Don't Let The Old Man In

Is the "midlife crisis" really our most powerful transformation yet?Former tech entrepreneur turned executive coach Aneace Haddad joins the show to unpack the 3 stages of adulthood, the winds of change that drive midlife transformation, and the hidden strengths that emerge as you enter your next chapter. If you're a man over 40 feeling the ground shift beneath you, this conversation will change how you see the midlife "crisis". In this episode:Why your brain in midlife is actually becoming more powerful (not less)The "happiness curve" and why 47 is often the lowest point before things get betterHow to let go of old identities without losing yourselfThe "Who will I be at 100?" practice for finding your North StarWhy midlife reinvention isn't about starting over, it's about becoming who you always wereWhether you're navigating a career shift, questioning your purpose, or just feeling the weight of change, this one's for you.

This week on Don't Let the Old Man In, we sat down with David Pointon, CEO of Men's Table, to hear about the power of vulnerability in finding fulfilling community. In this special Actions episode of the podcast, host Pod O'Sullivan breaks down the key wisdoms from David Pointon and tells you exactly what you can do to make a change in your life. Watch the full episode with David Pointon: https://youtu.be/4vv69UddZpISubscribe to our newsletter: https://dontlettheoldmanin.com/subscribe/

Why are so many men emotionally alone, even when surrounded by people? In this episode of Don't Let the Old Man In, we sit down with David Pointon, founder of Men's Table, to explore how giving men a space to be heard can change their lives entirely. Suggest a topic you want us to cover: https://dontlettheoldmanin.com/suggestions/Subscribe to our newsletter: https://dontlettheoldmanin.com/subscribe/In this episode, you'll discover:Why most midlife men feel something is missing, even when life looks fine from the outsideThe simple monthly format that creates deeper friendships than 25 years with your golfing buddyWhy "banter" isn't the same as real connection, and what it's costing menThe concept of caring connection and why it's the most powerful antidote to toxic masculinityHow one man's willingness to open up can unlock an entire roomThe ripple effect: how men showing up for themselves transforms their relationships and familiesDavid's own story of marriage, separation, and how men's work helped him reset everything

This week, we got to sit down with relationship expert and intimacy coach Tanya Koens to dive deep into the biggest issues facing couples as they enter midlife, and how we can work with our partners to get the most satisfaction out of our love lives. Tanya has years of experience and provided several fascinating insights from her career, many of which have really stuck with us ever since. In this special Actions episode of Don't Let the Old Man In, we're looking back at our conversation with Tanya to identify the most powerful pieces of wisdom she shared with us, how you can implement it in your own life, and why the science says it works. Listen to our conversation with Tanya Koens: https://linktr.ee/dontllettheoldmanin

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

On Don't Let the Old Man In, we often discuss how men can set themselves up to have healthy, sustainable lives as they transition into midlife. Earlier this week, we sat down with longevity specialist Dr Jenifer Luman to discuss just that. This special episode takes the best insights from our conversation with Jenifer and breaks it down for you to get the most out of her experience. We discuss:Getting the blood test your doctor probably hasn't ordered for youHow to properly understand andropauseMeasuring exactly what your body is made ofPlanning for your marginal decades. Listen, learn and share with your community. Visit our website: https://dontlettheoldmanin.com/Suggest a topic for us to cover next: https://dontlettheoldmanin.com/suggestions/

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.