Authentic Connections
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.
- Update frequency
- every 5 days
- Average duration
- 22 minutes
- Episodes
- 25
- Years Active
- 2024 - 2025
A Culture of Support
They guys talk about a trip to India that provided perspective and deeply impacted concepts of family, community, and individual purpose.
Emotional T-Rex Arms
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
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.
The Shaky Trust Foundation
Trust is the foundation of every strong relationship—whether personal or professional. Yet, many men struggle with building and maintaining trust with others
The Connection Between Happiness and Mental Health
Dive into the age-old question: Are happy people naturally more social, or does being socially engaged lead to happiness?
The Avoidant-Attachment Paradox
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 th…
Can You Pray Your Way to Happiness?
Studies show that people who attend religious services tend to be happier, with those practicing Eastern religions/philosophies reporting the highest levels of happiness.
Anonymous and Lonely
The Big Joy Experiment
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
Depressed, Sad, or Just Bored?
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 be…
Hungry Ghosts
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 Hung…
Stupid, Selfish, Healthy?
Is ignorance truly bliss? This thought-provoking discussion delves into the relationship between awareness and mental well-being.
The BIG Myth
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.
Sports and Belonging
Traditional structures that once provided this sense of belonging - from workplaces to social clubs - are rapidly devolving or disappearing in our digital age.
Happy(?) Holidays.
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 …
Episode 0 - The Pub and Hug
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 effort…
Tribalism in America
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 phi…
Modern Masculinity
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: Ep…
Toxic Independence
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…
Can Successful People be Happy?
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, w…