We cover a lot of ground in this episode of Fulfillment Project as I sit down with Joe Coleman of St. Kolbe Studios.
The sacred, yet ordinary act of raising a child.
The modern challenges that pull us away from what matters most.
The irreplaceable value of human connection, and why AI and efficiency can’t fulfill our deepest needs.
From Joe’s billion-dollar idea to fix frustrating baby wipe dispensers to a critique of the “grindset” mentality, we unpack how podcasts foster meaningful dialogue in a world leaning on chatbots for support.
Joe shares why men need male friendships, how spouses thrive by nurturing each other’s social bonds, and the renaissance of independent journalism through platforms like Substack and YouTube.
Join us for a heartfelt dive into parenting, relationships, mental health, and finding purpose in a digital age.
Quotes - -
Andy (00:00): “We wanted our son to have someone to look up to as he grew up… Read about his life, son, and be inspired and live up to that example.”
Andy (02:32): “The chances of us existing with the people we're existing with are one in a bazillion. I mean it's amazing.”
Joe Coleman (03:02): [having a child] “It was almost less exciting than I expected it to be… it was just so casual. Like Friday afternoon, we just are handed a child.”
Joe Coleman (04:02): “It’s this weird, I guess, duality of this is one of the most sacred things in your entire life. And it’s also like the most common thing you could possibly do.”
Joe Coleman (05:50): “People with less have managed to do this and do it just fine. Like, I’ll figure it out. It’ll be all right.”
Joe Coleman (09:56): “I love podcasts. It was sort of just a natural extension… I think it is the best medium to have any sort of meaningful discussion.”
Joe Coleman (11:18): “TV is just a vehicle to sell advertising… you might learn something along the way… at best a half truth.”
Joe Coleman (14:23): “Podcasts and things like that are bringing out a renaissance of independent journalism, which is great. I’m all for it.”
Joe Coleman (20:29): “If someone just creates baby wipes where I can grab one at a time… I don’t know why this doesn’t exist.”
Joe Coleman (22:29): “The more things become automated, the more we want human connection… if you can converse with people… you’re fine.”
Joe Coleman (34:19): “People are really grappling… looking to GPTs… for social emotional support… If you have three legitimately good friends, you are crushing it in life.”
Andy (21:30): “We can put a man on the moon, but we can’t make a pack of wipes where one comes out at a time.”
Andy (21:59): “AI is not changing diapers on a baby and they don’t get the relatability of certain topics to real human beings.”
Joe Coleman (37:47): “Spending time with people is inefficient if your goal is maximization of money or pleasure… But if you live your life pure efficiency, you’re going to be just depressed by 50 tops, probably by like 35, 40.”
Joe Coleman (39:43): “You need men who are going to lift you up in ways that… your wife just cannot fulfill that part for you. And you shouldn’t expect her to.”
Andy (44:37): “Men need men like women need women. And the best thing as a married couple you can do for each other is to support and nurture those relationships in your spouses.”
Chapters - -
00:00 - Introduction and St. Kolbe Inspiration: Andy introduces Joe Coleman and explains the significance of naming his son after St. Maximilian Kolbe, setting the stage for a meaningful discussion.
00:48 - Joe’s New Life in Texas and Fatherhood: Joe shares his journey from California to Texas, his new role as a father, and the casual yet profound experience of having his first child.
07:20 - St. Kolbe Studios and Podcasting Passion: Joe discusses his background in radio and why he founded St. Kolbe Studios, emphasizing podcasts as the best medium for deep conversations.
19:56 - The Billion Dollar Baby Wipe Idea: Joe pitches his practical solution for one-handed baby wipe dispensing, sparking a relatable parenting discussion.
21:30 - AI’s Limits in Jobs and Human Connection: Andy and Joe explore why AI can’t replace human relatability in tasks like caregiving or creative work requiring emotional depth.
30:15 - Men Can’t Go Through Life Alone: Joe and Andy discuss the necessity of male friendships and the dangers of synthetic relationships via AI or digital platforms.
37:01 - The Efficiency of Inefficiency: Joe critiques the “grindset” mentality, advocating for the value of human connection over efficiency-driven isolation.
49:30 - Closing and Where to Find Joe: Joe shares how to connect with St. Kolbe Studios and encourages aspiring podcasters to reach out for support.
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