Feb. 13, 2026

Reclaiming Authenticity: Beyond the Buzzword

Reclaiming Authenticity: Beyond the Buzzword

Reclaiming Authenticity: Beyond the Buzzword Ep 391, February 13, 2026

The True Face of Authenticity

In this episode of Real Men Feel, host Andy Grant addresses the criticism that authenticity has become a buzzword. He discusses the foundational principles of his show—authenticity, vulnerability, and compassion—and reflects on his personal journey with authenticity, including his skepticism and his eventual embrace of it. Andy explains how authenticity is often misunderstood and misused, becoming a mask rather than a genuine way of being. He emphasizes that true authenticity involves honesty, accountability, and a willingness to feel emotions rather than suppress them.
He also explains why many men are hesitant to embrace authenticity due to societal pressures and past experiences. Andy invites men to join his community, Authentic AF, to support each other in becoming more authentic. The episode concludes with a reminder that while being real may not make life easier, it will make it genuinely your own.

A New Perspective on Authenticity

In recent conversations with friends, I’ve noticed a recurring sentiment among men: authenticity has become just another buzzword. I understand where they’re coming from. It is a concept that has been central to my life and to this podcast, Real Men Feel, for the last decade. As the host of this show, I’m constantly exploring what it means to live an authentic life. Today, let’s delve into the true essence of authenticity and why it’s still crucial, despite skeptics labeling it as empty.

The Skepticism Around Authenticity

The notion of authenticity has been overused in marketing—brands, influencers, even politicians claim to be ‘authentic,’ causing the term to lose its sheen. This episode of Real Men Feel aims to reclaim the genuine meaning of authenticity, emphasizing that it isn’t merely about performance. It’s about integrity and vulnerability.

Understanding Performative Vulnerability

Men often rebel against “performative vulnerability,” a trend where oversharing is mistaken for genuine authenticity. It’s a trap I might have fallen into myself—a push for demonstrating our “realness” rather than being responsible and accountable. Authenticity, contrary to popular belief, is not a mere sales tool or a polished persona. It’s a closer reflection of our true selves, not a façade of rawness.

The Journey Toward Genuine Authenticity

Years ago, I was working with a business coach who ironically dubbed me the “King of Authenticity,” a title that left me perplexed. What did that even mean? It was confusing as I wasn’t trying to brand myself, but rather, uncover my identity after years of masking it in corporate life. The path to authenticity was a gradual awakening from this identity struggle.

Lessons Learned in Personal Authenticity

Reflecting on this journey, I realize that authenticity means being real, not performing an identity. It involves feeling whatever emerges and not masking your true self for acceptance. It’s about honesty, primarily with oneself, and it requires taking responsibility for your actions and breaking free of patterns that confine you.

The Cultural Fear of Being Real

For many men, the idea of being authentic triggers fear because our culture has historically rewarded performance over truth. Men have been taught to suppress emotions and seek approval, often at the cost of their authenticity. Yet, being real, though potentially perilous, is the path to living genuinely.

Join the Conversation

Authenticity isn’t just an identity or a brand; it’s a practice of choosing truth over approval, of being real instead of conforming to expectations. While it’s easy to dismiss authenticity as a buzzword, the answer is to live it—quietly, imperfectly, and honestly.

Authentic AF

This is the mission of the Authentic AF community: a safe haven where men can shed their pretenses and support one another in embracing their authentic selves. You’re invited to join us at realmenfeel.org/group.
Authenticity may not simplify your life, but it will certainly make it your own.
Watch this episode on YouTube.
Listen on Apple Podcasts.
Enjoy Real Men Feel on Spotify
Reclaiming Authenticity: Beyond the Buzzword - Real Men Feel ep 391

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