Cool Hand Dross

Cool Hand Dross
  • 5.0 (6)
  • Mental Health
  • Weekly

Cool Hand Dross is a candid podcast about mental health, books, and the stories we carry—especially the ones we avoid until life forces us to listen. The show blends raw monologues, personal storytelling, and cultural reflections to explore anxiety, recovery, identity, creativity, and the pursuit of a more genuine life. Each episode weaves together: 📚 Books & Writing 🧠 Mental Health 🫙 True Tales from the Mason Jar 🎭 Culture Call Outs This podcast is for readers, writers, and deep thinkers who feel restless, reflective, or slightly out of step with the current world—and still believe stories heal, words save lives, and change is possible.

  1. 5d ago

    Light in August: What Faulkner & Buddhism Teach Us About Suffering | Episode 49

    Can we ever escape our past, or do we become prisoners of our own suffering? What could William Faulkner's classic novel Light in August possibly have in common with Buddhism's Four Noble Truths? More than you might think. In this thought-provoking episode of Cool Hand Dross, we explore the surprising connections between great American literature, Buddhist philosophy, human suffering, identity, and the possibility of letting go. Through the troubled life of Joe Christmas, the resilience of Lena Grove, and the haunting past of Reverend Gail Hightower, we examine how shame, trauma, attachment, and the stories we tell ourselves can shape our lives. But this isn't just a literary discussion. Scott shares a personal experience with a Buddhist-oriented therapist who helped him understand a powerful idea: Be the ocean, not the waves. Together, we explore Buddhism's Four Noble Truths, the roots of suffering, the power of mindfulness, and what it really means to stop fighting the things we cannot control. In this episode: William Faulkner's Light in August and its unforgettable characters Joe Christmas, racial identity, trauma, and the burden of the past Buddhism's Four Noble Truths explained in everyday language Attachment, acceptance, mindfulness, and emotional freedom Why literature can become a powerful tool for self-discovery ONE FOR THE ROAD: What is one story about yourself that you've been carrying for years—and what might happen if you finally stopped telling it? If you enjoy classic literature, Buddhist philosophy, meaningful conversations, and exploring what it means to be human, this episode is for you. 🎧 Listen to Cool Hand Dross on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Follow the show, leave a rating, and share this episode with someone who appreciates a good book and a deeper conversation. COMING NEXT: No Country for Old Men: Book vs. Movie | Novels, Films & Drinks — CHD and Eli Capel explore great books, their film adaptations, and a drink or three along the way. Great stories. Different perspectives. Good drinks.

  2. Nov 3

    College Life, Unfiltered: My Son Dalton & Dimitri on Gen Z, Mental Health & AI | Episode 48

    What's college really like in 2026 and how different is it from what parents think? In Episode 48 of Cool Hand Dross sits down with his son Dalton and Dalton's friend Dimitri for an unfiltered, funny, and honest conversation about modern college life, Gen Z culture, independence, and the challenges of growing up. Forget the polished college brochures. We're talking about the real experience—campus parties, drinking, dating, social pressure, friendships, and the expectations that don't always match reality. But there's more to college than the social scene. We dig into men's mental health, loneliness, the pressure to fit in, and whether young men actually talk about their struggles. We also explore the growing influence of artificial intelligence in education, how students use ChatGPT, declining attention spans, and whether reading and independent thinking are becoming lost arts. And, of course, no episode of Cool Hand Dross would be complete without a few unforgettable stories from the Mason Jar. In this episode: College expectations vs. reality Gen Z, dating, drinking, and campus culture Men's mental health and navigating independence ChatGPT, AI, reading, and critical thinking What parents misunderstand about today's college students Funny life lessons, and advice for incoming freshmen Whether you're a college student, a parent, or someone curious about the next generation, this conversation offers a candid look at what it means to grow up in today's world. Different generations. Different perspectives. One conversation worth having. 🎙️ Cool Hand Dross. Real conversations about mental health, books, culture, and the stories that make us human. Follow Cool Hand Dross on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, share this episode with a college student or parent, and join us for another conversation next week.

  3. Oct 27

    Show Up Anyway: From Episode 3 to 47 — Why Discipline Beats Motivation | Episode 47

    What happens when we keep showing up, even when we don't feel like it? Forty-seven episodes into Cool Hand Dross, an unexpected invitation reminded me why consistency, discipline, and perseverance matter more than motivation. When I was just three episodes into this podcast, entrepreneur, CEO coach, and speaker Dan "Big D" Sachkowsky reached out through Instagram. Forty-four episodes later, I found myself sitting in his home studio, being interviewed by Dan and his co-host, Anthony D'Angelo. One question stuck with me: How often do you not feel like recording your podcast? My answer? Every. Single. Time. In this behind-the-scenes episode, we reflect on the power of showing up, building meaningful relationships, and pursuing something worthwhile without knowing where it might lead. We explore why discipline outlasts motivation, how consistency creates unexpected opportunities, and why reading, critical thinking, and intellectual independence remain essential to personal growth. Along the way, we share a memorable day with some great people, including my co-pilot Kevin Jr., and give a special shout-out to my man Vinnie D of One Brick Media. The lesson? Consistency doesn't guarantee success. But quitting guarantees we won't discover what might have happened if we'd kept going. Whether we're building a business, developing a creative project, improving our health, or simply trying to become better versions of ourselves, the message is the same: We don't always know what we're building while we're building it. Keep showing up. Keep learning. Keep moving forward. Resist and multiply. #CoolHandDross #ShowUpAnyway #Consistency #SelfDiscipline #PersonalGrowth

  4. Oct 20

    Michael Blanchard: Youth Sports, Coaching, Parenting & Building Character | Episode 46

    Veteran educator, wrestling coach, father, and author Michael Blanchard joins Cool Hand Dross for a conversation about youth sports, coaching, parenting, leadership, competition, character, and what kids actually need from the adults around them. Michael is the author of The Path Forward: Youth Sports and More, a book that examines the culture surrounding youth athletics and asks an important question: What are youth sports really supposed to be about? Winning matters. Competition matters. But so do growth, resilience, discipline, confidence, teamwork, and learning how to handle adversity. In this episode, Scott and Michael dig into what happens when those priorities get out of balance—when pressure builds, parents become too invested in outcomes, coaches lose perspective, and the scoreboard starts to matter more than the kids playing the game. Drawing from years in education, wrestling, coaching, and parenting three boys, Michael shares his perspective on how adults can create a healthier, more meaningful sports experience for young athletes. They talk about: The purpose of youth sports Coaching young athletes Parenting athletes without adding unnecessary pressure Winning versus long-term development Building character through competition Leadership and accountability Wrestling and the lessons it teaches Handling failure, setbacks, and adversity The role of parents and coaches in athlete development Keeping youth sports focused on the kids And how adults can occasionally remember to behave themselves in the bleachers At its best, youth sports can teach lessons that last far beyond the final whistle. But that only happens when the adults involved keep the bigger picture in mind. Michael Blanchard, author of The Path Forward: Youth Sports and More on Cool Hand Dross. Cool Hand Dross explores mental health, books, culture, life, reinvention, and the stories and experiences that shape who we become. #YouthSports #YouthSportsParenting #Coaching #Parenting #SportsParenting #Wrestling #AthleteDevelopment #Leadership #CharacterDevelopment #SportsCulture #Education #CoolHandDross

  5. Oct 13

    Reading Is Now an Act of Rebellion: America’s Reading Decline and Fight for Your Mind | Episode 45

    Americans are reading less, literacy scores are declining, and our attention is increasingly shaped by algorithms, short-form content, and constant digital distraction. In this solo episode of Cool Hand Dross, we revisit the idea that reading is now an act of rebellion, not because books are disappearing, but because deep reading, critical thinking, and independent thought are becoming harder to protect. The episode explores the decline of reading in America, falling literacy and reading-proficiency levels, the difference between basic literacy and critical literacy, and why authoritarian systems have historically benefited from controlling information and limiting independent thought. We also look at what reading gives us that scrolling does not: patience, reflection, concentration, intellectual friction, and the ability to sit with complicated ideas before reacting. And this isn’t a call to read difficult books just to prove a point. The challenge is much simpler: find something you genuinely enjoy, put the phone down, create twenty quiet minutes, and read. In this episode: America’s declining reading and literacy trends Why critical thinking matters in a democracy Reading, propaganda, and independent thought How algorithms compete for our attention Why deep reading can be meditative The importance of reading for pleasure Helping kids become lifelong readers AI, information overload, and the growing value of judgment How to rebuild a reading habit without turning it into homework Reading is not just about books. It is about protecting your attention, curiosity, and ability to think for yourself.

  6. Oct 6

    Salim Holder: AI, the Future of Work & Reinventing Your Career | Episode 44

    Entrepreneur, brand strategist, educator, and workforce futurist Salim Holder joins Cool Hand Dross for a wide-ranging conversation about AI, the future of work, career reinvention, entrepreneurship, education, mental health, and culture. Salim is the Founder and CEO of The New Trade Program, a career school designed to prepare people for high-demand careers in artificial intelligence, digital marketing, and cybersecurity through hands-on, apprentice-based learning. Before launching The New Trade Program, Salim built major consumer brands in corporate America and co-founded 4th Ave Market, one of the largest Black-owned online hair and beauty retail platforms in the United States. In this episode, we explore the common thread running through Salim’s career: creating opportunity, building ownership, developing practical skills, and helping people navigate a rapidly changing workforce. We also dig into one of the biggest questions facing workers today: As AI transforms industries and traditional career paths, will employers increasingly care less about where you went to school—and more about what you can actually do? Along the way, Salim and Scott talk about: AI and the future of work Careers in digital marketing and cybersecurity Skills-based education and apprenticeships Entrepreneurship and brand building Career pivots and professional reinvention Mental health and personal growth Books and lifelong learning Culture and changing expectations around work Building opportunities outside the traditional college pathway And a riveting True Tale from the Mason Jar It’s a conversation about adapting, learning, building, and creating opportunity in a world where technology is rewriting the rules. Salim Holder, Founder & CEO of The New Trade Program, on Cool Hand Dross. Cool Hand Dross explores mental health, books, culture, life, reinvention, and the strange stories we collect along the way. #SalimHolder #FutureOfWork #ArtificialIntelligence #AI #CareerDevelopment #CareerReinvention #Cybersecurity #DigitalMarketing #Entrepreneurship #WorkforceDevelopment #SkillsBasedLearning #Education #MentalHealth #Podcast #CoolHandDross

  7. Sep 29

    Siobhan Cleveland: Reinvention, Resilience & The Real Macaw | Episode 43

    What happens when the life you planned suddenly becomes the life you never expected? On Episode 43 of Cool Hand Dross, we sit down with Siobhan Cleveland, entrepreneur, restaurateur, former New York fashion executive, and owner of Naples institution The Real Macaw. Siobhan built her career in the New York fashion world, eventually serving as Director of Wholesale for Roller Rabbit, before returning home to Naples, Florida. After the passing of her mother, Jeanne Harvey—who founded The Real Macaw in 1991—Siobhan found herself taking responsibility for preserving a family business, a legacy, and a place deeply connected to the Naples community. And that legacy comes with some incredible stories. Jeanne once dated Peter Green, co-founder of Fleetwood Mac, and during an extraordinary chapter of her life became friends with—and lived among members of—Pink Floyd and Fleetwood Mac. Those experiences became part of the larger-than-life story and spirit Siobhan inherited along with The Real Macaw. Then came Hurricane Ian. Several feet of storm surge devastated the restaurant in 2022, forcing Siobhan and her team to rebuild once again—physically, professionally, and personally. This conversation goes well beyond restaurants and entrepreneurship. Scott and Siobhan talk about mental health, books and creativity, culture, career reinvention, family legacy, resilience, rebuilding after loss, rock-and-roll history, and the strange turns that eventually shape a life. From Manhattan fashion to a tropical Naples landmark—and from stories involving Fleetwood Mac and Pink Floyd to rebuilding after one of Florida’s most destructive hurricanes—this is a conversation about adapting when the plan changes and finding a way to keep moving forward. Cool Hand Dross | Episode 43 Siobhan Cleveland • The Real Macaw • Entrepreneurship • Resilience • Reinvention • Naples, Florida • Hurricane Ian • Fleetwood Mac • Pink Floyd • Peter Green • Family Business • Mental Health • Creativity

  8. Sep 22

    God Speed, Changes, and Old School | Episode 42

    Grief, anticipatory grief, fatherhood, and the bittersweet reality of watching your children grow up. In Episode 42, Cool Hand Dross reflects on the passing of his mother-in-law, Stella, the emotional exhaustion of loss, and the complicated grieving process. From sadness and relief to finding moments of happiness during difficult times, CHD explores why grief doesn't follow a predictable timeline. The conversation shifts to UCF Parent Weekend, where CHD and his wife experience the joy of seeing their son thrive in college—and the unexpected emotions that come with parenting an increasingly independent young adult. With old-school humor and personal reflection, we exlpore changing family relationships, letting go, navigating life's transitions, and finding your footing when everything feels uncertain. Sometimes grief and gratitude coexist. Sometimes showing up is enough. An honest conversation about family, loss, fatherhood, and moving forward. Keep moving.

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5
out of 5
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About

Cool Hand Dross is a candid podcast about mental health, books, and the stories we carry—especially the ones we avoid until life forces us to listen. The show blends raw monologues, personal storytelling, and cultural reflections to explore anxiety, recovery, identity, creativity, and the pursuit of a more genuine life. Each episode weaves together: 📚 Books & Writing 🧠 Mental Health 🫙 True Tales from the Mason Jar 🎭 Culture Call Outs This podcast is for readers, writers, and deep thinkers who feel restless, reflective, or slightly out of step with the current world—and still believe stories heal, words save lives, and change is possible.

Information

  • Creator
    Cool Hand Dross
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    50
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Cool Hand Dross
  • Show Website
    Cool Hand Dross

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