DON'T PICK THE SCAB PODCAST

⚠️ Most men walk into family court completely UNPREPARED — and it costs them their kids, their money, and their peace. Not anymore.

In this episode of the Don't Pick the Scab Podcast, host David sits down with Rannard Crawley — certified family mediator, family court strategist, father of four, and founder of Crawley Mediation Services — to break down EXACTLY what divorced and divorcing men over 40 need to know before stepping into family court or mediation. ⚖️

Rannard isn't just talking theory. He's lived it. He went through a contested divorce, spent thousands on attorneys, represented himself successfully, and came out the other side a stronger father. Now he's helping men avoid the same expensive mistakes. 💪

🔥 IN THIS EPISODE, YOU'LL LEARN:

✅ Why attorneys can't guarantee you a win — but preparation CAN guarantee you're ready ✅ The #1 mistake men make walking into family court (it's not what you think) ✅ How to respond when the judge is watching your every move 👀 ✅ Why arguing with your ex in court hands the win to HER ✅ The "best interest of the child" factors that decide your custody case ✅ The mediation secret most men have NEVER heard: you can reach an agreement without ever being in the same room as your high-conflict ex 🤫 ✅ How growing up between two homes shaped Rannard's mission as a "girl dad" of four ✅ Why travel, journaling, and alone time are secret weapons for rebuilding after divorce ✈️ ✅ The mindset shift that saved David in his own high-conflict co-parenting journey: "I love my kids more than I hated my ex." ❤️

💬 This episode is for YOU if: • You're a man over 40 facing divorce, separation, or custody battle • You're tired of attorneys draining your bank account 💸 • You're co-parenting with a high-conflict ex • You believe fathers DESERVE time with their kids • You're ready to stop picking the scab and start rebuilding 🛠️

🔗 CONNECT WITH RANNARD CRAWLEY: 

• YouTube

• Instagram

• TikTok

• LinkedIn

• Facebook

• Snapchat

• X

• Website

🔔 SUBSCRIBE to the Don't Pick the Scab Podcast for real conversations about divorce recovery, co-parenting, and rebuilding life after 40 — new episodes every week!

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🔥 Thinking about divorce — or already in the middle of one? STOP and watch this first.

In this episode of the Don't Pick the Scab Podcast, host David sits down with Paula Waterman, founder of Castle Rock Mediation, to break down how divorce mediation can save men over 40 thousands of dollars, months of heartache, and years of court battles.

Paula knows this world from the inside out. After 24 years of marriage, she was blindsided when her husband — a pilot living a double life — served her divorce papers while she was working at a church. Her painful, high-conflict divorce inspired her to become a mediator so others could navigate divorce with dignity instead of devastation. There are definitely pearls to consider with this podcast even if you are in a post-divorce phase.

⚖️ What you'll learn in this episode:

✅ What divorce mediation actually is — and why Colorado courts require it BEFORE you can see a judge ✅ The real cost: how an amicable mediation can cost UNDER $1,000 vs. $10,000+ in attorney fees ✅ Why "equitable distribution" almost always means 50/50 — and why demanding 70% will backfire in court ✅ The #1 mistake emotionally "dialed up" men make in mediation (Paula mediated SIX times because of it) ✅ How to prepare for mediation so you don't get steamrolled ✅ Why 50/50 parenting is the new normal — and what that means for Dads ✅ The common law marriage trap that could wreck men who never said "I do" ✅ Why prenups are "putting the teeth back" into divorce ✅ Should you stay together "for the kids"? Paula and David go head-to-head on this one

💬 Whether you're contemplating divorce, in the thick of it, or picking up the pieces — this conversation could save you a year and a half of litigation (like David's was) and a small fortune.

📌 Connect with Paula Waterman: 🌐 CastleRockMediation.com — Castle Rock, Colorado

🎧 New episodes of the Don't Pick the Scab Podcast drop weekly — real conversations about divorce recovery, healing, and rebuilding your life after 40. No pity parties. No picking the scab. Just forward motion.

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🌟 Welcome to the ‘Don’t Pick the Scab Podcast,’ where we help men over 40 rebuild their lives with hope, resilience, and purpose after divorce! Hosted by David, this episode features an extraordinary guest, Seth Pickens, a man whose transformational journey from heartbreak to healing will leave you inspired. 💡

🔑 In This Episode:

Seth shares his personal story of navigating divorce, losing loved ones, and finding himself at a crossroads in life. As a former pastor and behavioral psychology expert, Seth brings a unique perspective on emotional resilience, identity rebuilding, and the power of faith and mindset shifts. He dives into:

• How meditation and writing sparked his spiritual breakthrough 🧘‍♂️✍️
• The importance of humor in overcoming life’s darkest moments 😂
• Breaking free from invisible patterns of thinking that keep men stuck 🚪
• How to transform your crisis into a personal growth opportunity 🌱
• The life-changing power of gratitude 🙏

💬 Seth also opens up about his journey from working as a senior pastor to navigating job loss, raising two kids through divorce, and rediscovering his true self. His story will resonate with any man feeling stuck, lost, or unsure of how to move forward after a marriage ends. You can tell that Seth is really passionate about his beliefs and calling.  His energy was amazing! Thanks, Seth!  

🧠 Why Watch This Episode?

If you're a man over 40 struggling with divorce, identity, or co-parenting challenges, this episode is packed with insights to help you shift your perspective and take actionable steps toward healing. Seth’s humor, wisdom, and practical advice will empower you to rebuild your life with confidence and authenticity. 💪

🔥 Key Takeaways:

• Emotions Are Not Weakness: Learn the difference between suppressing emotions and building true emotional resilience.
• Co-Parenting Done Right: Seth explains how to prioritize your kids’ well-being while navigating a less-than-ideal relationship with your ex.
• Start with Gratitude: How focusing on the small wins can create massive shifts in your mindset over time.
• It’s NOT Too Late: Discover how to reclaim your purpose and identity no matter your age or stage in life.

🚀 Call to Action:

💬 We want to hear from YOU! What’s the biggest challenge you’ve faced after a divorce? What strategies have helped you rebuild your life? Drop your thoughts in the comments below and let’s create a supportive community for men navigating life after 40. 🙌 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode with someone who needs to hear this!

🎧 Follow Seth Pickens:

📸 Instagram: @DrSethGuidance

📺 YouTube: Guidance Church of Religious Science

🔗 Discover more about Seth’s incredible work in homelessness policy and his upcoming book, Unadulterated, by searching his name + USC.

https://hpri.usc.edu/staff/seth-watson-pickens/

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Welcome to the Don’t Pick the Scab Podcast, hosted by David, where we focus on helping men over 40 navigate the challenges of divorce and find strength, purpose, and happiness in their new lives. In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Michael Foglietta—author, motivational speaker, and coach—who has overcome incredible life hurdles to help others thrive after trauma and divorce.

Michael’s story is one of resilience, reinvention, and hope. After surviving a ruptured AVM in 2003 that left him with severe physical limitations, PTSD, and memory loss, Michael rebuilt his life through his Accept, Adapt, Rebuild, and Live framework. This same framework applies not only to overcoming disabilities but also to navigating the emotional and practical challenges of divorce.  Michael did struggle a few times but his completion of the podcast is a testament to his resilience  I so respect that.  ! 

In this episode, Michael shares:

✅ How to Accept Your New Reality—Why acknowledging your emotions is the first step to healing.

✅ Adaptation Strategies for Men—How to adjust to life’s new challenges and find new passions.

✅ Rebuilding After Divorce—Practical tips to redefine your goals, identity, and daily habits.

✅ The Power of Resilience—Why life after divorce can be better than ever if you embrace change.

Michael also opens up about caregiver burnout, redefining success, and how men can find their new identity after divorce. His raw, actionable advice is perfect for men looking to regain control of their lives, reconnect with their children, and rediscover their purpose.

🎙️ Michael's Key Takeaway: Divorce is not a sign of weakness—it’s a sign of strength. When one chapter ends, it’s an opportunity to write a brand-new one.

💬 What’s the biggest challenge you’ve faced after divorce? Let us know in the comments!

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mike.foglietta/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-foglietta/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MFoglietta1

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mfoglietta1/

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Welcome to the Don’t PIck the Scab Podcast where David explores the raw and real challenges men face after divorce. In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Binyamin Rothstein, a family physician, life coach, and father of eight, who shares transformative insights on how men can rise above the pain of divorce and thrive in life, love, and fatherhood.

Dr. Binyamin dives into:

✅ The Power of Forgiveness: Why letting go of resentment can transform not just you, but your relationships.

✅ Fatherhood After Divorce: Simple but impactful ways to stay connected with your kids—like a weekly hug or wrestling with your boys.

✅ Breaking the Chains of Self-Sabotage: How subconscious patterns and poor nutrition hold men back—and what to do about it.

✅ The Respect Rule: Why being a respectable man is the first step to redefining your life.

✅ Practical Tools for Growth: From character building to improving emotional health, Dr. Ben outlines clear steps for becoming a dad your kids can look up to.

🎙️ Listen in as we discuss how to rebuild your life, foster deeper connections with your children, and create a legacy you’ll be proud of.

💬 What’s your biggest challenge post-divorce? Share in the comments below—we’d love to hear your story!

👉 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell for more inspiring content on divorce recovery and parenting!

Dr Ben's Website

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Welcome to another episode of the Don’t Pick the Scab Podcast, where we dive deep into topics that help men over 40 navigate the aftermath of divorce. In this transformative episode, host David sits down with Joshua Rodriguez, founder of Foundations of the Liberated Man (FOTL), who is redefining what it means to be a man in today’s world.

Joshua shares his deeply personal journey of healing, growth, and unlearning toxic beliefs about masculinity. From growing up in the hyper-masculine culture of 1980s New York to using vulnerability as a tool for connection and empowerment, Joshua’s story is packed with eye-opening insights. 💡

Here’s what to expect in this episode:

✅ The role of vulnerability and community in healing after divorce.

✅ How toxic masculinity impacts relationships and personal growth.

✅ The importance of self-awareness, self-forgiveness, and self-worth in redefining life after divorce.

✅ Practical steps for men to build deeper, meaningful connections.

✅ Why faith, mentorship, and introspection are key to becoming your best self.

Joshua also explains how his work in creating safe spaces for men of all backgrounds—straight, gay, bi, trans, and queer—has helped redefine masculinity in today’s world. Through powerful storytelling, he reveals the common fears and challenges men face and how they can reclaim their power to lead fulfilling, purpose-driven lives.

🛑 Don’t let divorce define you. This episode is your guide to rediscovering your strength, purpose, and joy as a man.

Joshua's Website: https://fotlm.com/

💬 CALL TO ACTION:

What does masculinity mean to you? How do you practice self-forgiveness and growth in your life? Share your thoughts in the comments below! 👇 Let’s start the conversation.

Don’t forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and hit the 🔔 notification bell to join us for more impactful episodes.

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💔 Going through a divorce after 40? Wondering how your business factors into the settlement? In this episode of the Don’t Pick the Scab Podcast, host David teams up with valuation expert Matt Springer to uncover the crucial role of business valuations in divorce proceedings. Whether you're a small business owner or the head of a larger operation, your business may be one of the most significant marital assets at stake.

Matt Springer, a seasoned business valuation expert with nearly 20 years of experience, explains the complexities of valuing businesses during divorce cases. From understanding fair market value to differentiating between enterprise goodwill and personal goodwill, this conversation breaks down everything you need to know to protect your wealth and avoid costly mistakes.

🚨 Key topics covered in this episode:

1️⃣ Why business valuation is often overlooked but critical in divorce cases.

2️⃣ How to distinguish between community property and separate property in business ownership.

3️⃣ The normalization process: How experts adjust financials to determine true business value.

4️⃣ Common misconceptions about business valuations in divorce.

5️⃣ The difference between fair market value and fair value—and why your state’s laws matter.

6️⃣ How to assess intangible assets like brand reputation and goodwill.

7️⃣ Why hiring the right valuation expert can make or break your case.

Matt also shares real-life stories from his career, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the challenges and surprises he’s encountered while navigating the world of valuation and litigation support. 🎙️

💡 Why this episode is a must-listen for men over 40:

Divorce can be emotionally and financially draining, but knowledge is power. By understanding how your business is evaluated, you can make informed decisions and avoid being blindsided during negotiations or litigation. This episode is packed with practical advice to help you safeguard your financial future.

🔥 Call to Action:

If you found this discussion helpful, let us know in the comments! What’s your biggest question about business valuations during divorce? Have you faced challenges with dividing assets in a divorce? Share your story below and let’s help each other navigate this difficult time. Don’t forget to like 👍, subscribe, and hit the notification bell 🔔 for more episodes on divorce recovery and financial empowerment for men over 40.

🎧 Listen to the full podcast now and take control of your financial future!

Matt Springer Contact Info...

https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewspringer/

https://litigationservices.visionpointcapital.com/

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💔 Rebuilding After Divorce: A Survival Guide for Men Over 40 💪

In this episode of the "Don't Pick the Scab Podcast," host David sits down with Bill Simpson, a renowned relationship coach for men and host of the "Men on the Path to Love" podcast. Bill shares his incredible insights on helping men rebuild their lives after divorce by breaking free from unhealthy relationship patterns and regaining emotional confidence.

Having been through three divorces himself, Bill knows firsthand the struggles men face after a breakup. He shares his own journey of heartbreak, emotional healing, and eventual transformation into a thriving relationship. His story shows that recovery isn’t just about "moving on"—it’s about moving forward with clarity, purpose, and a new sense of self.

Key Takeaways from This Episode:

• 🛑 Break free from unhealthy relationship patterns by identifying the root causes of your behavior.
• 🧠 How emotional awareness can improve your relationships and prevent distance from your partner.
• 💡 Practical tools like mindfulness and Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT) to cultivate self-awareness and emotional confidence.
• 🤝 The importance of self-compassion and self-respect in rebuilding your identity after a breakup.
• 🚀 The difference between "moving on" and "moving forward"—and why one leads to lasting change while the other doesn’t.

Bill also emphasizes the importance of healing before jumping back into dating, sharing how taking time to process grief and pain can lead to healthier, more fulfilling relationships in the future. He offers practical tips on communication, emotional growth, and identifying what you truly want in a relationship.

🎙️ You’ll Learn:

• Why emotional confidence matters and how to cultivate it.
• How to confront feelings of failure and turn them into opportunities for growth.
• The #1 relationship skill most men overlook—and how it can transform your love life.

About Bill Simpson:

Bill is a relationship coach with over two decades of experience in helping men navigate the challenges of divorce recovery. Through his podcast, coaching, and free resources, he equips men with the skills they need to thrive in life and love.

🔥 Want more resources?

• Get Bill’s FREE guide: "5 Steps to Understanding Why Your Last Relationship Didn’t Work."
• Book a FREE Relationship Clarity Call with Bill at MenOnThePathToLove.com.

💬 Your Turn:

What’s been your biggest challenge after divorce? Comment below and let’s start a conversation! 👇 Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more episodes that help men over 40 thrive after divorce.

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Welcome to the "Don’t Pick the Scab Podcast," hosted by David!

In this episode, we dive into a powerful and deeply relatable topic for men over 40: recovering from divorce while navigating addiction. Joining us is the incredible Amber Hollingsworth, a renowned addiction recovery specialist and the creator of the popular YouTube channel, Put the Shovel Down. With over 20 years of experience, Amber has helped countless individuals overcome self-destructive behaviors, rebuild their lives, and create lasting change after setbacks.

💡 Key Topics Covered:

• The intersection of divorce and addiction recovery: Amber explains how emotional trauma, like divorce, can often lead to or exacerbate addictive behaviors.

• Breaking free from addiction: Learn why addiction is not a hopeless condition and how small, consistent steps can lead to big transformations.

• Co-parenting struggles after divorce: For men dealing with acrimonious relationships, Amber shares strategies for managing difficult dynamics, including when your ex uses your children as pawns.

• The science of addiction and recovery: Discover how addiction is more about psychological obsession than physical dependency—and how this insight can empower you to heal.

• Reframing relapse: Amber challenges the stigma surrounding relapse and reveals how it can be part of the recovery process.

Amber also shares practical tools for men over 40 to:

✔️ Recognize addictive behaviors early before they escalate

✔️ Manage emotional triggers like resentment and heartbreak

✔️ Handle co-parenting challenges with empathy and strategy

✔️ Rebuild their lives with confidence and purpose

💔 Divorce Recovery for Men Over 40

Divorce is a significant life change that often leaves men feeling lost, angry, or resentful—but it’s also a chance to rebuild. Amber’s approach combines empathy, science, and practical advice to help you take control of your life and avoid falling into destructive patterns. Whether you’re struggling with co-parenting, addiction, or finding your footing after a painful breakup, this episode is for you.

🔥 Key Takeaway: You don’t have to hit rock bottom to change your life. You just need to put the shovel down and stop digging.

💬 We’d love to hear from you!

• What’s been your biggest struggle post-divorce?

• Have you faced challenges with addiction or co-parenting?

Drop a comment below and share your experience. Let’s start a conversation that helps others in our community.

📲 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell icon to stay updated on future episodes of the Don’t Pick the Scab Podcast. For more incredible insights from Amber, check out her YouTube channel, Put the Shovel Down!

Amber’s YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@PutTheShovelDown

Amber’s website - https://www.familyrecoveryacademy.online/

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Are you a man over 40 navigating the challenges of divorce? You're not alone. In this powerful episode of the Don’t Pick the Scab Podcast, David sits down with Justin Thompson (Just J), a Fort Worth author, former church elder, and certified sex therapy practitioner who writes about grief, faith, and rebuilding after a loss.

Justin shares his unique perspective on masculinity, faith, and intentional living, offering practical advice for men who feel lost, broken, or unsure of how to move forward. From redefining your self-worth to embracing a new sense of purpose, this conversation dives deep into what it means to rebuild your life from the ground up.

💡 Key Highlights:

• Why "proving" yourself is less important than "improving" yourself

• How to redefine masculinity and live intentionally after a divorce

• The importance of addressing grief, not bypassing it

• Practical tips for co-parenting: "Love your kids more than you hate your ex"

• Finding stillness in the present and learning to build with purpose

Justin also discusses the concept of doing everything with intention ("Craft Everything, Rush Nothing") and how it can transform your life after divorce.

💬 Join the Conversation!

Have you gone through a divorce or are you navigating one now? What’s helped you rebuild? Drop your thoughts in the comments below and let’s support each other through this journey.

Justin's Website - https://mrgudwudz.com/

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