DLTOMI is a podcast brought to you by Pod O’Sullivan , where he has real and candid conversations with experts, celebrities and ordinary men about navigating midlife. The ups, the downs, the surprises, the opportunities, the secrets and how to do it on your terms, gracefully or even disgracefully! Pod will explore ways to take charge of your health , to divorce well , to reinvigorate your sex life , to find ways to lift your spirit , to join new communities, to make sure you have enough money for retirement, to laugh, to cry if needed , to change perspectives , and most importantly, to ensure your second act is even better than the first . Pod O’Sullivan has been fascinated with transitions and personal reinventions for most of his life. His career has seen him in the medical industry, in sales and marketing, consulting industries, being self-employed, being an entrepreneur who successfully sold businesses, being an educator at Sydney Business School, an author, an Executive Coach to 100’s of CEO’s all over Asia, a podcaster, the owner of a "failed" tech start up and now the co-founder of The Wisdom Vault and host of this podcast. He is also a Doctoral student in Oxford research how men navigate midlife and how they (we) might do it better. Migrating from Ireland and England to Australia taught him many lessons. Divorcing with two young kids threw a few more his way. Remarrying and creating the ‘Brady Bunch’ with Carole, his two children and three new daughters, topped off many great life’s lessons. Pod knows the harsh reality of life’s ups and downs and firmly believes that mid-life, while tough on many levels, can also be lonely on others and downright confusing on yet others; it can also include the best stages in life . He is here to explore and find those! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
This week on Don't Let the Old Man In, we speak with ex money broker Tom Cronin, who left his role after a nervous breakdown caused by his lifestyle. Tom went on to found The Stillness Project, aiming to inspire 1 billion people to meditate every day, to help them alleviate the same issues Tom faced in his own life. CHAPTERS: 0:00 - Intro 4:30 — The reality of life on a trading floor 7:38 — Burnout, chronic anxiety & the nervous breakdown 8:34 — Why high-performing men suffer in silence 10:26 — From broker to meditation teacher (and what his mates said) 21:10 — The science behind meditation 26:15 — Saunas, sleep & holistic health for stress management 30:29 — Tom's personal journey with meditation 34:02 — The General vs Soldier analogy 38:45 — Tom's full morning routine for peak performance 46:10 — Gratitude, journaling & the law of attraction 48:17 — How Tom visualised his future 56:20 — How to meditate: a simple technique to start tonight 1:05:10 — The three acts of life & finding your purpose 1:08:20 — Why joy and fun are non-negotiable in your third act Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode of Don’t Let the Old Man In, we explore the vital role grandparents can play in supporting children’s mental health, confidence, resilience, and sense of belonging. Our guest, Melissa, creator of The Art of Mentoring and author of Will Your Grandkids Be Okay? , explains why grandparents are uniquely positioned to become trusted mentors and steady sources of wisdom in an increasingly uncertain world. We discuss how grandparents can: Build stronger intergenerational relationships Support young people experiencing loneliness or emotional challenges Share family stories that strengthen identity and resilience Ask questions that encourage curiosity and critical thinking Create meaningful rituals and traditions Model the behaviors they want to pass on Offer guidance without becoming controlling Set healthy boundaries while staying connected Check out "Will Your Grandkids Be Ok?" here: https://amzn.asia/d/07DOIZB8 Whether you are a grandparent, parent, mentor, or trusted adult, this conversation offers practical ideas for helping young people feel grounded enough to grow and confident enough to face the future. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Reclaim Your Energy: Insights from Dr. Mantha Imber Discover practical strategies to boost your energy, prevent burnout, and prioritize your well-being. Dr. Mantha Imber shares her personal journey through exhaustion and her innovative approaches to managing energy better, emphasizing a shift from time management to energy management. In this episode: How energy is the most precious resource and why we often neglect it The concept of the "getting hit by a bus" fantasy and recognition of burnout signs The evolution of her "Never Again List" from humbling experiences The science behind scent, natural environments, and breathing techniques to boost energy How to identify your energy "types" (Me Mode vs. Wii Mode; Ambition vs. Anxiety) The importance of protecting your energy with clear boundaries and "To Don't" lists Simple yet powerful "boost" and "rest" strategies, including peppermint scent and cyclic sighing The benefits of nature immersion, like forest bathing, for mental reset Turning energy management into a gamified process to build sustainable habits Transitioning into a healthier second act with energy awareness Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction: Why energy is the ultimate resource 00:19 - Personal humbling and the "getting hit by a bus" fantasy 02:01 - Recognizing burnout through personal stories 03:46 - Lessons learned from public speaking mishaps and creating "Never Again" list 04:45 - The impact of alarm clock codependency 06:09 - Transition from control to awareness and boundary setting 07:36 - How exhaustion affects decision-making and daily routines 08:54 - Re-evaluating the role of writing and leadership in energy management 10:28 - Why endurance and "pushing through" might be harmful 12:04 - Recognizing the limits of pushing and the effects of chronic depletion 13:46 - Using humbling experiences to clarify boundaries and priorities 15:12 - The role of humility in recognizing what no longer serves you 16:07 - The "Never Again List" as a tool for boundaries 17:36 - Conscious decision-making with "To Don't" and "To Do" lists 19:36 - Society's normalization of exhaustion and its implications 20:42 - The importance of running energy experiments with a large group 22:03 - The Mi Mode and Wii Mode energy types and their significance 23:15 - Navigating between Drive and Anxiety-driven energy states 24:54 - Recognizing personal energy patterns and managing anxiety vs. ambition 27:37 - How body awareness can guide energy conservation 28:19 - Strategies: Fast energy boosts, rest, and protection tactics 31:02 - Peppermint scent and other quick resets for energy boost 33:52 - The power of gratitude practices and "Three Good Things" 36:11 - Breathing exercises like cyclic sighing for instant calm 38:25 - Forest bathing and the impact of nature on recovery 41:53 - Identifying and avoiding "energy vampires" with the Points Chart 44:54 - Practical tools for everyday energy management like cold water immersion and silent walks 50:19 - Making energy management a fun, experimental game 56:33 - Transitioning into the second-act energy mindset 62:16 - Final words: Prioritize your energy above allResources & Links: Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Earlier this week on Don't Let the Old Man In, we sat down with nutritionist Dr Jessica Turton to understand the truth about weight loss during midlife, including how the most popular weight loss trends can have the wrong idea. In this special follow-up Actions episode, host Pod O'Sullivan gives you the best advice from his conversation with Dr Jessica, including 3 things you can do in your own life to achieve your weight loss goals. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
This week on Don't Let the Old Man In, nutritionist and PhD researcher Jessica Turton reveals why low-calorie diets are scientifically designed to fail, how insulin resistance is silently sabotaging fat loss in men, and the counterintuitive approach that's helping people reverse type 2 diabetes, lose weight, and feel free around food again. CHAPTERS: 00:00 Introduction and Jessica's background 01:48 Jessica's journey from dieting to research 05:02 The impact of calorie restriction on metabolism 10:03 The Minnesota starvation experiment findings 14:57 Insulin, glucose, and fuel prioritization 19:53 Understanding insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes 25:13 The effects of restrictive diets on mental health 29:56 Reversing metabolic suppression with proper nutrition 35:04 Practical food choices for insulin resistance 40:04 Gender differences in fat storage and metabolism 45:09 How to approach dietary change for health 50:08 Food freedom and sustainable eating habits 55:03 Jessica's final advice for lasting health Suggest a topic you'd like us to cover: https://dontlettheoldmanin.com/suggestions/ Subscribe to our newsletter: https://dontlettheoldmanin.com/subscribe/ Follow us on social media: https://linktr.ee/dontllettheoldmanin Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
This week on Don't Let the Old Man In, we spoke to two men who led drastically different lives and careers, but who both ended up at the same place: square one. Allan Tillack and Andy Sheats both started from scratch in midlife to pursue purpose and fulfillment. In this follow-up Actions episode, host Pod O'Sullivan gives you the most important parts from our interview with Allan and Andy, including the 3 ways you can implement their wisdom in your own life to make a change. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Allan Tillack and Andy Sheats were both executives at the heights of their careers, having reached the top of the ladder. But then, they walked away and left it all behind to design a life they could be content with. In this episode of Don't Let the Old Man In, Alan (ex-Country Head, Big Pharma) and Andy (ex-CTO, Silicon Valley) share the real story behind starting over at 50, including the doubts, the breakthroughs, and the blueprint they wish they'd had sooner. CHAPTERS: 00:00 Introduction and overview of life transformation stories 01:01 The importance of grappling with life's big questions 02:23 Career reflections and the desire for meaningful work 04:45 Alan and Andy’s career journeys and pivotal moments 08:03 Recognizing burnout and the need for change 12:11 The impact of executive coaching on leadership development 17:00 The power of feedback and vulnerability in leadership 21:48 Designing a purposeful second half of life 26:14 The role of reflection and self-awareness in transition 31:30 The importance of authentic leadership and clear communication 37:19 Strength, vulnerability, and redefining what it means to be strong 44:28 Building a second half of life aligned with personal values 52:42 Practical advice for starting your life transition 01:00:26 The significance of knowing oneself and staying true 01:04:42 The importance of relationships and social connection 01:06:41 Final words of wisdom and encouragement Subscribe to our newsletter: https://dontlettheoldmanin.com/subscribe/ Follow us on social media: https://linktr.ee/dontllettheoldmanin Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Earlier this week, we sat down with psychologist and author Dr Marny Lishman to learn the truth about burnout, including what it feels like, how it shows up in men and the reason we feel more exhausted as we enter midlife. In this follow-up Actions episode of Don't Let the Old Man In, host Pod O'Sullivan breaks down Marny's advice and provides his top three ways to fight burnout from creeping in. These methods tell you all you need to know from Marny's years of experience. Watch the full episode with Dr Marny Lishman here: https://linktr.ee/dontllettheoldmanin Subscribe to our newsletter: https://dontlettheoldmanin.com/subscribe/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
What does a psychologist do when she hits her own midlife fog? She writes a book about it. Marny Lishman is a psychologist, author, columnist, and media commentator who has spent years helping people navigate the messy middle of adulthood. Her books Crisis to Contentment and Only You: The Unexpected Gift of Being Alone grew out of her own lived experience — from recognising herself in Ben Affleck's cigarette-and-dead-eyes paparazzi shots, to finding genuine contentment in solitude while the rest of the world rushed to swipe right. In this conversation, Marny brings her signature warmth and directness to some of the big questions of midlife: Why are we statistically most unhappy at 47.2? Why do grumpy men make the best clients? What is burnout actually telling us — and what's the one word she says to everyone who has it? Why can't men make deep friendships? And why is loneliness one of the most useful emotions you can feel? This is a conversation for anyone who's ever stared at the cereal aisle and genuinely could not choose. You're not broken. You just need to stop. 00:00 — Welcome 01:44 — The grumpy Ben Affleck moment 03:12 — The U-curve: you're unhappiest at 47.2 05:57 — What grumpiness is really hiding 09:22 — Crisis to Contentment: the framework 11:14 — Burnout: signs, symptoms & just stop 20:51 — Why men can't make deep friendships 23:47 — Learning the language of emotions 29:36 — Only You: the gift of being alone 43:08 — Grab a backpack and go You'll learn: The science behind the U-shaped happiness curve and why midlife is the statistical low point What grumpiness is actually communicating — and why Marny loves a grumpy client The four dimensions of burnout (physical, mental, emotional, spiritual) and how to recognise it before you hit the wall Why men struggle with deep friendship and what psychological safety has to do with it How to talk about your emotions when you don't have the words The case for staying single long enough to actually find yourself Why loneliness is a signal, not a sentence Marny's one piece of wisdom for every middle-aged man: grab a backpack and go 📚 Content & People Referenced Books Crisis to Contentment — Marny Lishman Only You: The Unexpected Gift of Being Alone — Marny Lishman Research The U-Shaped Happiness Curve — Professor David Blanchflower (Dartmouth College). Research drawn from 500,000+ data points across 132 countries showing life satisfaction follows a U-shape, with the low point around age 47.2. Referenced in Crisis to Contentment . Organisations Mentioned Men's Table — CEO David Pointon cited; research shared on how men's participation reduces anger and aggression in the home Mongrels Men — men's community organisation mentioned as part of the broader shift in men's mental health culture Just One Reason — men's mental health/suicide prevention organisation mentioned Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
This week on Don't Let the Old Man In, we sat down with Dan Foster, CEO of The Centre For Men and Families, to unpack the problems men are facing in the transition to midlife and why so many men feel unfulfilled. In this special follow-up episode, host Pod O'Sullivan shares the top things he wants our listeners to take away from Dan Foster's episode, and provides three actions you can do at home to take his wisdom on board. Watch the full episode with Dan Foster: https://linktr.ee/dontllettheoldmanin Subscribe to our newsletter: https://dontlettheoldmanin.com/subscribe/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Dan Foster is the CEO of the Centre for Men and Families, a rites of passage organisation heavily influenced by the work of Richard Rohr. After spending years in ministry and theology, Dan found himself in the middle of his own midlife deconstruction — which is exactly where his work now lives. The Centre runs two programs: one for young men navigating the first half of life, and one for men in midlife and beyond who've ticked all the boxes and still feel the ache. This conversation is for every man who's hit 40, 45, or 50 and quietly wondered — is this all there is? It's also for the man who's been carrying something for decades and hasn't yet found a safe enough place to put it down. Books mentioned: Adam's Return by Richard Rohr Iron John by Robert Bly Falling Upward by Richard Rohr Also referenced: Poetry of David Whyte and Rumi Documentary: The Manosphere Bruce Springsteen on "trying to get home to a home he never had" Other men's work mentioned: Men's Tables — David Pontin Men's Circles UK — Pascoe Ashton Mongrels Men Sydney — Tim Houston Connect with Dan Foster & the Centre for Men and Families: [centreformenandfamilies.com] 00:00 — Intro & Welcome 02:35 — Richard Rohr, Adam's Return, and the 5 Hard Truths 07:14 — You're not in control — and why that's actually good news 08:27 — Mens Programs - Forged (18–30) and Men's Rite of Passage (30+) 15:05 — Why rituals work — the 3 reasons men open up 20:25 — Men communicate better side by side — fire, circles, and brotherhood 24:44 — What men actually leave with: relief, peace, self-acceptance 31:36 — The manosphere, elders, and what young men are really hungry for 41:39 — Whatever you don't process, you project Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Earlier this week, we sat down with longevity educator and author Professor Scott Fulton to discover the top secrets about improving your healthspan that most people will never know about. In this follow-up episode of Don't Let the Old Man In, host Pod O'Sullivan reflects on the key lessons from Scott's years of expertise, and provides you with the three things you can take with you into your own life. Watch the full interview with Scott Fulton here: https://youtu.be/8MyxAgoS5-g Let us know what topic you'd like us to cover: https://dontlettheoldmanin.com/suggestions/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Professor Scott Fulton is a research engineer turned functional health span expert, author of the #1 bestselling book Function, and chair of the National Aging and Place Council in the US. After a career troubleshooting complex systems across industries, Scott turned his engineering mind to the one system nobody was looking at properly: the aging human body. His work draws on over 700,000 participants and 10 million person-years of data to answer a question most men don't think to ask until it's too late: what will actually determine how well you function in the second half of your life? This conversation is for every man over 40 who thinks being fit means being healthy. It's also for the man who's never tested his balance, flexibility, or reaction time, and doesn't yet know that one of those is quietly becoming his weak link. Book mentioned: Function by Scott Fulton — available now, currently #1 bestseller Connect with Scott Fulton: scottfulton.ca 00:30 — Why You Should Listen 04:28 — Why Runners Can't Walk: The Biomechanics Explained 09:34 — The Statistic That Will Change How You Walk Today 13:10 — Falls Aren't a Strength Problem — They're a Reaction Time Problem 16:39 — The 5 Domains of Functional Health Span 21:42 — If You Don't Demand It, You'll Lose It 26:12 — The Top 4 Self-Assessments to Do This Week 35:28 — Why Disease Is Not Your Biggest Threat — Function Is (2:1) 40:04 — Why Men Lose Their Social Network the Day They Retire 48:18 — What Your 80-Year-Old Self Is Asking of You Right Now Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Earlier this week on Don't Let the Old Man In, we spoke with menopause educator and researcher Thea O'Connor to discuss what you need to know about menopause, including how this turbulent time can put a strain on your relationship. In this follow-up episode, host Pod O'Sullivan is breaking down the best parts of Thea's interview and distilling the exact ways you can implement her advice. Check out the full interview with Thea O'Connor here: https://linktr.ee/dontllettheoldmanin Subscribe to our newsletter: https://dontlettheoldmanin.com/subscribe/ Follow us on social media: https://linktr.ee/dontllettheoldmanin Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Thea O'Connor is a menopause educator, workplace consultant, and researcher who has spent years doing what almost nobody else was doing — talking to men about their experience of menopause. After her own disorienting perimenopause journey derailed what she'd planned as her "power decade," she went public on national radio in 2018 at considerable professional risk. What followed was a body of work that now reaches boardrooms, Senate inquiries, and international standards organisations. This conversation is for every man who has ever felt confused, rejected, helpless, or like he was spending a lot of time in the doghouse without knowing why. It's also for the women in their lives who want them to understand. Resources Mentioned Australasian Menopause Society — directory of menopause-informed doctors The Orca Effect — Thea's program for women navigating menopause in the workplace Thea's men and menopause survey — link in show notes and newsletter Elizabeth Cady Stanton — American suffragist quoted by Thea: "We shall not be in our prime before 50, and after that we shall be good for 20 years at least." Connect with Thea O'Connor 🌐 Website /survey: https://www.thea.com.au/ Timestamped Overview 00:26 — Why Every Man Needs to Hear This 02:03 — Thea's Own Menopause Derailed Her Power Decade 03:12 — Why She Went Public at Professional Risk 05:06 — What Menopause Actually Is — The Basics 07:27 — The Symptoms Men Miss or Misread 09:28 — Dishwasher Rage — And What It Really Means 10:30 — How a Man's Attitude Affects Her Symptoms 14:39 — What Men Misinterpret as Personal Rejection 18:07 — What Men Actually Said in Thea's Interviews 19:53 — You're Still Allowed to Set Standards 22:47 — Menopause in the Workplace — The Manager's Role 29:13 — Orca Whales & Why Menopause Is a Promotion 35:16 — Fixing Hormones Won't Fix a Bad Marriage 38:34 — How Thea Feels as a Post-Menopausal Woman 40:48 — Final Words: Embrace the Change Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Earlier this week on Don't Let the Old Man In, we sat down with Kerri Sackville to explore the world of dating in midlife, including all the nuances and common mistakes that men make when jumping back into the dating scene. In this follow-up Actions episode, host Pod O'Sullivan breaks down the 3 most valuable lessons form his conversation with Kerri, and tells you exactly how you can make them work for you. Watch the full episode with Kerri Sackville here: https://youtu.be/udlgHdnMiDk Listen to us as a podcast: https://linktr.ee/dontllettheoldmanin Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode of Don't Let the Old Man In, we sit down with Kerri Sackville, author of Out There: A Survival Guide to Dating In Midlife, to unpack the truth about navigating relationships and dating in the next stage of life. We discuss the power of solitude, why people return to dating before they're ready, how to manage your own baggage, and the challenges men in particular face. Suggest a topic for us to cover: https://dontlettheoldmanin.com/suggestions/ Subscribe to our newsletter: https://dontlettheoldmanin.com/subscribe/ In this episode, we cover: Why dating after divorce demands emotional robustness The difference between loneliness and solitude (and why it matters) Why men so often lack emotional support networks post-separation Red flags that reveal themselves on the very first date How to build a relationship with yourself before seeking one with someone else The honesty test: why it solves 90% of dating problems What midlife dating actually looks like ... without the sugar-coating CHAPTERS: 00:00 Navigating Emotional Needs Post-Separation 05:47 The Dynamics of Dating in Midlife 11:55 Honesty and Boundaries in Dating 17:45 Lessons Learned from the Dating Scene 25:18 The Essence of Relationships 27:12 The Fear of Solitude 30:29 Transformative Alone Time 32:30 Self-Discovery Through Solitude 36:29 The Impact of Social Media 38:10 Understanding Solitude vs. Loneliness 39:59 Practical Steps to Embrace Solitude 42:11 The Role of Purpose in Life 45:01 Navigating Loneliness and Grief 48:08 Accepting Aging and Life's Cycles 50:27 Finding Meaning in Good Moments Listen to this episode as a podcast: https://linktr.ee/dontllettheoldmanin Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Earlier this week on Don't Let the Old Man In, we sat down with Aneace Haddad to unpack the myth of the midlife crisis, the four stages of adulthood, as well as the newfound "superpowers" that people have access to once they reach midlife. In this special follow-up episode of DLTOMI, host Pod O'Sullivan is sharing the key lessons from his conversation with Aneace and the exact ways you can add these to your daily life. The best parts from this week's episode, all in one short video. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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 better How to let go of old identities without losing yourself The "Who will I be at 100?" practice for finding your North Star Why midlife reinvention isn't about starting over, it's about becoming who you always were Whether you're navigating a career shift, questioning your purpose, or just feeling the weight of change, this one's for you. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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/4vv69UddZpI Subscribe to our newsletter: https://dontlettheoldmanin.com/subscribe/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
