Never Putt Short: Jeff McCabe on Intentionality, Failure, and Building Hard Truth

Never Putt Short: Jeff McCabe on Intentionality, Failure, and Building Hard Truth

What does it take to turn 325 acres of Indiana woods into a national spirits brand and an "adult Disneyland" that pulls visitors from across the country? In this episode of The Upgraded Man Podcast, Chris Anderson sits down with Jeff McCabe, co-founder of Hard Truth Distilling Co., for a wide-ranging conversation on craft, mindset, family, and the long game of building something that lasts. Jeff is a Naval Academy graduate and former Navy pilot who went on to run a major part of the business travel and corporate card division at American Express before stepping away to chase a different kind of dream in Brown County. Alongside his partners and his own family, he built Big Woods, Quaff On, and Hard Truth into an experience that visitors remember long after they leave. In this conversation, you'll hear: * Why a whiskey tastes better at 93 proof than 90, and what that obsession with detail reveals about doing anything well * The Charlie Munger philosophy on the wall of his boardroom, and the wild family connection to Munger that Jeff only learned recently * What the Naval Academy taught him about failing, and why learning to fail removed his fear of it * How he leads people who don't share his mindset by listening first and meaning what he says * The realities of running a business with his son, daughter, and son-in-law all under one roof * Where he was on the morning of 9/11, and how being out of New York let him help in a way no one else could * The McCabe family history, from Irish Gallowglass roots to two uncles' bars and a now-legendary dance hall story * The Byron Nelson lesson that stuck with him for life: never putt short Whether you're building a company, leading a team, or just trying to navigate whatever life throws your way, Jeff's blend of hard-won wisdom and Midwest grit offers something to take home. Hard Truth Distilling Co. is located in Nashville, Indiana, in the heart of Brown County, and its spirits are now distributed across 38 states. Plan a visit to walk the property, take a distillery tour, or build a custom experience of your own. The Upgraded Man Podcast is for men who refuse to stay complacent and want to keep growing across every area of life. New episodes drop regularly, so subscribe and share this one with someone who needs it. This episode may or may not be sponsored. Some product links are affiliate links, meaning we'll receive a small commission if you buy something. =========================== ⚡️ PODCAST: Subscribe and listen on all major platforms ⚡️ Want to be a guest on The Upgraded Man? Apply here ➡ https://upgraded-man.com/guest [https://upgraded-man.com/guest] ⚡️ For support or business inquiries, email us ➡ chris@upgraded-man.com  Our mission at The Upgraded Man is simple — help men upgrade every area of their life through real conversations, honest stories, and actionable insight from men who have done the work. The content on The Upgraded Man is for informational and entertainment purposes only. The views expressed by the host and guests are their own and do not constitute professional legal, financial, medical, or therapeutic advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making decisions based on information discussed on this podcast.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com [https://pcm.adswizz.com] for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Bridging the Gap: Building Stronger Father-Son Relationships With Dr. Carla Caturia

In this episode of The Upgraded Man Podcast, host Chris Anderson sits down with Dr. Carla Caturia, a mindset and family relationship expert who has worked with thousands of families to help fathers strengthen their connection with their kids. As the first female guest since the show's rebrand, Dr. Carla brings a fresh, practical perspective to one of the toughest questions dads face: how do I stay close to my kid as they grow up? Whether you have a toddler, a teenager, or a kid somewhere in between, this conversation gives you a real-world framework for showing up as the father your kids actually need. Key topics and takeaways: * Why the disconnect between dads and their teenage sons is normal, but absolutely fixable * The "fix-it trap" most dads fall into and what to do instead when your kid opens up * How to read your child's energy and know when to listen versus when to engage * The difference between productive struggle and being too hard on your kids * Why discipline rooted in natural consequences is more effective than reactive punishment * How to navigate the identity shifts kids go through in elementary, middle, and high school * The 20-minute weekly strategy that can transform your relationship with your teen * Why regulating your own emotions is the single biggest move a dad can make * How to spot whether your kid is dealing with a motivation problem or an identity problem * The role of vulnerability in earning your child's trust and respect * Why affirmations only work when paired with evidence * What dads need to let go of as their kids grow into their own people Dr. Carla also shares the story of a father and two sons whose relationship transformed through small, consistent shifts, and leaves dads with a powerful reminder to have grace with themselves through the journey. Connect with Dr. Carla on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube. Reach out directly for a consultation if you want personalized support strengthening your family relationships. Follow The Upgraded Man Podcast and share this episode with a dad in your life who could use it. This episode may or may not be sponsored. Some product links are affiliate links, meaning we'll receive a small commission if you buy something. =========================== ⚡️ PODCAST: Subscribe and listen on all major platforms ⚡️ Want to be a guest on The Upgraded Man? Apply here ➡ https://upgraded-man.com/guest [https://upgraded-man.com/guest] ⚡️ For support or business inquiries, email us ➡ chris@upgraded-man.com  Our mission at The Upgraded Man is simple — help men upgrade every area of their life through real conversations, honest stories, and actionable insight from men who have done the work. The content on The Upgraded Man is for informational and entertainment purposes only. The views expressed by the host and guests are their own and do not constitute professional legal, financial, medical, or therapeutic advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making decisions based on information discussed on this podcast.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com [https://pcm.adswizz.com] for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Why Liking Yourself Is the Hardest Work a Man Will Ever Do

Welcome to the very first guest episode of The Upgraded Man Podcast. Host Chris Anderson sits down with Dr. Bobby Shelton, a researcher and speaker on self-leadership theory, for a conversation about what it actually takes for a man to like himself again, and why so many high-achieving men are quietly running on empty. Bobby opens up about the morning he sat in a chair for an hour and a half, refusing to stand until he gave himself permission to start liking who he was. He shares how a wife's blunt comment, 180 pounds of weight loss, a doctoral program he chose because he hated reading, and the funeral of yet another friend lost to suicide led him to a breaking point and a complete rebuild. The conversation moves into Bobby's signature framework, easy hard versus hard hard, and why most men exhaust themselves on the wrong battles. In this episode: * The chair moment that changed Bobby's life and what it means to give yourself permission * Why losing 180 pounds and earning a doctorate didn't fix the anger or the depression * The self-leadership principle: you cannot lead others until you lead yourself * How men outsource their identity to jobs, social media, religion, and the opinions of strangers * Easy hard versus hard hard, and how to tell which one you are actually living in * The daily writing practice Bobby uses to end every morning with "I love you, Bobby" * Why saying no to good things is the price of saying yes to your real purpose * Bobby's next mission with the George W. Bush Institute supporting veteran mental health Connect with Dr. Bobby Shelton through Self Leadership Lab, available on YouTube, Apple, and major platforms, and on LinkedIn. His website and email are open for anyone who wants to start the work. Subscribe to The Upgraded Man Podcast for weekly conversations built for men who refuse to be complacent. This episode may or may not be sponsored. Some product links are affiliate links, meaning we'll receive a small commission if you buy something. =========================== ⚡️ PODCAST: Subscribe and listen on all major platforms ⚡️ Want to be a guest on The Upgraded Man? Apply here ➡ https://upgraded-man.com/guest [https://upgraded-man.com/guest] ⚡️ For support or business inquiries, email us ➡ chris@upgraded-man.com  Our mission at The Upgraded Man is simple — help men upgrade every area of their life through real conversations, honest stories, and actionable insight from men who have done the work. The content on The Upgraded Man is for informational and entertainment purposes only. The views expressed by the host and guests are their own and do not constitute professional legal, financial, medical, or therapeutic advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making decisions based on information discussed on this podcast.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com [https://pcm.adswizz.com] for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Arena Is Lonely. Stay Anyway. | A Solo Episode on Roosevelt, Failure, and the Cost of Staying In

In 1910, a former president stood at the Sorbonne and delivered what would become one of the most quoted passages in American history. But Theodore Roosevelt wasn't a polished motivational speaker that day. He was a man who had buried his wife and mother on the same day, disappeared into the Badlands for two years, and rebuilt himself from nothing. That's the man behind "The Man in the Arena" — and that context changes everything. In this solo episode of The Upgraded Man, Chris Anderson reads Roosevelt's full passage and breaks it down into six movements every man needs to hear. This isn't a coffee mug quote anymore. This is a roadmap for the man who's tired of keeping a tally of his shortcomings and quietly wondering if he's built for any of this. In this episode, Chris unpacks: * The real story behind Roosevelt's 1910 Sorbonne speech and why context changes the meaning * Why the loudest critic in your life isn't on the internet — he's between your ears * The difference between wanting the credit and being willing to take the bruises * Why the polished man is the suspicious one, and what dust, sweat, and blood actually prove * A direct word for the man keeping a running ledger of every place he's fallen short * The critical difference between being exhausted and being spent — and why the cure isn't more rest * Why neutrality, not failure, is the real opposite of being in the arena * A three-part challenge: name the arena, text it to a brother, do one thing this week that risks failure If you've been circling something for months — a hard conversation, a decision at work, a prayer, a confession — this episode is the nudge to step in. The Upgraded Man Podcast is hosted by Chris Anderson and focuses on men's personal development across five life pillars. Recently rebranded after 500 episodes from The Elevate Media Podcast, the show is built for men who are done coasting and ready to do the work. Subscribe, share this episode with a brother who needs it, and come back in 30 days to see what changed. This episode may or may not be sponsored. Some product links are affiliate links, meaning we'll receive a small commission if you buy something. =========================== ⚡️ PODCAST: Subscribe and listen on all major platforms ⚡️ Want to be a guest on The Upgraded Man? Apply here ➡ https://upgraded-man.com/guest [https://upgraded-man.com/guest] ⚡️ For support or business inquiries, email us ➡ chris@upgraded-man.com  Our mission at The Upgraded Man is simple — help men upgrade every area of their life through real conversations, honest stories, and actionable insight from men who have done the work. The content on The Upgraded Man is for informational and entertainment purposes only. The views expressed by the host and guests are their own and do not constitute professional legal, financial, medical, or therapeutic advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making decisions based on information discussed on this podcast.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com [https://pcm.adswizz.com] for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The 5 Pillars of an Upgraded Man | Welcome to the Upgraded Man Podcast

In this debut episode of the newly rebranded Upgraded Man Podcast, host Chris Anderson lays out the foundation for everything to come. After years of running the Elevate Media Podcast, Chris is honing in on a clear mission: helping men who refuse to stay complacent become better versions of themselves, one day at a time. This solo episode introduces the five pillars that will guide every future conversation, every guest interview, and every solo breakdown on the show. Chris speaks openly about why men today need this conversation more than ever, from the alarming rates of male suicide to the cultural pressure to chase transactions over real relationships. He shares personal stories from his own journey, including his college mental health struggles, his experience playing soccer in Holland as a teenager, and standing on the Great Wall of China during a leadership mission trip. Key topics and takeaways from this episode: * Why mindset and mental health are the foundation of every other area of growth, and how to drop the labels that keep men stuck * The truth about health: it's invisible until you lose it, and why nutrition, fitness, and recovery have to be non-negotiable * Relationships over revenue, and why investing in people first opens doors that chasing sales never will * How financial stress impacts every other area of life, and the difference between spending to impress and building real freedom * The forgotten pillar of living fully, and why experiences compound in ways that possessions never do * Why time speeds up as life goes on, especially with kids, and how to be present in the moments that actually matter * A preview of upcoming guests including Olympians, gold medalists, ultra marathoners, and entrepreneurs who have pushed the limits of what is possible The goal of this show is not just success. It is becoming a better man, husband, father, friend, and leader. If that resonates with you, follow the show and share it with a guy in your life who would benefit from the journey. Host: Chris Anderson, founder of the Upgraded Man Podcast and former athletic trainer with a master's degree in athletic training. This episode may or may not be sponsored. Some product links are affiliate links, meaning we'll receive a small commission if you buy something. =========================== ⚡️ PODCAST: Subscribe and listen on all major platforms ⚡️ Want to be a guest on The Upgraded Man? Apply here ➡ https://upgraded-man.com/guest [https://upgraded-man.com/guest] ⚡️ For support or business inquiries, email us ➡ chris@upgraded-man.com  Our mission at The Upgraded Man is simple — help men upgrade every area of their life through real conversations, honest stories, and actionable insight from men who have done the work. The content on The Upgraded Man is for informational and entertainment purposes only. The views expressed by the host and guests are their own and do not constitute professional legal, financial, medical, or therapeutic advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making decisions based on information discussed on this podcast.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com [https://pcm.adswizz.com] for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.