Episode 6

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Published on:

17th Apr 2025

No More Lone Wolves: Midlife Men, Connection & the Real Comeback w/James Davis

In this transformative episode of Wine, Whiskey, and Life, Michelle sits down with James Davis, coaching psychologist, men’s health advocate, and creator of The Midlife Mentors podcast for a no-holds-barred conversation on what it really takes for men to rise through the mess of midlife.James shares hard-won insights from his own life and work, pulling back the curtain on the silent epidemic of social isolation, the emotional fallout of divorce, and the toll of trying to go it alone. But this isn’t about staying stuck, it’s about the comeback.Together, they explore how vulnerability, real connection, and small, consistent changes, like better nutrition, gratitude, and honest conversations can rebuild confidence and reshape identity. They also unpack how to reignite relationships with the DATE framework (Doing, Action, Time, and Excitement) and why aligning with your true values is the ultimate power move.If you're ready to ditch the lone wolf mindset and get real about the work and the rewards of reclaiming your life, this one’s for you. Straight talk, solid tools, and a reminder that you’re not alone. 

Key Takeaways & Lessons:

  • Isolation isn’t strength, it’s sabotage. Connection is the real comeback move.

  • Vulnerability fuels growth. Dropping the mask opens the door to real transformation.

  • Small changes = big momentum. Daily shifts in habits rebuild confidence from the ground up.

  • DATE your relationship back to life. Doing, Action, Time, and Excitement can reignite connection.

  • Reclaim your purpose. Midlife isn’t a crisis it’s a call to align with who you are now.

Timestamps & Chapters:
  • [0:00:00] Introduction to Midlife Challenges with James Davis
  • [0:08:08] Navigating Life Transitions and Emotional Well-being
  • [0:18:16] Aligning Values and Nurturing Relationships
  • [0:23:44] Revitalizing Connections with the DATE Framework
  • [0:28:20] Midlife Mail Handbook Availability
Resources:

Checkout my ‘Are you Capable’ Free Quiz HERE
Grab my book Hot Mess Magic HERE
Get No BS by Burke HERE use code: NOBS at checkout fo 20%off
Grab the Midlife Male Handbook HERE
Learn more about the MidLife Mentors  HERE
Connect with James HERE 

Follow: 

Follow Me: @michelleaburke 
Follow James:  @midlifementors


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About the Podcast

Wine, Whiskey & Life
Because sometimes you're raising a glass to cheers and other times to drown your sorrows.
This podcast is for the ones who’ve lived too much to pretend, felt too deeply to fake it and are sick of faking it and still show up scarred, sacred, and sipping something strong.

Hosted by Michelle A. Burke an author, speaker, and the no-BS voice behind Hot Mess Magic, Wine, Whiskey & Life is where real talk flows like a good pour. No filters. No fluff. Just raw, rebellious conversations about the moments that break us, make us, and everything in between.

We go there: into the unraveling, the rebuilding, the identity crises, the quiet grief, the messy healing, and the unexpected joy that comes from not giving up on yourself.

Sometimes it’s deep. Sometimes it’s funny. Sometimes it’s a punch to the gut with a shot of truth on the side.

Grab your drink of choice. You’re not alone here and you’re sure as hell not meant to do life on mute.

Welcome to the show which feels like a night with old friends full of real talk, big laughs and zero judgment.

About your host

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Michelle Burke

Michelle Burke is an author, speaker, and no-BS truth-teller who’s lived through enough reinventions to know that life doesn’t come with a script. Known for her raw honesty, dark wit and unapologetic depth, she brings decades of experience, resilience, and realness to everything she touches. Whether on stage, on the page, or behind the mic, Michelle shows up scarred, sacred, and ready to burn the façade to the ground one conversation at a time.