Don't Let The Old Man In

Tanya Koens is a leading sexologist, somatic sex therapist, and self-described "pleasure activist". In this episode of Don't Let the Old Man In, we sit down with Tanya to explore what sex and intimacy really look like in your 40s, 50s, and 60s. Whether you're navigating mismatched libido, adjusting to an aging body, or stepping back into dating after a long-term relationship, Tanya brings warmth, expertise, and zero judgement to the conversation.Suggest a topic you'd like us to cover: https://dontlettheoldmanin.com/suggestions/Subscribe to our newsletter: https://dontlettheoldmanin.com/subscribe/In this episode, we cover:Why libido after 40 isn't what most people expect (and why that's actually good news)The truth about mismatched libido — and how to talk about it without it turning into a fightSpontaneous vs. responsive desire: what the difference means for your relationshipHow to "schedule" sex in a way that actually keeps the spark aliveNavigating intimacy and dating after 50 — including the new rules around consentThe impact of pornography on sexual expectationsWhy curiosity, kindness, and generosity are the foundation of great sexual health at any age

Most men that suffer childhood trauma don't disclose it to others for decades of their life, or decide not to disclose it at all. This week on Don't Let the Old Man In, James Elliott shares how his own trauma shaped his toxic work ethic, and how it took him 21 years to look inside and make a change. Plus, we discuss James' recent work with NASA and how his team is shaping the future of medicine. We talk about:How trauma shapes overachievement and perfectionismThe difference between "being a man" and becoming oneChildhood trauma healing — and why disclosure is so hardHis path through EMDR therapy and how it worksWhat his work with NASA reveals about the human body under stressThe African proverb that shifted his entire leadership philosophyWhy community — not achievement — is the foundation of happiness

In this week's episode of Don't Let the Old Man In, we sit down with longevity expert Dr Jennifer Luman to unpack healthy aging, the blood test your doctor needs to give you, the importance of safe Testosterone Replacement Therapy, and Jennifer's unique stint as a Nike-sponsored athlete ... plus much more. In this episode, we cover: The Crisis of Reactive HealthcareUnderstanding Longevity and Men's HealthThe Importance of Early InterventionThe Gradual Decline of TestosteroneThe Role of Testosterone in Men's HealthPersonalized Health Testing and BiomarkersOptimizing Health for LongevityThe Future of Personalized HealthcareTestosterone Replacement Therapy: A Double-Edged SwordAndropause: The Silent DeclineThe Journey to Longevity MedicineCelebrating Milestones and Personal GrowthTransitioning to Medicine 3.0The New Age of Preventative HealthcareThe Biohacker Community and Health OptimizationUnderstanding Health Choices and ConsequencesThe Impact of Environment on Health ChoicesFrom Olympic Aspirations to Medical CareerDisaster Recovery and Human ResilienceReflections on Health and Future ChoicesLet us know what topics we should cover next: https://dontlettheoldmanin.com/Subscribe to our newsletter: https://dontlettheoldmanin.com/resources/

Most men in midlife have fewer close friends than they think. Research shows the average man has just 2. Two people he could truly confide in. For many, it's even less than that.In this follow-up episode, we break down the 3 most powerful takeaways from our conversation with Pasco Ashton, founder of Men's Circles and one of the leading voices in men's personal development. 3 simple, actionable steps any man can take this week to level up his relationships and start building the connections that actually matter.In this episode, you'll discover:The Friend Audit — How to take honest stock of how many people you can truly confide in, and why most men are shocked by the answerThe Side-By-Side Method — Why men open up more easily when they're not face-to-face, and how to use everyday activities to spark the real conversationsThe Power of "I Don't Know" — Why admitting uncertainty is one of the most trust-building things a man can say, and how it transforms male friendships overnightThese are three practical moves, grounded in years of Pasco's work with men's circles across the world, that you can start today.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.

What if the key to men's mental health isn't therapy, but community? Pasco Ashton, founder of Men's Circle and former journalist for Al Jazeera and Vice, joins us to reveal why men's mental fitness starts with the people around them. With Men's Circles now operating across multiple continents and expanding into the US and Asia, Pasco has trained and supervised hundreds of facilitators, helping thousands of men move from isolation to authentic connection. In this expert conversation, he breaks down exactly why men struggle to open up, what the research says about male friendship, and the proven framework he's developed over years of community leadership.'In this episode, you'll discover:Why men's mental health is a community problem — not an individual oneThe "mental fitness gym" framework that's helping men across the world open upWhy "brave spaces" work better than "safe spaces" for menThe 3-stage Men's Circles model (Awareness → Acceptance → Action) and how to apply itHow intergenerational connection is the missing ingredient in modern masculinityWhy admitting fault is the most powerful thing a man can do in any relationshipThe crucial difference between Men's Circles and the toxic "manosphere"Pasco's journey — from losing close friends to suicide, to becoming one of the leading voices in men's personal development — is as honest and raw as it is inspiring. If you've ever felt like you're carrying life's weight alone, this episode is essential listening.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.

Earlier this week, we sat down with legendary Australian comedian and former radio host Merrick Watts to unpack his unique story of finding true purpose. Merrick told us everything, from a close call with depression to discovering self-acceptance on the road to SAS Australia, even up to his relationship with legacy and creating something to live on without him. Now, host Pod O'Sullivan is looking back on this profound episode and breaking down the things he found most impactful, giving you the best bang for your buck on what you can do in your own life. He's even got a few experiments for you to try at home. Watch the full episode with Merrick Watts on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/7VME41npDH0?si=lJT-BrMsEUO1R7TKSuggest a question or topic for us at 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.

What happens when a man loses everything he thought defined him, and comes out the other side more himself than ever before? Australian comedian Merrick Watts joins Don't Let the Old Man In for one of the most honest conversations about midlife transformation we've ever had.From identity collapse after leaving radio, to a life-altering experience on SAS Australia, to discovering that his real purpose is "to be, not to do" — Merrick holds nothing back.This one's for every man navigating midlife who's ever asked: who am I outside of what I do?In this episode, we cover:Why the midlife identity crisis hits men harder than they expect — and how to survive itWhat SAS Australia actually does to a person (it's not what you think)The suffering and success connection — why avoiding pain is holding you back"Fame was the actor. Legacy is the director." — shifting from chasing recognition to building something that mattersFatherhood after 40 and why it's the greatest growth accelerator there isHow to find your purpose in midlife when everything you knew has changedThe philosophy of loss: "It's the price we pay for love"Why men's mental health in midlife starts with accepting — not fixing — who you areMerrick's current chapter: combining wine, comedy, and a refusal to slow downAbout Merrick Watts:Merrick Watts is an Australian comedian, radio broadcaster, actor, and SAS Australia participant whose career has spanned decades across some of Australia's most iconic media. Known for his sharp wit and disarming honesty, Merrick has spent the past several years quietly doing the most radical thing a man in midlife can do — growing.About Don't Let the Old Man In: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, we sat down with Naomi Cao to unpack her learnings about relationships from her role as a divorce coach. Naomi shared her own powerful divorce story, how she came to represent herself in federal court, and her advice for parents beginning the process of separating from their partners. In this special reflections episode of Don't Let the Old Man In, host Pod O'Sullivan looks back on his conversation with Naomi to discuss his biggest learnings from the episode, and provides some experiments for the audience at home to take onboard with them. 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.