Curmudgeon’s Corner Ep 71: Branden Hines - iRise University

Branden Hines | Lead Program Coordinator – iRiseU

Saturday, Dec 20th @ 8PM Eastern

Last Saturday Before Christmas

Tonight on Curmudgeon’s Corner, we’re joined by Branden Hines — Lead Program Coordinator at iRiseU, Youth Engagement Specialist, and what may be the most honest title of all… a “Positive-Habit Enthusiast.”

This episode lands at a heavy time of year.

The holidays amplify everything — the joy, the grief, the pressure, the loneliness. And for many people, especially those already struggling, this is when life feels the heaviest.

That’s why this conversation matters.

Branden has built his life and work around one core idea:

People don’t need to be fixed — they need to be seen, supported, and given the tools to rise after impact.

Tonight we talk about:

• Identity before the mission

• What happens when life knocks you off your path

• Losing momentum — and learning how to rebuild it

• Leadership rooted in empathy, not ego

• Youth engagement and the power of positive habits

• Mental health, especially during the holidays

• Why community matters more than motivation

• How helping others rise can pull us out of our own darkness

Branden’s work through iRiseU isn’t about hype or empty motivation — it’s about lighting the flame, not filling the vessel.

As Socrates said:

“Education is the kindling of a flame; not the building of a vessel.”

That philosophy sits at the heart of tonight’s conversation — and at the heart of Pay It Forward.

❤️ PAY IT FORWARD — FINAL NOMINATION PUSH

We are two weeks away from awarding the 2025 Phoenix E.O.D. Pay It Forward Campaign.

The donations are there.

The support is there.

What we are missing are the right nominations.

We are not Santa.

This is not about who’s “awesome.”

This campaign exists for fighters — people knocked down by life who are still trying to stand back up.

If you know someone rebuilding, struggling, or quietly carrying more than most people realize… nominate them.

📧 Media@PhoenixEOD.com

Subject: PIF 2025 Nomination

Help Us Ship Hope:

🔗 https://gofund.me/f85a4d25

🧠 MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS

If you’re watching tonight and life feels heavy — especially during the holidays — please hear this:

You are not weak.

You are not alone.

And you matter.

If you need immediate help:

📞 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

📱 Text HOME to 741741

There is strength in reaching out.

🎙️ About Tonight’s Guest — Branden Hines

• Lead Program Coordinator — iRiseU

• Youth Engagement Specialist

• Advocate for positive habits, purpose, and growth

🌐 https://www.iriseuniversity.org

📌 Join the Conversation LIVE

Drop your thoughts and questions in the chat — we’re pulling viewer comments throughout the show.

👍 Like

💬 Comment

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Curmudgeon’s Corner isn’t just a podcast.

It’s a reminder that rising is easier when we do it together.

#CurmudgeonsCorner

#iRiseU

#MentalHealthMatters

#PayItForward

#RiseAfterImpact

It's So Easy, Even A Curmudgeon Can Do It!

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