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.
Episodes

Tuesday May 20, 2025
A Culture of Support
Tuesday May 20, 2025
Tuesday May 20, 2025
They guys talk about a trip to India that provided perspective and deeply impacted concepts of family, community, and individual purpose.

Tuesday May 13, 2025
Emotional T-Rex Arms
Tuesday May 13, 2025
Tuesday May 13, 2025
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?

Tuesday May 06, 2025
Emotional Dissociation
Tuesday May 06, 2025
Tuesday May 06, 2025
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.

Tuesday Apr 29, 2025
The Shaky Trust Foundation
Tuesday Apr 29, 2025
Tuesday Apr 29, 2025
Trust is the foundation of every strong relationship—whether personal or professional. Yet, many men struggle with building and maintaining trust with others

Tuesday Apr 22, 2025
The Connection Between Happiness and Mental Health
Tuesday Apr 22, 2025
Tuesday Apr 22, 2025
Dive into the age-old question: Are happy people naturally more social, or does being socially engaged lead to happiness?

Tuesday Apr 15, 2025
The Avoidant-Attachment Paradox
Tuesday Apr 15, 2025
Tuesday Apr 15, 2025
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 those closest to them for fear of reprisal. No wonder men are more isolated and lonelier.
READ: Attached by Amir Levine, M.D. and Rachel S.F. Heller, M.A.

Tuesday Apr 08, 2025
Can You Pray Your Way to Happiness?
Tuesday Apr 08, 2025
Tuesday Apr 08, 2025
Studies show that people who attend religious services tend to be happier, with those practicing Eastern religions/philosophies reporting the highest levels of happiness.

Tuesday Apr 01, 2025
Anonymous and Lonely
Tuesday Apr 01, 2025
Tuesday Apr 01, 2025
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 loneliness.
READ: Silent but Deadly by Luke Winkie

Tuesday Mar 25, 2025
The Big Joy Experiment
Tuesday Mar 25, 2025
Tuesday Mar 25, 2025
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

Tuesday Mar 18, 2025
Depressed, Sad, or Just Bored?
Tuesday Mar 18, 2025
Tuesday Mar 18, 2025
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 best self to everything and everyone in your life.
READ: Fast Forward - How Switching Behavior on Digital Media Makes People More Bored by Dr. Katie Tam