certification Course with Doulagivers Institute. Discover what this transformative training involves, why it’s vital, and how it shapes my vision for a more compassionate business dedicated to supporting people in life’s most significant moments. I also touch on current events and how they reaffirm my commitment to bringing humanity to those who need it most. If you’ve ever wondered...
Finding Purpose When Tomorrow Isn’t Promised: Why I Chose End-of-Life Doula Training
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Are you searching for deeper meaning and purpose in life? This week on Unfiltered Friday, I open up about my decision to enroll in the End of Life Doula Certification Course with Doulagivers Institute—a step that feels like my true calling. I also reflect on recent losses, reminding us all that tomorrow isn't promised and every choice matters. Join me as I share insights from this transformative journey, discuss the impact of compassionate end-of-life care, and encourage you to consider what truly matters most. Don't miss this heartfelt episode—subscribe now and foll...
From Chance Meeting to Real Connection: Daniel Mondragon on Self-Improvement, Personal Growth & Authentic Conversation
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Curious how genuine connections can spark inspiring conversations? This week on The Men of the House Podcast, I sit down with Daniel Mondragon for an in-person interview that grew from a chance meeting at a men’s group dinner. After sharing my own podcasting journey over coffee, I realized there was so much more to learn about Daniel—and you’ll get to discover his compelling story with me. Dive into our candid conversation as we explore self-improvement, personal growth, and the power of authentic dialogue. If you’re passionate about becoming your best sel...
When Every Week Feels the Same: Breaking the Routine, Finding Local Adventure & Why 2026 Feels Like 2025
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Ever feel like the weeks are just blending together? In this episode, I take you through my jam-packed week—balancing client commitments, carving out precious family time, and discovering hidden gems in a neighboring town’s walking trails. 2026 feels like an extension of 2025, and if you relate to that college grind vibe, you’ll love these real-life stories and practical insights! I challenge you: venture beyond your routine, explore new local beauty, and see how it can light up your week. Plus, I share my journey attending End Of Life Doula training—an inspirin...
Why Men Are Quietly Breaking: Mental Health, Dating, Fatherhood & the Pressure to “Man Up” | Unfiltered Friday
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Men are struggling — quietly, relentlessly, and often alone — and society still tells them to “man up.”
This Unfiltered Friday episode rips the lid off the invisible burdens modern men carry in 2026 and asks the question no one wants to answer: Why is male pain still treated as disposable?
We dive head-first into the uncomfortable truths most conversations avoid:
• Men’s mental health crisis — Suicide rates remain nearly 4x higher for men, loneliness is exploding, and AI-driven job displacement is stripping away identity...
Unfiltered Friday: Why We Talk but Don’t Communicate
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Communication isn’t just about talking—it’s about being heard. In this Unfiltered Friday episode of The Men of the House Podcast, I dive into the uncomfortable truth about why so many of our relationships, families, and mental health struggles come down to poor communication and unspoken emotions.
From the danger of silence and emotional avoidance to the communication patterns we carry from childhood, this solo episode explores why men often struggle to express themselves, how family dynamics amplify misunderstandings, and what caregiving and end-of-life moments teach us about the power...
C’est la Vie 2025 → Welcome 2026 | Growth, Grief, and Finding Purpose
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C’est la Vie 2025 → Welcome 2026 | Growth, Grief, and Finding Purpose
As 2025 comes to a close, this powerful episode of The Men of the House Podcast invites you to reflect on the moments that shaped you—and the lessons that will guide you forward. In “C’est la Vie 2025 and Welcome 2026,” we explore how life’s hardest seasons—caregiving, grief, burnout, and emotional surrender—often become the greatest teachers.
Through honest reflection and lived experience, this episode unpacks what it means to sit with discomfort, release what no longer ser...
Happy Holidays from The Men of the House
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Happy Holidays from The Men of the House.
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Disconnect to Reconnect: Finding Real Connection in a Digital World
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Are you overwhelmed by the pressures of social media and craving genuine, face-to-face connection? On this episode of Unfiltered Friday, I get real about my struggle with today’s digital world—and why authentic interactions matter more than ever. Join me as I open up about stepping away from the online noise and embracing meaningful experiences, including a long-overdue solo cruise with my wife—the first since our honeymoon over a decade ago! As we rekindle our bond and reflect on 13 years of marriage (and 20 years together!), I’ll share insights on balancing work, lo...
Mental Health Monday: When Silence Hurts & Why Speaking Up Can Save You
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Struggling with the weight of life’s chaos and feeling like you have no one to turn to? In this candid episode of Mental Health Monday, I open up about a challenging week marked by miscommunication and emotional isolation, revealing how easily we can spiral when we keep our feelings bottled up. I also revisit a heartbreaking childhood memory triggered by recent tragic news, shedding light on the lasting impact of unspoken pain. If you’ve ever felt alone or silenced by your struggles, this video is for you. Discover why speaking up abou...
Life Before Tech vs Now: Finding Real Connection
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Are you caught between the simplicity of life before smartphones and the always-on reality we live in today? In this solo episode of The Men of the House Podcast, I explore the tension between growing up in an unplugged Gen X world and navigating today’s hyper-connected digital culture.
I dive into how different generations—Gen X and Gen Z—experience technology, question who truly lived “before tech took over,” and reflect on why nostalgia hits so hard for so many of us.
You’ll hear candid stories from unexpected e...
Finding Peace at the Table: Staying Connected When the World Feels Divided
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Ever feel like life is a rollercoaster of highs and lows, all in the span of a single week? On this episode of Unfiltered Friday, I share my raw and honest recap—from cherished moments with my father at the Kyle Smith VIP to battling through a weekend of relentless illness. If you’ve ever had days blur together or felt the ache of fewer seats at your holiday table, this episode will resonate deeply. Join me as I reflect on an easygoing Thanksgiving, personal challenges, and what truly matters in our increasingly divi...
Unplugged but Not Unscathed: What My Cruise Taught Me About Connection, Chaos, and Letting Go
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Feeling torn between wanting to disconnect—and being terrified of what happens when you actually do? In this episode of Unfiltered Friday, I unpack the real story behind our family cruise and how stepping away from constant productivity changed me in ways I didn’t expect.
This week, I reflect on everything that followed my initial fear of unplugging:
• The surprising peace that comes from losing Wi-Fi
• The chaos, curveballs, and forgotten-passport moments that tested us
• The deep conversations and reconnections that only happen when distractions disappear<...
Afraid To Unplug | Unfiltered Friday
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Ever feel guilty or anxious when you're supposed to be relaxing? In this episode, I open up about my unexpected struggle with taking time off — specifically, going on a cruise for my daughter’s birthday. While most people count down to vacation, I’ve found myself stressing about the loss of productivity, lack of routine, and being unplugged from my normal world.
Why is it so hard for some of us to rest? Is discomfort a sign of growth — or just resistance? In this raw, unfiltered conversation, I explore what happens when you...
Check Your Foundation: How Faith Helps You Make the Hard Decisions in Life
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Ever feel stuck, uncertain, or unsure whether the path you're on is the right one? In this solo episode of The Men of the House Podcast, I break down why it's not just helpful — but necessary — to check your foundation before you take the next step in life.
No guest today. No script. Just real talk about how revisiting your values, goals, and especially your faith can bring clarity when life feels confusing. I share how faith became the filter for every decision I’ve made over this past year —...
Fighting for Those Who Fought for Us: The VA Crisis Exposed
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Welcome to Unfiltered Friday on The Men of the House Podcast, where real talk meets raw truth.
In this episode, host Richard Craft takes an unfiltered look at the challenges facing the Veterans Administration (VA)during the longest government shutdown in U.S. history. Is this breakdown new—or just the latest symptom of a long-standing issue?
Hear first-hand experiences from veterans across the country, exploring how region, access, and bureaucracy shape their care. This is more than a po...
🎙️ Our Most Downloaded Episode Ever: Finding Peace and Purpose with Dean Graves
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Discover the secrets to unlocking your full potential with renowned meditation teacher, mental health counselor, and spiritual guide, Dean Graves. In this captivating episode, The Men of the House Podcast sits down with Dean, who shares his 20+ years of expertise in guiding individuals towards a holistic approach to healing and growth. Through his deep understanding of mental health and spiritual wisdom, Dean has inspired countless people to embrace the transformative power of mindfulness and meditation. Prepare to be captivated by his compassionate and insightful guidance, as he reveals the path to greater self-awareness...
"Caregiving, Compassion, and Customer Chaos: Life Lessons from the Road and at Home"
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On this Unfiltered Friday episode of The Men of the House Podcast, host Richard Craft opens up about the real-life balance of caregiving and everyday responsibilities. From caring for loved ones to navigating the unexpected challenges of delivering for Uber Eats, Richard shares authentic stories filled with humor, empathy, and insight. Discover the deeper meaning behind his signature phrase, “Don’t Be a Mouth Breather,” and how it ties into living with intention, accountability, and heart. Whether you’re a caregiver, hustler, or just trying to manage life’s chaos, this episode will remind you...
Addiction, Redemption, and Purpose: Dr. Jake Strain’s Journey from Rock Bottom to Recovery Leadership
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In this compelling episode of The Men of the House Podcast, host Richard Craft sits down with Dr. Jake Strain to explore a powerful story of addiction, redemption, and purpose.
Once on track for medical school, Jake’s life took a devastating turn when an opiate addiction threatened his career, reputation, and sense of identity. Following a highly publicized incident and a difficult rehab journey, he found himself rebuilding from the ground up — this time in Texas — only to face new challenges with the Texas Medical Board.
B...
Still Here: Filling the Gaps in How We Care for the Dying
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In this Unfiltered Friday episode of The Men of the House Podcast, host Richard Craft opens up about the heart behind his next chapter — Nobody Should Die Alone, a mission born from his firsthand experience as a 24/7 caregiver to an aging veteran who had no family to care for him.
Richard reflects on the difference between medical care and human care — and why in our modern systems, we often confuse the two. From home health to hospice, the “transactional” part of end-of-life is covered. But what’s missing is...
No One Should Have To Die Alone
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In this powerful and deeply personal episode of The Men of the House Podcast, host Richard Craft shares the story of becoming a 24/7 live-in caregiver for CDR Winfred Leon Buckingham, USN — a 97-year-old veteran with no one left to care for him. As the holidays passed without family visits, Richard stepped in to ensure the Commander wouldn’t face his final days alone. This episode explores what it truly means to show up for another human being, the silent epidemic of dying in isolation, and how one act of compassion can inspire a move...
