Episode 7

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Published on:

25th Nov 2024

Episode 7: All The Decisions You've Made Along The Way

All The Decisions You've Made Along The Way

Episode Summary

How do the decisions you've made, big or small, shape your journey? In this episode, Kevin and Joe dig into the lasting impact of pivotal life decisions. From personal breakthroughs to career shifts and spiritual awakenings, they discuss how the choices we make define who we are and who we strive to become.

Why You Should Listen

Kevin Rogers and Joe DiRoma, known for their deep insights and straight talk, bring life experience and a wealth of knowledge on topics that matter to men navigating the complexities of midlife. In this episode, they explore the importance of self-reflection, taking responsibility, and embracing uncertainty.

Why This Episode Matters

For men in midlife, career transitions, health concerns, and family responsibilities often require tough decisions. These moments can lead to a powerful reassessment of life, helping men align their actions with their core values. Drawing from personal stories and timeless philosophy, Kevin and Joe guide listeners through the decision-making process, exploring how each choice—whether in relationships, careers, or personal growth—can pave the way to a more meaningful life.

Key Quotes

“Meaning is not given to us. It must be discovered. It is a hard and lonely work, but it is the work that we are meant to do.” – Joe, quoting James Hollis
“Your only job is to accept that it will be different, and then use your instincts along the way to form what it becomes next.” – Kevin
“The privilege of a lifetime is to become who you truly are.” – Joe, quoting Carl Jung

Key Takeaways

  • Making Decisions with Impact: Big decisions often require the courage to leave comfort behind and pursue meaning. True fulfillment lies in aligning choices with who we are and who we want to become.
  • Embracing Vulnerability: Both Kevin and Joe share moments of struggle, from overcoming addiction to career changes. They discuss how these experiences can be transformative when embraced honestly.
  • Clarity through Writing: Kevin advises taking the time to write out difficult choices to gain clarity and peace of mind. By defining the decision, asking "Then what?" at each step, you can often ease your fear and discover potential outcomes.
  • Service as a Path to Self-Discovery: Joe discusses the profound sense of fulfillment that comes from helping others, highlighting the importance of community and service in the journey toward personal growth.

Resources Mentioned

  • Books:
  • The Middle Passage by James Hollis
  • Modern Man in Search of a Soul by Carl Jung
  • Film: 1917 (Referenced for its line on faith in tough situations)

Call-to-Action

If you’re finding value in these discussions, help us grow by sharing this episode and leaving a review on Apple Podcasts. Each review supports our mission to connect with more men facing similar challenges. Every comment, rating, and share makes a difference. Every episode is complemented with a weekly newsletter so sign up for our SubStack at maninthemiddleshow.com

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About the Podcast

Man in the Middle Show w/ Kevin & Joe
Man in the Middle Show with Kevin & Joe

Are you a middle-aged man feeling trapped in your life? Stuck in a relationship, career, health situation, or financial rut that leaves you unfulfilled? Do you find yourself asking, "Is this it? Is it me? Is there more?"

You're not alone, and the Man in the Middle Show is here to prove it.

Join Kevin and Joe, two regular guys living in the "middle", as they dive deep into the challenges, triumphs, and existential questions that plague men in midlife. This isn't your typical self-help podcast – it's a raw, honest conversation between friends who've been there, done that, and are still figuring it out.

Meet Your Hosts:

Kevin at 54, he's a bald, bionic entrepreneur with a metal heart valve and 20 years in the "bonus round" of life. A former stand-up comic turned business owner, Kevin's journey includes:
- 25 years of marriage
- Raising two newly adult children
- A near-death experience and open-heart surgery at 35
- Navigating major career shifts and life transitions

Joe is The 42-year-old "regular guy" with an extraordinary story:
- 15 years sober after a 13-year battle with addiction
- High school dropout turned successful restaurant industry leader and now COO in digital marketing
- Father to a teenager and expecting a newborn (talk about a midlife shake-up!)
- Proof that it's never too late to turn your life around

Why Listen?

Real Talk, No BS... Kevin and Joe aren't therapists or gurus – they're guys just like you, sharing their experiences and struggles without filters.

You're Not Alone! Discover that those feelings of emptiness, confusion, and restlessness are normal and part of the midlife journey for many men.

Diverse Perspectives are critical. With their vastly different backgrounds and life experiences, Kevin and Joe offer unique insights into common midlife challenges.

Inspiration to Ask Bigger Questions. Instead of easy answers, you'll be motivated to dig deeper and rediscover what truly matters to you.

A Safe Space for Men. Finally, a place where you can hear open, honest discussions about the topics men often feel they can't talk about.

Practical Wisdom. Learn from the hosts' successes and failures as they navigate relationships, career transitions, health scares, and major life changes.

Finally... some Humor and Heart. Expect laughs alongside the deep stuff – because sometimes, you've got to find the funny in life's challenges.

The Man in the Middle Show isn't about having it all figured out. It's about embracing the messy middle, finding meaning in the struggle, and realizing that your best years might still be ahead of you.

Whether you're feeling lost, looking for a change, or just want to hear from guys who get it, Kevin and Joe are here to bring you into the middle of the conversation. You're not above, you're not below – you're right there with them, part of a community of men facing midlife head-on.

Tune in and discover:
- Strategies for reigniting passion in your relationships and career
- How to navigate major life transitions with grace (or at least a sense of humor)
- Ways to redefine success and fulfillment on your own terms
- The power of vulnerability and authentic male friendships
- Tools for managing stress, health concerns, and the infamous midlife crisis

Don't let society tell you how to age or what your life should look like. Join Kevin, Joe, and a growing tribe of men who are rewriting the rules of midlife, one honest conversation at a time.

Subscribe to the Man in the Middle Show w/ Kevin & Joe because midlife doesn't have to be a crisis. It can be your awakening.

New episodes drop weekly. Available wherever you get your podcasts.

Remember... You're not stuck. You're not alone. And there's definitely more to life – let's find it together.

About your host

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Joseph DiRoma