Cautious Coffee

“Quality is not an act, it is a habit.” Aristotle.  DeRae and Austin end season one of Cautious Coffee with a conversation about habits. Good (more optimal) or bad (less optimal) habits make a life and determine the quality of said life. Habits are learned from our parents, siblings, and peer group. Others we pick up as we explore things we like - they make us feel good, provide stimulation or comfort.  For the most part, we all know we should do certain things that will benefit us over the entirety of our lives (sleeping a healthy amount, exercising, eating nutritious foods, hydrating, saving for retirement, etc.), but often we don't do these things on a consistent basis, developing bad habits and spiraling downward. One bad habit often leads to another.  Fortunately, and conversely, one good habit often leads to another good habit. The choice is yours. Make good choices!ABOUT CAUTIOUS COFFEECautious Coffee is a forum for candid, often uncomfortable conversations. Hosted by Austin Staton and DeRae Crane, each episode brings you unscripted and unfiltered commentary on key issues that are impacting our country and culture. Tune in as we seek empowerment, not power; as we meet people where they are; and most importantly, as we strive to be better humans.  FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA 

Austin and DeRae sit down with Tony Colunga, an entrepreneur and financial planner by trade to discuss the topic of financial literacy once again. Tony shares how he got involved in the finance industry and what influenced him to finally set out on his own and found his own wealth management firm.  DeRae and Austin share some of their financial experiences, personally, or through friends and family. For money to be such an important part of our lives, the trio explores why it's so taboo, and a framework that can be used to optimize your financial life.ABOUT CAUTIOUS COFFEECautious Coffee is a forum for candid, often uncomfortable conversations. Hosted by Austin Staton and DeRae Crane, each episode brings you unscripted and unfiltered commentary on key issues that are impacting our country and culture. Tune in as we seek empowerment, not power; as we meet people where they are; and most importantly, as we strive to be better humans.  FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA 

In this week's episode of Cautious Coffee, Austin and DeRae chat about the legalization and decriminalization of illicit drugs. There is no serious doubt that illicit drug use and smuggling are detrimental to the human condition, and the United States has taken a hard line with its War on Drugs campaign. Former President Richard Nixon declared drug abuse public enemy number one. DeRae attributes drug abuse to addictive behavior, while Austin doesn't wholly disagree, they don't quite see eye-to-eye. Austin lays out his plan on how he would tackle the problem, while DeRae says “the hell with that, legalize them all!”SAMHSA's National Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357)SAMHSA's National Helpline is a free, confidential, 24/7, 365-day-a-year treatment referral and information service (in English and Spanish) for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorders.ABOUT CAUTIOUS COFFEECautious Coffee is a forum for candid, often uncomfortable conversations. Hosted by Austin Staton and DeRae Crane, each episode brings you unscripted and unfiltered commentary on key issues that are impacting our country and culture. Tune in as we seek empowerment, not power; as we meet people where they are; and most importantly, as we strive to be better humans. FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA 

Reimagining the office and work life after COVID-19 is an ongoing debate in many corporate boardrooms. Data suggests that as many as 89 percent of office-based employees “say they want to be allowed to work remotely some or all of the time” and one in four employees suggest “they might quit their jobs after the pandemic, mostly because they want to look for work with greater flexibility.”In this bonus episode of Cautious Coffee, Austin and DeRae field a topic submitted by listener Gauhar Hussain: “Return to the office and the guilt that comes from missing home.”Where do you stand?ABOUT CAUTIOUS COFFEECautious Coffee is a forum for candid, often uncomfortable conversations. Hosted by Austin Staton and DeRae Crane, each episode brings you unscripted and unfiltered commentary on key issues that are impacting our country and culture. Tune in as we seek empowerment, not power; as we meet people where they are; and most importantly, as we strive to be better humans. FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA 

This week Austin and DeRae conduct a radical thought experiment about a democratic lottery here in the United States for all elected offices. DeRae believes a democratic lottery will address many of the issues with our current system, while Austin is rightfully skeptical. But we want to know what you think. With only a few more episodes left in the first season of Cautious Coffee, listen to this week's episode, and share your thoughts with the crew. They're already brainstorming season two and want you to be a part of it every step of the way.ABOUT CAUTIOUS COFFEECautious Coffee is a forum for candid, often uncomfortable conversations. Hosted by Austin Staton and DeRae Crane, each episode brings you unscripted and unfiltered commentary on key issues that are impacting our country and culture. Tune in as we seek empowerment, not power; as we meet people where they are; and most importantly, as we strive to be better humans. FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA 

Austin and DeRae are once again joined by special guest Justin Cade in an episode about parenting. DeRae has a 12-year-old son, and in those 12 years has come to accept that while kids are wonderful - they're also little hater machines. Justin joined the fatherhood within the last three years, but Austin remains free of the responsibilities of parenting. Parenting is hard, that's likely what makes it so invaluable. Everything starts at home. A child's first hero is likely a parent. And just because we become parents doesn't mean we have all the answers, almost everyone is still trying to figure it out. Experiences will vary. What's important is that we lean into our responsibility as parents - taking it seriously and do our best to guide our children to be productive citizens of society.ABOUT CAUTIOUS COFFEECautious Coffee is a forum for candid, often uncomfortable conversations. Hosted by Austin Staton and DeRae Crane, each episode brings you unscripted and unfiltered commentary on key issues that are impacting our country and culture. Tune in as we seek empowerment, not power; as we meet people where they are; and most importantly, as we strive to be better humans. FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA 

Austin and DeRae are joined by special guest and friend of the show (and Patreon subscriber) Justin Cade as they explore their experiences leading and being led. The COVID-19 crisis pushed many leaders out of their comfort zones and forced them to reexamine the status-quo. As organizations take a long look in the mirror at what they have become and make decisions of how to best put the pieces back together, those that work for organizations have also taken long looks in the mirror and reassessed what is important to them. It is unlikely that things will ever be as they were before COVID-19 brought the world to a standstill. As COVID tested the mental health of the world, many have found power in vulnerability - allowing those willing to step out to be impactful, leading from wherever they're positioned and setting a sustainable example for others to follow.ABOUT CAUTIOUS COFFEECautious Coffee is a forum for candid, often uncomfortable conversations. Hosted by Austin Staton and DeRae Crane, each episode brings you unscripted and unfiltered commentary on key issues that are impacting our country and culture. Tune in as we seek empowerment, not power; as we meet people where they are; and most importantly, as we strive to be better humans. FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA 

Perfect men do not exist – neither do perfect countries. But the energy, hard-nosed swagger, and victor mentality of one of the greatest countries to ever exist is to be admired. Whether you're from a state on the East Coast, West Coast, Midwest, or down South – DeRae and Austin hope that if you're an American, you're as proud to be an American as they are. In this episode DeRae and Austin share what it means to them to be American – the good, the bad, the ugly. The freedoms and opportunities of America are envied the world over. For such a young country it has come a long way in a very short period. DeRae and Austin remain optimistic for the future and are determined to be part of the one thing that is guaranteed – change. ABOUT CAUTIOUS COFFEECautious Coffee is a forum for candid, often uncomfortable conversations. Hosted by Austin Staton and DeRae Crane, each episode brings you unscripted and unfiltered commentary on key issues that are impacting our country and culture. Tune in as we seek empowerment, not power; as we meet people where they are; and most importantly, as we strive to be better humans. FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA 

We all know someone that refuses to get vaccinated, and maybe even refuses to wear a mask. Hell, they might even think the last 18 months was a ruse. We asked our followers if the COVID-19 vaccine should be mandated, as vaccination rates appear to be stagnating with new variants of the virus spreading in many parts of the world. Austin and DeRae chat about what's driving skepticism and vaccine hesitancy. Vaccine hesitancy is nothing new. And while DeRae and Austin believe in freedom of choice, they also believe in common sense and encourage you to make good choices.ABOUT CAUTIOUS COFFEECautious Coffee is a forum for candid, often uncomfortable conversations. Hosted by Austin Staton and DeRae Crane, each episode brings you unscripted and unfiltered commentary on key issues that are impacting our country and culture. Tune in as we seek empowerment, not power; as we meet people where they are; and most importantly, as we strive to be better humans. FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA 

Can money buy you happiness? DeRae likes to tell people he's never had a problem that money couldn't solve. Austin shares his earliest experiences with credit cards, and what he wishes he knew back then. Money and credit are tools, yet many people have no idea where money comes from and how credit (or debt) works - and often suffer from the money illusion. In many ways, getting money is a game, as there are just so many ways to get it. Some people focus on ensuring they secure a steady job with benefits so they can work until retirement age. Others are just trying to get by, check to check. And while there is nothing wrong with keeping an eye on retirement, or just getting by - it seems the majority of Americans are not adequately prepared for retirement. Are they playing the right game(s)?ABOUT CAUTIOUS COFFEECautious Coffee is a forum for candid, often uncomfortable conversations. Hosted by Austin Staton and DeRae Crane, each episode brings you unscripted and unfiltered commentary on key issues that are impacting our country and culture. Tune in as we seek empowerment, not power; as we meet people where they are; and most importantly, as we strive to be better humans. FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA 

Following a midseason break, Austin and DeRae are back. The duo chats about some of the ways many people have no idea who they really are. Now that may seem like quite a strong statement, but unless you have a really good idea of how the human brain works - it's just not possible to fully grasp what you're capable of or where your limits are. DeRae stresses his experience with boxing stripping away anything he could possibly hide behind. Austin looks to the vulnerability of travel to drive his intellectual curiosity. There are many ways to go about it, but it comes down to pushing yourself out of your comfort zone. You are your brain - it is the command center for everything you think and feel. Shouldn't you have a really good idea of what's literally going on in your brain?ABOUT CAUTIOUS COFFEECautious Coffee is a forum for candid, often uncomfortable conversations. Hosted by Austin Staton and DeRae Crane, each episode brings you unscripted and unfiltered commentary on key issues that are impacting our country and culture. Tune in as we seek empowerment, not power; as we meet people where they are; and most importantly, as we strive to be better humans. FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA 

While the U.S. is a rich country, globally, our country ranks 24th in math, 21st in science, and 15th in literacy. Why? Our system is flawed and separates the haves and the have nots. Digging deeper, the U.S. attracts most of its teachers from the bottom two-thirds of college classes, with nearly half coming from the bottom third. Are teachers properly equipped and incentivized to solve the education crisis in this country?Joined by special guests, Austin and DeRae discuss the value of an education in the United States. They share their experiences in the system and explore why you don't need college to be successful in life. Hint: college won't tell you what you're good at, you must figure that out on your own. The sooner the better!ABOUT CAUTIOUS COFFEECautious Coffee is a forum for candid, often uncomfortable conversations. Hosted by Austin Staton and DeRae Crane, each episode brings you unscripted and unfiltered commentary on key issues that are impacting our country and culture. Tune in as we seek empowerment, not power; as we meet people where they are; and most importantly, as we strive to be better humans. FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA 

Believe in freedom? Great! Austin and DeRae do as well. They sit down with their first in-show special guests, Alan Lett and Anthony Ferrell of OG 713, an LGBTQ-owned small business based in Houston, Texas. Join the conversation as Cautious Coffee discusses allyship, civil rights, discrimination, and the logic of freedom. ‘Merica!ABOUT CAUTIOUS COFFEECautious Coffee is a forum for candid, often uncomfortable conversations. Hosted by Austin Staton and DeRae Crane, each episode brings you unscripted and unfiltered commentary on key issues that are impacting our country and culture. Tune in as we seek empowerment, not power; as we meet people where they are; and most importantly, as we strive to be better humans. FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA 

Cancel culture is nothing new. In today's social media heavy world, one wrong tweet might get you canceled. But what does attempting to cancel someone or something say about society as a whole? Austin and DeRae discuss cancel culture in the 21st century.ABOUT CAUTIOUS COFFEECautious Coffee is a forum for candid, often uncomfortable conversations. Hosted by Austin Staton and DeRae Crane, each episode brings you unscripted and unfiltered commentary on key issues that are impacting our country and culture. Tune in as we seek empowerment, not power; as we meet people where they are; and most importantly, as we strive to be better humans. FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA 

Can you create your own luck? What about creating your own opportunity? Where does effort into the equation? On this episode of Cautious Coffee, Austin and DeRae discuss the implications of what it means to be lucky. Listeners will find out why they feel lucky and maybe reflect on your own life in all the ways you're lucky, too.ABOUT CAUTIOUS COFFEECautious Coffee is a forum for candid, often uncomfortable conversations. Hosted by Austin Staton and DeRae Crane, each episode brings you unscripted and unfiltered commentary on key issues that are impacting our country and culture. Tune in as we seek empowerment, not power; as we meet people where they are; and most importantly, as we strive to be better humans. FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA 

Since the onset of COVID-19, about 40 percent of adults in the United States have reported symptoms of anxiety or depressive disorder. For young adults under the age of 24, that number spikes to more than 56 percent.To wrap up Mental Health Awareness Month, DeRae and Austin discuss their struggles with anxiety and depression, how they cope, and most importantly – why it's ok to not be ok.RESOURCESSAMSHA National Helpline | 1-800-662-HELP (4357)National Suicide Prevention Crisis Lifeline | 1-800-273-8255ABOUT CAUTIOUS COFFEECautious Coffee is a forum for candid, often uncomfortable conversations. Hosted by Austin Staton and DeRae Crane, each episode brings you unscripted and unfiltered commentary on key issues that are impacting our country and culture. Tune in as we seek empowerment, not power; as we meet people where they are; and most importantly, as we strive to be better humans. FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA 

Marriage is a beautiful thing, but has society given too much weight to the role love plays in it? In this episode Austin and DeRae chat about their experiences with relationships and marriage. DeRae has a more systematic approach to marriage, while Austin has a more traditional approach. Where do you stand?ABOUT CAUTIOUS COFFEECautious Coffee is a forum for candid, often uncomfortable conversations. Hosted by Austin Staton and DeRae Crane, each episode brings you unscripted and unfiltered commentary on key issues that are impacting our country and culture. Tune in as we seek empowerment, not power; as we meet people where they are; and most importantly, as we strive to be better humans. FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA 

Enough. How do you know when something is enough? That you've tolerated enough? That you've worked hard enough or long enough? That it is good enough? Is anything ever enough? Do we mindlessly chase to get to this abstract idea of enough? What happens when my enough doesn't look the same as your enough? Am I enough? Who decides? Enough.Editor's Note: Special thanks to RB McKeon for submitting the topic for episode four and joining us on the podcast.ABOUT CAUTIOUS COFFEECautious Coffee is a forum for candid, often uncomfortable conversations. Hosted by Austin Staton and DeRae Crane, each episode brings you unscripted and unfiltered commentary on key issues that are impacting our country and culture. Tune in as we seek empowerment, not power; as we meet people where they are; and most importantly, as we strive to be better humans. FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA

If there is something else you would rather be doing, why aren't you doing it? If there is somewhere else you would rather be, why aren't you there? If there is someone else you would rather be with, why aren't you with them?Austin and DeRae discuss how the deep-rooted implications of fear often keep us from pursuing everything we really want in life, things we didn't even know we wanted, and what we forgo by putting fear in the game.What is stopping you from taking that leap? Is it fear?ABOUT CAUTIOUS COFFEECautious Coffee is a forum for candid, often uncomfortable conversations. Hosted by Austin Staton and DeRae Crane, each episode brings you unscripted and unfiltered commentary on key issues that are impacting our country and culture. Tune in as we seek empowerment, not power; as we meet people where they are; and most importantly, as we strive to be better humans. FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA

What does time mean to you? Is it merely measured by hours and minutes or is it something that you intrinsically value?Austin Staton and DeRae Crane discuss what time means to them. DeRae believes that people who waste their own time will definitely waste his, so he doesn't even bother. Austin takes issue with chronically tardy people, but DeRae is more willing to meet people where they're at (Jeremy, you're alright with DeRae).Austin is a lover of spectating sports, whereas DeRae would rather spend that time staring at a wall in peace. DeRae and Austin both believe that time is your most valuable asset, and it should be spent on things that bring you – and those around you – the most value. Every episode of Cautious Coffee is created to add value to our listeners lives, one episode at a time.Where do you stand on time?ABOUT CAUTIOUS COFFEECautious Coffee is a forum for candid, often uncomfortable conversations. Hosted by Austin Staton and DeRae Crane, each episode brings you unscripted and unfiltered commentary on key issues that are impacting our country and culture. Tune in as we seek empowerment, not power; as we meet people where they are; and most importantly, as we strive to be better humans. FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA 

DeRae Crane and Austin Staton introduce Cautious Coffee with a chat about race in America. Race in America is not a topic that can be covered in one episode and will be revisited many times over the life of the podcast. It is after all the topic of discussion that brought DeRae and Austin together to create Cautious Coffee. Join the Cautious Coffee duo as they open the discussion about race in America and share their perspectives from where they sit and as they see it through the lenses in which they see the world. ABOUT CAUTIOUS COFFEE Cautious Coffee is a forum for candid, often uncomfortable conversations. Hosted by Austin Staton and DeRae Crane, each episode brings you unscripted and unfiltered commentary on key issues that are impacting our country and culture. Tune in as we seek empowerment, not power; as we meet people where they are; and most importantly, as we strive to be better humans. FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA 

Cautious Coffee is a forum for candid, often uncomfortable conversations. Hosted by Austin Staton and DeRae Crane, each episode brings you unscripted and unfiltered commentary on key issues that are impacting our country and culture. Tune in as we seek empowerment, not power; as we meet people where they are; and most importantly, as we strive to be better humans. Episode One drops on Monday, April 19, at 7 a.m. CT. FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA