Welcome to the Don’t Pick the Scab Podcast, where we tackle the raw and real challenges faced by men over 40 navigating life after divorce. Hosted by David, this episode dives deep into healing, masculinity, and rediscovering your identity with poet, philosopher, and advocate Augustus Vaughn.

📚 What You'll Learn in This Episode:

✅ What is Stoicism? Discover how the ancient philosophy of self-control can transform your emotional recovery.

✅ Why Men Struggle Post-Divorce: The societal programming that undermines masculinity—and how to break free.

✅ Practical Steps to Heal: Learn how to take control of your emotions, rebuild your identity, and avoid falling into the same traps again.

✅ The Role of Creativity in Healing: How poetry and writing can help you process pain and rediscover purpose.

✅ The Importance of Brotherhood: Why building a community of strong, like-minded men is essential for recovery.

🎙️ Augustus Vaughn shares his unique journey—from growing up in Watts, CA, to finding purpose through stoicism and poetry. He also explores actionable strategies for men to rebuild their lives, including how to channel anger constructively and use spirituality for healing—regardless of religious background.

💡 Key Takeaways for Men Over 40:

• Embrace Stoicism: Learn to control what’s in your power and let go of what isn’t.

• Reset Your Identity: Divorce is not the end—it’s a chance to start a new chapter.

• Build a Support Network: Community and brotherhood can be life-changing tools for healing.

• Use Creativity as Therapy: Writing, poetry, or creative outlets can help you process emotions and grow.

• Focus on Legacy: Live for the generations before you and the ones to come.

🔥 Feeling stuck or overwhelmed? This episode offers encouragement, actionable advice, and a roadmap for rediscovering your masculine strength after divorce.

💬 Join the Conversation:

What’s been the biggest challenge for you after divorce? Let us know in the comments below! Your story might inspire someone else on their healing journey.

🛠️ Connect with Augustus Vaughn:

Books, resources, and community links are available at Augustus Vaughn

🌟 Subscribe for More:

If you found this episode helpful, don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe! New episodes drop weekly, offering tools and stories to help men over 40 overcome challenges and thrive.

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Welcome back to the Don't Pick the Scab Podcast! 🎙️ In this enlightening episode, I have the privilege of welcoming Michele Locke, a distinguished family law attorney with over two decades of experience and a personal journey through divorce. Michele's unique perspective stems not only from her professional expertise but also from her lived experiences, making her insights invaluable for anyone navigating the complexities of divorce later in life.

Divorce can be an overwhelming experience, especially for men over 40 who often face unique challenges. Michele emphasizes the importance of understanding the emotional and financial toll a divorce can take. 💔 She sheds light on critical issues such as navigating financial uncertainty, understanding your rights as a stay-at-home parent, and the intricate emotional processes involved in untangling decades of shared life. Her mission is clear: to empower individuals with the tools they need to thrive after divorce, regardless of age or circumstance.

One of the key themes in this episode is the significance of reframing one's mindset after a divorce. Michele shares that life is about learning and reinvention, encouraging listeners to embrace the idea that it is never too late to start over. 🌟 She provides practical strategies for emotional healing, which include:

1. Seeking Professional Help: Michele advocates for reaching out to therapists or counselors to help process emotions and gain clarity during this tumultuous time. It's essential to care for your mental health and address feelings of anger and confusion.

2. Finding Closure: She humorously suggests throwing a “divorce party” as a way to celebrate the end of one chapter and embrace new beginnings. 🎉 This creative approach allows individuals to take control of their narrative and find closure on their terms.

3. Focusing on the Future: Michele encourages listeners to shift their focus towards building a fulfilling future. This involves setting new goals, exploring hobbies, and nurturing relationships that bring joy and positivity into their lives. 🌈 Find your JOY!

Throughout the episode, Michele emphasizes that divorce doesn't define you; rather, it's a chapter in your life story. By adopting a proactive mindset, you can transform your experience into a journey of growth. She highlights the importance of maintaining a positive relationship with children, reminding parents to avoid sharing adult issues with them, as it can lead to unnecessary stress and confusion.

As you can see/hear, Michele was pretty damn funny at times. I loved her frankness and engaging comments, answers and stories. Gotta get her back on the show again!

As we wrap up this insightful discussion, we invite you to engage with us! 💬 What challenges have you faced in your divorce recovery journey? What strategies have helped you find joy and resilience? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Join us for this engaging episode filled with valuable advice, laughter, and hope. Remember, healing is a journey, and together, we can navigate the path to a brighter future after divorce. Don't forget to subscribe for more empowering content on the Don't Pick the Scab Podcast! 🕊️

All Things Michele Locke

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Welcome to the Don’t Pick the Scab Podcast! 🎙️ In this transformational episode, host David sits down with Jeff Kolez, a tech professional turned divorce coach for fathers, who shares his powerful story of transformation. Jeff’s mission is simple yet profound: to help men rebuild their lives after divorce, reclaim their power, and create a meaningful future. 💪

Jeff opens up about his personal journey, including his struggles to master himself after divorce forced him to confront his pain. He shares how he went from giving away his energy to his ex to finally taking his power back. 🚀 As the founder of Divorce Daddy, Jeff empowers divorced fathers to navigate challenges ethically and effectively, offering tools and guidance to help them heal and thrive.

In this episode, Jeff shares actionable strategies and tools to help men take control of their post-divorce journey, including:

• Gray Rocking: A method to stop reacting emotionally to your ex’s provocations and take back your energy. 🪨

• The Gift of Divorce: How to find the hidden opportunities for growth and self-discovery in your pain. 🎁

• Reconnecting with Yourself: The importance of self-love, self-respect, and emotional awareness as you rebuild your life. 🌟

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Jeff also shares the three daily rituals that helped him heal and regain his sense of self:

1. Daily Movement: Whether it’s walking, exercising, or dancing, moving your body is crucial for releasing pent-up energy and staying grounded. 🏃‍♂️

2. Presence Practice: Activities like meditation, martial arts, or even chopping vegetables can help you stay in the moment and reduce stress. 🧘‍♂️

3. Time in Nature: Reconnect with the outdoors by going for a walk, breathing fresh air, and feeling the sunlight on your skin. 🌳

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Through these simple yet powerful rituals, Jeff explains how to regain your balance and start building a life of purpose and happiness.

Jeff also walks us through his 5-step framework for healing after divorce:

1. Get Emotional Distance: Build boundaries with your ex to stop the cycle of reaction and conflict. 🛑

2. Develop Emotional Awareness: Identify your triggers and start understanding the root of your emotional reactions. 💡

3. Take Responsibility: Own your role in the relationship and focus on what you can control. 🤝

4. Reconnect with Your Heart: Rediscover who you are, learn self-love, and operate from a place of truth. ❤️

5. Start Building: Once you’ve healed, focus on creating a life of strength, purpose, and fulfillment. 🏗️

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Jeff emphasizes the importance of self-care and self-love, reminding us that healing begins within. “You can’t rebuild while you’re still bleeding,” he says, urging men to focus on their own growth before trying to fix everything else.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone feeling lost after divorce. Whether you’re struggling with co-parenting, rebuilding your life, or simply trying to find peace, Jeff’s insights will inspire you to take the next step. 🌈

We want to hear from you! 💬 What resonated with you in this episode? What’s been the biggest challenge in your divorce recovery? Drop a comment below and join the conversation. Let’s heal, grow, and thrive together! 👊

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