In this podcast episode, host David interviews Jeff Luther, a former ultra-runner and CrossFit athlete, who shares his journey of resilience and recovery after a life-altering cardiac event and subsequent divorce. Jeff recounts his near-death experience in a CrossFit gym, where he suffered sudden cardiac death in front of his 16-year-old son, was revived with a defibrillator, and diagnosed with a rare heart condition, ARVC, which prohibits strenuous exercise. On top of this, Jeff faced the emotional toll of a divorce, leaving him in a dark place filled with bitterness and despair.

Jeff candidly discusses how his identity, once tied to his athleticism and role as a father, had to be redefined. His bitterness transformed when he realized the importance of his response to challenges—especially for his three sons, who were watching him navigate these hardships. He adopted a strategy of “30 seconds,” focusing on small, manageable moments to rebuild his physical and emotional health. This mindset allowed him to find gratitude, achieve incremental wins, and reclaim his sense of purpose.

The discussion expands to co-parenting, where Jeff emphasizes the goal of prioritizing children’s happiness over conflicts with an ex-spouse. He also highlights the value of community, sharing how attending a divorce support group helped him combat loneliness and find hope. Ultimately, Jeff’s story is a testament to resilience, deep self-reflection, and finding strength in vulnerability, offering inspiration for men over 40 facing similar challenges in life and divorce recovery.

10 Most Important Points from the Podcast Transcript:

1. Sudden Cardiac Event and Diagnosis:

2. Jeff Luther experienced sudden cardiac death while working out in a CrossFit gym with his 16-year-old son. He was revived after several minutes and later diagnosed with ARVC (Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy), a rare heart condition exacerbated by exercise. This diagnosis forced him to completely reassess his identity as an athlete.

3. Emotional Toll of Divorce and Heart Condition:

4. Simultaneously dealing with his heart condition and a divorce plunged Jeff into a deep emotional struggle. He admitted to feelings of bitterness, anger, and despair, questioning why such events happened despite living a healthy lifestyle.

5. Bitterness and Transformation:

6. Jeff initially struggled with bitterness, feeling like a victim of his circumstances. However, he realized that people cared more about how he responded to challenges than the challenges themselves. This realization motivated him to change his mindset, especially for the sake of his three sons who were closely observing his actions.

7. "30 Seconds" Strategy for Recovery:

8. Jeff adopted a "30 seconds at a time" approach to regain control of his life. This method involved breaking tasks into manageable moments, celebrating small wins, and focusing on incremental progress. It became a foundational strategy for his physical and emotional recovery.

9. Finding Gratitude and Perspective:

10. Jeff shifted his focus from what he lost to appreciating what he still had. He practiced gratitude, even for small things, which helped him reframe his mindset and find joy amidst adversity.

Jeff on Instagram

Jaff's Email

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In this episode of Don't Pick the Scab Podcast, host David interviews Derek Hoffman, co-founder of Ignite Performance and Health, a company revolutionizing the hormone replacement, weight loss, and fitness industries. The discussion centers on helping men over 40, particularly those recovering from divorce, regain control of their physical and mental health. Derek shares his personal journey, including his experience with testosterone replacement therapy (TRT), and how it inspired him to create a medically directed, care-based model for sustainable health transformations.

Derek emphasizes the challenges men face post-divorce, such as neglecting self-care, physical decline, and emotional struggles. He explains how Ignite Performance and Health combines hormone therapy, nutrition, and strength training to help men achieve life-changing results. The program focuses on personalized care, including regular blood work, tailored nutrition plans, and strength training to build muscle and confidence. Derek also debunks common misconceptions about TRT, such as "roid rage" and fertility issues, and highlights the importance of proper nutrition and exercise for long-term health.

The episode concludes with Derek encouraging men to prioritize their health and take advantage of the free resources available on Ignite's website. His ultimate goal is to help men feel confident, strong, and ready to tackle life with a "strut in their step."

10 Important Points:

1. Self-Care for Men Over 40: Men often neglect their health, prioritizing work, family, and community, which leads to physical and mental struggles.

2. Challenges Post-Divorce: Divorce can exacerbate health issues, making it crucial for men to focus on self-care and recovery.

3. Ignite Performance and Health: A medically directed program combining hormone therapy, nutrition, and fitness to transform lives in six months.

4. Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT): Properly managed TRT can improve energy, recovery, and confidence without harmful side effects.

5. Misconceptions About TRT: Myths like "roid rage" and infertility are debunked; TRT, when done ethically, is safe and effective.

6. Importance of Nutrition: Nutrition is more critical than exercise or medication; personalized plans ensure sustainable results.

7. Weight Loss vs. Fat Loss: Weight loss alone is not the goal; maintaining muscle mass and reducing fat is key to looking and feeling better.

8. Strength Training for Longevity: Building muscle improves physical health, mental well-being, and confidence, especially as men age.

9. Personalized Care: Regular blood work, tailored nutrition, and customized fitness plans ensure safe and effective results.

10. Free Resources for Men: Ignite offers free guides and information to educate men about health and fitness.

Derek's Website

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We got a slight echo in our production. But, it doesn't effect the content - check it out!!

In this episode of the "Don't Pick the Scab" podcast, Cody Butler, an Australian author and coach, discusses his RISE formula (Reveal, Interrupt, Shift, Empower) as a tool to help men overcome trauma, particularly after divorce. Drawing from his personal experiences of failure, loss, and emotional struggles, Cody shares how he transformed his negative belief systems to achieve personal growth and happiness. He emphasizes the importance of identifying limiting beliefs, changing thought patterns, and adopting constructive philosophies to live a fulfilling life.

Cody explains that many people struggle with unrealistic expectations and mental traps that perpetuate feelings of failure and unhappiness. He highlights the role of self-awareness, accountability, and community support in breaking free from these cycles. Furthermore, he underscores the connection between purpose and pain, suggesting that personal struggles can often lead to meaningful contributions to the world.

The episode concludes with Cody encouraging listeners to embrace self-compassion, focus on gratitude, and shift their mindset from survival to thriving.

10 Key Points from the Episode

1. The RISE Formula: Cody's method involves revealing unconscious beliefs, interrupting negative patterns, shifting perspectives, and empowering new behaviors.

2. Impact of Childhood Beliefs: Cody shares how a childhood remark from his father ("You don't deserve nice things") shaped his self-worth and led to repeated failures until he addressed it.

3. Happiness and Expectations: Unrealistic and unmet expectations are a primary source of unhappiness. Adjusting expectations to be realistic is crucial.

4. Mental Traps: Common mental traps include focusing on "getting through" situations rather than "getting something from" them. Shifting to a growth-oriented mindset is transformative.

5. Control Your Response: While external circumstances are often beyond control, individuals can always control their response and attitude toward them.

6. Community and Accountability: Healing and personal growth are significantly more successful when supported by a community or accountability group (as evidenced by the "Change or Die" study).

7. Trauma Fuels Purpose: Personal struggles and pain often lead to discovering one’s purpose, as they allow individuals to connect with and help others in similar situations.

8. Self-Compassion: Being kind to oneself is essential for overcoming anxiety, stress, and depression. It helps foster confidence and purpose.

9. Daily Gratitude: Practicing gratitude daily, even for small things, shifts focus away from negativity and promotes a positive mindset.

10. Behavior Drives Change: Talking about problems can provide temporary relief, but real transformation comes from adopting new behaviors and attitudes.

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