Losing a beloved pet is never easy, but stepping up to make the hard decisions is part of being a leader. In this deeply personal episode, I share the story of saying goodbye to Roo, my 14-year-old Australian cattle dog, and the lessons that came with it.

We talk about what it means to take ownership of difficult choices as a husband and father, the role of faith in grieving, and how rituals—like praying the rosary as a family—help us process loss. I also dive into the Catholic perspective on euthanasia, why human life is sacred, and what Scripture says about death, hope, and eternity.

And finally, we reflect on the passage of time—how life keeps moving forward, and how to honor the past while pressing on toward the future. If you’ve ever faced loss or wrestled with grief, this episode is for you.

Pour yourself a drink, pull up a chair, and let’s talk about what it means to be a man in the face of life’s hardest moments.

In this episode of Number Your Stories, we sit down with Bill Vitaletti, an inspiring Ironman competitor who didn’t start his endurance journey until after a full career in government contracting. Bill shares his incredible transformation—going from an overworked, out-of-shape executive to a world-class endurance athlete.

He discusses the pivotal moment that led him to pursue triathlons, the struggles he faced, and how faith played a crucial role in his journey. Bill’s story includes remarkable experiences, including a devastating bike crash during an Ironman that left him with a broken jaw—yet he still finished the race. Through it all, he emphasizes the power of goal-setting, pushing beyond your comfort zone, and the importance of faith.

If you’re looking for motivation to take on a new challenge or simply want to hear an inspiring tale of perseverance, faith, and transformation, this episode is for you. Check out Bills story at: https://www.connectionnewspapers.com/news/2016/dec/01/bumped-bruised-better/

Ever wonder where your limits truly lie? In this episode, Joe and I embark on a grueling 40-mile hike after a 3-day fast, testing our resilience and exploring what it means to push past comfort zones. Along the journey, we reflect on brotherhood, spirituality, and the small joys that make the hard moments worthwhile. Tune in to hear our insights, lessons learned, and why 2025 is the year to embrace 'doing hard things.' Get ready to be inspired to forge your own path of growth and discipline.