Authentic Connections

Jeff Singer

English Health & Fitness Mental Health Philosophy Relationships Society & Culture

Apple Podcasts Website RSS

Episodes 25

Avg. Duration 22m

Activity Dormant

Since Aug 2024

Latest Episode May 2025

Publishing Details

Schedule

Weekly

Format

Episodic

Hosting

feed.podbean.com

About This Podcast

Despair among men is already a global epidemic and increasing at an alarming rate. Even high-functioning “successful” men succumb to substance abuse and even suicide. In fact, 80% of suicides are men. Without the permission, tools, or role models, men don’t talk about their feelings. Instead, they keep silent, suppressing their thoughts and emotions and driving themselves further into isolation. On the Authentic Connections podcast, co-hosts Jeff Singer and Richard Gabel engage in unscripted conversations about topics and issues that men think about but rarely talk about. The goal is to normalize substantive, honest dialogue among men (and their families) to promote connection and wellness. Richard is a psychiatrist, teacher, and Distinguished Life Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association. He and Jeff suggest that men who feel they need assistance should seek help from qualified professionals. The podcast is intended to act as a catalyst for positive change; it is not meant to diagnose, treat, or prescribe. Listeners are encouraged to use this podcast to facilitate conversation and inspire action to reduce isolation and loneliness.

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Recent Episodes

S2E15 A Culture of Support

May 20, 2025 25m

They guys talk about a trip to India that provided perspective and deeply impacted concepts of family, community, and individual purpose.

S2E14 Emotional T-Rex Arms

May 13, 2025 25m

Men don’t reach out to share what they’re going through or to check in on others. We all want and need that connection, so why do we live solitary lives?

Emotional Dissociation

May 06, 2025 23m

Men often don’t express their feelings because they are not connected to their own emotions, and it’s no joke. It leads to loneliness, depression, and even violence.

S2E12 The Shaky Trust Foundation

Apr 29, 2025 23m

Trust is the foundation of every strong relationship—whether personal or professional. Yet, many men struggle with building and maintaining trust with others

S2E11 The Connection Between Happiness and Mental Health

Apr 22, 2025 20m

Dive into the age-old question: Are happy people naturally more social, or does being socially engaged lead to happiness?

S2E10 The Avoidant-Attachment Paradox

Apr 15, 2025 19m

A fascinating discussion about attachment styles and how they shape our relationships! Men make up the majority of those with an Avoidant attachment style, which means they often disassociate with…

S2E9 Can You Pray Your Way to Happiness?

Apr 08, 2025 29m

Studies show that people who attend religious services tend to be happier, with those practicing Eastern religions/philosophies reporting the highest levels of happiness.

S2E8 Anonymous and Lonely

Apr 01, 2025 24m

Popular collaborative video games that once provided a sense of community and connection have shifted away from voice chat to anonymous modes - mirroring a wider trend of driving isolation and…

S2E7 The Big Joy Experiment

Mar 25, 2025 28m

This experiment challenges our traditional notions of happiness, suggesting that happiness is possible even amid life’s challenges. READ: Can “micro-acts” of joy make you happier? By Emma Beddington

S2E6 Depressed, Sad, or Just Bored?

Mar 18, 2025 23m

Research shows our attempts to fight boredom through endless scrolling and streaming often leave us feeling more disconnected. The guys talk about how to how to avoid languishing and bringing your…

S2E5 Hungry Ghosts

Mar 11, 2025 19m

Explore modern addiction where we constantly seek something (money, status, objects, substances) outside ourselves to curb an insatiable yearning for relief or fulfillment. READ: In the Realm of…

S2E4 Stupid, Selfish, Healthy?

Mar 04, 2025 23m

Is ignorance truly bliss? This thought-provoking discussion delves into the relationship between awareness and mental well-being.

S2E3 The BIG Myth

Feb 25, 2025 21m

Explore how the myth of American exceptionalism not only shapes our national identity but also impacts how we judge others and our sense of self.

S2E2 Sports and Belonging

Feb 18, 2025 25m

Traditional structures that once provided this sense of belonging - from workplaces to social clubs - are rapidly devolving or disappearing in our digital age.

S2E1 Happy(?) Holidays.

Feb 11, 2025 20m

While the holiday season brings joy for many, it can also be a complex time of mixed emotions and unrealized expectations. Today we explore the anxious side of holiday experiences with special guest…

S1E10 Episode 0 - The Pub and Hug

Sep 11, 2024 19m

The backstory of Authentic Connections, the guys who started it, and the journey that brought them together. This episode was recorded at the end of the first season to provide context for our…

S1E1 Tribalism in America

Aug 28, 2024 12m

Tribes can be supportive, provide a sense of belonging and purpose. However, in a competitive environment or when resources are scarce, tribalism can also be divisive. Capitalism is a free-market…

S1E2 Modern Masculinity

Aug 28, 2024 27m

Men used to be providers and protectors, but not now. What are "masculine" traits? What is men's role? Women joke that men are obsolete. Men internalize that. Men feel lost, without purpose. Read:…

S1E3 Toxic Independence

Aug 27, 2024 27m

Like any positive traits, independence and self-sufficiency can be taken to a toxic extreme. Too many people cannot ask for or accept help. This leads to loneliness, isolation, and even suicide. Read…

S1E4 Can Successful People be Happy?

Aug 27, 2024 17m

We are told to never be content or satisfied. But contentment may be a source of happiness and fulfillment. Maybe the key is to hold onto two thoughts at the same time: gratitude for what you have,…

Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes does Authentic Connections have?

Authentic Connections has published 25 episodes since August 2024, covering topics in Health & Fitness, Mental Health.

Is Authentic Connections still active?

Authentic Connections is currently dormant with new episodes weekly. Average episode length is 22m.