The Council of Dudes

The Council of Dudes
  • 4.9 (61)
  • MENTAL HEALTH
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

My journey of Self discovery through conscious conversation. My name is Vincent Brusco and for the last six years or so I have been on a journey of self discovery. This podcast has been a personal journal for me and give me an opportunity to dive into myself and reflect back. It has also given me privilege to speak to others about their personal journey. From life coaches, doctors, professional athletes, and entrepreneurs. We all have a story. One's mans podcast is another mans therapy... This is my therapy, this your podcast

  1. 1D AGO

    The Council of Dudes Podcast with Nick Kampouris

    What happens when you bring together design, discipline, and deep inner work? In this episode, we sit down with Nick Kampouris a Queens-born product designer, entrepreneur, and men's work facilitator who's spent over a decade building at the intersection of business and personal growth. Nick breaks down how he helps founders use AI with intention not just to move faster, but to build better. Products, experiences, and lives that actually mean something. We also get into his work with men's circles, what he's learned after five years facilitating spaces for real conversations, and why modern men are craving depth more than ever. From jiu-jitsu to fatherhood, Greek roots to design philosophy Nick shares how everything we build externally is a reflection of the work we're doing internally. This one's about craft, clarity, and becoming the kind of man who builds with purpose. Key Themes: • Using AI as a tool for intentional creation • The rise of men's work and why it matters now • Design thinking beyond business — into life • Discipline through jiu-jitsu and fatherhood • Building from the inside out Connect with Nick: Instagram: @nickfromalchemia — Define Your Circle —

    1h 50m

  2. MAR 19

    The Council of Dudes Podcast with Rob Tracz

    On this episode of the Council of Dudes Podcast, Vinny Brusco sits down with Rob Tracz speaker, coach, and host of the Surviving the Side Hustle Podcast for a real conversation about what it actually looks like to build something meaningful without burning yourself out. We dive into the idea of alignment what it means to step into it, how to recognize when you're out of it, and why so many side hustles start to feel like a second job instead of a calling. Rob breaks down how to remove the grind from your side hustle, shifting away from force, pressure, and stress… and into flow, creativity, and intention. This episode challenges the narrative that success has to come from constant hustle and instead offers a perspective rooted in sustainability, purpose, and doing work that actually energizes you. If you've ever felt stuck in the grind or questioned whether there's a better way to build, this conversation will hit. 🎧 Check out Rob & Surviving the Side Hustle: YouTube: @survivingthesidehustle Rob's IG: @robtracz Surviving the Side Hustle IG: @survivingthesidehustle -Define Your Circle-

    1h 16m

  3. MAR 5

    The Council of Dudes Podcast with Heather Parady

    In this episode of the Council of Dudes, Vinny Brusco sits down with Heather Parady—speaker, creative entrepreneur, and host of the Unconventional Leaders Podcast. Heather has built a reputation for helping people break free from the scripts they've been handed and step into the story they're meant to live. Through her podcast and work, she explores what it means to think differently, create authentically, and challenge the conventional path. In true Council of Dudes fashion, this conversation goes a little deeper than the typical surface-level talk. Vinny and Heather unpack identity, the stories we tell ourselves, the pressure to fit into certain roles, and what it really takes to build something meaningful in today's world. It's a conversation about storytelling, leadership, and having the courage to question the narrative you've been given and rewrite it. Connect with Heather Here: IG: @heatherparady @unconventionalleaderspod  Youtube: Unconventional Leaders

    59 min

  4. FEB 19

    The Council of Dudes Podcast with Ari Kwitkin-Close

    🎙️ The Council of Dudes Podcast | Featuring Ari Kwitkin-Close This week on The Council of Dudes, we sit down with Ari Kwitkin-Close, Chief Revenue Officer of Westchester Soccer Club  a builder, a connector, and a leader who understands the power of relationships on and off the field. Ari shares stories from his time working in the NFL and how the lessons from that world discipline, performance under pressure, and team culture continue to shape the way he leads today. But what stands out most isn't just the business acumen… it's the foundation. We dive into how simple acts of kindness in childhood can create lifelong impact how being seen, encouraged, and believed in early on shapes confidence, risk-taking, and leadership later in life. Ari opens up about how those moments influenced his path as an entrepreneur and revenue leader. From navigating high-level sports organizations to helping scale one of the fastest-growing professional soccer teams in the region, Ari breaks down what it actually takes to build something meaningful  and why community is the ultimate growth strategy. We also talk about the exciting momentum around Westchester Soccer Club and their Home Opener on March 7th a huge moment not just for the club, but for the entire Westchester community. This episode isn't about sports. It's about business. It's about impact. And it's about how kindness, vision, and courage can ripple far beyond what we see. Connect with Ari: Ari Kwitkin-Close - Linkedin @ari__kc https://www.instagram.com/ari__kc?igsh=MXN4bDdqNWkxcHVpeQ== @westchestersc https://www.westchestersc.com/

    1h 22m

  5. FEB 5

    The Council of Dudes Podcast with Father Petrillo

    In this episode of Council of Dudes we sit down with Father Petrillo from Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Pelham, NY. Father Petrillo shares thoughtful reflections on faith, presence, and the power of words to heal. We talk about why his homilies resonate so deeply with people not just spiritually, but emotionally and how they often feel as impactful and therapeutic as they are instructive. This conversation explores the role of reflection, stillness, and community in navigating everyday life, offering insight that extends well beyond the walls of the church. It's an honest, grounded discussion about finding meaning, processing life's challenges, and the quiet ways faith can support personal growth and well-being. A meaningful listen for anyone seeking perspective, clarity, and a moment to slow down. Define Your Circle.

    1h 28m

  6. JAN 22

    The Council of Dudes Podcast with Franjez

    The Council of Dudes Podcast is a space for honest conversations about what it means to be a man today—faith, fatherhood, leadership, mental health, discipline, and personal growth. In this episode, Vinny Brusco sits down with Fran Jez — creator, content producer, podcast host of Talk About It With Franjez, and founder of his own YouTube channel where he drops weekly episodes exploring mindset, community, real-talk interviews, food reviews, and life lessons from Westchester and beyond.  Fran's journey from food creator and community builder to long-form interviewer has given him a grounded perspective on what it takes to grow, stay authentic, and build connection in a hyper-noisy world.  Together, Vinny and Fran dive into:     •    What Fran's learned hosting Talk About It With Franjez     •    Why real conversation matters for men's mental health     •    Brotherhood, accountability, and intentional living     •    Faith, discipline, and self-awareness     •    Building community — on and off the mic Whether you're a fan of Fran's YouTube content or looking for substance over surface, this discussion cuts deep into what it takes to show up consistently — for yourself and the people who count on you. Define Your Circle. 🎧 Listen on Spotify 📺 Watch the full episode on YouTube 📩 vincent@agorasocialclub.com

    1h 30m

  7. JAN 8

    The Council of Dudes Podcast with Justin Carotti

    In this episode of The Council of Dudes Podcast, Vinny Brusco sits down with Justin Carotti, LCSW, LADC, founder of Valiance Counseling for a grounded and honest conversation about discipline, fatherhood, and the internal work required to become a stronger, more grounded man. Justin brings a rare blend of clinical expertise and real-world experience. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor, his work centers on helping men navigate anxiety, addiction, identity, purpose, and emotional responsibility—areas many struggle with quietly. In this conversation, he shares insights from both the therapy room and his own life as a father and entrepreneur. Together, they explore:      •    Why discipline—not motivation—is the foundation of lasting change      •    How fatherhood exposes blind spots and demands personal growth      •    The importance of mental health support and emotional literacy for men     •    Addiction, avoidance, and the stories men tell themselves      •    How accountability, integrity, and consistency shape a man's legacy This episode is for men who know there's more required of them—and are willing to do the internal work to rise to that standard. 🎧 Listen in and reflect on the question every man must eventually face: Who am I becoming when no one's watching? — The Council of Dudes Define Your Circle

    1h 18m

  8. 11/20/2025

    The Council of Dudes Podcast with Rafael Torres

    The Council of Dudes Podcast — Featuring Rafael Torres of Recap Wellness In this episode, I sit down with Rafael Torres, founder of Recap Wellness, whose groundbreaking work is helping people understand the real connection between neurons, anxiety, trauma, and physical pain. Rafael breaks down how the body stores emotional experiences, why unresolved trauma shows up as chronic tension, stress, or injury, and how reconnecting with your nervous system can completely transform your life. We dive into:     •    How neurons fire and wire around emotional experiences     •    The link between unresolved trauma and ongoing physical pain     •    Why anxiety lives in the body long before it shows up in the mind     •    Practical ways to release stored patterns and reset the nervous system     •    Rafael's unique method of helping clients heal from the inside out This one goes deep — perfect for anyone on the path of healing, growth, and becoming a stronger, more grounded man. Connect with Rafael / Recap Wellness: @recap_wellness Follow Agora Social Club & The Council of Dudes: @agora_westchester @vinnybrusco If this episode resonates, hit that Like, Subscribe, and Share button. And as always — Define Your Circle.

    1h 28m
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4.9
out of 5
61 Ratings

About

My journey of Self discovery through conscious conversation. My name is Vincent Brusco and for the last six years or so I have been on a journey of self discovery. This podcast has been a personal journal for me and give me an opportunity to dive into myself and reflect back. It has also given me privilege to speak to others about their personal journey. From life coaches, doctors, professional athletes, and entrepreneurs. We all have a story. One's mans podcast is another mans therapy... This is my therapy, this your podcast

Information

  • Creator
    The Council of Dudes
  • Years Active
    2012 - 2026
  • Episodes
    510
  • Rating
    Explicit