Welcome to the Don’t Pick the Scab Podcast with your host, David! If you’re a man over 40 navigating the rough waters of divorce, you’re in the right place. In this episode, I sit down with AJ Maddeny—strategic conflict advisor, author of Divorce Emergency Protocol, and a true authority in helping men like you recover with clarity and confidence.

Why Watch This? Divorce after 40 isn’t just emotionally devastating—it can feel like your life’s been upended. But here’s the truth: most of what’s keeping you stuck isn’t about you. It’s the invisible structures—misaligned roles, societal pressures, outdated expectations—that trip up even the strongest men. AJ breaks it all down with real-world stories and actionable frameworks—no therapy cliches or empty advice.

What You’ll Learn:

• Why men over 40 experience unique challenges in divorce—and how to flip the script

• The difference between personal and structural conflict (and why this matters)

• How to shift from “panic mode” to “planning mode” and regain real control over your future

• The five roots of conflict and how to pinpoint your biggest stumbling block

• AJ’s step-by-step method to map out conflict patterns so you avoid repeating the same old mistakes

• Why boundaries can backfire—and what to set up instead for authentic healing

• How to prioritize what really matters (hint: it’s not the house, it’s your kids and your peace of mind)

• Myths about justice, fairness, and why the legal system can’t give you closure

• Real success stories from AJ’s practice—men who went from powerless to purposeful, even after the worst breakups

Meet AJ Maddeny AJ brings a powerhouse background: graduate degree in conflict analysis, executive MBA, former senior policy analyst for the State Department, and the practical experience of guiding hundreds of men through divorce recovery. His “Divorce Emergency Protocol” isn’t just a book—it’s a lifeline for guys ready to stop spinning their wheels.

Bonus for Listeners! AJ is offering an exclusive discount for his upcoming “Divorce Exit Plan” course. Use code EXIT25 at maddeny.com for special pricing!

Ready To Stop Picking the Scab? Don’t just survive your divorce—strategize your comeback. Hit play now and get the tools, stories, and strategies you need to rebuild with confidence.

👇 Let’s talk!

Have you struggled with feeling powerless during divorce? What’s the hardest part for you—emotions, finances, co-parenting, or something else? Drop your thoughts in the comments. I read every one and want to hear your story!

AJ's website!

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Welcome back to the Don’t Pick the Scab Podcast! I’m your host, David, and if you’re a man over 40 facing—or healing from—a tough divorce, this episode is your beacon of hope. 💡

Today, I’m joined by the amazing Rikki Lee Travolta—a man who not only survived a traumatic divorce but transformed that pain into a powerful comeback story. 🙌 After enduring misdiagnosis, career setbacks, and the heart-wrenching loss of time with his children, Rikki emerged stronger than ever. Now a successful celebrity publicist, film & TV producer, and influential spokesman, Rikki proves that you can rebuild your life, even after hitting rock bottom.

In this unfiltered, heartfelt conversation, we explore:

• The Realities of Divorce for Men Over 40: Rikki shares the brutal truths of betrayal, loss of family, and legal challenges—plus how he managed to find the light at the end of the tunnel.

• Mental Health & Recovery: Discover how proper diagnosis, therapy, and finding the right support system can change EVERYTHING. (Spoiler: Therapy is not a dirty word! 🧠)

• Career Resurrection: Learn how Rikki went from being sidelined by life’s circumstances to leading multi-million-dollar companies and making a name for himself in Hollywood.

• The Power of Forgiveness: Both Rikki and I open up about the challenges—and necessity—of forgiving those who hurt us, and more importantly, forgiving ourselves.

• Building a New Life: Get actionable tips on how to create fresh meaning after divorce, whether through faith, community, or new passions.

• Celebrity Insights: Hear what Rikki has learned from managing some of the biggest names in rock and roll, and how honesty and authenticity are the keys to lasting success—both in business and relationships.

✨ This episode isn’t just about surviving divorce—it’s about thriving. Whether you’re struggling to move on, facing betrayal, or feeling lost, Rikki’s story will show you that you’re not alone and that brighter days are ahead.

👇 Let’s build a community of support! If this story inspired you, drop a comment below: What’s been your biggest challenge in recovery—or your greatest lesson learned? Have you found a turning point in your own journey? Share your story or ask a question—I read every comment and would love to connect.

🙏 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and ring the bell for more real talk and powerful stories on men’s divorce recovery. You’ve got this—and we’ve got your back!

#DivorceRecovery #MenOver40 #DontPickTheScab #RikkiLeeTravolta #DivorceSupport #Forgiveness #MentalHealth #RebuildYourLife

Rikki on Linkedin

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Welcome back to the Don’t Pick the Scab Podcast—the place where post-divorce scars turn into your greatest superpower! I’m David, your host, and today we’re tackling a subject that’s rarely talked about but absolutely life-changing for men over 40: sexual energy transformation.

Whether you’re newly single or still healing from divorce, this episode is for YOU. Our special guest, Matt Cook, has coached over 80,000 men worldwide to reclaim their confidence, rebuild intimacy, and channel raw sexual energy into EVERY area of life—not just the bedroom! 😎✨

Here’s what you’ll discover in this episode:

• How to overcome performance anxiety and “stage fright” when dating or starting a new sexual relationship after divorce.

• The powerful mindset shift: Why you don’t “control” your penis—and why that’s actually liberating!

• Matt’s #1 bedroom hack: You don’t need an erection to enjoy and give pleasure—plus, why this can transform your confidence overnight.

• Why focusing on your own pleasure (instead of “performing” for her) is the secret to stress-free, deeply connected sex.

• The porn trap: How high-speed video porn hijacks your sexual energy and what you can do to detox, rewire your brain, and feel truly alive again.

• The science of oxytocin: How “old school” romance, eye contact, and non-sexual touch can rebuild your libido, banish anxiety, and spark real intimacy—even if you’ve struggled for years.

• Why scheduling sex (instead of waiting for “spontaneity”) is the relationship hack men over 40 need to keep love and passion alive.

• Dating advice for men over 40: Why meeting women in person beats dating apps, and Matt’s simple steps to confidently connect, flirt, and build attraction—no games, just real results.

• The “shock absorber” mindset: How to stay grounded, masculine, and emotionally strong (and why this is so attractive to women).

• The truth about mismatched libido, menopause, and what REALLY keeps intimacy alive long-term.

If you’re ready to banish shame, ditch performance anxiety, and step into a new era of confidence, healing, and abundance after divorce—this episode will give you the roadmap. Matt’s practical, no-BS advice will help you laugh, learn, and take action.

matt

👇 What’s one question or struggle you have about dating, sex, or confidence after 40? Drop it in the comments—I read every one and love connecting with you guys!

If this episode helped you, don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with a fellow man who needs it. Your comeback starts now! 🚀

Matt Cook Website

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