Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast Don't Let The Old Man In

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 you

How to properly understand andropause

Measuring exactly what your body is made of

Planning 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/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 Healthcare
• Understanding Longevity and Men's Health
• The Importance of Early Intervention
• The Gradual Decline of Testosterone
• The Role of Testosterone in Men's Health
• Personalized Health Testing and Biomarkers
• Optimizing Health for Longevity
• The Future of Personalized Healthcare
• Testosterone Replacement Therapy: A Double-Edged Sword
• Andropause: The Silent Decline
• The Journey to Longevity Medicine
• Celebrating Milestones and Personal Growth
• Transitioning to Medicine 3.0
• The New Age of Preventative Healthcare
• The Biohacker Community and Health Optimization
• Understanding Health Choices and Consequences
• The Impact of Environment on Health Choices
• From Olympic Aspirations to Medical Career
• Disaster Recovery and Human Resilience
• Reflections on Health and Future Choices

Let us know what topics we should cover next: https://dontlettheoldmanin.com/

Subscribe to our newsletter: https://dontlettheoldmanin.com/resources/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 answer
• The 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 conversations
• The 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 overnight

These 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.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 one
• The "mental fitness gym" framework that's helping men across the world open up
• Why "brave spaces" work better than "safe spaces" for men
• The 3-stage Men's Circles model (Awareness → Acceptance → Action) and how to apply it
• How intergenerational connection is the missing ingredient in modern masculinity
• Why admitting fault is the most powerful thing a man can do in any relationship
• The 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.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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-BrMsEUO1R7TK

Suggest 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.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 it
• What 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 matters
• Fatherhood after 40 and why it's the greatest growth accelerator there is
• How to find your purpose in midlife when everything you knew has changed
• The 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 are
• Merrick's current chapter: combining wine, comedy, and a refusal to slow down

About 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.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 Failures
• The Shock of Separation
• Coping with Family Dynamics
• The Legal Maze of Divorce
• Self-Representation in Family Court
• Transforming Pain into Purpose
• The Importance of Communication
• Building Trust in Difficult Times
• Financial Literacy and Empowerment
• Creating a Cooperative Co-Parenting Environment
• Managing Expectations in Parenting
• The Importance of Involvement in Parenting
• Navigating Menopause and Relationships
• Building Social Connections Post-Divorce
• Finding Peace After Separation
• A Framework for Moving Forward

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.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 Perspective
• The Power of Mindset in Midlife
• Navigating Change: Personal Stories of Transformation
• Understanding Applied Positive Psychology
• The Importance of Self-Honesty
• Shifts for a Fulfilling Midlife
• Radical Acceptance: Embracing Your Journey
• The Role of Stillness in Personal Growth
• The Impact of Narrative Identity
• The Science of Aging: Positive vs. Negative Perspectives
• The Irony of Aging and Mindset
• Grieving Past Chapters vs. Embracing New Ones
• The Importance of Connection in Midlife
• Adventures and Community Building
• Taking Practical Steps Towards Change
• The Power of Poetry in Reflection
• Lessons Learned in Community Creation

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.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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-Discovery

The Pain of Divorce: A Personal Perspective

Navigating Loneliness and Rebuilding Relationships

Volunteering: Finding Purpose in Service

Creating New Connections with Children

The Importance of Community in Midlife

Transitioning from Success to Significance 20:14

The Power of Collective Action

Lessons from Volunteering: Giving Back

Redefining Identity Through Community Engagement

The Power of Dignity in Giving

Running for a Cause: The Journey of an Ultra Marathoner

The Writer's Journey: Finding Voice and Purpose

Career Transitions: From CEO to CSR Advocate

Building the IFS Foundation: Community Impact and Education

The Greatest Gift: Finding Meaning Beyond Career Success

Creating Community: The Wisdom Vault and Midlife Conversations

Integrating Life's Parts: A Journey of Self-Discovery

Facing Complexity: The Hero's Journey in Midlife

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.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 & Combat
• Struggles With Identity & Mental Health After The Military
• The Gunfight That Led To Prison
• The Post-Prison Transformation
• Ultra Running & Life After Prison
• Craig's Life Lessons & Philosophy

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 connections
• The difference between Brave Spaces and Safe Spaces
• His Story: A Platform for Men's Voices

and much more.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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/iB5KEvAg56A

For more Don't Let the Old Man In, visit our website: dontlettheoldmanin.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What happens when an elite SAS soldier walks away from the special forces to become an emergency nurse ... at 40? Matt Bunker's story is one of the most powerful conversations about midlife reinvention, men's mental health, and finding purpose we've ever had on this podcast.

In this episode of Don't Let the Old Man In, Matt opens up about his dysfunctional childhood, the brutal reality of SAS selection, a devastating breakdown in 2019, and how he rebuilt his identity from the ground up.

This conversation covers:

- The reality of SAS selection and what it takes to pass

- Why high-achieving men struggle with identity after leaving their career

- How childhood trauma shaped his path (and how he broke the cycle)

- The moment his wife told him the truth he needed to hear

- Why nursing in a chaotic ED is the closest thing to military operations

- Practical advice for any man facing a midlife career change

- Matt's views on testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) and men over 40's health

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on Don't Let the Old Man In, we tackled the tough topic of marriage ending.

Gillian Coote, one of Australia's most respected family law attorneys, offers invaluable divorce advice for men, helping them understand the challenges and navigate the path forward.

She shares her personal divorce story, describing it as a devastating process, emphasizing how it can feel like having one's future and power taken away, leaving a broken heart in its wake.

This special reflections episode includes Pod's thoughts on his conversation with Gillian, as well ways to incorporate her teachings into your own life.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Divorce advice for men from a family lawyer who truly understands the male perspective. In this episode, family lawyer Gillian Coote explains why men rush divorce settlements, how to handle divorce grief, and the #1 mistake that can cost you your kids, your house, and your future.

If you’re a man facing separation or divorce, this conversation will help you slow down, protect yourself, and make smarter decisions. Jill combines decades of 66 family law experience with her own divorce story to give honest, practical 58 divorce advice for men in midlife.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• Why so many men just want to “get it over with”

• The grieving process of divorce

• How jumping straight into a new relationship can backfire legally and emotionally

• Why “50/50” isn’t always fair – and what you’re actually entitled to financially

• How to protect your kids emotionally during separation and avoid parental alienation

• The one rule Gillian has for every dad

• Rebuilding your identity when your role as husband and father suddenly changes

• Practical steps to stay calm, think clearly, and avoid decisions you’ll regret

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is walking away from a high-status career brave, or is it reckless? People talk a lot about success, but they rarely talk about the cost of success on the health of our relationships and ourselves.

In this follow-up from our interview with Matthew Lumsden, host Pod O'Sullivan breaks down the biggest insights from their conversation and what they actually mean for men in midlife. He also provides an experiment for our audience to test at home; a powerful tool to take Matthew's advice into their day-to-day lives.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is your career success costing you your peace of mind? If you’ve ever felt trapped by the corporate grind or wondered if you're going through a midlife crisis, this conversation is the wake-up call you need.

In this episode of Don't Let the Old Man In, we sit down with Matthew Lumsden, a former high-level executive at Vanguard who did the unthinkable: he walked away from the status and salary to save his sanity.

Matthew opens up about the reality of corporate burnout, the toll it takes on men’s mental health, and how the COVID pandemic forced him to re-evaluate what wealth actually means.

In this episode, we cover:

• Why a high salary, a big title, and corporate success can mask a deep, silent burnout
• The COVID "Fork in the Road": How the pandemic forced a choice between returning to a "normal" that wasn't working or blowing up the blueprint to start over.
• The reality of who you become when you hand back the title that defined you for 20 years.
• Why leaving a job feels like a death in the family
• Financial Freedom vs. Life Freedom: Practical insights on how to financially plan an "escape".
• Japanese Wisdom for Midlife Men: Shibui (Elegant Simplicity)
• Manzoku (Deep Satisfaction): Why chasing "happiness" is a young man's game, and why "satisfaction" is the superior goal for men in their 40s and 50s.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Did you know 70% of cancer risk is linked to lifestyle, not just genetics? In this reflection episode, host Pod O'Sullivan breaks down his biggest takeaways from his conversation with Dr. Andy Tay on cancer prevention, immunotherapy, and the science of healthy aging.

We often think of health and longevity as things out of our control, but the data suggests otherwise. Pod shares the critical insights he gained from Andy Tay's experience, from the potential of immunotherapy to the daily habits that actually move the needle. If you're a man in midlife that is shifting focus to staying healthy, this video covers the practical know-how to do so.

IN THIS VIDEO:

- The 70/30 Rule: Why lifestyle choices matter more than your DNA.

- Immunotherapy Explained: The promising future of cancer treatment.

- Stress & Health: How managing stress is a physical necessity, not just a mental one.

- Actionable Longevity: Simple changes to your diet and routine for long-term well-being.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Cancer. The word alone makes many of us shudder. We all know someone who has battled it, perhaps lost to it. Yet here's the paradox that should give us hope: whilst cancer rates are rising as we live longer, mortality rates are falling dramatically.

Dr Andy Tay is a Presidential Young Professor at the National University of Singapore, running a laboratory that literally turns our immune cells into warriors against cancer and infectious diseases. In this compelling conversation recorded in Singapore, Andy takes us on a journey from the fundamentals of cancer to the frontiers of treatment.

In this episode, we cover:

• What cancer actually is
• Why cancer rates are rising but mortality rates are falling
• How immunotherapy transforms your own immune cells into cancer-fighting machines
• The surprising connection between stress and cancer growth through the nervous system
• Why 70% of cancer risk is lifestyle-associated
• How artificial intelligence is accelerating drug development and personalising treatment
• Why "balance" is the ultimate health strategy

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Your genes aren't what determines how you'll age: it's something else entirely.

This week on Don't Let The Old Man In, we sat down with longevity expert Professor Andrea Maier to talk all things healthy aging, precision medicine and the world of biohacking to find out how we can live better as we age.

After taking time to reflect on his conversation with Andrea, host Pod O'Sullivan unpacks his thoughts on the episode, including what he'll take with him into his own life, as well as a free experiment for you all at home to use.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is it possible to slow down time? In this interview with longevity specialist Prof. Andrea Maier, we break down the critical difference between healthspan vs lifespan and reveal why your biological age matters far more than the number of candles on your birthday cake. If you are interested in reverse aging and preventative healthcare, this is the data you need.

In this episode, we discuss:

• The critical distinction between lifespan and healthspan — and why one matters far more
• What the 12 hallmarks of aging reveal about why our bodies change decade by decade
• How digital biomarkers and precision medicine transform longevity into personalised action
• The key ages of 40 and 60
• Why the absence of disease is more important than the presence of longevity genes
• What Silicon Valley is getting wrong about longeviety
• What 100 year old’s really think
• Why biological age versus chronological age matters for men in midlife
• The role of longevity clinics in democratising preventative healthcare
• Cutting through supplement hype: what science actually supports and what doesn't

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What happens when the life you've built comes crumbling down to reveal an empty core?

Aldo Grech lived what most would call the dream. Senior IT executive, trophy partner, Lake Como lifestyle. At 50, when his wife left and his career imploded, Aldo discovered something terrifying: there was no authentic self to fall back on. Just a wounded child and an exhausted avatar who'd been performing for 40 years.

Now approaching 70, Aldo has transformed from vacant achiever to authentic contributor. His journey through love addiction, corporate burnout, cancer, financial ruin and intensive therapy offers a brutally honest roadmap for men willing to do the hardest work of their lives.

In this conversation, we dig into:

• Why workaholism, love addiction, and achievement obsession are celebrated rather than treated
• The difference between being successful and being whole
• How physical symptoms signal spiritual dysfunction
• How childhood wounds create protective personas
• Why "boys don't cry" creates vacant men
• The paradox of surrender vs. giving up
• Ten years alone: building electric cars and authentic friendships
• The mother conversation that changes everything

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For many of us in midlife, there comes a moment when the identity we've built starts to feel insufficient. We wake up asking: "Now what? What's next? Is this it?"

Bill Ang and Richard Bleasdale aren't just theorising about life's next transition, they're living it. Both are part of the inaugural cohort of the Distinguished Singapore Fellowship at the National University of Singapore, the first programme of its kind in Asia focused specifically on thriving in midlife and beyond.

They're not waiting for permission or the perfect plan. They're showing up, learning, building, and trying new things—exactly what many of us struggle to do when facing uncertainty about what comes next.

In this conversation, we explore:

• Why storytelling matters more than ever: Bill's framework for why the person who tells the best story almost always wins—and what that means for the rest of our lives
• The Four Freedoms: Bill's musical metaphor for composing a meaningful life: financial freedom (the baseline), physical freedom (the rhythm), social freedom (the melody), and purpose freedom (the lyrics)
• The freedom we neglect most: Why relationships and community are often sacrificed when building careers—and why we can't afford to wait any longer
• Life has no shortcuts: Why the modern obsession with life hacks and AI shortcuts is causing us to skip the struggle, the learning, and the actual living
• The power of intergenerational collaboration: How breaking down walls between generations can transform workplaces and communities
• The Distinguished Singapore Fellowship: What it's like to be part of Asia's first programme focused on the third transition of life, including their transformative week at Smiling Gecko in Cambodia

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What’s still possible in the second half of life? And who gets to decide the limits, is it your body, your age, or the stories you tell yourself?

In this episode of Don’t Let the Old Man In, we sit down with Ross Youngman, a man who quietly dismantles many of the assumptions we hold about aging, ambition and reinvention. At an age when many people are thinking about slowing down, Ross chose to lean in and challenge himself physically, intellectually and purposefully.

In this episode, we explore:

• Why marathon swimming is 75% psychological and only 25% physical
• How social connection, not willpower, sustains long-term fitness
• The power of starting small and building confidence through graduated challenges
• What swimming taught Ross about focus, endurance and staying in the water when it gets uncomfortable
• His transition from a high-pressure global finance career into purpose-driven philanthropy
• Why he returned to university in midlife to study coaching psychology
• How optimism can be a conscious, disciplined practice — not blind positivity
• What it really means to “not let the old man in”

Along the way, Ross shares hard-earned insights about parenting, timing, patience and resisting the internal voices that quietly talk us out of possibility.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this special deep dive episode of Don't Let The Old Man In, clinical psychologist Ben Larke joins Pod O’Sullivan to unpack shame (versus guilt), as well as the mindset to remain competent through struggle.

If you’re a man navigating midlife and wanting real talk, practical wisdom, and a community that gets it, you’ll find this one hits home.

Listen, learn, take something with you, and keep moving forward.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this special deep dive episode of Don't Let The Old Man In, Professor Virginia Cha joins Pod O’Sullivan to unpack Singapore's new "blue zone" status and the benefits of growing old.

If you’re a man navigating midlife and wanting real talk, practical wisdom, and a community that gets it, you’ll find this one hits home.

Watch, learn, take something with you, and keep moving forward.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this special deep dive episode of Don't Let The Old Man In, Dr Merran Cooper joins Pod O'Sullivan to shed light on what it means to suffer loss at a young age, the power of advanced care planning and how families can navigate end-of-life decisions.

Perfect for the busy holiday season when time is short but the need for reflection runs deep.

If you’re a man navigating midlife and wanting real talk, practical wisdom, and a community that gets it, you’ll find this one hits home.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this special deep dive episode of Don't Let The Old Man In, Dr Gordon Spence joins Pod O’Sullivan to unpack midlife transitions, fitness and good habits.

If you’re a man navigating midlife and wanting real talk, practical wisdom, and a community that gets it, you’ll find this one hits home.

Watch, learn, take something with you, and keep moving forward.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this special deep dive episode of Don't Let The Old Man In, Dr Angela Kwong joins Pod O’Sullivan to unpack GLP-1s, also known as fat jabs.

If you’re a man navigating midlife and wanting real talk, practical wisdom, and a community that gets it, you’ll find this one hits home.

Watch, learn, take something with you, and keep moving forward.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Note: this episode contains discussion of depression and suicide.

Today, Stuart O'Neill from Just One Reason joins Pod O'Sullivan to discuss suicide prevention, as well as Australia's very first mental health pub.

If you’re a man navigating midlife and wanting real talk, practical wisdom, and a community that gets it, you’ll find this one hits home.

Watch, learn, take something with you, and keep moving forward.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this special deep dive episode of Don't Let The Old Man In, Dr Jon Glass joins Pod O’Sullivan to unpack all things retirement.

If you’re a man navigating midlife and wanting real talk, practical wisdom, and a community that gets it, you’ll find this one hits home.

Watch, learn, take something with you, and keep moving forward.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this special deep dive episode of Don't Let The Old Man In, Erin Buttermore joins Pod O’Sullivan to unpack the imposter phenomenon.

If you’re a man navigating midlife and wanting real talk, practical wisdom, and a community that gets it, you’ll find this one hits home.

Watch, learn, take something with you, and keep moving forward.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this special deep dive episode of Don't Let The Old Man In, author Michael Bungay Stanier joins Pod O’Sullivan to discuss midlife reinvention.

If you’re a man navigating midlife and wanting real talk, practical wisdom, and a community that gets it, you’ll find this one hits home.

Watch, learn, take something with you, and keep moving forward.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This isn't your typical podcast episode. Instead of one conversation, Pod O’Sullivan brings you 13 pivotal moments from the most powerful interviews of 2025. These are the insights that stopped him in his tracks, the conversations that made him think, "everyone needs to hear this."

What we discuss in this episode

Dr Gordon Spence on health span vs lifespan

• The cruel gap between how long we're living and how well we're living
• Why physical decline doesn't fall off a cliff until 70 (if you've been doing the work)
• How negative age stereotypes undermine our actual physical capacity
• Training for your last decade starts now, not at 65

Dr Merran Cooper on having conversations about death

• How a 21-year-old woman faced her husband's terminal diagnosis
• The chaplain who gave permission to prepare for death while maintaining hope
• Why every single older person is thinking about death and waiting for someone to talk about it
• The power of advanced care planning for your loved ones

Ben Larke on shame and vulnerability

• Understanding the difference between shame and guilt
• How shame keeps us stuck and prevents growth
• Why vulnerability is the pathway through shame
• Practical tools for recognising and addressing shame in our lives

Erin Buttermore on imposter phenomenon

• Why high achievers often feel like frauds
• The difference between imposter syndrome and imposter phenomenon
• How imposter feelings can actually signal growth opportunities
• Reframing self-doubt as evidence you're stretching yourself

Virginia Cha on Singapore's Distinguished Fellow Program

• How Singapore leverages experience from their aging workforce
• Redefining contribution in the second half of life
• The value of wisdom and experience in a youth-obsessed culture
• Alternative models for aging and work
• The distinction between existing and truly living
• Building resilience through intentional choices
• Creating a life of vitality beyond your working years
• Small daily practices that compound into transformation

Stuart O'Neill on personal reinvention

• Why men struggle to talk about mental health
• The importance of connection and community
• Breaking through isolation in midlife
• Practical steps for building meaningful relationships
• Navigating major life transitions in your 40s and 50s
• The courage to start again
• Redefining success on your own terms
• Finding freedom in uncertainty

Dr Angela Kwong on preventative health for men over 40

• Why your metabolism changes and what to do about it
• The essential health checks every man should get (but most don't)
• Waist circumference matters more than your weight
• Testing fasting insulin levels before diabetes develops

Michael Bungay Stanier on relationships

• The secret to a good marriage: both thinking they got the better deal
• Maintaining connection through life's transitions
• Why relationships require intentional effort
• Creating mutual value and appreciation

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What if the voice in your head that says "you're not good enough" isn't actually true? What if the secret behaviours you've carried for decades aren't defining you, but rather haunting you? Clinical psychologist Ben Larke helps men untangle the difference between guilt about what we've done and shame about who we are.

In this raw and remarkably accessible conversation, we explore:

• The critical distinction between shame and guilt—and why one is far more dangerous
• How childhood experiences code our default responses decades later
• Why men at midlife suddenly find themselves caught up by unresolved pain
• The relationship between shame, addiction and compulsive behaviour
• Ben's own midlife reinvention from UN humanitarian work to clinical psychology
• Why sharing secrets with another human being is often the first step toward freedom
• The powerful metaphor of "parts" in the driver's seat—and how to recognise which part is steering your life
• What your 75-year-old self might want to tell you right now

This isn't therapy—it's permission to be human.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this conversation, we sit down with Erin Buttermore, a strategy consultant, executive coach and PhD candidate researching the imposter phenomenon at the University of Sydney. Erin brings a refreshingly practical approach to what's often called "imposter syndrome", but she's quick to correct that term. It's not a syndrome at all, she explains.

Key insights include:

• Why "imposter phenomenon" is a better term than "imposter syndrome" and what that shift in language reveals about the real problem
• How men at midlife experience self-doubt differently from women, often withdrawing rather than doubling down on perfectionism
• The toxic role of meritocratic culture in reinforcing feelings of fraudulence
• Why successful people attribute wins to luck and losses to personal failure
• The surprising link between stereotype threat and imposter feelings
• Practical techniques for managing automatic negative thoughts in real time
• How organisations, not just individuals, need to address impostorism

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dr Jon Glass knows about identity transitions intimately. Starting his working life with a PhD in pure mathematics from Cambridge University, he's made several major career transitions himself. Now, as a retirement coach, he's on a mission to change the paradigm of what retirement actually means.

In this wide-ranging discussion, Jon and Pod dig into the practical and emotional realities of

retirement:

• The bridge metaphor: How to think about what you'll miss as you cross from work to retirement, and what you want to carry with you.
• Identity reconstruction: Moving beyond "I am a..." to discovering who you want to become.
• The six Fs of retirement: Including the "wet leaf syndrome" and other dynamics that catch people by surprise.
• Friendship in later life: Why men struggle to maintain friendships after work, and practical strategies like the TCS approach (text weekly, call monthly, see quarterly).
• Meaning versus busyness: How to create a portfolio of activities that brings genuine purpose, not just a full calendar.
• The honeymoon period: Why it will end, and how to prepare for what comes after.
• Energy management: A hidden consideration that's often overlooked in retirement planning.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Merran Cooper isn't your typical doctor-turned-entrepreneur. She started medical school at 50 and then founded Touchstone Life Care to solve a problem she witnessed daily: people dying badly because no one knew what they wanted.

In this conversation, we explore:

• The power of ambivalence – How preparing for dying and hoping for the best aren't opposites, but can coexist 100% at the same time
• What happened when a chaplain used the "D word"; – The conversation that changed everything for Merran and her dying husband
• Why "be a soul, not a role" matters – Especially at someone's bedside
• The sandwich generation challenge – Practical ways to start conversations with aging parents who don't want to talk about death
• How to have "the conversation"; – Using falls, not death, as your starting point
• Why advanced care planning is a love letter – Not a legal document
• The RSL Club test – How one man defined his minimum quality of life in terms his family could actually understand
• Reinventing yourself after 50 – What it's like to become a medical student when your daughter is also in first year uni

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we explore

• Singapore's blue zone engineering: How deliberate policy and social cohesion created one of the world's healthiest, longest-living populations
• The thriver philosophy: Why Virginia rejects the word "seniors" and what it means to truly thrive in your third act
• Building the Distinguished Fellow Program: The entrepreneurial journey of creating Asia's first fellowship for accomplished professionals in their 60s and beyond
• The magic of bringing people together: How 21 fellows aged 47 to 82 found deep friendship and renewed purpose through learning
• Buddhist principles in design: The hidden philosophy behind the program's "random" curriculum
• The male energy shift: Virginia's surprising observation about how men transform when given new purpose

Virginia shares candidly about everything from stalking professors to get them to teach, to the unexpected joy of being 65 ("Nobody thinks that's going on anymore"). Her LinkedIn bio starts with "I am old";—not as resignation, but as a badge of honour earned through experience.

This isn't a conversation about winding down. It's about what becomes possible when we stop measuring success by conventional business metrics and start asking: how can I be helpful?

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Healthy ageing doesn’t begin at 70; it starts right now. In this inspiring episode of Don’t Let The Old Man In, Dr Gordon Spence shares how midlife can become the launchpad for a stronger, healthier, more connected future.

At 48, Gordon realised he’d drifted into the common midlife slump: carrying extra weight, catching colds, sleeping poorly, and exercising rarely. One cruise-ship treadmill session sparked a complete re-engagement with movement. That decision led to marathons, postgraduate study, and eventually a mission: to help others live active, meaningful lives across their lifespan, not just extend it.

What we explore in this episode:

• The critical difference between lifespan and healthspan – and how to narrow the gap
• Why training for your last decade is the smartest investment you can make now
• How negative age stereotypes quietly limit physical and mental potential
• Gordon’s four-stage Health Activation Model: Reflect · Project · Inspect · Connect
• The importance of community, connection and accountability in staying active
• Real stories of reinvention – from marathon runners to dragon-boaters and a 60-year-old who fell in love with fencing

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When Stuart O'Neill stood at the edge of ending his life, one thought stopped him. That moment became Just One Reason, a 10-minute book that has since reached over 50,000 people across 20 countries and been adopted by Lifeline, health professionals, and emergency services worldwide.

In this episode, we explore:

• The making of “Just One Reason” — how a moment of despair led to a global message of hope.
• Mental health myths — why depression and suicidal thoughts are not always long-term or predictable.
• The psychology of survival — how asking the right question can stop a fatal impulse.
• The role of family and intergenerational trauma — including the extraordinary story of Stuart’s mother, whose honesty helped heal their bond.
• Bringing help to rural Australia — from flying books into drought-stricken communities to sitting at kitchen tables with families in crisis.
• The ‘mental health pub’ experiment — how Stuart turned the Deepwater Hotel into a community hub for connection, kindness, and conversation.
• Why men need new spaces to talk — and how a long table, a good meal, and a listening ear can sometimes save a life.
• The importance of failure and purpose — and why Stuart sees his own mental health as a source of energy, not weakness.
• The wisdom of the storm — his advice that no matter how bad it feels, “every storm passes — you just have to wait it out.”

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we explore:

• What GLP-1 medications are and how they work
• Why our metabolism slows with age—and what we can do about it
• The concept of the body weight set point and why diets often fail
• How “food noise” hijacks our attention, and what life feels like when it’s gone
• The emotional roots of our relationship with food
• The overlap between food cravings, addiction, and mood
• Why perimenopausal women are often misdiagnosed or misunderstood
• The science—and self-awareness—behind sustainable weight management
• How Angela’s journey from rural GP to online entrepreneur reflects courage, purpose, and reinvention

Dr. Kwong also shares her vision for a “midlife MOT”—an annual health check that includes waist circumference, fasting insulin, and mental health screening. Her practical wisdom reframes aging as an opportunity to optimize our “health span,” not just our lifespan.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today we discuss:

• the idea of curiosity driving experimentation and learning

• the notion of ‘identity diversification’

• how to begin new projects or joining new associations

• what men can do to stop giving advice (in a world where AI can give better advice every time) and get better at listening to the core needs of the other person

• What he does to stay happily married to Marcella after 30 years, especially, given he travels the world for long periods of a time

• how as an entrepreneur he handed over the reins of his business to a CEO and stepped away

• how selling millions of copies of “The Coaching Habit”, changed his life

• the power of journalling in midlife

• how he stays creative

• being in the sandwich generation, i.e. taking care of elderly parents and why his brothers and he are hoping they, together, will eventually be as good as one competent daughter

• why training now for the last decade will prevent a world of pain

In a landscape too often dominated by platitudes, generic thinking and, as Billy Connoly once said, the colour beige, Michael’s willingness to vulnerably and often hilariously share his own struggles and his relentless drive to create positive change make him a uniquely valuable voice.

68f7e4bb2e18ecdf37761468431fba77b61c6626

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Listen to host Pod O’Sullivan share what this podcast is about, who it is for, who will be interviewed, what to expect, and why Clint Eastwood is such a legend!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.