In this episode of In The Blood, AC and Jason explore how society places different expectations on women and men—pressuring women to be visually perfect, and men to be mentally unshakable. They discuss how these standards show up in everyday life, where they come from, and the emotional toll they take.

The conversation includes a challenging question: is the stigma around men’s emotional struggles even more difficult to address than the pressure women face to look a certain way? With honesty and nuance, AC and Jason unpack the cost of perfection, the gendered assumptions we rarely question, and how we might begin letting go of expectations that were never fair to begin with.

Friendships don’t just happen—they require care, effort, and intentionality. In this episode, Jason and AC explore what it really takes to build and maintain strong platonic relationships. We discuss the importance of checking in with friends in meaningful ways, engaging in shared experiences, and becoming better listeners.

Beyond that, we reflect on our own roles in friendships—how we show up for others, how we navigate conflict, and why small gestures of appreciation matter. We also emphasize the balance between deep conversations and lighthearted moments, because strong friendships are built on both connection and fun.

Whether you're looking to strengthen an old friendship or be more intentional in new ones, this episode offers practical insights on making relationships more meaningful.

Listen now and join the conversation!

Ever had something go completely wrong at the worst possible moment? That’s exactly what happened when Jason and I recorded what we thought was an amazing episode—only to have the file corrupted beyond repair.

Instead of throwing in the towel, I’m using this moment to talk about mindfulness in the face of disappointment.

Can AI be a true friend, or is it just programmed to sound supportive? As artificial intelligence becomes more advanced, more people are turning to AI for companionship. But can it replace human connection?

In this episode of In The Blood, AC Bergen-Fischer and Jason Moore explore what makes a friendship real and whether AI can provide meaningful support. They discuss the benefits and risks of AI companionship, the psychology behind it, and what this means for the future of relationships.

Topics in this episode:

What defines real friendship?

Can AI truly understand emotions?

The pros and cons of AI companionship

Is AI friendship an illusion or the future?

Join AC and Jason as they ask: Can we trust AI to be there for us—or are we just talking to a machine?

In this episode of In The Blood, Jason and AC tackle a listener inquiry about the qualities that have kept their friendship strong through life’s many twists and turns. They reflect on the role of open communication, shared values, and mutual respect, offering candid stories that highlight the importance of loyalty and understanding. From facing disagreements to celebrating each other’s growth, they share the practical insights and emotional depth that sustain their bond. Tune in for a heartfelt exploration of what it truly takes to maintain a meaningful, long-term connection.

In this conversation, Jason and AC examine the contrast between visible risks and hidden dangers in everyday life. They discuss how clear, measurable threats can feel more controllable, while unseen risks—especially in social interactions and conflicts—often leave us vulnerable.

The dialogue challenges listeners to consider whether knowing potential risks in relationships truly empowers us or leads to over-caution that stifles genuine connection. Join this reflective discussion on how awareness and uncertainty shape our interactions and decisions.

Society often treats disabled people as either tragic figures or inspiring heroes—rarely as ordinary individuals. In this episode, I explore how this mindset can be just as harmful as outright discrimination.

Jason and AC tackle key questions about trust, forgiveness, and relationships, exploring themes like emotional self-preservation, reasonable expectations, and the impact of betrayal. They discuss rebuilding confidence, communicating effectively, and navigating vulnerability in meaningful connections.