Authentic Connections

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 efforts to break the cycle of silence, which is harming men at alarming rates.

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 philosophy based on competition. We are all potential competitors for scarce resources, such as schools, jobs, scholarships, and internships. Counterintuitively, higher socio-economic groups have a higher rate of substance abuse and suicide. 

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: Epidemic of Male Loneliness

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 more: Red Flags You're Actually Too Independent...by Emily Laurence

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, while working to improve.

Traditional Masculinity is Toxic to Men

Often overlooked is how masculine facades of strength and confidence are toxic to men. Men are not allowed to be vulnerable and struggle to connect with friends and family on a deep level, driving isolation and loneliness. 

Generational Perfectionism

Each generation of parents is affected by the social, economic, and political realities in which they grew up as children. Further, their fundamental parenting style is a reaction to the methodology of their parents. Perfectionism is one of the most invisible and toxic concepts that often result in high levels of anxiety and despair. Read: The Fourth Turning is Here by Neil Howe

Perfectionism is Killing Young Athletes

Athletics at any level seem to offer an antidote to loneliness:  community and belonging, purpose, support, exercise, and healthy diet. Yet, the rates of depression and suicide are skyrocketing among college athletes. Read CNN Health

The Work-Life Balance Myth

Compartmentalizing and creating structures around professional and personal time is a modern concept designed by corporations to dehumanize work, disassociate people from facets of their lives, and drive competition for jobs. The time you spend working is not separate from your life. In fact, all the time in every day is your life. How you spend your time and with whom you spend it should be a conscious and intentional decision to construct a meaningful and fulfilling life.

Physical Isolation

People tend to live in personal cocoons - disconnected from other humans. The gig economy, work from home, online shopping, suburban sprawl - all contribute to living in isolation. Many people also move for work or educational opportunities, leaving established communities and social groups. Read: Japanese apartment building combats loneliness