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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💥 Welcome to the "Don’t Pick the Scab Podcast" with host David Webb! 💥 In this episode, we dive into the raw and relatable journey of Joe Mikitish—a powerhouse entrepreneur, mentor, and divorce survivor. If you're a man over 40 navigating the emotional and financial aftermath of divorce, this conversation is a must-watch.

🎙 Here’s what you’ll learn in this episode:

• Joe’s High-Conflict Divorce Story: How his 2012 divorce impacted his life and how he rebounded stronger.

• From Business Failures to Building Empires: Joe shares how he built 10 businesses, exited 6 successfully, and learned from the others.

• The Link Between Divorce & Business Stress: Why failing businesses and failing marriages often have similar root causes—and how to overcome them.

• Gratitude & Mindset Hacks: Joe’s proven methods, including starting a gratitude journal and focusing on small daily wins, to regain stability after life-altering events.

• Financial Freedom After 40: Learn how Joe transitioned to living entirely off passive income through dividend investing.

Joe also opens up about the importance of mentorship, community, and creating accountability-driven cultures in both personal and professional life. Whether you’re recovering from a divorce, trying to rebuild a business, or just looking for actionable strategies to create a more balanced life, this episode is packed with value.

💡 Key Takeaways for Men Over 40:

• How to bounce back from failure with resilience and purpose.

• The critical role of community in overcoming loneliness as a business owner.

• Practical steps to achieve financial independence and stability after divorce.

Joe’s story will inspire you to turn pain into power and use your experiences as a stepping stone to build a better future. His insights are perfect for men who want to reclaim their lives, rebuild their confidence, and design a life of freedom.

Blue Collar Connect - http://www.bluecollarconnect.com/
Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/joemikitish

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/josephmikitish/

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