Guest Tom Sturges || Music Executive & Author

Show Summary
In this episode, Jon and Tom Sturges discuss the concept of a 'good divorce' and how to approach the process with kindness, respect, and generosity. They emphasize the importance of putting childrens’ needs first and maintaining a positive relationship with the ex-spouse. Tom shares his personal experience of ending his marriage while still remaining close with his ex-wife's family, while negotiating creative solutions to his financial settlement and custody arrangement with his kids. He also talks about his foundation, Witness to a Dream, which inspires children in the LA public school system through music and creativity.

Guest Bio
Tom Sturges is a distinguished music executive, author, mentor, educator, inventor, and public speaker. With a career spanning leadership roles at Chrysalis Music, Universal Music Publishing Group, and Shaquille O’Neal’s TWIsM Records, Tom has shaped the music industry through signings that include 50 Cent & G Unit, Chris Brown, and Outkast, among others, selling over 195 million albums and earning 19 Grammy awards. An accomplished author, Tom has penned several acclaimed books and co-created UCLA's Music Business Now course, impacting over 1200 students. Recognized for his mentorship in Los Angeles, he's also featured in the award-winning documentary WITNESS TO A DREAM.

Key Moments

• 00:00 The Concept of a 'Good Divorce'
• 08:05 Putting the Needs of the Children First
• 13:46 Maintaining a Positive Relationship with the Ex-Spouse
• 19:55 Coping with Difficult Emotions and Finding Joy
• 25:19 Taking Accountability and Personal Growth
• 31:14 Nurturing Dreams and Aspiration

Connect with Tom Sturges

• Instagram: @tomsturgesideas
• Instagram: @tomsturgesideas
• Twitter: @tomsturgesideas
• www.tomsturges.net

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• Instagram: @HalftimewithJon
• www.halftime.network

Guest: Derek Haswell || Co-Founder of Ten Percent Happier & Executive Coach

Derek Haswell is a passionate advocate for emotional health and wellness, and his journey began with a deep internal drive for personal growth. This led him to co-found Ten Percent Happier, the company offering meditation and mindfulness courses and coaching, where he served as Head of Product for nearly a decade. Derek collaborated with renowned meditation teachers including Joseph Goldstein and Sharon Salzberg, to create groundbreaking offerings. Over time, Derek's personal focus shifted from seeking external validation driven by a feeling of lack, to self-understanding and self-compassion. Now an executive coach, he leverages the Internal Family Systems model to help clients understand their own emotional parts and gain greater clarity and freedom in their lives.

• 00:00 Introduction: Meditation and Integrating the Whole Self
• 03:09 The Power of Meditation in Responding, Not Reacting
• 07:58 Finding Usefulness and Enjoyment in Meditation
• 10:38 Embracing and Understanding Different Parts of Ourselves
• 18:51 The Internal Family Systems Model: A Path to Self-Awareness and Freedom
• 26:07 Working with Anger and Other Emotions
• 29:27 Moving from 'I Don't Want to Talk About It' to Vulnerability
• 34:00 Conclusion: Takeaways and Closing Remarks

Connect with Derek Haswell

• Twitter: @drhaswell
• LinkedIn: @drhaswell
• Executive Coaching Website: www.derekhaswell.com
• https://www.tenpercent.com/

Resources mentioned during the show

• Learn about the Enneagram: https://www.enneagraminstitute.com/
• Derek suggests this book for men: I Don't Want to Talk About It

Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to our podcast, leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, and join the conversation on Instagram and LinkedIn with the hashtag #HalftimewithJon.

• LinkedIn: @HalftimewithJon
• Instagram

Guest: Ian Mausner || is a seasoned divorce coach, finance executive, philanthropist, and author

Ian Mausner is a seasoned divorce coach, finance executive, philanthropist, and the author of the Amazon best-seller Getting Back on Top – The Uncensored Guide to Sex, Dating and Relationships After Divorce. As a divorce coach, Ian is dedicated to helping individuals navigate the challenges of separation and divorce with a collaborative approach. He holds an MBA from Stanford Business School and a BA in Economics from Amherst College​. He contributes all his consulting revenue to charities focused on helping children.

• 00:00 Introduction and Importance of Intelligence
• 03:28 Timing of Dating After Separation
• 05:48 Impact on Children and Communication
• 08:37 Types of Women to Be Cautious of
• 12:28 Observing Reactions and Intelligence
• 20:22 Treating the First Date as an Interview
• 23:43 Being Respectful in Declining a Second Date
• 26:03 Knowing Yourself and Improving Communication
• 29:28 Collaborative and Amicable Divorce Approach
• 33:21 Protecting Financial Assets During Divorce

Connect with Ian Mausner:

• Twitter: @IanMausner
• LinkedIn: @IanMausner

Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to our podcast, leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, and join the conversation on Instagram and LinkedIn with the hashtag #HalftimewithJon.

• LinkedIn: @HalftimewithJon
• Instagram:@HalftimewithJon
• www.halftime.network

Join the Conversation
Enjoyed the episode? Subscribe to our podcast, leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and join the conversation on Instagram and LinkedIn with hashtag #HalftimewithJon

Connect with Jon

• LinkedIn: @HalftimewithJon
• Instagram: @HalftimewithJon
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Jon explores men's mental and emotional health during separation and divorce with Owen Marcus, founder of MELD. With over 30 years of real world experience in mens’ emotional health, Owen discusses transforming trauma into emotional strength and meaningful connections. He introduces somatic mindfulness meditation and the R.O.C. technique (Relax, Open up, Connect) to access deeper emotions. Jon and Owen address societal challenges men face in expressing vulnerability and emphasize supportive communities. Owen shares powerful anecdotes and practical advice for improving emotional health and relationships during tough times.

Guest Information

Owen Marcus, MA, has transformed men's emotional health by combining somatic therapies with emotional physiological training. His methods enhance vulnerability and interpersonal skills, driving significant changes in mens’ lives. Featured in the documentary About Men, his work is widely recognized. As founder of the Sandpoint Men’s Group, co-creator of EVRYMAN, and co-founder of MELD, Owen has revolutionized men’s personal development. His programs (used by companies like Google) emphasize emotional resilience and communication, and impact men globally. Owen's TEDx Talk and book, Grow Up: A Man’s Guide to Masculine Emotional Intelligence, highlight his role in advancing mens’ emotional wellness.

Timestamps

• 00:00 Introduction and Importance of Men's Mental and Emotional Health
• 04:51 Connecting with the Body: A Path to Emotional Health
• 09:41 The Power of Somatic Mindfulness Meditation
• 13:32 Building a Community of Support for Men
• 30:59 Introduction to Meld and the Vision for Men's Emotional Leadership Development
• 36:19 Closing Remarks and Payoff for Men

• Facebook: @meldmen
• Instagram: @meld.men
• Twitter: @meldmen
• Website: meld.community

Join the Conversation

Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to our podcast, leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, and join the conversation on Instagram and LinkedIn with the hashtag #HalftimewithJon.

Connect with Jon

• LinkedIn: @HalftimewithJon
• Instagram:@HalftimewithJon
• www.halftime.network

Jon talks with Bj Wasserman, an executive coach, nonprofit director, and dedicated dad. Bj shares his post-divorce journey, focusing on living with integrity and prioritizing "being" over "doing." He discusses stepping up as a single dad during his ex-wife's health issues and offers advice for divorced dads on being emotionally available for their kids. Bj emphasizes "successful dating" through honesty and integrity and highlights the importance of community support, particularly through mens’ organizations like the Mankind Project, to combat loneliness and build meaningful connections.

Guest Information

Bj Wasserman is dedicated to inspiring others to reach their full potential. As an executive coach, real estate investor, and men’s work leader, Bj excels in fostering authenticity and accountability. He focuses on developing strategic, sustainable plans for his clients, providing valuable insights and guidance to overcome obstacles and achieve their goals. He has a Master of Arts in Depth Psychology from the Pacifica Graduate Institute and has worked with organizations like the Mankind Project, Inside Circle Foundation, and Insight Prison Project, helping them to grow and reach more men in need.

Timestamps

• 00:00 Introduction and Emotional Connection with Children
• 04:21 Building Healthy Relationships with Integrity
• 08:15 Navigating Successful Dating After Divorce
• 26:51 Combatting Loneliness Through Support and Community

• Instagram: @wassiji
• LinkedIn
• Facebook

Join the Conversation

Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to our podcast, leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, and join the conversation on Instagram and LinkedIn with the hashtag #HalftimewithJon.

Connect with Jon

• LinkedIn: @HalftimewithJon
• Instagram:@HalftimewithJon
• www.halftime.network

Show Summary

In this episode, Jon discusses separation and divorce with relationship expert and sexuality psychologist Kaamna Bhojwani, who shares personal and professional insights from her own divorce journey. Key topics include managing stress through healthy routines, and the importance of community support and self-reflection. Kaamna skillfully highlights the challenges men face in co-parenting post-divorce, balancing practicality with emotional availability. She advises listeners to find supportive networks, maintain boundaries, practice self-compassion, and reset personally before entering new relationships. This episode offers practical tips and emotional support to help men navigate separation with resilience and grace - all with a great sense of humor and perspective.

When Kaamna’s mother accused her of being only interested in soul and sex, she had no idea how bang on she was. Today, Kaamna is a sexuality researcher with a specialization in shame and spirituality. Through 1:1 clients, small group workshops and public events, Kaamna helps people shed the shame and guilt around their sexuality and embrace a new sexual self-identity. Kaamna’s philosophy is simple: Nothing in the human experience is profane, so let’s talk about it. Kaamna holds a masters degree in Spiritual Psychology from Columbia University and a masters in Organizational Psychology from the University of Illinois. Kaamna’s work combines academic rigor with a deep love and compassion for being human – with all its complexities. When she’s not dismantling the shackles around human sexuality, she’s singing by a piano somewhere or planning her next trip to a soulful destination.

• 00:00 Introduction and Personal Experience
• 00:57 Surviving Separation: A Lonely Time
• 04:20 Managing the Impact on Children
• 07:21 Finding Balance in Responsibilities and Co-Parenting
• 09:38 The Importance of Community and Emotional Support
• 14:28 Practices for Maintaining Mental and Emotional Well-being
• 21:31 Learning from Women: Vulnerability and Support
• 23:24 Dealing with Negative Emotions
• 26:12 The Importance of Self-Compassion and Perspective
• 28:08 Closing Remarks and Encouragement

Connect with Kaamna

• Facebook: @kaamnalive
• Instagram: @kaamnalive
• Twitter: @kaamnalive
• Website: www.kaamnalive.com

Join the Conversation

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Enjoyed the episode? Subscribe to our podcast, leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and join the conversation on Instagram and LinkedIn with hashtag #HalftimewithJon

Connect with Jon

• LinkedIn: @HalftimewithJon
• Instagram: @HalftimewithJon
• www.halftime.network

Halftime with Jon is the network for men at midlife.

With many men experiencing loneliness and disconnection, the need for positive advice and inspiration has never been greater. Halftime with Jon delivers the expert perspective and insight to help men reconnect to themselves, and what matters most.

Season One goes deep into the challenge of separation and divorce. With a combination of expert commentary and moments of levity, Halftime with Jon delivers the practical tools and emotional strength men need to successfully navigate one of the toughest experiences of their lives.

Halftime with Jon … make your second half the best half.

Join the conversation at www.Halftime.Network

Join the Conversation
Enjoyed the episode? Subscribe to our podcast, leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and join the conversation on Instagram and LinkedIn with hashtag #HalftimewithJon

Connect with Jon

• LinkedIn: @HalftimewithJon
• Instagram: @HalftimewithJon
• www.halftime.network