Episodes

  • Divorce is The Second Most Traumatic Life Event - Sara Davison on Surviving Relationship Break Ups

    Divorce is The Second Most Traumatic Life Event - Sara Davison on Surviving Relationship Break Ups
    Jun 18 2025
    The divorce rate among men in their 40s is the highest of any age group, remaining stubbornly high at a time when the overall rate of divorce is falling. At a time when several other areas of life can be challenging, the failure of a marriage in midlife can have a devastating impact. This week Paul talks to Sara Davison, AKA The Divorce Coach, about why so many midlife marriages falter and how to regain momentum when they do. She describes the emotional paralysis many feel post-divorce, and explains how divorce in midlife isn’t just a legal process; it’s an emotional, financial, and identity-shattering event. Sara also shares her very personal journey from the trauma of a blindsiding breakup to becoming one of the UK’s most respected breakup and divorce coaches. Drawing on her own devastating experience and years of coaching, she explores factors such as unspoken resentments, poor communication, and simply growing apart. Sara also explains how men and women experience and process divorce differently, why midlife can be a period of profound self-reassessment, and how rebuilding a sense of purpose is essential. If you’re facing the end of a relationship or navigating the emotional aftermath, this episode is filled with compassionate insight, practical advice on regaining momentum, and the power of clarity to help you take back control of your life. --------------- You can find out more about Sara's work at saradavison.com or follow her on Instagram at @saradavisondivorcecoach If you’ve found this episode insightful or interesting, you can support the show at www.ko-fi.com/middlemanpodcast I'd love to hear about your experiences, so if you'd like to get in touch email me at paul@middlemanpodcast.com and let me know what's on your mind or sign up to the newsletter at www.middlemanpodcast.com Middle Man on Instagram: @middleman__podcast Middle Man on Facebook: @middlemanpodcast
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    45 mins
  • Rebuilding Your Life When the Career Ladder Breaks, with Eleanor Twedell

    Rebuilding Your Life When the Career Ladder Breaks, with Eleanor Twedell
    Jun 11 2025
    Losing your job in midlife can be take a significant emotional and psychological toll. From guilt, shame and loss of identity, redundancy is often accompanied by a messy and non-linear form of grief. Making space for that pain is a vital part of recovery, but once you have acknowledged that it is time to start to embrace possibility. This week Paul talks to career change coach and the author of the book Why Losing Your Job Could Be the Best Thing That Ever Happened to You, Eleanor Twedell. She believes that in your darkest hour, you can begin to shape a life that’s more aligned, meaningful, and entirely your own. As such, she says that job loss can actually lead to empowerment and growth. Eleanor shares her deeply personal story of being made redundant at 40 during a time of immense personal upheaval. She also shares practical models to help others move forward. These range from identifying immediate needs v long-term wants, to choosing whether to stick, twist, or completely reinvent. For some, redundancy is a gateway to freedom, courage, and purpose. For others, it’s a route back into their careers - wiser, clearer, and on their own terms. --------------- You can find buy Why Losing Your Job Could Be the Best Thing That Ever Happened to You on Amazon, and connect with Eleanor on LinkedIn. If you’ve found this episode insightful or interesting, you can support the show at www.ko-fi.com/middlemanpodcast I'd love to hear about your experiences, so if you'd like to get in touch email me at paul@middlemanpodcast.com and let me know what's on your mind or sign up to the newsletter at www.middlemanpodcast.com Middle Man on Instagram: @middleman__podcast Middle Man on Facebook: @middlemanpodcast
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    54 mins
  • Midlife Stories: From Trapped to Transformed, with Guido Regazzoni

    Midlife Stories: From Trapped to Transformed, with Guido Regazzoni
    Jun 4 2025
    Many people fall into careers that are not necessarily of their own design, only to wake up two decades later feeling unfulfilled, stressed and miserable. And yet a career change in midlife seems daunting and impractical, and surrounded by potential problems that can seem insurmountable. This week Paul talks to Guido Regazzoni who, after finding himself struggling with stress, insomnia, antidepressants, and an overwhelming sense of dread about work, was made redundant. But after a period of reflection, rather than diving back into the high-pressure office politics that had been taking such a toll on his mental health and family life, he chose to reinvent himself. Guido shares the story of how this new chapter has not only improved his wellbeing, but also given him a renewed sense of purpose. He offers candid insight into the emotional and psychological shifts needed to break free from the ‘zombie state’ of an unfulfilling career and take a leap into something new, even at 49. His story is a powerful reminder that it’s never too late to reclaim your future and design a more joyful, meaningful life. --------------- You can find out about Guido's fitness studio at emsfitness.io If you’ve found this episode insightful or interesting, you can support the show at www.ko-fi.com/middlemanpodcast I'd love to hear about your experiences, so if you'd like to get in touch email me at paul@middlemanpodcast.com and let me know what's on your mind or sign up to the newsletter at www.middlemanpodcast.com Middle Man on Instagram: @middleman__podcast Middle Man on Facebook: @middlemanpodcast
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    38 mins
  • Purpose Allows You to Thrive, Not Just Survive – David McNally on Meaning in Life

    Purpose Allows You to Thrive, Not Just Survive – David McNally on Meaning in Life
    May 28 2025
    The concept of purpose can be confusing and overplayed in some quarters, with much of the talk around this implying life missions that few can identify. But with questions like “is this it?” and “why am I here?” plaguing many midlife men, there can be little doubt that a sense of purpose is important if we want to thrive in the second half of life. This week Paul talks to keynote speaker and bestselling author David McNally to explore purpose not as a grand, elusive mission but as a series of meaningful contributions to family, community, and workplace. David believes that contributing to those around you can be just as meaningful as trying to tap into a passion that you may not understand or have, and that purpose should be reframed. He also draws a vital distinction between merely surviving and flourishing, arguing that true fulfilment comes from aligning your talents and values with how you serve others. The discussion delves into comparison culture, self-acceptance, shifting perspectives in midlife, and the importance of avoiding cynicism, and David also shares his personal journey, from early entrepreneurial success and sudden burnout in his 30s, to discovering a deeper sense of meaning. This episode is rich with practical insights for anyone questioning their direction in midlife. Whether you’re feeling stuck or simply seeking more joy, this conversation offers encouragement to pause, reflect, and reimagine your next chapter. --------------- You can find out about 'Mark of an Eagle - How Your Life Changes the World' and David's other books on his website. If you’ve found this episode insightful or interesting, you can support the show at www.ko-fi.com/middlemanpodcast I'd love to hear about your experiences, so if you'd like to get in touch email me at paul@middlemanpodcast.com and let me know what's on your mind or sign up to the newsletter at www.middlemanpodcast.com Middle Man on Instagram: @middleman__podcast Middle Man on Facebook: @middlemanpodcast
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    44 mins
  • My Testosterone Increased by 50% Just Through Lifestyle Factors – James Davis on Andropause

    My Testosterone Increased by 50% Just Through Lifestyle Factors – James Davis on Andropause
    May 21 2025
    Testosterone levels in men typically decrease by 1% to 2% annually from age 30, and in midlife can fall below optimum. In fact, the average 22 year old today has lower testosterone than the average 70 year old had just 50 years ago. In an estimated 40% of men, this can lead to symptoms including low energy, brain fog, loss of motivation, emotional flatness and reduced libido. This week Paul talks to James Davis, the author of The Midlife Male Handbook, which takes a holistic view of transitioning through andropause. Drawing from his background in psychology and personal experience, James discusses how he naturally boosted his testosterone without turning to testosterone replacement therapy (TRT), and talks about the impact of elements such as diet, exercise, stress management, sleep, and the often-overlooked psychological tools that can restore vitality and self-worth during midlife. James also unpacks the societal stigma around male hormones, the lack of medical awareness about andropause, and how men often suffer in silence due to outdated ideas of masculinity. The conversation highlights why midlife is a critical turning point - not a crisis - and how embracing this phase can lead to a more fulfilling second act. This episode is a must-listen for any man in his 40s or 50s questioning his energy, purpose or direction and dismissing these questions as ‘just ageing’. It provides a better understanding of hormones, mindset, and how small, sustainable changes can have a huge impact on wellbeing. --------------- You can buy The Midlife Male Handbook on Amazon and follow @midlifementors on Instagram If you’ve found this episode insightful or interesting, you can support the show at www.ko-fi.com/middlemanpodcast I'd love to hear about your experiences, so if you'd like to get in touch email me at paul@middlemanpodcast.com and let me know what's on your mind or sign up to the newsletter at www.middlemanpodcast.com Middle Man on Instagram: @middleman__podcast Middle Man on Facebook: @middlemanpodcast
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    49 mins
  • Midlife Stories: My Father’s Death Changed Everything, with Ben Veal

    Midlife Stories: My Father’s Death Changed Everything, with Ben Veal
    Mar 26 2025
    The gradual ageing and then passing away of our parents is inevitable during midlife. But navigating the grief and the emotional turmoil that comes with the death of our fathers is incredibly complex. It can be the catalyst for many profound male midlife experiences, including both reflection and transformation. This week’s show features a deeply personal, raw and honest conversation between Paul and Ben Veal about grief, burnout, fatherhood and midlife identity. Bonded by the shared experience of losing their fathers in 2023, Ben and Paul talk about loss, resilience and rediscovery. Ben opens up about the impact of losing his dad, the emotional weight of stepping into the role of “the oldest male” in his family, and how this life-altering loss has shifted his perspective from chasing professional accolades to focusing on purpose, health, and legacy. He discusses the toll of running a small business during an economic downturn, raising two neurodivergent children, and juggling multiple creative ventures, and reflects on using creativity as a coping mechanism. This moving episode is about the emotional realities of middle age and what it really means to grow into the next phase of life with intention. --------------- You can connect with Ben on LinkedIn and buy "From Badd to Good: The Inspiring Story of a Wrestling Wildman" on Amazon If you’ve found this episode insightful or interesting, you can support the show at www.ko-fi.com/middlemanpodcast I'd love to hear about your experiences, so if you'd like to get in touch email me at paul@middlemanpodcast.com and let me know what's on your mind or sign up to the newsletter at www.middlemanpodcast.com Middle Man on Instagram: @middleman__podcast Middle Man on Facebook: @middlemanpodcast
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    53 mins
  • We Don’t Need More Mental Health Awareness; We Need More Action - Luke Ambler on Preventing Suicide

    We Don’t Need More Mental Health Awareness; We Need More Action - Luke Ambler on Preventing Suicide
    Mar 19 2025
    It is often repeated that ‘men don’t talk’ and that, if they did, there would not be a mental health crisis among midlife men. Luke Ambler established ANDYSMANCLUB in 2016 following the tragic loss of his brother-in-law to suicide. Recognising the urgent need for safe spaces where men could open up without judgment, he started a small support group that has since grown into a network of hundreds of clubs across the UK, helping thousands of men each week. In this powerful and raw episode of Middle Man, Paul talks to Luke about his deeply personal journey, from experiencing his own mental health struggles to creating a national movement that encourages men to open up and seek support. Together they challenge the myth that men don’t talk, arguing that they just need the right environment to feel safe and supported, and discuss why the phrase "it's OK not to be OK" is dangerous. Luke explores the stigma around male vulnerability and discusses the importance of accountability. His no-nonsense approach cuts through the social media noise on this topic, and he offers practical advice on resilience, self-care, and taking ownership of your mental wellbeing. If you or someone you know is struggling, this is a must-listen. This episode is also part of Podcastathon, a global charitable initiative where podcasters around the world dedicate one episode of their show to a charity of their choice. Over 1500 shows are releasing special episodes simultaneously to raise awareness for those causes. --------------- You can find your local group at www.andysmanclub.co.uk. If you have been affected by the themes discussed in this show, you can contact The Samaritans on 116 123 or text 'shout' to 85258. If you’ve found this episode insightful or interesting, you can support the show at www.ko-fi.com/middlemanpodcast I'd love to hear about your experiences, so if you'd like to get in touch email me at paul@middlemanpodcast.com and let me know what's on your mind or sign up to the newsletter at www.middlemanpodcast.com Middle Man on Instagram: @middleman__podcast Middle Man on Facebook: @middlemanpodcast
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    48 mins
  • Retirement is a Dangerous Illusion - Ken Valledy on Midlife Careers

    Retirement is a Dangerous Illusion - Ken Valledy on Midlife Careers
    Mar 12 2025
    There’s very little more soul destroying for a midlife man than working in a job or a career for which he has lost his passion. And yet we tell ourselves the story that everyone has to do this, that it’s only for another 15 or 20 years, and that then we can retire and enjoy ourselves. Not realising that that impact of doing something that doesn’t fulfil you for two decades is incredibly detrimental to your health and wellbeing. This week Paul talks to Ken Valledy, who works with midlife men to explore the possibilities of entrepreneurship and to help them break free of the constraints of lifelong careers that they don’t enjoy. Ken believes that if you’re someone who’s reached a stage in your life where you want more from the time you spend at work, it’s within your power to do something about that, no matter whether you’re a corporate high flyer or a painter and decorator. While there’s an awful lot to be said for pivoting career in midlife, there are also practical implications, mostly around money. But Ken challenges the notion that people must endure careers they no longer enjoy because of finances, and argues that alternative paths, such as side hustles or starting a business, are within reach for many to find fulfillment. He debunks some of the myths surrounding entrepreneurship, and introduces a practical approach designed to help individuals take small, manageable steps toward career independence. If you’re fed up in your job but feel powerless to do anything about it, this episode will prove to you that there’s more to life than waiting for retirement. --------------- You can contact Ken on LinkedIn and buy The Startup Lexicon on Amazon. If you’ve found this episode insightful or interesting, you can support the show at www.ko-fi.com/middlemanpodcast I'd love to hear about your experiences, so if you'd like to get in touch email me at paul@middlemanpodcast.com and let me know what's on your mind or sign up to the newsletter at www.middlemanpodcast.com Middle Man on Instagram: @middleman__podcast Middle Man on Facebook: @middlemanpodcast
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    50 mins