Welcome to the Don’t Pick the Scab Podcast! I’m David, and today’s episode dives deep into the overlooked struggles—and surprising strengths—of men over 40 navigating divorce, fatherhood, and even incarceration. 🎙️

We’re joined by Khaled Ashraf, a trailblazing school principal who leads a unique school inside a state correctional facility. Khaled’s journey began as a Philly police officer, but what he discovered in classrooms—and later, behind prison walls—shattered stereotypes about fathers, especially those facing the “double whammy” of divorce and incarceration.

Are you a dad over 40 feeling shut out of your child’s life after divorce? Do shame, outdated stereotypes, or legal barriers make it seem impossible to reconnect? This episode is for you.

Khaled reveals how schools and society often silence and sideline fathers—especially those who are incarcerated—by defaulting to mothers as the main point of contact. He exposes the “hidden curriculum” that keeps dads out, even when they desperately want to be involved. 🏫

But here’s the truth: Disconnection isn’t about dads not caring—it’s about lack of access, voice, and invitation. Khaled shares eye-opening stories of fathers who, despite unimaginable odds, stay engaged with their kids’ homework, milestones, and growth—even from behind bars. 📚✉️

We tackle common misconceptions:

• "Incarcerated dads don’t care." (False! Many fight daily to connect.)

• "Fathers are only called when discipline is needed."

• "You’re too late to rebuild your relationship."

You’ll learn:

• The first steps to re-enter your child’s educational life (hint: start with a simple email or text!)

• How shame and trauma hold men back—and how to break free

• Why schools need to update their approach to father engagement

• The importance of never giving up, even if you can only connect from a distance

• Resources and practical strategies for men over 40 to rebuild connections—no matter your circumstances

Khaled’s message is powerful: Every day is a new chance to reach out. Even a simple “thinking of you” can change everything. Your involvement matters—don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.

If you’ve ever felt alienated from your kids, stuck in shame, or unsure how to reconnect after divorce, this episode will inspire you to take action. You are not alone—and it’s never too late.

👇 Drop a comment below:

Have you faced barriers as a father after divorce or incarceration? What’s helped you reconnect with your kids? Let’s support each other—your story matters!

Don’t forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and SHARE if this episode resonates with you or someone you know. 💬👊

#DivorcedDads #FatherhoodOver40 #Don’tPickTheScab #DivorceRecovery #MenOver40 #RebuildFatherhood #ParentalAlienation #KhaledAshraf #Resilience #MenSupportingMen

Khaled's LinkedIn

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Welcome to another episode of the Don’t Pick the Scab Podcast with David! 🎙️ If you’re a man over 40 facing a high-conflict divorce, navigating a custody battle, or dealing with a narcissistic ex, this episode is your life raft. 🛟

Today, I’m joined by Chris and Lisa, founders of Been There, Got Out—internationally recognized strategists and survivors of their own chaotic divorces. They’ve seen it all: weaponized children, draining legal abuse, and exes who just won’t quit. If you’re dealing with a divorce that feels like psychological warfare, this is the conversation you can’t afford to miss.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• 🚩 Early Warning Signs: How to spot if your divorce is about to get ugly—before it’s too late.

• 💡 Biggest Mistakes Men Make: From trusting your ex too long, to underestimating legal games, to not documenting every detail.

• 📝 Documentation & Communication: Why “pause” is your new superpower and how to use strategic communication to stay out of your ex’s traps (and out of trouble in court).

• 👨‍👧‍👦 Co-Parenting Wisdom: How to support your kids and build a parenting plan that stands up—even against a high-conflict ex.

• ⚖️ Courtroom Survival: Debunking myths about family court, understanding judge bias, and presenting yourself like a pro.

• 🛠️ Gut-Punch Recovery: How to bounce back from setbacks and develop the marathon mindset needed to win the long game.

Chris and Lisa break down the real-world tactics they share with clients, from picking the right lawyer (it’s not just about “winning”) to setting boundaries and enforcing your rights. With their blend of hard-won wisdom, empathy, and humor, they’ll help you reclaim control, protect your kids, and move from survival to thriving.

BEEN THERE, GOT OUT WEBSITE

Why Watch?

If you’re sick of feeling powerless, confused, or isolated in your divorce recovery, this episode delivers practical tips without sugar-coating the realities men face. Chris offers the male perspective most divorce resources ignore, and Lisa’s teaching background brings clarity to even the most complicated legal messes.

Let’s Talk!

Have you experienced a high-conflict divorce or custody battle? What’s your biggest challenge right now? Drop a comment below with your story or question—let’s build a community where men support men through the toughest chapters. 👇

Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell so you never miss a new episode on thriving after divorce!

#DivorceRecovery #MenOver40 #HighConflictDivorce #CustodyBattle #NarcissisticEx #DontPickTheScab #BeenThereGotOut

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Are you a man over 40 struggling to bounce back after divorce? You’re not alone—and you’re not broken. In this episode of the "Don't Pick the Scab" Podcast, host David sits down with acclaimed divorce recovery expert and bestselling author Raul T. Pereyra for a powerful, honest conversation about turning heartbreak into growth. 💥

Raul brings more than 15 years of experience helping men over 40 rise from the emotional chaos of divorce and reclaim their confidence, identity, and life purpose. Whether it’s dealing with loneliness, rebuilding self-trust, or figuring out how to date again (without using your ex’s Netflix password!), Raul has practical strategies and real-world wisdom to help you thrive.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Why reframing your divorce story is the FIRST step to recovery (hint: it didn’t happen to you, it happened for you)

• The 80/20 principle for men’s healing: focusing on the 20% that truly matters and letting go of the baggage 🧳

• How to identify and break free from toxic patterns and old belief systems

• Setting boundaries that actually work—and empower you

• The emotional reset: why real change starts with feeling, not just thinking

• Key differences in emotional recovery for men vs. women (and why men often get stuck)

• How to rediscover self-love, self-respect, and self-compassion—“the three cousins” most men ignore

• Measuring your progress the right way: why chasing confidence or happiness is a trap, and what to do instead

• Turning your “bag” of pain into a jetpack for your next chapter! 🚀

PLUS: Raul shares a FREE 5-day “Tiny Challenge” for men ready to start their transformation. Want a roadmap to your new life? Head to https://www.rtplearning.com/tiny and join Raul’s exclusive challenge—no strings attached.

Whether you’re newly divorced or still struggling years later, this episode is packed with hope, humor, and actionable advice. Grab your coffee, get comfortable, and let’s dive into real recovery for real men.

👉 What’s your biggest challenge after divorce? Drop it in the comments below! Have you tried reframing your story or setting new boundaries? Let’s support each other—your experience could help another man heal.

Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell for more episodes on thriving after divorce.

Raul's Main Website

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