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 It’s the invisible structures—misaligned roles, societal pressures, outdated expectations—that trip up even the strongest men.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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Welcome back to the Don’t Pick the Scab Podcast! In this episode, host David sits down with the inspiring Tim Tamashiro—bestselling author, keynote speaker, and part-time monk—to explore how men over 40 can truly heal and find purpose after divorce. If you’re feeling lost, stuck, or just plain tired of suffering, this conversation is for you. 🧘‍♂️💬

Why Do We Suffer So Much After Divorce?

Tim shares his own journey through a recent divorce after 28 years of marriage, revealing how suffering is a natural part of life—but it doesn’t have to define you. Drawing from ancient Buddhist wisdom, neuroscience, and his own “part-time monk” mindset, Tim explains the concept of the “second arrow”: while the first arrow (divorce) is unavoidable, the second arrow (repeated suffering) is optional. Learn how to stop picking the scab and start healing for real. 🩹

Rediscovering Purpose with Ikigai.

Many men define themselves by their roles as husbands and fathers. After divorce, it’s easy to feel lost. Tim introduces the Japanese concept of Ikigai—your reason for being—and shows how curiosity, wonder, and self-compassion can help you redefine your identity and find new meaning in life, even after 40. 🌱

Practical Tools for Healing

• Mindfulness & Meditation: Learn how to shift from your “default brain” (the old, reactive part) to your “design brain” (the mindful, intentional part).

• Humor as Medicine: David and Tim share how laughter—even at the absurdity of divorce—can be a powerful tool for healing and releasing anger.

• Letting Go of Control: Struggling with what happens at your ex’s house? Tim shares the Buddhist parable of the second arrow and offers actionable advice for releasing the need to control what you can’t.

• Therapy & Positive Psychology: Why seeking help isn’t weakness—it’s wisdom.

• 
  

The Unexpected Benefits of Divorce Tim and David discuss how divorce, while painful, can also be a chance to reinvent yourself, rediscover what makes you happy, and build a life that’s truly yours. From enjoying the little things (like a spoon left on the counter!) to embracing change, this episode is packed with hope and practical wisdom. 🌟

Join the Conversation! How have you found purpose or healing after divorce? What’s your “second arrow,” and how are you learning to let it go? Drop a comment below and share your story—your experience could help another man on his journey. 👇

Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell so you never miss an episode of Don’t Pick the Scab Podcast. If you want to share your story or have a question for David, leave it in the comments!

Remember: Suffer less, happy more. Let’s heal together! 💬🧘‍♂️

Tim on YouTube

#DivorceRecovery #MenOver40 #DontPickTheScab #Ikigai #HealingAfterDivorce

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Are you a man over 40 facing divorce and feeling overwhelmed by the process? You’re not alone—and you don’t have to go through it blindly. In this episode of the Don’t Pick the Scab Podcast, host David sits down with Joe Dillon, a seasoned divorce mediator with a unique blend of financial expertise and deep personal insight. Joe’s mission? To help men like you navigate the emotional and financial minefields of divorce with clarity, confidence, and fairness. 💪

Joe brings 28 years of mediation experience and an MBA in finance to the table, making him a rare expert who understands both the numbers and the emotions behind every tough conversation. Most mediators are lawyers or mental health professionals, but Joe’s financial background means he can break down the real costs of divorce—child support, alimony, property division—and help you see the big picture, not just the dollar signs. 💵

In this candid conversation, you’ll discover:

• Why 75% of divorce is about the numbers—and how to make them work for you

• How to avoid the courtroom drama and keep control of your future

• The biggest mistakes men over 40 make during divorce (and how to avoid them)

• How to handle the emotional rollercoaster, even if you think you’re “fine”

• Why mediation leads to better outcomes for you and your kids

• The truth about “fair” settlements—and why it’s about lifestyle, not just money

• How to prepare for mediation, stay calm, and negotiate like a pro

• What to do if you’re stuck in anger or blame—and how to break the cycle

• 
  

Joe shares his personal story of growing up in a litigated divorce, the lessons he learned, and why he’s passionate about helping men avoid the same mistakes. You’ll also get practical strategies for budgeting, negotiating, and keeping your cool—even when emotions run high. 🧘‍♂️

If you’re ready to move forward, protect your finances, and build a better future for yourself and your kids, this episode is a must-listen. Don’t let anger or confusion dictate your next chapter—get the tools and insights you need to thrive after divorce.

👉 What’s your biggest fear or question about divorce mediation? Drop a comment below and let’s talk about it! If you found this episode helpful, hit LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and SHARE with a friend who needs it.

#DivorceRecovery #MenOver40 #DivorceMediation #DontPickTheScab #DivorceAdvice #Podcast

Everything Joe Dillon

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Welcome back to the 'Don't Pick the Scab Podcast'! In today's episode, David sits down with Barbara J. Hunt, a passionate advocate for mental and emotional well-being, to explore forgiveness as a hidden superpower vital for healing, especially for men over 40 navigating the challenges of divorce. 💪

Barbara shares her unique approach to unlocking the transformative power of forgiveness, breaking down the barriers that hold us back from inner peace and renewed relationships. 🗝️ She offers simple, effective tools to navigate life's toughest challenges, providing insights that can ignite a new path toward a healthier, more fulfilling life after divorce. 🙏

Discover why forgiveness isn't just a nice idea, but a crucial skill for your mental and emotional toolkit. Learn how to untangle the mind and heart, deal with emotional upsets, and why resentment can be so addictive. We dive into common misconceptions about forgiveness, and Barbara shares practical steps to get you started on your healing journey. ❤️‍🩹

Key Discussion Points:

• Understanding forgiveness as a 'master skill' applicable to all areas of life.

• Why men often struggle with emotional conversations and how to find healthier outlets. 🧠

• The importance of releasing ill will and reclaiming your personal power. 🦸‍♂️

• How holding onto resentment is like 'setting yourself on fire' 🔥 and what to do instead.

• Practical steps and a 7-step process to make forgiveness easier in your daily life. 🌟

Barbara also shares inspiring stories of how forgiveness has transformed lives, including her personal journey and experiences with clients. Whether you're dealing with the pain of a recent divorce or lingering resentments from the past, this episode offers invaluable insights and actionable strategies. 🚀

Ready to unlock your superpower of forgiveness? Watch now and start your journey toward emotional freedom! 🌟

➡️Connect with Barbara Hunt: forgivenessmadeeasy.co.uk

➡️Subscribe to the 'Don't Pick the Scab Podcast' for more insights on divorce recovery for men.

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Check out what Hana Gala feels about her version of Divorce Recovery Therapy for men over 40.

Main YouTube Video Podcast with Hana.

Spotify Link Episode #100

DPTSP Website Episode #100

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Welcome to the Don't Pick the Scab Podcast! 🎙️ In this episode, I’m thrilled to have Dr. Matthew Lederman, a board-certified internal medicine physician and a pioneer in connection-centered health. With over 20 years of experience, Dr. Lederman specializes in helping men over 40 navigate the emotional turmoil of divorce and rediscover their true selves. 💔✨

Divorce can feel like a devastating blow, especially for men in their 40s. It’s a time of profound change, often leading to feelings of isolation, sadness, and confusion. But it doesn’t have to be this way! Dr. Lederman shares invaluable insights on how to heal by addressing the root causes of emotional disconnection. He emphasizes that true healing begins with restoring safety, presence, and meaningful relationships—elements often lost in the chaos of life transitions.

In this episode, we dive deep into:

• The Importance of Connection: Discover how fostering genuine connections can transform your healing journey. Dr. Lederman explains the concept of "connection medicine" and how it can help you rebuild your life after divorce.

• Understanding Your Emotions: Learn how to connect with your feelings and needs, even amidst the pain. Dr. Lederman provides practical tools to help you navigate your emotional landscape and find inner peace.

• Creating Meaningful Relationships: Explore strategies to cultivate deeper connections with yourself and others. Whether it’s through nonviolent communication or simply being present, these tools can help you reconnect with your joy and purpose.

• And, just because someone gives you a coat, you don’t have to try it on or even wear it. Acknowledge they gave you the coat and keep it moving. Be selective!

Dr. Lederman’s message is simple yet profound: You don’t need to perform to be whole; you need to feel safe enough to be real. 🌟

Join us for this enlightening conversation that promises to inspire and empower you on your journey to recovery. If you’re a man over 40 grappling with the aftermath of divorce, this episode is for you!

👉 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell to stay updated on our latest episodes! We’d love to hear from you—share your thoughts in the comments below! What resonated with you the most? How are you navigating your own healing journey? Let’s support each other in this community! 💬❤️

Dr. Lederman's Substack

Dr. Lederman's Website

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