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Join us for a deeply moving and insightful episode recorded live from Denver, CO, where we broaden the traditional Father’s Day celebration to honor not just dads, but all father figures and mentors. We celebrate the invaluable contributions of traditional dads as well as those who have become role models in unconventional ways—coaches, mentors, and guiding figures who shape lives without the title of “Dad.”

This episode also shines a light on those who’ve courageously chosen a child-free path, whether by conscious decision or through navigating life's complexities. We delve into the fulfillment that comes from mentoring and supporting others, even without biological ties, highlighting how these relationships enrich both the mentors and those they guide.

Hear Joel's compelling story as he reflects on his journey with the desire for children. From grappling with fertility challenges and the impact of divorce to reaching a point where the idea of parenthood no longer resonates, Joel opens up about the profound weight of his decision not to have children. His narrative offers a poignant look into the pressures and emotional landscapes men face regarding parenthood.

We also explore how men and women differently experience the societal expectations around biological clocks, the fear of loneliness in old age, and creative ways to build community and connection beyond traditional parenthood.

Tune in for an honest conversation about evolving family dynamics, the profound impact of mentorship, and finding purpose and connection on diverse paths. Follow us on Instagram @owningalone and share your thoughts and personal stories—we'd love to hear from you!

How to Engage with Us

• DM us on Instagram yousinglepod
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• Follow Emanuela on IG emanuela5683 or accountability_with_e

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Ever wondered how being true to yourself can transform your life? Discover the powerful connection between authenticity and self-awareness as Emanuela and Joel engage in an enlightening discussion about what it means to be authentic and how it impacts our lives. Drawing from definitions—including the Urban Dictionary—and personal anecdotes, we unravel what it means to be genuinely you. From the struggles of defining oneself outside traditional roles to the liberating experience of making choices aligned with personal values, we explore the journey of knowing, owning, and expressing your true identity.

Our conversation dives into the benefits of self-awareness, such as reduced anxiety and more meaningful decisions, while tackling the societal pressures that challenge our authenticity. Learn how embracing your true self can lead to better relationships and inner peace, and why it’s crucial to foster self-awareness from a young age. Through candid reflections and a touch of humor, we emphasize setting boundaries and forming relationships that resonate with your authentic self, providing practical tips for navigating polarized environments and living a fulfilling life.

How to Engage with Us

• DM us on Instagram yousinglepod
• Follow Joel on IG jpoppert
• Follow Emanuela on IG emanuela5683 or accountability_with_e

Thanks for joining the Owning Alone community, I certainly appreciate you!

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Are you ready to reclaim your personal freedom this summer? Join us on Owning Alone as we explore the joys and challenges of single life and dating. Emanuela kicks things off by sharing her laid-back Memorial Day weekend filled with barbecues, home improvement projects, and a fun trip to Topgolf. Meanwhile, Joel recounts his adrenaline-filled adventures rafting and kayaking in Buena Vista. Together, we set the stage for a thought-provoking discussion on whether being single and dating is truly enjoyable, as well as offer creative solo summer activities to help you embrace the season with confidence.

Navigating the modern dating landscape can be a rollercoaster, especially as we age. This episode takes you on a journey from Joel's whirlwind experiences of dating over 150 women to a more introspective phase where the value of meaningful relationships becomes clearer. We tackle the importance of setting personal boundaries, avoiding game-playing, and ensuring genuine interactions in today's dating scene. Miscommunication and mismatched intentions can be frustrating, but better communication and understanding can pave the way for more fulfilling connections.

Solo travel and outdoor adventures offer unique opportunities for self-exploration and community building. We share our favorite solo activities, from cocktail classes and comedy shows to spontaneous city explorations. Joining seasonal leagues and volunteering are great ways to meet new people and build community connections. Whether you're dating yourself or planning enriching activities, this episode encourages you to embrace singlehood and find humor and joy in every stage of life. Tune in, and let's celebrate the unpredictable yet rewarding journey of navigating single life and dating.

How to Engage with Us

• DM us on Instagram yousinglepod
• Follow Joel on IG jpoppert
• Follow Emanuela on IG emanuela5683 or accountability_with_e

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In our 19th episode, we not only share a laugh about confusing Memorial Day with Veterans Day, but also take a moment to honor the profound significance of these dates. Huddled within the enchanting walls of Emanuela's unicorn cave, we're thrilled to bring you a conversation that's as heartfelt as it is hilarious. Join us as we navigate the often turbulent waves of personal development With every anecdote and shared experience, we aim to fortify that invaluable bridge between us and you, our listeners.

Navigating life's emotional currents can be as tricky as dodging wayward bumper cars during rush hour traffic. But fear not, for we're here to equip you with an emotional compass. In this session, I bare my soul about my quest for emotional intelligence, revealing the lessons learned from facing my father's loss and the upheaval of divorce. As we unpack the ways in which minor irritations can morph into emotional tempests, we also illuminate the path to harnessing those very emotions for growth. Therapy, reflection, and sometimes a cheeky sprinkle of humor, it's all about becoming adept at the art of emotional regulation for the sake of mental tranquility.

Finally, we address the elephant in the room—or should I say, the Sasquatch? Personal growth can shake the foundations of our relationships, prompting the metamorphosis of a "new Joel" and the bittersweet farewells to friendships that no longer serve us. It's a journey through the thorny brambles of setting boundaries and the sometimes lonely pursuit of mental well-being. But the rewards? A richer, more authentic circle of companions. We end by asking ChatGPT for "her" advice and again she ends up being the smartest cohost of us all! And just before we sign off with a nod to our AI counterparts, we extend a warm invitation: follow, text, share, and become part of our ever-growing tapestry of mythical creature banter and genuine connection.

How to Engage with Us

• DM us on Instagram yousinglepod
• Follow Joel on IG jpoppert
• Follow Emanuela on IG emanuela5683 or accountability_with_e

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Ever find yourself chuckling at the thought of life's expected milestones, like having kids or finding that 'perfect' partner, only to think, "Nope, not for me"? Well, you're in good company. Emanuella and I, peel back the curtain on our own journeys, sharing the realities and revelations we've found in forging paths less traveled. From sipping hot cocoa in snowy Breckenridge to swinging hammers on Denver construction sites, we swap tales that lead us to question the modern love conundrum: Is the single, child-free life really the road less lonely?

Trust us, this isn't your run-of-the-mill relationship gabfest. We're here to unpack the nitty-gritty of non-traditional relationships, the evolving desires for companionship, and the choice to embrace a career with vigor over the white picket fence dream. Whether you're navigating the murky waters of the dating world post-divorce, or simply curious about the healthy dynamics in a child-free lifestyle, our candid conversation shines a light on the diverse ways to pursue happiness and fulfillment. And for those who've wondered about the blurred lines between friendship and romance, we're reclaiming 'situationships' as an honest, valid form of connection.

As we wrap up this heart-to-heart, don't forget to join our tribe. We're building a community where every unicorn, sasquatch, and in-betweener can find solace in shared stories and laughter. So hit that follow button, slide into our DMs, or shoot us an email. We're eager to hear your take on the beautiful, messy, and utterly human journey of finding love and contentment in a world that's constantly redefining what those even mean. Until we chat again, keep living your truth — with or without that plus one.

How to Engage with Us

• DM us on Instagram yousinglepod
• Follow Joel on IG jpoppert
• Follow Emanuela on IG emanuela5683 or accountability_with_e

Thanks for joining the Owning Alone community, I certainly appreciate you!

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Ever wondered if your pre-date social media sleuthing borders on FBI-level intrusion, or if outfit repetition is a dating faux pas? Grab a seat in our digital den at Sasquatch Studios, where Emanuela and I dissect the frolics and facepalms of first dates with a generous helping of wit and a pinch of brutal honesty. We're divulging our own dating escapades, from navigating the singles scene post-divorce to taking a breather and embracing solitude. With tales about the ghosts of relationships past that still haunt our decor to the complexities of dating multiple people, we've got you covered.

Imagine this: you're perched at the bar, early for your first date, and a pressing question bubbles up—should you order a drink or wait? Picture us trading views on this modern dilemma, along with the virtues of comfy attire and the awkward charm of running into former flames on dating apps. We pry open the can of worms that is first date etiquette, from the strategic choice of venue to the delicate dance of showing you're interested without coming off as Sherlock Holmes in disguise. Our personal anecdotes and candid banter will guide you through the minefield of pre-date preparation and post-date follow-ups.

To cap it all off, we tackle the elephant in the room: the undeniable awkwardness that shadows first encounters. We're coining quirky phrases to defuse the tension and sharing hearty laughs over the bloopers that make first dates so endearingly human. It's not just about finding 'the one'—it's about relishing the journey and the occasional stumbles along the way. Finished off by asking our favorite robot, ChatGPT, what her dating advice is, hint.. jitter-tits! So plug in, kick back, and let us whisk you through a conversation that's as enlightening as it is entertaining. Who knows, you might just emerge with a fresh perspective on how to tackle your next romantic rendezvous.

How to Engage with Us

• DM us on Instagram yousinglepod
• Follow Joel on IG jpoppert
• Follow Emanuela on IG emanuela5683 or accountability_with_e

Thanks for joining the Owning Alone community, I certainly appreciate you!

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In this episode, Emanuela and Joel peel back the layers of everyday existence to examine the intricate dance of personal growth, relationships and the "noise" that ensues. We swap tales of how the noise in life impacts our lives, and how to defend against it by understanding our principals and convictions and having the courage to turn the volume down regardless of how it impacts others.

We wrap up with a crucial reminder of the power and beauty found in the small gestures—the support given to a friend, the love shown to family—that anchor us in the tempest of our daily lives. Setting boundaries becomes a crafted art, one that upholds our true self amidst the clamor of external demands. Transformative tales and reflections abound, urging us to curate a supportive inner circle that echoes our principles and convictions. 

"As I meander through Red Rocks Park on a solo hike, I'm struck by the palpable silence—nature's quiet offering that sharpens the senses to life's simplicities."

How to Engage with Us

• DM us on Instagram yousinglepod
• Follow Joel on IG jpoppert
• Follow Emanuela on IG emanuela5683 or accountability_with_e

Thanks for joining the Owning Alone community, I certainly appreciate you!

Send us a text

Ever had a laugh-out-loud moment while navigating the maze of modern dating? Justine Baruch, fresh from a twenty-year stint overseas, joins me to share just that—and so much more—in a heart-to-heart on love, rejection, and everything in-between. Crack open the complexities of re-entering the American dating scene, as she brings tales of digital courtship via Bumble and Hinge, balanced with her seasoned insights as a therapist and relationship/life coach promising an episode that's equal parts humor and wisdom.

Dating apps and delicate etiquette dances aside, we delve into the essential: setting boundaries, handling rejection with grace, and the courage to be honest in our quest for connection. Justine and I trade stories, from the dilemma of politely declining a second date to the soul-searching questions we must be brave enough to ask—and answer. Our tête-à-tête is an exploration of the intricacies of the heart, peppered with candid conversations about the maturity and emotional intelligence needed for today's relationship landscape.

Strap in for a thought-provoking journey through the intertwining paths of personal growth, spirituality, and the ever-evolving dynamics between the masculine and feminine. We tackle meaty topics like dating across differing worldviews, and the transformative power of emotional availability, all while celebrating the art of self-discovery. This episode is not just a mirror to our times, but a window into the rich tapestry of experiences that shape our search for love. Join us and maybe, just maybe, you'll find a nugget of truth to carry into your own romantic adventures.

Find Justine:
Instagram: justinebaruch
Facebook: justine.baruch
Website: justinebaruch.com

How to Engage with Us

• DM us on Instagram yousinglepod
• Follow Joel on IG jpoppert
• Follow Emanuela on IG emanuela5683 or accountability_with_e

Thanks for joining the Owning Alone community, I certainly appreciate you!

Send us a text

Ever found yourself chuckling at the absurdity of grilling in a blizzard or dancing unabashedly to Taylor Swift regardless of your age? Well, my fellow goofballs, you're in for a treat. Poppy here, your hirsute hermit of hilarity, joined by the witty and Owning Alone's new Co-Host, Emanuela Messineo, and together we're tearing down the conventional walls of modern living and personal growth. We're peeling back the layers on the quirky intersections of life that make for rich storytelling and even richer learning.

Giving a nod to the digital age, Emanuela and I untangle the complexities of social media's evolving landscape, and how it intersects with the cultural phenomena like Swifties. But it's not all pop culture and internet trends; we're getting real about the carousel of dating, confidence, and the thrills of self-discovery. Hear us swap tales and offer advice on navigating the sometimes choppy but always navigable dating seas—with resilience as our compass and authenticity as our north star. And, yes, we even dissect the dreaded bill-splitting etiquette, because who hasn't been there, right?

Wrapping up, we're not just here to talk at you; we're here to build a community with you. So, we're throwing open the doors and inviting you to share in the conversation, the laughs, and the occasional awkward dating escapade. If you’ve got a story that screams ‘Only Alone’ or just want to bask in the camaraderie of life’s goofy moments, we're your squad. Emanuela and I can't wait to share this journey with you, so tune in, turn up the volume, and let's get this confessional booth of a podcast started!

How to Engage with Us

• DM us on Instagram yousinglepod
• Follow Joel on IG jpoppert
• Follow Emanuela on IG emanuela5683 or accountability_with_e

Thanks for joining the Owning Alone community, I certainly appreciate you!

Send us a text

Settle into your favorite nook with a glass of wine and join me, Poppy, along with my Owning Alone's favorite regular, Emanuela Messineo, for an intimate late-night conversation that dances through the delights and dilemmas of the single, 40-something lifestyle. Think of us as two friends unraveling the rich tapestry that is solo living in Denver, sharing laughter and wisdom in equal measure. We muse over the everyday—from embracing the tranquil moments of a quiet back porch to the vibrant pulse of late-night outings—as we candidly swap stories of navigating the single life with passion and purpose.

As the night deepens, our exchange delves into the intricacies of modern relationships, especially the nuanced journey of dating single parents and how it shapes our quest for meaningful connections. Through tales of personal growth and the delicate balance between independence and companionship, we offer a collective insight into the evolving dance between being a guest at life's table, or confidently hosting it. Our discussion weaves through the importance of foundational values and the courage to hold out for a relationship that truly resonates with who we are, rather than settling for the sake of convention.

Wrapping up our cozy rendezvous, we turn a thoughtful lens on the societal shifts that have redefined relationship standards and self-awareness. With a spotlight on mental health, autonomy, and the liberating yet challenging choice to remain single or childfree, we underscore the beauty of embracing one's identity amidst a world of change. We invite you to join us in this soul-bearing journey.  Let's stand together in celebrating the freedom and fulfillment that comes from truly owning our alone.

Follow Emanuela’s personal and nutritional coaching adventures on Instagram  @accountability_with_e

How to Engage with Us

• DM us on Instagram yousinglepod
• Follow Joel on IG jpoppert
• Follow Emanuela on IG emanuela5683 or accountability_with_e

Thanks for joining the Owning Alone community, I certainly appreciate you!