Can you identify the authentic relationships in your life? Do you know who you are open, transparent, and vulnerable with? The challenge is finding who you can be authentic with. In this first episode of Season 3, Host Matthew Shannon defines an authentic relationship, shares examples of when Jesus built authentic relationships, and explains three barriers to building an authentic relationship. Let’s learn how to build authentic relationships together!

Do you feel like you are never good enough? Do you feel like a fraud when you achieve something? In this solo episode, Host Matthew Shannon talks about authenticity as it relates to the imposter syndrome and shares ways on how we can deal with it. The imposter syndrome is when we doubt our abilities and we feel like a fraud whenever we accomplish something. We might feel imposter syndrome when we get promoted or gain more responsibility. Let's learn how to deal with this imposter syndrome together.

Quick episode ALERT:In my reflection for Good Friday, I thought about how just before Jesus’ suffering really started, he asked God, will you let this cup pass from me? Jesus knew that the suffering of the cross and his public death would be a tough moment in his life. Jesus needed God to push through it. Over the past year, we have had some tough moments due to the pandemic, racism, politics, financially, our personal lives and more. What are some of your tough moments that you had to push through? Push through your tough moments. With God, we can rise.

We have experienced loss in so many ways over the past year. We have lost loved ones, finances, time, health and more. Think for a moment. What have you lost recently? In this podcast episode, Host Rev. Matthew Shannon shares how loss impacts our daily struggle of being authentic. He looks at the life of Job and how Job came through his season of loss. On January 22, 2021, the baseball world lost a legend, Henry Louis Aaron, who would’ve celebrated his 87th birthday on February 5, 2021. Also in this episode, Host Rev. Matthew Shannon has a conversation remembering the life and legacy of Henry “Hank” Aaron, with his friend from Newport News, VA, Germain Favor. Germain loves history, baseball/softball and is a member of the African American Historical Society of Newport News.

In this solo episode with Host Rev. Matthew Shannon, we talk about some past authentic moments we’ve had and upcoming authentic moments (Election Day 2020 & Thanksgiving 2020). Also, we will learn the definition of true belonging as it relates to authenticity and experience an authentic moment of true belonging when Jesus was found in the temple. Host Rev. Matthew Shannon will ask you, where do you belong and are you operating in true belonging in your career, in your faith, and in yourself?

The Being Authentic Together Podcast is coming back soon for its second season. There are so many topics to talk about this season. The focus of Season 2 will cover authentic moments, authentic feelings and emotions, authentic relationships, and authentic character. There will be interviews that will press us to become our authentic self in various ways. Remember, everyday we are tempted to show a false self to the world, to our communities, and to our families and friends. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and rate 5, and get ready for an all new season of The Being Authentic Together Podcast!

In this episode, Host Rev. Shannon teaches the importance of pushing aside scarcity. We will learn the definition of scarcity and how it impacts our ability to be authentic. We will learn that we are and we have enough to be authentic. We will discover five ways to bring forth authenticity.

In this episode, Host Rev. Matthew Shannon will reflect on the history of Juneteenth, how it is relevant today, and why we are enslaved at the start. Also, we will learn the way we can convert slavery into the spirit of freedom, which represents the meaning of Juneteenth.

Have you ever wandered away from your faith? How does it make you feel when someone or something leaves you? In this special episode, we will explore why we shouldn’t let our faith leave us. Host, Rev. Matthew Shannon will share his initial sermon that he preached 25 years ago on May 28, 1995. He will give you three reasons why you shouldn’t let your faith leave you.

What dangers are you facing right now? In this episode, you will learn how to persevere through the face of danger. Host Rev. Matthew Shannon will encourage you with four ways to keep you moving forward in the midst of what you are going through.