Don't Let The Old Man In

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.

What do you do when your marriage ends and you feel completely lost? Naomi Cao, separation coach and host of the Split Happens podcast, shares her raw, real story of rebuilding after divorce, self-representing in family court, and helping families split with grace.Naomi shares her own powerful healing journey post-divorce, and offers the wisdom she's picked up from helping couples navigate separation when children are involved. This is world-class advice from a professional in the field. If you're in midlife and are facing a separation of your own, you can't miss this episode.In this episode, we discuss:Navigating Relationship FailuresThe Shock of SeparationCoping with Family DynamicsThe Legal Maze of DivorceSelf-Representation in Family CourtTransforming Pain into PurposeThe Importance of CommunicationBuilding Trust in Difficult TimesFinancial Literacy and EmpowermentCreating a Cooperative Co-Parenting EnvironmentManaging Expectations in ParentingThe Importance of Involvement in ParentingNavigating Menopause and RelationshipsBuilding Social Connections Post-DivorceFinding Peace After SeparationA Framework for Moving ForwardPod 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 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.