Location: Historic Mather Lodge at Petit Jean State Park, Arkansas
Guests: Matthew Caple & Dennis Simpson
“I’ll take the uncomfortable over dying.”
In this powerful episode, Dennis Simpson (The Voice of the Village) sits down with his nephew, Matthew Caple, for a raw and urgent conversation about a silent klller. At just 44 years old, Matthew—a former tower climber and fitness enthusiast—was diagnosed with Stage IV colorectal cancer.
Matthew breaks down the “fit fallacy,” explaining how being in peak physical shape didn’t protect him from a genetic mutation. He shares the heartbreaking story of his 35-year-old neighbor, the reality of living with a chemo “party pack,” and his 12-year goal to see his children graduate high school.
The mission of this video is simple: Get screened. Colorectal cancer is increasingly affecting those under 50, and early detection is the only way to change the outcome.
In this episode, we cover:
Why “feeling fit” isn’t a substitute for a colonoscopy.
The subtle symptoms Matthew noticed (and ignored).
How to be a strong support system for someone fighting cancer.
Navigating the medical system as your own advocate.

