Don't Let The Old Man In

In this special reflections episode of Don't Let the Old Man In, host Pod O'Sullivan shares his biggest takeaways from our most recent interview with Peter Reek, author of Shift: 7 Mindsets For An Inspired Midlife. Pod explains each of the most meaningful lessons from his conversation with Peter, and breaks down a handful of experiments he'll be trying at home to dive even deeper – and invites you to do the same. Visit our website: https://dontlettheoldmanin.com/Pod O'Sullivan brings you the weekly midlife learning podcast: from taking charge of your health, to strengthening your relationships, and finding ways to reconnect with what lifts your spirit – Don’t Let the Old Man In is designed to make sure your second act is even better than the first. Where career pivots, relationship evolutions, and personal reinventions meet practical wisdom, genuine brotherhood, and a healthy dose of humor.

In this week's episode, we tackle the very concept of the midlife crisis. In conversation with author Peter Reek, we dive deep into the social narratives around aging, how your mindset about getting older affects your lifespan, and unpack Peter's ways to fight back against internalised stigma. This episode explains why high-achieving men often struggle with personal honesty, and explore the crucial impact of our mindset on healthy aging and longevity. This week's interview is a crucial look at getting older, and what it means for men in midlife.In this episode, we explore:Rethinking Midlife: A New PerspectiveThe Power of Mindset in MidlifeNavigating Change: Personal Stories of TransformationUnderstanding Applied Positive PsychologyThe Importance of Self-HonestyShifts for a Fulfilling MidlifeRadical Acceptance: Embracing Your JourneyThe Role of Stillness in Personal GrowthThe Impact of Narrative IdentityThe Science of Aging: Positive vs. Negative PerspectivesThe Irony of Aging and MindsetGrieving Past Chapters vs. Embracing New OnesThe Importance of Connection in MidlifeAdventures and Community BuildingTaking Practical Steps Towards ChangeThe Power of Poetry in ReflectionLessons Learned in Community CreationVisit our website: https://dontlettheoldmanin.com/Pod O'Sullivan brings you the weekly midlife learning podcast: from taking charge of your health, to strengthening your relationships, and finding ways to reconnect with what lifts your spirit – Don’t Let the Old Man In is designed to make sure your second act is even better than the first. Where career pivots, relationship evolutions, and personal reinventions meet practical wisdom, genuine brotherhood, and a healthy dose of humor.

This week on Don't Let the Old Man In, we spoke with Stephen Keys to discuss failure, responsibility and consequences that come with finding yourself in midlife. Stephen emphasized the critical need for self reflection and owning one's mistakes for their own personal development. In this special reflections episode, host Pod O'Sullivan reveals what key aspects he took away from his chat with Stephen Keys, and offers a handful of experiments based on Stephen's learnings for the audience at home to try out for themselves.

In this week's episode of Don't Let the Old Man In, we sit down with Stephen Keyes, a former CEO, to discuss the critical importance of owning one's mistakes and confronting life's challenges, especially when pursuing a reinvention. Stephen shares his personal reinvention journey, including the profound impact of his divorce, offering valuable life advice on how to overcome challenges in life. This episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating personal development and seeking personal growth through difficult times.In this episode we cover:Owning Your Mess: A Journey of Self-DiscoveryThe Pain of Divorce: A Personal PerspectiveNavigating Loneliness and Rebuilding RelationshipsVolunteering: Finding Purpose in ServiceCreating New Connections with ChildrenThe Importance of Community in MidlifeTransitioning from Success to Significance 20:14The Power of Collective ActionLessons from Volunteering: Giving BackRedefining Identity Through Community EngagementThe Power of Dignity in GivingRunning for a Cause: The Journey of an Ultra MarathonerThe Writer's Journey: Finding Voice and PurposeCareer Transitions: From CEO to CSR AdvocateBuilding the IFS Foundation: Community Impact and EducationThe Greatest Gift: Finding Meaning Beyond Career SuccessCreating Community: The Wisdom Vault and Midlife ConversationsIntegrating Life's Parts: A Journey of Self-DiscoveryFacing Complexity: The Hero's Journey in MidlifePod O'Sullivan brings you the weekly midlife learning podcast: from taking charge of your health, to strengthening your relationships, and finding ways to reconnect with what lifts your spirit – Don’t Let the Old Man In is designed to make sure your second act is even better than the first. Where career pivots, relationship evolutions, and personal reinventions meet practical wisdom, genuine brotherhood, and a healthy dose of humor.

In this week's powerful episode of Don't Let the Old Man In, we spoke with Craig Williams to explore the concept of mediocrity and the innate desire within human beings to strive for more than an average existence.In this follow up reflections episode, host Pod O'Sullivan offers his most crucial takeaways from their conversation and considers some experiments for our audiences to take Craig's wisdom onboard.

What happens when your life crumbles, your career is gone, and your reputation is destroyed? This week on Don't Let the Old Man In, we sit down with Craig Williams, an elite royal marines sniper whose life came crumbling down after being sent to prison. Craig unpacks his natural talent for sharpshooting, the mistakes that led to his arrest, as well as his transformation into an extreme athlete by competing in ultramarathons, which saw him running 230km across the Arctic. This video explores facing complete ruin and the journey of rebuilding, as well as avoiding the trap most men fall into – settling for "mediocre".This episode covers:Craig's Military Service & CombatStruggles With Identity & Mental Health After The MilitaryThe Gunfight That Led To PrisonThe Post-Prison TransformationUltra Running & Life After PrisonCraig's Life Lessons & Philosophy

This week on Don't Let the Old Man In, we sat down with Mongrels Men founder Tim Hewson to discuss his struggle with depression, and unpacked how men in midlife struggle to form solid support networks for themselves. Now, our host Pod O'Sullivan is reflecting on this week's episode by giving you his biggest learnings from his conversation with Tim, as well as a handful of experiments to try out at home if you want to take this wisdom even further. If you're a man in midlife who is struggling with mental health or at a crossroads with navigating your social circle, this is the conversation you need to hear.

Tim Hewson hid crippling panic attacks for 20 years, suffering in silence every single day. Then a divorce shattered the life he'd built, and everything came crashing down. In this week's episode of Don't Let the Old Man In, we sit down with Tim to have a raw and powerful conversation on men's mental health, Tim's own journey through isolation, and how he turned this dark chapter into a movement by founding the charity Mongrels Men. This episode covers:The "masculinity masks" that men wear. Tim's journey from high functioning depression to self-discovery.How divorce forced Tim to change. Defining self beyond work: the shift in identity.Navigating loneliness: the unique struggles of men.Fighting for fatherhood: balancing work and family.Mongrel Men and building male support networks. How team sports are the key to connectionsThe difference between Brave Spaces and Safe SpacesHis Story: A Platform for Men's Voicesand much more.

This week on Don't let the Old Man In, we sat down with one of our most accomplished guests yet. Matt Bunker is an ex-SAS elite soldier who has seen firsthand the extent of human courage. He opened up about overcoming an abusive childhood, transitioning from soldier to ER Nurse, and learning to start from square one again. In this reflection episode, host Pod O'Sullivan breaks down his conversation with Matt, listing his biggest takeaways from this week's episode, as well as providing an experiment for you to take home Matt's wisdom. Watch the full episode with Matt Bunker here: https://youtu.be/iB5KEvAg56AFor more Don't Let the Old Man In, visit our website: dontlettheoldmanin.com