Taking Off The Mask: Recent Episodes
Ashanti Branch
Taking Off The Mask is an experience of getting real. Providing young men and men a space to have real conversations about life, challenges, joys, heartbreak, dreams, failures, and whatever is ready to be revealed.
What keeps educators going when the system feels overwhelming? How do we balance creativity, critique, and care in classrooms where students face everything from initiative fatigue to gun violence?
In this episode, Ashanti sits down with sam seidel, educator, author, and Director of Strategy & Research at the Stanford d.school. sam has spent more than 20 years designing schools, launching youth programs, and writing about the intersections of education, identity, creativity, and justice. His most recent book, From White Folks Who Teach in the Hood (with Dr. Christopher Emdin), explores how white educators can engage in classrooms with honesty, humility, and impact.
Together, Ashanti and sam dive deep into:
- The masks educators wear: curiosity, critique, and hidden vulnerabilities
- School safety and Sam’s eye-opening experience shadowing a student during an active shooter drill
- The toll of initiative fatigue on teachers and students
- What Sam’s father (also an educator) taught him about anger as fuel for change
- Why belonging, empathy, and critical reflection matter just as much as curriculum
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How the Stanford d.school’s School Safety Net is helping schools strengthen community connection
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Sam’s reflections push us to ask: What’s our learning edge as educators? And how do we keep interrogating the parts of ourselves we often keep hidden?
Timestamps
(0:00) Welcome & Introduction
(1:12) Sam on trust, connection, and why safe conversations matter
(3:25) Sam introduces himself and his work at the Stanford d.school
(8:31) Sam’s mask: curious, critical, creative
(12:18) Vulnerability: cynicism, Jewish identity, and what he hides
(19:17) Challenges in education today: repression, book bans, and teacher fatigue
(23:44) AI, initiative overload, and why teachers feel burned out
(25:14) Sam’s experience with active shooter drills and school safety
(33:08) Why student connection isn’t “extra”, it’s life-saving
(44:30) Lessons from his father: anger as fuel for teaching
(47:15) Sam shares his books & resources
Connect with sam seidel
Website: samseidel.isBooks: From White Folks Who Teach in the Hood, Hip Hop Genius 2.0, Creative Hustle, and more
Join/Contribute to our Young Men’s Conference: https://everforwardclub.org/global-young-mens-conference-2025
Join our Skool Community: https://www.skool.com/efc-young-mens-advocates-2345
—
Email us questions and comments at totmpod100@gmail.com
Create your own mask anonymously at https://millionmask.org/
Connect with Ashanti Branch: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/branchspeaks/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BranchSpeaks Twitter: https://twitter.com/BranchSpeaks LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch/ Website: https://www.branchspeaks.com/
Support the podcast and the work of the Ever Forward Club: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/branch-speaks/support
Connect with Ever Forward Club: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/everforwardclub Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/everforwardclub Twitter: https://twitter.com/everforwardclub LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-ever-forward-club/
unmaskingwithmaleeducators #millionmaskmovement #takingoffthemask #totm #educationjustice #socialemotionallearning #maskmaking
I shed 30 pounds, and I’m feeling the best I’ve felt in a while. But it was 30 difficult days - of cravings, headaches, mood swings, brain fog, fatigue, you name it… But it was necessary, and it made me think, “What would that look like for our schools? Our school districts? Our educators and their classrooms?”
Our schools and our young people are struggling. Are we willing to go through the necessary growing pains?
(0:00) Class in session
(8:15) My 30-day plant-based detox, and shedding 30 pounds of waste
(15:30) Taking in the school board superintendent resignations and the budget shortages at school districts in the Bay Area
(19:55) Speaking at a church and telling the congregation some upsetting statistics about boys and young men, and about our upcoming Young Men’s Conference
(26:00) An invitation to contribute to your community in a way that is best for you
Join/Contribute to our Young Men’s Conference: https://everforwardclub.org/global-young-mens-conference-2025
Join our Skool Community: https://www.skool.com/efc-young-mens-advocates-2345
—
Email us questions and comments at totmpod100@gmail.com
Create your own mask anonymously at https://millionmask.org/
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/branchspeaks/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch/
Website: https://www.branchspeaks.com/
Support the podcast and the work of the Ever Forward Club: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/branch-speaks/support
Connect with Ever Forward Club:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/everforwardclub
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/everforwardclub
Twitter: https://twitter.com/everforwardclub
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-ever-forward-club/
unmaskingwithmaleeducators #millionmaskmovement #takingoffthemask #totm #doace #UNWME #diaryofaconfusededucator
Do you ever wonder if you are doing enough? If you are truly making an impact as an educator, mentor, or leader? For Dr. Edson Andrade, those questions have been a constant companion, shaped by his journey as an undocumented immigrant, his experience with imposter syndrome, and his work training the next generation of counselors.
Dr. Andrade is a professor of counseling at California State University, Fullerton. He trains bilingual and bicultural counselors who are dedicated to serving Latinx communities across Southern California. His story is one of resilience, empathy, and creating spaces of belonging for students navigating complex challenges.
Today, we discuss:
- The masks we wear: imposter syndrome, fear, and self-doubt
- Growing up undocumented for 25 years and finding belonging
- The role of empathy and relationships in higher education
- Supporting immigrant and undocumented students in classrooms
- Why connection matters more than content in learning
- Advice for young men questioning their worth and place in the world
Timestamps
(0:00) Welcome & Introduction
(0:29) Dr. Andrade introduces himself
(3:25) Ashanti and Edson share their teacher personas/masks
(5:35) Edson opens up about imposter syndrome and self-doubt
(11:16) Timeline reflections and changes in higher ed
(19:17) Helping students unmask in safe and supportive ways
(23:18) Edson shares his undocumented journey
(23:18) Social-emotional intelligence in today’s graduate students
(27:45) How Edson is navigating imposter syndrome as a professor
(32:37) A reminder for teachers: pause and see the whole student
(33:07) Edson’s message to his younger self and today’s youth
Connect with Dr. Edson Andrade:
California State University, Fullerton – Counseling Program: https://ed.fullerton.edu
Join/Contribute to our Young Men’s Conference: https://everforwardclub.org/global-young-mens-conference-2025
Join our Skool Community: https://www.skool.com/efc-young-mens-advocates-2345
—
Email us questions and comments at totmpod100@gmail.com
Create your own mask anonymously at https://millionmask.org/
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/branchspeaks/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch/
Website: https://www.branchspeaks.com/
Support the podcast and the work of the Ever Forward Club:
https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/branch-speaks/support
Connect with Ever Forward Club:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/everforwardclub
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/everforwardclub
Twitter: https://twitter.com/everforwardclub
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-ever-forward-club/
unmaskingwithmaleeducators #millionmaskmovement #takingoffthemask #totm #doace #UNWME #diaryofaconfusededucator
I bet there are more ways you can create productive struggle in your classroom, and you haven’t thought of them. And I bet taking in what Jerome has to say about smartphones, dopamine, and struggle will help unlock something in you as an educator.
Jerome is an educational strategist based in Seattle, Washington, who stands at the intersection of education, policy, community engagement, and young men & boys. A TED and NPR-featured educator and community leader, this is Jerome’s third time on the show!
- How Jerome works with architects and the community to design schools that promote flexibility and creativity
- Why analog tools are making a comeback in schools, and digital tools are being pulled back
- How digital technology erases productive struggle and interpersonal skills development
- Some new research on how smartphones affect students, and a new article by Jonathan Haidt
(2:30) Jerome introduces himself
(6:45) Designing school spaces for 21st-century students, and advocating for more analog learning tools
(16:00) The disappearance of productive struggle and desired difficulty
(21:30) Ashanti and Jerome share their masks/teacher personas, and some thoughts on inclusive masculinity and bravery
(34:30) Jerome’s thoughts on how to start the school year
(38:30) Jonathan Haidt and student preferences
(40:00) Student microcognitions and how educators can tackle them
(45:15) Jerome’s words of advice for male educators
Website: https://www.jeromeleehunter.com/
Join/Contribute to our Young Men’s Conference: https://everforwardclub.org/global-young-mens-conference-2025
Join our Skool Community: https://www.skool.com/efc-young-mens-advocates-2345
—
Email us questions and comments at totmpod100@gmail.com
Create your own mask anonymously at https://millionmask.org/
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/branchspeaks/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch/
Website: https://www.branchspeaks.com/
Support the podcast and the work of the Ever Forward Club: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/branch-speaks/support
Connect with Ever Forward Club:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/everforwardclub
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/everforwardclub
Twitter: https://twitter.com/everforwardclub
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-ever-forward-club/
unmaskingwithmaleeducators #millionmaskmovement #takingoffthemask #totm #doace #UNWME #diaryofaconfusededucator
We've been recruiting male educators to take part in our upcoming Young Men's Conference (details below), and the successes and difficulties in doing so have forced us to confront some important questions:
Where are all the trustworthy male educators?
What does it even mean to be a male? To be masculine?
We hope you take this exercise and exploration as a rallying cry to support your young male students. To empower them with the right choices, role models, and opportunities to create their own narrative. To build their own definition of "masculinity" in a healthy, prosocial way. Enjoy the show :)
(0:00) Class in session
(7:00) What we've learned from canvassing the community and building momentum for the Young Men's Conference
(9:30) What happens if your school campus does not have any trustworthy adult male educators?
(14:25) What is my definition of masculinity?
Join/Contribute to our Young Men’s Conference: https://everforwardclub.org/global-young-mens-conference-2025
Join our Skool Community: https://www.skool.com/efc-young-mens-advocates-2345
—
Email us questions and comments at totmpod100@gmail.com
Create your own mask anonymously at https://millionmask.org/
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/branchspeaks/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch/
Website: https://www.branchspeaks.com/
Support the podcast and the work of the Ever Forward Club: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/branch-speaks/support
Connect with Ever Forward Club:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/everforwardclub
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/everforwardclub
Twitter: https://twitter.com/everforwardclub
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-ever-forward-club/
unmaskingwithmaleeducators #millionmaskmovement #takingoffthemask #totm #doace #UNWME #diaryofaconfusededucator
I travel around the world talking to young people and educators. To start the school year, I noticed a lot of young people were leaving their work blank during my workshops. What’s behind this? Something cultural? Pedagogical? Personal? Specific to each particular school? I’m going to share what I learned for future workshops, and how you can apply the lessons of these experiences to your classroom.
(0:00) Class in session
(0:40) Background on the different schools I’ve visited to start the school year and the workshops I hold
(11:30) Activity 1 that was left blank: Dear Me
(15:30) Why are students leaning on the excuse, “I don’t know what to do.”
(19:45) Activity 2 that was left blank: The Mask
(23:40) Are students “less trusting” than ever?
(25:20) Closing notes and information on the Ever Forward Club
Join/Contribute to our Young Men’s Conference: https://everforwardclub.org/global-young-mens-conference-2025
Join our Skool Community: https://www.skool.com/efc-young-mens-advocates-2345
—
Email us questions and comments at totmpod100@gmail.com
Create your own mask anonymously at https://millionmask.org/
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/branchspeaks/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch/
Website: https://www.branchspeaks.com/
Support the podcast and the work of the Ever Forward Club: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/branch-speaks/support
Connect with Ever Forward Club:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/everforwardclub
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/everforwardclub
Twitter: https://twitter.com/everforwardclub
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-ever-forward-club/
unmaskingwithmaleeducators #millionmaskmovement #takingoffthemask #totm #doace #UNWME #diaryofaconfusededucator
Did you have a Black male teacher growing up? In high school? Middle school? Elementary school? The numbers go down as the grades get lower. But thankfully we have people like Jason.
Jason is an elementary school teacher based in San Francisco, California. He’s been teaching in some capacity for 13 plus years, and his passion for teaching is rooted in his passion for mentorship and commitment to ensuring young people have what they need for self-actualization.
Today, we discuss:
- How to guide boys and cultivate a healthy relationship with anger
- How Jason has achieved longevity in the teaching profession and made it sustainable
- How adopting a broad definition of mentorship can be liberating and lead to impact in your classroom
- Some encouraging things for male elementary school teachers at the start of this school year
(0:00) Class Session
(2:35) Jason introduces himself
(5:30) Ashanti and Jason share their teacher personas/masks
(14:00) The challenge of giving boys the space to express themselves, especially anger
(18:30) Achieving longevity in the teaching profession
(22:40) Infusing more mentoring in our communities, and embracing a broader definition of “mentor”
(32:40) Seeing former students in a mentorship role
(36:00) The role of Black male educators in elementary schools
(43:40) Jason’s message for all educators
Connect with Jason Muse:
https://linktr.ee/BlackMuze
Join/Contribute to our Young Men’s Conference: https://everforwardclub.org/global-young-mens-conference-2025
Join our Skool Community: https://www.skool.com/efc-young-mens-advocates-2345
—
Email us questions and comments at totmpod100@gmail.com
Create your own mask anonymously at https://millionmask.org/
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/branchspeaks/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch/
Website: https://www.branchspeaks.com/
Support the podcast and the work of the Ever Forward Club: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/branch-speaks/support
Connect with Ever Forward Club:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/everforwardclub
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/everforwardclub
Twitter: https://twitter.com/everforwardclub
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-ever-forward-club/
unmaskingwithmaleeducators #millionmaskmovement #takingoffthemask #totm #doace #UNWME #diaryofaconfusededucator
Russell is a middle school music and movement educator, now entering his 20th year in the profession! And with so many years of experience in the field, he has a wealth of experience with teaching frameworks, student motivation, neurodivergent thinking, and mindfulness. I really hope that you can integrate what he says today into how you approach the start of the 25/26 school year.
Today, we discuss:
- How Russell implements mindfulness practices to help himself and his students transition between school periods
- What it’s like to be a teacher with ADHD, Inattentive Type, and how being transparent about this with his students creates a warm and productive classroom community
- How Russell uses the Orff Schulwerk framework to teach music, and how it can be applied to all different school subjects
- How “leveling up” in video games can be applied in baby steps, especially in school
- Russell’s words of encouragement for male teachers starting the upcoming school year
- The importance of having someone in the building, at your school site, to share with vulnerably
(0:00) Class in session
(2:40) Russell introduces himself
(6:30) Russell and Ashanti share their teacher personas/masks
Connect with Russell Nadel:
Website: http://www.russellnadel.com
Join/Contribute to our Young Men’s Conference: https://everforwardclub.org/global-young-mens-conference-2025
Join our Skool Community: https://www.skool.com/efc-young-mens-advocates-2345
—
Email us questions and comments at totmpod100@gmail.com
Create your own mask anonymously at https://millionmask.org/
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/branchspeaks/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch/
Website: https://www.branchspeaks.com/
Support the podcast and the work of the Ever Forward Club: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/branch-speaks/support
Connect with Ever Forward Club:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/everforwardclub
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/everforwardclub
Twitter: https://twitter.com/everforwardclub
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-ever-forward-club/
unmaskingwithmaleeducators #millionmaskmovement #takingoffthemask #totm #doace #UNWME #diaryofaconfusededucator
I guarantee this episode will make you a better teacher. Practical advice, explicit tools, a clear perspective, and a way to move throughout your school site with intention - our conversation with Nicholas was exactly why we started this series.
Nicholas Ward is a middle school history teacher and Athletic Director in East Oakland, where he’s been teaching for the past seven years. He focuses on making U.S. and world history meaningful and relevant, especially for students from underserved communities; and he’s also passionate about mentorship, student leadership, and using sports and community-building as tools for growth, both in and outside the classroom. We discuss:
- How becoming a father has impacted Nicholas’s work as a teacher
- How Nicholas is intentional and consistent with his 1 on 1 check-ins with students outside of the classroom
- The mentorship program that Nicholas piloted in his school to empower students across grade levels
- How he instills the idea that “rigor is love” with his students and parents at the beginning of the year
- How Nicholas teaches history, media literacy, and primary sources in the era of “fake news”, AI, and smartphone devices
- The principles and practices that Nicholas implements to start every school year
(2:45) Nicholas introduces himself.
(4:30) Nicholas and Ashanti share their “teacher personas”
(13:00) Being both a father and a male educator
(18:30) Building relationships at the beginning of the school year
(19:00) The perfect notebook for educators
(24:50) The special mentorship program Nicholas piloted at his school
(26:20) Communicating to students and parents how “rigor is love”; pushing students to demonstrate what they’ve learned in multiple modalities
(31:55) Teaching history in the era of disinformation
(36:10) Tying civic engagement to history
(40:45) How mentorship breaks down walls - student to student, teacher to teacher, and student to teacher
(45:00) How to start the school year according to an expert
Connect with Nicholas Ward:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/captovader/
Join/Contribute to our Young Men’s Conference: https://everforwardclub.org/global-young-mens-conference-2025
Join our Skool Community: https://www.skool.com/efc-young-mens-advocates-2345
—
Email us questions and comments at totmpod100@gmail.com
Create your own mask anonymously at https://millionmask.org/
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/branchspeaks/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch/
Website: https://www.branchspeaks.com/
Support the podcast and the work of the Ever Forward Club: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/branch-speaks/support
Connect with Ever Forward Club:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/everforwardclub
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/everforwardclub
Twitter: https://twitter.com/everforwardclub
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-ever-forward-club/
unmaskingwithmaleeducators #millionmaskmovement #takingoffthemask #totm #doace #UNWME #diaryofaconfusededucator
This is essential listening to start the 2025-26 school year. And as an educator, you should be able to finish the title of this episode. If you can’t, you’re not doing an essential part of the work - listening and relationship building. Well… you came to the right place to LISTEN. Listen to AJ and Angel, two young male high schoolers that are here to lift the curtain on what makes modern day students tick. They are both members of our Young Men’s Health Group and members of the council that is setting up our Global Young Men’s Conference, and today, we discuss:
- What exactly is on students’ minds as they navigate the beginning of the school year
- What are your male students feeling but not telling you about
- The ways you can gain and lose students’ trust
- As a teacher, it’s not about OFFERING support. It’s about HOW you offer support.
- How students are actually embarrassed to be perceived as smart
- AJ and Angel do some teacher student role playing
(2:50) AJ and Angel introduce themselves
(6:40) Ashanti, AJ, and Angel share their masks.
(11:40) What teachers need to know to better serve their students
(24:40) Are young men afraid to show how smart they are?
(37:10) How to approach a disengaged student/a student facing peer pressure - an epic student-teacher role play
(43:10) Maintaining student relationships by being approachable before, during, and after class
(49:40) AJ and Angel describe their favorite teachers and the things they do that are exceptional
(52:40) Final thoughts from AJ and Angel
Join/Contribute to our Young Men’s Conference: https://everforwardclub.org/global-young-mens-conference-2025
Join our Skool Community: https://www.skool.com/efc-young-mens-advocates-2345
Email us questions and comments at totmpod100@gmail.com
Create your own mask anonymously at https://millionmask.org/
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/branchspeaks/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch/
Website: https://www.branchspeaks.com/
Support the podcast and the work of the Ever Forward Club: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/branch-speaks/support
Connect with Ever Forward Club:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/everforwardclub
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/everforwardclub
Twitter: https://twitter.com/everforwardclub
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-ever-forward-club/
unmaskingwithmaleeducators #millionmaskmovement #takingoffthemask #totm #doace #UNWME #diaryofaconfusededucator
“We need safe spaces in which guys can drop into that boyhood, that kicking the ball, or throwing the ball, or goofing around and roughhousing with each other or telling jokes, whatever it is… Because being in those moments and acting that way, I believe, takes us back to a boyhood element of ourselves, which at some point was beaten out of us… ‘That’s immature. What you’re doing, you can’t be doing. Stop!’ What that does though is it cuts us off from the bridge that takes us to those other places of vulnerability where we really do need to share from. The boyhood energy is the bridge to get to the vulnerability for us.” - Noam Raucher
Ever Forward Club’s Ashanti Branch is joined by Noam Raucher. As a spiritual coach, men’s coach, rabbi, classroom teacher, and father of two, Noam navigates many roles at home and in the community. Because of this, Noam is deeply reflective about masculinity, as it relates to his inner critic and the spiritual stories connected to the critic inside all of us. Please enjoy this engaging conversation!
(6:30) Noam introduces himself, his work in the classroom and in coaching, and his identity and Jewish faith. He and Ashanti discuss the significance of finding meaning in life, and the role education plays.
(15:00) Noam shares the front of his mask - strong, smart, compassionate.
(17:00) Ashanti shares the front of his mask - serious, intense, funny - and he and Noam discuss how they are learning to celebrate themselves and wrestle with their inner critic more often.
(29:15) Noam shares the back of his mask - depression, questionable self-worth, “stupid?”, failure.
(30:50) Ashanti shares the back of his mask - fear of failure, self-doubt, worry/letting go.
(37:00) Noam and Ashanti discuss and dissect all of the markers of traditional masculinity that are reinforced by what our culture defines as attractive.
(48:30) Then, Noam and Ashanti consider what it really means to be on a team, and what it would take for men to be more open to asking for help.
(52:00) Noam shares some last words for the listeners and how you can reach out to him.
Connect with Noam Raucher:
Website: RabbiRaucher.com
Facebook: facebook.com/noam.raucher
Instagram: instagram.com/noamraucher
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/noam-raucher-20933b164
Join/Contribute to our Young Men’s Conference: https://everforwardclub.org/global-young-mens-conference-2025
Join our Skool Community: https://www.skool.com/efc-young-mens-advocates-2345
Email us questions and comments at totmpod100@gmail.com
Create your own mask anonymously at https://millionmask.org/
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/branchspeaks/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch/
Website: https://www.branchspeaks.com/
Support the podcast and the work of the Ever Forward Club: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/branch-speaks/support
Connect with Ever Forward Club:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/everforwardclub
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/everforwardclub
Twitter: https://twitter.com/everforwardclub
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-ever-forward-club/
unmaskingwithmaleeducators #millionmaskmovement #takingoffthemask #totm #doace #UNWME #diaryofaconfusededucator
“When we can look young people in the eye, and see who they are, and tell them that they matter, and show them a book, and spark their imagination, and be right there… That’s the thing. Going through the experience with them, build up their confidence… Put a battery in their back. They need that. Everybody needs that. That little bird that’s about to jump off the nest, I’m sure the little bird needs a little bit of encouragement from big momma bird, like, ‘You got this, baby.’” - Amil Cook
Ever Forward Club’s Ashanti Branch is joined by Amil Cook. As a Hip-Hop educator and technologist, Amil teaches students and educators how to use their personal and historical narratives to increase self-efficacy, well-being, and capacity through the use of new media and technology. Amil is passionate about unlocking the unlimited potential of youth. He is able to see this potential, in part, because he is aware of his own emotions and, specifically, resentments that he is harboring and processing. We hope you enjoy this episode and enjoy learning how Amil’s masks apply to his talents as an educator.
(1:30) Ashanti’s introduction.
(7:50) Amil and Ashanti look back on their South by Southwest experience. Then, Amil introduces himself, his work, and his mission.
(13:20) Ashanti shares the front of his mask - dedicated, determined, caring - and how he manages the big expectations he has for himself.
(16:20) Amil shares the front of his mask - thoughtful, optimistic, caring - and how positivity moves him into action.
(22:35) Ashanti shares the back of his mask - worry, getting old, fear.
(25:40) Amil shares the back of his mask - resentful, mistrustful, scared - and how he is learning to let go of some of his resentments.
(31:50) Amil and Ashanti observe and analyze certain resentments that can build up in the youth. And they discuss the flip side - all the different types of encouragement we can give kids.
(38:50) Amil shares the level of emotional intelligence he’s observing in the youth in Pittsburgh.
(44:50) Amil looks back on his youth and how he was motivated to enter the world of education. And he shares a story about his work in South Africa.
(51:05) Amil delivers a final message to the youth.
Connect with Amil Cook:
Social Media and Podcast: linktr.ee/amilcook
BootUp PGH: instagram.com/bootuppgh
Hip Hop Ed: instagram.com/hiphoped
Join our Skool Community: https://www.skool.com/efc-young-mens-advocates-2345
Email us questions and comments at totmpod100@gmail.com
Create your own mask anonymously at https://millionmask.org/
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/branchspeaks/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch/
Website: https://www.branchspeaks.com/
Support the podcast and the work of the Ever Forward Club: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/branch-speaks/support
Connect with Ever Forward Club:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/everforwardclub
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/everforwardclub
Twitter: https://twitter.com/everforwardclub
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-ever-forward-club/
unmaskingwithmaleeducators #millionmaskmovement #takingoffthemask #totm #doace #UNWME #diaryofaconfusededucator
“It’s been a very challenging time and my way of coping with this adversity has been through humor. I think a lot of people have been using humor as a coping mechanism because it’s a hard time, and you need to be able to laugh about it or see the absurdity in it.” - Arturo Aviña
Ever Forward Club’s Ashanti Branch is joined by Arturo Aviña. As a Los Angeles-based theatre teacher, Arturo found his calling within education by first experimenting with incorporating film and theatre into his lessons. Now, he also uses his skills to create satirical content on social media to chronicle what its like working in education today. Arturo is a testament to the fact that humor has the power to get us through hard times and advocate change in our world for the better. We hope you enjoy learning about his masks!
(0:00) Ashanti’s introduction.
(7:00) Arturo introduces himself and his journey in education - specifically, how he arrived at teaching theatre.
(12:00) Arturo and Ashanti discuss how the masks of acting apply to the masks of real life.
(16:30) Ashanti shares the front of his mask - funny, serious, hard-working, caring - and how opposing characteristics occupy the front of his mask.
(21:15) Arturo shares the front of his mask - funny, friendly, creative, serious.
(24:00) Ashanti shares the back of his mask - self-doubt, fear of failure, my brother’s mental health/my sadness about it - and some of the self-evaluation that he has been doing around sharing his voice with the world and supporting his brother.
(30:00) Arturo shares the back of his mask - anxiety, doubt, fear - and gives some advice to Ashanti along the way.
(38:30) Arturo shares his perspective on humor in the classroom, education-based humor, and humor as a form of coping.
(46:30) Ashanti and Arturo take time to appreciate teachers and analyze how the public has viewed teachers.
(51:00) Arturo shares how you can get in touch with him, and shares his final message for the audience.
Connect with Arturo Aviña:
Instagram: instagram.com/schooledbyarturo
Tik Tok: tiktok.com/discover/schoolbyarturo
Twitter: twitter.com/schooledbyart
Join our Skool Community: https://www.skool.com/efc-young-mens-advocates-2345
Email us questions and comments at totmpod100@gmail.com
Create your own mask anonymously at https://millionmask.org/
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/branchspeaks/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch/
Website: https://www.branchspeaks.com/
Support the podcast and the work of the Ever Forward Club: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/branch-speaks/support
Connect with Ever Forward Club:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/everforwardclub
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/everforwardclub
Twitter: https://twitter.com/everforwardclub
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-ever-forward-club/
unmaskingwithmaleeducators #millionmaskmovement #takingoffthemask #totm #doace #UNWME #diaryofaconfusededucator
“Life is impermanent. And that doesn’t mean that we’re not important or what we contribute to life is not important. The institutions we create are not going to live forever. But the energy, the way we live - this will live on forever.” - Alfredo Mathew III
Ever Forward Club’s Ashanti Branch is joined by Alfredo Mathew III. Alfredo is the co-founder of ESO Ventures, an entrepreneurial support organization focused on providing the confidence, competence, and capital for any Black and Brown person to become an entrepreneur. With over 20 years of experience in New York City and California public schools, Alfredo has followed in his father's footsteps, but found a path within his family's journey that allowed him to be his best self. We hope you enjoy this episode and learn more about how family heritage and legacy have shaped Alfredo's mask.
(2:00) Ashanti’s introduction.
(6:30) Alfredo introduces himself and his heritage, and shares the best thing he’s ever written in his entire life. Then, he and Ashanti discuss fathers, the idea of a father, and how these things played a role in their lives.
(19:00) Alfredo and Ashanti look back on how they met and their teaching careers.
(32:20) Ashanti shares the front of his mask - serious, caring, dedicated.
(39:00) Alfredo shares the front of his mask - hustler, dreamer, competent.
(42:20) Ashanti shares the back of his mask - fear of failure, sadness, not enough.
(48:00) Alfredo shares the back of his mask - undervalued, fear of failure, chip on my shoulder.
(55:00) Alfredo shares how you can reach him, and talks more about ESO Ventures.
Connect with Alfredo Mathew III:
Website: https://www.alfredomathew.com/
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/alfredomathew
Email: Alfredo@eso-ventures.com
Contribute to our Dance-a-thon fundraiser: https://charity.pledgeit.org/EFC-DanceAThon
Join our Skool Community: https://www.skool.com/efc-young-mens-advocates-2345
Email us questions and comments at totmpod100@gmail.com
Create your own mask anonymously at https://millionmask.org/
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/branchspeaks/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch/
Website: https://www.branchspeaks.com/
Support the podcast and the work of the Ever Forward Club: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/branch-speaks/support
Connect with Ever Forward Club:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/everforwardclub
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/everforwardclub
Twitter: https://twitter.com/everforwardclub
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-ever-forward-club/
unmaskingwithmaleeducators #millionmaskmovement #takingoffthemask #totm #doace #UNWME #diaryofaconfusededucator
Original Air Date: May 16, 2023
“What keeps me hopeful is our students. Our students and our youth, they’re fearless; they’re committed; they’re open-minded. They have always been the anchor to the work that I do. When they realize that they’ve got adults that care for them and that believe in them, they give it right back. That’s something that I’m really grateful for.”
Ever Forward Club’s Ashanti Branch is joined by Jerome Hunter. Jerome is the co-founder and Chief Academic Officer at Seattle School for Boys. A proponent of healthy masculinity and its importance in an equitable society, Jerome is passionate about supporting young people to dismantle systems of oppression in education and build equitable futures. This conversation is about how we achieve these goals; specifically, it’s about the things we may take for granted when trying to achieve them. A teacher may believe in this mission, but do they know themselves well enough to carry it out and lead a classroom effectively? That’s where the mask comes in…
(3:55) Jerome introduces himself and his work in schools and with boys.
(5:45) Jerome shares the front of his mask - driven, funny, kind.
(8:05) Ashanti shares the front of his mask - dedicated, serious, funny.
(12:25) Ashanti finds the through-line in all of the masks he’s made over the years. Then, he and Jerome discuss what behaviors they are seeing in young boys in 2023.
(23:50) Jerome shares the back of his mask - imposter syndrome, anxious, sad.
(31:45) Ashanti shares the back of his mask - sadness, worry, self-doubt - and he remembers his grandmother.
(37:05) Then, Jerome and Ashanti discuss how teachers, students, and administrators can bring their full selves to school and coexist in a supportive, loving manner.
(51:45) Jerome shares why he got into the field of education and how you can get in touch with him.
Connect with Jerome Hunter:
Website: seattleschoolforboys.org
Website: jeromeleehunter.com
Instagram: instagram.com/seattleschoolforboys
Instagram: instagram.com/hunterj33
Join our Skool Community: https://www.skool.com/efc-young-mens-advocates-2345
Email us questions and comments at totmpod100@gmail.com
Create your own mask anonymously at https://millionmask.org/
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/branchspeaks/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch/
Website: https://www.branchspeaks.com/
Support the podcast and the work of the Ever Forward Club: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/branch-speaks/support
Connect with Ever Forward Club:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/everforwardclub
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/everforwardclub
Twitter: https://twitter.com/everforwardclub
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-ever-forward-club/
unmaskingwithmaleeducators #millionmaskmovement #takingoffthemask #totm #doace #UNWME #diaryofaconfusededucator
Original air date: April 30th, 2024
Video Episode: https://youtu.be/-NwPW3-a688
@donofriend or Donovan Taylor Hall, joins Ashanti Branch, a master educator with 20+ years of experience in schools, to talk about what they are reflecting on as educators and what they’re seeing in the halls of modern-day schools. Donovan is an experienced teacher and positive youth development expert who travels around the country speaking at schools and pushing into classrooms. Learn more about him in season 1, episode 152.
Topics include: video games, core values, extrinsic/intrinsic motivation, “call-out” vs. “call-in”, “book smart” vs. “street smart”, being a warm demander, and shared humanity amongst teachers and students.
(0:00) Welcome!
(1:30) Donovan and Ashanti introduce themselves.
(4:00) Student behavior, engagement, and distractions
(7:00) Video games and what they teach us about students
(11:00) Making education entertaining
(15:00) Extrinsic vs. intrinsic motivation
(17:00) Core values(25:00) Safe vs. unsafe schools; accountability
(30:00) Warm demander - running out of warm
(34:00) When to “call-out” students, and desire for attention(40:00) “Book smart” vs. “Street smart”
(43:00) Getting teachers more classroom management tools
(45:00) Teachers showing humanity; dropping ego
Connect with Donovan Taylor Hall:
Website: www.donovantaylorhall.com
Instagram, TikTok, Youtube: @donofriend
Create your own mask anonymously at https://millionmask.org/
Email us questions and comments at totmpod100@gmail.com
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/branchspeaks/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch/
Website: https://www.branchspeaks.com/
Support the podcast and the work of the Ever Forward Club: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/branch-speaks/support
Connect with Ever Forward Club:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/everforwardclub
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/everforwardclub
Twitter: https://twitter.com/everforwardclub
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-ever-forward-club/
TakingOff TheMask #millionmaskmovement #youarenotalone #podcast #podcastersofinstagram #pod #podcasts #podcastlife #podcaster #teachersofinstagram #teacherlife #education #educationmatters #educationispower #vulnerability #selfimprovement #mentalhealthawareness #madeonzencastr #vulnerabilityisstrength #mensmentalhealth #menswellness #lessonplan #lessonplanning #teachingmethods #teaching #productivestruggle #highschool #highschoolteacher #socialemotionallearning #middleschool #middleschoolteacher #videogames #corevalues #intrinsicmotivation #intrinsicvalue #booksmart #streetsmart #schoolcommunity #classroommanagement
Congratulations on another school year! As you enjoy the summertime, we have somewhat of a gift for you in anticipation of what's to come... A few things that will transform your classroom and your school in the Fall.
Enjoy your time off (if you're taking it), but keep these three things on the back of your mind.
- The Young Men’s Conference is going global (1:00)
- The First Week of School - Brought to you by the Million Mask Movement (5:45)
- The new season of the podcast launches in the Fall, and there's an archival podcast this Summer (8:30)
Contribute to our Dance-a-thon fundraiser: https://charity.pledgeit.org/EFC-DanceAThon
Join our Skool Community: https://www.skool.com/efc-young-mens-advocates-2345
Email us questions and comments at totmpod100@gmail.com
Create your own mask anonymously at https://millionmask.org/
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/branchspeaks/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch/
Website: https://www.branchspeaks.com/
Support the podcast and the work of the Ever Forward Club: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/branch-speaks/support
Connect with Ever Forward Club:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/everforwardclub
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/everforwardclub
Twitter: https://twitter.com/everforwardclub
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-ever-forward-club/
unmaskingwithmaleeducators #millionmaskmovement #takingoffthemask #totm #doace #UNWME #diaryofaconfusededucator
It seems to be that more often in life, we find our selves in that vicious cycle of burning out, then numbing out, only to burnout and numb out even more. It's safe to say this especially applies to teachers.
Even the PhDs of the world, like today's guest, Brendan, find themselves in that cycle. Brendan is a sociologist who specializes in the social-emotional development and well-being of boys and men, and how that intersects with the well-being of others. Brendan has a PhD in Education from the University of Edinburgh, and was formerly a highschool teacher in Vancouver, Canada.
Today, we discuss:
- How each of us has dealt with (or not dealt with) burnout as we navigate the field of education
- The challenge of trigger warnings, and how they undermine the courageous and dangerous conversations required to do great teaching
- How students and teachers alike fall prey to smartphone soothing, and how it affects your classroom
(0:00) Class in session
(2:11) Brendan introduces himself
(5:40) Brendan and Ashanti share their masks, i.e., their teaching personas
(18:00) The guilt we develop from teaching in a wealthy school district
(24:00) Differences between college students and high school students
(27:00) Trigger warnings remove discomfort from good education opportunities
(33:00) Teachers will traumatize students, but it’s more important to know how to repair
(36:45) Smartphone soothing and numbing is dangerous
(44:00) How to find Brendan
Connect with Brendan Kwiatkowski-Hartman
Website/Newsletter: https://remasculine.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/re.masculine/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@remasculine
Contribute to our Dance-a-thon fundraiser: https://charity.pledgeit.org/EFC-DanceAThon
Join our Skool Community: https://www.skool.com/efc-young-mens-advocates-2345
Email us questions and comments at totmpod100@gmail.com
Create your own mask anonymously at https://millionmask.org/
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/branchspeaks/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch/
Website: https://www.branchspeaks.com/
Support the podcast and the work of the Ever Forward Club: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/branch-speaks/support
Connect with Ever Forward Club:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/everforwardclub
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/everforwardclub
Twitter: https://twitter.com/everforwardclub
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-ever-forward-club/
unmaskingwithmaleeducators #millionmaskmovement #takingoffthemask #totm #doace #UNWME #diaryofaconfusededucator
“If we give our children sound self-love, they will be able to deal with whatever life puts before them.”- bell hooks
Harry Jamerson teaches 5th grade in San Francisco Unified School District, and he shared this quote with us before our conversation. After talking to him, I could tell he truly lives by bell hooks’ words. When it comes to self-love and emotional intellgence, Harry is keen on when to intervene, when to step back, and the PRESENCE required to make the right decision as an educator.
Today, we discuss:
- The unique levels of fatigue that Black male educators endure
- How young students are “overexposed and underexplained” to this one major societal issue, and how it affects their behavior
- The importance of WAITING to intervene, so that young students learn how to process their emotions and big feelings
(0:00) Class in session
(2:16) Harry introduces himself and how he became a teacher
(7:00) How Harry and Ashanti let their students and fellow educators see them, and what they don’t let them see
(14:00) Empathy fatigue and how it affects educators, and especially Black men
(23:00) Overexposed and underexplained: how technology is affecting young students
(33:20) Students who need the most love ask for it in the most unloving ways
(37:50) Twenty-year conversations: technology, interventions, and overwhelming systemic issues in education
(40:45) Letting a student “crash out” at a kickball game
(44:30) Avoid intervening too quickly and allow students to process their emotions
Connect with Harry Jamerson:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/harry-jamerson-72b1672b7/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hellacoolfotos/
Contribute to our Dance-a-thon fundraiser: https://charity.pledgeit.org/EFC-DanceAThon
Join our Skool Community: https://www.skool.com/efc-young-mens-advocates-2345
Email us questions and comments at totmpod100@gmail.com
Create your own mask anonymously at https://millionmask.org/
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/branchspeaks/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch/
Website: https://www.branchspeaks.com/
Support the podcast and the work of the Ever Forward Club: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/branch-speaks/support
Connect with Ever Forward Club:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/everforwardclub
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/everforwardclub
Twitter: https://twitter.com/everforwardclub
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-ever-forward-club/
unmaskingwithmaleeducators #millionmaskmovement #takingoffthemask #totm #doace #UNWME #diaryofaconfusededucator
As an educator in the community, how long is long enough? This past weekend was the Ever Forward Club’s Dance-A-Thon, the latest version of a community event that’s been going on every Memorial Day weekend for the past 21 years straight.
Barely anyone showed up.
Emotions from the day were polarized, to say the least - great connections, poor sense of relevance to the community and young people we are trying to serve. When is it time to turn the page for the sake of your students? And what self-talk was going on in my head the whole time, and how similar is it to the self-talk I’ve been seeing from students around the country?
(0:00) Class in session
(3:30) Letting go of a 21-year-old community tradition
(14:55) The positive side of our community event and the young men I met
(20:30) Self-talk - what students say to themselves affects their ability to be their best at school
(26:50) Through this work for students and educators, we are going to…
Contribute to our Dance-a-thon fundraiser: https://charity.pledgeit.org/EFC-DanceAThon
Join our Skool Community: https://www.skool.com/efc-young-mens-advocates-2345
Email us questions and comments at totmpod100@gmail.com
Create your own mask anonymously at https://millionmask.org/
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/branchspeaks/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch/
Website: https://www.branchspeaks.com/
Support the podcast and the work of the Ever Forward Club: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/branch-speaks/support
Connect with Ever Forward Club:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/everforwardclub
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/everforwardclub
Twitter: https://twitter.com/everforwardclub
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-ever-forward-club/
A rush of memories are flowing through my head. They’ve arrived for one reason in particular - on May 28th, 2025, I’m releasing a book that I’ve been dreaming of writing for 15 years. And though it’s been 15 years, the book is really 21 years in the making - 21 years as an educator.
I’m going to read three passages from different stages of my teaching career - selected because this book release has sparked a these particular memories. The last passage is from the upcoming book, “Diary of a Confused Educator.”
(0:00) Class in session
(1:15) Book announcement, and my experience teaching at a well-resourced school while my heart was still in Oakland
(15:30) First reading - My first day and my first semester ever as a teacher
(20:00) Second reading - The founding document of the Ever Forward Club - inviting students to join a school club
(30:50) Third reading - “The Five Paragraph Essay” - chapter 4 from my new book “Diary of a Confused Educator”
Contribute to our Dance-a-thon fundraiser: https://charity.pledgeit.org/EFC-DanceAThon
Join our Skool Community: https://www.skool.com/efc-young-mens-advocates-2345
Email us questions and comments at totmpod100@gmail.com
Create your own mask anonymously at https://millionmask.org/
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/branchspeaks/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch/
Website: https://www.branchspeaks.com/
Support the podcast and the work of the Ever Forward Club: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/branch-speaks/support
Connect with Ever Forward Club:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/everforwardclub
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/everforwardclub
Twitter: https://twitter.com/everforwardclub
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-ever-forward-club/
“If I want to be effective in this, I got to know what it feels like to be a body in pain - really - and wrestle with whatever pain is arising from me. Because if I’m not in touch with that, how can I be really anything but a fake for somebody else as they’re going through it?”
Sitting with pain. Getting close to your resentment. All with the goal of helping others. This is the crux of Dr. Bill Penuel’s work, an educator at the University of Colorado, Boulder, and the co-author of a new book, “Creating Compassionate Change in School Communities: Leading Together to Address Everyday Suffering in Schools”. Today, we discuss:
- How to shift your relationship to pain in order to best serve yourself and your students
- How educators can put self-compassion into action
- What does skillful care look like for children who are systemically marginalized?
- What is an “inside-out” approach to school change?
(0:00) Class in session
(2:00) Bill introduces himself
(3:40) Bill and Ashanti share their teacher personas
(11:20) Applying “contemplative practice” and “meditation” to teaching and education
(12:30) Getting close to your resentment
(17:20) Sitting with your pain and suffering in order to help others
(22:00) Working as a bouncer and what it teaches you about servicing others
(29:00) Finding common humanity, and how it helps navigating difficult situations
(34:50) Critical Care - an important subject in the field of education
(39:00) Deservingness gets in the way of compassion
(41:30) Bill’s approach to helping boys in schools and confirming dignity
(51:00) Bill’s book and where to find it
Connect with Bill Penuel:
Bill’s book: https://www.colorado.edu/crowninstitute/compassionate-change-schools-book
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bill-penuel-8069b5/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crowninstitutecu
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CrownInstituteCU
Contribute to our Dance-a-thon fundraiser: https://charity.pledgeit.org/EFC-DanceAThon
Join our Skool Community: https://www.skool.com/efc-young-mens-advocates-2345
Email us questions and comments at totmpod100@gmail.com
Create your own mask anonymously at https://millionmask.org/
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/branchspeaks/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch/
Website: https://www.branchspeaks.com/
Support the podcast and the work of the Ever Forward Club: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/branch-speaks/support
Connect with Ever Forward Club:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/everforwardclub
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/everforwardclub
Twitter: https://twitter.com/everforwardclub
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-ever-forward-club/
I recently attended RestorED: A Healing Experience for Educators - a collaboration between our nonprofit, the Ever Forward Club, and The Find Design, a nonprofit based in Nashville, Tennessee. During this experience, I made profound connections with great teachers, like Ms. Kayla. She’s been a rock for her students after the school shooting at Antioch H.S., in Nashville. Listen to hear what I took from this experience.
This episode was inspired by my conversation with Justin Haas. Check it out here: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/branch-speaks/episodes/22--For-White-Folks-Who-Teach-in-the-Hood---w-Justin-Haas--Organizer--Educator--Anti-Oppressor-Community-Cultivator-e30vuhr
(0:00) Class in session
(1:00) Educator rejuvenation/restoration in Nashville, TN
(4:30) A teacher who lived through a school shooting - Antioch High School
(10:15) Modeling the behavior you desire for your students
(13:00) Math, art, and using talents to cover weaknesses
(19:45) Diary of Confused Educator announcement
Contribute to our Dance-a-thon fundraiser: https://charity.pledgeit.org/EFC-DanceAThon
Join our Skool Community: https://www.skool.com/efc-young-mens-advocates-2345
Email us questions and comments at totmpod100@gmail.com
Create your own mask anonymously at https://millionmask.org/
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/branchspeaks/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
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Here's an excellent way to build culture and create buy-in at your school/classroom: rites of passage. What rites of passage are appropriate for your students? What are some values to hone in on as you create rites of passage experiences for your students? What are some outside resources you can point families toward? Listen to find out!
This episode was inspired by my conversation with Jordan Bowman. Check it out here: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/branch-speaks/episodes/14--School-Community-Partnerships-How-Male-Volunteers-and-Mentors-Completely-Change-the-Dynamic-of-a-School---w-Jordan-Bowman--Community-Leader--Executive-Director--Journeymen-e2uecj4
(0:00) Class in session
(1:20) What is a rite of passage?
(6:20) Western Adolescence and how it plays out in school
(8:00) Rites of Passage for teachers
(15:00) How these rites of passage are subjective and vary culture to culture
(20:00) Recollecting a beautiful Journeymen Rites of Passage weekend
(23:00) Rites of Passage resources
Resources:
Warrior Films: https://warriorfilms.org/rites-of-passage/press-kit/
Mentoring: https://www.mentoring.org/take-action/find-a-mentor/
Youth Passageways: https://www.youthpassageways.org/
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It’s all over the news. It’s everywhere in our art. Young boys are a lightning rod in our national conversation. And that puts a lot of pressure on you as an educator. So how do you deal? What kinds of behaviors are you observing in your classroom? And what conversations do you need to be having around your school community?
(0:00) Class in session
(2:00) Young boys are in the news. What’s going on?
(3:00) Should “Adolescence” be screened in schools?
(5:00) The White Lotus, Tim Ratliff
(8:50) Kyren Lacy and his father
(11:00) Frisco, TX and Karmelo Anthony
(14:00) Lessons from my mentor
(17:30) What can adults do about this?
(18:55) Emoji’s in Adolescence, and learning from young people
(20:55) Action items for educators
Contribute to our Dance-a-thon fundraiser: https://charity.pledgeit.org/EFC-DanceAThon
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Website: https://www.branchspeaks.com/
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“Nothing personal, it’s just business.” What teachers need to understand is the “business” of school is social capital. So when teachers have a student challenging them, disrespecting them, putting on a show in their classroom… it’s nothing personal. It’s not even about you.
Our guest, Dr. Matt Englar-Carlson, a veteran in the public school system, knows a thing or two about navigating these types of interactions. Today, we discuss:
- How to “advocate” for students, instead of “fix them”
- How anti-social behaviors are never “personal” and always “interpersonal”
- How education was fundamentally changed in the year 2012
- The one prosocial behavior you can adopt as an educator… to help you better connect with male students
(0:00) Class in session
(2:00) Matt introduces himself
(7:30) “Fixing” vs. “advocating for” kids
(10:00) School staff shortages and all the issues that come with it
(17:00) When boys act out, it’s not about you
(21:00) How do men in education help boys?
(28:00) A student office referral story
(36:10) The motivation of future teachers to smash the system
(39:00) Netflix’s Adolescence and the influence of smartphones
(47:00) Matt’s work and conference
Connect with Matt-Englar Carlson:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drmattec/
Website: https://experts.fullerton.edu/expert?SubjectID=44&ExpertID=588
Website: https://www.getmental.com/
Contribute to our Dance-a-thon fundraiser: https://charity.pledgeit.org/EFC-DanceAThon
Join our Skool Community: https://www.skool.com/efc-young-mens-advocates-2345
Email us questions and comments at totmpod100@gmail.com
Create your own mask anonymously at https://millionmask.org/
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/branchspeaks/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch/
Website: https://www.branchspeaks.com/
Support the podcast and the work of the Ever Forward Club: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/branch-speaks/support
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There's a poster that should be in every classroom in America. It's called "The Learning Pit" by James Nottingham. The "adult" version of this concept is called the "Dunning- Kruger" effect. Look them up!
In this episode, we break down what it all means and how you can implement it in your classroom. It seriously should be in every classroom.
This episode was inspired by my conversation with Roni Habib. Check it out here: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/branch-speaks/episodes/16--Foster-the-Joy-of-Learning-in-Your-School---w-Roni-Habib--Founder--EQ-Schools--Speaker-e2v2lfd
(0:00) Class in session
(1:05) Reflecting on my conversation with Roni Habib, and taking high school classes as a middle schooler
(5:50) Teaching students who “don’t like school”
(8:38) The Dunning-Kruger Effect for educators and students, and growth mindset
(14:55) I was not a good teacher
(15:55) My slope of enlightenment was…
(18:10) An inspiring school in Mexico
(21:30) The Learning Pit poster should be in all schools
(23:40) Netflix’s Adolescence
(25:50) Final thoughts on EQ - emotional intelligence
Contribute to our Dance-a-thon fundraiser: https://charity.pledgeit.org/EFC-DanceAThon
Join our Skool Community: https://www.skool.com/efc-young-mens-advocates-2345
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Website: https://www.branchspeaks.com/
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“The kids are watching. The kids see everything. If you can act and model what type of person you want them to be, that’s going to be way better than teaching them about a person you want them to be. If you can be the one who’s vulnerable first, if you can show other emotions, if you can meet them half way emotionally, that may be an opportunity for them to let their guard down, for them to see connection, and then be able to attend to the work that you want them to do.”
Easier said than done? Well, spend some time with Justin Haas - Organizer, Educator, Reproductive Rights Advocate, Anti-Oppressor Community Cultivator. Take in his energy, and maybe it’ll all start to make sense. It’s not about how you “act” as a teacher; rather, it’s about how you “be.”
In this conversation, Justin masterfully articulates what it takes to be a great teacher. Today, we discuss:
- How to see through the performative behaviors that take place in school (By the way, this applies to both students and teachers)
- What it means (as a teacher) to love before you listen
- Important considerations for those “white folks teaching in the hood”
(0:00) Class in session
(2:10) Justin introduces himself
(11:00) Justin and Ashanti’s teacher personas
(19:00) Being a member of the “White folks who teach in the hood” trope
(23:15) Love before you listen
(26:00) Tested by students in Sacramento
(32:00) Teachers need to have short-term memory loss
(46:00) Teaching during the Trump Administration
(53:00) Defunding the Department of Education and “States' Rights”
(1:06:00) Justin’s message for male educators
Connect with Justin Haas:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-haas-231491229/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cannotbeneutral/
Join our Skool Community: https://www.skool.com/efc-young-mens-advocates-2345
Contribute to our Dance-a-thon fundraiser: https://charity.pledgeit.org/EFC-DanceAThon
Email us questions and comments at totmpod100@gmail.com
Create your own mask anonymously at https://millionmask.org/
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/branchspeaks/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch/
Website: https://www.branchspeaks.com/
Support the podcast and the work of the Ever Forward Club: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/branch-speaks/support
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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-ever-forward-club/
What do Andrew Tate’s return, Netflix’s “Adolescence”, the film “Manodrome”, and the Department of Education shutdown all have in common? I break it down here - why it’s harder than ever to combat bullying in our school communities - and I provide a fundamental approach that I take. Hopefully all educators can apply this at their school site once they listen to this.
This episode was inspired by my conversation with Trevor Slater. Check it out here: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/branch-speaks/episodes/18--The-Solution-to-the-Manosphere-Male-Educators---with-Trevor-Slater--Alternative-Education-Teacher-e2vn32p
(0:00) Class in session
(1:25) Andrew Tate returns to the US, and what that teaches our young boys
(5:55) A middle school Andrew Tate fan, and what I learned
(11:30) Netflix’s Adolescence and the movie Manodrome
(13:10) Eliminating the Department of Education will make the “manosphere” stronger and more prevalent in schools
(16:00) My prediction was worse than correct - Department of Education layoffs and some stats about that
(20:45) Parker Palmer’s tragic gap
(25:00) “I didn’t know what they were watching.”
(27:00) Information about our Dance-a-thon
Contribute to our Dance-a-thon fundraiser: https://charity.pledgeit.org/EFC-DanceAThon
Join our Skool Community: https://www.skool.com/efc-young-mens-advocates-2345
Email us questions and comments at totmpod100@gmail.com
Create your own mask anonymously at https://millionmask.org/
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/branchspeaks/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch/
Website: https://www.branchspeaks.com/
Support the podcast and the work of the Ever Forward Club: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/branch-speaks/support
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It still breaks my heart to think about him, which is why I’ve never talked about him on this channel. But it’s time for you to learn about Arturo. He represents everything about why I became a teacher and the lengths we have to go to be a great educator.
This episode was inspired by Carlos Moreno and his Leadership Journeys. Check out my conversation with Carlos Moreno, episode 17.
(1:20) A beautiful leadership story prompts me to look back on my teaching career
(5:20) A supernatural experience while mourning the loss of one of my students
(13:45) What it’s like starting a community for boys in high school, while still being a full-time teacher
(17:45) Healing father wounds and abandonment issues with teenage boys
(22:10) Convincing school administration to do a major community service event
(26:25) Find your leadership soul, and other updates
Episode 17 with Carlos Moreno: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/branch-speaks/episodes/17--Why-We-Need-More-Black-Male-Educators---with-Carlos-Moreno--Educator--Co-Executive-Director--Big-Picture-Learning-e2vck3p
Join our Skool Community: https://www.skool.com/efc-young-mens-advocates-2345
Email us questions and comments at totmpod100@gmail.com
Create your own mask anonymously at https://millionmask.org/
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/branchspeaks/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch/
Website: https://www.branchspeaks.com/
Support the podcast and the work of the Ever Forward Club: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/branch-speaks/support
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Staff at the Department of Education were told this: “Don’t come in tomorrow.” There’s a lot of rumors that Donald Trump is make major cuts to the Department of Education in his next round of Executive Orders. Most people don’t know what the Department of Education does, so what’s the big deal? Listen and learn about all the things the department does - that you’ve been taking for granted.
I talked about this two months ago with Jason Biehl.
(0:00) The Department of Education is not allowing employees to come into the office on March 12, 2025
(4:10) 4 ways that students’ and educators’ lives will be affected if the Department of Education is dissolved
(9:30) What DOGE and the conservative movement is not telling you, and how they are not listening to teachers
(12:30) Is anyone really fighting for what’s right for our children and their learning?
(13:25) Censuring Representative Al Green, and how evil does not take breaks
(17:50) Schools are falling apart and sometimes you need to break the rules to get things done, like Al Green
(22:55) Final thoughts on what the Department of Education provides - and why it makes no sense to take it away
The NEA Article I am reading from: https://www.nea.org/nea-today/all-news-articles/how-dismantling-department-education-would-harm-students
The letter sent out to Department of Education staff: https://x.com/saraecook/status/1899527022088515913?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Etweet
Episode 11 with Jason Biehl: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/branch-speaks/episodes/11--Project-2025--Donald-Trumps-next-term--and-how-it-will-affect-your-life-as-an-educator---w-Jason-Biehl-e2tgk6g
Join our Skool Community: https://www.skool.com/efc-young-mens-advocates-2345
Email us questions and comments at totmpod100@gmail.com
Create your own mask anonymously at https://millionmask.org/
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/branchspeaks/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch/
Website: https://www.branchspeaks.com/
Support the podcast and the work of the Ever Forward Club: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/branch-speaks/support
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Donald Trump, Andrew Tate, Jordan Peterson. Truth be told, these are the men that are winning the eyes and ears of young men right now. So what’s it’ like being a male teacher in this atmosphere, and what are some things you can do to combat these antisocial forces? Trevor Slater, a master teacher of 17 years, has some answers to this question. And when Trevor speaks, he’s always taken the time before hand to consider the issues with incredible depth.
“If you look out at America and how young men are doing right now, and you want to make a difference in that, become a teacher. Get in front of young men.”
We cover:
- Single-gender education, and removing the performative pressure on boys and young men
- When and where is the right place for experimental and progressive education
- Teaching young men during the Trump phenomenon
- The cultural effects of boys being educated directly by YouTube and TikTok
(0:00) Class in session
(2:35) Trevor introduces himself
(6:00) Trevor and Ashanti share their teacher personas
(17:35) The benefits of single gender education
(25:15) What is “progressive” or “experimental” education? How is it changing?
(30:45) Teaching during the Trump Administration, when boys have the wrong leaders to look up to, such as Andrew Tate
(44:45) Trevor’s message for male educators
(52:25) How to reach out to Trevor
Connect with Trevor Slater:
Email: slater.trevor@gmail.com
Join our Skool Community: https://www.skool.com/efc-young-mens-advocates-2345
Email us questions and comments at totmpod100@gmail.com
Create your own mask anonymously at https://millionmask.org/
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/branchspeaks/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch/
Website: https://www.branchspeaks.com/
Support the podcast and the work of the Ever Forward Club: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/branch-speaks/support
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The most important thing about being a teacher is... Something ethereal... Something you can't quite put your finger on. “What is it?” you may ask… Carlos calls it leadership soul. Leadership soul is all about “the important functions love, care and vulnerability play in education leadership and how our society tends to shun these characteristics in leaders.”So how do we tap into this in an artful way that authentically reaches your students? And what does this have to do with Black male educators? Tune in to find out…
We cover:
- Is it even possible to separate work and life as an educator?
- The importance of diversity in schools - specifically Black male educators
- What it means to replace the idea of a “classroom” with the idea of a “community of learning”
- How leaders need to model behaviors and attitudes for their staff
(0:00) Class in session
(2:20) Carlos introduces himself.
(8:45) Carlos and Ashanti share their masks
(23:00) Maintaining wellness as educators so that we can help others
(30:55) Why we need more Black male teachers
(36:15) Creating a community of learning - a culture of openness and empathy in your classroom
(40:30) Modeling from school leaders, and Carlos’s Leadership Journeys
(45:35) How to connect with Carlos
Connect with Carlos Moreno:
Instagram: @ColossalEducator
LinkedIn: Carlos R. Moreno
X: @Carlos_Moreno06
Website: https://www.bigpicture.org/
Book: https://www.leadershipsoul.org/
Join our Skool Community: https://www.skool.com/efc-young-mens-advocates-2345
Email us questions and comments at totmpod100@gmail.com
Create your own mask anonymously at https://millionmask.org/
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/branchspeaks/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch/
Website: https://www.branchspeaks.com/
Support the podcast and the work of the Ever Forward Club: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/branch-speaks/support
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If you’re looking for teaching practices you can implement in your classroom TOMORROW, this is your episode. In fact, just read this passage from our guest’s bio, and see if this sounds familiar:
“Early in his career, Roni struggled with the high stresses and demands of teaching, even losing touch with why he wanted to be a teacher in the first place. It was so painful that he finally discovered the power of integrating mindfulness, emotional intelligence, and positive psychology in his own life as well as in his classroom. He feels called to share this new approach with the world.”
I know I experienced that same struggle, and you might've too. So sit back, relax, and enjoy learning about Roni’s “new approach” to teaching that changed his life and career.
We cover:
- How to show your students your humanity
- Why professional development should actually be personal development
- How to break through a student’s walls with TRUE curiosity
- How to normalize mistakes and failures in your classroom and school
- Roni’s techniques for creating joy in a classroom
(0:00) Class in session
(2:20) Remembering Roni’s brother, David
(14:40) Showing students your humanity
(16:00) Roni’s daily classroom routine that increases instructional minutes and builds community
(19:20) Professional development (boring) vs. personal development (joyful, inspiring)
(23:10) The Department of Education is under attack/destroying itself?; what can educators do in these times?
(28:40) A story of a student stuck in his narrative (continues at 33:00)
(31:15) Showing students TRUE curiosity; teaching media literacy
(34:20) Normalizing mistakes in your classroom culture; using improv games to do so
(37:20) Creating more joyful classrooms
(43:20) Speed kills empathy in the classroom
(45:20) Ashanti and Roni share their teacher personas
(51:40) Being a male in education
(55:35) How to find Roni
Connect with Roni Habib:
Roni’s Book: https://eqschools.com/ (link to Amazon on homepage)
Website: https://eqschools.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ronihabib
Join our Skool Community: https://www.skool.com/efc-young-mens-advocates-2345
Email us questions and comments at totmpod100@gmail.com
Create your own mask anonymously at https://millionmask.org/
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/branchspeaks/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch/
Website: https://www.branchspeaks.com/
Support the podcast and the work of the Ever Forward Club: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/branch-speaks/support
Connect with Ever Forward Club:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/everforwardclub
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Twitter: https://twitter.com/everforwardclub
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-ever-forward-club/
“Idealistic.” “Pie in the sky.” “Unrealistic.” “Chaotic.” Project-based learning can actually be done pragmatically and effectively. Listen to these stories and guidance from my 20-year career in education, so that you don’t make the same mistakes I did.
Check out the conversation that sparked these reflections,episode 12 with Justin Wells.
(0:00) Class in session
(1:00) Overview of project-based learning
(6:00) Project-based learning in India
(12:00) Introducing word problems to a math class in India
(16:00) And why it didn’t work/broke the norm too abruptly (SCAFFOLDING!)
(17:50) Mark Day School and a project about cell phone plans
(20:00) Overachieving students and project-based learning
(26:00) Our project-based learning curriculum: Masks, Emotions, and Math
(33:00) A call to action for our schools to evolve
PBL Resources:https://www.pblworks.org/what-is-pbl/gold-standard-project-design
PBL Resources:https://www.pblworks.org/what-is-pbl/gold-standard-teaching-practices
Michael Gurian:https://www.michaelgurian.com/
Join our Skool Community:https://www.skool.com/efc-young-mens-advocates-2345
Email us questions and comments at totmpod100@gmail.com
Create your own mask anonymously athttps://millionmask.org/
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/branchspeaks/
Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
Twitter:https://twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch/
Website:https://www.branchspeaks.com/
Support the podcast and the work of the Ever Forward Club:https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/branch-speaks/support
Connect with Ever Forward Club:
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/everforwardclub
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Twitter:https://twitter.com/everforwardclub
LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-ever-forward-club/
Educators, do you ever notice how a volunteer or a community leader can completely change how students behave in your classroom? What if these community volunteers could be an entire ecosystem of support for your young people? That’s what Jordan Bowman and his organization, Journeymen, represent when he and a group of male volunteers enter the school space. Please enjoy Jordan’s insights in this week’s episode.
Getting involved with people like Jordan Bowman means it all doesn’t have to rest on your shoulders - and we know teachers are already dealing with far too much.
We cover:
- How community mentors can support educators in supporting our youth
- How rites of passage can change a young person’s life
- The “bio, psycho, social, spiritual” framework, and how to use it to meet the needs of our young people
(0:00) Class in session
(2:00) Jordan introduces himself
(12:00) How can mentors, community leaders/volunteers, and afterschool program leaders better support teachers?
(14:00) Forging independence, resiliency, and emotional maturity
(16:00) The red tape of mentoring
(18:00) Asking, “Where else can we show up? Where else can we support?”
(19:00) What happens when a bunch of male volunteers show up at a school?
(22:30) Rites of passage - or rituals of maturity - can make young people rise to the occassion
(27:50) Youth are stuck in a state of dependence
(30:00) Rites of passage success stories
(34:00) Bio, psycho, social, spiritual
(40:00) More unstructured play and Jonathan Haidt’s “The Anxious Generation”
(42:00) Educators need to practice their own presence
(46:00) How to connect with Jordan
Connect with Jordan Bownman:
Website: journeymentriangle.org
Website: https://www.jbowman.org/
Social: @Jordan7Bowman; @Journeymen_NC
Join our Skool Community: https://www.skool.com/efc-young-mens-advocates-2345
Email us questions and comments at totmpod100@gmail.com
Create your own mask anonymously at https://millionmask.org/
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/branchspeaks/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch/
Website: https://www.branchspeaks.com/
Support the podcast and the work of the Ever Forward Club: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/branch-speaks/support
Connect with Ever Forward Club:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/everforwardclub
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/everforwardclub
Twitter: https://twitter.com/everforwardclub
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-ever-forward-club/
I recently read an article and the numbers are appalling. The quotes are heartbreaking. And I can’t get them out of my head. The article is “Why Teachers Quit + What You Can Do Instead” by Devlin Peck. So for today’s episode, I’m going to read some of my favorite excerpts from the article and share my thoughts.
Behavior challenges, staffing, the COVID pandemic, discipline, parent relationships, achievement gaps, class sizes, specialized supports, differentiation, school safety, salaries, school shootings… It’s all in there.
Here are the sections I cover:
(0:00) General premise and welcome
(3:35) Burnout
(10:20) Heavy workloads and staff shortages
(17:40) School safety
Join our Skool Community: https://www.skool.com/efc-young-mens-advocates-2345
Email us questions and comments at totmpod100@gmail.com
Create your own mask anonymously at https://millionmask.org/
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/branchspeaks/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch/
Website: https://www.branchspeaks.com/
Support the podcast and the work of the Ever Forward Club: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/branch-speaks/support
Connect with Ever Forward Club:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/everforwardclub
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/everforwardclub
Twitter: https://twitter.com/everforwardclub
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-ever-forward-club/
What if learning was just about creating beautiful things? This is the essence of project-based learning. It’s not easy, but we believe that this ethos is essential in order to reach the 21st-century learner. So, what does it take to run a PBL classroom? How do you get students to buy into PBL projects? It’s not easy, and it requires you to view the teaching profession as an art form and expression of creativity in and of itself. Listen to our guest, Justin Wells, and you’ll be convinced.
We cover:
How APB learning gets students to buy-in and prepares them for society
How girls are outperforming boys in all school-based metrics
Why we need to stop using the term “toxic masculinity”
How teachers can be the coach on the side rather than the judge
(0:00) Class in session
(2:00) Justin introduces himself and how he became a teacher
(10:00) Teaching personas, or teacher masks, and code-switching
(20:50) Portfolio defense for high school students, and creating real-world learning experiences
(27:00) The default school design is failing young male students
(29:40) The data on males vs. females in school
(31:00) Stop using the phrase “toxic masculinity”
(40:20) Examples of project-based learning and how it can lead to student buy-in
(44:30) How to reach out to Justin
Connect with Justin Wells:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jusowells/
Website: envisionschools.org
Website: envisionlearning.org
Join our Skool Community: https://www.skool.com/efc-young-mens-advocates-2345
Email us questions and comments at totmpod100@gmail.com
Create your own mask anonymously at https://millionmask.org/
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/branchspeaks/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch/
Website: https://www.branchspeaks.com/
Support the podcast and the work of the Ever Forward Club: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/branch-speaks/support
Connect with Ever Forward Club:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/everforwardclub
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/everforwardclub
Twitter: https://twitter.com/everforwardclub
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-ever-forward-club/
Will the Department of Education really be dissolved with Donald Trump set to take office? It’s been a whirlwind of emotions and struggle for educators these past few years, between distance learning, deteriorating attention spans, Chat GPT, inflation, the politicization of every piece of curriculum… - am I missing anything? This episode is a reflection on the past election and upcoming presidency, with Jason Biehl - history teacher and antiracist educator. What is it all going to mean for your school? Your classroom? Your standing as a teacher/educator in America?
We cover:
- Why embracing discomfort is vital to the education of our students and the effectiveness of our teachers
- How is Project 2025 going to affect your life as a teacher? And how education is the practice of freedom.
- Acts of kindness, belonging, and activism we’re seeing from students that can provide teachers with hope in these difficult times
(0:00) Class in session
(2:00) Some unfiltered grappling with the upcoming Trump presidency - in particular the censoring of education
(11:00) Jason introduces himself
(17:00) Reflecting on our “teaching personas” or “teacher masks”
(21:00) “Being present” with students is more difficult and more complicated than it sounds
(25:00) The financial challenges of being a teacher
(29:30) Project 2025, the Department of Education, and the censorship of curriculum
(34:00) Anything to keep you optimistic about public schools? And helping students feel seen - through a sense of belonging or a sense of purpose via social justice organizing
(43:00) Building a bigger coalition across differences to fight the elite and put the interests of educators and students first
Connect with Jason Biehl:
changethenarrative.me
www.educatorsforracialjustice.com
Look out for his upcoming book, “Unicorns: A Graphic Memoir for Young White Men”
Join our Skool Community: https://www.skool.com/efc-young-mens-advocates-2345
Email us questions and comments at totmpod100@gmail.com
Create your own mask anonymously at https://millionmask.org/
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/branchspeaks/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch/
Website: https://www.branchspeaks.com/
Support the podcast and the work of the Ever Forward Club: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/branch-speaks/support
Connect with Ever Forward Club:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/everforwardclub
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/everforwardclub
Twitter: https://twitter.com/everforwardclub
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-ever-forward-club/
There are countless times as an educator where you have to communicate your vision to an outsider. What comes to mind when you read this? Are you a teacher communicating with a parent? A principal making your case to district leaders? A literacy coach presenting to major stakeholders in your school community?
I recently went to Exchange 24, a conference in DC with all the movers and shakers, hosted by the XQ Institute and the Carnegie Foundation. What stuck out to me the most from this conference was a presentation by Dr. Frank Luntz, about the “words to use” and “words to lose” when talking about education.
Here’s what you’re going to learn today:
(0:00) Class in session
(4:35) The differences between Democrats and Republicans when describing education issues
(12:40) “Words to use” and “words to lose” as as an educator/principal/education advocate/advocate for your school community
(16:00) The middle school matriculation problem in America
Join our Skool Community: https://www.skool.com/efc-young-mens-advocates-2345
Email us questions and comments at totmpod100@gmail.com
Create your own mask anonymously at https://millionmask.org/
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/branchspeaks/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch/
Website: https://www.branchspeaks.com/
Support the podcast and the work of the Ever Forward Club: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/branch-speaks/support
Connect with Ever Forward Club:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/everforwardclub
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/everforwardclub
Twitter: https://twitter.com/everforwardclub
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-ever-forward-club/
The secret to teaching is… There is no secret? That’s a common cliche these days that I disagree with. Secrets are real. But I think the main idea of this cliche is that secrets often don’t unlock the superpower you think they will. Sometimes the secret is that teaching is a lot harder than you think it will be going into it. It’s harder, more complicated, and it thrives in the gray areas of life.
This episode believes that in looking back, we can go forward. In understanding our origins, our humanity more than we can possibly conceive, it will help us understand the art of teaching.
Check the conversation that sparked these reflections, episode 4 with Vladimir Puvača.
(0:00) Class in session
(3:00) The things I wish someone told me earlier as an educator
(12:40) My origin story as an educator. How did I get into this?
(19:30) Something you should know about your students’ winter break
Join our Skool Community: https://www.skool.com/efc-young-mens-advocates-2345
Email us questions and comments at totmpod100@gmail.com
Create your own mask anonymously at https://millionmask.org/
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/branchspeaks/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch/
Website: https://www.branchspeaks.com/
Support the podcast and the work of the Ever Forward Club: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/branch-speaks/support
Connect with Ever Forward Club:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/everforwardclub
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/everforwardclub
Twitter: https://twitter.com/everforwardclub
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-ever-forward-club/
What percentage of your student body claims they are in a good place, but deep down, they feel like they can’t share their true feelings? My TED Talk answers this question - using data from the school site where I began my teaching career - and talks about a time when I went to get a gun. If I had pulled the trigger, I would have thrown my entire life away...
(0:00) Class in session; my history with the TED organization
(3:00) Videos about masks, masculinity, teaching, and education that I never post online
(6:50) TED Talk at TEDx Marin
Join our Skool Community: https://www.skool.com/efc-young-mens-advocates-2345
Email us questions and comments at totmpod100@gmail.com
Create your own mask anonymously at https://millionmask.org/
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/branchspeaks/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch/
Website: https://www.branchspeaks.com/
Support the podcast and the work of the Ever Forward Club: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/branch-speaks/support
Connect with Ever Forward Club:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/everforwardclub
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/everforwardclub
Twitter: https://twitter.com/everforwardclub
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-ever-forward-club/
We’ve all had that amazing lesson plan that we were so excited to teach. And when we finally got to teach it, it fell apart within the first 30 seconds. So what went wrong? I'm riding solo today, with my individual takeaways from a conversation with educator, administrator, headmaster, director… Dr. Ray Swann. Check out my conversation with this veteran educator in episode 3.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
- Why safety is more important than your most amazing lesson plan
- How teachers make the weather in obvious and subtle ways
- I’m going to answer this question - Where do I find the soul of teaching? And I’m curious to hear your answers to this question as well…
(0:00) Class in session
(2:10) Takeaway 1 - a story about letting students know you have their back, even when it means disagreeing with another educator
(12:10) Takeaway 2 - how teachers make metaphorical waves as they move about the classroom
(14:55) Takeaway 3 - reconnecting to the soul of teaching before you start your winter break
Join our Skool Community: https://www.skool.com/efc-young-mens-advocates-2345
Email us questions and comments at totmpod100@gmail.com
Create your own mask anonymously at https://millionmask.org/
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/branchspeaks/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch/
Website: https://www.branchspeaks.com/
Support the podcast and the work of the Ever Forward Club: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/branch-speaks/support
Connect with Ever Forward Club:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/everforwardclub
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/everforwardclub
Twitter: https://twitter.com/everforwardclub
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-ever-forward-club/
Teachers, tell me if this sounds familiar: When you first start teaching, it’s survival mode. Next thing you know you’re barking orders, becoming the disciplinarian. It’s natural, instinctual, understandable. But in order to avoid the trap we all fall for, especially with this new generation of students, we need to do what’s counterintuitive - what some would call “wasting units and falling behind on the curriculum.”
In this episode, you’ll learn:
- How taking a mindful minute with your class every day goes a long way
- Why building academic stamina is key to a safe and rigorous school environment
- What it means to integrate community into the curriculum and why it leads to high achieving students
Check out episode 2
(0:00) Class in session
(2:55) Learning meditation practices in India and bringing Sri Sri Ravi Shankar to high schoolers in Oakland, CA - and how to get successful buy-in
(9:20) Building academic stamina as a math teacher
(14:20) Getting interdisciplinary with social-emotional learning and math, and bringing the community into the curriculum
The Masks, Emotions, and Math Program: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tXtA5Pg6wUc
Join our Skool Community: https://www.skool.com/efc-young-mens-advocates-2345
Attend our Young Men’s Conference: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdw6tfn3lZrkBxZRqSqHjTTeygRNIgwk0KKgHRcwlclaS1xag/viewform
Create your own mask anonymously at https://millionmask.org/
Email us questions and comments at totmpod100@gmail.com
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/branchspeaks/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch/
Website: https://www.branchspeaks.com/
Support the podcast and the work of the Ever Forward Club: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/branch-speaks/support
Connect with Ever Forward Club:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/everforwardclub
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/everforwardclub
Twitter: https://twitter.com/everforwardclub
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-ever-forward-club/
All it took was three months… I haven’t been able to shake the story of freshman Jose Zamora, of Santa Clara High School. What happened to him is exactly what this podcast seeks to prevent.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
- What do statistics about bullying and suicide say about our male students
- Specific routines and systems you can implement to make students feel more welcome at school and in your classroom
- Personal stories from me (Ashanti Branch) about bullying
(0:00) Class in session.
(2:50) Some background on Jose Zamora and statistics on bullying and suicide.
(11:00) Ashanti’s perspective on bullying as an educator
(11:30) Important things to ask yourself as a teacher in order to prevent bullying
(15:30) Teachers need to demonstrate to students that they are aware of the undercurrent of behaviors so that students know they can trust a teacher to have their back
(22:30) What the statistics about bullying and suicide say about our male students
(25:00) Bullying is strictly about power
Join our Skool Community: https://www.skool.com/efc-young-mens-advocates-2345
Create your own mask anonymously at https://millionmask.org/
Email us questions and comments at totmpod100@gmail.com
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/branchspeaks/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch/
Website: https://www.branchspeaks.com/
Support the podcast and the work of the Ever Forward Club: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/branch-speaks/support
Connect with Ever Forward Club:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/everforwardclub
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/everforwardclub
Twitter: https://twitter.com/everforwardclub
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-ever-forward-club/
This is the story of a man who sacrificed two-thirds of his annual salary to become a teacher… You might be the ONLY male educator at your school site, quite an isolating experience. So in order to keep the classroom as invigorating as you imagined it would be when you first answered the call to teach, we need to share stories and reconnect with our why. We present to you, Vladimir Puvača. Listen to Vladimir’s story and apply these takeaways to your class tomorrow:
- The things I wish someone had told me earlier as a teacher, and the things you CAN achieve that first-year teachers would call IMPOSSIBLE
- How to have empathy but still set boundaries as an educator
- The age-old question that never goes away: “Why’d I become a teacher again?”
- A story about a teacher getting caught waiting tables after school
(0:00) Class in session
(4:00) Vladimir introduces himself and what he learned about setting boundaries as a first-year high school teacher and how to get buy-in from students as a leader
(11:00) Closing your classroom door between periods
(15:00) Ashanti reflects on all the mistakes he’s made as an educator
(17:20) Ashanti and Vladimir share their “teacher persona” masks
(20:00) Waiting tables at Chili’s after teaching all day, and what happens when your faculty shows up
(23:00) Why Vladimir became a teacher, what he left behind at his corporate job, and why psychology and therapy are very important to him
(31:00) Vladimir fired himself instead of following his CEO’s mandate to fire 100 workers. This moment led him to teaching.
(34:00) Vladimir’s salary in his corporate job was 3 times more than his new job as an educator. He’s still an educator today :) How did he not go back?
(37:45) Finding time to do more for students and the community outside of the classroom, and being motivated by and gifted with empathy and the ability to understand student’s pain
(41:55) Vladimir’s message to youth on uprising, revolution, defiance, and finding oneself
Connect with Vladimir Puvača:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vladimirpuvaca/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vladimir-puvaca/
Join our Skool Community: https://www.skool.com/efc-young-mens-advocates-2345
Create your own mask anonymously at https://millionmask.org/
Email us questions and comments at totmpod100@gmail.com
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/branchspeaks/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch/
Website: https://www.branchspeaks.com/
Support the podcast and the work of the Ever Forward Club: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/branch-speaks/support
Connect with Ever Forward Club:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/everforwardclub
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/everforwardclub
Twitter: https://twitter.com/everforwardclub
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-ever-forward-club/
This is essential listening, especially for first-year educators. To be honest, the first year will have you questioning your career choices. So this episode is packed with advice and tips to keep you connected with your male students in ways that make teaching sustainable. In Ray’s words, BEFORE you do anything, tend to the soil, the garden that is your classroom. AND tend to your own personal garden - your personal well-being. Build trust and safety through gameplay.
In this episode, we cover
- Fun and easy things outside of school that will make you a better teacher
- How good teaching starts and ends with a five-letter word that starts with T (not “teach”!)
- What is the soul of teaching?
(0:00) Class in session
(2:45) Get to know Ray and his teacher mask
(11:00) Being liked as a teacher is the wrong pursuit
(13:00) Early teacher milestones we all hit, and the teacher persona - how students read you
(15:00) Providing self-love as educators
(18:00) Year one burnout; safety is more important than entertainment. Paolo Freire’s power over vs. power with
(21:00) Culture, climate, and belonging - setting the weather in the classroom and how personal wellness/self-care affects this
(29:00) Safety and trust through games, before any curriculum
(33:00) The soul of teaching
(36:00) Smartphones in schools, kids forgetting how to read, and practicing curiosity and getting intel from students
Connect with Ray Swann:
Website: http://www.positivemasculinity.org.au
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drrayswann/
Theater Company: www.identitytheatre.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ray-swann-6673531b/?originalSubdomain=au
Join our Skool Community: https://www.skool.com/efc-young-mens-advocates-2345
Create your own mask anonymously at https://millionmask.org/
Email us questions and comments at totmpod100@gmail.com
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/branchspeaks/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch/
Website: https://www.branchspeaks.com/
Support the podcast and the work of the Ever Forward Club: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/branch-speaks/support
Connect with Ever Forward Club:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/everforwardclub
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/everforwardclub
Twitter: https://twitter.com/everforwardclub
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-ever-forward-club/
Here’s a dirty little secret: Every educator, even the master teachers, are struggling to keep their students attentive and engaged. And research shows our male students are paying the heaviest price for it.
In the era of the smartphone, how do we combat decreased attention spans? Design.
In this episode, we cover
- How to redesign schools to keep pace with a rapidly changing world
- How teachers can create enough excitement to match the dopamine hits students are getting from their phones
- Some restorative justice practices you can implement in your school
- What helicopter parents and phones in schools have in common
- Techniques Jerome uses with Black and brown male students that can be applied to all students - now that students are carrying more anxiety than ever before
(0:00) Class in session
(1:50) Get to know Jerome’s teacher mask
(13:40) Phone addiction and dopamine
(17:25) Relationships, and restorative justice/restorative practices in schools
(25:30) Design, architecture, spaces, and reimagining classrooms
(34:00) Academic Stamina/Should we ban phone usage in schools and classrooms?
(46:15) Helicopter parents
(50:30) Techniques Jerome uses with Black and brown male students in the classroom that can be applied to all students
Connect with Jerome Hunter:
https://www.jeromeleehunter.com/
https://www.instagram.com/seatownstorycollective/
Join our Skool Community: https://www.skool.com/efc-young-mens-advocates-2345
Attend our Young Men’s Conference: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdw6tfn3lZrkBxZRqSqHjTTeygRNIgwk0KKgHRcwlclaS1xag/viewform
Create your own mask anonymously at https://millionmask.org/
Email us questions and comments at totmpod100@gmail.com
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/branchspeaks/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch/
Website: https://www.branchspeaks.com/
Support the podcast and the work of the Ever Forward Club: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/branch-speaks/support
Connect with Ever Forward Club:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/everforwardclub
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/everforwardclub
Twitter: https://twitter.com/everforwardclub
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-ever-forward-club/
Only 23% of K-12 educators in America are male. As a male at your school site, it gets lonely. And just think about the ramifications of this gender gap for your male students - walking the halls daily, acting out, and experiencing disproportionate levels of discipline - male students who just want to feel understood. Sound familiar?
This is a show for male educators - male educators who want to be more understood by their community and want to create emotionally safe classrooms and schools for the next generation of male students.
Listeners leave this show equipped with tangible, actionable lesson plans and techniques to engage their male students; nourished by stories and experiences from male teachers and educators at their school sites; and fired up to improve students’ learning and well-being with the sense that, as a male educator, they are not alone.
As US Surgeon General Vivek Murthy noted, the mental health of our young people is the “crisis of our time.” As more and more of our young boys fill this void with extreme thoughts and ideas - ideas from the likes of Andrew Tate, Jordan Peterson, etc. - we, as male educators, are uniquely positioned to stop this dangerous trajectory our students are on. Because real men teach.
Join our community of listeners. Join our community, Advocates for Young Men: https://www.skool.com/efc-young-mens-advocates-2345
Attend our Young Men’s Conference: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdw6tfn3lZrkBxZRqSqHjTTeygRNIgwk0KKgHRcwlclaS1xag/viewform
Create your own mask anonymously at https://millionmask.org/
Email us questions and comments at totmpod100@gmail.com
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/branchspeaks/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch/
Website: https://www.branchspeaks.com/
Support the podcast and the work of the Ever Forward Club: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/branch-speaks/support
Connect with Ever Forward Club:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/everforwardclub
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/everforwardclub
Twitter: https://twitter.com/everforwardclub
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-ever-forward-club/
Have you ever felt ISOLATED at your school? Whether it be socially? Over a particular issue? Approach? In your own classroom?
Any honest individual will answer YES to this question. It’s human! Once we acknowledge our shared humanity as teachers, staff, and students, the faster we can build a safe culture and climate at our school site.
In this episode, we cover
- The gender demographics for educators, as we move through elementary, middle, and high school
- A story about being the only Black educator at my school site, and how empathy toward others’ identities can create a culture of belonging in your school community
(0:00) Welcome and intro
(4:00) Storytime
(13:15) Closing
Join our Skool Community: https://www.skool.com/efc-young-mens-advocates-2345
Attend our Young Men’s Conference: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdw6tfn3lZrkBxZRqSqHjTTeygRNIgwk0KKgHRcwlclaS1xag/viewform
Create your own mask anonymously at https://millionmask.org/
Email us questions and comments at totmpod100@gmail.com
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/branchspeaks/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch/
Website: https://www.branchspeaks.com/
Support the podcast and the work of the Ever Forward Club: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/branch-speaks/support
Connect with Ever Forward Club:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/everforwardclub
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/everforwardclub
Twitter: https://twitter.com/everforwardclub
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-ever-forward-club/
The new chapter of the podcast, TALKING TO TEACHERS, begins on November 5th, 2024. Meanwhile, we’ll be IN THE LAB creating it! Plus, learn more about our upcoming Young Men’s Conference, on November 16th, 2024.
Topics include: getting in fights at school, self-talk, negative self-talk, our Young Men’s conference
(0:00) Welcome
(1:00) Getting in fights, and me being “the best (or worst) of the bad students”
(4:40) Esparto High School - what happens when people laugh at someone saying “I hate myself.”
(11:00) Learn about our Young Men’s Conference
Join our Skool Community: https://www.skool.com/efc-young-mens-advocates-2345
Attend our Young Men’s Conference: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdw6tfn3lZrkBxZRqSqHjTTeygRNIgwk0KKgHRcwlclaS1xag/viewform
Create your own mask anonymously at https://millionmask.org/
Email us questions and comments at totmpod100@gmail.com
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/branchspeaks/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch/
Website: https://www.branchspeaks.com/
Support the podcast and the work of the Ever Forward Club: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/branch-speaks/support
Connect with Ever Forward Club:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/everforwardclub
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/everforwardclub
Twitter: https://twitter.com/everforwardclub
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-ever-forward-club/
*APOLOGIES FOR SOME OF THE AUDIO TECHNICAL DIFFICULTIES
In this episode, Ashanti is joined by Camren Stepter, a college student from Kentucky State University with aspirations of becoming an educator and eventually a principal. Camren's journey is deeply rooted in community service, volunteering, and mentoring youth, driven by his passion for making a positive impact on future generations.
Topics include: being the class clown, turning your life around, self-improvement, community service, mentoring, leadership, college campuses, aspiring to be an educator and principal, breaking out of cycles, getting unstuck
(03:34) Front of Ashanti’s Mask
(05:56) Front of Camren’s Mask
(07:54) Ashanti, Camren, and Camren’s DAD’s origin story
(09:19) Back of Ashanti’s Mask
(11:25) Back of Camren’s Mask, and Camren’s upbringing
(16:00) Tech Difficulties
(22:00) Camren’s on campus community, Brothers Redefining the Odds
Connect with Camren Stepter:
Camren’s Instagram/full inspirational story: https://www.instagram.com/p/C_IyxAqxIrW/
Join our Skool Community: https://www.skool.com/efc-young-mens-advocates-2345
Create your own mask anonymously at https://millionmask.org/
Email us questions and comments at totmpod100@gmail.com
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/branchspeaks/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch/
Website: https://www.branchspeaks.com/
Support the podcast and the work of the Ever Forward Club: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/branch-speaks/support
Expressing sadness over the events that took place at Apalachee High School last week.
Topics include: Apalachee High School, school shootings, Colt Gray, Colin Gray, Ricky Pearsall, Union Square San Francisco, parents being charged for children’s actions during school shootings, bodycam footage of Colin Gray, school shooting data, the Second Amendment
(0:00) Welcome
(2:00) Honoring the victims of a senseless act, and two more shootings have occurred since
(5:30) Making trauma-informed and student-centered decisions
(8:20) Parker Palmer’s books, specifically The Courage to Teach
(11:20) The US Surgeon General’s Advisory about parents
(15:30) Bodycam footage of the police visiting Colt Gray a year before the shooting
(24:50) Final thoughts
Join our Skool Community: https://www.skool.com/efc-young-mens-advocates-2345
Create your own mask anonymously at https://millionmask.org/
Email us questions and comments at totmpod100@gmail.com
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/branchspeaks/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch/
Website: https://www.branchspeaks.com/
Support the podcast and the work of the Ever Forward Club: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/branch-speaks/support
Connect with Ever Forward Club:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/everforwardclub
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/everforwardclub
Twitter: https://twitter.com/everforwardclub
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-ever-forward-club/
In this episode, Ashanti sits down with Matt Melvin, the author of "Bullied Behind Bars: A Gay Christian Trump Supporter Goes to Prison." In this book, Matt shares his unique and deeply personal journey and delves into how his identity as a gay Christian and his political beliefs shaped his experiences while incarcerated.
(0:00) Welcome
(8:55) Matt introduces himself
(10:00) Front of Ashanti's mask
(12:30) Front of Matt's mask
(17:00) Back of Ashanti's mask
(19:50) Back of Matt's mask
Connect with Matt Melvin:
Website, Book, and Social Media: https://www.bulliedbehindbars.com/connect
Create your own mask anonymously at https://millionmask.org/
Email us questions and comments at totmpod100@gmail.com
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/branchspeaks/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch/
Website: https://www.branchspeaks.com/
Support the podcast and the work of the Ever Forward Club: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/branch-speaks/support
Connect with Ever Forward Club:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/everforwardclub
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/everforwardclub
Twitter: https://twitter.com/everforwardclub
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-ever-forward-club/
On our 4-year anniversary, we make some big announcements on where the podcast is headed. We’re taking off the mask of education!
Topics include: Project 2025, Department of Education, Dr. Seuss, smartphones, phone addiction, educator-focused podcasts, healthy masculinity in schools, finding our podcast niche, AI, artificial intelligence, dial-up internet, and more
(0:00) Welcome
(2:40) Focusing more on education, while still discussing men’s health
(2:45) Project 2025 and the Department of Education
(9:00) Oh, the Places You’ll Go! by Dr. Seuss; read aloud
(16:50) Phone addiction and schools
(23:20) Final thoughts
Create your own mask anonymously at https://millionmask.org/
Email us questions and comments at totmpod100@gmail.com
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/branchspeaks/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch/
Website: https://www.branchspeaks.com/
Support the podcast and the work of the Ever Forward Club: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/branch-speaks/support
Connect with Ever Forward Club:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/everforwardclub
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/everforwardclub
Twitter: https://twitter.com/everforwardclub
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-ever-forward-club/
This episode originally aired on February 1st, 2022.
“It turns out the fastest way to experience resonance is through laughter… One of the things that I show in my workshops with teachers is let’s invest in moments of resonance, invest in moments of play… These games put us in a mindful state right away, in a state where we’re aware of the other person. And so right away it’s an entry point into joy, positive emotions, and awareness - and attunement with other people.” - Roni Habib
Ever Forward Club’s Ashanti Branch is joined by Roni Habib. As the founder of EQ Schools, Roni is an expert in helping leaders, educators, and parents become happier, more resilient, and more playful. This expertise was jumpstarted after, early in his career, Roni struggled with the high stresses and demands of teaching, and he then discovered the power of integrating mindfulness, emotional intelligence, and positive psychology into his own life as well as in his classroom. We’re excited for you to learn about Roni’s mask, how he works with schools, and how he continues to work on himself.
(1:30) Ashanti's introduction.
(8:30) Roni introduces himself. He shares how he and his company seek to bring mindfulness to schools around the world. Then, he tells the story of a tragedy that took place at the high school he taught at.
(16:10) Ashanti and Roni reflect on the importance of adults and teachers that are truly aware - that truly build relationships with students. Then, Roni shares his RAMP model.
(24:40) Then, they discuss what can be done to transition out of the global pandemic, and they discuss the evolution of the student experience.
(32:40) Ashanti shares the front of his mask - funny, serious, passion - and how it shows up as an educator and as an operator in the world of education.
(36:40) Roni shares the front of his mask - my ability to give and receive love, my playful side, my fun side.
(40:40) Ashanti shares the back of his mask - worry, doubt, aging - and goes into why he wrote “aging” for the first time.
(43:20) Roni shares the back of his mask - financial worry, fear of being alone, my physical limitations - and, among many things, an epiphany he had during the Santa Cruz fires.
(49:55) Ashanti relates to Roni's story by reflecting on what he was going through when the whole world shut down in March.
(55:40) Ashanti and Roni share closing thoughts, and Roni shares how you can get in touch with him.
Connect with Roni Habib:
Roni's new book: LINK
Twitter: twitter.com/Roni_Habib
Website: eqschools.com
Facebook: facebook.com/eqschools
Instagram: instagram.com/roni_habib81
Watch The Edge of Success
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800-273-8255
Create your own mask anonymously at www.100kmasks.com
If you are interested in being on the Face to Face podcast, email us at everforwardclub@gmail.com
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: instagram.com/branchspeaks
Facebook: facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
Twitter: twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
Website: branchspeaks.com
Send in a voice message:
anchor.fm/branch-speaks/message
This episode originally aired on November 28, 2023.
“As much as people think I’m in my dad’s shadow, in many ways I live my life to NOT be like him. And even though my dad was a psychologist, I always felt like he wasn’t terribly emotional.” - Matt Englar-Carlson
Ever Forward Club’s Ashanti Branch is joined by Dr. Matt Englar-Carlson. Matt is a professor of counseling and the director of the Center for Boys and Men at California State University, Fullerton. His work focuses on healthy/prosocial forms of masculinities, social justice, diversity issues in psychological training and practice, and theories of psychotherapy. In many ways, Matt is an originator in the psychology space when it comes to encouraging healthy and positive masculinity in school settings, and Matt also is the lead men’s health clinical researcher for the first men’s mental health app, Mental. Please enjoy this conversation! Like Matt, it’s equal parts informative, entertaining, and emotional :)
(5:30) Matt introduces himself, his passions, and how he helps boys and men seek help more effectively.
(10:00) Matt shares the front of his mask - engaged, carefree, together - and how his words have changed from age 30 to age 50.
(11:30) Ashanti shares the front of his mask - serious, caring, passionate - and provides some thoughts on Senator Markwayne Mullin and Teamsters President Sean O'Brien.
(17:10) Matt shares the back of his mask - the weight of responsibility, grief, shame.
(19:30) Ashanti shares the back of his mask - the weight of responsibility, worry, self-doubt.
(22:15) Matt looks back on his childhood and how he had a proclivity for psychology and gender studies.
(30:40) Matt shares what he has noticed in his college students and “how men have been changing.”
(37:30) Ashanti and Matt reflect on how students emote and ask for help differently.
(42:00) Ashanti and Matt take time to consider the alarming rates of death by suicide amongst men. Then, Matt shares how he is involved with the app, Mental.
(48:30) Matt shares some final thoughts and how you can get in touch with him.
Connect with Matt Englar-Carlson:
Instagram: instagram.com/drmattec
The Mental App: instagram.com/thementalapp
Website: hhd.fullerton.edu/counsel/faculty/MattEnglarCarlson.php
Create your own mask anonymously at millionmask.org
Email us questions and comments at totmpod100@gmail.com
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: instagram.com/branchspeaks
Facebook: facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
Twitter: twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch
Website: branchspeaks.com
Support the podcast and the work of the Ever Forward Club: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/branch-speaks/support
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/branch-speaks/support
This episode originally aired on June 25, 2024.
Donofriend, or Donovan Taylor Hall, joins Ashanti Branch, a master educator with 20+ years of experience in schools, to talk about what they are reflecting on as educators and what they’re seeing in the halls of modern-day schools. Donovan is an experienced teacher and positive youth development expert who travels around the country speaking at schools and pushing into classrooms. Learn more about him in episode 152.
Topics include: an Edutopia video reaction, self-determination theory, participation trophies, teen mental health, building a sense of independence and resilience in students and teens, self-reliance, autonomy, Avatar: The Last Airbender, Miyazaki, Halloween, grit, stick-to-itiveness, Do Hard Things by Steve Magness, helicopter parents, and stranger danger
(0:00) Welcome and Edutopia video
(4:00) Donovan and Ashanti introduce themselves.
(6:00) Self-determination theory, helicopter parents, losing ability to build community, and Halloween
(15:00) The participation trophy origin story, and valuing “productive struggle”
(19:30) Miyazaki and Avatar, and what we can learn about youth wellness/mentorship from these films
(25:00) Mentoring with curiosity instead of mentoring to “fix and solve” immediately
(26:00) Allowing students to sit with silence and discomfort
(29:00) Offering children advice instead of telling them what to do
(32:30) Emotional language and articulating feelings/needs clearly - for both young people and adults
(45:30) Final thoughts on providing room to explore and being transparent, vulnerable, and curious as an educator/parent/mentor
Connect with Donovon Taylor Hall:
Website: www.donovantaylorhall.com
Instagram, TikTok, Youtube: @donofriend
Join our 5k Challenge: https://charity.pledgeit.org/20thAnnualEF5KChallenge
Create your own mask anonymously at https://millionmask.org/
Email us questions and comments at totmpod100@gmail.com
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/branchspeaks/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch/
Website: https://www.branchspeaks.com/
Support the podcast and the work of the Ever Forward Club: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/branch-speaks/support
Connect with Ever Forward Club:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/everforwardclub
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/everforwardclub
Twitter: https://twitter.com/everforwardclub
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-ever-forward-club/
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/branch-speaks/support
“I can’t light a fire under young people. But I can help them find their fire, and then I can feed it. That’s my goal as a mentor.” - Jordan Bowman
Jordan Bowman is the Executive Director of Journeymen, a nonprofit mentoring teenage boys to become men of integrity. Jordan is passionate about fostering connection and compassion, focusing on self-awareness and emotional intelligence. He designs and facilitates transformative experiences for diverse groups, guiding them in leadership development, team-building, and strategy. Join us to hear Jordan's insights on building resilient young men and cultivating conscious masculinity.
(0:00) Welcome
(1:10) Jordan introduces himself
(4:15) Jordan and Ashanti make their masks
(7:05) Front of Jordan’s Mask
(9:00) Front of Ashanti’s Mask
(10:45) Work-life balance and service-minded people
(12:49) Back of Jordan’s Mask
(16:20) Back of Ashanti’s Mask
(21:52) Mentoring, compromising with mentees, and the tension of stretching someone’s development
(30:30) Addressing conflict in the classroom; building a restorative classroom
(35:04) How to evolve while working with men and boys; next steps for our society
(37:40) How to get in touch with Jordan
Topics include: sonder, work-life balance, mentoring, teaching, working with young boys and men, healthy masculinity vs. toxic masculinity, mentoring vs. teaching, building restorative culture with young people, conflict resolution, classroom culture
Connect with Jordan Bowman:
Website: https://journeymentriangle.org/
Website: https://www.jbowman.org/
Social Media: @Jordan7Bowman
Social Media: @Journeymen_NC
Join our 5k Challenge: https://charity.pledgeit.org/20thAnnualEF5KChallenge
Create your own mask anonymously at https://millionmask.org/
Email us questions and comments at totmpod100@gmail.com
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/branchspeaks/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch/
Website: https://www.branchspeaks.com/
Support the podcast and the work of the Ever Forward Club: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/branch-speaks/support
Connect with Ever Forward Club:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/everforwardclub
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/everforwardclub
Twitter: https://twitter.com/everforwardclub
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-ever-forward-club/
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/branch-speaks/support
“There was a point where I woke up on my birthday and I could not breathe. And every time I took a breath, it felt like I was having a heart attack. I went to the hospital, and they could not figure out what it was…” - Ryan Rigoli
In this episode, Ashanti welcomes Ryan Rigoli, a Spiritual Coach & Teacher, Musician, and Monk with Celebrating Life Ministries. Ryan shares his journey of profound healing through forgiveness, self-understanding, and grace, and he now supports others in awakening their hearts and accessing inner wisdom. A Stanford University graduate, Ryan has spoken at prestigious venues including, Stanford Business School and Wisdom 2.0. He also composes and produces meditative piano albums, including his latest, 'Harmony', a collaboration with his father aimed at helping people experience inner peace.
(0:00) Welcome
(1:20) Ryan introduces himself
(6:26) Front of Ryan’s Mask
(9:28) Front of Ashanti’s Mask
(10:10) Bullying, and when a student curses at you
(17:28) Back of Ryan’s Mask
(22:58) Back of Ashanti’s Mask
(24:15) Bullying, and when a student curses at you, cont’d
(29:55) “Being a lion allows you to be a lamb”
(36:49) Ryan on working with clients
(40:25) Ryan’s experience with bullying
(47:02) How music helped cure Ryan’s physical and emotional ailments(49:51) Closing
Connect with Ryan Rigoli:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ryan.rigoli
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ryan.rigoli
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanrigoli
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3eWHsgpUZAGt3AKevu49FH
Apple: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/ryan-rigoli/1311115109
Website: http://www.ryanrigoli.com
Create your own mask anonymously at https://millionmask.org/ Email us questions and comments at totmpod100@gmail.com ---Connect with Ashanti Branch:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/branchspeaks/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BranchSpeaksTwitter: https://twitter.com/BranchSpeaksLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch/Website: https://www.branchspeaks.com/---Support the podcast and the work of the Ever Forward Club: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/branch-speaks/support ---Connect with Ever Forward Club:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/everforwardclubFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/everforwardclubTwitter: https://twitter.com/everforwardclubLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-ever-forward-club/
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/branch-speaks/support
“Medical students are seen through a lens that a lot of people in our society are not. And it is unfortunate. You take the most neurotic people you could possibly imagine. You stick them all in one room and you've got future physicians.” - John Feldkamp
John Feldkamp, a medical student and co-president of his class at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, is passionate about pediatrics, emergency medicine, and men’s health. His research focuses on gender disparities in healthcare utilization and the chronic health burden of men. As the Director of Men's Health Initiatives at Hey Brother Co., John leads workshops and writes articles on various topics related to masculinity, including gym culture and men's mental health. He enjoys powerlifting, climbing, and writing poetry and prose. Join Ashanti and John as they discuss the intersections of medicine, masculinity, and community building.
Topics include: med school, medical school culture, medical school’s attitude towards men’s health initiatives, Murph workouts, health insurance, teacher retention/burnout, men’s health, doctor visits, how American masculinity affects our healthcare habits, the Surgeon General’s Loneliness Epidemic
(0:00) Welcome(4:24) John’s introduction and his work as a medical student/men’s advocate(6:20) Front of John’s Mask - strength, joy, confidence(8:40) Front of Ashanti’s Mask - funny, serious, hard-working, strength(14:00) Back of John’s Mask - anxiety/fear, pain, inadequate(15:41) What is a Murph?(16:25) Celebrating a friend’s achievement instead of envying it(18:46) Back of Ashanti’s Mask - worried, self-doubt, inadequate - and how he neglects himself(21:15) The faults in our American healthcare system(31:38) Teacher burnout(33:45) The nitty gritty of men’s health in America(50:30) Closing and how to connect with John
Connect with John Feldkamp
John’s Writing: www.heybrotherco.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/feldyj/
Our BetterHelp Promo: https://www.betterhelp.com/everforwardclub/
Create your own mask anonymously at https://millionmask.org/
Email us questions and comments at totmpod100@gmail.com
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/branchspeaks/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch/
Website: https://www.branchspeaks.com/
Support the podcast and the work of the Ever Forward Club: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/branch-speaks/support
Connect with Ever Forward Club:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/everforwardclub
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/everforwardclub
Twitter: https://twitter.com/everforwardclub
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-ever-forward-club/
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/branch-speaks/support
In this episode of "Face to Face," Wenceslao welcomes Demarco, an 8th grader, star athlete, and member of the Ever Forward Club. Demarco is a bit nervous but ready to take on the world of high school in the Bay Area. Listen in as they discuss friendship, boundaries, sports, bullying, and how to balance life as a teen in 2024.
Topics include: baseball, setting boundaries, understanding/empathizing with bullies, advice/what to expect in high school, athletics, balancing school and extracurriculars authentic friendships, deciding where to go for high school
(0:00) Welcome
(3:00) Demarco introduces himself
(4:30) Front of Wenceslao’s Mask
(4:55) Front of Demarco’s Mask
(5:15) Back of Wenceslao’s Mask(5:55) Back of Demarco’s Mask
(6:40) The Ever Forward Club’s Adventure Card Game: boundaries, trust, and bad days
(13:50) The Prophet by Kahlil Gibran; reading and analysis
(17:30) Bullying, authentic friendship, empathy, brotherhood, balancing commitments, and what Demarco has learned from the Ever Forward Club
(29:55) One more poem by Kahlil Gibran; high school advice from Wenceslao to Demarco
Create your own mask anonymously at https://millionmask.org/
Email us questions and comments at totmpod100@gmail.com
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/branchspeaks/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch/
Website: https://www.branchspeaks.com/
Support the podcast and the work of the Ever Forward Club: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/branch-speaks/support
Connect with Ever Forward Club:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/everforwardclub
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/everforwardclub
Twitter: https://twitter.com/everforwardclub
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-ever-forward-club/
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/branch-speaks/support
In this special 200th Episode, host Ashanti Branch beams in from the Ever Forward Club’s new office and revisits some of the most powerful moments from the past year. This includes some parts work (internal family systems) with Jamin Heppell (ep. 159), discussion on self-love with Gael Aitor (ep. 160), and an analogy between life and repotting plants with Trevor Taylor (ep. 177).
Topics include: parts work, internal family systems, IFS, self-love, self-hate, self-talk, positive self-talk, negative self-talk, mentoring, holding space, repotting plants, personal growth, changing environments
(0:00) Introducing the new office and welcome
(2:45) Jamin Heppell
(21:45) Gael Aitor
(31:00) Trevor Taylor
(34:45) Final thoughts and reflections
Create your own mask anonymously at https://millionmask.org/
Email us questions and comments at totmpod100@gmail.com
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/branchspeaks/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch/
Website: https://www.branchspeaks.com/
Support the podcast and the work of the Ever Forward Club: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/branch-speaks/support
Connect with Ever Forward Club:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/everforwardclub
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/everforwardclub
Twitter: https://twitter.com/everforwardclub
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-ever-forward-club/
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/branch-speaks/support
Donofriend, or Donovan Taylor Hall, joins Ashanti Branch, a master educator with 20+ years of experience in schools, to talk about what they are reflecting on as educators and what they’re seeing in the halls of modern-day schools. Donovan is an experienced teacher and positive youth development expert who travels around the country speaking at schools and pushing into classrooms. Learn more about him in episode 152.
Topics include: an Edutopia video reaction, self-determination theory, participation trophies, teen mental health, building a sense of independence and resilience in students and teens, self-reliance, autonomy, Avatar: The Last Airbender, Miyazaki, Halloween, grit, stick-to-itiveness, Do Hard Things by Steve Magness, helicopter parents, and stranger danger
(0:00) Welcome and Edutopia video
(4:00) Donovan and Ashanti introduce themselves.
(6:00) Self-determination theory, helicopter parents, losing ability to build community, and Halloween
(15:00) The participation trophy origin story, and valuing “productive struggle”
(19:30) Miyazaki and Avatar, and what we can learn about youth wellness/mentorship from these films
(25:00) Mentoring with curiosity instead of mentoring to “fix and solve” immediately
(26:00) Allowing students to sit with silence and discomfort
(29:00) Offering children advice instead of telling them what to do
(32:30) Emotional language and articulating feelings/needs clearly - for both young people and adults
(45:30) Final thoughts on providing room to explore and being transparent, vulnerable, and curious as an educator/parent/mentor
Connect with Donovon Taylor Hall:
Website: www.donovantaylorhall.com
Instagram, TikTok, Youtube: @donofriend
Join our 5k Challenge: https://charity.pledgeit.org/20thAnnualEF5KChallenge
Create your own mask anonymously at https://millionmask.org/
Email us questions and comments at totmpod100@gmail.com
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/branchspeaks/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch/
Website: https://www.branchspeaks.com/
Support the podcast and the work of the Ever Forward Club: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/branch-speaks/support
Connect with Ever Forward Club:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/everforwardclub
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/everforwardclub
Twitter: https://twitter.com/everforwardclub
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-ever-forward-club/
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/branch-speaks/support
This week we welcome David Reese, a high school English teacher with an unparalleled zest for life, to the show. David, the youngest of ten children, has been surrounded by strong women and extraordinary men throughout his life. With 7 sisters, 2 brothers, and a large extended family, David has always been inspired by the compassion, hard work, and humor of those around him.
Topics include: father figures, football, high school sports, men’s work and boys’ work in high school, transformative activities that teach students compassion and empathy, changing a school’s culture, modeling and encouraging vulnerability in the classroom
(0:00) Welcome
(2:55) David introduces himself
(5:30) Ashanti's sister is recovering from health problems
(7:27) Front of David’s Mask - Sense of humor, Passion, Fascination
(9:21) Front of Ashanti’s Mask - Funny, Serious, Travel
(14:36) Back of David’s Mask - Disappointment, Despair, Shades of Inner Turmoil
(21:02) Back of Ashanti’s Mask - Anger, Worry, Shades of Inner Turmoil
(23:38) Exhausted teachers, and the Oberlin High School Men’s Work Project
(36:05) David and his father
(42:28) A transformative activity re: physical touch
(51:30) Closing
Connect with Oberlin High School:
Website: https://www.oberlinschools.net/our-schools/oberlin-high-school
Create your own mask anonymously at https://millionmask.org/
Email us questions and comments at totmpod100@gmail.com
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/branchspeaks/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch/
Website: https://www.branchspeaks.com/
Support the podcast and the work of the Ever Forward Club: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/branch-speaks/support
Connect with Ever Forward Club:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/everforwardclub
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/everforwardclub
Twitter: https://twitter.com/everforwardclub
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-ever-forward-club/
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/branch-speaks/support
In this episode, host Ashanti Branch welcomes Antwone "Diirt Da Dreamsaver" Johnson, a motivational speaker and entrepreneur who has dedicated his life to helping individuals understand the importance of continuous learning and education. Through his organization, Growing with DiiRT, he inspires others to take charge of their own destinies, emphasizing that education is key to achieving one's dreams.
Topics include: survivor’s guilt, perfectionism, grieving, college tours, the public school system, leadership, stages of grief, history, African American history, oppression, and depression
(0:00) Welcome
(4:00) Antwone introduces himself.
(8:28) Front of Ashanti’s Mask - serious, passionate, driven(12:25) How the vision might overwhelm people
(16:27) Front of Antwone’s Mask - gratefulness/gratitude, work ethic, mannerisms
(21:13) 4 years to life - preparing young people for life after high school
(25:33) Back of Ashanti’s Mask - worry, fear of failure, grief
(29:10) Antwone’s childhood
(31:05) Back of Antwone’s Mask - perfectionism, survivor’s guilt, grieving stages, self-discovery
(37:03) Antwone’s collaboration with the Village Method
(40:08) Why college tours for underserved young people are important
(41:38) The public school system has failed
(45:18) Closing thoughts from Antwone and how to get in touch
Connect with Antwone Johnson:
Website: https://thevillagemethod.org/
Website: www.growingwithdiirt.com
Social Media: https://www.instagram.com/diirtdadreamsaver/
Create your own mask anonymously at https://millionmask.org/
Email us questions and comments at totmpod100@gmail.com
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/branchspeaks/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch/
Website: https://www.branchspeaks.com/
Support the podcast and the work of the Ever Forward Club: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/branch-speaks/support
Connect with Ever Forward Club:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/everforwardclub
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/everforwardclub
Twitter: https://twitter.com/everforwardclub
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-ever-forward-club/
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/branch-speaks/support
In this episode of "Face to Face," Wenceslao, a high school sophomore, welcomes Lucian, a 7th grader who has been part of the Ever Forward Club since the 4th grade. Lucian shares his experiences and personal growth through the club, emphasizing the importance of expressing feelings and building trust within the group.
“When you don't speak or speak up, the thought is like a bird in a cage; you have it in there, but you’re just not willing to let it fly. Let it out.”
(0:00) Welcome
(14:00) Lucian introduces himself
(15:26) Lucian’s Mask
(15:40) Wenceslao’s Mask
(17:07) Playing the Adventure Card Game
(20:26) A poem from the Prophet
(23:06) QnA about Lucian's experience with the Black Boys Circle
(30:54) Closing
Create your own mask anonymously at https://millionmask.org/
Email us questions and comments at totmpod100@gmail.com
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/branchspeaks/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch/
Website: https://www.branchspeaks.com/
Support the podcast and the work of the Ever Forward Club: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/branch-speaks/support
Connect with Ever Forward Club:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/everforwardclub
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/everforwardclub
Twitter: https://twitter.com/everforwardclub
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-ever-forward-club/
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/branch-speaks/support
We just celebrated our 20th Anniversary! At the anniversary, Bilal, who you can get to know better in episode 161, went around and asked guests a series of rapid-fire questions. Listen to the questions in quick succession. And as they get deeper, the answers lengthen.
Before Bilal’s section, please enjoy host Ashanti Branch’s thoughts on teacher burnout, social-emotional learning in schools, Mental Health Awareness Month, and what his experience as a private school educator made him see in his former public school.
Topics include: favorite teacher, getting things off your chest, little-known facts, brotherhood, challenges of being a man, teacher burnout, school culture and climate, teacher morale, classroom budgets, Skyline High School shooting
(0:00) Welcome!
(0:10) Ashanti’s introduction. Getting things off his chest when it comes to education.
(17:40) Getting deep with Bilal
(26:00) Going even deeper - what challenges are you facing as a man?
(37:00) Closing
Join our 5k Challenge: https://charity.pledgeit.org/20thAnnualEF5KChallenge
Create your own mask anonymously at https://millionmask.org/
Email us questions and comments at totmpod100@gmail.com
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/branchspeaks/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch/
Website: https://www.branchspeaks.com/
Support the podcast and the work of the Ever Forward Club: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/branch-speaks/support
Connect with Ever Forward Club:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/everforwardclub
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/everforwardclub
Twitter: https://twitter.com/everforwardclub
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-ever-forward-club/
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/branch-speaks/support
Ashanti Branch is joined by Blair Daly, a dedicated advocate for boys and men in Washington state. As the founder of the Washington Initiative for Boys and Men, Blair leads efforts in advocacy journalism and grassroots political advocacy to enhance the well-being of boys, male youth, and men in the state. He holds a Master of Public Administration degree from the University of Washington and earned his bachelor's degree from Whitworth University.
After college, he spent four years living in Malaysia and later drummed in a rock band in Seattle for three years. Outside of his professional life, Blair enjoys baseball, basketball, pickleball, and ping-pong.
Topics include: special interest groups, lobbying for men, getting male perspective and advocacy into government, depression, divorce, confronting grief, & family
(0:00) Intro
(7:20) Blair introduces himself
(11:07) Front of Blair’s mask, his athleticism, and his older brother
(14:56) Front of Ashanti’s mask and the boundaries he’s working on
(22:14) Back of Blair’s mask, his history with depression, and being a child of divorce
(26:15) When is it appropriate to share difficult things with others(28:17) Back of Ashanti’s mask and an emergency with his sister
(34:30) What are you thinking vs. what are you feeling
(37:07) Grief, and the different ways we handle it - healthy and unhealthy
(43:22) Special interest groups for men
(46:00) A State Commission on Boys and Men
(49:21) Closing
(51:00) Final words from Blair
Connect with Blair Daly:
Website: https://waboysandmen.org/
Website: https://wibm.us/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/waboysmen
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WABoysMen/
Join our 5k Challenge: https://charity.pledgeit.org/20thAnnualEF5KChallenge
Create your own mask anonymously at https://millionmask.org/
Email us questions and comments at totmpod100@gmail.com
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/branchspeaks/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch/
Website: https://www.branchspeaks.com/
Support the podcast and the work of the Ever Forward Club: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/branch-speaks/support
Connect with Ever Forward Club:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/everforwardclub
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/everforwardclub
Twitter: https://twitter.com/everforwardclub
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-ever-forward-club/
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/branch-speaks/support
Ever Forward Club’s Ashanti Branch is joined by Frederick Marx. Frederick, best known for Hoop Dreams (1994), is an acclaimed Academy Award and Emmy-nominated filmmaker of 40 years. Throughout his career, he has addressed significant social issues through his films, and he has been named a Chicago Tribune Artist of the Year, a Guggenheim Fellow, and a recipient of a Robert F. Kennedy Special Achievement Award. To this day, filmmaker Frederick Marx remains driven by a commitment to storytelling and social change.
Topics include: grief, regret, filmmaking outside of the Hollywood system, public service, problems with the term “nonprofit”, nonprofit vs. social profit, social entrepreneurship, legacy, and succession
(0:00) Intro
(7:05) Frederick introduces himself and his rich history with Ashanti.
(12:50) Frederick and Ashanti make their masks together.
(14:38) Front of Frederick’s Mask, and how he doesn’t hold back.
(16:47) Front of Ashanti’s Mask
(20:56) Back of Frederick’s Mask
(24:47) Back of Ashanti’s Mask
(25:50) Diving deep into experiences with grief
(30:50) How personal suffering informs public service
(33:50) Two nonprofits reaching their 20-year anniversary - Warrior Films and the Ever Forward Club
(36:50) Legacy and successors - who do we pass the torch to before we’re gone?
(42:50) Frederick gives Ashanti a serious challenge
(46:06) Frederick’s book
(47:20) Closing
Connect with Frederick Marx:
Website: http://warriorfilms.org/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/warriorfilmspage/
Join our 5k Challenge: https://charity.pledgeit.org/20thAnnualEF5KChallenge
Create your own mask anonymously at https://millionmask.org/
Email us questions and comments at totmpod100@gmail.com
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/branchspeaks/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch/
Website: https://www.branchspeaks.com/
Support the podcast and the work of the Ever Forward Club: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/branch-speaks/support
Connect with Ever Forward Club:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/everforwardclub
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/everforwardclub
Twitter: https://twitter.com/everforwardclub
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-ever-forward-club/
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/branch-speaks/support
Two high schoolers come together in this TOTM Face to Face conversation. Our host, Wenceslao, is joined by Andres, a senior at Skyline High School in Oakland, CA, and a member of Youth Beat. ➡️➡️➡️ Youth Beat is an incredible organization that provides free digital media instruction for disadvantaged Bay Area students.
A future filmmaker, Andres finds common ground and shared humanity with Wenceslao. They share an interest in arts and self-expression; they both have biological fathers that live in Texas rather than with them in the Bay Area; they love accessorizing with rings and bracelets; and they both miss their grandparents.
(0:00) Intro
(8:22) Front of Andres’s mask
(10:54) Front of Wenceslao’s mask
(11:56) Back of Andres’s mask
(14:17) Back of Wenceslao’s mask
(15:25) A poem about beauty from Kahlil Gibran’s “The Prophet”
(18:55) Card #1 from Ever Forward Club’s The Adventure Card Game
(22:52) Card#2 from the Adventure Card Game
(27:59) Card #3 from the Adventure Card Game
(29:50) Andres’s love of filmmaking
(44:28) How Youth Beat and The Ever Forward Club could collaborate
(48:57) Closing remarks
Connect with Youth Beat: https://youthbeat.org/
Join our 5k Challenge: https://charity.pledgeit.org/20thAnnualEF5KChallenge
Create your own mask anonymously at https://millionmask.org/
Email us questions and comments at totmpod100@gmail.com
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/branchspeaks/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch/
Website: https://www.branchspeaks.com/
Support the podcast and the work of the Ever Forward Club: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/branch-speaks/support
Connect with Ever Forward Club:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/everforwardclub
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/everforwardclub
Twitter: https://twitter.com/everforwardclub
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-ever-forward-club/
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/branch-speaks/support
Donofriend, or Donovan Taylor Hall, joins Ashanti Branch, a master educator with 20+ years of experience in schools, to talk about what they are reflecting on as educators and what they’re seeing in the halls of modern-day schools. Donovan is an experienced teacher and positive youth development expert who travels around the country speaking at schools and pushing into classrooms. Learn more about him in episode 152.
Topics include: video games, core values, extrinsic/intrinsic motivation, “call-out” vs. “call-in”, “book smart” vs. “street smart”, being a warm demander, and shared humanity amongst teachers and students.
(0:00) Welcome!
(1:30) Donovan and Ashanti introduce themselves.
(4:00) Student behavior, engagement, and distractions
(7:00) Video games and what they teach us about students
(11:00) Making education entertaining
(15:00) Extrinsic vs. intrinsic motivation
(17:00) Core values
(25:00) Safe vs. unsafe schools; accountability
(30:00) Warm demander - running out of warm
(34:00) When to “call-out” students, and desire for attention
(40:00) “Book smart” vs. “Street smart”
(43:00) Getting teachers more classroom management tools
(45:00) Teachers showing humanity; dropping ego
Connect with Donovan Taylor Hall:
Website: www.donovantaylorhall.com
Instagram, TikTok, Youtube: @donofriend
Join our 5k Challenge: https://charity.pledgeit.org/20thAnnualEF5KChallenge
Create your own mask anonymously at https://millionmask.org/
Email us questions and comments at totmpod100@gmail.com
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/branchspeaks/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch/
Website: https://www.branchspeaks.com/
Support the podcast and the work of the Ever Forward Club: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/branch-speaks/support
Connect with Ever Forward Club:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/everforwardclub
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/everforwardclub
Twitter: https://twitter.com/everforwardclub
LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-ever-forward-club/
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/branch-speaks/support
Charles is a Christian, a father of two, a Recruitment Manager, and Ashanti’s COLLEGE ROOMATE! Charles loves helping people advance in their careers and developing a strategy for life. He’s currently spending much of his time outside of work studying for a PhD in Industrial and Organizational Psychology.
Topics include: being diagnosed with ADHD, leaving Los Angeles for Wisconsin and how changing environments can change lives, raising snakes in a college dorm, feeding snakes (with rodents!) in a college dorm, food stamps in college, negative self-talk and how it affects student behavior, 30 years of friendship, and self-esteem.
(0:00) Intro
(6:20) Charles introduces himself
(5:54) How Ashanti and Charles met
(11:30) Front of Charles’s mask
(12:49) Front of Ashanti's mask
(16:40) Ashanti’s snake story
(20:15) Food stamps in college
(25:50) Charles growing up in LA
(34:30) Back of Charles’s mask
(43:20) Back of Ashanti's mask
(48:00) Self-esteem and self-image
(51:35) California college tour memories
(54:20) Charles is a “cactus friend”
(55:00) Closing and "main character syndrome"
Connect with Charles Smith:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Careerengineer4u
Join our 5k Challenge: https://charity.pledgeit.org/20thAnnualEF5KChallenge
Create your own mask anonymously at https://millionmask.org/
Email us questions and comments at totmpod100@gmail.com
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/branchspeaks/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch/
Website: https://www.branchspeaks.com/
Support the podcast and the work of the Ever Forward Club: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/branch-speaks/support
Connect with Ever Forward Club:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/everforwardclub
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/everforwardclub
Twitter: https://twitter.com/everforwardclub
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-ever-forward-club/
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/branch-speaks/support
Johnny is the 26-year-old founder of Hey Brother Co., a men's work organization committed to reshaping the contemporary narrative of masculinity to promote a safer, more abundant world for all. As a survivor of domestic violence and a rigidly patriarchal upbringing, Johnny prides himself on his ability to transmute his painful lived experiences and traumas into opportunities for others to heal.
Topics include: Having a father in the South African Border War & “Murder Battalion”; ketamin-assisted mirror work; negative self-talk; teaching in America vs. more appreciative countries; and Andrew Tate, Jordan Peterson, and young men.
(0:00 Intro
(6:20) Johnny introduces himself
(8:25) Front of Ashanti’s mask
(10:46) Switching from the traditional “wealth path” to teaching
(17:08) Front of Johnny’s mask - and wearing CPTSD on the front of his mask20:24 Being our own worst friend
(24:44) Back of Ashanti’s mask
(27:40) Back of Johnny’s mask - ketamin-assisted mirror work and negative self-talk
(31:55) Throwing away old recordings, literal and figurative
(38:04) Johnny’s observations about young men
(39:14) What’s up with young men
(45:34) Johnny’s background with abuse, patriarchy, and ultimately healing
(54:19) Closing
Connect with Johnny Cole:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heybrotherjohnny/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heybrotherco/
Website: http://heybrotherco.com
Join our 5k Challenge: https://charity.pledgeit.org/20thAnnualEF5KChallenge
Create your own mask anonymously at https://millionmask.org/
Email us questions and comments at totmpod100@gmail.com
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/branchspeaks/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch/
Website: https://www.branchspeaks.com/
Support the podcast and the work of the Ever Forward Club: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/branch-speaks/support
Connect with Ever Forward Club:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/everforwardclub
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/everforwardclub
Twitter: https://twitter.com/everforwardclub
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-ever-forward-club/
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/branch-speaks/support
In this episode of Taking off the Mask, host Ashanti Branch welcomes Wesley Spence. Wesley is a 19-year-old entrepreneur, barber, and owner/operator of a clothing brand called iconicc22. Is comparison truly the thief of joy? Wesley and Ashanti delve into topics such as self-awareness, personal growth, and the journey to becoming the best version of oneself while finding common ground as entrepreneurs and fans of the book “The Alchemist.”
(0:00) Intro
(9:40) Front of Ashanti’s Mask. What he lets people see
(12:40) Front of Wesley’s Mask. What he lets people see.
(18:00) Back of Ashanti’s Mask. What he doesn’t let people see.
(21:30) Back of Wesley’s Mask. What he doesn’t let people see.
(23:20) Comparison being the thief of joy, while building a business
(24:30) Talking about the book “The Alchemist”
(29:05) Stoicism and how Wesley embraces it
(33:54) What’s happening with young men in Wesley’s community?
(46:00) Wrapping up and Wesley’s message to young people
Connect with Wesley Spence:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ww3sleyy
Get a Haircut!: https://www.instagram.com/yeswescutss/
Clothing: https://www.instagram.com/iconicc22/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@userarchive22
Join our 5k Challenge: https://charity.pledgeit.org/20thAnnualEF5KChallenge
Create your own mask anonymously at https://millionmask.org/
Email us questions and comments at totmpod100@gmail.com
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/branchspeaks/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch/
Website: https://www.branchspeaks.com/
Support the podcast and the work of the Ever Forward Club: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/branch-speaks/support
Connect with Ever Forward Club:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/everforwardclub
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/everforwardclub
Twitter: https://twitter.com/everforwardclub
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-ever-forward-club/
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/branch-speaks/support
This is one of the rare episodes where we did not make or share masks… But we sure did feel them come off. Trevor Taylor is back for part 2! (Listen to Part 1) Join Ashanti and Trevor as they explore nonviolent communication, how to communicate effectively to build community, the Think Feel Do methodology, and attachment to the process instead of the outcome.
Trevor brings over nine years of dedicated practice to the mat, seamlessly blending strength and grace in his dynamic Vinyasa flows. Beyond yoga, Trevor is a content creator, sharing mindfulness techniques, motivation, and glimpses into his personal yoga journey with a global community.
(0:00) Intro
(7:30) Trevor’s work bringing movement, mindfulness, and meditation to both online and local communities that need it
(16:30) Trevor’s rose and thorn
(21:18) Ashanti’s rose and thorn
(24:38) Is there anywhere you are fully known?
(24:47) Trevor talks about his relationship with his partner
(31:33) Nonviolent communication
(38:23) Attachment to the outcome vs. the process, and anger
(50:21) Think, Feel, Do methodology
(54:33) Closing and gratitude
Connect with Trevor Taylor:
The Sanctuary: https://sunsolesanctuary.com/
Website: https://pillar.io/justliketrevor
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/justliketrevor/
Sign Up for the 20th Annual 5k Challenge: https://charity.pledgeit.org/20thAnnualEF5KChallenge
Create your own mask anonymously at millionmask.org
Email us questions and comments at totmpod100@gmail.com
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: instagram.com/branchspeaks
Facebook: facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
Twitter: twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch
Website: branchspeaks.com
Support the podcast and the work of the Ever Forward Club: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/branch-speaks/support
Connect with Ever Forward Club:
Instagram: instagram.com/everforward
Facebook: facebook.com/everforwardclub
Twitter: twitter.com/everforwardclub
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/the-ever-forward-club
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Live from SXSW 2024! Ashanti Branch, Wenceslao Soto Sanchez, Johnathan Pugh Jr., and Ryan Louie take the stage and the education landscape head-on by considering the questions: What’s up with young men? How does the way we present our identity affect the climate and culture of our schools? Through a profound conversation facilitated by a 20-year master educator, a filmmaker, and two high school boys with diverse perspectives, they gain insight into the challenges of marginalized communities in education and the importance of emotional well-being. They and the audience realize the change necessary to create healthy environments for your community and bear witness to what is possible when students and teachers recognize their shared humanity.
(00:00) Welcome
(06:15) Wenceslao’s background
(07:05) Johnathan’s background
(07:48) Ryan’s background
(09:10) Johnathan’s journey
(13:38) Wenceslao’s journey
(16:28) Why men have a hard time talking about their feelings
(18:21) How kids are different now versus in the past
(22:52) What are adults getting right/wrong?
(36:02) Mask activity
(44:45) Q&A
Create your own mask anonymously at millionmask.org
Email us questions and comments at totmpod100@gmail.com
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: instagram.com/branchspeaks
Facebook: facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
Twitter: twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch
Website: branchspeaks.com
Support the podcast and the work of the Ever Forward Club: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/branch-speaks/support
Connect with Ever Forward Club:
Instagram: instagram.com/everforward
Facebook: facebook.com/everforwardclub
Twitter: twitter.com/everforwardclub
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/the-ever-forward-club
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/branch-speaks/support
Join Ashanti and Matthew in a candid conversation about self-awareness, emotional/nervous system regulation, fatherhood, and the complexities of personal growth. Matthew has been a father since 2016 and a husband since 2013. He authors short, illustrated men's fiction for book clubs, men's groups, dad groups, and male studies courses. He Kickstarted his first book in 2011, called “Tulie’s Garden”, about his inner journey from boyhood to manhood—acknowledged by co-founder Bill Kauth of the Mankind Project as "soul poetry of worthy masculinity." His second book in progress, “Alexandra & the Moon”, is a story for mindful fathers raising spirited daughters.
(0:00) Introduction and overview of the episode's themes.
(05:29) Reminiscing about their early days together.
(13:30) The front of Matthew’s mask
(14:39) The front of Ashanti’s mask
(18:11) The back of Matthew’s mask
(18:20) Reflections on the role of fatherhood in personal growth and storytelling.
(24:00) The back of Ashanti’s mask
(32:00) Exploring the concept of nervous system regulation for emotional well-being.
(45:16) Closing remarks, acknowledgments, and information on how to contact Matthew.
Connect with Matthew Sloane:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/matthew_sloane_author
Website: https://fatherhood-dojo.com/
Create your own mask anonymously at millionmask.org
Email us questions and comments at totmpod100@gmail.com
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: instagram.com/branchspeaks
Facebook: facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
Twitter: twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch
Website: branchspeaks.com
Support the podcast and the work of the Ever Forward Club: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/branch-speaks/support
Connect with Ever Forward Club:
Instagram: instagram.com/everforward
Facebook: facebook.com/everforwardclub
Twitter: twitter.com/everforwardclub
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/the-ever-forward-club
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/branch-speaks/support
Embark on a journey into the depths of vulnerability as Solomon Adams, a deeply talented musician, writer, and educator, unearths the intricate layers of his emotional landscape in this episode. From the front-facing optimism that radiates through his creative work to the complexities that lie beneath, Solomon delves into the power of emotions often concealed. Join us as he shares the real vulnerability that goes beyond the performative, offering an intimate exploration of the struggles, triumphs, and nuances that shape his authentic self.
(0:00) Introduction
(9:00) Solomon's introduction and background
(11:00) The front of Solomon's mask: Positivity, Creativity, Optimism
(14:00) How Solomon stays optimistic
(18:40) The front of Ashanti’s mask: Excited, Passionate, Caring
(21:30) The power of somatics
(23:27) The back of Solomon's mask: anger, rage, irritability, and real vulnerability
(30:30) Navigating through real vulnerability versus performative vulnerability
(33:07) The back of Ashanti’s mask: My work is my value, proud not to be prideful
(37:42) Closing Reflections
(40:00) Solomon's Instagram and upcoming projects
Connect with Solomon Adams:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stillsolomonssoul
Organization: https://www.instagram.com/mov3mentmakers
Create your own mask anonymously at millionmask.org
Email us questions and comments at totmpod100@gmail.com
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: instagram.com/branchspeaks
Facebook: facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
Twitter: twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch
Website: branchspeaks.com
Support the podcast and the work of the Ever Forward Club: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/branch-speaks/support
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Join Wenceslao, the Ever Forward Club’s Youth Host, in an insightful conversation with filmmaker and educator Ryan Louie. Together, they explore the profound lessons learned from love, relationships, and the transformative impact of the Ever Forward Club. The discussion touches on fearlessness, self-knowledge, and the pursuit of authenticity, offering a unique perspective on personal growth and filmmaking.
(0:00) Introduction
(5:30) Wenceslao’s front - funny, engaging, responsible. And his back - shy, soft.
(8:50) Ryan’s front - easy-going, agreeable, fun-loving. And his back - desire to impress, opinionated, friendship.
(10:30) Reflecting on Love, Relationships, and Big Brothers/Sisters
(13:05) Ryan and Wenceslao play Ever Forward’s Adventure Card Game.
(25:13) Contemplating Relationships and Divorce
(27:20) Ryan's Filmmaking Journey
(31:40) Personal Growth Through Filmmaking
(39:30) Aspirations for the Future and College Plans
(40:00) Lessons Learned from Podcasting
(43:35) A Poetic Conclusion - on The Soul's Hidden Path
Create your own mask anonymously at millionmask.org
Email us questions and comments at totmpod100@gmail.com
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: instagram.com/branchspeaks
Facebook: facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
Twitter: twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch
Website: branchspeaks.com
Support the podcast and the work of the Ever Forward Club: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/branch-speaks/support
Connect with Ever Forward Club:
Instagram: instagram.com/everforward
Facebook: facebook.com/everforwardclub
Twitter: twitter.com/everforwardclub
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/the-ever-forward-club
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Are you a teacher? An educator? Administrator? We’re excited to launch a new series under the Taking Off The Mask podcast feed: Education Monthly - with Donofriend!
Donofriend, or Donovan Taylor Hall, joins Ashanti Branch to talk about what they are reflecting on as educators, what they’re seeing out in the schools, and what’s the latest news in education. You can learn more about Donovan, an experienced teacher and positive youth development expert, in episode 152.
(0:00) Welcome!
(3:30) Donovan’s lesson for today.
(18:00) Ashanti’s lesson for today.
(23:30) Witnessing fear in the classroom.
(30:30) Testing out our first episode.
(34:35) Take this to your classroom.
Connect with Donovon Taylor Hall:
Website: www.donovantaylorhall.com
Instagram, TikTok, Youtube: @donofriend
Create your own mask anonymously at millionmask.org
Email us questions and comments at totmpod100@gmail.com
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: instagram.com/branchspeaks
Facebook: facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
Twitter: twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch
Website: branchspeaks.com
Support the podcast and the work of the Ever Forward Club: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/branch-speaks/support
Connect with Ever Forward Club:
Instagram: instagram.com/everforward
Facebook: facebook.com/everforwardclub
Twitter: twitter.com/everforwardclub
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/the-ever-forward-club
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/branch-speaks/support
“When I was younger, being bold was mistaken for being arrogant or a know-it-all all. If I’m honest with myself, I think I was arrogant or a know-it-all all. But I’d like to hope that it was out of a desire to do good. To fix something. To help someone.” - Kevin Cho Tipton
Ever Forward Club’s Ashanti Branch is joined by Kevin Cho Tipton. Kevin is a Major in the United States Air Force and a critical care nurse practitioner serving in South Florida’s public hospitals.
Since 2010, he has served in the Florida National Guard and is currently assigned to the Critical Care Air Transport Team (CCATT) of the 125th Fighter Wing (Jacksonville, FL). In a civilian capacity, Tipton’s most humbling experiences have been his time caring for families impacted by Hurricane María in Puerto Rico, volunteering at street medicine clinics serving those facing homelessness, and uplifting the stories of his neighbors, patients, and peers through his advocacy work.
(0:00) Welcome!
(3:30) Kevin introduces himself.
(6:25) The front of Ashanti’s mask - happy, caring, hard-working.
(11:45) The front of Kevin’s mask - being bold, understanding, confidence.
(15:00) The back of Ashanti’s mask - heavy sadness, worry, fear - and his and Kevin’s experiences with grief.
(24:30) The back of Kevin’s mask - fear, disappointment, uncertainty - and Kevin’s reflections on boldness.
(32:30) Thoughts on Black History Month and dealings with a more privileged nonprofit.
(36:20) On the Tuskegee Airmen.
(40:00) On Parker Palmer’s Critical Gap.
(42:20) Kevin’s final thoughts and why he stresses finding community amongst the loneliness.
Connect with Kevin Cho Tipton:
www.HealthcareAgainstHate.com
Social Media: https://www.instagram.com/KevinChoFL
Create your own mask anonymously at millionmask.org
Email us questions and comments at totmpod100@gmail.com
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: instagram.com/branchspeaks
Facebook: facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
Twitter: twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch
Website: branchspeaks.com
Support the podcast and the work of the Ever Forward Club: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/branch-speaks/support
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“Ultimately I’m just trying to simplify this human journey into, ‘We either operate out of love or we operate out of fear.’ … Love is a verb. It’s an active choice. And instead of reacting, let’s respond.” - Ruben Rojas
Ever Forward Club’s Ashanti Branch is joined by Ruben Rojas. Ruben traded in his suit for a paintbrush. He began transforming blank walls into unique, empowering messages. Today, the messages provided by these murals are uplifting communities and challenging the public to create new dialogues. As an artist, muralist, and designer, Ruben's mission is to inspire others to live through love.
Ruben's murals can be seen in cities across the country and worldwide from Paris to New York and Florida to Mississippi. His portfolio of work extends beyond murals. He is also a TED speaker, helping spread the message of art creating impact, a designer, and a corporate consultant. Ruben works with companies to help businesses give back, enhance workspaces, and raise awareness on important issues. Past campaigns include clients such as BMW, American Express, Google & the NFL.
(0:00) Welcome!
(4:45) Ruben introduces himself and they discuss love and art.
(8:45) Ashanti and Ruben makes their masks.
(12:20) The front of Ashanti’s mask - funny, serious/hard-work, caring.
(16:20) The front of Ruben’s mask - showing up daily no matter what, confidence, leading with love, integrity, work in progress.
(17:20) The back of Ashanti’s mask - grief, health worries, get more efficient.
(22:00) The back of Ruben’s mask - emotional rollercoaster, am I doing enough, what am I being perceived as, chasing perfection, the healing process.
(24:45) Being the older sibling.
(29:30) Love is everywhere.
(35:30) Ruben’s message to the youth.
(38:00) How to connect with Ruben.
Connect with Ruben Rojas:
Website: http://rubenrojas.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rubenrojas/
Social, Podcast, and More!: https://linktr.ee/rubenrojas
Create your own mask anonymously at millionmask.org
Email us questions and comments at totmpod100@gmail.com
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: instagram.com/branchspeaks
Facebook: facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
Twitter: twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch
Website: branchspeaks.com
Support the podcast and the work of the Ever Forward Club: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/branch-speaks/support
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"Everyone’s dream is having the “American Dream” right? Own property, own big cars, have a big family. But for me, that dream is fading away a bit. Hopefully, I’ll get part of that dream… having a good, relaxing life."
This TOTM Face to Face conversation is between Wenceslao and Eloy Castro. Wenceslao is the Ever Forward Club’s Youth Host. You can get to know more about him in episode 123. Eloy is a personal stylist and interior designer, who also supports the Ever Forward Club’s training programs. ➡️➡️➡️ Because they are both involved in the Ever Forward Club, Eloy and Wenceslao have developed a level of trust and friendship. As someone older than Wenceslao, Eloy has also become a mentor. As you listen, consider this - have you ever had a conversation like this with someone younger/older than you? Who was that person? And how much did you appreciate them?
(0:00) Welcome!
(4:20) Eloy introduces himself.
(6:40) Wenceslao and Eloy make masks.
(7:30) The front of Eloy’s mask - confident, put together, trustworthy, loyal, kind, supportive.
(8:05) The front of Wenceslao’s mask - growing, learning, adapting.
(9:10) The back of Eloy’s mask - anxious, nervous, stressed, insecure, unsure, struggle alone.
(10:10) The back of Wenceslao’s mask - scared, vivid, not satisfied with myself.
(11:55) Some rapid fire questions from The Adventure card game.
(20:10) Poetry reading from Wenceslao.
(22:50) Wenceslao interviews Eloy about the Ever Forward Club.
(26:55) Poetry reading from Wenceslao.
(32:15) Final thoughts from Eloy and Wenceslao.
Create your own mask anonymously at millionmask.org
Email us questions and comments at totmpod100@gmail.com
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: instagram.com/branchspeaks
Facebook: facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
Twitter: twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch
Website: branchspeaks.com
Support the podcast and the work of the Ever Forward Club: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/branch-speaks/support
Connect with Ever Forward Club:
Instagram: instagram.com/everforward
Facebook: facebook.com/everforwardclub
Twitter: twitter.com/everforwardclub
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/the-ever-forward-club
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/branch-speaks/support
“Teachers will generally give longer wait time for kids that they think know the answer, than kids that they think don’t know the answer.” - Dr. Ray Swann
Ever Forward Club’s Ashanti Branch is joined by Dr. Ray Swann. Ray knows a thing or two about acting and emotions. Pair that with a deep knowledge of teaching and learning, and you have an excellent educator.
Ray is currently the Executive Director of the Foundation for Positive Masculinity, an NGO based in Melbourne Australia. He hosts The Understanding Boys podcast and wrote “The Seven Stories: Planting Seeds for Positive Masculinities” - a book full of mindfulness stories for boys.
(0:00) Welcome!
(5:15) Ray introduces himself.
(9:15) The front of Ray’s mask - calm, hard-working, engaged.
(14:35) The front of Ashanti’s mask - hard-working, passionate, emotions.
(15:35) What does “calm” really mean?
(21:45) The back of Ray’s mask - sensitive, characters/voices, sad/melancholic.
(24:30) William Shakespeare's "As You Like It".
(31:30) How to make students feel safe to participate in class.
(35:15) The back of Ashanti’s mask - fear of failure, sadness, worry.
(42:45) “The Wasteland” by T.S. Eliot.
(46:15) How acting and performing informs how Ray interacts with his students.
(54:45) Final thoughts and how to get in touch with Ray.
Connect with Ray Swann:
Website: http://www.positivemasculinity.org.au
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drrayswann/
Theater Company: www.identitytheatre.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ray-swann-6673531b/?originalSubdomain=au
Create your own mask anonymously at millionmask.org
Email us questions and comments at totmpod100@gmail.com
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: instagram.com/branchspeaks
Facebook: facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
Twitter: twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch
Website: branchspeaks.com
Support the podcast and the work of the Ever Forward Club: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/branch-speaks/support
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“If I continue to make myself small to fit their expectations, who am I truly letting down?” - Trevor Taylor
Ever Forward Club’s Ashanti Branch is joined by Trevor Taylor. As a seasoned yoga instructor, Trevor brings over nine years of dedicated practice to the mat, seamlessly blending strength and grace in his dynamic Vinyasa flows. Beyond yoga, Trevor is a content creator, sharing mindfulness techniques, motivation, and glimpses into his personal yoga journey with a global community. Like anyone on this journey called life, it took Trevor some time and some struggle to get to the place he is at now. In this episode, Trevor looks back on those struggles and existential reflections. So please enjoy this conversation, as Trevor provides some valuable lessons on growth and purpose…
(0:00) Welcome!
(0:50) Ashanti’s introduction.
(3:00) Trevor introduces himself and why he is a teacher at heart - whether it’s yoga, religion, philosophy, or K-12 education.
(5:10) The front of Ashanti’s mask - passion, caring, driven - and how he spent MLK Jr. Day.
(9:20) The front of Trevor’s mask - joy, discipline, articulate.
(12:55) The back of Ashanti’s mask - worry, fear, grief - and his grandmother’s passing.
(19:50) The back of Trevor’s mask - lack of confidence, low self-esteem, fear of failure.
(24:30) Why Ashanti went into teaching vs. why Trevor went into teaching.
(34:00) The difference between your “growth zone” vs. your “overwhelmed zone.”
(39:20) The catalyst that led Trevor to make a career change, and how plants are a great analogy for growth.
(46:30) Wrap up and final words from Trevor.
Connect with Trevor Taylor:
Website: https://pillar.io/justliketrevor
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/justliketrevor/
Create your own mask anonymously at millionmask.org
Email us questions and comments at totmpod100@gmail.com
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: instagram.com/branchspeaks
Facebook: facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
Twitter: twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch
Website: branchspeaks.com
Support the podcast and the work of the Ever Forward Club: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/branch-speaks/support
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“If we put ourselves on our deathbed, and we look back on THIS moment, are we going to be proud of ourselves?” - Jason Kyle Budahazy
Ever Forward Club’s Ashanti Branch is joined by Jason Kyle Budahazy. Jason Kyle’s journey has taken many twists and turns, and ups and downs - from stand-up comedy, to the Peace Corps in Albania, to Hollywood and “Two and a Half Men” and “The Big Bang Theory”, to today, being the Founding Creative and voice for the first men’s mental health app: Mental. Jason Kyle considers his current work to be his most meaningful because he gets to do what his younger self needed the most. He gets to help men move past their societal conditioning and nurture a healthy soul. We're excited for you to get to know Jason Kyle, his mask, and his past, present, and future.
(1:20) Ashanti’s introduction
(4:20) Jason Kyle introduces himself and the ups and downs of his life. Then he and Ashanti share some of the culture shocks they experienced as young adults.
(15:00) Ashanti shares the front of his mask - passion, purpose, caring. He and Jason discuss the nuances of teaching.
(22:20) Jason Kyle shares the front of his mask - charismatic, creative, hilarious.
(30:30) Ashanti shares the back of his mask - my work is my value, proud to not be prideful, shame.
(39:55) Jason Kyle shares the back of his mask - insecurity, chaos, self-portraits.
(47:00) Jason Kyle shares how he started working with The Mental App, the men’s mental health app.
(58:00) Ashanti and Jason Kyle wrap up their conversation.
Connect with Jason Kyle Budahazy:
Special Mental 25% Off Discount: http://getmental.com/totm
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/getmejasonkyle
The Mental App: https://www.instagram.com/thementalapp/
Website: https://www.getmejasonkyle.com/
Create your own mask anonymously at millionmask.org
Email us questions and comments at totmpod100@gmail.com
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: instagram.com/branchspeaks
Facebook: facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
Twitter: twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch
Website: branchspeaks.com
Support the podcast and the work of the Ever Forward Club: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/branch-speaks/support
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/branch-speaks/support
In this solo episode, Ashanti Branch tells the story of his encounter with the most popular girl in school… A story about emotions, class, wealth, status, bullying, family structures, and what we need to provide for our young people as educators. Then, he looks ahead at what’s in store for the Ever Forward Club in 2024.
(0:00) Ashanti introduces the episode and his story about the most popular girl in school.
(13:10) Ashanti reflects on the story and applies it to the work he and the Ever Forward Club do in schools, advocating for more social-emotional learning.
(25:20) Ashanti provides some updates on the Ever Forward Club.
Create your own mask anonymously at millionmask.org
Email us questions and comments at totmpod100@gmail.com
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: instagram.com/branchspeaks
Facebook: facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
Twitter: twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch
Website: branchspeaks.com
Support the podcast and the work of the Ever Forward Club: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/branch-speaks/support
Connect with Ever Forward Club:
Instagram: instagram.com/everforward
Facebook: facebook.com/everforwardclub
Twitter: twitter.com/everforwardclub
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/the-ever-forward-club
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/branch-speaks/support
Happy Holidays! Today is a re-release of episode 3, with Lewis Howes. Enjoy!
In this Podcast, Ever Forward Club’s Ashanti Branch is joined by New York Times Bestselling author, Lewis Howes, author of the hit book,The School of Greatness and his newest book, The Mask of Masculinity. He is a lifestyle entrepreneur, high-performance business coach and keynote speaker. A former professional football player and two-sport All-American. He hosts a top 100 iTunes ranked Apple podcast, The School of Greatness, which has over 250 million downloads and just reached their 1000th episode since it launched in 2013.
During their conversation, Ashanti and Lewis talked very little about all of his success as an athlete and podcaster but spoke about the masks that they wear and what gets in the way of being our full authentic selves. This conversation is about emotional well-being of men and how ignoring our emotions leads men to unhealthy outcomes and emotional overload.
(7:38) Together, they discuss how Lewis’s childhood shaped his understanding of the pitfalls of masculinity;
(24:30) And how Ashanti’s life and work is tied directly to Lewis’s The Mask of Masculinity, as well as how the norms of masculinity can explain the country’s violence and divisiveness.
(35:18) Then, Lewis and Ashanti participate in the #MillionMaskMovement by sharing their masks.
Create your own mask anonymously at www.100kmasks.com
If you are interested in being on the Face to Face podcast, email us at everforwardclub@gmail.com
Send in a voice message:
https://anchor.fm/branch-speaks/message
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/branchspeaks/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ashantibranch
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch
Connect with Ever Forward Club:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/everforwardclub
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/everforwardclub
Twitter: https://twitter.com/everforwardclub
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-ever-forward-club/
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/branch-speaks/support
“I knew that if I wanted to control the outcome before someone was about to make fun of me, or judge, or criticize; it was better for me to be the first one to make a joke about myself.” - Diego Estrada
Happy Holidays! Today is a re-release of episode 143, with Diego Estrada. Enjoy!
Ever Forward Club’s Ashanti Branch is joined by Diego Estrada. Born and raised in Monterrey, Nuevo León, Mėxico, Diego currently speaks at conferences and delivers workshops on authenticity. Diego lists his job title as an Alegrador de Vidas; the closest translation to English is a “Brightener of Lives”. He loves to connect with people and help them be themselves, and, in this conversation, he and Ashanti are allowed to do just so.
(0:45) Ashanti’s introduction.
(2:45) Diego introduces himself and his work; and he explains why he’s feeling impatient. Then, he and Ashanti find common ground around their work promoting emotional authenticity.
(12:45) Ashanti and Diego make their masks together.
(16:10) Diego shares the front of his mask - courage, authentic, open. Then, he shares the back of his mask - doubt, constant comparison, physical stature.
(18:00) Ashanti shares the front of his mask - caring, serious, dedicated.
(20:10) Ashanti shares the back of his mask - impatient, self-doubt, sadness.
(21:45) Ashanti and Diego discuss self-compassion.
(26:20) Ashanti breaks down an interaction he had with his godson in Mexico.
(29:00) Diego explains the difference between “fitting in” and “belonging.”
(36:30) Diego shares how you can get in touch with him and provides some final words for the audience.
Connect with Diego Estrada:
Instagram/Tik Tok: instagram.com/tuvidaesincreible
Podcast: #TUVIDAESINCREÍBLE
Books Mentioned by Diego: Self-Compassion by Kristin Neff
Permission to Feel by Marc Brackett
Create your own mask anonymously at millionmask.org
Email us questions and comments at totmpod100@gmail.com
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: instagram.com/branchspeaks
Facebook: facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
Twitter: twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch
Website: branchspeaks.com
Support the podcast and the work of the Ever Forward Club: anchor.fm/branch-speaks/support
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“It’s hard to be the last strong pillar in a breaking-down house. It’s really challenging. Sometimes you just have to understand that the house is breaking down. And it’s always okay to rebuild.” - Theo Coker-Edwards
Happy Holidays! Today is a re-release of episode 162, with Theo Coker-Edwards. Enjoy!
Ever Forward Club’s Ashanti Branch is joined by Theo Coker-Edwards. Theo is a college athlete based in Albany, New York. And in Alameda, as a high schooler, he started and ran his own restorative justice program. IT NEEDS TO BE SAID, Theo is a college freshman who’s mature beyond his years; he is WISE. Please enjoy his thoughts on “the self”, conflict resolution, humility, and his mother - of course. What’s beautiful about Theo is that he understands both his vulnerabilities and his privileges. This came from a lot of self-reflection, and readings of spiritual texts like the Rastafari Bible. And as a result his honesty and self-awareness, his groundedness, is magnetic.
(6:00) Theo introduces himself, his hometown, and his work in restorative justice.
(8:30) Theo and Ashanti make their masks together.
(12:20) Theo shares the front of his mask - funny, college athlete, charismatic.
(13:40) Ashanti shares the front of his mask - serious, hard-working, caring - and they discuss the “fronts” society expects is to put on.
(19:10) Theo shares the back of his mask - mental health issues, insecurity, the desire to be wanted/needed - and how he never sees himself as enough.
(22:30) Ashanti shares the back of his mask - sadness, fear, worry - and the helplessness he feels when caring for his brother.
(27:00) Theo explains how some religious texts have helped him adjust his perspective and approach life with humility. Then, he shares some beautiful thoughts about his mother.
(36:00) Ashanti and Theo discuss conflict resolution, and picking your battles when you have a different perspective from someone.
(39:00) Theo holds a lot of wisdom and roundedness at a young age. He looks back on his childhood and the formation of his personality/EQ.
(42:00) Theo and Ashanti continue to discuss human behavior, triggers, and how we are all capable of different levels of good and bad - based on circumstances.
(49:20) Theo shares a final message for young people.
Connect with Theo Coker-Edwards:
Instagram:instagram.com/theo__coker
Twitter: twitter.com/TheoCoker4
Create your own mask anonymously at millionmask.org
Email us questions and comments at totmpod100@gmail.com
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: instagram.com/branchspeaks
Facebook: facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
Twitter: twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch
Website: branchspeaks.com
Support the podcast and the work of the Ever Forward Club: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/branch-speaks/support
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In this solo episode, Ashanti Branch tells the story of the teacher who CHANGED HIS LIFE, Ms. BP. It’s the story of a magic sentence that unlocked everything for him and changed his trajectory. Then, he looks at how the podcast, the Ever Forward Club, and schools in general are approaching the end of the year.
(0:00) Ashanti provides some updates on the podcast going into 2024.
(5:20) Ashanti tells the story of Ms. BP, the teacher who changed his life with a magic sentence.
(14:50) Then, Ashanti reflects on his father, and how he found the motivation to make his father proud from up above.
(16:10) Professional development in schools tends to be horrible. Ashanti compares it to professional development in corporate America.
(19:50) Students might be failing courses going into the end of the semester. How about you make sure you don’t fail in your relationship with them?
(33:40) 2024 is coming! Listen to some final reflections and updates on the Ever Forward club as it approaches its 20th anniversary.
Create your own mask anonymously at millionmask.org
Email us questions and comments at totmpod100@gmail.com
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: instagram.com/branchspeaks
Facebook: facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
Twitter: twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch
Website: branchspeaks.com
Support the podcast and the work of the Ever Forward Club: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/branch-speaks/support
Connect with Ever Forward Club:
Instagram: instagram.com/everforward
Facebook: facebook.com/everforwardclub
Twitter: twitter.com/everforwardclub
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/the-ever-forward-club
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This TOTM Face to Face conversation is between Wenceslao and Lincoln. Wenceslao is the Ever Forward Club’s Youth Host. You can get to know more about him in episode 123. Lincoln is a fellow student of Wenceslao’s at City Arts and Leadership Academy ➡️➡️➡️ As they share their masks, play our Adventure Card Game, and discuss all things poetry, friendship, and trust, it’s inspiring to imagine the future these two youth have in store for themselves…
(5:15) Lincoln introduces himself.
(6:15) Wenceslao shares the front of his mask - set my path, passionate, outgoing.
(6:50) Lincoln shares the front of his mask - hilarious, enjoyment, leader.
(7:15) Wenceslao shares the front of his mask - lack of communication, hesitant, stressed.
(7:45) Lincoln shares the back of his mask - socialization, short-tempered, bright.
(8:45) Wenceslao and Lincoln play the Ever Forward Club: The Adventure card game. Question 1. Tell us about a time when you realized you were becoming an adult.
(9:45 Question 2. Describe a time when you felt like you were in a difficult situation with a friend.
(10:25) Question 3. Tell us about a time when someone betrayed your trust.
(11:25) Question 4. What is the most important thing in making a relationship work?
(12:00) Question 5. Name something you can do to improve your life. What’s stopping you?
(13:05) Question 6. What is a lie that you tell yourself about yourself that you need to stop telling?
(13:45) Then, Wenceslao talks to Lincoln about his involvement in the Ever Forward Club.
(15:45) Wenceslao reads a passage from The Prophet by Kahlil Gibran. Then, Lincoln shares more about how the Ever Forward Club has helped him.
(27:00) Wenceslao and Lincoln wrap up the conversation.
Create your own mask anonymously at millionmask.org
Email us questions and comments at totmpod100@gmail.com
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: instagram.com/branchspeaks
Facebook: facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
Twitter: twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch
Website: branchspeaks.com
Support the podcast and the work of the Ever Forward Club: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/branch-speaks/support
Connect with Ever Forward Club:
Instagram: instagram.com/everforward
Facebook: facebook.com/everforwardclub
Twitter: twitter.com/everforwardclub
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/the-ever-forward-club
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“As much as people think I’m in my dad’s shadow, in many ways I live my life to NOT be like him. And even though my dad was a psychologist, I always felt like he wasn’t terribly emotional.” - Matt Englar-Carlson
Ever Forward Club’s Ashanti Branch is joined by Dr. Matt Englar-Carlson. Matt is a professor of counseling and the director of the Center for Boys and Men at California State University, Fullerton. His work focuses on healthy/prosocial forms of masculinities, social justice, diversity issues in psychological training and practice, and theories of psychotherapy. In many ways, Matt is an originator in the psychology space when it comes to encouraging healthy and positive masculinity in school settings, and Matt also is the lead men’s health clinical researcher for the first men’s mental health app, Mental. Please enjoy this conversation! Like Matt, it’s equal parts informative, entertaining, and emotional :)
(5:30) Matt introduces himself, his passions, and how he helps boys and men seek help more effectively.
(10:00) Matt shares the front of his mask - engaged, carefree, together - and how his words have changed from age 30 to age 50.
(11:30) Ashanti shares the front of his mask - serious, caring, passionate - and provides some thoughts on Senator Markwayne Mullin and Teamsters President Sean O'Brien.
(17:10) Matt shares the back of his mask - the weight of responsibility, grief, shame.
(19:30) Ashanti shares the back of his mask - the weight of responsibility, worry, self-doubt.
(22:15) Matt looks back on his childhood and how he had a proclivity for psychology and gender studies.
(30:40) Matt shares what he has noticed in his college students and “how men have been changing.”
(37:30) Ashanti and Matt reflect on how students emote and ask for help differently.
(42:00) Ashanti and Matt take time to consider the alarming rates of death by suicide amongst men. Then, Matt shares how he is involved with the app, Mental.
(48:30) Matt shares some final thoughts and how you can get in touch with him.
Connect with Matt Englar-Carlson:
Instagram: instagram.com/drmattec
The Mental App: instagram.com/thementalapp
Website: hhd.fullerton.edu/counsel/faculty/MattEnglarCarlson.php
Create your own mask anonymously at millionmask.org
Email us questions and comments at totmpod100@gmail.com
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: instagram.com/branchspeaks
Facebook: facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
Twitter: twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch
Website: branchspeaks.com
Support the podcast and the work of the Ever Forward Club: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/branch-speaks/support
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“I’ve always been funny. As a kid I was funny. Always funny. But then ask me why I was funny, and the story’s not funny.” - Pellegrino Riccardi
Happy Holidays! Today is a re-release of episode 133, with Pellegrino Riccardi. Enjoy!
Ever Forward Club’s Ashanti Branch is joined by Pellegrino Riccardi. Raised in the UK in an archetypal Italian family, as a young adult Pellegrino balanced a career in education and music. He moved to Norway in the 1990s and, long story short, now works as a keynote speaker, with audiences varying from kindergarten school employees to the largest multinational corporations. Pellegrino delivers talks on human interaction and how to create a loving workplace, and he describes himself as “58 years old but feeling 35.” We’re excited for you to learn more about Pellegrino’s masks, his thoughts on perfectionism, and his analysis of humanity’s fear of rejection…
(2:10) Ashanti’s introduction.
(7:05) Pellegrino introduces himself, his journey in music and education, and his current work as a keynote speaker centered on emotion and feelings. Then, they discuss why they both do the work they do and the standard greetings that each language has to keep the status quo.
(23:20) Pellegrino shares the front of his mask - funny, independent, hard-working - and his “classic immigrant story.”
(26:50) Ashanti shares the front of his mask - funny, serious, hard-working. Then, he and Pellegrino find commonality in the roles they had to play at home when they were children.
(32:30) Pellegrino shares the back of his mask - sad, lonely, in pain.
(34:00) Ashanti shares the back of his mask - fear of failure, perfectionist, self-doubt. Then, he and Pellegrino discuss the pitfalls of chasing perfection.
(40:50) Ashanti and Pellegrino analyze the psychology of and the fear of rejection.
(46:50) Pellegrino shares some final words with the audience and shares how you can get in touch with him.
Connect with Pellegrino Riccardi:
Website: pellegrino-riccardi.com
Instagram: instagram.com/pellegrino_riccardi
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/pellegrino-riccardi-24425a9His Book, “Drowning Quietly”: amazon.com/Drowning-Quietly-Memoir-Mans-Shortcomings/dp/1632995069
Create your own mask anonymously at millionmask.org
Email us questions and comments at totmpod100@gmail.com
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: instagram.com/branchspeaks
Facebook: facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
Twitter: twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch
Website: branchspeaks.com
Support the podcast and the work of the Ever Forward Club: anchor.fm/branch-speaks/support
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“Most youth say THE government. They don’t say OUR government. Or they say THE schools. They don’t say OUR school. Or they say THE house. They don’t feel connection. A lot of the autonomy from young people is being taken. The access is being suppressed. A lot of times youth are doing it without help and despite the system and despite the programs that be, because they had to do it on their own.” - Jamarria Hall
Ever Forward Club’s Ashanti Branch is joined by Jamarria Hall. Jamarria is a Social Entrepreneur, Philanthropist, advocate, and activist for equitable education. He lead Detroit students in 2016, in a class action lawsuit against the state seeking a constitutional right to literacy, irrespective of zip code and based on the 14th Amendment. The lawsuit was a success. So what was it that prepared Jamarria to stand up for such a cause at such a young age? We’ll have to take off the mask to find out…
(1:00) Ashanti’s introduction.
(4:00) Jamarria introduces himself, his case against the state of Michigan, and his role as a youth advocate.
(7:45) Jamarria shares the front of his mask - happy, smart, unbothered.
(12:15) Ashanti shares the front of his mask - serious, passionate, caring - then, he and Jamarria reflect on their relationship with rest and self-care.
(20:25) Jamarria shares the back of his mask - lost, anxiety, worry.
(24:20) Ashanti shares the back of his mask - my brother, fear, self-doubt, worry.
(30:25) Jamarria describes what he is seeing with young people, the mindsets they have been adopting, and their relationships with elders.
(34:15) Jamarria looks back on his upbringing and relationship with basketball, and how it helped him step into leadership roles and create change.
(40:00) Jamarria shares how you can get in touch with him.
Connect with Jamarria Hall:
Instagram: instagram.com/jamarriahall
Website: detroit-accesstoliteracy.org
Facebook:facebook.com/RighttoLiteracy
Create your own mask anonymously at millionmask.org
Email us questions and comments at totmpod100@gmail.com
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: instagram.com/branchspeaks
Facebook: facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
Twitter: twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch
Website: branchspeaks.com
Support the podcast and the work of the Ever Forward Club: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/branch-speaks/support
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This TOTM Face to Face conversation is between Wenceslao and Mr. Craig Galvin. Wenceslao is the Ever Forward Club’s Youth Host. You can get to know more about him in episode 123. Craig Galvin is an Algebra teacher at Wenceslao’s high school ➡️➡️➡️ Let’s just say this is a conversation between a teacher and a student that most people never get to experience. It’s so great seeing a student and a teacher connect on this level. As you listen, consider this - have you ever had a conversation like this with one of your teachers? Who was that teacher? And how much did you appreciate them?
(4:20) Craig, Wenceslao’s math teacher, introduces himself. Then, he and Wenceslao make their masks together.
(5:40) Wenceslao shares the front of his mask - funny, calm, quiet, a learner.
(6:15) Craig shares the front of his mask - confidence, organized, prepared, passionate, dog dad.
(8:00) Craig shares the back of his mask - split home, weakness, messiness, mental health.
(10:40) Wenceslao shares the back of his mask - stress, being with people calms me down, taking things seriously.
(12:20) Wenceslao and Craig play the Ever Forward Club: The Adventure card game.
(12:50) Question 1. When did not speak up, but you know you really should have?
(14:30) Question 2. What are you most afraid of?
(17:00) Question 3. Share with everyone a lesson that you are still learning.
(19:00) Question 4. Name a characteristic about yourself that you don’t talk about much.
(20:50) Question 5. If money was no issue, what is something you would start?
(22:55) Question 6. What experience in your life has taught you the most?
(25:50) Wenceslao reads a passage about friendship, from The Prophet by Kahlil Gibran.
(31:05) Wenceslao shares why he sees Craig as more than a teacher - as a friend. Then, Craig compares his first year as a teacher to his second year.
(36:20) Craig shares how he applies the mask activity and the Ever Forward Club to his classroom and his teaching style.
(47:10) Wenceslao closes things out by reading one more poem from Kahlil Gibran, about pain.
Create your own mask anonymously at millionmask.org
Email us questions and comments at totmpod100@gmail.com
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: instagram.com/branchspeaks
Facebook: facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
Twitter: twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch
Website: branchspeaks.com
Support the podcast and the work of the Ever Forward Club: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/branch-speaks/support
Connect with Ever Forward Club:
Instagram: instagram.com/everforward
Facebook: facebook.com/everforwardclub
Twitter: twitter.com/everforwardclub
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/the-ever-forward-club
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“I had a car crash where I was lucky to survive. My best friend was in the car, and we were very fortunate we didn’t die. It was a period where I was very off the rails and I was using alcohol to cope - a drunk driving incident where the whole car was crushed in half. It became the biggest news story in the country.” - Nick Bracks
Ever Forward Club’s Ashanti Branch is joined by Nick Bracks. Growing up in one of the most famous political families in Australia, Nick was exposed to life in the public eye since he was 12 years old. Struggling to cope with depression and anxiety through substance abuse, Nick first gained notoriety in his early 20s through a publicly documented car crash that nearly killed himself and his best friend. The drunk driving incident became a catalyst for Nick to turn his life around, exposing his mental health issues and allowing him to get the help he desperately needed. Since then, Nick has developed a successful public speaking career dedicated to de-stigmatizing mental illness through storytelling.
(0:55) Ashanti’s introduction.
(8:50) Nick introduces himself, his childhood in the media, and how struggling in the public eye prepared him for the mental health work he does now.
(10:50) Nick and Ashanti make their masks together.
(14:30) Ashanti shares the front of his mask - funny, serious, passionate.
(17:35) Nick shares the front of his mask - vulnerability, empathy, passion.
(19:50) Ashanti shares the back of his mask - fear of…, self-doubt, what’s next - success or failure.
(22:40) Nick shares the back of his mask - failures, don’t always speak my mind/people pleasing, not enough, money - and he and Ashanti discuss how they both tend to people please more than they’d like.
(29:55) Nick looks back on his life and childhood in the spotlight, how it conditioned his behavior, and how he eventually reclaimed control of his narrative.
(37:10) Nick tells Ashanti about a life-saving speech he delivered.
(43:50) Nick shares a final message with the audience and how you can get in touch with him.
Connect with Nick Bracks:
Website: nickbracks.com
Nick’s Newest Venture: moveyourmind.io
Instagram: instagram.com/nickbracks
Create your own mask anonymously at millionmask.org
Email us questions and comments at totmpod100@gmail.com
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: instagram.com/branchspeaks
Facebook: facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
Twitter: twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch
Website: branchspeaks.com
Support the podcast and the work of the Ever Forward Club: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/branch-speaks/support
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“When I noticed that an educator had expectations for me or wanted me to succeed, or believed that I could succeed, I actually worked harder in those classes. For the educators and teachers who said, ‘I really care about you, I see your potential,’ those are the classes I actually worked hard in because I wanted to do it not just for me but for the educators themselves and those who believed in me.” - Justin Black
Ever Forward Club’s Ashanti Branch is joined by Justin Black. Justin and his wife, Alexis, published an award-winning, bestselling book, Redefining Normal: How Two Foster Kids Beat The Odds and Discovered Healing, Happiness and Love. The book has impacted over 15,000 individuals and families, and, with Redefining Normal, they hope to continue the conversation on healthy relationships, mental health, and community growth and healing through speaking engagements, trainings, and book clubs.
(4:30) Justin introduces himself and his book, Redefining Normal, and how it helps youth find an identity beyond their trauma.
(11:55) Ashanti and Justin make their masks together.
(16:10) Ashanti shares the front of his mask - funny, serious, caring.
(18:30) Justin shares the back of his mask - fatherhood/family man, service, caring.
(24:25) Ashanti shares the back of his mask - worry, doubt, fear of failure - and he shares some worries he has about his brother and his brother’s health issues.
(29:00) Justin shares the back of his mask - let down, insecurity, doubt.
(34:10) Justin shares what he tells teachers about “warning signs” in students, and he talks about some of the general advice he gives to teachers.
(41:00) Justin shares how you can get in touch with him.
Connect with Justin Black:
Website: re-definingnormal.com
Facebook: facebook.com/redefiningnormalmovement
Instagram: instagram.com/theblacksredefinenormal
TikTok: tiktok.com/@theblacksredefinenormal
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/branch-speaks/support
“I’m really really anxious, like, off the charts anxious. In my head, it’s the Tasmanian Devil. It is spinning and spinning. If you’ve ever seen the cartoon, whenever he stops to say something it’s unintelligible. It’s just, ‘blah blah blah blah.’ And then he spins off. And that’s what it feels like in my head. But people don’t see that. They see this calm, confident, semi-put-together person on the outside.” - Zach Tucker
Ever Forward Club’s Ashanti Branch is joined by Jeremy Grater and Zach Tucker. Jeremy and Zach host the podcast The Fit Mess. The Fit Mess is in direct alignment with how Jeremy and Zach identify, as two vulnerable guys who have made extraordinary efforts to improve their own lives and want to help others clear a path to better wellness. Jeremy and Zach believe that fitness is not just about outer appearances or physiological health, it’s about the mind and achieving inner peace. Though their journey to inner peace is ongoing, never complete, you can hear the strides they have made in their journey, as they communicate with Ashanti with joy, authenticity, and electric chemistry…
(1:20) Ashanti’s introduction.
(6:30) Jeremy and Zach introduce themselves, their journey in fitness, and how they found healing in vulnerable conversations.
(14:30) Zach shares the front of his mask - funny, calm, confident - and why he identifies with the Tasmanian Devil.
(17:50) Jeremy shares the front of his mask - friendly, helpful, people pleaser.
(19:00) Ashanti shares the front of his mask - serious, caring, passionate - and why he’s worried about his city, Oakland.
(26:15) Zach shares the back of his mask - sensitive, introvert, anxious.
(31:50) Jeremy shares the back of his mask - terrified, insecure, selfish, alone - and how comparison is the thief of joy.
(37:15) Ashanti shares the back of his mask - self-doubt, fear, family mental health.
(40:30) Zach shares the science behind the benefits of venting.
(43:10) Zach and Jeremy give their final messages to the audience and share how you can get in touch.
Connect with Jeremy and Zach:
Twitter: twitter.com/FitMessGuys
Instagram: instagram.com/fitmessguys
Facebook: facebook.com/fitmessguys
YouTube: youtube.com/@fitmessguys
TikTok: tiktok.com/@fitmessguys
Website: thefitmess.com
Create your own mask anonymously at millionmask.org
Email us questions and comments at totmpod100@gmail.com
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: instagram.com/branchspeaks
Facebook: facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
Twitter: twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch
Website: branchspeaks.com
Support the podcast and the work of the Ever Forward Club: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/branch-speaks/support
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/branch-speaks/support
“It’s hard to be the last strong pillar in a breaking-down house. It’s really challenging. Sometimes you just have to understand that the house is breaking down. And it’s always okay to rebuild.” - Theo Coker-Edwards
Ever Forward Club’s Ashanti Branch is joined by Theo Coker-Edwards. Theo is a college athlete based in Albany, New York. And in Alameda, as a high schooler, he started and ran his own restorative justice program. IT NEEDS TO BE SAID, Theo is a college freshman who’s mature beyond his years; he is WISE. Please enjoy his thoughts on “the self”, conflict resolution, humility, and his mother - of course. What’s beautiful about Theo is that he understands both his vulnerabilities and his privileges. This came from a lot of self-reflection, and readings of spiritual texts like the Rastafari Bible. And as a result his honesty and self-awareness, his groundedness, is magnetic.
(6:00) Theo introduces himself, his hometown, and his work in restorative justice.
(8:30) Theo and Ashanti make their masks together.
(12:20) Theo shares the front of his mask - funny, college athlete, charismatic.
(13:40) Ashanti shares the front of his mask - serious, hard-working, caring - and they discuss the “fronts” society expects is to put on.
(19:10) Theo shares the back of his mask - mental health issues, insecurity, the desire to be wanted/needed - and how he never sees himself as enough.
(22:30) Ashanti shares the back of his mask - sadness, fear, worry - and the helplessness he feels when caring for his brother.
(27:00) Theo explains how some religious texts have helped him adjust his perspective and approach life with humility. Then, he shares some beautiful thoughts about his mother.
(36:00) Ashanti and Theo discuss conflict resolution, and picking your battles when you have a different perspective from someone.
(39:00) Theo holds a lot of wisdom and roundedness at a young age. He looks back on his childhood and the formation of his personality/EQ.
(42:00) Theo and Ashanti continue to discuss human behavior, triggers, and how we are all capable of different levels of good and bad - based on circumstances.
(49:20) Theo shares a final message for young people.
Connect with Theo Coker-Edwards:
Instagram:instagram.com/theo__coker
Twitter: twitter.com/TheoCoker4
Create your own mask anonymously at millionmask.org
Email us questions and comments at totmpod100@gmail.com
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: instagram.com/branchspeaks
Facebook: facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
Twitter: twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch
Website: branchspeaks.com
Support the podcast and the work of the Ever Forward Club: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/branch-speaks/support
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/branch-speaks/support
This TOTM Face to Face conversation is between Wenceslao and Bilal. Wenceslao is the Ever Forward Club’s Youth Host. You can get to know more about him in episode 123. Bilal is a high school sophomore and has been a member of the Ever Forward Club for 3 years. As they share their masks; play our Adventure Card Game; and discuss life in high school, how they want to make the most of their lives, and some of their fondest Ever Forward Club memories, Bilal and Wenceslao find their bond growing even stronger...
(1:00) Ashanti's introduction.
(5:00) Wenceslao and Bilal introduce themselves.
(6:00) Wenceslao shares the front of his mask - athletic, passionate, quiet. Then Bilal shares his - happy, energy, fun, image.
(7:00) Wenceslao shares the back of his mask - guilt, shy, scarred. Then Bilal shares his - anger, tired, sad, guilt, hard work.
(9:30) Wenceslao and Bilal play the Ever Forward Club: Adventure card game. Question 1. What stands between you and what you want?
(10:30) Question 2. Share a project that you’ve recently ended.
(11:00) Question 3. Describe a time when you’ve been in a difficult situation with your friend.
(12:30) Question 4. If you knew you’d die in 30 days, what would you do for those days?
(15:20) Question 5. Name something you can do to improve your life. What’s stopping you?
(16:50) Question 6. Name a relationship that has recently ended.
(18:00) Wenceslao interviews Bilal and reads some poetry, and they share some memories from the Ever Forward Club.
(32:20) Wenceslao and Bilal wrap up and look to the future.
Create your own mask anonymously at millionmask.org
Email us questions and comments at totmpod100@gmail.com
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: instagram.com/branchspeaks
Facebook: facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
Twitter: twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch
Website: branchspeaks.com
Support the podcast and the work of the Ever Forward Club: anchor.fm/branch-speaks/support
Connect with Ever Forward Club:
Instagram: instagram.com/everforward
Facebook: facebook.com/everforwardclub
Twitter: twitter.com/everforwardclub
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/the-ever-forward-club
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/branch-speaks/support
“I was working so hard in service to my community; I hit burnout, had a massive breakdown. And I looked at myself in the mirror, and I was like, ‘Even though I’m aspiring so hard to be a positive role model and innovate and create change in my communities, I wouldn’t want anyone to be like me right now.’” - Jamin Heppell
Ever Forward Club’s Ashanti Branch is joined by Jamin Heppell. Jamin is a founding director and leadership coach of his company Mountains and Marathons; a transformational leadership development organization that delivers life-changing coaching programs for entrepreneurs, executives, and leaders. Jamin really turns this podcast ON ITS HEAD when he brings his experience with Internal Family Systems, better known as IFS or Parts Work, to the forefront. He introduces the concept, models it, and then guides Ashanti through this spiritual, metaphysical process… LIVE ON THE AIR.
(2:00) Ashanti’s introduction.
(13:30) Jamin introduces himself, his background, and his work as a leadership coach.
(16:00) Ashanti shares the front of his mask - passionate, dedicated, caring, hard-working - and how his intense level of care can be a burden. They address the question: Is it possible to care so much and not carry a burden?
(28:05) Jamin shares the front of his mask - warmth, groundedness, inspiration.
(31:30) Ashanti shares the back of his mask - worry, self-doubt - and he reflects on dealing with some disruptive students at a recent workshop.
(45:00) Jamin shares the back of his mask - inner-critic, little boy, shame, unworthiness - and explores the vulnerability of inviting others to things and receiving “no’s” and no responses.
(51:30) Jamin shares the process he undergoes in order to have conversations with himself - his many parts - and ultimately heal. This is called Internal Family Systems (IFS) or parts work.
(57:30) Jamin guides Ashanti through the IFS process.
(1:13:00) Jamin and Ashanti recap the IFS process and share closing remarks.
(1:16:30) Jamin shares how you can get in touch with him.
Connect with Jamin Heppell:
Instagram: instagram.com/jaminheppell
Business: instagram.com/mountainsandmarathons
Create your own mask anonymously at millionmask.org
Email us questions and comments at totmpod100@gmail.com
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: instagram.com/branchspeaks
Facebook: facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
Twitter: twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch
Website: branchspeaks.com
Support the podcast and the work of the Ever Forward Club: anchor.fm/branch-speaks/support
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/branch-speaks/support
“There’s times where it feels like I’m in my own bubble. And, as soon as I leave that bubble, I realize I’m still this very lost, immature kid in a lot of ways.” - Gael Aitor
Ever Forward Club’s Ashanti Branch is joined by Gael Aitor. Gael is the creator and a host of the “Teenager Therapy” podcast - the largest teen mental health podcast, with over 1,000,000 followers. In this conversation, Gael and Ashanti discuss their inner-child and what it means to them, their masks, what it means to be your own best friend, and what’s next for Gael. In this conversation, it’s clear why Gael has such a beloved podcast; it’s not just Gael’s speaking ability, it’s his ability to deeply listen to his counterpart and generate true chemistry and connection.
(1:15) Ashanti’s introduction and a big announcement about receiving the Surgeon General’s medallion.
(10:05) Gael introduces himself, his podcast, and his new venture, Astro Studios.
(12:30) Ashanti shares the front of his mask - serious, passionate, caring - and they both find solace in the fact that growth is not linear.
(16:55) Gael shares the front of his mask - maturity, composure, confidence - and they both yearn for more moments in life to get back in touch with their inner-child.
(29:30) Ashanti shares the back of his mask - fear of failure, sadness, worry/self-doubt - and how he needs to make himself his best friend.
(34:45) Gael shares the back of his mask - vulnerability, anger, love.
(47:15) Gael and Ashanti wrap up their conversation, and Gael shares a message for today’s teens.
(49:45) Gael shares how you can get in touch with him.
Connect with Gael Aitor:
Instagram: instagram.com/gaelaitor
Podcast: instagram.com/teenagertherapy
Create your own mask anonymously at millionmask.org
Email us questions and comments at totmpod100@gmail.com
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: instagram.com/branchspeaks
Facebook: facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
Twitter: twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch
Website: branchspeaks.com
Support the podcast and the work of the Ever Forward Club: anchor.fm/branch-speaks/support
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/branch-speaks/support
“I often greet people with a smile, no matter how I’m feeling. I’ve always wanted folks to feel comfortable engaging with me. No matter how I feel I want them to feel comfortable, like I’m approachable.” - Rondy Isaac
Ever Forward Club’s Ashanti Branch is joined by Rondy Isaac. Rondy is a father of two, the Wellness Program Director for Create The Space, and a Yoga Instructor, certified in Vinyasa yoga teacher training, power yoga teacher training, psychotherapeutic yoga teacher training, and trauma-based yoga training with the Art of Yoga Project. Rondy would consider the things listed here as “modifiers” - only temporary labels orbiting around his core, “signature” entity. What is that entity? As Rondy puts it, "I am a light that's trying to connect with you."
(0:25) Ashanti’s introduction
(4:10) Rondy and Ashanti overcome some technology hurdles, then Rondy introduces himself, his core entity/“signature”, and his “modifiers”.
(14:40) Rondy and Ashanti make their masks together.
(16:10) Rondy shares the front of his mask - friendly, proud, healthy.
(17:40) Ashanti shares the front of his mask - funny, serious/hard-working, caring - then, he and Rondy discuss how they handle failure.
(24:20) Rondy shares some thoughts on the book, “The Four Agreements.” And then they discuss why people deserve a grace period to get over mistakes.
(29:35) Rondy shares the back of his mask - sadness, anger, frustration.
(32:30) Ashanti shares the back of his mask - self-doubt, balancing blessings and burdens, fear - and they both reflect on how they can continue to shed their capitalistic mindsets.
(40:20) Rondy comes up with a new tagline for Ashanti. Then he shares his final thoughts.
(43:55) Rondy shares how you can get in touch with him.
Connect with Rondy:
Website: rondyoga.com
Black to Yoga: blacktoyoga.com
Create The Space: instagram.com/create_the_space
Create your own mask anonymously at millionmask.org
Email us questions and comments at totmpod100@gmail.com
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: instagram.com/branchspeaks
Facebook: facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
Twitter: twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch
Website: branchspeaks.com
Support the podcast and the work of the Ever Forward Club: anchor.fm/branch-speaks/support
Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/branch-speaks/support
“Now that I’m much older I realize, I was never really lonely. There was always people around me in my life - my family, my friends - that I could have reached out to and built a relationship with.” Jordan Barragan
This TOTM Face to Face conversation is between Wenceslao and Jordan Barragan. Wenceslao is the Ever Forward Club’s Youth Host. You can get to know more about him in episode 123. Jordan is currently a student at Cal State East Bay, and he also interned at the Ever Forward Club thi past summer. As they share their masks, play our Adventure Card Game, and discuss career paths, poetry, the future, and what it means to be truly authentic, Jordan is allowed to look back on his adolescence so that he and Wenceslao can both learn from the experience…
0:15 Ashanti’s introduction
6:00 Jordan introduces himself
7:30 Jordan shares the front of his mask - I’m always energetic, got a smile on my face, funny. Then, he shares the back of his mask - career path insecurities, fear of failure, desire for acceptance, am I making the right decisions?
10:00 Wenceslao shares the front of his mask - bravery, risk taker, compassionate. Then, he shares the back of his mask - shy around people, lost in what I love, memories absorb me.
12:30 Jordan and Wenceslao play the Everforward Club: The Adventure Card Game. Question 1. What can you start right now in your life to become a better person?
13:30 Question 2. What is something you want to do in your life but don’t talk about?
19:10 Question 3. Tell us a time when you realized you’re becoming an adult.
20:40 Question 4. How much much information do you need before you believe something someone says?
22:40 Question 5. Name something you can do to improve your life. What’s stopping you?
23:30 Question 6. Does the image you have of yourself match the image others have of you?
25:50 Jordan looks back on his high school years and gives Wenceslao some advice.
33:50 Jordan shares how his relationship with authenticity has changed over time.
40:50 Jordan and Wenceslao wrap up, and Jordan shares some final words of advice for Wenceslao.
Create your own mask anonymously at millionmask.org
Email us questions and comments at totmpod100@gmail.com
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: instagram.com/branchspeaks
Facebook: facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
Twitter: twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch
Website: branchspeaks.com
Support the podcast and the work of the Ever Forward Club: anchor.fm/branch-speaks/support
Connect with Ever Forward Club:
Instagram: instagram.com/everforward
Facebook: facebook.com/everforwardclub
Twitter: twitter.com/everforwardclub
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/the-ever-forward-club
Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/branch-speaks/support
Today is a special crossover episode, featuring The Contemplative Corazón podcast, with Julie Calderon!
The episode you will hear today from The Contemplative Corazón, featuring Ashanti Branch, originally aired on June 11th, 2023 - episode 27: Holding Space for Healing.
In it, they discuss Ashanti’s career journey and eventual calling to be a teacher, the story of the Ever Forward Club, how to set high expectations for students, the time Ashanti was so burnt out he needed a ride to the hospital in an ambulance, how they practice self-care, and how wellness is going mainstream.
Connect with Julie Calderon:
Website: mujerevolving.com
Podcast: podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/julie-calderon
Create your own mask anonymously at millionmask.org
Email us questions and comments at totmpod100@gmail.com
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: instagram.com/branchspeaks
Facebook: facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
Twitter: twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch
Website: branchspeaks.com
Support the podcast and the work of the Ever Forward Club: anchor.fm/branch-speaks/support
Connect with Ever Forward Club:
Instagram: instagram.com/everforward
Facebook: facebook.com/everforwardclub
Twitter: twitter.com/everforwardclub
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/the-ever-forward-club
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/branch-speaks/support
“I try to lie to myself that ‘I find stillness in activity.’ But actually I think I’m terrified of stillness. I’m terrified of sitting with me.” - Kip Ioane
Ever Forward Club’s Ashanti Branch is joined by Kip Ioane. Kip is a former NCAA Head Basketball Coach of 14 years, who spent the last 10 years of his career crafting a framework of coaching designed to empower coaches to enlighten their players to the power of reimagining manhood. In creating and executing the TeamsOfMen program over the last decade, Kip has been forced to self-reflect and unlearn my own toxic ideas around being a man, a father, a husband, and a coach…
(0:25) Ashanti’s introduction
(5:00) Kip introduces himself, his family, his career in NCAA basketball, and his organization TeamsOfMen.
(12:25) Kip shares the front of his superhero-inspired mask - innovative, intentional, family legacy.
(16:05) Ashanti shares the front of his mask - dedicated, determined, purpose - and the numbing that goes on in our culture that appears in many different forms.
(23:55) Kip shares the back of his mask - unworthy of belief, weak with self-doubt, the legacy ball dropper. All the way to 27:20 check for teasers.
(28:35) Ashanti shares the back of his mask - self-doubt, world-doubt, I can’t be lazy so I stay busy - and he and Kip further analyze grind culture.
(35:30) Ashanti and Kip discuss “the mean friend” and “the mean voice inside your head.”
(47:20) Kip shares some final words and how you can get in touch with him.
Connect with Kip Ioane:
Twitter: twitter.com/@teams_men; twitter.com/@kipioane
Youtube: youtube.com/@teamsofmen
TikTok: tiktok.com/@teamsofmen
Create your own mask anonymously at millionmask.org
Email us questions and comments at totmpod100@gmail.com
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: instagram.com/branchspeaks
Facebook: facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
Twitter: twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch
Website: branchspeaks.com
Support the podcast and the work of the Ever Forward Club: anchor.fm/branch-speaks/support
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/branch-speaks/support
“I’ve always been, quietly, a fearful kid growing up. And there’s always that fear in the background. It probably wasn’t until I was in college - fear was the only form of motivation that I knew.” - Gerry Sandusky
Ever Forward Club’s Ashanti Branch is joined by Gerry Sandusky. Gerry is the voice of the NFL's Baltimore Ravens, and he’s a broadcaster and communications coach. As Gerry puts it, “I show leaders how to become presenters people cancel plans to hear.” And, wouldn’t you know it, Gerry believes that the key to being a great public speaker has something to do with taking off the mask…
(0:25) Ashanti’s introduction
(4:25) Gerry introduces himself, his work with the Baltimore Ravens, and his consulting business. Then he and Ashanti discuss the writing process.
(9:40) Gerry and Ashanti make their masks together.
(10:45) Gerry shares the front of his mask - entertaining, insightful, guide.
(11:45) Ashanti shares the front of his mask - serious, dedicated, driven.
(13:30) Gerry shares the back of his mask - afraid, failed potential, not enough.
(17:50) Ashanti shares the back of his mask - self-critical, fear, family loss.
(22:00) Gerry and Ashanti reflect on how much they have in common despite growing up on opposite sides of the country with different backgrounds.
(30:00) Gerry and Ashanti discuss what young athletes may need to hear about character vs. talent.
(34:00) Gerry shares how you can get in touch with him.
Connect with Gerry Sandusky:
Website: sanduskygroup.com
Instagram: instagram.com/gsandusky
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/gerrysandusky
Create your own mask anonymously at millionmask.org
Email us questions and comments at totmpod100@gmail.com
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: instagram.com/branchspeaks
Facebook: facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
Twitter: twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch
Website: branchspeaks.com
Support the podcast and the work of the Ever Forward Club: anchor.fm/branch-speaks/support
Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/branch-speaks/support
“I became trained to feel that I always need to be doing something. To get loved. To get respect. To be appreciated. When I look back, it wasn’t healthy. But it was the reality.” - Ashanti Branch
In this solo episode of Taking Off The Mask, Ashanti Branch looks at the past, present, and future - of schools, of himself, and of the Ever Forward Club as it approaches its 20th anniversary.
(0:00) Ashanti introduces the episode and the concept behind this podcast.
(5:15) Ashanti reflects on where the Ever Forward Club and this podcast “have been”.
(8:45) Ashanti breaks down where the Ever Forward Club and this podcast is “right now”, the upcoming Global Champions Program, and what he sees in the world of education currently.
(14:45) Ashanti tells a story from a memorable workshop.
(18:45) Ashanti shares where the Ever Forward Club is “going next” as it approaches its 20th anniversary.
(23:55) We share a clip from Ashanti’s appearance on Julie Calderon’s podcast - The Contemplative Corazón.
Listen to Julie Calderon’s Podcast, The Contemplative Corazón: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-contemplative-coraz%C3%B3n/id1615279864
Create your own mask anonymously at millionmask.org
Email us questions and comments at totmpod100@gmail.com
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: instagram.com/branchspeaks
Facebook: facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
Twitter: twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch
Website: branchspeaks.com
Support the podcast and the work of the Ever Forward Club: anchor.fm/branch-speaks/support
Connect with Ever Forward Club:
Instagram: instagram.com/everforward
Facebook: facebook.com/everforwardclub
Twitter: twitter.com/everforwardclub
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/the-ever-forward-club
Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/branch-speaks/support
“Sometimes I just want someone to sit with me and say, ‘I know you’re scared.’ And I never had that when I was a kid, and I don’t have it now.” - Donovan Hall
It’s our THREE-YEAR ANNIVERSARY episode and this conversation is a SPECIAL ONE! Ever Forward Club’s Ashanti Branch is joined by Donovan Hall. As a youth empowerment and development advocate, Donovan is currently speaking, coaching, creating content, and working on creating his first docuseries about youth in America. Donovan, with his teaching persona Donofriend, is a natural talent with kids and in the classroom. But what you’ll learn today is that this persona cannot persist without reconciling some things behind the mask…
(0:20) Ashanti’s introduction.
(6:30) Donovan introduces himself and how he dedicates himself to youth development and empowerment. Then, he and Ashanti dive right into learning, pedagogy, and emotional intelligence.
(17:20) Ashanti shares the front of his mask - funny, serious, dedicated - and he and Donovan reframe their relationship with dedication, grit, and choice.
(26:05) Donovan shares the front of his mask - Donofriend: caring, goofy, charismatic - and breaks down his approach to working in schools.
(33:40) Ashanti shares the back of his mask - worry, pride, failure.
(41:20) Donovan shares the back of his mask - Donovan: fear, loneliness, self-doubt - and how Donofriend is “at stake” if he doesn’t take care of Donovan.
(54:00) Ashanti and Donovan discuss why it is hard to “Be Your Own Best Friend” even when they preach it to others.
(1:03:30) Ashanti and Donovan discuss growth mindset, before wrapping up the conversation.
Connect with Donovon Hall:
Website: www.donovantaylorhall.com
Instagram, TikTok, Youtube: @donofriend
Create your own mask anonymously at millionmask.org
Email us questions and comments at totmpod100@gmail.com
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: instagram.com/branchspeaks
Facebook: facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
Twitter: twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch
Website: branchspeaks.com
Support the podcast and the work of the Ever Forward Club: anchor.fm/branch-speaks/support
Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/branch-speaks/support
“When I’m having a good time, I feel like my soul and my spirit are in the room. They’re both present and in the room. And if I’m not enjoying myself, then I feel like I’m disconnected from those bigger parts of myself.” - Ken Mossman
Ever Forward Club’s Ashanti Branch is joined by Ken Mossman. An executive and leadership coach who’s specialized in working with men for two decades, Ken has an international clientele from a wide range of industries – from finance, academia, and tech, to entrepreneurship, medicine, and the arts. Ken imagines a world in which all people are valued and experience a sense of belonging and wholeness, and he’s found that helping leaders lead with presence and heart is the best way he can help realize what he imagines for the world. We’re excited for you to learn about Ken’s approach to the work, his creativity, and his internal struggle as he seeks to achieve his vision…
(0:20) Ashanti’s introduction.
(2:55) Ken introduces himself and looks back on the blessings he’s had while living a creative life and working many jobs to support it.
(9:45) Ken shares the front of his mask - fun, inspiring, big-hearted.
(14:55) Ashanti shares the front of his mask - creativity, serious, loving - and thinks about why it has taken so long to put “loving” on the front of his mask.
(25:10) Ashanti shares the back of his mask - fear, worry, self-doubt - and tells the story of an “Ask Me Anything” gone wrong.
(30:55) Ken shares the back of his mask - jealousy, entitlement, arrogance - and how he oscillates between the extremes of grandiosity and insignificance.
(39:50) Ken explains what he does in his men’s work and how he creates a sense of emotional safety.
(47:10) Ken shares some final thoughts for the audience and shares how you can get in touch with him.
Connect with Ken Mossman:
Podcast: kenmossman.com/podcast
Website: kenmossman.com
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ken-mossman-3649b5
Facebook: facebook.com/ken.mossman.79
Create your own mask anonymously at millionmask.org
Email us questions and comments at totmpod100@gmail.com
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: instagram.com/branchspeaks
Facebook: facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
Twitter: twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch
Website: branchspeaks.com
Support the podcast and the work of the Ever Forward Club: anchor.fm/branch-speaks/support
Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/branch-speaks/support
“We’re different adults, this is a different situation, and you don’t have to be that child anymore. You can be, for that child, what you needed when you were their age. And we can do that now. And we can do that differently. That’s how healing happens.” - Saed Hill
Ever Forward Club’s Ashanti Branch is joined by Saed Hill. Saed is a Counseling Psychologist, and the Assistant Director of Prevention and Masculine Engagement at the Center for Awareness, Response, and Education (CARE) at Northwestern University. There, he develops and implements strategies to improve masculine engagement in the prevention of violence. Aside from what Saed sees while working with Northwestern students and with clients in all kinds of industries, Saed has done a lot of self-reflection about his own background. And today, he and Ashanti are granted the space to share - both where they have come from and where they are headed…
(0:25) Ashanti’s introduction.
(4:20) Saed introduces himself, his work as a counseling psychologist at Northwestern University, and his overall passion to help people feel free from the structures of conventional masculinity.
(7:50) Ashanti shares the front of his mask - serious, caring, work-a-holic - and both men connect over insecurities about laziness and rest.
(13:05) Saed shares the front of his mask - funny, reflective, curious - and he looks back on his immigrant childhood.
(17:45) Ashanti and Saed discuss how they get past the pleasantries when asking, “How are you doing today?”
(19:45) Ashanti shares the back of his mask - fear of losing mom, worry, desire for a legacy - and what he’s been thinking about when looking at his family tree. Then, Saed reflects on what it’s been like to not be a father while many of his friends are having children.
(29:55) Saed shares the back of his mask - lonely, numbing, not enough - and how he experiences vicarious trauma in his profession.
(35:00) Saed and Ashanti discuss burnout culture, and how the systems in place make it difficult for us to appreciate simply being human.
(43:35) Saed shares more about what he teaches and how he works with college students.
(51:05) Saed shares how you can get in touch with him.
Connect with Saed Hill:
Website: dynamiccooperative.com/about
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/saed-d-hill-phd
Instagram: instagram.com/papercutrhymesphd
Create your own mask anonymously at millionmask.org
Email us questions and comments at totmpod100@gmail.com
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: instagram.com/branchspeaks
Facebook: facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
Twitter: twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch
Website: branchspeaks.com
Support the podcast and the work of the Ever Forward Club: anchor.fm/branch-speaks/support
Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/branch-speaks/support
“Everyone’s always thinking about what they don’t have. We can always be looking at each other thinking, ‘he’s got something I don’t have’ or ‘she has this.’ You take that focus away from what you do, and it’s that hedonic treadmill where it’s never enough.” - Manj Bahra
Ever Forward Club’s Ashanti Branch is joined by Manj Bahra. Manj is a transformation and relationship coach, who’s found a specialization in being a “Heartbreak Coach.” But overall, it’s not about heartbreak; Manj has been helping clients achieve goals, overcome problems, and realize their own innate potential. Manj is an engaging speaker with spot-on analogies for every situation, and we’re excited for you to hear some of this magic as he takes off his mask :)
(0:25) Ashanti’s introduction
(2:20) Manj introduces himself and his transition from corporate life to being a “heartbreak” coach.
(9:30) Ashanti shares the front of his mask - serious, dedicated, passionate - and how Ever Forward Club has come full circle after 19 years.
(14:55) Manj shares the front of his mask - ambitious, coach, transformation - and how he reconsidered “what he wanted to be remembered by.”
(20:15) Ashanti shares the back of his mask - middle age, work - and how moments from our childhood create narratives and automatic responses that remain within us for our lifetime.
(30:25) Manj shares the back of his mask - anxiety, fear of failure, body dysmorphia.
(39:10) Manj and Ashanti break down some insights Manj has had while coaching, and how he helps people adjust their focus, unlearn old stories, and get off the hedonic treadmill.
(45:20) Manj shares some final thoughts and how you can get in touch with him.
Connect with Manj Bahra:
Medium: medium.com/@manjbahra
Website: manjbahra.com
Instagram: instagram.com/manj.bahra
TikTok: tiktok.com/@manj.bahra
Create your own mask anonymously at millionmask.org
Email us questions and comments at totmpod100@gmail.com
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: instagram.com/branchspeaks
Facebook: facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
Twitter: twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch
Website: branchspeaks.com
Support the podcast and the work of the Ever Forward Club: anchor.fm/branch-speaks/support
Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/branch-speaks/support
Say not, “I have found the truth,” but rather, “I have found a truth.”
Say not, “I have found the path of the soul.” Say rather, “I have met the soul walking upon my path.”
- The Prophet by Kahlil Gibran
This TOTM Face to Face conversation is between Wenceslao and Mohandas. Wenceslao is the Ever Forward Club’s Youth Host. You can get to know more about him in episode 123. Mohandas is the Ever Forward Club’s prior Youth Host. As they share their masks, play our Adventure Card Game, and discuss high school, poetry, the future, adulthood, and what makes a balanced friendship, Mohandas is allowed to share some wisdom with Wenceslao as he follows a similar path…
(0:30) Ashanti’s introduction.
(4:05) Wenceslao and Mohandas reunite.
(5:25) Wenceslao shares the front of his mask - empathy, joy, straight forward.
(6:25) Mohandas shares the front of his mask - hard-working, confident, kind.
(6:50) Wenceslao shares the back of his mask - regret, insecure, shame.
(7:35) Mohandas shares the back of his mask - ashamed, worried, existential crisis
(10:40) Mohandas and Wenceslao answer some questions from the Everforward Club: The Adventure card game. What’s a hidden talent that you would like to work on more?
(12:10) Describe a time when you felt like you were in a battle with a friend.
(13:50) Name a relationship that recently ended.
(19:05) Share a lesson that you’re still learning.
(21:30) Tell us about a time when someone betrayed your trust.
(27:05) Wenceslao and Mohandas discuss The Prophet by Kahlil Gibran. Then, Mohandas looks back on his time hosting the podcast.
(31:10) Wenceslao, a high school freshman, gets some advice from Mohandas, who’s about to graduate from high school. Then, Mohandas looks ahead at his future.
(41:45) Wenceslao and Mohandas close things out by reading one more poem from The Prophet by Kahlil Gibran.
Create your own mask anonymously at millionmask.org
Email us questions and comments at totmpod100@gmail.com
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: instagram.com/branchspeaks
Facebook: facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
Twitter: twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch
Website: branchspeaks.com
Support the podcast and the work of the Ever Forward Club: anchor.fm/branch-speaks/support
Connect with Ever Forward Club:
Instagram: instagram.com/everforward
Facebook: facebook.com/everforwardclub
Twitter: twitter.com/everforwardclub
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/the-ever-forward-club
Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/branch-speaks/support
“Racism has been used as this tool for centuries to divide and conquer, and to separate ordinary people of different colors, and to keep them from working together to challenge the corporate domination of working people and the planet.” - David Dean
Ever Forward Club’s Ashanti Branch is joined by David Dean. David is a political educator, speaker, and writer dedicated to supporting white people to engage in multiracial social movements with emotional strength, political clarity, and fierce purpose. Whether it’s in the hallways of Oakland Public Schools or the neighborhoods of working-class Americans, Ashanti and David both agree in the power of universal belonging and the power of the phrase, “There is more to me than you can see just by looking at me.” Please enjoy their conversation, as they explore the breadth and depth of overcoming prejudice in order to achieve a higher purpose.
(0:30) Ashanti’s introduction
(3:30) David introduces himself, his work providing antiracism education to white people, and what Whiteness took away from white people. Then, he and Ashanti discuss the tricks of the adult bullies of the world.
(11:50) Ashanti shares the front of his mask - serious, intense, caring, funny.
(17:20) David shares the front of his mask - confident, connected to purpose, generous + loving.
(21:55) Ashanti shares the back of his mask - fear, organizational drama, worry - and wonders whether he’s afraid to let people see him cry.
(29:00) David shares the back of his mask - fearful of being outcast, overwhelmed by and fearful of death and suffering, belief in universal belonging - and goes into the complications of working with white people on antiracism.
(41:20) Ashanti and David go deeper into antiracist education.
(46:30) David breaks down the history of racial socialization.
(50:30) David shares how you can get in touch with him and shares some last words.
Connect with David Dean:
Website: davidbfdean.com
Instagram: instagram.com/davidbfdean
Create your own mask anonymously at millionmask.org
Email us questions and comments at totmpod100@gmail.com
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: instagram.com/branchspeaks
Facebook: facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
Twitter: twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch
Website: branchspeaks.com
Support the podcast and the work of the Ever Forward Club: anchor.fm/branch-speaks/support
Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/branch-speaks/support
“Keep on keepin’ on. Because, believe it or not there’s someone who’s looking at you in a way that you don’t even see yourself.” - Tyrone J. Dangerfield
Ever Forward Club’s Ashanti Branch is joined by Tyrone J. Dangerfield. Tyrone is a Writer and Independent Filmmaker, born and raised in Oakland, CA. With deep generational family roots in the Bay Area, he loves researching his family history and is heavily influenced and fascinated by stories on both sides of the law. Currently working in and elevating his craft in Atlanta, Georgia, it was a teacher in 1993 who first recognized his talent as a writer and encouraged Tyrone by putting him into the Junior Publishers program. In this conversation, Tyrone and Ashanti look back on this moment, as well as many others, as they take off the mask…
(2:10) Tyrone introduces himself, his work as a filmmaker, and his Oakland roots.
(4:30) Ashanti shares the front of his mask - serious, caring, hard-working, funny.
(7:00) Tyrone shares the front of his mask - focused, happy, fun. Then, he and Ashanti share some more thoughts about the Bay Area and gentrification.
(17:00) Ashanti shares the back of his mask - fear (free?), stress, worry, I’m awesome.
(22:30) Tyrone shares what it’s been like raising two sons, twenty-two years apart, and how he continues to evolve and learn from the youth.
(32:10) Tyrone looks back on his childhood and how he discovered writing and filmmaking.
(40:05) Tyrone shares a message he has for young people.
(43:50) Tyrone shares how you can get in touch with him.
Connect with Tyrone J. Dangerfield:
Instagram: instagram.com/tabdangersdad
Website: TheOaklandFilmCompany.com
Create your own mask anonymously at millionmask.org
Email us questions and comments at totmpod100@gmail.com
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: instagram.com/branchspeaks
Facebook: facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
Twitter: twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch
Website: branchspeaks.com
Support the podcast and the work of the Ever Forward Club: anchor.fm/branch-speaks/support
Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/branch-speaks/support
“I’m generally more shy and reserved, and I think I’ve naturally gravitated towards more extroverted people because they take up space and it makes me feel more comfortable.” - Drew Barvir
Ever Forward Club’s Ashanti Branch is joined by Drew Barvir. Drew currently is enrolled in Stanford’s MBA program. Growing up, members of Drew’s family had their battles with mental illness, and, partly because of these past experiences, he’s now building a startup in the adolescent mental health space: Sonar Mental Health. In their own way, Drew and Ashanti are both trying to be proactive about the mental health crises our youth face today - attempting to build connection and a sense of belonging early, before the feelings we may be bottling up explode into something else less desirable. Today, however, they are allowed to heal themselves and take a break from healing others…
(1:30) Drew introduces himself, his Canadian roots, his love of the outdoors, and his family history with mental health.
(4:00) Drew shares the front of his mask - outgoing and social, hardworking, optimistic, generous.
(5:00) Ashanti shares the front of his mask - funny, caring, intelligent.
(8:55) Drew shares the back of his mask - introverted and shy, social self-doubt, family baggage, caring.
(11:25) Ashanti shares the back of his mask - fear, self-doubt, excited and worried.
(15:30) Drew tells the story of how he built a startup in the adolescent mental health space: Sonar Mental Health.
(19:40) Drew and Ashanti discuss how schools can be more proactive with how they treat mental health.
(24:10) Drew shares how you can get in touch with him.
Connect with Drew Barvir:
Email: drew@getsonar.org
Website: sonarmentalhealth.com
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/drewbarvir
Instagram: instagram.com/drewbarvir
Create your own mask anonymously at millionmask.org
Email us questions and comments at totmpod100@gmail.com
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: instagram.com/branchspeaks
Facebook: facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
Twitter: twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch
Website: branchspeaks.com
Support the podcast and the work of the Ever Forward Club: anchor.fm/branch-speaks/support
Connect with Ever Forward Club:
Instagram: instagram.com/everforward
Facebook: facebook.com/everforwardclub
Twitter: twitter.com/everforwardclub
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/the-ever-forward-club
Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/branch-speaks/support
“Your children are not your children.
They are the sons and daughters of Life’s longing for itself.
They come through you but not from you,
And though they are with you yet they belong not to you.”
- On Children by Kahlil Gibran
This TOTM Face to Face conversation is between Wenceslao and Mr. John Jimenez. Wenceslao is the Ever Forward Club’s Youth Host. You can get to know more about him in episode 123. John is one of Wenceslao’s teachers at City Arts and Leadership Academy. As they share their masks, play our Adventure Card Game, and discuss parenting, poetry, skateboarding, rebelliousness, and living in an immigrant household, it’s inspiring to see a teacher-student relationship take on a new dynamic…
(0:20) During Ashanti’s introduction, we celebrate Mohandas’s high school graduation.
(2:10) John introduces himself.
(2:50) John and Wenceslao make their masks together.
(3:15) John shares the front of his mask - funny, loud, outgoing, proud father. And he shares the back of his mask - anxiety, stressed.
(4:45) Wenceslao shares the front of his mask - learner, calm/quiet, fun, creative. Then he shares the back of his mask - shy, insecure, stressed.
(7:55) Wenceslao and John play the card game Everforward Club: The Adventure. Question 1: Name a relationship that needs to end.
(9:55) Question 2: How are you different when you are alone or with others?
(12:30) Question 3: Tell us about a time when you felt like you were good at something.
(14:40) Question 4: What is a hidden talent that you want to work on more?
(18:00) Question 5: Are you more afraid of success or failure?
(19:35) Question 6: What can you start in your life right now to become a better person?
(22:40) Wenceslao asks John some questions in order to gain some more perspective on social-emotional learning in the classroom. He also shares some poems with John. And, as a new parent, John shares some thoughts on parenting.
(45:35) John reflects on his immigrant upbringing and how he’ll apply the experience to raising his son. Then, he and Wenceslao discuss the relationship between passion and freedom.
(57:45) John and Wenceslao share some closing thoughts and reflections about the podcast.
Create your own mask anonymously at millionmask.org
Email us questions and comments at totmpod100@gmail.com
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: instagram.com/branchspeaks
Facebook: facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
Twitter: twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch
Website: branchspeaks.com
Support the podcast and the work of the Ever Forward Club: anchor.fm/branch-speaks/support
Connect with Ever Forward Club:
Instagram: instagram.com/everforward
Facebook: facebook.com/everforwardclub
Twitter: twitter.com/everforwardclub
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/the-ever-forward-club
Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/branch-speaks/support
“I knew that if I wanted to control the outcome before someone was about to make fun of me, or judge, or criticize; it was better for me to be the first one to make a joke about myself.” - Diego Estrada
Ever Forward Club’s Ashanti Branch is joined by Diego Estrada. Born and raised in Monterrey, Nuevo León, Mėxico, Diego currently speaks at conferences and delivers workshops on authenticity. Diego lists his job title as an Alegrador de Vidas; the closest translation to English is a “Brightener of Lives”. He loves to connect with people and help them be themselves, and, in this conversation, he and Ashanti are allowed to do just so.
(0:45) Ashanti’s introduction.
(2:45) Diego introduces himself and his work; and he explains why he’s feeling impatient. Then, he and Ashanti find common ground around their work promoting emotional authenticity.
(12:45) Ashanti and Diego make their masks together.
(16:10) Diego shares the front of his mask - courage, authentic, open. Then, he shares the back of his mask - doubt, constant comparison, physical stature.
(18:00) Ashanti shares the front of his mask - caring, serious, dedicated.
(20:10) Ashanti shares the back of his mask - impatient, self-doubt, sadness.
(21:45) Ashanti and Diego discuss self-compassion.
(26:20) Ashanti breaks down an interaction he had with his godson in Mexico.
(29:00) Diego explains the difference between “fitting in” and “belonging.”
(36:30) Diego shares how you can get in touch with him and provides some final words for the audience.
Connect with Diego Estrada:
Instagram/Tik Tok: instagram.com/tuvidaesincreible
Podcast: #TUVIDAESINCREÍBLE
Books Mentioned by Diego: Self-Compassion by Kristin Neff
Permission to Feel by Marc Brackett
Create your own mask anonymously at millionmask.org
Email us questions and comments at totmpod100@gmail.com
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: instagram.com/branchspeaks
Facebook: facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
Twitter: twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch
Website: branchspeaks.com
Support the podcast and the work of the Ever Forward Club: anchor.fm/branch-speaks/support
Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/branch-speaks/support
Ever Forward Club’s Ashanti Branch is joined by Christopher Veal. As a former Marine officer, combat veteran, and Black man, Christopher leverages all this and his 25 years of experience in executive development as a global influencer and speaker on evolving masculinity, and as the author of The Whole Man. A huge part of Christopher’s life has been holding difficult conversations. And in this episode, Ashanti and Christopher explore the territory of difficult conversations, the mindsets required when approaching them, and why we should never shy away from them in order to build a more understanding world.
(2:40) Christopher introduces himself, his family background, and his work as a champion of healthy masculinity and vulnerability.
(6:10) Ashanti and Christopher make their masks.
(9:05) Christopher shares the front of his mask - humor, confidence, curiosity.
(11:45) Ashanti shares the front of his mask - serious, passionate, storyteller, caring - and explains why he “over smiles.”
(16:35) Ashanti shares the back of his mask - fear of failure/success, brother and nephew, doubt.
(24:15) Christopher shares the back of his mask - fear, disappointment, hurt.
(28:45) Christopher shares some techniques he’s been using when having difficult and contentious conversations, and Ashanti looks at an interaction he recently had through the lens of these techniques.
(40:35) Christopher shares some insights on his book, The Whole Man.
(44:45) Christopher shares some final words and how you can get in touch with him.
Connect with Christopher Veal:
Website: wholemanjourney.com
Podcast: vulnerable-man.com
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/christopherveal
Create your own mask anonymously at millionmask.org
Email us questions and comments at totmpod100@gmail.com
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: instagram.com/branchspeaks
Facebook: facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
Twitter: twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch
Website: branchspeaks.com
Support the podcast and the work of the Ever Forward Club: anchor.fm/branch-speaks/support
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/branch-speaks/support
“What keeps me hopeful is our students. Our students and our youth, they’re fearless; they’re committed; they’re open-minded. They have always been the anchor to the work that I do. When they realize that they’ve got adults that care for them and that believe in them, they give it right back. That’s something that I’m really grateful for.”
Ever Forward Club’s Ashanti Branch is joined by Jerome Hunter. Jerome is the co-founder and Chief Academic Officer at Seattle School for Boys. A proponent of healthy masculinity and its importance in an equitable society, Jerome is passionate about supporting young people to dismantle systems of oppression in education and build equitable futures. This conversation is about how we achieve these goals; specifically, it’s about the things we may take for granted when trying to achieve them. A teacher may believe in this mission, but do they know themselves well enough to carry it out and lead a classroom effectively? That’s where the mask comes in…
(3:55) Jerome introduces himself and his work in schools and with boys.
(5:45) Jerome shares the front of his mask - driven, funny, kind.
(8:05) Ashanti shares the front of his mask - dedicated, serious, funny.
(12:25) Ashanti finds the through-line in all of the masks he’s made over the years. Then, he and Jerome discuss what behaviors they are seeing in young boys in 2023.
(23:50) Jerome shares the back of his mask - imposter syndrome, anxious, sad.
(31:45) Ashanti shares the back of his mask - sadness, worry, self-doubt - and he remembers his grandmother.
(37:05) Then, Jerome and Ashanti discuss how teachers, students, and administrators can bring their full selves to school and coexist in a supportive, loving manner.
(51:45) Jerome shares why he got into the field of education and how you can get in touch with him.
Connect with Jerome Hunter:
Website: seattleschoolforboys.org
Website: jeromeleehunter.com
Instagram: instagram.com/seattleschoolforboys
Instagram: instagram.com/hunterj33
Create your own mask anonymously at millionmask.org
Email us questions and comments at totmpod100@gmail.com
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: instagram.com/branchspeaks
Facebook: facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
Twitter: twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch
Website: branchspeaks.com
Support the podcast and the work of the Ever Forward Club: anchor.fm/branch-speaks/support
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/branch-speaks/support
“It’s just this cycle I’ve been on for so long. What would it be like to not distract yourself with the work thing, but also not go to the numbing out thing - and just be present in all the stuff? That’s the life I want. I want to feel more.”
Ever Forward Club’s Ashanti Branch is joined by Jeremy Mohler. As a therapist, writer, and meditation teacher, Jeremy offers therapy and life coaching to people struggling with anxiety, depression, and burnout; men navigating modern masculinity; and white people unpacking internalized white racial superiority. But this wasn’t always Jeremy, a former Fortune 500 marketing professional. Why the transformation? We’re excited for you to listen to this conversation and learn how Jeremy tries to lead life with curiosity.
(1:25) Ashanti’s introduction.
(3:25) Jeremy introduces himself, as well as his work as a therapist and men’s work leader.
(8:00) Ashanti and Jeremy discuss “the old recordings” that stay with us and affect how we behave as men. Then, they talk a little NFL football.
(20:10) Jeremy shares the front of his mask - stoic, nice, knowledgeable/sure.
(28:40) Ashanti shares the front of his mask - purpose-driven, dedicated, caring - and Jeremy shares how he values these qualities as well.
(36:50) Ashanti shares the back of his mask - grief, pain, not enough - and both men share how keeping themselves busy with work or other numbing agents distracts them from heartbreak.
(48:15) Jeremy shares the back of his mask - curious, joy, depressed.
(51:10) Jeremy shares how you can get in touch with him.
Connect with Jeremy Mohler:
Website: jeremymohler.blog
Substack: No Man Is an Island
Instagram: instagram.com/therapist.for.the.99.percent
Twitter: twitter.com/FutureDebris
Create your own mask anonymously at millionmask.org
Email us questions and comments at totmpod100@gmail.com
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: instagram.com/branchspeaks
Facebook: facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
Twitter: twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch
Website: branchspeaks.com
Support the podcast and the work of the Ever Forward Club: anchor.fm/branch-speaks/support
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/branch-speaks/support
“In the end, I want you to trust me. There are some students - they don’t always like me, but they know I got their back. And sometimes you can’t have both at the same time, and I think growing as a teacher is constant communication, constant trust - how do you move forward even when somebody’s gonna have a challenge?” - Bryan Hill, Spanish Teacher, City Arts and Leadership
This TOTM Face to Face conversation is between Wenceslao and Bryan Hill. Wenceslao is the Ever Forward Club’s Youth Host. You can get to know more about him in episode 123. Bryan, or Mr. Hill, teaches Spanish at City Arts and Leadership Academy; Wenceslao is one of his students. As they share their masks, play our Adventure Card Game, and discuss trust, insecurity, and career journeys, it’s inspiring to see a teacher-student relationship take on a new dynamic…
(1:50) Ashanti’s introduction.
(5:15) Bryan introduces himself, his family, and his Michigan roots.
(6:40) Wenceslao shares the front of his mask - engaging, fast learner, passionate.
(7:20) Bryan shares the front of his mask - positive, curious, caring, under control, bridge builder.
(8:30) Wenceslao shares the back of his mask - shy, not trusting, can’t decide.
(9:50) Bryan shares the back of his mask - fears, negative thoughts, insecurity.
(12:00) Wenceslao and Bryan play Ever Forward Club: The Adventure card game. Question 1: If money was no issue, what is something you would start?
(13:20) Question 2: Share a project that you’ve recently ended?
(14:45) Question 3: Name a relationship that recently ended.
(16:00) Question 4: If you were to die today, what would you most regret?
(17:05) Question 5: What is a hidden talent that you want to work on more?
(18:35) Question 6: Are you more afraid of success or failure?
(20:00) Bryan shares how he decided to become a teacher and some of the insecurities he worked through as a young teacher.
(28:00) Wenceslao and Bryan discuss what it takes to build trust between teacher and student.
(39:20) Bryan asks Wenceslao about how he’s grown with the Ever Forward Club and its social-emotional learning tools.
(43:30) Bryan shares some final thoughts with the listeners.
Create your own mask anonymously at millionmask.org
Email us questions and comments at totmpod100@gmail.com
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: instagram.com/branchspeaks
Facebook: facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
Twitter: twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch
Website: branchspeaks.com
Support the podcast and the work of the Ever Forward Club: anchor.fm/branch-speaks/support
Connect with Ever Forward Club:
Instagram: instagram.com/everforward
Facebook: facebook.com/everforwardclub
Twitter: twitter.com/everforwardclub
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/the-ever-forward-club
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/branch-speaks/support
Please enjoy a special BONUS episode, which originally aired on the podcast High Tech High: Unboxed. In the episode, educator Enrique "Chikle" Lugo shares how he helps students of color navigate white spaces.
Learn more about High Tech High at www.hightechhigh.org.
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/branch-speaks/support
“With How Men Cry, we’re not even really just talking about physical tears. It’s really about all the different ways that we can cry out, essentially from not processing pain or trauma or some of these things that we hide behind the mask.” - Jordan “Dxtr Spits” Holmes
Ever Forward Club’s Ashanti Branch is joined by Jordan “Dxtr Spits” Holmes. Dxtr’s motto is to "live life like an experiment, you cannot control what happens to you, but you can control the product you become". He explores experimental themes in his multi-sensory performances such as his signature black light live band performances. And his acapella spoken word and keynotes have brought crowds to tears while teaching inspirational deep life lessons. Dxtr most recently launched a movement called "How Men Cry" which is changing the narrative around men’s relationship to vulnerability and mental health. Dxtr has “the intention of making compassion contagious,” so we hope you catch the bug while listening to this episode :)
(2:00) Ashanti’s introduction
(6:35) Dxtr introduces himself and how he uses performance and facilitation in his men’s work.
(10:25) Dxtr shares the front of his mask - courage, smarts
(14:10) Ashanti shares the front of his mask - funny, serious, caring, smarts.
(22:40) Dxtr shares the back of his mask - fear, criticism, craving.
(29:30) Ashanti shares the back of his mask - fear, my brother & my nephew, proud of myself.
(33:30) Dxtr gives Ashanti the courage to share more about his brother and nephew.
(37:40) Dxtr shares some information on his movement, “How Men Cry”, and how you can get in touch with him.
Connect with Jordan “Dxtr Spits” Holmes:
Website: instabio.cc/dxtrspits
Instagram: instagram.com/dxtr_spits
Create your own mask anonymously at millionmask.org
Email us questions and comments at totmpod100@gmail.com
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: instagram.com/branchspeaks
Facebook: facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
Twitter: twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch
Website: branchspeaks.com
Support the podcast and the work of the Ever Forward Club: anchor.fm/branch-speaks/support
Connect with Ever Forward Club:
Instagram: instagram.com/everforward
Facebook: facebook.com/everforwardclub
Twitter: twitter.com/everforwardclub
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/the-ever-forward-club
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/branch-speaks/support
“I’m not trying to glorify suffering. If people can find ways of suffering less, I think that’s a really great thing. But I also find some beauty in - if we all sat around and talked about how terrified we were, I would rather be in that group than a bunch of groups who think they’ve healed it all.” - David Bedrick
Ever Forward Club’s Ashanti Branch is joined by David Bedrick. David is the founder of the Santa Fe Institute for Shame-Based Studies where he teaches therapists, coaches, and healers from around the world. He is the author of three books: “Talking Back to Dr. Phil”, “Revisioning Activism”, and “You Can’t Judge a Body by Its Cover.” David believes that being ashamed and emotionally hidden plays far too great of a role in how our society behaves and interacts. To counteract this behavior he believes in allowing the back of the mask to breathe and express its beauty. In this conversation, David and Ashanti do just that.
(1:55) Ashanti’s introduction.
(6:25) David introduces himself and his focus on depth psychology and shame. Then, he and Ashanti discuss what it takes to come back to one’s self and cleanse oneself from all of the conditioning we’ve received in life.
(13:50) David unpacks his Jewish heritage and how it dictates some of the choices he makes in subconscious ways.
(19:50) David shares the front of his mask - teacher, writer, feeling/vulnerability.
(21:35) Ashanti shares the front of his mask - serious, resting frown face, funny.
(29:35) Ashanti gives David some details about his life, background, and work, as well as his communities attitude toward education.
(41:40) David shares the back of his mask - nighttime hell, exhaustion, terror - and how he finds beauty and belonging in his terrors.
(49:30) Ashanti shares the back of his mask - fear, worry, self-doubt, I go to church, inner battle.
(53:30) David shares how you can get in touch with him, as well as some final thoughts on suffering.
Connect with David Bedrick:
Instagram: instagram.com/david.bedrick
Website: davidbedrick.com
Facebook: facebook.com/david.bedrick.9
Create your own mask anonymously at millionmask.org
Email us questions and comments at totmpod100@gmail.com
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: instagram.com/branchspeaks
Facebook: facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
Twitter: twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch
Website: branchspeaks.com
Support the podcast and the work of the Ever Forward Club: anchor.fm/branch-speaks/support
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/branch-speaks/support
“We see a lot of the fighting, but if you actually look at some of the famous martial artists, they’re also well-known for their healing abilities. So a complete system is martial arts and healing arts - the yin and the yang. We can’t only just be fighting; we’re going to get hurt. This is part of the healing arts that we need to have in our arsenal.” - Justin Zhu
Ever Forward Club’s Ashanti Branch is joined by Justin Zhu. Justin is the Co-Founder and Executive Director of Stand with Asian Americans, the largest coalition of business, activist, and non-profit leaders fighting for Asian American safety, justice, and equity. Justin was also formerly the Co-Founder & CEO of Iterable, a marketing technology platform that powers communications to billions of people globally. In this conversation, Ashanti and Justin discuss and apply balance - and the principles of yin and yang - to the masks we wear and the stresses that burden us in this world.
(1:35) Ashanti’s introduction
(5:20) Justin introduces himself, his background, his business career, and his transition to activism.
(8:50) Ashanti shares the front of his mask - excited, passionate, serious - and how he wants to translate his passion so that it is received in the right way.
(12:20) Justin shares the front of his mask - compassionate, competent, courageous - and how his family background shapes this mask.
(17:05) Ashanti shares the back of his mask - worry, growing pains, fear/doubt - and a recent moment where he needed to allow himself to hurt.
(24:35) Justin shares the back of his mask - uncertain, stressed, depressed.
(30:40) Ashanti and Justin discuss the many ways that we deal with stress and transfer positive and negative energies.
(43:00) Justin shares how you can get in touch with him.
Connect with Justin Zhu:
Website: standwithasianamericans.com
Twitter: twitter.com/hjzhu
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/stand-with-asian-americans
Instagram: instagram.com/standwithasianamericans
Create your own mask anonymously at millionmask.org
Email us questions and comments at totmpod100@gmail.com
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: instagram.com/branchspeaks
Facebook: facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
Twitter: twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch
Website: branchspeaks.com
Support the podcast and the work of the Ever Forward Club: anchor.fm/branch-speaks/support
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“The teacher who walks in the shadow of
the temple, among his followers, gives not
of his wisdom but rather of his faith and
his lovingness.
If he is indeed wise he does not bid you
enter the house of his wisdom, but rather
leads you to the threshold of your own
mind.”
On Teaching, by Kahlil Gibran
This TOTM Face to Face conversation is between Wenceslao and Patrick. Wenceslao is the Ever Forward Club’s Youth Host. You can get to know more about him in episode 123. Patrick taught Wenceslao when he was in middle school at San Francisco Friends School. As they share their masks, play our Adventure Card Game, and discuss trust, heartbreak, and connection, it’s inspiring to see a teacher-student relationship take on a new dynamic…
(2:00) Ashanti’s introduction.
(7:20) Patrick introduces himself, his background, and how he knows Wenceslao
(8:35) Wenceslao and Patrick make their masks together.
(9:20) Wenceslao shares the front of his mask - loves to learn, excited to be around people, responsible.
(10:45) Patrick shares the front of his mask - a smile, calm, athletic.
(12:25) Wenceslao shares the back of his mask - stressed and overwhelmed, feeling down when I’m alone, serious.
(14:05) Patrick shares the back of his mask - insecure, judgmental, need help.
(16:45) Wenceslao and Patrick play the Ever Forward Club: Adventure card game.
(17:15) Question 1. Tells us about a time when someone betrayed your trust.
(25:30) Question 2. Describe a time when you felt like you were in a difficult situation with a friend.
(28:20) Question 3. What is a lesson that you’ve learned from a challenging negative relationship?
(35:45) Question 4. How have you dealt with a broken heart?
(39:30) Wenceslao reads an excerpt from “The Prophet” by Kahlil Gibran.
(41:55) Patrick shares how his perspective has changed, going from student to teacher.
(46:30) Patrick makes some observations about how students today deal with pain and stress.
(57:25) Patrick shares some final words for Wenceslao.
Create your own mask anonymously at millionmask.org
Email us questions and comments at totmpod100@gmail.com
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: instagram.com/branchspeaks
Facebook: facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
Twitter: twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch
Website: branchspeaks.com
Support the podcast and the work of the Ever Forward Club: anchor.fm/branch-speaks/support
Connect with Ever Forward Club:
Instagram: instagram.com/everforward
Facebook: facebook.com/everforwardclub
Twitter: twitter.com/everforwardclub
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/the-ever-forward-club
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“This is how you can communicate. This is how you can express. This is what tough can be. You being able to speak your truth about what’s happening is tough and courageous. Most people would just keep it to themselves.” - Paul Newell
Ever Forward Club’s Ashanti Branch is joined by Paul Newell. Paul is a Men’s Health and Well-Being Teacher intent on co-creating a heart-full culture of men by guiding himself and other men to vibrate authentically in body, mind, and spirit. He facilitates personal development and empowerment courses for men to support them in enhancing emotional intelligence, communication, and connection. Paul also has a book, “The Heal.Thy.Man Method”, a pocketbook guiding men to self-awareness and self-fulfillment. So where does all of this inspiration come from? You’ll have to listen to Paul talk about bullying, parenthood, and what happens when these two universal life experiences intersect…
(2:30) Ashanti’s introduction.
(6:05) Paul introduces himself, his work, and how he uses his “rocky road” of a life to help others.
(9:05) Paul and Ashanti share their experiences with bullying when they were in school. Then, Paul shares how he currently helps his son, who is being bullied.
(20:00) Paul and Ashanti continue to discuss bullying, specifically the balance between confronting bullies and providing those being bullied the tools to manage and know their self and self-worth.
(32:05) Ashanti and Paul give their thoughts on why Andrew Tate is enticing to young boys. Then, they discuss our “swipe it away” culture.
(44:20) Paul shares the front of his mask - jovial, grounded, wise.
(48:40) Ashanti shares the front of his mask - resting frown face, caring, serious, loving.
(51:35) Paul shares the back of his mask - regretful, combustible, powerless.
(55:40) Ashanti shares the back of his mask - fear of failure, family drama, where is my power.
(1:03:45) Paul shares how you can get in touch with him and find his book.
Connect with Paul Newell
Website and Book: healthymanmethod.com
Instagram: instagram.com/newellnessmensguide
Youtube: youtube.com/@PaulNewellGuides
Create your own mask anonymously at millionmask.org
Email us questions and comments at totmpod100@gmail.com
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: instagram.com/branchspeaks
Facebook: facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
Twitter: twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch
Website: branchspeaks.com
Support the podcast and the work of the Ever Forward Club: anchor.fm/branch-speaks/support
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/branch-speaks/support
“I’ve always been funny. As a kid I was funny. Always funny. But then ask me why I was funny, and the story’s not funny.” - Pellegrino Riccardi
Ever Forward Club’s Ashanti Branch is joined by Pellegrino Riccardi. Raised in the UK in an archetypal Italian family, as a young adult Pellegrino balanced a career in education and music. He moved to Norway in the 1990s and, long story short, now works as a keynote speaker, with audiences varying from kindergarten school employees to the largest multinational corporations. Pellegrino delivers talks on human interaction and how to create a loving workplace, and he describes himself as “58 years old but feeling 35.” We’re excited for you to learn more about Pellegrino’s masks, his thoughts on perfectionism, and his analysis of humanity’s fear of rejection…
(2:10) Ashanti’s introduction.
(7:05) Pellegrino introduces himself, his journey in music and education, and his current work as a keynote speaker centered on emotion and feelings. Then, they discuss why they both do the work they do and the standard greetings that each language has to keep the status quo.
(23:20) Pellegrino shares the front of his mask - funny, independent, hard-working - and his “classic immigrant story.”
(26:50) Ashanti shares the front of his mask - funny, serious, hard-working. Then, he and Pellegrino find commonality in the roles they had to play at home when they were children.
(32:30) Pellegrino shares the back of his mask - sad, lonely, in pain.
(34:00) Ashanti shares the back of his mask - fear of failure, perfectionist, self-doubt. Then, he and Pellegrino discuss the pitfalls of chasing perfection.
(40:50) Ashanti and Pellegrino analyze the psychology of and the fear of rejection.
(46:50) Pellegrino shares some final words with the audience and shares how you can get in touch with him.
Connect with Pellegrino Riccardi:
Website: pellegrino-riccardi.com
Instagram: instagram.com/pellegrino_riccardi
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/pellegrino-riccardi-24425a9
His Book, “Drowning Quietly”: amazon.com/Drowning-Quietly-Memoir-Mans-Shortcomings/dp/1632995069
Create your own mask anonymously at millionmask.org
Email us questions and comments at totmpod100@gmail.com
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: instagram.com/branchspeaks
Facebook: facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
Twitter: twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch
Website: branchspeaks.com
Support the podcast and the work of the Ever Forward Club: anchor.fm/branch-speaks/support
--- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/branch-speaks/support
“As men, it’s often our terminal uniqueness that we think we’re the only one struggling with ‘x’ and so we’re not going to bother or burden anyone else with this thing because it’s so minuscule. Yet it’s actually so powerful in ways that it can derail us.” - Sean Harvey
Ever Forward Club’s Ashanti Branch is joined by Sean Harvey. The Chief Compassion Officer of Warrior Compassion Men's Studio, Sean is also a TEDx Speaker, Author, and Interfaith Minister whose book, “Warrior Compassion: A Man's Quest for Deeper Connection”, offers a roadmap for men's healing as a catalyst for systems change and will be released in September 2023. Sean charges head first into some of the toughest environments, leading with love. He’s worked to transform the culture of law enforcement, and he’s brought his compassion-centered approach to right-wing militia groups and White nationalist groups. Today, he takes off his mask to share how he grew into an unwavering emotional foundation that can do this work effectively.
(2:15) Ashanti’s introduction.
(7:15) Sean introduces himself, how he found his spiritual calling to men’s work, and how he started reforming the hearts and minds of the police force and white nationalists.
(15:20) Sean shares the back of his mask - vision (strategic), journey (inspiration), intelligence (connects the dots).
(17:20) Ashanti shares the front of his mask - funny, serious, caring - and relates to Sean’s mask.
(22:50) Sean shares the back of his mask - addiction, HIV status (internalized homophobia), deep loneliness (not belonging), body shame.
(24:20) Ashanti shares the back of his mask - fear, worry, body shame - and tells the story of his relationship with body shame. Then, Sean does the same.
(34:50) Ashanti relates Sean’s story and his work to working with middle school boys.
(44:50) Sean and Ashanti take a look at “men’s work” and why it is in a place of reckoning.
(50:05) Sean then explains what it means to “surrender into the unknown.”
(54:40) Sean and Ashanti consider “the mask of love.” If love wore a mask, what would be on the front of it and behind it?
(1:02:05) Sean tells the story of how he reconnected with his father years after telling him he was gay.
(1:12:00) Sean shares how you can get in touch with him.
Connect with Sean Harvey:
Website/Book: warriorcompassion.com
Instagram: instagram.com/warrior_compassion
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/seanharvey
Create your own mask anonymously at millionmask.org
Email us questions and comments at totmpod100@gmail.com
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: instagram.com/branchspeaks
Facebook: facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
Twitter: twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch
Website: branchspeaks.com
Support the podcast and the work of the Ever Forward Club: anchor.fm/branch-speaks/support
--- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/branch-speaks/support
“Pleasure is a freedom-song,
But it is not freedom.
It is the blossoming of your desires,
But it is not their fruit.
It is a depth calling unto a height,
But it is not the deep nor the high.”
On Pleasure, by Kahlil Gibran
This TOTM Face to Face conversation is between Wenceslao and Camilo. Wenceslao is the Ever Forward Club’s new Youth Host! You can get to know more about him in episode 123. Camilo, age 15, is a friend of Wenceslao’s and already a prolific music producer. As they share their masks, play our Adventure Card Game, and discuss all things music, passion, and persistence, it’s inspiring to see what our youth can become with all the tools of the 21st Century at their fingertips…
(2:10) Ashanti’s introduction.
(6:35) Camilo and Wenceslao introduce themselves and explain what the front and back of the mask represent.
(7:50) Camilo shares the front of his mask - energetic, happy, excited. Then, he shares the back of his mask - tired, unmotivated, stressed.
(8:45) Wenceslao shares the front of his mask - semi-athletic, smart, a fun person. Then, he shares the back - not confident/self-doubt, introverted/shy, stressful.
(10:40) Wenceslao and Camilo begin playing Ever Forward Club: The Adventure card game. Question 1 is, “What is a hidden talent that you want to work on more?”
(11:45) “What is something you want to do in your life but don’t talk about?”
(14:30) “Name a relationship that needs to end.”
(16:10) “Tell us about a time when you realized you’re becoming an adult.”
(17:10) “Are you more afraid of success or failure.”
(19:15) “What is a lesson you’ve learned from a challenging or negative relationship?”
(20:25) Wenceslao asks Camilo some questions about his music and relates music to some quotes from the book, “The Prophet” by Kahlil Gibran
(25:30) Then, Camilo tells the story of how he began making beats for one of his favorite artists.
(41:30) Wenceslao and Camilo wrap up their conversation.
Check out the film, “Close”
youtube.com/watch?v=6EJGnU2AmV4
Create your own mask anonymously at millionmask.org
Email us questions and comments at totmpod100@gmail.com
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: instagram.com/branchspeaks
Facebook: facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
Twitter: twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch
Website: branchspeaks.com
Support the podcast and the work of the Ever Forward Club: anchor.fm/branch-speaks/support
--- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/branch-speaks/support
“We on the progressive side have twisted up intersectionality. And we’ve twisted it up such that we have not agreed - metaphorically speaking - to move through the intersection unified. We’ve gotten stuck in the intersection. And while we’re there people are making up new rules. And those new rules show up as new words. And everybody got a new word. So we can’t move because we’re in this biblical Tower of Babel.” - Steve Vassor
Ever Forward Club’s Ashanti Branch is joined by Steve Vassor. A servant leader, founder, proud father, husband, mentor, emerging author, and DJ, Steve has worked at, led, supported, and funded many-a-nonprofit. In addition, he’s launched several social enterprises engineered around his passion for DJ-ing and desire for a brighter tomorrow. As in any profession, “the masks we wear” play a role in the nonprofit industrial complex - Steve can testify to this. And in this conversation, Steve needs to let a few things off his chest as to why the progressive movement isn’t where it should be…
(2:00) Ashanti’s introduction.
(4:50) Steve introduces himself, his family, his work, and his love of DJ-ing.
(7:45) Ashanti shares the front of his mask - serious, intense, caring - and ponders what brings out his intensity.
(10:45) Steve shares the front of his mask - smart, insightful, cheery - and how his DJ-ing style represents the reverse, or the back of his mask.
(17:35) Steve breaks down what happens when two people have different definitions of “the same thing.”
(24:15) Ashanti shares the back of his mask - worried, food addiction, health deteriorating - and expands on the root cause of the addiction.
(35:00) Steve shares the back of his mask - optimistic/hopeful, worried/doubtful, impatient - and reflects on the fallout of the years 2016 through 2020.
(44:50) Steve explains why he believes progressive movements have been stagnant.
(50:30) Steve shares how you can get in touch with him.
Connect with Steve Vassor:
Website: stevevassor.com
Website: djstevevassor.com
Twitch: twitch.tv/DjSteveVassor
Twitter: twitter.com/SteveVassor
Instagram: instagram.com/steve_vassor
Support the podcast and the work of the Ever Forward Club: anchor.fm/branch-speaks/support
Create your own mask anonymously at millionmask.org
If you are interested in being on the Face to Face podcast, email us at everforwardclub@gmail.com
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: instagram.com/branchspeaks
Facebook: facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
Twitter: twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch
Website: branchspeaks.com
Send in a voice message:
anchor.fm/branch-speaks/message
--- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/branch-speaks/support
Help is available. We can all help prevent suicide. The Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals in the United States. Dial 988.
“There is nothing comfortable about powerlifting. I have an ability to embrace the discomfort. I have an ability to embrace the suck. Now I just have to also apply that to outside of the gym. There’s gonna be moments of discomfort, so I have to embrace those. And when I can embrace those moments of discomfort, I lean into it, and on the other side is a place of empowerment, and a place of pride and fulfillment and meaning.” - Ross Leppala
Ever Forward Club’s Ashanti Branch is joined by Ross Leppala. Ross describes himself beautifully: “A soul, having a human experience. A seeker. A person who desires to elevate my own consciousness and support others in their journeys to level up. It is my mission to impact growth and healing in this world in such a way that we radically reduce suicide rates. I coach powerlifting, produce a self-development podcast (Project UnchainED), and guide people through a self-development course; I’m a public speaker, partner, and father to a wonderful 6-year-old girl.” We’re excited for you to hear Ross explore his consciousness and escape the victim mentality. Enjoy.
(2:00) Ashanti’s introduction.
(7:35) Ross introduces himself, his work as a powerlifter, passion as a public speaker, and how powerlifting saved his life.
(14:05) Ashanti shares the front of his mask - serious, passionate, caring - and reflects on managing his intensity.
(17:50) Ross shares the front of his mask - capable, reliable, conscientious - and how these things help him approach things intentionally.
(24:40) Ashanti shares the back of his mask - sadness, self-doubt, fear of… Then, Ross identifies with a lot of the young people that Ashanti is trying to help and serve.
(31:10) Ross shares the back of his mask - personally (take things), destructive, narcissistic internal reactions
(35:20) Ross describes his inner, hurt child. Then, he and Ashanti discuss how they structure their journaling.
(46:50) Ashanti and Ross conclude their conversation.
(50:10) Ross shares how you can connect with him.
Connect with Ross Leppala:
Instagram: instagram.com/ross.leppala
Facebook: facebook.com/ross.leppala
Podcast: instagram.com/project_unchained
Email: theakleprechaun@gmail.com
Support the podcast and the work of the Ever Forward Club: anchor.fm/branch-speaks/support
Create your own mask anonymously at millionmask.org
If you are interested in being on the Face to Face podcast, email us at everforwardclub@gmail.com
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: instagram.com/branchspeaks
Facebook: facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
Twitter: twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch
Website: branchspeaks.com
Send in a voice message:
anchor.fm/branch-speaks/message
--- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/branch-speaks/support
Help is available. We can all help prevent suicide. The Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals in the United States. Dial 988.
“The suicide rate among men is 3 to 4 times what it is among women. However, women tend to be diagnosed with depression - one of the primary risk factors for suicide - about twice as often as men are. Does that mean that men are never getting depressed? Or they’re never experiencing anxiety, or they’re never getting stressed out? No, it doesn’t mean that. What it means is that they’re not talking about it. They’re not talking about what they’re feeling, and they’re not getting help; they’re not getting diagnosed.” - Dr. Gregory Scott Brown
Ever Forward Club’s Ashanti Branch is joined by Dr. Gregory Scott Brown. Dr. Brown, or Gregory, is a board-certified psychiatrist, mental health writer, and author. He believes we can work together to fight mental health stigma by having open and honest conversations about our mental health. Coupled with his background in medicine, Gregory believes in the therapeutic value of yoga, and he often writes and speaks about its benefits for mental health prevention and treatment - most recently in his new book, The Self-Healing Mind. We’re excited for you to learn about Gregory’s masks, and how he must consider them while participating in a profession that encounters masks constantly…
(1:15) Ashanti’s introduction.
(5:55) Dr. Gregory Brown introduces himself, his passion for mental health, and his work on “The Self-Healing Mind.”
(11:50) Ashanti and Gregory make their masks together.
(16:00) Gregory shares the front of his mask - hard-working, optimistic, compassionate. Then he shares the back - sensitive, anxious, hard-working - and explains why one word is on both sides.
(18:10) Ashanti shares the front of his mask - caring, hard-working, passionate. Then he shares the back - fear of failure, self-doubt, am I enough, family drama. Then, he and Gregory discuss how hard it can be to stay motivated and find validation in the social media era.
(29:55) Gregory shares some insights on what men are facing, from the standpoint of his profession. And Ashanti does the same from the standpoint of his profession.
(42:15) Gregory ruminates on how prevalent loneliness is with men in our current climate.
(44:20) Gregory and Ashanti discuss how to better communicate around suicide and mental health.
(51:00) Gregory shares some information about his book and how to get in touch with him.
Connect with Dr. Gregory Scott Brown:
Buy his book: gregoryscottbrown.com
Instagram: instagram.com/gregorysbrownmd
Facebook: facebook.com/GregorySBrownMD
Twitter: twitter.com/GregorySBrownMD
Support the podcast and the work of the Ever Forward Club: anchor.fm/branch-speaks/support
Create your own mask anonymously at millionmask.org
If you are interested in being on the Face to Face podcast, email us at everforwardclub@gmail.com
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: instagram.com/branchspeaks
Facebook: facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
Website: branchspeaks.com
--- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/branch-speaks/support
“I value my life based on how other people value my life. People see different sides of you, and they can only judge you by that side that they see. That’s how this stuff works.” - Mayank Sohani
Ever Forward Club’s Ashanti Branch is joined by Sunny Bahuguna and Mayank Sohani. As the hosts of the Bottled Up Podcast, Sunny and Mayank provide a platform for people to share their journeys and mental health stories, in the hope of inspiring others to do the same. Notably, this is our first three-person episode, and we picked the perfect duo to do this first! Sunny and Mayank have been best friends for over five years - self-described “brothers from another mother.” Yet, despite this deep relationship, we found that the mask activity may still bring out things that have never been said before…
(6:40) Sunny Bahuguna and Mayank Sohani introduce themselves, their passion for mental health, and family backgrounds.
(11:50) Mayank shares the front of his mask - supportive, happy, hard-working.
(14:00) Sunny shares the front of his mask - composed/calm, hard-working, funny - and Mayank is there to verify it.
(18:40) Ashanti shares the front of his mask - dedicated, caring, hard-working - and his journey with the Ever Forward Club spark some questions from Sunny and Mayank.
(25:45) Ashanti explains the privilege of “seeking discomfort.”
(31:35) Sunny shares the back of his mask - family issues, uncertainty, feelings of inadequacy.
(37:00) Mayank shares the back of his mask - stressed, anxious, tired - and how the front of his mask and his value system is interlinked with the back.
(43:00) Ashanti recognizes the “giver” in Mayank and makes sure to remind him to value himself outside of how others value him.
(50:10) Ashanti shares the back of his mask - worry, doubt, fear of failure.
(51:50) Sunny and Mayank share some final words with the audience.
Connect with Sunny & Mayank:
Instagram: instagram.com/bottledupaus
LinkTree: linktr.ee/bottledupaus
Support the podcast and the work of the Ever Forward Club: anchor.fm/branch-speaks/support
Create your own mask anonymously at millionmask.org
If you are interested in being on the Face to Face podcast, email us at everforwardclub@gmail.com
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: instagram.com/branchspeaks
Facebook: facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
Twitter: twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch
Website: branchspeaks.com
Send in a voice message:
anchor.fm/branch-speaks/message
--- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/branch-speaks/support
“I just never wanted to be in that bucket with everyone else. I’ve always had this need to differentiate in a way that often has distanced me from people and from groups. I say all that and then there’s times where I’m like, ‘How come I never feel belonging?’ There’s some part of me that’s terrified of belonging, so I separate myself by being worse or better.” - Joe Bernstein
Ever Forward Club’s Ashanti Branch is joined by Joe Bernstein. As a Coach and Facilitator, Joe is passionate about moving "Men's Work" from the intellectual realm to the embodied, natural and spiritual realms. He’s a loving ally, whose soul comes alive when he can give care and attention with an open heart; and he’s an expecting father. In this episode, we are so excited for you to experience Joe’s mindset and learn his story.
(1:40) Ashanti’s introduction.
(7:35) Joe introduces himself, some new developments in his personal life, his men’s work
(14:05) Ashanti shares the front of his mask - passionate, funny, nonstop - and traces his “hard-working” identity back to his childhood.
(18:35) Joe shares the front of his mask - grounded af!!!, wise, soulful - and explains how it came to be that this is how he wanted to be perceived.
(24:05) Ashanti shares the back of his mask - getting older, 24 hours, not feeling enough - and he and Joe reflect on how time and milestones have shifted throughout human history.
(35:40) Joe shares the back of his mask - unhinged (anxious, frazzled, angry, negative), confused, average/mainstream - and they explain why some have an “intense fear of belonging”.
(48:50) Joe breaks down his lifelong relationship with food, how it is always evolving, and how it has been intertwined with his relationships.
(59:25) Joe shares some last words, a passion project, and how you can get in touch with him.
Connect with Joe Bernstein:
Email: joebernstein81@gmail.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/dropthearmorjoe
Website: www.joebernsteincoaching.com
Support the podcast and the work of the Ever Forward Club: anchor.fm/branch-speaks/support
Create your own mask anonymously at millionmask.org
If you are interested in being on the Face to Face podcast, email us at everforwardclub@gmail.com
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: instagram.com/branchspeaks
Facebook: facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
Twitter: twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch
Website: branchspeaks.com
Send in a voice message:
anchor.fm/branch-speaks/message
--- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/branch-speaks/support
This TOTM Face to Face conversation is between Wenceslao and Angel. Wenceslao is the Ever Forward Club’s new Youth Host! You can get to know more about him in episode 123. Angel is a member of the EFC Social Emotional Leadership Academy. In fact, Angel and Wenceslao recorded a podcast together a year ago. As they share their masks, play our Adventure Card Game, and discuss all things friendship, parenting, and even the American dream, the growth they have demonstrated in this episode is staggering.
(1:50) Ashanti’s introduction.
(5:00) Angel introduces himself.
(6:50) Angel shares the front of his mask - cheerful, kind, energetic. Then Wenceslao shares his - happy, smart, explorer.
(7:45) Angel shares the back of his mask - stressed, anxious, worried. Wenceslao shares the back of his mask - anxiety, stress, not sure what to do.
(9:45) Angel and Wenceslao play the Ever Forward: Adventure Card Game.
(11:00) Question 1: A characteristic about yourself that you don’t really talk about much.
(13:40) Question 2: Name a relationship that recently started.
(16:15) Question 3: How are you different when you are alone vs. with others?
(19:05) Question 4: What is something you feel that you wish you’d say out loud?
(21:45) Wenceslao and Angel continue discussing the American Dream, how they define maturity, and the changes they’ve seen in their approaches to mental health.
(30:30) Then, they discuss “The Prophet” by Kahlil Gibran, and share their thoughts on the purpose of friendship.
(35:15) Wenceslao and Angel share how they handle social media and how they communicate their anxiety to adults.
(47:15) Then, they analyze the poem “Making Love to Captain America”.
Support the podcast and the work of the Ever Forward Club: anchor.fm/branch-speaks/support
Create your own mask anonymously at millionmask.org
If you are interested in being on the Face to Face podcast, email us at everforwardclub@gmail.com
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: instagram.com/branchspeaks
Facebook: facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
Twitter: twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch
Website: branchspeaks.com
Send in a voice message:
anchor.fm/branch-speaks/message
Connect with Ever Forward Club:
Instagram: instagram.com/everforward
Facebook: facebook.com/everforwardclub
Twitter: twitter.com/everforwardclub
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/the-ever-forward-club
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“The journey I'm on is trying to unpack my story in a way to find out who I am without my trauma. And what does life look like and how is it lived if I stop living through the lens of my trauma and the things that have been challenging for me, and really focus on purpose.”
Ever Forward Club’s Ashanti Branch is joined by Romal Tune. Romal is a father, author, social impact Entrepreneur, and VP of Strategic Partnerships at TMS Global. Along with his main purpose - to help people heal their stories - Romal loves to travel and collect art. In this conversation, Ashanti and Romal share the masks they present to the world, and Romal explains how understanding his own masks led him to the idea of writing his latest book, I Wish My Dad.
(1:05) Ashanti's introduction.
(7:45) Romal introduces himself, his work, his most recent book, and his family.
(11:30) Romal shares the front of his mask - creativity, caring, passionate - and how his childhood shaped his interests, passions, and desire to heal.
(16:15) Ashanti shares the front of his mask - passionate, serious, caring. Then, Romal and Ashanti reflect on their relationships with art and creativity.
(21:40) Romal shares the back of his mask - anxiety, doubt, lonely - and how his journey on the back of the mask is an exercise in unpacking things about himself.
(26:55) Ashanti shares the back of his mask - anxiety, fear, body shame - and how these feelings have become more present with age as the purpose of his journey has crystallized.
(38:35) Romal explains the impetus behind his book, I Wish My Dad.
(44:25) Then, Ashanti and Romal observe how both young people and adults are learning how to love each other better by breaking down social paradigms.
(53:55) Romal shares how you can buy his book and get in touch.
Connect with Romal Tune:
Website: romaltune.com
Buy “I Wish My Dad”: iwishmydad.com
Instagram: instagram.com/iwishmydad
Twitter: twitter.com/romaltune
Support the podcast and the work of the Ever Forward Club: anchor.fm/branch-speaks/support
Create your own mask anonymously at millionmask.org
If you are interested in being on the Face to Face podcast, email us at everforwardclub@gmail.com
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: instagram.com/branchspeaks
Facebook: facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
Twitter: twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch
Website: branchspeaks.com
Send in a voice message:
anchor.fm/branch-speaks/message
--- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/branch-speaks/support
Ever Forward Club’s Ashanti Branch is joined by Wenceslao S. Wenceslao is a high school student based in San Francisco, CA, and an aspiring musician and car racing aficionado. Wenceslao is also Ever Forward Club’s new Youth Host! Signing up for duties as the new host is a big deal for Wenceslao, someone who struggles with social anxiety. In this conversation, Ashanti and Wenceslao discuss what it took for him to take this role, while both looking to the future and looking back on how far Wenceslao has come.
(7:50) Wenceslao is introduced as the Ever Forward Club’s new Youth Host.
(11:30) Wenceslao and Ashanti make their masks together.
(13:10) Wenceslao shares the front of his mask - musician, outgoing, someone who takes in information.
(14:30) Ashanti shares the front of his mask - funny, hard-working, serious, caring.
(19:05) Wenceslao shares the back of his mask - struggles with your path, social anxiety - and Ashanti looks back on Wenceslao’s growth when it comes to his social anxiety, and how accepting the position of Youth Host takes a lot of bravery.
(22:50) Ashanti shares the back of his mask - self-doubt, fear, worry.
(28:25) Ashanti and Wenceslao continue to discuss his social anxiety, and they reminisce on their first meeting and his growth ever since.
(35:55) Wenceslao shares a little bit about his best friend. Then, he and Ashanti wrap up the conversation and look ahead.
Support the podcast and the work of the Ever Forward Club: anchor.fm/branch-speaks/support
Create your own mask anonymously at millionmask.org
If you are interested in being on the Face to Face podcast, email us at everforwardclub@gmail.com
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: instagram.com/branchspeaks
Facebook: facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
Twitter: twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch
Website: branchspeaks.com
Send in a voice message:
anchor.fm/branch-speaks/message
Connect with Ever Forward Club:
Instagram: instagram.com/everforward
Facebook: facebook.com/everforwardclub
Twitter: twitter.com/everforwardclub
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/the-ever-forward-club
--- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/branch-speaks/support
This December, Ashanti went on his (somewhat) annual trip to Mexico. In this podcast, Ashanti reflects on the trip, spreading the Million Mask Movement, and returning to the Bay Area for a New Year’s Eve celebration filled with juxtapositions…
(1:40) Ashanti recaps his trip to Mexico City and explorations with Rohit Tigga and Rodrigo. Then, he looks ahead at what’s in store for the Ever Forward Club this coming year.
(8:30) Ashanti tells the story of his trip back to the Bay Area and attending London Breed’s New Year’s Eve party. After the party, he made some observations while at the Civic Center BART, struggling to get home in the early hours of January 1st.
(16:50) While still trying to get home, a young man catches Ashanti’s eye.
(19:30) As he sees more young men in the street, he continues to reflect on the state of our education system.
(30:25) It’s the first Tuesday of January 2023. So Ashanti looks back at what happened on the first Tuesday of last year.
Support the podcast and the work of the Ever Forward Club: anchor.fm/branch-speaks/support
Create your own mask anonymously at millionmask.org
If you are interested in being on the Face to Face podcast, email us at everforwardclub@gmail.com
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: instagram.com/branchspeaks
Facebook: facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
Twitter: twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch
Website: branchspeaks.com
Send in a voice message:
anchor.fm/branch-speaks/message
Connect with Ever Forward Club:
Instagram: instagram.com/everforward
Facebook: facebook.com/everforwardclub
Twitter: twitter.com/everforwardclub
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/the-ever-forward-club
--- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/branch-speaks/support
“I was 50 years old when my son took his life. At that point in my life, I was in the best shape I’ve ever been. Bench 400 pounds, squat 550, deadlift 550, but I wasn’t strong enough to save a life.” - Phillip Tyler
Ever Forward Club’s Ashanti Branch is joined by Phillip Tyler. Phillip is many things, including an Air Force Veteran, former Corrections Lieutenant, and a former Vice President and President of the Spokane NAACP. But Phillip boils it all down to being a community advocate, and most importantly a loss survivor and passionate suicide prevention advocate. And he’ll be the first to say that he didn’t transform into a true man until he was 50 years old, after a lifetime of experiences he shares with the world in hopes of making it a more loving place.
(1:25) Ashanti’s introduction.
(7:30) Phillip introduces himself, his upbringing, his veteran background, and his current work. Then, he shares his family’s history with mental health.
(11:55) Phillip shares the front of his mask - professional, outgoing, hard-working. Then, he shares the back of his mask - imposter syndrome, ongoing pain (John Henryism), ambivert. Then, he breaks down the physical and emotional fatigue he experiences while pushing up against the systems in place.
(15:00) Ashanti shares the front of his mask - passionate, dedicated, intense, on edge - and reflects on what it has been like to have a career coach. Then, they reflect generally on what it is like to dump out all of your emotions at once.
(23:45) Ashanti shares the back of his mask - fear, worry, doubt. Then, Phillip looks back on his time in the military and how the military dealt with mental health.
(29:00) Ashanti and Phillip observe how many men in our culture lack intimacy and how specifically Black men can change this culture.
(38:00) Then, Ashanti explains why he has resisted speaking publicly about our country’s history of racism, and how our culture places a mask over this history.
(46:50) Phillip gives some advice to fathers.
(53:00) Phillip shares how you can connect with him.
Connect with Phillip Tyler:
Instagram: instagram.com/color_fulconversations
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/phillip-tyler-72213051
Facebook: facebook.com/profile.php?id=100011171763908
Support the podcast and the work of the Ever Forward Club: anchor.fm/branch-speaks/support
Create your own mask anonymously at millionmask.org
If you are interested in being on the Face to Face podcast, email us at everforwardclub@gmail.com
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: instagram.com/branchspeaks
Facebook: facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
Twitter: twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch
Website: branchspeaks.com
Send in a voice message:
anchor.fm/branch-speaks/message
--- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/branch-speaks/support
“Something my mom always says - and she makes it seem so simple - is, ‘If you miss somebody, call them.’ We have no excuse not to communicate with the people that we want to talk to.” - Zeke Crawford
Ever Forward Club’s Ashanti Branch is joined by Zeke Crawford. Zeke is from San Francisco, California, and Zeke and Ashanti first connected when Ashanti held a workshop at Zeke’s Stuart Hall High School. Currently a professional basketball player based in Lausanne, Switzerland, Zeke loves to try new foods, explore new places, meditate, and watch anime. International life can be very difficult, but that hasn’t prevented Zeke from maintaining close relationships. We’re excited for you to learn about how Zeke navigates this world and his masks.
(1:35) Ashanti’s introduction.
(8:30) Zeke and Ashanti reminisce on how they first met and why Zeke made a big impression on Ashanti. Then, Zeke introduces himself, his origins, and his professional basketball career.
(13:30) Zeke shares the front of his mask - funny, friendly, trustworthy.
(14:45) Ashanti shares the front of his mask - serious, funny, dedicated.
(18:00) Zeke shares the back of his mask - scared, indecisive, confused - and the challenges of international life.
(22:00) Ashanti shares the back of his mask - fear, worrier, doubt - and how images from social media make him disproportionately worrisome.
(26:45) Zeke and Ashanti take time to emphasize that we need to take the initiative to reach out to others.
(30:50) Zeke reflects on the day he and Ashanti first met at Stuart Hall High School and how he’s taken those lessons around the world and in everyday life.
(43:35) Zeke shares a final message with the audience.
Connect with Zeke Crawford:
Instagram: instagram.com/_zeke2fresh
Support the podcast and the work of the Ever Forward Club: anchor.fm/branch-speaks/support
Create your own mask anonymously at millionmask.org
If you are interested in being on the Face to Face podcast, email us at everforwardclub@gmail.com
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: instagram.com/branchspeaks
Facebook: facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
Twitter: twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch
Website: branchspeaks.com
Send in a voice message:
anchor.fm/branch-speaks/message
--- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/branch-speaks/support
“Painting in a blizzard, painting in gale force winds - those experiences are experiences where I realized we are not separate from ‘it’. It doesn’t matter what label you give to ‘it’ - universe, divine, energy, God, spirit. You give it whatever label you want to give it. What I realize is we’re not separate from it, and the only thing that creates the idea that we could be is our mind.” - Alexander Inchbald
Ever Forward Club’s Ashanti Branch is joined by Alexander Inchbald. A climate artist, bestselling author, and change leader, everything Alexander does is based on his mystical experiences painting around the world. These experiences have helped him to realize we are not passive participants in a universe beyond our control, but active creators of our own playground. As the founder of the #Masterpiece Movement, Alexander is on a mission to help 10,000 Rainmakers to create their Masterpiece, creating a system that will help sustain humankind. We’re excited for Alexander to share with you his one-of-a-kind mask, and to share how taking off the mask allows us to create love-centered masterpieces.
(1:50) Ashanti’s introduction.
(7:50) Alexander introduces himself, his art, and how he supports individuals and groups to create their masterpieces.
(12:00) Ashanti shares the front of his mask - dedicated, excited, [blank] - and compares himself to a stirred-up bottle of kombucha. Alexander asked the question, “Who stirred the jar?” And he tells a recent story about painting a glacier in Switzerland.
(21:45) Alexander reflects on all of his different art projects, how climate and equity are tied together, and how masks have been created throughout history.
(25:50) Alexander tells the story of his Vincent Van Gogh mask. Then, he shares what is behind it - feelings that he is not quite enough and needs to push harder to be heard, and the truth that embracing his wounds allows him to be in touch with his greatest gift.
(34:45) Ashanti and Alexander continue discussing the importance of getting out of our heads and sitting with our hearts and our guts.
(45:30) Then, they discuss the importance of embracing the darkness - sitting with the negative emotions that lead to change.
(51:30) Alexander shares how you can get in touch with him.
(54:00) Alexander shares the mask he made in addition to the Vincent Van Gogh mask.
(1:01:50) Alexander shares some final thoughts with the listeners.
Connect with Alexander Inchbald:
Website: alexander-inchbald.com
Facebook: facebook.com/artisinside
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/becreativeeverywhere
Support the podcast and the work of the Ever Forward Club: anchor.fm/branch-speaks/support
Create your own mask anonymously at millionmask.org
If you are interested in being on the Face to Face podcast, email us at everforwardclub@gmail.com
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: instagram.com/branchspeaks
Facebook: facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
Twitter: twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch
Website: branchspeaks.com
Send in a voice message:
anchor.fm/branch-speaks/message
--- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/branch-speaks/support
“I started to be selfish because I didn’t want to be hurt… Even how someone’s day was… If it didn’t matter to me, then I would not give it attention. This is awful. This is awful… Walls that I put around myself to block myself from being hurt… When you start to do this, you start to be alone.” - André Portela
Ever Forward Club’s Ashanti Branch is joined by André Portela. 20 years old and from Fortaleza, Ceará, André now lives in São Paulo, Brazil. He is set to graduate with a degree in Educomunicação, a mix of communication and education, following in the tradition of his mother. He also works with the Ever Forward Club, supporting the Million Mask Movement as a graphic and video content creator. In this conversation, Ashanti and André discuss how what we display on the surface differs from what exists on the inside - as it relates to what it even means to be “special” and what we do in an effort to prevent ourselves from being hurt. Please enjoy.
(9:30) André introduces himself, his work with the Ever Forward Club, his life in Brazil, and his passion for education.
(15:00) Ashanti shares the front of his mask - dedicated, busy, caring - and they discuss how they’re learning to be effective rather than busy. Then, they analyze why people choose not to burden others with their problems.
(26:20) André shares the front of his mask - hero, mature, special - and how his desire with projecting this quality has changed over time. Then, he and Ashanti continue discussing the word “special”, how we define it, and the different relationships people have with bragging.
(42:10) Ashanti shares the back of his mask - worried, resisting rest, negative self-talk. André subsequently relates to Ashanti’s negative self-talk.
(48:30) André shares the back of his mask - selfish, spoiled, mistakes - and how these are all different walls he’s put around himself to protect himself from being hurt.
(1:00:30) Then, Ashanti and André discuss how we might allow ourselves to lower our guard and allow ourselves to be hurt again.
(1:04:10) André shares some final thoughts.
Connect with André Portela:
Instagram: instagram.com/andregportela
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/andregportela
Support the podcast and the work of the Ever Forward Club: anchor.fm/branch-speaks/support
Create your own mask anonymously at millionmask.org
If you are interested in being on the Face to Face podcast, email us at everforwardclub@gmail.com
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: instagram.com/branchspeaks
Facebook: facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
Twitter: twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch
Website: branchspeaks.com
Send in a voice message:
anchor.fm/branch-speaks/message
--- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/branch-speaks/support
“We all create this idea that we’re OTHER, rather than, ‘our experiences may be other, but, actually, our emotions are identical.’” - Gidai Maaza
Ever Forward Club’s Ashanti Branch is joined by Gidai Maaza. Gidai is a son, father, husband, and community member. Having survived the refugee camp experience with his mother by way of Ethiopia in the early 80s, Gidai turned his trauma into awareness and insight that inform how he views people's pain. Now a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, we’re excited for you to see how Gidai has reimagined the mask analogy into a framework that helps him stay grounded and connected to all of humanity.
(8:15) Gidai introduces himself, his Ethiopian roots, his work in the mental health field, and his ties to Fresno, California. Then, he and Ashanti compare group work to one on one support and therapy.
(14:35) Gidai why he believes there is no front and back of the mask, but rather two halves of the same whole. His “kid part” - a 2-year-old boy who’s observant, quiet, and comes from survival; 10-year-old boy in transition; and a 16-year-old boy that is angry. His “41-year-old part” - wise, grounded, emotionally present, rational, spirited.
(22:55) In response to Gidai, Ashanti changes his mask and reflects on equanimity. Then, he reflects on all the years he’s spent stuffing his thoughts and emotions, and how this stuffing eventually comes due.
(26:55) Ashanti describes his 15-year-old self and his 7-year-old self, and how these places in life were pivotal in shaping who he became and how he interacted with his teachers.
(35:15) Gidai explains how our experiences may be different but our emotions are identical.
(38:05) Gidai breaks down acknowledging and guiding one’s emotions and feelings as opposed to catering to them.
(42:40) Ashanti and Gidai compare and contrast the experiences of Africans and African Americans.
(49:45) Ashanti and Gidai conclude their conversation and reflect on all of the things they’ve covered.
(55:45) Gidai shares how you can get in touch with him.
Connect with Gidai Maaza:
Instagram: instagram.com/gmaazalmft
Facebook: facebook.com/GidaiMaazaLMFT
Website: gmaazalmft.com
Support the podcast and the work of the Ever Forward Club: anchor.fm/branch-speaks/support
Create your own mask anonymously at millionmask.org
If you are interested in being on the Face to Face podcast, email us at everforwardclub@gmail.com
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: instagram.com/branchspeaks
Facebook: facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
Twitter: twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch
Website: branchspeaks.com
Send in a voice message:
anchor.fm/branch-speaks/message
--- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/branch-speaks/support
“White folks need to realize that something’s been done to us - that we’re raced. Like, we’re not actually white… We were Polish, we were German, we were Irish. We’ve lost that ethnicity we’ve lost that culture, and our legacy is taking it from other folks, right? I still have work to do on exploring my own family… We actually have more ability to research our people and find them, and yet we still don’t do the work. Why is that? ‘Cause we’re afraid of what we’re gonna find.” - Jason Biehl
Ever Forward Club’s Ashanti Branch is joined by Jason Biehl. Jason is an antiracist educator, born and raised in Washington, D.C., with over 20 years of experience working in education with youth from diverse backgrounds. In 2017, he founded Change The Narrative, and he works collaboratively as an educational consultant to further racial equity within organizations and schools. Jason is a truly radical thinker, who clearly puts a high priority on his self-awareness and humility. We’re excited for you to gain his perspective on fighting racism :)
(8:15) Jason introduces himself, his work on the frontiers of antiracism, and a turning point in his life.
(14:00) Ashanti shares the front of his mask - serious, hard-working, caring - and how being overly caring can lead to being hurt.
(18:05) Jason shares the front of his mask - playful/humor, outgoing/optimist, steady/reliable - then, he and Ashanti critique our standard email salutations.
(22:25) Ashanti shares the back of his mask - worried, heavy, what’s next - and shares some family matters that have been on his mind lately.
(26:25) Jason shares the back of his mask - scared, sad/grieving, self-doubt - and how these things apply both to his country and his inner self.
(32:50) Jason reflects on how difficult it was within his college culture when he switched his major to African American Studies.
(37:40) Ashanti and Jason continue discussing white allyship.
(41:30) Then, they discuss how men’s work stands in solidarity with other marginalized groups by exploring the cognitive dissonance of masculinity.
(51:40) Ashanti and Jason find common connections in the education and men’s work world, then they wrap up the conversation.
(56:00) Jason shares how you can get in touch with him.
Connect with Jason Biehl:
Website: http://www.changethenarrative.me
Instagram: instagram.com/j.biehl
Twitter: twitter.com/JasonWBiehl
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jason-biehl-738171103
Support the podcast and the work of the Ever Forward Club: anchor.fm/branch-speaks/support
Create your own mask anonymously at millionmask.org
If you are interested in being on the Face to Face podcast, email us at everforwardclub@gmail.com
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: instagram.com/branchspeaks
Facebook: facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
Twitter: twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch
Website: branchspeaks.com
Send in a voice message:
anchor.fm/branch-speaks/message
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/branch-speaks/support
“One of my deep beliefs and convictions is that we live in a society where people are hyper-focused on getting their point across and having their point of view heard and seen. And therefore they do not develop the muscle and/or ability to provide people the same space and latitude that they want for themselves. So I’ve taken it upon myself to be someone who stands in that gap, who sits in that gap, who holds the tension of [that gap].” - Dax-Devlon Ross
Ever Forward Club’s Ashanti Branch is joined by Dax-Devlon Ross. Dax is the author of six books, and his journalism has been featured in Time, The Guardian, The New York Times, Virginia Quarterly Review, Nonprofit Quarterly, The Washington Post Magazine, and other national publications. A New York City teaching fellow turned non-profit executive, Dax is now a principal at the social impact consultancies Dax-Dev and Third Settlements, both of which focus on designing disruptive strategies to generate equity in workplaces and education spaces alike. Dax speaks with great conviction, and we are excited for you to experience this as he and Ashanti discuss their masks, the importance of friendship, and navigating the pitfalls of the dominant culture.
(5:45) Ashanti and Dax say hello. Then, Dax introduces himself, his name, his writing, and how he works to make sure every human being can thrive.
(12:50) After Ashanti shares how he felt guilt whenever he got good grades, Dax some of the class guilt he held onto while he was growing up.
(19:10) Ashanti and Dax make their masks together.
(24:30) Ashanti shares the front of his mask - serious, dedicated, others before self - and how unsure he feels about putting others before himself.
(27:15) Dax shares the front of his mask - intellect, family man/provider, bridge builder - and the roles he wants to play as a writer, a relative, and a worker.
(32:15) Ashanti shares the back of his mask - tired, self-doubt, worrier vs. warrior - and he and Dax discuss how hard it is to extricate themselves from the scarcity mindset/dominant culture.
(36:30) Dax shares the back of his mask - a longing for connection and friendship, anxiety over financial future, anxiety over physical and mental decline.
(40:30) Dax and Ashanti ponder male friendships and how they have been affected by the over-sexualization of our society.
(46:30) Dax reflects on how it felt making a mask. Then, he and Ashanti share some final thoughts on how men and boys can break out of “the straight jacket.”
(53:00) Dax shares how you can connect with him.
Connect with Dax-Devlon Ross:
Website: dax-dev.com
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/dax-devlon-ross-69b3749
Support the podcast and the work of the Ever Forward Club: anchor.fm/branch-speaks/support
Create your own mask anonymously at millionmask.org
If you are interested in being on the Face to Face podcast, email us at everforwardclub@gmail.com
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: instagram.com/branchspeaks
Facebook: facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
Twitter: twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch
Website: branchspeaks.com
Send in a voice message:
anchor.fm/branch-speaks/message
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/branch-speaks/support
“It’s like having orange street cones there. You see ‘em. You know they’re there, but you can blow past them and it’s not going to stop you. That was my story ten years ago... I had to say it’s not about some external circumstance. It’s about what am I choosing.” - Jim Young, on chasing self-worth through work
Ever Forward Club’s Ashanti Branch is joined by Jim Young. In addition to being a wildflower collector that loves working in his garden, Jim is a men's burnout coach, an improv comedian, an author, a speaker, and a facilitator. Jim’s overarching mission is to explore “expansive intimacy” - a way of being that allows us to connect deeply with people across all realms of our life. In this conversation, Jim and Ashanti find a lot in common, namely, their mama’s boy mentalities, there struggle with setting boundaries with their work life, and their belief that, as Jim puts it, “life is best when shared intimately”.
(7:20) Jim introduces himself and what makes him the master of dad jokes.
(10:20) Jim shares the front of his mask - calm, funny, helpful - and breaks down the corresponding image he drew.
(13:05) Ashanti shares the front of his mask - funny, caring, hard-working (busy) - and finds common ground in Jim’s writing on burnout. Then, he and Jim discuss men’s relationship with the act of caring.
(21:15) Jim shares the back of his mask - insecure, wannabe mama’s boy, critic - and runs through all the thoughts that are firing through his mind as he navigates himself and the world.
(25:35) Ashanti shares the back of his mask - Am I Enough, Worried, “I need a vacation”. He breaks down how he feels overloaded as a leader and what it felt like once he began to unload. Then, Jim relates to Ashanti’s sentiments with one key word: spaciousness.
(36:05) Jim and Ashanti discuss the natural guardrails of life and how easy it is to blow through them in unhealthy ways.
(43:50) Ashanti takes the time to appreciate his nephew, redefine success, and breaks down the five F’s.
(48:50) Jim shares a final message for the audience. Then, he shares how you can get in touch with him.
Connect with Jim Young:
Website: thecenteredcoach.com
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/thecenteredcoach
Support the podcast and the work of the Ever Forward Club: anchor.fm/branch-speaks/support
Create your own mask anonymously at millionmask.org
If you are interested in being on the Face to Face podcast, email us at everforwardclub@gmail.com
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: instagram.com/branchspeaks
Facebook: facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
Twitter: twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch
Website: branchspeaks.com
Send in a voice message:
anchor.fm/branch-speaks/message
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/branch-speaks/support
“I think that - something I think we should just say and admit in life - is that the large majority of your day you can’t expect to be experiencing happiness. Happiness has to be something that’s abnormal otherwise it wouldn’t be real… I have a very busy schedule, and I feel like I’m always trying to get something. I’m kind of always trying to be happy - and you should always try to be happy - but I think we don’t say you’re not going to be happy a lot of the time… And it’s just normal.” - Selim
This TOTM Face to Face conversation is between Mohandas and Selim. Mohandas is the Ever Forward Club’s Youth Host, whom you can get to know more about in episode 83. Selim is Mohandas’s friend since childhood, currently a freshman and UC Santa Cruz and an excellent competitive ultimate frisbee player. By playing the card game "Ever Forward Club: The Adventure", Mohandas and Selim have a chance to reminisce on their friendship and reflect on how they project themselves to the world.
(7:00) Selim and Mohandas check in with each other.
(9:00) Then Selim and Mohandas begin answering questions from the Ever Forward Club: The Adventure card game.
(9:30) Question 1: Who is someone you are currently missing?
(12:50) Question 2: What is a characteristic about yourself that you don’t talk about much? Selim shares a little bit about his artistic side, and Mohandas talks about how he holds the “wild child” in.
(17:05) Question 3: Have you ever told someone that you loved them and didn’t mean it? If so, why?
(18:30) Question 4: What are you most afraid of?
(20:30) Question 5: What are some things that you feel that you wish you could say out loud? Selim and Mohandas discuss the temporary nature of happiness.
(25:30) Question 6: What is a dream that you’ve let go of?
(29:25) Question 7: What is a lie that you tell yourself about yourself that you need to stop telling?
(31:30) Question 8: Describe a time when you changed your mind about something that you once strongly believed.
(34:00) Question 9: Name something that you could do to improve your life. What’s stopping you?
Connect with Mohandas & Selim
Selim: https://www.instagram.com/8miles4354/
Mohandas: https://www.instagram.com/moduewa/
Support the podcast and the work of the Ever Forward Club: anchor.fm/branch-speaks/support
Create your own mask anonymously at millionmask.org
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: instagram.com/branchspeaks
Facebook: facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
Twitter: twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch
Website: branchspeaks.com
Send in a voice message:
anchor.fm/branch-speaks/message
Connect with Ever Forward Club:
Instagram: instagram.com/everforward
Facebook: facebook.com/everforwardclub
Twitter: twitter.com/everforwardclub
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/the-ever-forward-club
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/branch-speaks/support
“I’ve been seeking truth in life more and more. For such a long time, I felt like my truth wasn’t accepted in spaces or whenever I even tried to speak truth that was denied, in a sense. And for me, it has been a liberation of really being able to just live in truth and honesty - of what really matters to me and my own feelings and internal life.” - Marcelo Peterlini
Ever Forward Club’s Ashanti Branch is joined by Marcelo Peterlini. Marcelo is from São Paulo, Brazil, and is currently working as the Programming Director at Latin American Leadership Academy, where he is devoting his life to building a youth leadership community in Latin America that can evoke the best of humanity. One of Marcelo’s mentees, Breno, was, in fact, the guest on the very first episode of this podcast. But, as the podcast comes full circle, Marcelo and Ashanti have a conversation that embraces the fact that life is a bit messier - and never as clean as the perfect circle we want it to be. Enjoy the episode!
(1:15) Ashanti’s introduction.
(5:30) Marcelo introduces himself and why he considers himself a “heart-centered” person. Then, he and Ashanti look back on their humble beginnings.
(13:30) Ashanti and Marcelo make their masks together.
(14:00) Ashanti shares the front of his mask - heart-centered, hard-working, serious - and tells a quick story of how he got “worked up” at the workplace recently and remembered to own his feelings.
(17:35) Marcelo shares the front of his mask - loving man, truth, passion - and expresses the importance of putting “loving” and “man” side by side. Then, he and Ashanti embrace the messy side of life.
(30:10) Ashanti shares the back of his mask - fear of failure, doubt, not being effective - and looks back on a recent session he had with his coach.
(37:45) Marcelo shares the back of his mask - sadness, melancholy, prove myself/belonging - and it leads him and Ashanti into a conversation about the transitory nature of dark days.
(50:00) Ashanti and Marcelo take time to appreciate one another.
(53:40) Marcelo shares how you can get in touch with him.
Connect with Marcelo Peterlini:
Instagram: instagram.com/somos_lala
Website: latinamericanleadershipacademy.org
Support the podcast and the work of the Ever Forward Club: anchor.fm/branch-speaks/support
Create your own mask anonymously at millionmask.org
If you are interested in being on the Face to Face podcast, email us at everforwardclub@gmail.com
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: instagram.com/branchspeaks
Facebook: facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
Twitter: twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch
Website: branchspeaks.com
Send in a voice message:
anchor.fm/branch-speaks/message
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/branch-speaks/support
E111. Call Me Man - with Man Le, Husband, Father, Nurse, & EFC Alumnus
“If I walk into a room, they’re gonna feel it. They’re gonna feel my positivity. I’m trying to smile as much as possible, especially with the job that I’m doing. I got to be able to - regardless of what the situation is - show a smile, be positive. You run into some tough situations with the job I’m in. So, I just got to do my best to show the positivity, to light up the room somehow.” - Man Le
Ever Forward Club’s Ashanti Branch is joined by Man Le. Man is one of the original members of the Ever Forward Club, a student of Ashanti’s at San Lorenzo High School. Nearly 20 years later, he is now a nurse and a loving father and husband based in San Diego, California. Please enjoy Man and Ashanti as they reminisce about old times, give merit to life paths outside of the conventional route, and share how they take off their masks and decompress in different ways.
(0:50) Ashanti’s introduction.
(5:55) Ashanti and Man make their masks together and reflect on their time in the Ever Forward Club.
(10:40) Man introduces himself. He shares his origins, how he met Ashanti, and how he got involved with the Ever Forward Club.
(13:35) Ashanti and Man look at some old photos together. Our podcast is in video format on Spotify and Youtube.
(16:45) Ashanti shares the front of his mask - serious, hard-working, dedicated
(18:40) Man shares the front of his mask - positivity, always trust, consistency - and he and Ashanti give gratitude to one another.
(22:55) Ashanti shares the back of his mask - fear of failure, worry, “what am I doing” - and explains how he defines “giving his best”.
(26:55) Man shares the back of his mask - sadness - and how he and his wife are always there for each other. Then, he explains how he learns from all of his failures and how certain hobbies keep him mentally healthy.
(39:10) Ashanti and Man celebrate life’s “non-traditional” paths. Then, Man provides a challenge for the listeners.
Support the podcast and the work of the Ever Forward Club: anchor.fm/branch-speaks/support
Create your own mask anonymously at millionmask.org
If you are interested in being on the Face to Face podcast, email us at everforwardclub@gmail.com
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: instagram.com/branchspeaks
Facebook: facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
Twitter: twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch
Website: branchspeaks.com
Send in a voice message:
anchor.fm/branch-speaks/message
Connect with Ever Forward Club:
Instagram: instagram.com/everforward
Facebook: facebook.com/everforwardclub
Twitter: twitter.com/everforwardclub
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/the-ever-forward-club
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/branch-speaks/support
“I find that when I was a kid I wasn’t validated a lot, and I wanted that. I used to internalize that… So I always felt like not having that in my formative years - that validation, that love, that security - it affects me now. So for me, going through therapy and going all the way back… those formative years are really important. The picture, the self-perception, you have as a kid, a lot of that stuff stays with you.” - Muhammad Bilal
Ever Forward Club’s Ashanti Branch is joined by Muhammad Bilal. Muhammad is an African American filmmaker, actor, and educational consultant from the South Side of Chicago. His film, The Blue Cave, won 22 awards and was accepted into 42 film festivals worldwide in 2021, and it is now airing on Short & Fresh on REVOLT TV. Now in post-production on a new film, Perdido, Muhammad has always demonstrated a high level of compassion and empathy for individuals in their formative years. We are so lucky to have Muhammad on our side, fighting for a kinder, more understanding world through his many talents.
(1:55) Ashanti’s introduction.
(6:30) Muhammad introduces himself and shares some details about his career in film and education.
(8:55) Muhammad talks about two of his films, “The Blue Cave” and “Perdido.” And he and Ashanti share their thoughts on police brutality and vicarious trauma.
(16:15) Muhammad shares the front of his mask - creative, strategic, successful.
(17:00) Ashanti shares the front of his mask - serious, concerned, caring - and he shares some concerns he has for his community in Oakland. Then, he and Muhammad continue to discuss how guns and policing can affect someone’s psyche, whether it be through direct or indirect encounters.
(29:00) Muhammad shares the back of his mask - depressed, pessimistic, perfectionist.
(30:00) Ashanti shares the back of his mask - worry, doubt, pressure - and he and Muhammad look back on their formative years, and how childhood experiences and dynamics never go away.
(41:00) They continue discussing youth wellness and how PTSD drives us into one of three responses - fight, flight, or freeze.
(47:45) Muhammad shares how you can get in touch with him.
Connect with Muhammad Bilal:
Instagram: instagram.com/bilalworldentertainment
The Blue Cave: instagram.com/the_blue_cave_
Support the podcast and the work of the Ever Forward Club: anchor.fm/branch-speaks/support
Create your own mask anonymously at millionmask.org
If you are interested in being on the Face to Face podcast, email us at everforwardclub@gmail.com
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: instagram.com/branchspeaks
Facebook: facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
Twitter: twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch
Website: branchspeaks.com
Send in a voice message:
anchor.fm/branch-speaks/message
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/branch-speaks/support
“The hardest day - the one that comes to mind - is moving from Oakland to San Luis Obispo. ‘Cause that hurt. A lot. ‘Cause I was leaving my home, I was leaving the home that I knew… It was a new place… And it was new people and I was leaving everyone that I knew and really loved, like you and Ishmael and Gabriel and… I was leaving you. And that really hurt.” - Eli
This TOTM Face to Face conversation is between Mohandas and Eli. Mohandas is the Ever Forward Club’s Youth Host, whom you can get to know more about in episode 83. Eli is Mohandas’s friend since childhood, currently a 12th grader based in San Luis Obispo, CA. By playing the card game "Ever Forward Club: The Adventure", Mohandas and Eli have a chance to reminisce on their friendship and reflect on how they project themselves to the world.
(1:50) Ashanti’s introduction.
(6:30) Mohandas and Eli say hello, and Mohandas explains how they will be playing the EFC: Adventure Card Game.
(7:40) “What is something that you need to spend more time doing?” Eli shares how he needs to study more, and Mohandas shares how he wants to “feed his soul” more often.
(9:30) “Describe a time when you did something embarrassing.” Mohandas describes an accident he had when he has 4 years old at a playdate. Then, Eli goes into detail about an old habit he had whenever he went to the beach.
(13:35) “Who in your life do you want to get to know on a deeper level, and why?” Mohandas thinks about some of his classmates that he doesn’t know well, and Eli expresses a desire to learn more about his grandparents.
(16:40) “What is one of the hardest days of your life?” Mohandas describes a scary experience had while surfing. Eli looks back on his move from Oakland to San Luis Obispo.
(22:10) Mohandas and Eli conclude their conversation with one more question card: “The image you have of yourself matches the image others have of you.”
Donate to the podcast and the Ever Forward Club: anchor.fm/branch-speaks/support
Create your own mask anonymously at millionmask.org
If you are interested in being on the Face to Face podcast, email us at everforwardclub@gmail.com
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: instagram.com/branchspeaks
Facebook: facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
Twitter: twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch
Website: branchspeaks.com
Send in a voice message:
anchor.fm/branch-speaks/message
Connect with Ever Forward Club:
Instagram: instagram.com/everforward
Facebook: facebook.com/everforwardclub
Twitter: twitter.com/everforwardclub
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/the-ever-forward-club
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/branch-speaks/support
“The great positive stuff comes to you, and it’s like a nice little charm you can put in your pocket. But, when somebody comes down on you, it’s like a boulder that just sits on your shoulder. And it’s like, why’d I let that be the thing? Why can’t that be the charm where I’m like, ‘Alright yeah it’s there, but I got all this positivity. And I’m going to surround myself in that.’” - Marcus L. Strother
Ever Forward Club’s Ashanti Branch is joined by Marcus L. Strother. As President and CEO of Mentor California, Marcus is filled with decades of experience in the field of education and buoyed by his life as a father, husband, and community advocate. In this conversation, Marcus and Ashanti really hit the ground running; Ashanti even forgets to let Marcus introduce himself for the first twenty minutes of the conversation! Forgetfulness aside, we are excited for you to get to know Marcus and gain an appreciation for his dedication and thoughtful perspective on himself and the world around him.
(2:10) Ashanti’s introduction.
(4:20) Marcus shares that his car had gotten broken into recently. Then, he and Ashanti break down the language and intention behind a simple question, “How are you doing?”
(17:20) Ashanti and Marcus discuss the art and complexity of mentoring. Then they discuss how we can shift the roles, structures, and attitudes surrounding mentoring and teaching in our community.
(30:00) Marcus finally gets to introduce himself. He shares information about his work with Mentor California
(36:25) Ashanti and Marcus make their masks together and discuss how students may struggle with the mask activity.
(47:40) Marcus shares the front of his mask - father (figure), style, love - and shares how his students once saved his job.
(51:40) Ashanti shares the front of his mask - serious, dedicated, busy - and reflects on why one of the first things he shares with people is that he is “busy.”
(55:25) Ashanti shares the back of his mask - shame, doubt, what’s blocking my writing? Then, he looks back on his childhood and how he experienced internalized racism.
(59:40) Marcus shares the back of his mask - not enough, dad, tired - and ruminates on why negative criticism affects him much more than praise.
(1:08:05) Ashanti shares a recent experience with a mentee and how he chose “winning” over “supporting.”
(1:12:00) Marcus shares how you can get in touch with him.
Connect with Marcus L. Strother:
Website: mentorcaliforniayouth.org
Instagram: instagram.com/marcuslstrother
Twitter: twitter.com/MarcusLStrother
Create your own mask anonymously at millionmask.org
If you are interested in being on the Face to Face podcast, email us at everforwardclub@gmail.com
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: instagram.com/branchspeaks
Facebook: facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
Twitter: twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch
Website: branchspeaks.com
Send in a voice message:
anchor.fm/branch-speaks/message
“I need to take a look at myself in the mirror, and accept exactly who I am right now, on the journey of being who I really want to be.”
In the coastal forests of Oregon, there is a mirror hammered onto what remains of an old tree. Framing the mirror are the bones of a bull that has long passed. And, in this special episode of Taking Off The Mask, Ever Forward Club’s Ashanti Branch shares what he said to the mirror, to himself, a year ago during Convergence 6 - an event held by Sacred Sons.
Visiting the mirror is considered a ceremony. And this ceremony has a name: The Death Ceremony.
(0:30) Ashanti makes some announcements about what’s going on at the Ever Forward Club. Then, he describes his visit to Sacred Sons’ Convergence 6, up on the Oregon coast, and “The Death Ceremony.”
(12:25) Ashanti approaches and explains “The Death Ceremony.”
(15:35) Ashanti begins the ceremony. He looks himself in the mirror. He reflects on what he sees and recalls what he used to see in the mirror as a child.
Create your own mask anonymously at millionmask.org
If you are interested in being on the Face to Face podcast, email us at everforwardclub@gmail.com
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: instagram.com/branchspeaks
Facebook: facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
Twitter: twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch
Website: branchspeaks.com
Send in a voice message:
anchor.fm/branch-speaks/message
Connect with Ever Forward Club:
Instagram: instagram.com/everforward
Facebook: facebook.com/everforwardclub
Twitter: twitter.com/everforwardclub
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/the-ever-forward-club
“Compassionate living should be the focus of our existence - or our existential life. Because, of all the things we are able to be, one thing that will stand us out, when we leave the world, is the feeling we left behind in the hearts of other people, and that feeling originates from a heart that is very compassionate. And that’s what drives me every day - to bring these feelings out and give it to the world out there.” - Ola Akinwe
Ever Forward Club’s Ashanti Branch is joined by Ola Akinwe. "The Humanitarian Guru" that hails from Lagos, Nigeria, Ola is a literacy activist that has been passionately equipping, inspiring, and teaching young minds to love, learn, live, and leave a legacy of an exemplary life since 2007. He is the founder of the Boys Mentoring Advocacy Network (BMAN), a Non-Governmental Organization that guides boys and adolescent males on their journey to a healthy, caring, respectful and responsible manhood. We look forward to you learning how Ola grounds himself in loyalty and compassion as he navigates his masks and this world.
(2:10) Ashanti’s introduction.
(5:00) Ola introduces himself and shares how he helps cultivate healthy and responsible boys in Nigeria. Then, he tells the origin story of Boys Mentoring Advocacy Network.
(10:20) Ashanti and Ola make their masks together.
(14:20) Ashanti shares the front of his mask- serious, dedicated, passionate - and how certain pressures are shaping the front of his mask.
(16:20) Ola shares the front of his mask - compassionate, loyalty, supportive - and why he believes that these traits are needed more and more in today’s world. He also shares the support he provides for the youth in Nigeria.
(25:10) Ashanti shares the back of his mask - self-doubt, confusion, fear - and how all three of these feelings contributed to him avoiding writing his book over the long weekend.
(29:00) Ola shares the back of his mask - vulnerability, worthlessness, afraid - and how these feelings stem from a pervasive and consuming “culture of achievement.” Then, he and Ashanti discuss how comparison is the thief of joy and how adults still need people to believe in them.
(43:00) Ola shares how he needs to overcome distrust when seeking a mentor and how books are a form of mentorship for him. They discuss the books As a Man Thinketh and The Secret of the Ages
(49:20) Ola gives his final message and provides his answer to the question, “why do you live?”
(56:55) Ola shares how you can get in touch with him.
Connect with Ola Akinwe:
Website: bmanadvocacy.org
Instagram: instagram.com/bmanadvocacy
Facebook: facebook.com/bmanadvocacy
Create your own mask anonymously at millionmask.org
If you are interested in being on the Face to Face podcast, email us at everforwardclub@gmail.com
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: instagram.com/branchspeaks
Facebook: facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
Twitter: twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch
Website: branchspeaks.com
“Something one of my friends said about me is that, ‘Julian doesn’t have secrets - he just has things he ain’t said yet.’” - Julian A.
This TOTM Face to Face conversation is between Mohandas and Julian. Mohandas is the Ever Forward Club’s Youth Host, whom you can get to know more about in episode 83. Julian is Mohandas’s friend since childhood, currently a 12th grader based in Oakland, CA, and an all-around artist. By playing the card game "Ever Forward Club: The Adventure", Mohandas and Julian have a chance to discuss self-awareness, friendships, life skills, coping mechanisms, and more.
(2:40) Ashanti’s introduction.
(8:00) Julian and Mohandas say hello, and Mohandas asks the first question: “Name something you can do to improve your life and what’s stopping you.” Then, Mohandas talks about his reading habits, and Julian shares some thoughts about time management.
(12:40) “What is a difficult story that you carry with you every day?” Mohandas explains why setting lofty goals can make him feel stuck at times.
(14:20) “What can you start right now in your life to become a better person?” Mohandas and Julian go into the different ways they continue to learn about themselves and others. Then, they continue answering more questions…
(17:40) “What is a characteristic of myself that I don’t talk about very much?”
(19:40) “Describe a time where you felt like you were in a battle with a friend.”
(23:40) “What is something you need to stop doing?”
(27:10) “What is something that you’ve kept a secret from your parents?”
(29:00) “How do you get through tough times?”
(31:30) “Tell us about a time when you realized you were becoming an adult?”
(34:00) “Share a project that you’ve recently started.”
(40:45) And finally, “what are you most afraid of?”
Connect with Mohandas and Julian:
Mohandas: instagram.com/moduewa
Julian: instagram.com/thedeltawave
Project Artivism (mentioned by Julian): projectartivism.org
Create your own mask anonymously at millionmask.org
If you are interested in being on the Face to Face podcast, email us at everforwardclub@gmail.com
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: instagram.com/branchspeaks
Facebook: facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
Twitter: twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch
Website: branchspeaks.com
Send in a voice message:
anchor.fm/branch-speaks/message
Connect with Ever Forward Club:
Instagram: instagram.com/everforward
Facebook: facebook.com/everforwardclub
Twitter: twitter.com/everforwardclub
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/the-ever-forward-club
“I wear my emotions on my sleeve, positive dude overall… But I just got numb. There was so much stress and it was the first time I was just numb. I wouldn’t call it depression because I was still motivated, but it was like if I get emotional, if I’m not stoic, I’m just going to go a little bit crazier than I want, or down a path I don’t want to.” - Scott Messier
Ever Forward Club’s Ashanti Branch is joined by Scott Messier. Scott is newly married, an owner of an electrical safety business, and a man who wears his heart on his sleeve. But, in medical school, he felt he had to turn off his emotional side in order to succeed. And then something that already felt wrong to him was put under more strain when Scotts’ brother, a cancer survivor, began to have health complications. Life became a whirlwind for him, to the point where he felt he had to choose between spending time with his brother and preserving his medical career. And, as you’ll see from the front of his mask, Scott made the choice that allowed him to finally feel whole again as a human.
(2:40) Ashanti’s introduction.
(9:55) Scott introduces himself, some current life changes, and a recent career change.
(12:55) Scott shares the front of his mask - energetically positive vibe, gritty growth mindset, family/friends are your wealth - and how the movie 300 makes him ponder what it really means to be a man.
(18:15) Ashanti shares the front of his mask - funny, serious, hard-working - and tells the story of some encounters he’s had with his mask analogy during the pandemic.
(24:25) Scott shares the back of his mask - stubborn with help, ADHD, processing loss.
(26:45) Ashanti shares the back of his mask - self-doubt, worry, fear of failure/success - and how social media has given him insight into what the youth are going through.
(37:50) Scott looks back on the types of friendships he formed in college and high school. Then, he tells the story of his older brother, Chris.
(57:35) Scott shares how he is “finally back to himself” and “feeding both wolves.” Then, Ashanti and Scott take a step back together and add perspective to their hectic lives by finding their neutral ground.
(1:20:30) Scott shares some information on his company and how you can get in touch with him.
Connect with Scott Messier:
Instagram: instagram.com/scd.messi
Twitter: twitter.com/scdmessi
Business: instagram.com/kidzsafelock; twitter.com/kidzsafelock
Create your own mask anonymously at millionmask.org
If you are interested in being on the Face to Face podcast, email us at everforwardclub@gmail.com
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: instagram.com/branchspeaks
Facebook: facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
Twitter: twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch
Website: branchspeaks.com
Send in a voice message:
anchor.fm/branch-speaks/message
“We’re trying to make being a teacher sexy again. You know, I can’t even say ‘again’ because I don’t know if it was ever sexy. But we got to make it sexy.” - Jason Muhammad
Ever Forward Club’s Ashanti Branch is joined by Brother Jason Muhammad. Jason teaches middle school in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. And the fact that Jason isn’t fixated on labels and boundaries means that he doesn’t think of himself as an employee of his school - he thinks of himself as an employee of his community. And he applies that mindset to other things. For example, as a card-carrying member of the Nation of Islam, he’s still not above criticizing the hypocrisy of organized religion. It’s interesting how boundaries, labels, and language affect all aspects of our lives, and we’re excited for you to learn about how it affects Jason’s.
(2:30) Ashanti’s introduction.
(7:40) Jason introduces himself, his work, his family, and his passion for community work.
(12:20) Jason and Ashanti make their masks together and, as fellow educators, discuss what they observe in schools.
(18:50) Ashanti shares the front of his mask - passionate/intense, dedicated, creative - and observes some of his “old programming.”
(21:35) Jason shares the front of his mask - joy/jubilance, community, therapy - and how he destigmatizes going to therapy.
(28:15) Ashanti shares the back of his mask - self-doubt, worry, sadness re: brother.
(32:10) Jason shares the back of his mask - anger, insecurities, my faith - and he and Ashanti both tell some stories about their faith.
(45:00) Then, they discuss how we might build understanding amongst different religions and different individuals.
(47:20) Jason shares a message to parents, students, and educators as the school year approaches.
Connect with Jason Muhammad:
Podcast: instagram.com/epndpodcast
Jason’s friend, Amil: instagram.com/bootuppgh
Twitter: twitter.com/jsunkm
Instagram: instagram.com/jsunkm
Create your own mask anonymously at millionmask.org
If you are interested in being on the Face to Face podcast, email us at everforwardclub@gmail.com
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: instagram.com/branchspeaks
Facebook: facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
Twitter: twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch
Website: branchspeaks.com
Send in a voice message:
anchor.fm/branch-speaks/message
Connect with Ever Forward Club:
Instagram: instagram.com/everforward
Facebook: facebook.com/everforwardclub
Twitter: twitter.com/everforwardclub
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/the-ever-forward-club
“I lost my brother last year… The thing that has driven me for so long - I was raised without anything - I would be damned if I wasn’t going to be successful… My brother never really had that same thing. He was successful, but he was gentle, and he was just sweet, and he was always late for everything, and all kinds of things. We had totally different character sets… And now I’m questioning all those things that I had been working on.” - Jonathan DeYoe
Ever Forward Club’s Ashanti Branch is joined by Jonathan DeYoe. Jonathan is an author, investor, educator, and financial advisor. One of the first things that Jonathan displays to the world is his work ethic. But, importantly, Jonathan also wears his love for his brother on his sleeve. It was really difficult for Jonathan when he lost his brother a little more than a year ago. And it pushed Jonathan to make a simple, yet noble, choice - to openly release his feelings. We’re excited for you to get to know this great father, uncle, and brother.
(2:40) Ashanti’s introduction.
(5:45) Jonathan and Ashanti look back on their first meeting, and Jonathan introduces himself, his work, and his relationship with his brother.
(13:00) Jonathan shares the front if his mask - hard-working, smart, good habits.
(14:00) Ashanti shares the front of his mask - funny, serious, caring - and both men discuss how they struggle to tap into the fun side of their personalities.
(19:30) Jonathan shares the back of his mask - anxiety, fragility, afraid.
(24:15) Ashanti shares the back of his mask - fear of failure, sadness, I worry a lot - and he expresses his love for his own brother.
(30:20) Jonathan and Ashanti take time to process their grief and loss. Then, they celebrate the power of men’s teams, like the Mankind Project, Evryman, and Sacred Sons.
(48:20) Jonathan shares a little bit about his son.
(53:05) Then, Jonathan shares some final words.
Connect with Jonathan DeYoe:
Twitter: twitter.com/MindfulMoney_Ed
Instagram: instagram.com/mindfulmoneyplan
Facebook: facebook.com/MindfulMoneyPlan
Youtube: youtube.com/c/mindfulmoney
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jonathandeyoe
Create your own mask anonymously at millionmask.org
If you are interested in being on the Face to Face podcast, email us at everforwardclub@gmail.com
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: instagram.com/branchspeaks
Facebook: facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
Twitter: twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch
Website: branchspeaks.com
Send in a voice message:
anchor.fm/branch-speaks/message
“I’m a people pleaser. For good reasons - because I want to take care of others - and then bad reasons - because I think I am seeking love and acceptance, and so I will give beyond what I should in order to get that. At some point I start to get weary, I get overwhelmed. I start to get resentful, where I’m like, ‘okay, I’ve given a lot. Everyone, can you please back off me?’ But I don’t have the skills to lay down that boundary.” - Newton Cheng
Ever Forward Club’s Ashanti Branch is joined by Newton Cheng. Beyond being the Director of Health + Performance at Google, Newton is a father of 2 girls, a husband of 13 years, and a world champion powerlifter. In January 2022, Newton went on mental health leave. And after sharing this story, the responses were more positive than he ever imagined they’d be. Now, Newton is charged up to continue the work of destigmatizing having conversations about your mental health, and he’s ready to build a movement. We’re excited for you to get to know Newton and his precise insights on himself as a leader and as a man.
(2:30) Ashanti’s introduction.
(6:45) Newton introduces himself and how he was introduced to Ashanti back in 2015. Then, he tells the audience about his family background, his athletic career, and his work at Google.
(10:45) Newton talks about the LinkedIn post that brought him and Ashanti closer together. Then, he and Ashanti broadly discuss the work they have to do around masculinity.
(16:35) Newton shares the front of his mask - kind, optimistic, zen - which he refers to as “Zen Newton.”
(18:15) Ashanti shares the front of his mask - funny, serious, dedicated - and how his serious side tends to take over during his interactions.
(24:25) Newton goes into the concept of “shadows” in the world of mindfulness, then shares the back of his mask - resentful, self-judging, lonely.”
(29:00) Ashanti shares the back of his mask - sensitive, “I feel”, worry, fear - and how the back of his mask was formed early in childhood. Then, he goes into more detail about his wish to “turn certain feelings off.”
(39:15) Ashanti tells a story about a young man in his program that lost a pet recently.
(43:45) Ashanti finishes up the rest of the back of his mask, and he and Newton broadly discuss leadership, teaching, and the critical gap between where we are now and where we want to be. They reach the conclusion, “just keep doing the reps.”
(54:35) Newton shares some final thoughts and final words with the audience.
Connect with Newton Cheng:
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/newtoncheng
Create your own mask anonymously at millionmask.org
If you are interested in being on the Face to Face podcast, email us at everforwardclub@gmail.com
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: instagram.com/branchspeaks
Facebook: facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
Twitter: twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch
Website: branchspeaks.com
Send in a voice message:
anchor.fm/branch-speaks/message
“I didn’t have much support from my folks at home. I was the first one to go to high school here in the United States. It was, like, uncertainty on what my next step was. And so, going to your class during lunch time, kind of helped me forget about that and just be confident in who I am.” - Eduardo Canche, on his relationship with Ashanti Branch
It’s Episode 100! And Ever Forward Club’s Ashanti Branch is joined by Eduardo Canche. Now an engineer, Eduardo was a founding member of the Ever Forward Club - 18 years ago at San Lorenzo High School. In addition to having a one-on-one conversation with Ashanti, during the final section of this podcast, Eduardo speaks to some young men in the Ever Forward Club’s Social Emotional Leadership Academy. All of these young men are starting their first year of high school this fall. So, not by coincidence, they’re on the brink of where Eduardo was those 18 years ago…
(7:30) Eduardo introduces himself and how he and Ashanti know each other.
(9:50) Ashanti and Eduardo look back on the masks they wore when they first met 15 years ago. Eduardo examines his lack of self-confidence. Ashanti examines things from a teacher’s perspective, being the only black male teacher at the school.
(19:35) Ashanti and Eduardo look at the bond that Eduardo has made with his high school peers. They observe how different it is now in the smartphone era.
(23:35) Ashanti and Eduardo share the masks that they wear today. Eduardo’s front - calm, poised, happy. Eduardo’s back - irritated, sad, faithful.
(26:40) Ashanti’s front - funny, caring, serious, hard-working. Ashanti’s back - self-doubt, worry, fear. He reflects on his strengths and weaknesses as a leader and Executive Director.
(31:20) Eduardo shares some final words with Ashanti.
(34:10) Eduardo introduces himself to the young men of the Social Emotional Leadership Academy. And the young men ask Eduardo some questions. He looks back on his childhood move to America and some of the supports and relationships he’s had along the way.
(42:20) Eduardo gives some final advice to the youth.
Connect with Eduardo Canche:
Instagram: instagram.com/eddienine
Create your own mask anonymously at millionmask.org
If you are interested in being on the Face to Face podcast, email us at everforwardclub@gmail.com
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: instagram.com/branchspeaks
Facebook: facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
Twitter: twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch
Website: branchspeaks.com
Send in a voice message:
anchor.fm/branch-speaks/message
Connect with Ever Forward Club:
Instagram: instagram.com/everforward
Facebook: facebook.com/everforwardclub
Twitter: twitter.com/everforwardclub
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/the-ever-forward-club
“I was doing really good in school, but, self-esteem, self-confidence, all that, I didn’t work on that. I worked on just schoolwork. I wasn’t focused on working on myself.” - Johnathan P.
Ever Forward Club’s Ashanti Branch is joined by Johnathan P. Johnathan has known Ashanti for quite some time. As a 7th grader, Johnathan was one of the first interns at the Ever Forward Club’s Social Emotional Leadership Academy. Now, he’s a sophomore in high school and, to quote Ashanti, “he’s grown into an incredible young man.” Ashanti used to always tell Johnathan to “speak up”, and now he is. We’re excited for you to learn about Johnathan’s masks.
(1:45) Ashanti’s introduction.
(7:25) Johnathan introduces himself and looks back on his history with Ashanti and the Ever Forward Club.
(11:05) Johnathan and Ashanti make their masks together and provide a breakdown of what the mask represents.
(20:55) Johnathan shares the front of his mask - goofy, optimistic, determined - and how these characteristics help him stay focused and accomplish his goals. Then, he shares the back of his mask - stressed, nervous (anxiety).
(24:55) Ashanti shares the front of his mask - serious, adventurous, passionate - and tells a story from his trip to Egypt. Then, he shares the back of his mask - worry, self-doubt, fear of… - and he and Johnathan look back on some of their first conversations together.
(32:55) Johnathan and Ashanti discuss self-esteem.
(37:35) Johnathan shares what it was like the first day Ashanti came to his school. Then, he examines the diversity of perspectives amongst his peers. Ashanti then chimes in, since he went to the same high school that Johnathan attends.
(48:55) Johnathan provides some ideas on how he’d improve the community.
(53:20) Johnathan gives his final message.
Create your own mask anonymously at millionmask.org
If you are interested in being on the Face to Face podcast, email us at everforwardclub@gmail.com
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: instagram.com/branchspeaks
Facebook: facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
Twitter: twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch
Website: branchspeaks.com
Send in a voice message:
anchor.fm/branch-speaks/message
“There are so many decisions that are to be made for students [in India] at this point in time - about their college, about which course they want to take in their high school… on how we good maintain rapport with our friend, on how to move forward with a relationship, and all the things like that… we just don’t have to jump into conclusions. We have to give things time. Everything around us is just in a hustling and bustling mode.” - Prranav Reddy
Ever Forward Club’s Ashanti Branch is joined by Prranav Reddy. A self-described “travel freak”, Prranav just graduated from high school in India. Prranav and Ashanti connected in 2018 when a monsoon warning canceled a Model United Nations event in India. It was clear four years ago that Prranav was a perceptive young man, invested in bettering the mental health of his community. Flash forward to today… and we’re excited for you to meet him :)
(3:20) Ashanti’s introduction.
(8:25) Prranav introduces himself, his origins, and where he’s at in life. Then, he and Ashanti look back on how they met in India.
(15:35) Prranav shares the front of my mask - easygoing, caring, happy.
(17:15) Ashanti shares the front of his mask - dedicated, determined, caring - and how his dedication to helping his community affects how he is perceived.
(20:20) Prranav shares the back of his mask - not expressive, low self-esteem, avoidant.
(24:05) Ashanti shares the back of his mask - self-doubt, fear of failure, family drama - and how he needs to start teaching himself the same things he teaches the youth.
(27:05) Ashanti and Prranav examine some of the things they avoid, and why they avoid it. Then, they build understanding over the different ways that they grieve.
(32:05) Prranav shares some observations he’s made about the masks in his community and some thoughts on how he would improve his community.
(40:00) Then, Prranav looks at how mental health supports have improved for the younger generation in India.
(44:40) Prranav shares some final thoughts with the audience.
Connect with Prranav Reddy:
Instagram: instagram.com/_prranav.reddy_/
Create your own mask anonymously at millionmask.org
If you are interested in being on the Face to Face podcast, email us at everforwardclub@gmail.com
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: instagram.com/branchspeaks
Facebook: facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
Twitter: twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch
Website: branchspeaks.com
Send in a voice message:
anchor.fm/branch-speaks/message
Connect with Ever Forward Club:
Instagram: instagram.com/everforward
Facebook: facebook.com/everforwardclub
Twitter: twitter.com/everforwardclub
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/the-ever-forward-club
“‘How are you? How are you up here? How’s everything? Are you okay?’ I had someone ask me that one time. And I just… I broke down - because that dam that I built and built had a crack in it. And that created pressure. And it busted.” - David Silva
Ever Forward Club’s Ashanti Branch is joined by David Silva. It’s hard to pick a place to start when introducing David. He’s so much more than a welder, or a gamer, or a person that is battling cancer, or a self-described high school outcast. David’s a reminder that it’s much more about how someone connects with you and holds the space in the air with you... than what someone has done or what has happened to that someone. We hope you enjoy this conversation :)
(2:10) Ashanti’s introduction.
(9:10) David introduces himself and his passion for video games and motivational speaking.
(10:35) Ashanti shares the front of his mask - serious, caring, dedicated - and how this mask applies to his work with the Ever Forward Club.
(13:30) David shares the front of his mask - happy, caring, empowered - and how he sets high standards for himself when it comes to his work and his “pick me up” energy.
(17:05) Ashanti shares the back of his mask - worried, fear of…, self-doubt - and the things that are present in his life that make him feel helpless but invested.
(21:15) David shares the back of his mask - fear, doubt, loneliness. Then, he reflects on his middle and high school years.
(31:45) David and Ashanti discuss how gender norms and culture relate to acceptance. Then, David shares a time when he let all of his emotions flow out.
(36:35) Next, they recognize the power of caring for and loving ourselves as we do others.
(41:15) David opens up about his cancer diagnosis and chemotherapy.
(49:45) Then, Ashanti and David discuss all the ways that we create energy overloads with our own bad habits.
(56:15) David shares some final thoughts with the audience.
Connect with David Silva:
Twitter: twitter.com/davidaloca__
Twitch: twitch.tv/Davidaloca__
Create your own mask anonymously at millionmask.org
If you are interested in being on the Face to Face podcast, email us at everforwardclub@gmail.com
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: instagram.com/branchspeaks
Facebook: facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
Twitter: twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch
Website: branchspeaks.com
Send in a voice message:
anchor.fm/branch-speaks/message
Connect with Ever Forward Club:
Instagram: instagram.com/everforward
Facebook: facebook.com/everforwardclub
Twitter: twitter.com/everforwardclub
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/the-ever-forward-club
“I’m a teacher, I have two masters, I have my doctorate. My father would always call me ‘stupid stupid…’ The only good piece of advice he ever gave me was ‘you don’t have much of a brain so you might as well learn how to use your hands’… I always felt that, even though I have all these diplomas on the wall, I’m just faking it. And, some day, someone’s going to pull back the curtain.” - Dr. Tim Daponte
Ever Forward Club’s Ashanti Branch is joined by Dr. Tim Daponte. Dr. Daponte, or Tim, has been a teacher in the state of Texas for over 38 years. One remarkable thing about Tim, in addition to his years of service, is his ability to adapt to the changing characteristics of youth for over three decades - and to remain an outstanding teacher this entire time. After listening to Tim take off his mask with Ashanti, you’ll see why he is able to do what he does.
(6:25) Tim introduces himself and his history as a teacher. Then, he and Ashanti look back on their experience in the Fulbright Teacher Exchange Program.
(12:55) This conversation was recorded on May 26, 2022, days after the tragedy in Uvalde, Texas. Tim and Ashanti take a moment and provide space for the grief our country is going through.
(15:15) Tim shares the front of his mask - happy, teacher, educated. Then, he shares the back of his mask - insecure, family issues, trauma.
(17:05) Ashanti shares the front of his mask - energetic, serious, caring. Then, he shares the back of his mask - sad, worry, family drama.
(20:35) Tim shares some thoughts on why “insecure” is on the back of his mask, and how this insecurity traces back to his childhood and past relationships.
(27:15) Self-validation and seeking the validation of others can get tangled and complicated. Ashanti and Tim sort these feelings out and the encounters teachers have when meeting with people with traditional “elite” backgrounds.
(34:30) Tim describes his bed of nails activity, and then he shares how, as a teacher, he is constantly innovating and adapting to the next group of young people.
(44:30) Tim shares how he approaches his students in class and makes them feel safe and take off their masks. Then, he thanks Robert Saleh, the teacher who inspired him the most.
(49:15) Tim shares his final thoughts, and he and Ashanti close out.
(52:30) Tim shares how you can get in touch with him.
Connect with Dr. Tim Daponte:
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/dr-tim-daponte-2b7521b4
Create your own mask anonymously at millionmask.org
If you are interested in being on the Face to Face podcast, email us at everforwardclub@gmail.com
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: instagram.com/branchspeaks
Facebook: facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
Twitter: twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch
Website: branchspeaks.com
Send in a voice message:
anchor.fm/branch-speaks/message
“If anything, you’re on a journey. And if you want to use a metaphor of a kayak in a river, don’t worry about who’s looking on the shores. It’s just you and your paddle and the water.” - Tu David Phu
Ever Forward Club’s Ashanti Branch is joined by Tu David Phu. Tu is a renowned chef. You may recognize him from Bravo’s television show, “Top Chef”, or write-ups from the San Francisco Chronicle, or his documentary that aired on PBS, “Bloodline.” Tu boils life down to “living and loving righteously”. And he does this through filmmaking and “food justice” - whether it be sharing the therapeutic powers of cooking with incarcerated men, serving the Asian American community, or being a champion for sustainable cooking. His attitudes toward justice, masculinity, and power narratives were shaped at a young age. Enjoy learning about Chef Tu’s masks in this episode!
(2:10) Ashanti’s introduction.
(5:40) Ashanti and Tu discuss how America’s definition of masculinity is defined by violent Eurocentric narratives, which differ from many cultures around the world.
(10:30) Then, Ashanti and Tu look back on their childhood, and how narratives and systems that emasculate certain young men and boys strip them of their authentic identity.
(27:40) Tu shares some of the masks he encounters in the world of food and media, and how he is trying to live by what he preaches.
(32:20) Tu and Ashanti discuss the relationship between sports and the dominant masculine culture, and how it shields young minds off from a world of possibilities, careers, successes, and passions.
(40:40) Ashanti and Tu make their masks together.
(47:25) Tu shares the front of his mask - I am big and strong, I have tattoos, I am a chef - and the back of his mask - I cry, I do a baby voice with my puppies, I’ve experienced abuse.
(54:50) Ashanti shares the front of his mask - funny, serious, dedicated - and the back of his mask - fear of failure, momma is so important to me, worry about being enough.
(59:10) Tu shares how you can get in touch with him.
Connect with Tu David Phu:
Website: cheftu.com
Watch “Bloodline”: cheftu.com/watch
Social Media: @cheftudavidphu
Create your own mask anonymously at www.100kmasks.com
If you are interested in being on the Face to Face podcast, email us at everforwardclub@gmail.com
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: instagram.com/branchspeaks
Facebook: facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
Twitter: twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch
Website: branchspeaks.com
Send in a voice message:
anchor.fm/branch-speaks/message
Connect with Ever Forward Club:
Instagram: instagram.com/everforward
Facebook: facebook.com/everforwardclub
Twitter: twitter.com/everforwardclub
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/the-ever-forward-club
“As a guy, I want to be able to express my emotions. I would hate for other youth or young men to feel like they can’t do that. It’s such a narrow way of being. You miss out on such a huge experience if you don’t get to talk about how you’re doing.” - Nicholas M.
Ever Forward Club’s Ashanti Branch is joined by Nicholas M. As a Youth Outreach Worker, Nicholas provides 1-1 support to youth in the community. He meets his youth where they are, whether they just need some mentorship or they are dealing with anxiety and depression. Nicholas’s own mask, and the reason that supporting and mentoring youth resonates with him, is informed by his upbringing in South Africa. Now that he is in Vancouver, B.C., he’s navigating a new culture and honing in on what he expects from himself and what he’s looking for in friendships. Enjoy the conversation!
(1:25) Ashanti’s introduction.
(6:40) Nicholas introduces himself, his work, and his hobbies.
(8:55) Nicholas shares the front of his mask - friendly, kind, quiet. Then, Ashanti shares the front of his mask - passionate, serious, hard-working.
(13:15) Nicholas shares the back of his mask - insecure, self-doubt, lonely.
(15:00) Ashanti shares the back of his mask - overwhelmed, anger, self-doubt - and talks about how he dealt with a difficult workshop.
(21:05) Nicholas shares how he processes anger. And Ashanti relates to it through some work he’s been doing at a juvenile detention center.
(30:30) Nicholas sheds some more light on the work he does and how he was drawn to it.
(36:55) Nicholas looks back on his upbringing in South Africa drew him towards working with youth.
(43:30) Nicholas looks back on watching the documentary “The Mask You Live In” and shares his final message for young people. Then, talks about his friend and family groups and where he goes to take off his mask.
Create your own mask anonymously at millionmask.org
If you are interested in being on the Face to Face podcast, email us at everforwardclub@gmail.com
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: instagram.com/branchspeaks
Facebook: facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
Twitter: twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch
Website: branchspeaks.com
Send in a voice message:
anchor.fm/branch-speaks/message
Connect with Ever Forward Club:
Instagram: instagram.com/everforward
Facebook: facebook.com/everforwardclub
Twitter: twitter.com/everforwardclub
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/the-ever-forward-club
“Public speaking has always made me very very nervous, on a neurological level. So there’s a part of me that feels safe when I’m writing because I can spend a really long time working through one sentence. And also I can make sure that it’s padded by all of the caveats…” - Jason Rogers
Ever Forward Club’s Ashanti Branch is joined by Jason Rogers. Jason is an Olympic medalist in fencing and a regular contributor to Men’s Health magazine. As an Olympic medalist, he spent most of his life conforming to unhealthy expectations of manhood. Now, he spends his time undoing these expectations by writing about the evolving state of masculinity. Jason and Ashanti share their masks, analyze the phenomenon of “public vulnerability”, and create space for a writer and a speaker to share where they lack confidence. Enjoy the show!
(2:00) Ashanti’s introduction.
(8:40) Jason introduces himself and his work. Then, he and Ashanti look back on how they first connected.
(11:45) Ashanti shares the front of his mask - serious, funny, caring - and he examines the cracks in his mask that come from his childhood.
(19:30) Jason shares the front of his mask - nice!, confident, easygoing - and how he found himself performing for the approval of others throughout his life.
(24:00) Ashanti shares the back of his mask - doubt, overwhelmed, fear - and opens up with some of the struggles of his work.
(29:00) Jason and Ashanti take a step back and ask the question, “why do we share publicly?” “Why are we publicly vulnerable?”
(32:40) Jason shares the back of his mask - selfish, judgmental, stressed - and how these elements of himself are habits within him that he is reconciling.
(35:30) Jason and Ashanti come back to the idea of public vulnerability.
(40:45) Ashanti examines how, as a public speaker, he struggles with writing. Then, Jason examines how, as a writer, he struggles with public speaking.
(50:45) Jason shares a final message and how you can get in touch with him.
Connect with Jason Rogers:
Website: mandateletter.substack.com
Instagram: instagram.com/jasonrogersusa/
Twitter: twitter.com/JasonRogersUSA
Create your own mask anonymously at millionmask.org
If you are interested in being on the Face to Face podcast, email us at everforwardclub@gmail.com
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: instagram.com/branchspeaks
Facebook: facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
Twitter: twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch
Website: branchspeaks.com
Send in a voice message:
anchor.fm/branch-speaks/message
“We all grow up with an accent. We all grow up speaking a language, an emotional language, and the longer we stay in that emotional language the harder it is to learn a new one.” - Dr. Steve Perry
Ever Forward Club’s Ashanti Branch is joined by Dr. Steve Perry. Dr. Perry is an educator, bestselling author, and the Founder and Head of Schools of Capital Preparatory Schools. Using his powerful voice to fight for disadvantaged children and families for over thirty years, you may have seen Dr. Perry on CNN and NBC, or with Oprah, P. Diddy, and Steve Harvey. Dr. Perry believes that the success of a life is not determined by where you start, but by where you end. He also believes that how you deal with your emotions is a major indicator of success. Some of these emotional languages are programmed deep within us - and, in this episode, Dr. Perry shows how he has found power in regulating his.
(2:20) Ashanti’s introduction.
(9:35) Ashanti and Dr. Perry take the time to appreciate one another, and Dr. Perry introduces himself.
(13:35) Dr. Perry reflects on a conversation he had with his son and what buoys the negative behaviors perpetuated by masculine archetypes.
(18:35) Then, he and Ashanti discuss killing and murder through the lens of people’s inability to deal with their emotions.
(25:10) Dr. Perry explains the power of acknowledging the limitations of your own personality.
(28:05) Then, Dr. Perry tells the story of a fight that broke out at one of his schools and how awareness of your own emotions helped confront the situation.
(32:35) Dr. Perry shares some words about humility and tells the story of a speaking engagement he had with an audience of ex-offenders.
Connect with Dr. Steve Perry:
Website: drsteveperry.org
Facebook: facebook.com/DrStevePerry1
Twitter: twitter.com/DrStevePerry
Youtube: youtube.com/c/drsteveperry/featured
Instagram: instagram.com/drsteveperry
Create your own mask anonymously at millionmask.org
If you are interested in being on the Face to Face podcast, email us at everforwardclub@gmail.com
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: instagram.com/branchspeaks
Facebook: facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
Twitter: twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch
Website: branchspeaks.com
Send in a voice message:
anchor.fm/branch-speaks/message
“I always want to avoid the pain as quickly as possible. But, guess what? You have half of your life - trying to get away, run away… And, when you try to work on that, you are now saying, ‘No, I’m not going to run away. I’m going to stay in my body. I’m going to be with that person I don’t want to be with, or make that war I don’t want to make. I’m going to grow consciously.’” - Samuel Trejo Aburto
Ever Forward Club’s Ashanti Branch is joined by Samuel Trejo Aburto. Samuel is passionate about “the evolution of the Being” on all levels. He’s passionate about individual Beings - what he refers to as internal engineering and healthy lifestyles - by applying theories such as the Enneagram Test to his life and his work. He’s passionate about the engineering of our planet - contributing his thoughts to NGOs focused on sustainable, non-motorized mobility. So, if you’ve read this far, you can tell Samuel is a high-minded individual. However, these high-minded concepts are very grounded in their application… We hope you enjoy learning about Samuel’s “internal engineering” :)
(1:35) Ashanti introduces Samuel and shares his thoughts on the tragedy in Uvalde, Texas.
(14:10) Samuel introduces himself. He talks about Puebla, Mexico, and what it means to be a seeker for unification according to Hindu teachings.
(19:40) Samuel shares the front of his mask and how he applies the Enneagram Test to the front of his mask. Samuel, according to the Enneagram, is often an “Enthusiast” and a “Perfectionist”. Then, he breaks down Ashanti’s Enneagram and shares some thoughts on why it’s important to surround yourself with people from different age groups.
(30:45) Ashanti shares the front of his mask - funny, dedicated, caring - and describes the “interceptor” that filters his feelings and changes how he presents himself.
(38:50) Samuel shares the back of his mask - to avoid the pain, anger, emptiness.
(42:50) Ashanti shares the back of his mask - worry, fear, burnout. Then, he and Samuel analyze how fear operates in the human brain.
(49:20) Samuel explains why he believes it takes ten years to change a habit or a characteristic within yourself. And he explains how it first takes accepting the habit as part of you. The habit he was able to tackle was gluttony.
(1:00:15) Then, Samuel shares a major turning point in his life.
(1:08:05) And finally, Samuel shares how you can connect with him.
Connect with Samuel Trejo Aburto:
Facebook: facebook.com/INPASER
Facebook: facebook.com/englishconversationclubpuebla
Create your own mask anonymously at millionmask.org
If you are interested in being on the Face to Face podcast, email us at everforwardclub@gmail.com
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: instagram.com/branchspeaks
Facebook: facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
Twitter: twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch
Website: branchspeaks.com
Send in a voice message:
anchor.fm/branch-speaks/message
“More often than not the mask is a survival mechanism for me. It’s serving a purpose to allow me to get through this interaction, this engagement, this party, this wedding that we’re a part of… It’s just enough to get me through, so long as I have a ritual and a way to take it off when I’m around the ones that matter.” - Brandon Clift
Ever Forward Club’s Ashanti Branch is joined by Brandon Clift. After reaching a supposed level of “success”, Brandon reached a point in life where he needed to leave everything he owned behind. He left Australia and found the power of men's work through the ManKind Project. And through his travels, he has helped grow and establish men's circles all over the world. He now hosts the ManKind Podcast, which “breaks the old molds of modern manhood to prove there is more than one way to be a man.” We hope you enjoy learning about how Brandon seeks to break the molds of his own masks!
(2:10) Ashanti’s introduction.
(8:10) Ashanti and Brandon reflect on how they first met and all of the memories they’ve shared, which include film screenings, trips to Australia, and encounters with the Gold Coast police.
(15:20) Ashanti shares the front of his mask - funny, serious, hard-working, caring - and why he wants to start leading with care.
(20:10) Brandon shares the front of his mask - confidence, grounded, engaged.
(28:40) Ashanti shares the back of his mask - pain, fear, doubt - and reflects on why he’s been avoiding making a doctor’s appointment.
(32:20) Brandon shares the back of his mask - doubt, numbing, disengaged/lazy - and explores how each item on the back of his mask conflicts with an item on the front.
(39:10) Brandon and Ashanti analyze why men are constantly being pressured to project strength and to prioritize thinking over feeling.
(49:40) Brandon shares some final thoughts on encountering discomfort in conversations and doing the work. Then, he shares some information on the Mankind Podcast.
Connect with Brandon Clift:
Website: brandonclift.com
Podcast: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mankind-podcast/id1555955858
Facebook: facebook.com/thebrandonclift
Twitter: twitter.com/inthezone_365
Create your own mask anonymously at millionmask.org
If you are interested in being on the Face to Face podcast, email us at everforwardclub@gmail.com
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: instagram.com/branchspeaks
Facebook: facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
Twitter: twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch
Website: branchspeaks.com
Send in a voice message:
anchor.fm/branch-speaks/message
“I’ve kind of worn the front of the mask so much that it’s become attached… Even when I’m with myself, like, the ability to take it off has basically been diminished… It doesn’t help that one of my titles is Captain Encouragement. ‘Wait, you’re going through depression? Wait aren’t you Captain Encouragement?’” - Nicholas Domingo
Ever Forward Club’s Ashanti Branch is joined by Nicholas Domingo. Nicholas is the creator and Executive Director of Captain Encouragement, a superhero (yes) and organization that promotes children’s wellness. He also runs Happy Hive Studios, which helped create “Ever Forward Club: The Adventure.” On this podcast, we usually don’t dive into our guest’s career journey. But all the moments that led up to the creation of Captain Encouragement were so compelling - they led to a bountiful discussion on identity, validation, and societal constructs.
(2:00) Ashanti's introduction.
(8:30) Nicholas introduces himself, his work, and how he’s dedicated his life to positive impact and service.
(14:15) Ashanti shares the front of his mask - caring, funny, dedicated - and how the front of his mask can be misunderstood.
(16:10) Ashanti shares the back of his mask - overload, worried, my brother.
(20:00) Nicholas shares his mask. On the front is unshaken, strong, happy, and calm. On the back us vulnerable, tired, and afraid. Nicholas feels like he’s worn the front of his mask for so long that it’s become fixed to his face to the point where he may not even know the back of his mask. As Nicholas grows more in touch with the back of his mask, he and Ashanti celebrate the fact that they can only be fully loved if they are fully known.
(28:55) Nicholas tells the origin story of Captain Encouragement and how he responded to being bullied as a child. Then, he and Ashanti take the time to appreciate following your heart and taking a leap of faith.
(46:55) Nicholas and Ashanti discuss the human need for validation, and how an ethereal pursuit can be sidetracked by societal constructs. Then, Nicholas shares his thoughts on how social media and our need to capture everything on video perpetuates harmful behavior.
(53:40) Nicholas started seeing a therapist. He shares how he has grown throughout the process. Then, Ashanti looks at all the ways that comic book superheroes receive therapy.
(1:08:55) Nicholas shares where you can get in touch with him.
Connect with Nicholas Domingo:
Facebook: facebook.com/happyhivesp
Instagram: instagram.com/smilewithnic
Instagram: instagram.com/happyhivesp
Create your own mask anonymously at millionmask.org
If you are interested in being on the Face to Face podcast, email us at everforwardclub@gmail.com
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: instagram.com/branchspeaks
Facebook: facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
Twitter: twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch
Website: branchspeaks.com
Send in a voice message:
anchor.fm/branch-speaks/message
This TOTM Face to Face conversation is between Mohandas and Gabriel. Mohandas is the Ever Forward Club’s Youth Host, whom you can get to know more about in episode 83. Gabriel is Mohandas’s cousin and a high school senior. By playing the card game "Ever Forward Club: The Adventure", Mohandas and Gabriel have a chance to discuss trust, friendships, life’s challenges, and more.
(2:25) Ashanti’s introduction.
(6:25) Mohandas and Gabriel check-in and discuss Gabriel’s college search.
(8:30) Mohandas gives a breakdown of “Ever Forward: The Adventure” card game.
(10:40) They begin playing the card game by answering the question, “Is trust something offered by the giver or earned by the receiver?” And then answer, “What is something you need to start doing?”
(13:30) “What is the worst phone call you have ever received?” In response to this question, Gabriel shares some of the more intense text messages he’s received over the years.
(17:45) “What was the hardest day of your life?” Mohandas shares how he has dealt with migraines. Then, Gabriel shares his experience playing high school basketball in a toxic team environment.
(25:20) “Tell us about a time when someone earned your trust.” Mohandas and Gabriel explain why they tend to be trusting individuals.
(30:10) “Share a project that you’ve recently ended.”
(31:30) “If you could have one superpower what would it be and why.”
Connect with Mohandas D.:
Instagram: instagram.com/moduewa
Connect with Gabriel B.:
Instagram: instagram.com/wherezgabe
Create your own mask anonymously at millionmask.org
If you are interested in being on the Face to Face podcast, email us at everforwardclub@gmail.com
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: instagram.com/branchspeaks
Facebook: facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
Twitter: twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch
Website: branchspeaks.com
Send in a voice message:
anchor.fm/branch-speaks/message
Connect with Ever Forward Club:
Instagram: instagram.com/everforward
Facebook: facebook.com/everforwardclub
Twitter: twitter.com/everforwardclub
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/the-ever-forward-club
“In this society today, in this culture today that we live in… You have to have it all figured out before you can talk about it, or before you can speak on it. And we forget the school of life, we forget that we’re constantly learning and evolving. And so you might need to express yourself to be able to receive that feedback and get those answers and be able to move and shake…” - John Okhiulu
Ever Forward Club’s Ashanti Branch is joined by John Okhiulu. A recent Stanford graduate, with degrees in African & African American Studies and Human Biology, John currently serves as a Tom Ford Philanthropic Fellow at the Decolonizing Wealth Project and Liberated Capital. Whether it is through his work or his art, John is all about promoting unity and liberation within individuals and amongst communities. John carries himself with a distinct focus and wisdom, and this can only come from his desire to generate self-reflection from honest dialogue - from taking off his mask.
(1:50) Ashanti’s introduction.
(7:15) John introduces himself, his heritage, his professional work in the nonprofit world, his work in the arts, and his underlying goal to restore and heal.
(13:35) John shares the front of his mask - humor, kindness, strength, zen.
(16:20) Ashanti shares the front of his mask - serious, funny, hard-working. Then, John and Ashanti find common ground in their relationship to humor and self-talk.
(22:20) John shares the back of his mask - sadness, worry, deep down anger and frustration, confidence - and then Ashanti relates to how John hides his confidence behind the mask.
(27:35) Ashanti shares the back of his mask - fear of…, worry, stress. Then, John and Ashanti discuss the value in speaking up for the sake of dialogue, especially when you may not be completely informed.
(31:05) Ashanti and John explore how they are trying to shift what traits they value in themselves, and they take the time to celebrate rest and relaxation as a radical act.
(43:35) John looks back on his upbringing, and how he found a version of masculinity and femininity that best suited him and went beyond these gender categories.
(52:35) Ashanti explains the importance of modeling the behavior he is teaching in his workshops. And John takes these explanations and applies them to building understanding across generations.
(1:02:05) John expresses some final thoughts with the audience and calls for love and prayer.
Connect with John Okhiulu:
Twitter: twitter.com/souliberationar
Instagram: instagram.com/souliberationary
Create your own mask anonymously at millionmask.org
If you are interested in being on the Face to Face podcast, email us at everforwardclub@gmail.com
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: instagram.com/branchspeaks
Facebook: facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
Twitter: twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch
Website: branchspeaks.com
Send in a voice message:
anchor.fm/branch-speaks/message
“It’s been a very challenging time and my way of coping with this adversity has been through humor. I think a lot of people have been using humor as a coping mechanism because it’s a hard time, and you need to be able to laugh about it or see the absurdity in it.” - Arturo Aviña
Ever Forward Club’s Ashanti Branch is joined by Arturo Aviña. As a Los Angeles-based theatre teacher, Arturo found his calling within education by first experimenting with incorporating film and theatre into his lessons. Now, he also uses his skills to create satirical content on social media to chronicle what it's like working in education today. Arturo is a testament to the fact that humor has the power to get us through hard times and advocate change in our world for the better, and we hope you enjoy learning about his masks!
(1:50) Ashanti’s introduction.
(7:55) Arturo introduces himself and his journey in education - specifically, how he arrived at teaching theatre.
(12:55) Arturo and Ashanti discuss how the masks of acting apply to the masks of real life.
(17:25) Ashanti shares the front of his mask - funny, serious, hard-working, caring - and how opposing characteristics occupy the front of his mask.
(22:10) Arturo shares the front of his mask - funny, friendly, creative, serious.
(24:30) Ashanti shares the back of his mask - self-doubt, fear of failure, my brother’s mental health/my sadness about it - and some of the self-evaluation that he has been doing around sharing his voice with the world and supporting his brother.
(30:55) Arturo shares the back of his mask - anxiety, doubt, fear - and gives some advice to Ashanti along the way.
(39:25) Arturo shares his perspective on humor in the classroom, education-based humor, and humor as a form of coping.
(47:25) Ashanti and Arturo take time to appreciate teachers and analyze how the public has viewed teachers.
(51:55) Arturo shares how you can get in touch with him, and shares his final message for the audience.
Connect with Arturo Aviña:
Instagram: instagram.com/schooledbyarturo
Tik Tok: tiktok.com/discover/schoolbyarturo
Twitter: twitter.com/schooledbyart
Create your own mask anonymously at millionmask.org
If you are interested in being on the Face to Face podcast, email us at everforwardclub@gmail.com
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: instagram.com/branchspeaks
Facebook: facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
Twitter: twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch
Website: branchspeaks.com
Send in a voice message:
anchor.fm/branch-speaks/message
Connect with Ever Forward Club:
Instagram: instagram.com/everforward
Facebook: facebook.com/everforwardclub
Twitter: twitter.com/everforwardclub
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/the-ever-forward-club
“I don’t come to education as just a teacher. I come to education as a teacher, as an administrator, as a former really bad student, as a former really good student, as a community person, as a man in a body that I identify with - but knew how hard it was to be my full self at school.” - Ashanti Branch
In this special episode of Taking Off The Mask, Ever Forward Club’s Ashanti Branch reflects on the organization’s trip to Austin, Texas, to attend South by Southwest. Also, while on the trip, he received some incredible news that he hasn’t been able to share until now…
(0:00) Ashanti reflects on his personal attitude towards taking the time to celebrate himself. He explores this attitude as it relates to his childhood.
(4:30) Then, Ashanti introduces the video “Youth, Heard” and shares some thoughts on the Ever Forward Club’s trip to South by Southwest, and what it meant for the youth that attended.
(6:30) We play the video, “Youth, Heard”.
(10:00) Ashanti shares some masks from a recent visit to an elementary school. From the front of their masks - sleepy, cool, annoying; my attitude, personality, look away; fun, happy, super happy; who I am, what I like.
From the back of their masks - sad about my dad, missing my mom; my nice self, my heart, who I really am; depression, mad, thinking nothing, sad, mean; my real emotions, the loved ones I’ve lost, my family.
(15:30) Ashanti shares the big news and what it means for the Ever Forward Club.
(18:00) Then, he shares a reaction video from when he first heard the big news.
(21:30) Ashanti takes the time to thank all of the supporters of the Ever Forward Club.
(24:00) Then, he tells a story about schools and their priorities, before concluding the episode.
Watch "Youth, Heard": youtu.be/Exb7gqgG0EY
Create your own mask anonymously at millionmask.org
If you are interested in being on the Face to Face podcast, email us at everforwardclub@gmail.com
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: instagram.com/branchspeaks
Facebook: facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
Twitter: twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch
Website: branchspeaks.com
Send in a voice message:
anchor.fm/branch-speaks/message
Connect with Ever Forward Club:
Instagram: instagram.com/everforward
Facebook: facebook.com/everforwardclub
Twitter: twitter.com/everforwardclub
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/the-ever-forward-club
“When we can look young people in the eye, and see who they are, and tell them that they matter, and show them a book, and spark their imagination, and be right there… That’s the thing. Going through the experience with them, build up their confidence… Put a battery in their back. They need that. Everybody needs that. That little bird that’s about to jump off the nest, I’m sure the little bird needs a little bit of encouragement from big momma bird, like, ‘You got this, baby.’” - Amil Cook
Ever Forward Club’s Ashanti Branch is joined by Amil Cook. As a Hip-Hop educator and technologist, Amil teaches students and educators how to use their personal and historical narratives to increase self-efficacy, well-being, and capacity through the use of new media and technology. Amil is passionate about unlocking the unlimited potential of youth. He is able to see this potential, in part, because he is aware of his own emotions and, specifically, resentments that he is harboring and processing. We hope you enjoy this episode and enjoy learning how Amil’s masks apply to his talents as an educator.
(1:30) Ashanti’s introduction.
(8:00) Amil and Ashanti look back on their South by Southwest experience. Then, Amil introduces himself, his work, and his mission.
(13:30) Ashanti shares the front of his mask - dedicated, determined, caring - and how he manages the big expectations he has for himself.
(16:30) Amil shares the front of his mask - thoughtful, optimistic, caring - and how positivity moves him into action.
(22:45) Ashanti shares the back of his mask - worry, getting old, fear.
(25:50) Amil shares the back of his mask - resentful, mistrustful, scared - and how he is learning to let go of some of his resentments.
(32:00) Amil and Ashanti observe and analyze certain resentments that can build up in the youth. And they discuss the flip side - all the different types of encouragement we can give kids.
(39:00) Amil shares the level of emotional intelligence he’s observing in the youth in Pittsburgh.
(45:00) Amil looks back on his youth and how he was motivated to enter the world of education. And he shares a story about his work in South Africa.
(51:15) Amil delivers a final message to the youth.
Connect with Amil Cook:
Social Media and Podcast: linktr.ee/amilcook
BootUp PGH: instagram.com/bootuppgh
Hip Hop Ed: instagram.com/hiphoped
Create your own mask anonymously at millionmask.org
If you are interested in being on the Face to Face podcast, email us at everforwardclub@gmail.com
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: instagram.com/branchspeaks
Facebook: facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
Twitter: twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch
Website: branchspeaks.com
Send in a voice message:
anchor.fm/branch-speaks/message
“Why do I want this? Why do I react like that? Why do I do this? I think that’s something that more people need to be asking themselves. I think that people need to explore themselves a bit more, understand why they do what they do.” - Mohandas D.
Ever Forward Club’s Ashanti Branch is joined by Mohandas D. This week’s episode will feel a little bit different. Mohandas is a High School student, and he will soon be hosting conversations on behalf of the Ever Forward Club - on the EFC’s social media and podcast platforms. But before you get to know Mohandas as a host, we’d like for you to learn about his mask, his friendships, and how he carries himself in the hallways and classrooms of Latitude High. Enjoy the show!
(0:20) Ashanti’s introduction.
(4:00) Mohandas and Ashanti reflect on their first meeting. Then, Mohandas introduces himself and shares some of his hobbies and interests.
(7:30) Ashanti and Mohandas make their masks together. Ashanti guides him through the process.
(16:50) Ashanti shares the front of his mask - serious, caring, funny.
(18:20) Mohandas shares the front of his mask - confidence, work ethic, friendliness.
(20:50) Ashanti shares the back of his mask - overthinking, fear of failure, childhood trauma.
(23:20) Mohandas shares the back of his mask - lonely, unsure, hard on myself - and how the front and back of his masks are at war with each other.
(28:20) Mohandas and Ashanti discuss how Mohandas’s generation of youth relates to one another and how much his friends really know about him.
(34:50) Ashanti and Mohandas look forward and anticipate what it will be like for Mohandas to host other youth on his show.
(41:50) Mohandas reflects on the experience of making a mask.
Connect with Mohandas D.:
Instagram: instagram.com/moduewa
Create your own mask anonymously at millionmask.org
If you are interested in being on the Face to Face podcast, email us at everforwardclub@gmail.com
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: instagram.com/branchspeaks
Facebook: facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
Twitter: twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch
Website: branchspeaks.com
Send in a voice message:
anchor.fm/branch-speaks/message
Connect with Ever Forward Club:
Instagram: instagram.com/everforward
Facebook: facebook.com/everforwardclub
Twitter: twitter.com/everforwardclub
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/the-ever-forward-club
“I was raised in a violent environment, so, as much as I want to be positive, it’s just satisfying to do some of that petty stuff. As much as I don’t want to, as much as I’m like, ‘I can’t- that’s ratchet- whoo wham,’ like, that’s me. That’s how I grew up... There is a lot of pressure to be a positive person.”
Ever Forward Club’s Ashanti Branch is joined by Leo Mercer. As an Oakland native, Leo has been running creative campaigns and executing community organizing work in Oakland since 2009. Leo has a full, empathetic heart, and he’s always thinking intensely about what is best for his community. And in this work, as he’s discovered contradictions and Catch-22’s over the years, Leo has consistently re-assessed his craft, how he carries himself, and what it means to be “a tree with onion roots.” We know you’ll enjoy getting to know Leo in this week’s episode.
(1:30) Ashanti's introduction.
(10:55) Leo introduces himself, his work as a musical artist, and his drive to do good community work in Oakland. Then, he and Ashanti reflect on Leo’s on-stage appearance with President Obama.
(16:15) Leo shares the front of his mask - blind strength, creative abilities, a tree with onion roots.
(18:00) Ashanti shares the front of his mask - caring, dedicated, intense - and how ignorance is not actually bliss.
(24:45) Leo shares the back of his mask - numbness, pressure, always talking to myself. He reflects on all of the Catch-22’s and conflicts of interests he sees within his community and within himself.
(30:50) Ashanti shares a drawing created by students during his visit to Yuma, Arizona. Check out the video podcast on the Branch Speaks Youtube Channel.
(37:40) Ashanti shares the back of his mask - not enough, worry, my brother’s mental health.
(45:20) Ashanti and Leo sit with the phrase, “I am not the enemy,” and how this phrase has particular significance as it relates to their gender and the color of their skin.
(57:30) Leo shares his current projects and how you can get in touch with him.
Connect with Leo Mercer:
Personal Instagram: instagram.com/leo_mercer
Business Instagram: instagram.com/mercerbrotherhood
Create your own mask anonymously at millionmask.org
If you are interested in being on the Face to Face podcast, email us at everforwardclub@gmail.com
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: instagram.com/branchspeaks
Facebook: facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
Twitter: twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch
Website: branchspeaks.com
Send in a voice message:
anchor.fm/branch-speaks/message
Connect with Ever Forward Club:
Instagram: instagram.com/everforward
Facebook: facebook.com/everforwardclub
Twitter: twitter.com/everforwardclub
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/the-ever-forward-club
“For people like myself, who have a lot of privilege, I try to become aware of other people’s experiences. And then I can make a conscious choice: ‘How do I want people to experience me? What choices can I make to level the playing field?’ And the only way that that really works is when I take off my mask.” - Ray Arata
Ever Forward Club’s Ashanti Branch is joined by Ray Arata. Ray is the author of SHOWING UP: How Men Can Become Effective Allies in the Workplace. He’s also a coach, master facilitator, and co-founder of Better Man Leadership, but Ray prides himself most in being an ally. We hope you enjoy learning why Ray has dedicated his life to creating a more inclusive, heart-centric world, and how Ray’s masks play a role in this journey.
(2:10) Ashanti's introduction.
(5:55) Ray Introduces himself, why he is a heart-centered man, and why he has dedicated himself to men’s work.
(10:00) Ray shares the front of his mask - happy, grounded, calm, present. Then, he shares the back of his mask - afraid, not enough, alone.
(11:35) Ashanti shares the front of his mask - serious, dedicated, hard-working, caring. Then, he shares the back of his mask - overloaded, worrier vs. warrior, my brother in jail.
(15:50) Ray and Ashanti find common ground in their experiences as older brothers.
(19:40) Ray and Ashanti discuss why some youth choose not to make themselves emotionally vulnerable. Then, Ashanti tells a story about an experience from Yuma, Arizona.
(28:30) Ray shares what he has seen in his work helping reshape the behavior of men in corporate America.
(36:55) Ray and Ashanti discuss The Better Man Conference, how the conference is open and beneficial to all gender identities, and the importance of guiding the next generation of men away from the old playbook.
(42:40) Ray shares how you can get in touch with him, the titles of his books, and his last words.
Connect with Ray Arata:
Ray’s newest book: showingupbook.com
The Better Man Conference: bettermanconference.com
Website: rayarata.com
Social Media: rayarata.com/contact
Create your own mask anonymously at millionmask.org
If you are interested in being on the Face to Face podcast, email us at everforwardclub@gmail.com
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: instagram.com/branchspeaks
Facebook: facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
Twitter: twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch
Website: branchspeaks.com
Send in a voice message:
anchor.fm/branch-speaks/message
Connect with Ever Forward Club:
Instagram: instagram.com/everforward
Facebook: facebook.com/everforwardclub
Twitter: twitter.com/everforwardclub
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/the-ever-forward-club
WARNING: SUICIDAL IDEATIONS DISCUSSED
“I’ve come to learn and understand that, whether it’s depression or - something more serious - dealing with suicidal thoughts or anger or just the overall emptiness with everything… That they are just parts of the human experience and human condition. I’ve definitely built compassion for myself in dealing with those things.” - Rohit Tigga
Ever Forward Club’s Ashanti Branch is joined by Rohit Tigga. As the Founder of I’m Here And Care, it’s Rohit’s mission to create a world where everyone is loved and cared for. But before he was able to launch his powerful, modern, and effective wellness community, Rohit had to learn how to reframe, understand, and build compassion for his own struggles with depression. And in addition to saving his own life, he just so happened to save someone else’s…
(2:10) Ashanti's introduction.
(6:20) Rohit, or Ro, introduces himself, his passions, and his platform “I’m Here And Care”.
(10:20) Ro shares the front of his mask - emotional, sensitive, creative, artistic - and how it aligns with his positive and optimistic vision for the world.
(11:50) Ashanti shares the front of his mask - serious, hard-working, dedicated - and how he often wears his heart on his sleeve in his work. Then, they discuss the relationship between being fully loved and fully known.
(16:20) Ro shares the back of his mask - depression, suicidal thoughts, anger, emptiness, feeling alone - and how what people associate as negative emotions are actually very healthy and human.
(20:20) Ashanti shares the back of his mask - intense worry, fear of failure, self-doubt - and how his morning routine tends to get disrupted.
(26:20) Ro tells the origin story of “I’m Here And Care” - what he describes as a life or death situation, and a lifelong bond with a young woman named Simona.
(45:20) Rohit shares where you can get in touch with him.
Connect with Rohit Tigga
All Social Media and Podcast Links (@imhereandcare): beacons.ai/imhereandcare
Text Rohit: 408-539-8459
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800-273-8255
The NAMI Helpline: 800-950-NAMI
Create your own mask anonymously at millionmask.org
If you are interested in being on the Face to Face podcast, email us at everforwardclub@gmail.com
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: instagram.com/branchspeaks
Facebook: facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
Twitter: twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch
Website: branchspeaks.com
Send in a voice message:
anchor.fm/branch-speaks/message
Connect with Ever Forward Club:
Instagram: instagram.com/everforward
Facebook: facebook.com/everforwardclub
Twitter: twitter.com/everforwardclub
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/the-ever-forward-club
“Life is impermanent. And that doesn’t mean that we’re not important or what we contribute to life is not important. The institutions we create are not going to live forever. But the energy, the way we live - this will live on forever.” - Alfredo Mathew III
Ever Forward Club’s Ashanti Branch is joined by Alfredo Mathew III. Alfredo is the co-founder of ESO Ventures, an entrepreneurial support organization focused on providing the confidence, competence, and capital for any Black and Brown person to become an entrepreneur. With over 20 years of experience in New York City and California public schools, Alfredo has followed in his father's footsteps, but found a path within his family's journey that allowed him to be his best self. We hope you enjoy this episode and learn more about how family heritage and legacy have shaped Alfredo's mask.
(2:00) Ashanti’s introduction.
(6:30) Alfredo introduces himself and his heritage, and shares the best thing he’s ever written in his entire life. Then, he and Ashanti discuss fathers, the idea of a father, and how these things played a role in their lives.
(19:00) Alfredo and Ashanti look back on how they met and their teaching careers.
(32:20) Ashanti shares the front of his mask - serious, caring, dedicated.
(39:00) Alfredo shares the front of his mask - hustler, dreamer, competent.
(42:20) Ashanti shares the back of his mask - fear of failure, sadness, not enough.
(48:00) Alfredo shares the back of his mask - undervalued, fear of failure, chip on my shoulder.
(55:00) Alfredo shares how you can reach him, and talks more about ESO Ventures.
Connect with Alfredo Mathew III:
Website: eso-ventures.com
LinkedIn:
linkedin.com/in/alfredomathew
Email: Alfredo@eso-ventures.com
Create your own mask anonymously at www.100kmasks.com
If you are interested in being on the Face to Face podcast, email us at everforwardclub@gmail.com
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: instagram.com/branchspeaks
Facebook: facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
Twitter: twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch
Website: branchspeaks.com
Send in a voice message:
anchor.fm/branch-speaks/message
Connect with Ever Forward Club:
Instagram: instagram.com/everforward
Facebook: facebook.com/everforwardclub
Twitter: twitter.com/everforwardclub
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/the-ever-forward-club
“It literally starts when [boys] come out of the womb, before they’ve even got their language. Because they’re already being talked to by their parents… in ways that they didn’t ask for… What they’re being told, what they’re not being told, are both equally powerful.” - Andrew Reiner
Ever Forward Club’s Ashanti Branch is joined by Andrew Reiner. Andrew has written about contemporary and healthy masculinity extensively for the New York Times, and he published the book "Better Boys, Better Men" in 2020. Then, it came to be that the path to publishing this book and the path to becoming a father intersected at around the same time, and it pushed him to fully understand his relationship with masculinity. In other words, Andrew is the type of man who both writes and lives his work. We hope you enjoy the episode!
(2:10) Ashanti's introduction.
(5:45) Andrew introduces himself, his writings, his teachings, and how becoming a father and writing a book continued to push him to examine his masculinity. Then, he and Ashanti discuss how we are imprinting a certain masculinity upon boys “straight out of the womb.”
(16:30) Andrew and Ashanti discuss how the conversation around “toxic masculinity” is losing context. Then, they ponder how we can get men and boys to acknowledge their emotional truth more often.
(35:30) Andrew shares the front of his mask - positive, hopeful, patient. Then, Ashanti shares the front of his mask - dedicated, passionate, serious - and they compare what it is like caring for young teenagers versus caring for college students.
(41:00) Andrew shares the back of his mask - sad, frustrated, scared.
(43:00) Ashanti shares the back of his mask - anger, justice-driven, self-doubt.
(45:15) Ashanti and Andrew had this conversation on Martin Luther King Jr. Day. They reflect on Dr. King and the self-doubt he must have overcome.
(50:05) Andrew shares some final thoughts and how you can get in touch with him.
Connect with Andrew Reiner:
Instagram: instagram.com/andrew.reiner.author
Twitter: twitter.com/AndrewTReiner
Website & Book, "Better Boys, Better Men": andrewreinerauthor.com
Create your own mask anonymously at www.100kmasks.com
If you are interested in being on the Face to Face podcast, email us at everforwardclub@gmail.com
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: instagram.com/branchspeaks
Facebook: facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
Twitter: twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch
Website: branchspeaks.com
Send in a voice message:
anchor.fm/branch-speaks/message
Connect with Ever Forward Club:
Instagram: instagram.com/everforward
Facebook: facebook.com/everforwardclub
Twitter: twitter.com/everforwardclub
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/the-ever-forward-club
“What I’m most proud of is… I realized after my divorce that I needed some help, and so I found therapy - 11-plus years ago. So I like to share with people that I’ve been emotionally sober for 11 years. And with all sobriety you’ve got waves to ride, and sometimes the wave crashes you into a shore. [But] sometimes you ride it - and you’re in this place where you get to step onto the shore. Because the board carried you” - Ceasar F. Barajas
Ever Forward Club’s Ashanti Branch is joined by Ceasar F. Barajas. As a wellness mentor, mental health advocate, performer, and activist, Ceasar is an incredibly accomplished individual. His career has spanned 30+ years, and he's done everything from yoga instruction to fight and dance choreography, teaching at Columbia University to working with fellow veterans on their mental health and wellness. Importantly, amongst all of the accolades, he openly shares how he still presently copes and attempts to manage the anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress injuries that have plagued him his entire life. We hope you enjoy getting to know Ceasar in this week's episode.
(1:15) Ashanti’s introduction.
(5:15) Ceasar and Ashanti discuss their favorite book, The Alchemist, by Paulo Coelho.
(7:15) Ceasar introduces himself. He shares the many lives he’s already lived and masks he’s already worn, and he shares what pushed him to seek “emotional sobriety.”
(18:45) Even after 11 years of therapy, Ceasar didn’t discover men’s groups until June of 2020. He shares all the things that led up to a major breakdown in June 2020, and the men’s group that changed his life.
(29:15) Ceasar and Ashanti discuss what it’s like staying in touch their college fraternity brothers.
(37:15) Ceasar and Ashanti return to an incident of racism Ashanti experienced. Ceasar applies his learnings and teachings to this incident, and he shares the different ways he’s been healing since March 2021.
(48:15) Ashanti shares the front of his mask - funny, dedicated, determined. Then Ceasar shares the front of his mask - vulnerability, artistry, fortitude.
(54:45) Ashanti shares the back of his mask - deep sadness, worrier vs. warrior, no rest.
(58:15) Ceasar shares the back of his mask - self-sabotage, remorse/guilt, self-doubt.
(1:04:15) Ceasar shares how you can connect with him.
Connect with Ceasar F. Barajas:
Instagram: instagram.com/ceasarfbarajas
Twitter: twitter.com/ceasarfbarajas
Website: thejourneywithceasar.com
Create your own mask anonymously at www.100kmasks.com
If you are interested in being on the Face to Face podcast, email us at everforwardclub@gmail.com
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: instagram.com/branchspeaks
Facebook: facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
Twitter: twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch
Website: branchspeaks.com
Send in a voice message:
anchor.fm/branch-speaks/message
“I’ve just gone through this process of realizing who I am, what I want to be interested in, and not having to really care about the inputs that other people have on things that I enjoy doing… I love to dress how the way I dress now - I don’t care if I get a look here or there. I love talking about the subject of mental health. I love being friends with people that genuinely care about me - and not just friends with them because they have status… In my past self, I was extremely self-conscious. I was the person that always tried to fit in.” - Preston Lee
Ever Forward Club’s Ashanti Branch is joined by Preston Lee. As a Senior at Marin Catholic High School and a future NYU student, Preston has really been coming into his own of late. He’s been refining his artistic voice, releasing short films, and finding traction in local government while promoting mental health awareness. But Preston would be the first one to tell you - before he could progress to such impressive highs for a young man of his age, he had to be honest with his own mental health journey. Listen in as he and Ashanti explore that journey, and we hope you enjoy today’s episode!
(1:20) Ashanti's introduction.
(7:00) Preston introduces himself and how he combines his two passions - filmmaking and mental health awareness.
(11:00) Preston shares the front of his mask - optimistic, driven, courageous, introspective - and how mental health and emotions play a huge part in how he interacts at school and in the community.
(15:30) Ashanti shares the front of his mask - serious, funny, caring - and shares a mentoring relationship that is on the top of his mind. Then, Preston tells Ashanti about a family friend whom he found to be very inspirational.
(23:30) Preston shares the back of his mask - burnt out, self-conscious, self-doubt, fearful - how it relates to the front of his mask, and how he has developed and discovered himself over the past two years.
30:50 Ashanti shares the back of his mask - fear of failure, sadness, trust issues.
(36:15) Preston and Ashanti reflect on the similarities on their masks - how intricate differences often distract from the "common ground" at the most fundamental level.
(38:30) Preston had a moment of self-realization that pushed him to explore mental health topics. He reflects on the moments that lead to this realization and the ideas for his films.
(48:00) Preston gives a message to his peers and gives them something new to try.
(51:30) Preston shares how you can connect with him.
Connect with Preston Lee:
Instagram: instagram.com/shotbyleeofficial
Youtube: youtu.be/wrhwFPKfURw
The Perspective Project: theperspectiveproject.co.uk/post/alone-preston-lee
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255
Or, text "NAMI" to 741-741
Create your own mask anonymously at www.100kmasks.com
If you are interested in being on the Face to Face podcast, email us at everforwardclub@gmail.com
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: instagram.com/branchspeaks
Facebook: facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
Twitter: twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
Website: branchspeaks.com
Send in a voice message:
anchor.fm/branch-speaks/message
“I think of it as simply more ‘spectrum of aliveness’… What happens is if our spectrum of aliveness is narrow because we’re not feeling much - we feel numb, we don’t have sexual energy on tap, we don’t feel joy - it’s usually because there’s some stuff that’s bottled up in us that’s taking up bandwidth or real estate in our system.” - Shems Heartwell.
Ever Forward Club’s Ashanti Branch is joined by Shems Heartwell. As a Life and Relationship Guide, Shems has been honing his craft for 20 years. And what’s resulted is a unique way of coaching and mentoring that is on the leading edge of the human potential movement. But like all of our episodes, this conversation doesn’t just focus on the major successes - it goes back to a time when Shems’s “spectrum of aliveness” was closed up, and how he still searches to broaden that spectrum today. We hope you enjoy learning more about Shems, his life, and his masks!
(2:15) Ashanti's introduction.
(7:30) Shems introduces himself, how he met Ashanti, and how he helps men, groups, and couples show up for themselves and each other.
(12:50) Shems shares the front of his mask - bright, intelligent, kind
(14:50) Shems shares the back of his mask - fearful, sensitive, judgmental.
(17:10) Ashanti shares the front of his mask - serious, hard-working, funny.
(19:50) Ashanti shares the back of his mask - fear, childhood wounds, I cry - and how acknowledging these things allows him to push himself to show the world his true value.
(24:50) Ashanti shares what he told himself - and what he let go - when looking into a mirror in the woods.
(28:50) Shems and Ashanti discuss the importance of allowing feelings to move through our system and be expressed.
(38:10) Shems shares how he believes we can open up our “Spectrum of Aliveness.” Then, he shares what it was like growing up with his father, and the mixed bag of emotions, environments, and experiences it created. Ashanti relates by sharing his unhealthy relationship with sugar.
(45:10) Whether it’s food, alcohol, entertainment, etc., we can all use these things to “check out”. Shems and Ashanti discuss the need to identify when we have reached an unhealthy threshold, and the need for a community to help support us when we try to numb those who have retreated into a certain numbness.
(51:50) Shems shares where you can get in touch with him.
Connect with Shems Heartwell:
Website: shemsheartwell.com
Navigator Project: navigatorproject.org
Instagram: instagram.com/shemsheart
Create your own mask anonymously at www.100kmasks.com
If you are interested in being on the Face to Face podcast, email us at everforwardclub@gmail.com
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: instagram.com/branchspeaks
Facebook: facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
Twitter: twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch
Website: branchspeaks.com
Send in a voice message:
anchor.fm/branch-speaks/message
“It turns out the fastest way to experience resonance is through laughter… One of the things that I show in my workshops with teachers is let’s invest in moments of resonance, invest in moments of play… These games put us in a mindful state right away, in a state where we’re aware of the other person. And so right away it’s an entry point into joy, positive emotions, and awareness - and attunement with other people.” - Roni Habib
Ever Forward Club’s Ashanti Branch is joined by Roni Habib. As the founder of EQ Schools, Roni is an expert in helping leaders, educators, and parents become happier, more resilient, and more playful. This expertise was jumpstarted after, early in his career, Roni struggled with the high stresses and demands of teaching, and he then discovered the power of integrating mindfulness, emotional intelligence, and positive psychology into his own life as well as in his classroom. We’re excited for you to learn about Roni’s mask, how he works with schools, and how he continues to work on himself.
(1:30) Ashanti's introduction.
(8:30) Roni introduces himself. He shares how he and his company seek to bring mindfulness to schools around the world. Then, he tells the story of a tragedy that took place at the high school he taught at.
(16:10) Ashanti and Roni reflect on the importance of adults and teachers that are truly aware - that truly build relationships with students. Then, Roni shares his RAMP model.
(24:40) Then, they discuss what can be done to transition out of the global pandemic, and they discuss the evolution of the student experience.
(32:40) Ashanti shares the front of his mask - funny, serious, passion - and how it shows up as an educator and as an operator in the world of education.
(36:40) Roni shares the front of his mask - my ability to give and receive love, my playful side, my fun side.
(40:40) Ashanti shares the back of his mask - worry, doubt, aging - and goes into why he wrote “aging” for the first time.
(43:20) Roni shares the back of his mask - financial worry, fear of being alone, my physical limitations - and, among many things, an epiphany he had during the Santa Cruz fires.
(49:55) Ashanti relates to Roni's story by reflecting on what he was going through when the whole world shut down in March.
(55:40) Ashanti and Roni share closing thoughts, and Roni shares how you can get in touch with him.
Connect with Roni Habib:
Twitter: twitter.com/Roni_Habib
Website: eqschools.com
Facebook: facebook.com/eqschools
Instagram: instagram.com/roni_habib81
Watch The Edge of Success
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800-273-8255
Create your own mask anonymously at www.100kmasks.com
If you are interested in being on the Face to Face podcast, email us at everforwardclub@gmail.com
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: instagram.com/branchspeaks
Facebook: facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
Twitter: twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
Website: branchspeaks.com
Send in a voice message:
anchor.fm/branch-speaks/message
“I can’t change the fact that I’m vulnerable and that I’m open. Like, as much as I want to act all tough and stuff and throw up more masks, I can’t. And so even if me being more sensitive and just, like, soft is preventing me from making some connections - whether they be deep connections or surface connections - it’s more important to me to be who I am than it is to change who I am for other people.” - Zev Grossman
Ever Forward Club’s Ashanti Branch is joined by Zev Grossman. Zev was raised in the Bay Area and is now studying philosophy at Montana State University in Bozeman, Montana. College is a huge transition for young people - now add that to the fact that Zev is now 1,000 miles away, learning a new culture. With the ground shifting beneath him, Zev has approached things with empathy, humility, and an open mind. We hope you enjoy the episode as you learn more about Zev and the college students of 2021.
(1:40) Ashanti's introduction.
(7:00) Zev introduces himself and how the Ever Forward Club’s work around gender and emotions aligns with his college studies. He shares how college life in Bozeman, Montana, has pushed him out of his comfort zone.
(12:15) Zev shares the front of his mask - kindness, wisdom, funny.
(14:00) Zev shares the back of his mask - lonely, insecure, uncertain.
(16:30) Ashanti shares the front of his mask - serious, dedicated, passionate - and explores the etymology of passion.
(20:45) Ashanti shares the back of his mask - fear of failure, anger, family stuff.
(23:00) Zev and Ashanti find common ground in the insecurities that exist on the back of their masks.
(27:00) Zev shares some of the masks he’s seen while in college in Montana - for example, a specific section of a wall that frustrated young men like to punch.
(34:50) Ashanti and Zev discuss the rarity of adults saying “that hurt my feelings.”
(38:45) Ashanti tells the story of how he encountered a salesman at Costco, who was put off by the term “toxic masculinity.”
(43:00) Ashanti and Zev share their thoughts on the phrase “toxic masculinity.”
(48:45) Zev and Ashanti give their closing thoughts.
Connect with Zev Grossman:
Instagram: instagram.com/imzevg
Facebook: facebook.com/zev.grossman.31
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline:800-273-8255
Create your own mask anonymously at www.100kmasks.com
If you are interested in being on the Face to Face podcast, email us at everforwardclub@gmail.com
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: instagram.com/branchspeaks
Facebook: facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
Twitter: twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch
Website: branchspeaks.com
Send in a voice message:
anchor.fm/branch-speaks/message
“First time we ever had this conversation, we talked for three and a half hours. First time I heard about my uncle's life, first time I heard about the actual incident of his death, first time I’ve seen my mom cry in my entire life - really powerful moment. And that all came not from me being a hero, not from me being fine, but me just being honest… And, as a result of admitting I was not in a good place, it actually led me to some deep connections that I had been missing.” - Devan Sandiford
Ever Forward Club’s Ashanti Branch is joined by Devan Sandiford. Devan spent his childhood and young adult years keeping his personal stories hidden from almost everyone. But there came a point for Devan when it was time to stop hiding. And when the stories came out, they erupted across major shows like the Moth Radio Hour and publications like the New York Times. In fact, that’s how Ashanti first discovered him - in the car, listening to Devan’s story on the radio, delaying a workout in the gym he was not looking forward to. And because of this moment, Ashanti and Devan can have another moment together on this podcast, discussing what makes them the men they are today.
(1:10) Ashanti's introduction.
(5:15) Devan introduces himself, how his storytelling journey started at six years old, and how having a child helped him break his silence as a storyteller. Then he and Ashanti share their experiences with loss.
(18:00) Devan shares the front of his mask - informed, unshakeable, confident - and how these traits connect to where he perceives his own worthiness.
(22:00) Devan shares the back of his mask - overwhelmed, tender, confident - and how confidence on the back of his mask is different from the confidence on the front.
(24:30) Ashanti shares the front of his mask - dedicated, serious, caring - and how he is working on prioritizing himself more often.
(28:30) Ashanti shares the back of his mask - fear, rage, sadness - and why he wants to speak his mind more often, to avoid “the dark side of the light chasers.”
(33:30) Ashanti and Devan find coming ground in writing books, leaving engineering, and finding wealth in unconventional ways.
(39:30) Devan talks about his book and the power of acknowledging the hurt that we feel inside. He shares how going up on stage allowed for the “truth” of his book to come to light.
(47:00) Ashanti and Devan discuss the “inner-hero” that we all have.
(50:30) Devan shares how you can get in touch with him.
Connect with Devan Sandiford:
Website: devansandiford.com
The Moth: themoth.org/storytellers/devan-sandiford
Instagram: instagram.com/devansandiford
Create your own mask anonymously at www.100kmasks.com
If you are interested in being on the Face to Face podcast, email us at everforwardclub@gmail.com
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: instagram.com/branchspeaks
Facebook: facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
Twitter: twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch
Website: branchspeaks.com
Send in a voice message:
anchor.fm/branch-speaks/message
“When I’m careful it’s also making myself slightly smaller… The care is around approval and not upsetting anyone. When, really, the greatest contribution we can make is just being more of ourselves. Because when we do that, we’re not clenching, we’re not competing, we’re just serving and contributing.” - Louka Parry
Ever Forward Club’s Ashanti Branch is joined by Louka Parry. As a learning strategist, education futurist, and social entrepreneur, Louka allows his insatiable curiosity to lead the charge as he helps schools and organizations adapt for the future. A school principal at age 27, a teacher of the year in South Australia, a founding executive of multiple organizations, and a speaker of five languages, we could go on and on about Louka’s accomplishments and merits. But instead, Ashanti and Louka look within - Why do we let approval overtake authenticity? What happens when we see the world “not as it is, but as we are”?
(1:15) Ashanti’s introduction.
(6:30) Louka introduces himself, his heritage, why he values education so much, and the critical moments in life that have shaped his identity. Ashanti and Louka also discuss the difference between “small talk” and “deep talk”, and getting to know
(22:10) Ashanti shares the front of his mask - serious, careful, passionate - and how it relates to a recent workshop he conducted.
(26:30) Louka shares the front of his mask - confidence, warmth, intelligence - and why these characteristics serve as his natural equilibrium around others.
(32:00) Ashanti shares the back of his mask - worry, people pleaser/shadow, my brother’s mental health - and how each of the words on the back of his mask connects to the “people pleaser” in him.
(39:30) Louka shares the back of his mask - uncertain, alone, different - and explores the difference between clarity and certainty.
(45:00) Louka and Ashanti continue to explore the idea that when we are too careful our presence shrinks - for better or for worse.
(56:00) Louka shares how you can get in touch with him.
Connect with Louka Parry:
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/loukaparry
Twitter: twitter.com/loukaparry
Create your own mask anonymously at www.100kmasks.com
If you are interested in being on the Face to Face podcast, email us at everforwardclub@gmail.com
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: instagram.com/branchspeaks
Facebook: facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
Twitter: twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch
Website: branchspeaks.com
Send in a voice message:
anchor.fm/branch-speaks/message
Connect with Ever Forward Club:
Instagram: instagram.com/everforward
Facebook: facebook.com/everforwardclub
Twitter: twitter.com/everforwardclub
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/the-ever-forward-club
“I cannot be shackled by words. Whatever caused that man to believe that that was the words that he needed to use against me, I can’t stop him from believing that. But I cannot let him have power over me by making me react how he thinks I should react. That’s the freedom that I’m going to have. That’s the freedom that I’m taking back.”
In this special first episode of 2022, Ever Forward Club’s Ashanti Branch reflects on a racist incident that occurred over one year ago.
0:44 Ashanti’s introduction.
1:15 Ashanti recorded a video reflection on the incident, and we share it here. It covers what happened and why it took so long for him to share the video of the incident.
13:18 We play the entire video/sound of the incident.
18:05 Ashanti’s video reflection continues. He shares how failing to share what happened and failing to process what happened has had detrimental effects on his health. He also explains what he wants young people to learn from this incident and how he wants to speak up and stand up for his beliefs more often.
26:05 In Ashanti’s conclusion, he shares what freedom means to him.
Create your own mask anonymously at www.100kmasks.com
If you are interested in being on the Face to Face podcast, email us at everforwardclub@gmail.com
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: instagram.com/branchspeaks
Facebook: facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
Twitter: twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch
Website: branchspeaks.com
Send in a voice message:
anchor.fm/branch-speaks/message
Connect with Ever Forward Club:
Instagram: instagram.com/everforward
Facebook: facebook.com/everforwardclub
Twitter: twitter.com/everforwardclub
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/the-ever-forward-club
"People are like, "You are a machine." And I’m like "yeah I am." And there’s a part of me that’s like, "oh yeah, I’m a machine. I’m a machine." And it’s so backwards how as men we can have our egos inflated when we’re compared to non-human things. Why do I want to be a machine? I don’t want to be a machine.
Machines don’t have empathy or compassion or sensitivity. Machines can’t enjoy sex. Machines don’t laugh. Why does that inflate my ego and make me puff out my chest? What am I comparing myself to? What is the basis for which we are judging, and the standard that we have set for each other?" - Justin Baldoni
In a re-release of episode 53, Ever Forward Club’s Ashanti Branch is joined by Justin Baldoni. As an actor, director, producer, and founder of Wayfarer Studios, you may recognize Justin from shows like “Jane the Virgin” or the film “Clouds”, on Disney+. On top of success on the screen, Justin is a compassionate author and changemaker, seeking to “undefine” masculinity and foster a more loving society. Justin’s debut book is now out: “Man Enough: Undefining My Masculinity”. We hope you enjoy the episode, as you listen and learn about what Justin has on the front and back of his mask.
(3:15) Ashanti’s introduction.
(9:35) Ashanti and Justin take off the mask of this very podcast production. Then, they discuss our urge to maintain control, and the difference between “human beings” and “human doings.”
(20:00) Ashanti and Justin continue to discuss how capitalism and the toxicity of “comparison mode” are pervasive in all aspects of our culture.
(22:05) Justin shares what his experience was like making a mask, and where he did and didn’t experience internal resistance to the mask-making process.
(25:30) Justin shares the front of his mask - hard-working, creative, loving, sensitive. He reflects on how traits on the front of the mask have deeper, sometimes darker, intentions.
(28:55) Ashanti shares the front of his mask - passionate, dedicated, caring - and he and Justin break down why our culture glorifies fatigue and busyness (through the lens of The Nap Ministry).
(34:25) Justin shares the back of his mask - anxiety, self-doubt, shame. He traces these feelings back to his upbringing, what Bell Hooks calls the “psychic act of self-mutilation.”
(41:25) Ashanti shares the back of his mask - worry, fear, doubt - and they discuss the pitfalls of when service and capitalism converge.
(43:05) Justin shares where you can find him and get in touch.
Connect with Justin Baldoni:
Justin’s book, “Man Enough”: manenough.com/books
Podcast: manenough.com/podcast
Instagram: instagram.com/justinbaldoni
Linktree: linktr.ee/justinbaldoni
Create your own mask anonymously at www.100kmasks.com
If you are interested in being on the Face to Face podcast, email us at everforwardclub@gmail.com
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: instagram.com/branchspeaks
Facebook: facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
Twitter: twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch
Website: branchspeaks.com
“Keep an open mind… When people come through with advice or some good game, listen to it. Listen. You ain’t gotta do it or live by it but listen. Keep an open mind. I wish I would’ve kept an open mind when I was younger. I didn’t have no open mind; I did not care; I was on my own thing, and bumped my head so many times.” - J Meast
Ever Forward Club’s Ashanti Branch is joined by J Meast. As a rapper based in Bend, Oregon, by way of North Oakland, California, J Meast enjoys mentoring and bringing along younger rappers, as well as taking care of his two-year-old son. Ashanti and J Meast reflect on their respective upbringings in Oakland, look back on the strengths of their respective parents, and discuss different ways that young men can let out their feelings. Have a Happy Holiday and enjoy the show!
(1:10) Ashanti's introduction.
(7:00) J Meast introduces himself, his origins, and his work. He and Ashanti reflect on their childhood and adolescence in Oakland.
(11:30) They discuss why it can be hard for young people to open up for one another, and the consequences that come from this.
(16:15) Ashanti shares the front of his mask - serious, careful, passionate.
(17:35) J Meast and Ashanti discuss some characteristics that could be on the front of his mask, specifically his desire to mentor younger musicians and rappers.
(22:20) Ashanti shares the back of his mask - worry, people pleaser/shadow, my brother’s mental health - and J Meast relates some of his own experiences.
(25:40) J Meast shares how he independently deals with the heavier things in life. Then, he and Ashanti compare their parents and their respective upbringings.
(31:30) J Meast shares his words of advice to young people.
(35:30) J Meast shares how you can get in touch with him.
Connect with J Meast:
Instagram: instagram.com/jmeast2solid
Facebook: facebook.com/jmeast.meast
Youtube: youtube.com/channel/UCDaQGSR4NdhglKKBVmhAGXA
Create your own mask anonymously at www.100kmasks.com
If you are interested in being on the Face to Face podcast, email us at everforwardclub@gmail.com
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: instagram.com/branchspeaks
Facebook: facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
Twitter: twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch
Website: branchspeaks.com
Send in a voice message:
anchor.fm/branch-speaks/message
Connect with Ever Forward Club:
Instagram: instagram.com/everforward
Facebook: facebook.com/everforwardclub
Twitter: twitter.com/everforwardclub
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/the-ever-forward-club
“That tough-guy veneer just melted away, and I started crying. I barely got out the words, 'Thank you.' I just felt afraid of dying; I felt afraid for my family, for my friends… But then, once I got over that masculine mask stuff, I was like, ‘Ok, I’ll take the help!’ And it allowed me to heal like crazy. It’s not been perfect, but I have had so much rich support.”
Ever Forward Club’s Ashanti Branch is joined by Ed Frauenheim. As a writer, speaker, and consultant, Ed is about reinventing masculinity, organizations, and society - and connecting the dots among these three concepts. In addition to discussing what it’s like to publish books and gain a footing and following after leaving a steady job, Ed and Ashanti explore some of the more challenging, grounding things in life - like how men can be more honest with their physical health, and how to get over the embarrassment of asking for help in these instances. Happy Holidays, and enjoy the show.
7:30 Ed introduces himself, his writing, his work, and his passion for issues around masculinity.
10:55 Ashanti shares the front of his mask - serious, creative, funny - and how his definition of creativity has expanded.
15:15 Ed shares the front of his mask - positive, smart, caring.
19:00 Ashanti shares the back of his mask - fear, confined, anger (brother) - and how his brother recently brought some unhealthy responses out of him.
27:15 Ed shares the back of his mask - pessimistic, unsure, self-absorbed - and how each item on the back connects to one on the front.
29:15 Ed and Ashanti continue to explore the friction amongst care, self-interest, patience, and growth.
36:35 Then, they discuss writer’s block, some of the ways we can get around it, and how it can have emotional roots.
43:45 Ashanti and Ed discuss why it is so hard for men to be open and honest and to ask for help when it comes to health issues.
49:45 Ed shares how you can get in touch with him.
Connect with Ed Frauenheim:
Website: edfrauenheim.com
Book: edfrauenheim.com/masculinity-at-work
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ed-frauenheim-685294
Facebook: facebook.com/ed.frauenheim
Twitter: https://twitter.com/edfrauenheim
Create your own mask anonymously at www.100kmasks.com
If you are interested in being on the Face to Face podcast, email us at everforwardclub@gmail.com
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: instagram.com/branchspeaks
Facebook: facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
Twitter: twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch
Website: branchspeaks.com
Send in a voice message:
anchor.fm/branch-speaks/message
“I’m no longer that person that did those shameful things… … Shame… it would paralyze me sometimes from taking action, but now I bring the awareness to wait, stop, and say, ‘Hey you’re just a thought. Later. You are not my thoughts. I am not my thoughts. I am greater than that, I am worthy, I am amazing. I am bold.’ And I have to stop thinking about my fears because that’s selfish. I have to start thinking about the people I will serve by overcoming this thought of shame.” - Andres Ruiz
Ever Forward Club’s Ashanti Branch is joined by Andres Ruiz. Andres is a motivational speaker, coach, radio host, and father of two boys. He believes that the best way to coach and motivate is to share your own vulnerabilities with your clients and mentees; he also wishes he received mentorship in this way as a young man. Now that Andres is utilizing this method himself, he is able to deeply connect with all the people he engages with, save lives, and learn more about himself in the process. In this episode, we’re excited for you to be inspired by Andres’s past, present, and future. Enjoy the show!
(1:25) Ashanti’s introduction.
(3:15) Andres shares a recent difficulty he had to confront and how Ashanti helped him through it. Then, they discuss the importance of releasing suppressed emotions.
(12:15) Andres introduces himself, his work as a motivational speaker and coach, his mission to prevent suicide, and his work with youth. He opens up about his own battles - using substance abuse, gambling, and much more to suppress emotional gaps in his life - and how he climbed out of this hole.
(24:15) Andres shares the front of his mask - positive, energetic, hard-working.
(26:15) Ashanti shares the front of his mask - passionate, caring, hard-working - and how self-care can be hard for him when he tends to sacrifice so much for his passions. Then, Andres shares his self-care routine.
(34:45) Andres shares the back of his mask - shame, anxiety, self-doubt, guilt - and how he teaches people to reframe their thoughts, while also applying these methods to control his own negative thoughts.
(41:35) Ashanti shares the back of his mask - worry, fear, self-doubt - and explores how his sense of worry and fear has shifted since childhood, and how he is becoming more able to control these thoughts.
(57:55) Andres tells the story about the day he found out why he was born. Then, Ashanti tells a story about two young men at a high school who are beginning to see friendship in a different light.
(55:25) Andres shares how he wishes his younger self was given advice and mentorship.
(59:15) Andres shares how you can get in touch with him.
Connect with Andres Ruiz:
Instagram: instagram.com/ibelieveinmyselfcoaching
Facebook: facebook.com/ibelieveinmyselfcoaching
Website: ibelieveinmyself.org
Email: ibelievecal@gmail.com
Create your own mask anonymously at www.100kmasks.com
If you are interested in being on the Face to Face podcast, email us at everforwardclub@gmail.com
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: instagram.com/branchspeaks
Facebook: facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
Twitter: twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch
“We need safe spaces in which guys can drop into that boyhood, that kicking the ball, or throwing the ball, or goofing around and roughhousing with each other or telling jokes, whatever it is… Because being in those moments and acting that way, I believe, takes us back to a boyhood element of ourselves, which at some point was beaten out of us… ‘That’s immature. What you’re doing, you can’t be doing. Stop!’ What that does though is it cuts us off from the bridge that takes us to those other places of vulnerability where we really do need to share from. The boyhood energy is the bridge to get to the vulnerability for us.” - Noam Raucher
Ever Forward Club’s Ashanti Branch is joined by Noam Raucher. As a spiritual coach, men’s coach, rabbi, classroom teacher, and father of two, Noam navigates many roles at home and in the community. Because of this, Noam is deeply reflective about masculinity, as it relates to his inner-critic and the spiritual stories connected to the critic inside all of us. We hope you enjoy this engaging conversation!
(1:25) Ashanti's introduction.
(6:50) Noam introduces himself, his work in the classroom and in coaching, and his identity and Jewish faith. He and Ashanti discuss the significance of finding meaning in life, and the role education plays.
(15:20) Noam shares the front of his mask - strong, smart, compassionate.
(17:20) Ashanti shares the front of his mask - serious, intense, funny - and he and Noam discuss how they are learning to celebrate themselves and wrestle with their inner critic more often.
(29:35) Noam shares the back of his mask - depression, questionable self-worth, “stupid?”, failure.
(31:10) Ashanti shares the back of his mask - fear of failure, self-doubt, worry/letting go.
(37:20) Noam and Ashanti discuss and dissect all of the markers of traditional masculinity that are reinforced by what our culture defines as "attractive".
(48:50) Then, Noam and Ashanti consider what it really means to be on a team, and what it would take for men to be more open to asking for help.
(52:20) Noam shares some last words for the listeners and how you can reach out to him.
Connect with Noam Raucher:
Website: RabbiRaucher.com
Facebook: facebook.com/noam.raucher
Instagram: instagram.com/noamraucher
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/noam-raucher-20933b164
Create your own mask anonymously at www.100kmasks.com
If you are interested in being on the Face to Face podcast, email us at everforwardclub@gmail.com
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: instagram.com/branchspeaks
Facebook: facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
Twitter: twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch
Website: branchspeaks.com
Send in a voice message:
anchor.fm/branch-speaks/message
“In the very early stages of the work, we name our ‘Hitman’, our violent side, our abusive side - words that describe how we become when we become abusive. And mine is ‘The Justified, Vengeful, Equalizer.’ He’s mean; he gets revenge - if you mess with me, I’m going to mess with you, I’m going to hurt you. And I get biblical… That hitman side of me has gotten me into a lot of trouble.” - Devon Gaster
Ever Forward Club’s Ashanti Branch is joined by Devon Gaster. As the co-founder and Executive Director of Men Creating Peace, Devon has worked for over 23 years educating men about the devastating impacts of intimate partner violence. He does this work so successfully by making sure he is a facilitator that is vulnerable about his past, self-aware of his present, and reliable to the men he works with. Devon draws parallels to the “back of the mask” with “the Hitman”, an analogy he uses to help men get in touch with the abusive tendencies they seek to end. Ashanti and Devon explore their masks, as well as their Hitmen. We hope you enjoy the show!
(1:20) Ashanti’s introduction.
(5:30) Devon introduces himself and the organization he founded, Men Creating Peace, which helps men put an end to their abusive behavior. He shares how he overcame his own abusive behaviors and tendencies.
(17:20) Ashanti and Devon make their masks together.
(25:30) Ashanti shares the front of his mask - dedicated, passionate, caring.
(27:15) Devon shares the front of his mask - generous, dependable, open-hearted - and how it helps him connect with others.
(30:50) Ashanti shares the back of his mask - caused harm, childhood abuse, domestic abuse at home as a child - and how he realized that hurt he was receiving he was passing on to others.
(34:50) Devon shares the back of his mask - mean-spirited, procrastination, insecure/afraid/scared - and how he is working on getting “unstuck” and continuing to overcome fear.
(42:20) Ashanti and Devon discuss the concept of the “hitman”, who has been shaped by gender norms and expectations particular to a given society.
(49:20) Then, they apply the hitman analogy to school-age young men and boys.
(1:02:50) Devon shares how you can get in touch with him.
Connect with Devon Gaster
Website: mencreatingpeace.org
Facebook: facebook.com/mencreatingpeace
Instagram: instagram.com/mencreatingpeace
Twitter: twitter.com/mencreatepeace
Create your own mask anonymously at www.100kmasks.com
If you are interested in being on the Face to Face podcast, email us at everforwardclub@gmail.com
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: instagram.com/branchspeaks
Facebook: facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
Twitter: twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch
Website: branchspeaks.com
Send in a voice message:
anchor.fm/branch-speaks/message
“The safe route… It’s just a life without risks. Really, to me, what it sounds like is a life without pursuing..” - Chioke Allen-Alvarez
Ever Forward Club’s Ashanti Branch is joined by Chioke Allen-Alvarez. Chioke is a sophomore at San Francisco State University, on a journey to find his purpose in life. He is also responsible for most of the Ever Forward Club’s social media pages, and right now he is creating a Youtube channel focused on fitness. At the time of the recording of this episode, Chioke was embracing his desire to take risks and listen to what his heart and passions were telling him to do. He’s still doing the same today, but he re-joined the show recently with some major life updates.
(0:12) Ashanti and Chioke’s introduction.
(9:15) Chioke introduces himself, his studies, his work, and his pursuits. Ashanti shares his and Chioke’s history together.
(12:45) Chioke shares the front of his mask - dependable, intelligent, strong.
(14:10) Ashanti shares the front of his mask - excited, passionate, hungry - and how he is excited for the future of the Ever Forward Club.
(17:00) Chioke explains more about the front of his mask, and how he wants to be there for his friends and family.
(18:55) Chioke shares the back of his mask - lost in information, disabled when adventuring into his own interests, anxiety - and he and Ashanti discuss the challenges of blocking out noise from others with equanimity.
(24:10) Ashanti shares the back of his mask - warrior, fighter, fear - and how he feels the pressure to tone down his passion to fight injustice, especially in the social media era.
(28:50) Chioke goes further into the back of his mask, and how he is shedding certain voices that are deterring him from pursuing what he wants.
(42:30) Ashanti and Chioke reflect on a retreat they attended in Colorado.
(50:30) Chioke and Ashanti share some final thoughts on how you can curate a diverse group of people around you.
(53:30) Chioke shares how you can get in touch with him.
Connect with Chioke Allen-Alvarez
Youtube (Akuma Kutz): youtube.com/channel/UCQxOPCrjIG1IpDPYPaQgmcw
Instagram: instagram.com/aa.chioke
Create your own mask anonymously at www.100kmasks.com
If you are interested in being on the Face to Face podcast, email us at everforwardclub@gmail.com
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: instagram.com/branchspeaks
Facebook: facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
Twitter: twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch
Website: branchspeaks.com
Send in a voice message:
anchor.fm/branch-speaks/message
Connect with Ever Forward Club:
Instagram: instagram.com/everforward
Facebook: facebook.com/everforwardclub
Twitter: twitter.com/everforwardclub
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/the-ever-forward-club
“Hard-working is definitely in my DNA. I learned that from my mom and my dad growing up. My dad always seemed like the hardest working guy that I knew, but that’s a double-edged sword, that’s really a double-edged sword. When I don’t want to be present, in certain situations with people, family, friends, I bury myself in work. And I guess that’s a way of hiding and running from what’s really going on in front of me. And that has been the biggest struggle for me - to slow down and stop burying myself into work.” - Chris Harrigfeld
Ever Forward Club’s Ashanti Branch is joined by Chris Harrigfeld. Chris works very hard building incredible custom cars, using models and parts from the 30s through the 70s. But, in true Taking Off The Mask fashion, Ashanti and Chris focus on how the hard work relates to Chris’s emotions and identity, rather than the cars themselves. Ashanti and Chris know each other from men’s groups, so they are used to getting vulnerable, and they hit the ground running in this episode. Ultimately, they both make progress in breaking cycles of masculinity that have existed since their childhoods, and they give themselves permission to realize their best and truest selves.
(2:50) Ashanti’s introduction.
(6:20) Chris introduces himself - a father, caretaker, humanitarian, and car builder, who loves to connect and find similarities with all people.
(9:20) Chris shares the front of his mask - loving, hard worker, gentleman, warrior, empathic - and how he is working on taking care of himself emotionally and physically. Then, he and Ashanti reflect on how their childhood has shaped and continues to shape who they are.
(18:00) Ashanti shares the front of his mask - excited, dedicated, intense - and how the front helped him navigate the uncertainty of 2020.
(23:35) Ashanti shares the back of his mask - worrier, doubt, seeking permission - and the “mind games” he plays with himself. Then, Ashanti shares how he is seeking permission from himself, rather than the outside world.
(33:40) Chris shares the back of his mask - I do not have it all together, depression, unsure, insecure - and how he wants to provide his grandchildren the childhood he didn’t have.
(44:30) Chris shares how you can get in touch with him.
Connect with Chris Harrigfeld:
Facebook: facebook.com/cthotrods
Instagram: instagram.com/ct_hot_rods
Create your own mask anonymously at www.100kmasks.com
If you are interested in being on the Face to Face podcast, email us at everforwardclub@gmail.com
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: instagram.com/branchspeaks
Facebook: facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
Twitter: twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch
Website: branchspeaks.com
Send in a voice message:
anchor.fm/branch-speaks/message
“If anything, you’re on a journey. And if you want to use a metaphor of a kayak in a river, don’t worry about who’s looking on the shores. It’s just you and your paddle and the water.” - Tu David Phu
Ever Forward Club’s Ashanti Branch is joined by Tu David Phu. Tu is a renowned chef. You may recognize him from Bravo’s television show, “Top Chef”, or write-ups from the San Francisco Chronicle, or his documentary that aired on PBS, “Bloodline.” Tu boils life down to “living and loving righteously”. And he does this through filmmaking and “food justice” - whether it be sharing the therapeutic powers of cooking with incarcerated men, serving the Asian American community, or being a champion for sustainable cooking. His attitudes toward justice, masculinity, and power narratives were shaped at a young age. Enjoy learning about Chef Tu’s masks in this episode!
(2:10) Ashanti’s introduction.
(5:40) Ashanti and Tu discuss how America’s definition of masculinity is defined by violent Eurocentric narratives, which differ from many cultures around the world.
(10:30) Then, Ashanti and Tu look back on their childhood, and how narratives and systems that emasculate certain young men and boys strip them of their authentic identity.
(27:40) Tu shares some of the masks he encounters in the world of food and media, and how he is trying to live by what he preaches.
(32:20) Tu and Ashanti discuss the relationship between sports and the dominant masculine culture, and how it shields young minds off from a world of possibilities, careers, successes, and passions.
(40:40) Ashanti and Tu make their masks together.
(47:25) Tu shares the front of his mask - I am big and strong, I have tattoos, I am a chef - and the back of his mask - I cry, I do a baby voice with my puppies, I’ve experienced abuse.
(54:50) Ashanti shares the front of his mask - funny, serious, dedicated - and the back of his mask - fear of failure, momma is so important to me, worry about being enough.
(59:10) Tu shares how you can get in touch with him.
Connect with Tu David Phu:
Website: cheftu.com
Watch “Bloodline”: cheftu.com/watch
Social Media: @cheftudavidphu
Create your own mask anonymously at www.100kmasks.com
If you are interested in being on the Face to Face podcast, email us at everforwardclub@gmail.com
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: instagram.com/branchspeaks
Facebook: facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
Twitter: twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch
Website: branchspeaks.com
Send in a voice message:
anchor.fm/branch-speaks/message
Connect with Ever Forward Club:
Instagram: instagram.com/everforward
Facebook: facebook.com/everforwardclub
Twitter: twitter.com/everforwardclub
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/the-ever-forward-club
“It’s never going to be perfect. That balance will never be perfect. I go back to the idea of tension and dissonance. It’s always going to kind of be this see-saw process. But, you know, that’s just life. That’s how I think life is.” - Jonathan Santiago
Ever Forward Club’s Ashanti Branch is joined by Jonathan Santiago. Jonathan is a former sports journalist turned content marketer, and in 2016 he started traveling the world. While visiting more than 30 countries since he started this journey, Jonathan also spent time reflecting on his upbringing as a son of immigrants and a first-generation Asian American. Jonathan finds duality and tension in this background, and he and Ashanti explore the beautiful dissonance of life in their conversation. Enjoy the show!
(2:05) Ashanti’s Introduction.
(6:00) Jonathan introduces himself and his life and career in journalism, marketing, and travel.
(10:35) Ashanti and Jonathan make their masks together.
(16:40) Jonathan shares the front of his mask - empathy/kindness, intelligence/articulating, curiosity.
(17:10) Ashanti shares the front of his mask - passionate, caring, dedicated - then shares a tender work story.
(22:20) Jonathan shares the back of his mask - race/Asian American, what it means to be a man, money - before continuing to explore the varied cultural sensitivities people have when discussing money.
(29:40) Ashanti shares the back of his mask - brother’s mental health, getting older, cost of building a big organization - and goes deeper into the responsibilities that are currently weighing on him and the dance of setting boundaries with these responsibilities.
(41:20) Jonathan tells a story about visiting Robin Island in South Africa, a place that held political prisoners during apartheid.
(45:30) Next, Jonathan reflects on his travels as it relates to his Asian American identity, and he and Ashanti discuss how Asian American representation has grown in the mainstream.
(54:15) Jonathan shares his final thoughts on the evolution of masculinity.
(58:30) Jonathan shares how you can get in touch with him.
Connect with Jonathan Santiago:
Website: santiagos.space
Website: videocraftshow.com
Instagram: instagram.com/jontiag0
Create your own mask anonymously at www.100kmasks.com
If you are interested in being on the Face to Face podcast, email us at everforwardclub@gmail.com
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: instagram.com/branchspeaks
Facebook: facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
Twitter: twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch
Website: branchspeaks.com
Send in a voice message:
anchor.fm/branch-speaks/message
Connect with Ever Forward Club:
Instagram: instagram.com/everforward
Facebook: facebook.com/everforwardclub
Twitter: twitter.com/everforwardclub
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/the-ever-forward-club
“We have to get over the idea that every problem can be fixed…
‘If there’s no logical solution, then is it worth thinking about?’
The answer is yeah, absolutely. There are so many problems in life that we’re never going to solve, but we should still think about them and talk about them.” - Tim Mousseau
Ever Forward Club’s Ashanti Branch is joined by Tim Mousseau. As a survivor of sexual violence, Tim refused to let the incident control him. As someone who now controls his own story, speaking and advocating at universities, Fortune 1000 companies, and Congressional offices, he’ll be the first to tell you that the work he does on his emotions and identity will never be finished or “fixed” - it’s just an ongoing process. We hope you enjoy this conversation with Tim and gain strength and insight!
(1:00) Ashanti’s introduction.
(4:10) Tim introduces himself and his work, which involves speaking about and researching sexual violence prevention, harassment prevention, and masculinity.
(7:05) Tim shares the front of his mask - knowledgeable, driven, courageous - and how these three words relate to his work and his personal story.
(10:55) Ashanti shares the front of his mask - serious, dedicated, passionate - as it relates to leadership and motivating others. Then, they discuss what happens when work takes over your identity, and the phenomenon Tim calls “resting bro face.”
(17:35) Tim shares the back of his mask - listless, isolated, fragmented - and how he is still reconciling the dueling and disparate aspects of his identity.
(21:15) Ashanti shares the back of his mask - survivor remorse, doubt: writer and father, worried about youth. Then, he ponders why he hesitated to share the first section on the back of his mask. And Tim breaks down how our culture needs to improve how we handle disclosing survivorship.
(33:25) Often, men have been discouraged from showing both their joyful nature and their sadness, weakness, or victimhood. Ashanti and Tim discuss how to get men out of the restrictions that come from both sides of their emotions.
(44:05) For many men, the logical and rational side of the brain is valued over the emotional side. Ashanti and Tim talk about why this is problematic, and how this leads to the mentality that everything must always be “fixed.”
(49:55) Tim shares how survivors can reach a point in life where the story doesn’t control them, and they control the story.
(56:55) Tim shares how you can get in touch with him.
Connect with Tim Mousseau:
Website: timmousseau.com
Instagram: instagram.com/tim_mousseau
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/tim-mousseau
Create your own mask anonymously at www.100kmasks.com
If you are interested in being on the Face to Face podcast, email us at everforwardclub@gmail.com
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: instagram.com/branchspeaks
Facebook: facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
Twitter: twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch
Website: branchspeaks.com
Send in a voice message:
anchor.fm/branch-speaks/message
“We’re just trying to be able to support and cultivate the strongest community that we can, especially of our loved ones - All that conditioning, where it’s like, we got to do it by ourselves? Nah. ‘You want to go farther, go together. If you want to go fast, go alone.’ But fast is never the right decision. I don’t think it’s ever the right decision.” - George Hofstetter
Ever Forward Club’s Ashanti Branch is joined by George Hofstetter. For many, the first things that come to mind with George are his many accomplishments at the young age of 21 - Stanford University Innovation Fellow, CEO of his own company, board member for Kingmakers of Oakland - but George would be the first to tell you of all of the relationships, mentors, and support systems he’s had along the way. Ever since Ashanti met George as an eighth-grader leading a team of professional coders, George has been all about building deep relationships so that we can achieve bigger and better things together. We hope you enjoy learning about George’s masks, and how they play a role in his life every day.
(1:35) Ashanti’s introduction.
(5:00) George introduces himself, and Ashanti shares how he met George - when he was an eighth-grader, already providing leadership and direction to a group of adult computer programmers. George shares how this and many other things in his life have been coming full circle.
(15:40) George shares the front of his mask - confident, creative, loud, outspoken - and explains why his extroverted brand of creativity is less common than introverted creativity.
(17:40) Ashanti shares the front of his mask - funny serious, hard-working - and he explores the contradictions that he lives with, sitting between funny and serious
(20:40) George shares the back of his mask - imposter syndrome, overthink, observant. He shares some of the racial disparities he has experienced in the tech industry. Then, Ashanti and George share how these experiences have shaped what is behind their mask.
(29:20) Ashanti shares the back of his mask - worried, "am I enough?", fear of. He reflects on his college experience, the need for mentorship in his community when he was a child, and how important support systems are in his life today.
(35:10) George shares all of the support systems he’s cultivated over the years.
(43:10) Ashanti and George share some final thoughts, and George shares how you can get in touch with him
Connect with George Hoffstetter:
Check out George in 8th Grade: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5tnXsnAaEF4
Website: georgehofstettertechnologies.com
Instagram: instagram.com/ghtechinc
Create your own mask anonymously at www.100kmasks.com
If you are interested in being on the Face to Face podcast, email us at everforwardclub@gmail.com
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: instagram.com/branchspeaks
Facebook: facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
Twitter: twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch
Website: branchspeaks.com
Send in a voice message:
anchor.fm/branch-speaks/message
“I used to approach life with this mindset, this mentality, that I’m trying to get to this one end goal. I’m trying to get to this final destination - of where I want to be able to make a change in this world and do all these things... I’m willing to take on some pain right now so I can see fruits in the future - which is true, but the danger of that mindset is you don’t live in the moment and you don’t enjoy even the mundane things.” - Joshua Gao
Ever Forward Club’s Ashanti Branch is joined by Joshua Gao. Joshua is from New Hampshire, but two years ago he met Ashanti in Santa Cruz, CA - a fifteen-year-old surrounded by grown men at an entrepreneurship conference. Joshua has been a driven, intelligent, mature young man for quite some time already. Some would say that he’s been “eating bitter” and getting great results - the fruits of delayed gratification. Now, as he is finishing up his senior year of high school, leading mask workshops with his peers, and continuing to develop a company that seeks to change the way we fight fires, Joshua shares his mask with the world.
(1:50) Ashanti’s introduction.
(6:50) Joshua introduces himself. He gives information about SAFE, a project he started as a high school freshman - creating a fire extinguisher that uses sound waves.
(9:50) Ashanti and Joshua make their masks together.
(13:20) Ashanti shares the front of his mask - serious, dedicated, passionate - and he reflects on the fact that the Ever Forward Club is 17 years old, the same age as Joshua.
(16:00) Joshua shares the front of his mask - happy, smart, accomplished - and how his desire to be valued by others led him astray from his true passions.
(19:05) Ashanti shares the back of his mask - worry, sadness about death, father wounds - and he opens up about how the passing of a local young person affected him.
(22:20) Joshua shares the back of his mask - “not good enough”, parents divorced, fear of failure - and he shares how the college application process has exacerbated the characteristics on the back of his mask.
(28:15) Joshua shares how he has led the mask activity in many places and innovation competitions. He and Ashanti point out some of the patterns and similarities they’ve seen from all of the mask workshops they’ve attended and led.
(31:50) Joshua and Ashanti discuss delayed gratification, finding joy in the journey, and making short-term sacrifices for long-term gains.
(36:00) Ashanti and Joshua consider what a “maskless” world would look and feel like.
(47:20) Then, they discuss how believing in a higher power plays a crucial role in how they navigate life.
(50:50) Joshua shares some closing thoughts, and he shares how you can get in touch with him.
Connect with Joshua Gao:
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/joshuagao7
Website: www.safefire.tech
Create your own mask anonymously at www.100kmasks.com
If you are interested in being on the Face to Face podcast, email us at everforwardclub@gmail.com
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: instagram.com/branchspeaks
Facebook: facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
Twitter: twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch
Website: branchspeaks.com
Send in a voice message:
anchor.fm/branch-speaks/message
“This is about willingness. If you’re willing to share what’s happening in your life, everything is going to be fine. But if I have to remember [for] myself, a couple years ago, I wouldn’t do that. Because I didn’t feel prepared at the time.” - Gustavo Heredia
Ever Forward Club’s Ashanti Branch is joined by Gustavo Heredia, whose full name is Luis Gustavo Heredia Vasquez. As a gap year student, Gustavo is dedicated to volunteering for NGOs and developing the social project, Edulimitless, which he founded. Also interning for Enseña Perú, Gustavo is a busy young man, but, ultimately, the most important thing that he shared today was that he is more comfortable being himself and sharing his truth than he has ever been.
(0:55) Ashanti’s introduction.
(6:29) Ashanti tries to introduce Gustavo :) Then Gustavo introduces himself. He shares what it is like in Peru right now, and he shares how he met Ashanti through the Latin American Leadership Academy.
(16:06) Gustavo shares the front of his mask - hard-working, funny, caring.
(21:20) Ashanti shares the front of his mask - funny, serious, hard-working - and they reflect on their similarities, as well as the importance of a balanced life.
(25:01) Gustavo shares the back of his mask - anxiety, lazy/procrastinator, failure - and how these things on the back of his mask are directly connected to concerns about his future.
(32:01) Ashanti shares the back of his mask - fear, worry, sadness - and he reflects on an encounter he had with a man with Parkinson’s, and what this says about how he feels for others.
(40:41) Gustavo looks back on the friends and family that have been there to have vulnerable conversations with him, and how he feels more prepared to have these conversations now more than before.
(47:46) Ashanti and Gustavo give their closing thoughts.
Connect with Gustavo Heredia:
Instagram: instagram.com/edulimitless
Instagram: instagram.com/gustavoheredia1001
Facebook: facebook.com/jorge.suclupe.94
Check Out LALA - Latin American Leadership Academy
https://www.latinamericanleadershipacademy.org/
Create your own mask anonymously at www.100kmasks.com
If you are interested in being on the Face to Face podcast, email us at everforwardclub@gmail.com
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: instagram.com/branchspeaks
Facebook: facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
Twitter: twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch
Website: branchspeaks.com
Send in a voice message:
anchor.fm/branch-speaks/message
Connect with Ever Forward Club:
Instagram: instagram.com/everforward
Facebook: facebook.com/everforwardclub
Twitter: twitter.com/everforwardclub
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/the-ever-forward-club
“For me, being more vulnerable made me more of a visionary. I really do believe that. It allowed me to move beyond the past and to see the future.” - Chip Conley
Ever Forward Club’s Ashanti Branch is joined by Chip Conley. Chip is a man that has disrupted the hospitality industry twice in his lifetime - once as the founder of Joie de Vivre Hospitality, and again as a key strategic advisor during Airbnb’s rise. What does it take to build two industry-transforming businesses, all while being a New York Times Bestselling Author? While taking off his mask with Ashanti, Chip explores how he has found peace and balance by getting off the “hedonic treadmill.”
(0:55) Ashanti’s introduction
(5:42) Chip introduces himself, his background, and his career. Then, Ashanti shares some “emotional equations” he has learned from Chip, for example, despair = suffering - meaning.
(10:50) Ashanti shares the front of his mask - dedicated, serious, persistent - and he shares how this mask plays a role in his work.
(14:15) Chip shares the front of his mask - wise, curious, playful - and he explains how being a “curious white boy” led to harvesting wisdom through weekly journaling.
(17:35) Ashanti shares the back of his mask - fear, not enough, midlife “WTF” - and he looks back on how he searched for a father figure while growing up.
(21:10) Chip shares the back of his mask - intensely competitive, restless, horny monk - and he explores how his consciousness has evolved over time, and what it is like to get off the “hedonic treadmill”.
(29:50) Ashanti and Chip go deeper into the challenges of harnessing competitiveness and passion so that they remain at sustainable, healthy levels.
(36:20) Then, Chip and Ashanti discuss the pros and cons of distilling emotions down to equations. They also extend the metaphor and think about how emotions accumulate over time in a “vault”.
(42:40) Chip shares why it was important to “be the other”.
(47:00) Chip shares how you can get in touch with him.
Connect with Chip Conley:
Website: chipconley.com
Website: modernelderacademy.com
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/chipconleysf
Twitter: twitter.com/ChipConley
Instagram: instagram.com/chipconley
Create your own mask anonymously at www.100kmasks.com
If you are interested in being on the Face to Face podcast, email us at everforwardclub@gmail.com
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: instagram.com/branchspeaks
Facebook: facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
Twitter: twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch
Website: branchspeaks.com
Send in a voice message:
anchor.fm/branch-speaks/message
“I come from a worldview, a belief, an assumption that all people are inherently whole and resourced to give all their gifts and greatest contributions to the world. So for some of us, our fires might be dormant for a variety of reasons, but it’s not that there’s no fire. Everyone has fire.”
Ever Forward Club’s Ashanti Branch is joined by Didier Sylvain. As a life and leadership coach, Didier coaches individuals and groups, helping them become fuller versions of themselves. Both Didier and Ashanti’s work is motivated by a belief that a better future for humanity exists within each of its individuals; and, in this conversation, they imagine a future where more of us can be our “whole” selves. We hope you enjoy this episode!
(1:20) Ashanti’s introduction.
(5:20) Didier introduces himself, his background, his work, and his passions. Then, Ashanti shares how he has admired Didier’s work from afar, and the men discuss how hard it is to gain control over all the things our eyes and ears are taking in and presenting to us.
(14:40) Didier and Ashanti make their masks together.
(21:14) Ashanti shares the front of his mask - passionate, intense, caring.
(23:04) Didier shares the front of his mask - kindness, roundedness, playfulness - and explains why “vocal precision” is important to him.
(26:34) Ashanti shares the back of his mask - doubt, worry, comparison “not enough” - and he explores how the positives of success and excitement can, at times, summon more doubt, fear, and nerves.
(35:34) Didier shares the back of his mask - anger, vision, vulnerability - and how he is working to bring these thoughts and emotions to the front of his mask.
(41:04) Ashanti and Didier think back on the loss and tragedy they have both experienced in life. Didier considers what it would be like if vulnerability were a conscious muscle, not a reaction to external forces.
(50:19) Didier believes that human beings are inherently whole - Ashanti and Didier consider why we rarely present our “whole” selves. Then, Didier presents a question he frequently asks others: “What parts of yourself does your heart long to reunite with?”
(55:24) Didier shares how you can get in touch with him.
Connect with Didier Sylvain:
Website: didiersylvain.com
Instagram: instagram.com/__didiersylvain__
LinkedIn:linkedin.com/in/didiersylvain
Create your own mask anonymously at www.100kmasks.com
If you are interested in being on the Face to Face podcast, email us at everforwardclub@gmail.com
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: instagram.com/branchspeaks
Facebook: facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
Twitter: twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch
Website: branchspeaks.com
Send in a voice message:
anchor.fm/branch-speaks/message
"People are like, "You are a machine." And I’m like "yeah I am." And there’s a part of me that’s like, "oh yeah, I’m a machine. I’m a machine." And it’s so backwards how as men we can have our egos inflated when we’re compared to non-human things. Why do I want to be a machine? I don’t want to be a machine.
Machines don’t have empathy or compassion or sensitivity. Machines can’t enjoy sex. Machines don’t laugh. Why does that inflate my ego and make me puff out my chest? What am I comparing myself to? What is the basis for which we are judging, and the standard that we have set for each other?" - Justin Baldoni
Ever Forward Club’s Ashanti Branch is joined by Justin Baldoni. As an actor, director, producer, and founder of Wayfarer Studios, you may recognize Justin from shows like “Jane the Virgin” or the film “Clouds”, on Disney+. On top of success on the screen, Justin is a compassionate author and changemaker, seeking to “undefine” masculinity and foster a more loving society. Justin’s debut book is now out: “Man Enough: Undefining My Masculinity”. We hope you enjoy the episode, as you listen and learn about what Justin has on the front and back of his mask.
(1:18) Ashanti’s introduction.
(7:35) Ashanti and Justin take off the mask of this very podcast production. Then, they discuss our urge to maintain control, and the difference between “human beings” and “human doings.”
(18:00) Ashanti and Justin continue to discuss how capitalism and the toxicity of “comparison mode” are pervasive in all aspects of our culture.
(20:05) Justin shares what his experience was like making a mask, and where he did and didn’t experience internal resistance to the mask-making process.
(23:30) Justin shares the front of his mask - hard-working, creative, loving, sensitive. He reflects on how traits on the front of the mask have deeper, sometimes darker, intentions.
(26:55) Ashanti shares the front of his mask - passionate, dedicated, caring - and he and Justin break down why our culture glorifies fatigue and busyness (through the lens of The Nap Ministry).
(32:25) Justin shares the back of his mask - anxiety, self-doubt, shame. He traces these feelings back to his upbringing, what Bell Hooks calls the “psychic act of self-mutilation.”
(39:25) Ashanti shares the back of his mask - worry, fear, doubt - and they discuss the pitfalls of when service and capitalism converge.
(41:05) Justin shares where you can find him and get in touch.
Connect with Justin Baldoni:
Justin’s book, “Man Enough”: manenough.com/books
Podcast: manenough.com/podcast
Instagram: instagram.com/justinbaldoni
Linktree: linktr.ee/justinbaldoni
Create your own mask anonymously at www.100kmasks.com
If you are interested in being on the Face to Face podcast, email us at everforwardclub@gmail.com
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: instagram.com/branchspeaks
Facebook: facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
Twitter: twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch
Website: branchspeaks.com
“The reason I speak with such passion and love when I’m creating is because I’m the one dealing with a lot of those the things that I’m telling you about...
Somebody is going through the exact same thing, it just has a different face on it. It has a different mask on it.” - Will Tidwell
Ever Forward Club’s Ashanti Branch is joined by Will Tidwell of Speak Up Zee. Often referred to as the “Neighborhood Hero”, Will is a multi-talented poet, writer, speaker, entrepreneur, and organizer of community outreach. Among many things, Ashanti and Will discuss the dualities and contradictions of human beings and their masks, running organizations, and their shared Arkansas roots.
(7:45) Will introduces himself and his origins, passions, work, and platform. He and Ashanti discuss their roots in Little Rock, Arkansas.
(10:45) Will and Ashanti make their masks together.
(15:35) Ashanti shares the front of his mask - hard work, caring, funny. He shares how he applies the front of his mask to his work with youth.
(17:45) Will shares the front of his mask - vulnerability, the process, the happiness. He explores how the front of the mask feeds into the current social media frenzy, and how he wants to redirect this energy in more authentic ways.
(22:25) Ashanti shares the back of his mask - family history, worry, am I enough? He shares how the work of Ever Forward Club “is not always pretty.” Then, he reflects on his most recent trip to Little Rock to attend a family memorial service, which came after a family tragedy.
(26:35) Will shares the back of his mask - failures, the truth, depression, anxiety, fear. He explores how the back of his mask contradicts the front of his mask, how humans contradict themselves all the time, and how other people’s opinions and expectations cause these contradictions.
(32:10) Ashanti and Will discuss the faults of “comparison mode” and the process and merits of growing pains.
(36:00) Will shares his message for young people.
(41:35) Will shares how you can get in touch with him.
Connect with Will Tidwell:
Website: speakupzee.com
Instagram: instagram.com/willzeetidwell
Facebook: facebook.com/zee.tidwell
Twitter: twitter.com/willzeetidwell
Tik Tok: tiktok.com/@neighborhoodhero96
Create your own mask anonymously at www.100kmasks.com
If you are interested in being on the Face to Face podcast, email us at everforwardclub@gmail.com
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: instagram.com/branchspeaks
Facebook: facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
Twitter: twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch
Website: branchspeaks.com
Send in a voice message:
anchor.fm/branch-speaks/message
Ever Forward Club’s Ashanti Branch is joined by Antonio Chavez. Recently, Antonio was harassed by a man in Pacific Heights. He recorded a video of the situation, and it went viral. More important than the incident itself, Antonio considers what it means with respect to fatherhood, education, trust, masculinity, and his community. As the founder of Lost Soul Courier Collective, Antonio delivers Narcan, a medicine essential in fighting the opioid epidemic and saving lives. He also organizes community bike rides, which function as his form of community "harm reduction". Enjoy the show!
1:50 Ashanti’s introduction.
5:20 Antonio introduces himself, his work, his love of cycling, and the collective he founded. He breaks down the concept of “harm reduction”
8:20 In June, Antonio was harassed by a man in Pacific Heights. We play some of the video at this point in the podcast.
11:10 Ashanti shares the front of his mask - hard-working, serious, caring. He shares how, even though "caring" is on the front of his mask, it is hard for others to see it.
14:20 Antonio shares the front of his mask - generous, thoughtful/compassionate, determined, focused on making a lasting change - and he explores how others perceive him affects his mask. This leads to a discussion of police brutality, viral videos, and “doom scrolling.”
28:00 Ashanti shares the back of his mask - fear of ____, sadness about death, worry.
29:40 Antonio shares the back of his mask - struggles with substance abuse, felon, womanizer, depression/anxiety, self-harm (inward and outward).
30:50 Then, he and Ashanti discuss "legacy" and intergenerational trauma. Antonio shares how the incident with the man in Pacific Heights makes him think of his son and where he is as a father.
38:20 Next, Ashanti and Antonio discuss how changing the way men trust and support each other can change things for future generations. Antonio explains how bicycling is his medium for change.
45:50 Ashanti and Antonio continue discussing restorative justice, the power of vulnerability for youth and men, toxic masculinity, and Antonio’s son.
57:40 Antonio shares more about his work and how you can get in touch with him.
Connect with Antonio Chavez:
Instagram: instagram.com/lostsoulcouriercollective
Website: LostSoulCourierCollective.org
Campaign: gofund.me/b4cfc934
Create your own mask anonymously at www.100kmasks.com
If you are interested in being on the Face to Face podcast, email us at everforwardclub@gmail.com
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: instagram.com/branchspeaks
Facebook: facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
Twitter: twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch
Website: branchspeaks.com
Send in a voice message:
anchor.fm/branch-speaks/message
Ever Forward Club’s Ashanti Branch is joined by Ryan Louie. Ryan is the producer behind this very podcast, so it felt very fitting to have him as the guest in this one-year anniversary episode. Ashanti and Ryan follow the same format that makes this podcast what it is; they share the front and back of their respective masks and let the conversation go where it needs to be. Along the way they discuss legacy, setting boundaries, standing up for something, and what a year’s worth of podcasting has taught them.
4:40 Ashanti’s introduction.
10:30 Ashanti and Ryan begin the one-year anniversary episode.
12:00 Ashanti shares the front of his mask - ambitious, determined, smart. Then, as two men with backgrounds in teaching, they discuss conventional opinions of intelligence and why educators feel outside of that cultural sphere.
23:00 Ryan shares the front of his mask - inclusive, countercultural, collected. He explores how his socioeconomic and ethnic identity, shaped by his schooling and the surrounding power structures, affects the front of his mask. They are also men who resort to smiling in order to make people happy, and they discuss what causes this shared habit.
37:10 Ashanti shares the back of his mask - wanting kids, legacy, am I good enough? Ashanti recently got back in touch with the “Branch” side of his family, and he shares how this experience conjured up some new perspectives on life.
48:00 Ryan shares the back of his mask - opinionated, regretful, embarrassment. They discuss times they have been taken advantage of, the problem with holding in negative emotions, the stories we tell ourselves, and leveraging self-awareness.
1:03:21 Ashanti and Ryan ruminate on the question, “what do you stand for?”
1:18:24 Ryan shares how you can get in touch with him.
Connect with Ryan Louie:
Website: ryanlouieportfolio.wordpress.com
Instagram: instagram.com/rynlouie
Create your own mask anonymously at www.100kmasks.com
If you are interested in being on the Face to Face podcast, email us at everforwardclub@gmail.com
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: instagram.com/branchspeaks
Facebook: facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
Twitter: twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch
Website: branchspeaks.com
Send in a voice message:
anchor.fm/branch-speaks/message
This TOTM Face to Face conversation is between Angel and Wenceslao (Wen), two interns at the Ever Forward Club’s Social Emotional Leadership Academy. Through the mask-making process and the card game "Ever Forward Club: The Adventure", Angel and Wen discover they have more in common than what they initially believed. At age 14 and 13, respectively, Angel and Wen are also the youngest individuals to ever host the Taking Off The Mask podcast; they demonstrate how a teenager can even be more brave and courageous than an adult. In addition, Ashanti Branch makes appearances, guiding them through the process.
(1:51) Ashanti’s introduction.
(7:50) Wen and Angel introduce themselves.
(8:35) Angel shares the front of his mask - fun to be with, happy-go-lucky, humorous. Then, Wen shares the front of his mask - athletic, jokester, happy.
(9:40) Angel shares the back of his mask - anxiety, overthinking, scared. Then, Wen shares the back of his mask - hopeless, unconfident, struggle.
(11:05) Ashanti returns to the podcast, and Angel reflects on how this experience is different from sharing anonymously. He shares why he wants to see a therapist.
(15:35) Wen shares why he enjoyed the one-on-one setting with Angel.
(18:10) Wen and Angel begin answering questions from the card game “Ever Forward Club: The Adventure”.
Question 1: Share a project that you recently ended.
Wen describes a video project he just finished editing. Angel shares why he enjoys drawing.
(23:16) Question 2: What actions do you need to start doing to feel most alive?
Angel talks about the difference between a hobby and what makes him “feel alive.” Then, Wen shares his love of cooking, athletics, and music.
(25:03) What is something you say about yourself that you would never say to someone you love?
Angel shares how he often puts himself down, but he would never do the same to someone he loves.
Wen explores what he says to himself when he begins to overthink things.
(33:50) Angel and Wen close out the show, before being rejoined by Ashanti.
Create your own mask anonymously at www.100kmasks.com
If you are interested in being on the Face to Face podcast, email us at everforwardclub@gmail.com
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: instagram.com/branchspeaks
Facebook: facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
Twitter: twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch
Website: branchspeaks.com
Send in a voice message:
anchor.fm/branch-speaks/message
Connect with Ever Forward Club:
Instagram: instagram.com/everforward
Facebook: facebook.com/everforwardclub
Twitter: twitter.com/everforwardclub
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/the-ever-forward-club
This TOTM Face to Face conversation is between Sam and Ben, two interns at the Ever Forward Club’s Social-Emotional Leadership Academy. Through the mask-making process and the card game "Ever Forward Club: The Adventure", Sam and Ben explore what it is like to not know what to do with the rest of their lives with “adulthood” being right around the corner. They both find comfort in knowing that they are not alone in this sentiment. Ashanti Branch and Justin Martinez make guest appearances, holding space for the two young men.
(1:18) Ashanti’s introduction.
(5:55) Ben and Sam introduce themselves.
(7:10) Ben shares the front of his mask and why he chose the words intelligent, hard-working, and amiable.
(8:20) Sam shares the front of his mask, and what it says about how he approaches new experiences - confident, courageous, creative.
(10:00) Ben shares the back of his mask - anxious, exhausted, restless.
(12:25) Sam shares the back of his mask - uncertainty, tired. They both relate to the feeling of not knowing what to do in life while being on the precipice of adulthood.
(16:15) With the help of Ashanti, Sam and Ben play the card game “Ever Forward Club: The Adventure”.
(19:00) Question: What is a question that you are afraid will be asked?
Ben explains why he’s nervous to be asked, “what do you want to do with your life?” Sam shares how similar questions are also nerve-racking for him, and they discuss how they navigate this question with their parents.
(25:25) Question: What was the hardest day of your life?
Sam shares the long road to recovery he endured after being hit by a car. Then, Ben answers the question with a story of when he passed out from exhaustion, in the middle of San Francisco.
(32:00) Question: Tell us about a time when you realized you were becoming an adult.
Ben tells Sam about the first time he came home after curfew. Then, Sam questions the idea that the age 18 automatically makes someone an adult.
(36:40) Ben shares how he believes his growing awareness of politics, empathy, and mistreatment are signs of becoming an adult. Then, he opens up about the changes he wants to see so that his generation can thrive.
(40:50) Next, Justin Martinez joins the podcast. He addresses some of the feelings that Ben and Sam expressed throughout their conversation.
Connect with Ever Forward Club:
Instagram: instagram.com/everforward
Facebook: facebook.com/everforwardclub
Twitter: twitter.com/everforwardclub
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/the-ever-forward-club
Create your own mask anonymously at www.100kmasks.com
If you are interested in being on the Face to Face podcast, email us at everforwardclub@gmail.com
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: instagram.com/branchspeaks
Facebook: facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
Twitter: twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch
Website: branchspeaks.com
Send in a voice message:
anchor.fm/branch-speaks/message
Ever Forward Club’s Ashanti Branch is joined by José Quintero. José is a Mexican American man, working as a radio host for CALI 93.9, a Spanish reggaeton station in Los Ángeles. Ashanti and José share their excitement over the changing landscape in men’s vulnerability, the many ways to define success, and the similar ground they walk as survivors. Enjoy the episode!
(1:55) Ashanti’s introduction.
(4:55) José introduces himself and how he found his passion - hosting a podcast and hosting Spanish radio in Los Angeles. Then, they spend time appreciating those who are leading the way for more men to get in touch with their vulnerability.
(11:32) Ashanti and José make their masks together.
(15:57) José breaks down his drawing, then shares the front of his mask - confidence, optimism, communication.
(18:47) Ashanti shares the front of his mask - serious, hard-working, dedicated.
(22:47) Separating his traits into the categories of “good” and “bad”, José shares the back of his mask - generosity, reliability, impatience, shyness.
(29:35) Ashanti shares the back of his mask as it relates to his work with the Ever Forward Club - fear of…, sadness, not enough. Then, they discuss other ways to view success outside of monetary value and investment.
(39:17) José shares the important roles his mother and aunts played in his upbringing. He discusses how this is directly connected to the mission of his podcast.
(45:32) José breaks down how he un-learned the stigma of therapy and started seeing a therapist.
(47:47) José opens up about surviving sexual assault, and how “normalcy comes from transparency.”
(51:47) Ashanti and Jose wrap up their conversation. They discuss Lucha libre, and José shares how you can get in touch with him.
Connect with José Quintero
Instagram: instagram.com/josequinterotv
Podcast: instagram.com/saludpodcast
Create your own mask anonymously at www.100kmasks.com
If you are interested in being on the Face to Face podcast, email us at everforwardclub@gmail.com
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: instagram.com/branchspeaks
Facebook: facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
Twitter: twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch
Website: branchspeaks.com
Send in a voice message:
anchor.fm/branch-speaks/message
Connect with Ever Forward Club:
Instagram: instagram.com/everforward
Facebook: facebook.com/everforwardclub
Twitter: twitter.com/everforwardclub
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/the-ever-forward-club
Ever Forward Club’s Ashanti Branch is joined by Spencer Atkinson. Spencer is a Career Coach and Experiential Educator, helping students at UC Davis navigate university life and find fulfilling careers. In this conversation, Ashanti and Spencer find a connection looking back on their careers as veteran educators. They even overlapped as collaborators at Stanford University. We hope you enjoy hearing Spencer’s dedication to the well-being of our youth come through your speakers.
(1:30) Ashanti’s introduction.
(8:10) Spencer introduces himself, his career in education over the years, how he and Ashanti overlapped at Stanford University through men’s work, and why career services feel more meaningful to him than teaching high school English.
(17:10) Spencer suggests a new format to the mask-sharing structure before he and Ashanti share their masks. Ashanti’s front - funny, hard-working, serious. Spencer’s front - smart, prepared, clever. Ashanti’s back - stress, fear of failure/quitting, am I good enough? Spencer’s back - lonely, aspiring parent, [?]. They then analyze and share ideas about how the front and back of the mask are related.
(29:20) Spencer reflects on what’s on the front of his mask. He shares how each item on the front of his mask has a “shadow side.” Then, Ashanti shares what it means to have “hard-working” on the front of his mask, and how upholding this trait and reputation puts a lot of pressure on himself.
(34:10) Then, Ashanti also shares why “hard-working” is on the front of his mask almost every time. He explores how “hard-working” explains why “am I good enough?” is on the back of his mask.
(43:50) Spencer reflects on his teaching days and the structures that get in the way of teachers having “human moments” with students. Ashanti chimes in with memories from his own career.
(55:10) Spencer breaks down the difference between dopamine and oxytocin, between screen interactions and in-person connection. They also discuss how it is possible to be an extrovert while, at the same time, lack intimate connections.
(1:01:50) When sharing some final thoughts about the back of his mask, Spencer shares how the Johari Window reveals the things he does not know about himself, and how these things scare him.
(1:10:40) Spencer makes a final plug, trumpeting the importance of career services.
Connect with Spencer Atkinson:
Podcast: careeriosity.wixsite.com/podcast
Instagram: instagram.com/careeriositypodcast
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/spenceratkinson
Career Services: icc.ucdavis.edu
Create your own mask anonymously at www.100kmasks.com
If you are interested in being on the Face to Face podcast, email us at everforwardclub@gmail.com
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: instagram.com/branchspeaks
Facebook: facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
Twitter: twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch
Website: branchspeaks.com
Send in a voice message:
anchor.fm/branch-speaks/message
Ever Forward Club’s Ashanti Branch is joined by Christian Lopez. As a former pro athlete, Christian has done the difficult work of rediscovering himself in order to understand what he can offer the world without the label of “pro athlete” hanging over him. When asked what he would like to be listed as his title or job title when we promote the podcast, he simply responded, “Vulnerable Man.” We hope you enjoy listening to this conversation with Christian, and learn what it takes to rediscover your identity and write the future of your own masculinity.
(1:21) Ashanti's introduction.
(5:17) Christian introduces himself - his origins, career, dreams, struggles, and journey to discover his purpose.
(18:32) Ashanti and Christian break down why it is compelling to hear others’ vulnerable stories.
(23:37) Ashanti introduces the concept and origins of the mask activity, then Christian shares the front of his mask - confident, optimistic, kind.
(27:12) Ashanti shares the front of his mask - serious, hard-working, caring - and how it affects how he runs the Ever Forward Club team. Christian shares how he uses the same strategies as a trainer, and Ashanti tells a story from his first year as a teacher.
(34:17) Christian shares the back of his mask - fear, insecurity, shame. He analyzes how a lot of these feelings stem from failing to meet the benchmarks set by traditional masculine culture.
(36:47) Ashanti shares the back of his mask - fear of…, sadness, brother’s mental health. He discusses why his brother is most present on his mind. Then he and Christian speak about the power of enlisting help.
(47:47) Christian and Ashanti discuss why it’s important for our society to shed the “every man for himself” mindset. Christian personally shares how Cuban “machismo” culture and the environment around athletics are limiting.
(53:47) Christian and Ashanti take an optimistic look at the future of manhood.
(57:47) Christian shares how you can get in touch with him.
Connect with Christian Lopez:
Instagram: instagram.com/clopey
Facebook: facebook.com/groups/2523230051072858
Podcast: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/behind-the-mask-ulinity/id1474423662
Create your own mask anonymously at www.100kmasks.com
If you are interested in being on the Face to Face podcast, email us at everforwardclub@gmail.com
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: instagram.com/branchspeaks
Facebook: facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
Twitter: twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch
Website: branchspeaks.com
Send in a voice message:
anchor.fm/branch-speaks/message
Connect with Ever Forward Club:
Instagram: instagram.com/everforward
Facebook: facebook.com/everforwardclub
Twitter: twitter.com/everforwardclub
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/the-ever-forward-club
Ever Forward Club’s Ashanti Branch is joined by Samir Zakir. As an entrepreneur and activist, he has founded companies like Illuminate Entertainment Group and MediaBuzz Global. He and Ashanti both share a desire to have a positive impact on culture and mental health. They share their masks and discuss how their understanding of mental health and wellness has improved over the years.
(1:30) Ashanti's introduction.
(4:30) Samir introduces himself and his work as an activist and media entrepreneur. Ashanti familiarizes Samir with “the mask” and the work surrounding it.
(9:30) Ashanti shares the front of his mask - caring, hard-working, funny. He explores how his caring nature can interfere with his personal goals, and how care can turn into worry.
(14:00) Samir shares the front of his mask - humor, confidence, empathy - and digs deeper into each of the three words and how they shape him as a leader.
(19:30) Ashanti shares the back of his mask - fear of…, my brother’s mental health, worry. He and Samir discuss the things in life that force Ashanti to be a “worrier instead of a warrior.”
(29:00) Samir shares the back of his mask - overthinking/hesitation, nervous/anxious, control.
(38:30) Ashanti and Samir discuss their growth and their improving understanding of mental health, wellness, and the need for authentic community.
(51:30) Samir shares how he found his community in Los Angeles. Ashanti shares how he found his community in men’s groups and retreats.
(1:00:30) Samir and Ashanti wrap up, and Samir shares how you can get in touch with him.
Connect with Samir Zakir:
Instagram: instagram.com/samirzakir
Create your own mask anonymously at www.100kmasks.com
If you are interested in being on the Face to Face podcast, email us at everforwardclub@gmail.com
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: instagram.com/branchspeaks
Facebook: facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
Twitter: twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch
Website: branchspeaks.com
Send in a voice message:
anchor.fm/branch-speaks/message
Connect with Ever Forward Club:
Instagram: instagram.com/everforward
Facebook: facebook.com/everforwardclub
Twitter: twitter.com/everforwardclub
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/the-ever-forward-club
Ever Forward Club’s Ashanti Branch is joined by Malcolm Dydo, the Director and Co-Founder of Freedom Within Project. In this conversation, Ashanti’s passion for working with youth is equaled by Malcolm’s drive to create environments that allow the incarcerated population to heal. Recorded on the eve of Father’s Day weekend, Malcolm holds space for Ashanti as he shares his perspective on the holiday.
(1:55) Ashanti's introduction.
(6:42) Malcolm introduces himself, his work supporting the incarcerated population, and his belief in the collective’s ability to heal.
(11:48) Malcolm shares the front of his mask - competent, smart, caring. He shares how these positive elements of himself are motivated by some of his wounded elements.
(14:33) Ashanti shares the front of his mask - funny, serious, hard-working. He then breaks down how these traits affect his interpersonal dynamics while working.
(19:43) Malcolm shares how the concept of emotional masks plays a role in the incarcerated populations he works with, and how understanding the duality of the front and back of the mask is important.
(23:33) Malcolm shares the back of his mask - ashamed, afraid, inadequate. Ashanti shares - fear of failure, Father’s Day is hard, sadness about…
(26:28) Malcolm and Ashanti look at Father’s Day from a perspective outside of the traditional holiday, and Ashanti digs deep into his past with a story about his mother and her husband at the time.
(35:18) Malcolm looks back at his childhood, and how wounds from his 1st-grade self continue to impact him today.
(38:58) Ashanti and Malcolm take time to honor the front of the mask, and how it functions as a protective shield for us as we navigate different spaces.
(42:54) Malcolm likens his and Ashanti’s work to “moving at the speed of trust” and creating a “laboratory of humanity”. He and Ashanti explore these metaphors.
(50:58) Malcolm and Ashanti reflect on how the work of Ever Forward is connected to the work of Freedom from Within. Both organizations support men’s capacity to have internal and external dialogues.
(54:48) Malcolm shares some final thoughts, and how the conversation conjures up the faces of the men he works with.
(58:38) Malcolm shares how you can get in touch with him.
Connect with Malcolm Dydo:
Instagram: instagram.com/freedomwithinproject
Facebook: facebook.com/freedomwithinprisonproject
Website: freedomwithinproject.org
Email: malcolm@freedomwithinproject.org
Create your own mask anonymously at www.100kmasks.com
If you are interested in being on the Face to Face podcast, email us at everforwardclub@gmail.com
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: instagram.com/branchspeaks
Facebook: facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
Twitter: twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch
Website: branchspeaks.com
Send in a voice message:
anchor.fm/branch-speaks/message
This TOTM Face to Face conversation is between Kevin and Chioke, two friends who have known each other for 4 years since high school. Through the mask-making process and the card game "Ever Forward Club: The Adventure", Kevin and Chioke go somewhere they have never gone as friends, establishing a deeper connection that felt long overdue.
TOTM Face to Face was created during the launch of this podcast, where two or more young men participate in the process of making and sharing masks. Each participant will create a mask, as used in the TOTM podcast, and let the conversation go where it needs to go. The TOTM activity was created by Ashanti Branch during the documentary, The Mask You Live In.
(6:00) Kevin and Chioke introduce themselves and their friendship.
(7:15) Kevin and Chioke make masks together.
(10:24) Chioke shares the front of his mask - dependable, fun, intelligent. Kevin shares the front of his mask - happy, excited, funny.
(12:27) Chioke shares the back of his mask - I don’t know how to get where I want to go; I feel lost. Kevin shares the back of his mask - unmotivated, stressed, loss of energy.
(16:20) Kevin and Chioke discuss how different behaviors on social media represent the front and back of the mask.
(23:50) Kevin and Chioke answer some questions from the card game Ever Forward Club: The Adventure.
(25:20) Question: Tell us about an obstacle you have overcome in your life - Kevin shares how he faced a lot of bullying and name-calling while in school. Chioke shares how it was hard for him to find an identity and a community while growing up.
(31:59) Question: Tell us about a time when you betrayed someone’s trust - Kevin shares how it took him a long time to earn his parent’s trust, and how he dealt with the shame of breaking their trust. Chioke tells a childhood story about a time he blamed a friend for something he was also involved in.
(39:50) They reflect on the similarities between what they have shared, their relationships with their respective fathers, and how this conversation should have happened earlier in their friendship.
(46:10) Question: Tell us about a time when someone earned your trust - Kevin reflects on the multiple romantic relationships he has had. Chioke talks about his first relationship and how he learned to trust.
(56:10) Question: What was the hardest day of your life? Chioke shares what it was like when his significant other struggled with alcohol abuse and had a serious incident of alcohol poisoning. Kevin goes back to when he was bullied in HS. He recalls snapping a rubber band against his arm over and over again, and how one phone call played a huge role in his life.
(1:06:45) Kevin and Chioke wrap up and give appreciations.
Connect with Kevin Romero:
Instagram: instagram.com/kevinn.romeroo
Connect with Chioke Allen-Alvarez
Instagram: instagram.com/aa_kuya
Create your own mask anonymously at www.100kmasks.com
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: instagram.com/branchspeaks
Facebook: facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch
Connect with Ever Forward Club:
Instagram: instagram.com/everforward
Facebook: facebook.com/everforwardclub
Ever Forward Club’s Ashanti Branch is joined by Donté Clark. After watching and being moved by Donté’s poetry, Ashanti invited him on the podcast. What follows is a conversation about compassion, emancipation, and overcoming the “400-year head start” that the Black community has been up against for generations.
(1:30) Ashanti’s introduction.
(5:30) Donté introduces himself, his work, his interest, and his attitude as a lifelong learner.
(7:20) Ashanti shares the front of his mask - funny, serious, hard-working, caring. Donté shares the front of his mask - smiling, positive, quiet, thoughtful, talking/singing to self.
(9:45) Donté and Ashanti both smile frequently, and they reflect on their different reasons why.
(14:40) Ashanti shares the back of his mask - fear of failure, sadness, brother’s mental health. He shares some deepening concerns about his brother, who has schizophrenia. This prompts a powerful memory in Donté, who recalls trying to help a man who appeared to be going through some tough times and was being confronted by people on the street.
(26:03) Donté shares the back of his mask - tears, anger, a reader, thoughtful, goofy, playful, prayerful, meditative. He shares how he gets angry, and the tears it brings to his eyes when he reflects on the lack of compassion he sees in the community.
(32:00) Ashanti shares how Donté’s poetry conjures up many thoughts about what needs to be done in our country and our communities. Donté emphasizes the work and organizing that need to be done, beyond just voting, to make up for the “400-year head start” that the Black community is up against.
(45:55) Ashanti and Donté discuss the untapped potential inside of our youth, and the need to “emancipate yourself from mental slavery.”
(59:30) Donté shares his current projects and where you can find him.
Connect with Donté Clark:
Instagram: instagram.com/donblak
Facebook: facebook.com/josiah.james.1257
Purchase Donté’s Book, “Close Caskets”: bit.ly/3cu8YBP
Create your own mask anonymously at www.100kmasks.com
If you are interested in being on the Face to Face podcast, email us at everforwardclub@gmail.com
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: instagram.com/branchspeaks
Facebook: facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
Twitter: twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch
Website: branchspeaks.com
Send in a voice message:
anchor.fm/branch-speaks/message
Connect with Ever Forward Club:
Instagram: instagram.com/everforward
Facebook: facebook.com/everforwardclub
Twitter: twitter.com/everforwardclub
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/the-ever-forward-club
Ever Forward Club’s Ashanti Branch is joined by Victor Manuel de la Mora Patiño. Victor is an alumni of the Ever Forward Club, and, in addition to sharing their masks and reflecting on old times, Victor fills Ashanti with immense pride as he tells Ashanti how he is applying the mentoring principles he has learned from the Ever Forward Club. As the CEO of his own architecture firm, Victor uses his experience with the Ever Forward Club to mentor the next generation of young people in Mexico.
(1:36) Ashanti’s introduction.
(5:35) Victor introduces himself, his profession, his interests, what it was like having Ashanti as a teacher.
(11:25) Victor shares what it’s like being a father - what he loves about fatherhood, how technology sucks children into devices that curb their imagination, and what it means to break free from the “chains” that may exist from the experiences and habits of prior generations.
(16:50) Victor shares the front of his mask - friendly, responsible, confident. Ashanti shares the front of his mask - serious, funny, hard working.
(20:52) Victor shares the back of his mask - scared to fail, anxiety, depression. He explains how having a child, and separating with the mother of the child, has affected what’s on the back of his mask.
(27:10) Ashanti shares the back of his mask - fear of failure, sadness, trauma. Ashanti and Victor discuss how the back of the mask impacted Ashanti’s teaching, and how Ashanti applied pressure to members of the Ever Forward Club. Victor shares how this shifted his perspective on what defines success.
(38:15) Victor compares the masculinity in the United States with the “machismo” of Mexico, and he tells a story about a young man he is mentoring on his construction site.
(44:15) Ashanti and Victor continue discussing how planting seeds in a young person’s mind can lead to change down the road. Victor tells Ashanti how he helped his cousin get out of a life involved with gangs and drugs. Ashanti shares how he feels the same way about the college trips to LA that he would organize for students.
(49:30) Victor shares some last words for the listeners, and how you can follow him.
Connect with Victor de la Mora:
Instagram: instagram.com/morarq_
Instagram: .instagram.com/vmdelamora
Create your own mask anonymously at www.100kmasks.com
If you are interested in being on the Face to Face podcast, email us at everforwardclub@gmail.com
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: instagram.com/branchspeaks
Facebook: facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
Twitter: twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch
Send in a voice message:
anchor.fm/branch-speaks/message
Connect with Ever Forward Club:
Instagram: instagram.com/everforward
Facebook: facebook.com/everforwardclub
Twitter: twitter.com/everforwardclub
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/the-ever-forward-club
Ever Forward Club’s Ashanti Branch is joined by Leo L., a high school sophomore living in San Francisco, CA. In his first podcast appearance, Leo shares what it is like being an introvert - specifically an introvert that has adopted a "no regrets" philosophy. Ultimately, Leo's courage, to have such a public and vulnerable discussion with Ashanti, leads to a heartwarming discussion about self-discovery.
(1:02) Ashanti’s introduction
(4:20) Leo introduces himself, his origins, his interests, and his love of gaming. Ashanti shares how he and Leo connected.
(7:15) Ashanti and Leo make their masks together, while recalling prior meetings even before Leo’s high school experience.
(14:30) Ashanti shares the front of his mask - caring, serious, hard working.
(15:40) Leo shares the front of his mask - confident, trying not to be introverted, caring.
(18:50) Ashanti shares the back of his mask - fear of failure, not a good writer, sadness about death. Leo shares how he associates anger with failure, as opposed to fear. He shares what gaming has taught him about failure and his overall attitude towards life.
(20:55) Leo shares the back of his mask - observant, uncertain-ish, trying. He describes situations in which he observes and knows more than he lets on, and how it’s hard for him to speak up about these observations.
(30:45) Leo reflects on how reaching out for emotional help is difficult, but ultimately worth the discomfort.
(34:00) Leo and Ashanti look back on the middle school workshop that Leo first attended. They discuss how powerful it is to see another side of a peer you have known for so long, and how it gives everyone permission to share what they may have been hiding.
(38:15) Leo and Ashanti tap into Ashanti’s past as a math teacher. They discuss Leo’s future, the new things that Leo has been trying, and the comfort zones he has been pushing.
(51:00) Leo gives his final message to the listeners.
Connect with Leo:
Instagram: instagram.com/jus_un_croissant
Create your own mask anonymously at www.100kmasks.com
If you are interested in being on the Face to Face podcast, email us at everforwardclub@gmail.com
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: instagram.com/branchspeaks
Facebook: facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
Twitter: twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch
Send in a voice message:
anchor.fm/branch-speaks/message
Connect with Ever Forward Club:
Instagram: instagram.com/everforward
Facebook: facebook.com/everforwardclub
Twitter: twitter.com/everforwardclub
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/the-ever-forward-club
Ever Forward Club’s Ashanti Branch is joined by Denel McMahan. Denel is a high school senior - on the brink of graduation! Though he has yet to receive his diploma (something that will happen in mere days), Denel has already co-founded an alumni association, begun interning for Congressman Eric Swalwell, protested for Black Lives Matter, and coordinated with the local city council to put on social justice-oriented events in the Tri-Valley area. Ashanti and Denel discuss the front and back of their masks, and what Denel sees in his generation of future leaders.
(2:00) Ashanti's introduction.
(4:56) Denel introduces himself, his work and accomplishments in the Tri-Valley community, his affiliation with Tri-Valley Black Lives, upcoming senior graduation, and how he and Ashanti know each other.
(9:04) Ashanti and Denel make their masks together.
(12:13) Denel shares how he has changed during the Covid-19 Pandemic.
(15:07) Denel shares the front of his mask - reserved, go with the flow, hard-working. Ashanti shares the front of his mask - caring, smart, hard-working.
(19:10) Denel shares the back of his mask - opinionated, struggle with confidence, passionate, humorous. He reflects on how he hides the strong, opinionated parts of himself, in order to maintain a “go with the flow” exterior.
(21:48) Ashanti shares the back of his mask - fear of failure, sadness about death, uncertainty. He opens up about the uncertainty that comes with chasing a big dream, and how he has a tendency to avoid coming face to face with death, whenever it has affected his family and friends.
(27:38) Denel shares what he is seeing in the emotional health of his generation, especially as a Black man, and especially in the younger men at Dublin High School. They discuss why it is hard for people to show up for themselves emotionally.
(34:00) Denel tells Ashanti how he was inspired by the Black Lives Matter movement, and how it has helped him improve the Black Student Union at his school and form an alumni network.
(39:39) Ashanti gives Denel a breakdown of the Ever Forward Club’s history, how it has established a global reach, and his aspirations to bring young men in the club to experiences and locations they’ve never seen before.
(47:25) Denel gives some words of wisdom to younger peers and shares how his parents help him push his comfort zone.
(50:17) After gaining notoriety from his activism, Denel has also experienced being targeted on social media. He opens up about the experience, and how it gives him more conviction and a desire to maintain consistency when standing up for social justice.
Connect with Denel McMahan
Instagram: instagram.com/dmcmahan_15
Instagram: instagram.com/dublinhsbsu
NBC News Segment used in this episode: nbcbayarea.com/news/local/dublin-man-apologizes-to-teen-after-threatening-social-media-post/2395833/
Create your own mask anonymously at www.100kmasks.com
If you are interested in being on the Face to Face podcast, email us at everforwardclub@gmail.com
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: instagram.com/branchspeaks
Facebook: facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
Twitter: twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch
Ever Forward Club’s Ashanti Branch is joined by Niroj Bhandari. Niroj is based in Nepal, and his non-profit work focuses on strengthening access to health for low and middle income countries. Ashanti and Niroj discuss “gloominess”, providing structures to express and discuss negative emotions healthily, and how accurate the movie Inside Out really is.
(00:57) Ashanti's introduction.
(5:40) Niroj introduces himself and how he and Ashanti know each other, and Ashanti congratulates Niroj for completing medical school.
(9:57) Ashanti and Niroj make their masks together.
(13:42) Niroj shares the front of his mask - peaceful, smart, authentic. Ashanti shares the front of his mask - serious, funny, hard working, (caring).
(17:00) Niroj shares the back of his mask - anxious, nervous, gloomy. Ashanti shares the back of his mask - fear of failure, worry, sadness about death.
(18:07) They examine the worries Ashanti has, since many big events are coming up with Ever Forward; the tendency for Niroj to make gloominess his natural state of mind; and Niroj and Ashanti’s experiences being bullied.
(33:45) Niroj shares what it’s like to spend time with friends that emote happiness much more than him. It leads into a discussion on how to deal with negative emotions healthily, how it is important to provide structures for these emotions, and the accuracy of the film Inside Out.
(41:40) Niroj and Ashanti relate over the idea that there are multiple characters, personalities, or even people within them; they discuss how it is difficult to share this and other sentiments with everyone; and they continue discussing Inside Out.
(48:00) Niroj shares some final thoughts about the different components, or personalities, within us, and how life experiences impact these different components. They also discuss the trends that Niroj sees in Nepali men’s ideas of masculinity.
(52:45) Ashanti and Niroj discuss the patterns of behavior and emotional projections that get passed down between generations - and how Niroj wants to break these patterns.
(57:25) Niroj shares what’s next - his work with tech service, nonprofit work in the health field, and future practicing medicine.
Connect with Niroj Bhandari:
Instagram: instagram.com/_nirojbhandari_/
Twitter: twitter.com/BhandariNiroj
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/bniroj
Check out Ever Forward Club: The Adventure Card Game at indiegogo.com/projects/ever-forward-club-the-adventure-card-game#
Create your own mask anonymously at www.100kmasks.com
If you are interested in being on the Face to Face podcast, email us at everforwardclub@gmail.com
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: instagram.com/branchspeaks
Facebook: facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
Twitter: twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch
Send in a voice message:
anchor.fm/branch-speaks/message
Ever Forward Club’s Ashanti Branch is joined by Joe Hawley. Joe is determined to help professional athletes find their purpose after leaving the game that they love. After 8 seasons in the NFL, Joe retired in 2017, donated his belongings, bought a van, and traveled the US for nearly two years. Ashanti and Joe discuss what’s on the back of Joe’s mask; what Joe learned on the road; the importance of trust, courage and boundaries; and why fear is a guiding post to freedom.
(1:44) Ashanti’s introduction.
(6:00) Joe shares his background as a former NFL player, who made the transition away from the game, lived on the road for 2 years, and found purpose in The Härt Collective, which helps former athletes find purpose.
(10:40) Ashanti and Joe discuss the difference between “doing” and “being”, and find similarities in their work. Ashanti also shares his newest mask, inspired by luchador Mil Máscaras, and shares what masks mean to him.
(18:40) Ashanti and Joe share the fronts of their masks. Ashanti - hard working, caring, funny, serious. Joe - happy, calm, funny.
(21:45) Ashanti shares the back of his mask - fear, sadness, trauma. He reflects on his multiple fears, and how he seeks to chip away at these fears day by day. Joe encourages Ashanti to use fear as a guiding post, since on the other side of fear is freedom.
(25:38) Joe shares the back of his mask - overwhelmed, questioning if I’m capable, tired of having to prove myself. Then, they discuss why it is important to push their comfort zones and trust the bigger purpose, while fighting the feeling that “the grass is always greener on the other side.”
(30:45) Joe and Ashanti then discuss what it is like leading their respective organizations - the fears they are overcoming, how they are learning to ask for help and empower people, how they have learned to set boundaries, and the complicated intersection of life and work.
(44:20) Joe shares where you can get in touch with him.
Connect with Joe Hawley:
Instagram: instagram.com/joe.hawley
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/joe-hawley
Website: joe-hawley.com
Website: thehartcollective.com
YouTube: youtube.com/c/JoeHawley68
Clubhouse: joinclubhouse.com/@joe.hawley
Check out Ever Forward Club: The Adventure Card Game at indiegogo.com/projects/ever-forward-club-the-adventure-card-game#
Create your own mask anonymously at www.100kmasks.com
If you are interested in being on the Face to Face podcast, email us at everforwardclub@gmail.com
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: instagram.com/branchspeaks
Facebook: facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
Twitter: twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch
Send in a voice message:
anchor.fm/branch-speaks/message
Ever Forward Club’s Ashanti Branch is joined by Kevin Romero. Kevin is a young college student with an emotional wisdom that goes beyond his years. After sharing their masks, Ashanti and Kevin engage in a deep, philosophical discussion on emotional burdens - how much should the individual be responsible for handling their own emotions, and what is the role of the individual’s peers, significant other, family, and friends in this emotional burden?
(3:55) After finishing setting a brand new podcast website with the help of Ashanti, Kevin shares why he wants to inspire others.
(6:40) Ashanti and Kevin reflect on how they met, and the what ifs that came with it.
(11:25) Kevin introduces himself, an El Salvadorian college student raised in Oakland, California.
(13:50) Ashanti shares the front of his mask - caring, hard working, serious - and how his care manifests in multiple ways.
(17:05) Kevin shares the front of his mask - loud, positive, joyful, funny, energetic.
(20:30) Kevin shares the back of his mask - scared, non energetic, I’m in fear, I went through things to get where I am now. He then shares why he feels like he has nothing to hide on the inside, and how he feels burdened by the relationships that count on him to lift them up.
(23:30) Ashanti shares the back of his mask - fear, sadness about death, trauma. He reflects on what it was like to grow up without a mentor, in a culture that encourages toughness and individualism.
(26:05) Kevin pushes Ashanti to share more about death and family trauma. He explores both the passing of his father and his grandmother.
(32:30) Kevin shares when he became aware of how emotional masks hide who we really are, after ending an unhealthy relationship. He then explores how sometimes the most outwardly excited people have the most to share behind the mask.
(37:25) Ashanti and Kevin discuss what constitutes a healthy balance between going to others for emotional help, and trying to rely on yourself.
(47:15) Kevin shares how he has always been someone with a girlfriend, how this is the first time in a long time he isn’t in a relationship, and what he has learned about the burden of emotions in this new phase of his life.
(55:45) Ashanti gives Kevin advice about how to burden and unburden emotions in a sustainable way.
(1:09:10) Kevin shares his final thoughts.
Connect with Kevin Romero:
Instagram: instagram.com/ayyy_kevin
Twitter: twitter.com/ayyy_kevin
Create your own mask anonymously at www.100kmasks.com
If you are interested in being on the Face to Face podcast, email us at everforwardclub@gmail.com
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: instagram.com/branchspeaks
Facebook: facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
Twitter: twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch
Send in a voice message:
anchor.fm/branch-speaks/message
Ever Forward Club’s Ashanti Branch is joined by Earl Crawford Jr. Earl is a director and principal of multiple programs that serve at-risk youth. He views himself as a “servant leader”, but prefers to leave out the word “leader.” Ashanti and Earl work in the same field. But beyond discussing the world of education, they take off their masks and explore their fears, their family relationships, and how life can be summed up with a tortoise and a hare.
(1:29) Ashanti’s introduction.
(4:30) Earl introduces himself and his work, and Ashanti shares how they have overlapped in education circles.
(7:20) Ashanti walks Earl through his first time making a mask.
(11:05) Earl and Ashanti share the fronts of their masks. Earl - engaging, hopeful, strong, Ashanti - caring, hard working, dedicated.
(13:55) Earl shares the back of his mask - domestic violence perpetrator and victim, vulnerability, when I’m hurt or sad. He reflects on his tendency to withdraw from vulnerable situations, while still seeking the relief derived from sharing. He also shares how he feels like the traits on the front and back of his mask can be taken advantage of.
(16:05) Ashanti shares the back of his mask - fear of failure, sadness, childhood trauma. He shares how social media has put himself in touch with a multitude of fears. Earl then encourages Ashanti by taking the tortoise and the hare fable to the next level, and Ashanti reflects on how he has become older and wiser.
(23:22) Ashanti and Earl find commonality in their respective careers in education, as well as their lives as students in the very same city and system that they serve.
(28:00) Ashanti and Earl break down Paul Lawrence Dunbar’s “We Wear the Masks”, and what it means for both students and adults in the education system.
(30:35) Earl shares his experiences, important learnings, and regrets as a father.
(35:44) Earl gives a message to young people who may be hesitant to make a mask.
(36:55) Earl shares how you can get in touch with him.
Connect with Earl Crawford Jr.
Instagram: instagram.com/encjr81
Twitter: twitter.com/encjr81
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/earl-c-40646014
Create your own mask anonymously at www.100kmasks.com
If you are interested in being on the Face to Face podcast, email us at everforwardclub@gmail.com
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: instagram.com/branchspeaks
Facebook: facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
Twitter: twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch
Send in a voice message:
anchor.fm/branch-speaks/message
Ever Forward Club’s Ashanti Branch is joined by Luis Canseco. Luis speaks with both youth and adults about domestic violence prevention, and he believes that early prevention and vulnerability are the keys to reducing violence and building a better world. Ashanti and Luis connect over their love of Oaxaca, and discuss how experiences being bullied as children shaped them and their future work advocating for social justice.
(1:48) Ashanti’s introduction.
(5:27) Luis introduces himself, his work, his beliefs on how to achieve a healthier sense of masculinity in our society, and his ties to Oaxaca.
(7:16) Ashanti shares his connection to Oaxaca and drops some knowledge on masks and Lucha Libre.
(12:04) Ashanti and Luis share the fronts of their masks. Ashanti - funny, caring, hard working. Luis - loving, genuine, vulnerable.
(15:09) Ashanti shares the back of his mask - fear of failure, sadness, trauma. He reflects on how he wants to approach his day with more fearlessness, confronting a list of fears that he considers to be long.
(17:49) Luis shares the back of his mask - fear of failure, imposter syndrome, anxiety. He shares how he masks his anxiety during presentations. Then, Ashanti and Luis discuss how coming to the US at age 12 and being bullied led to his imposter syndrome.
(23:14) Ashanti and Luis share more about their experiences being bullied as children. They discuss how it is hard to speak up for oneself when being bullied. Instead, Luis expressed himself through rebellion, fighting, and cutting school, and this rebellion opened his eyes to the inequities in and around his community.
(31:58) Ashanti shares how Luis’s life in Vista is similar to Oakland, and how Luis reminds him of students Ashanti has worked with at the Ever Forward Club.
(36:30) Luis reflects on how his parent’s belief in him played a huge role in his shift away from trouble. Just like his parents and his professor mentors, Luis now expresses this same belief when working with youth and leading with his own vulnerability.
(44:42) Luis shares how he will use the mask activity in his workshops, shares his final message, and lets the audience know how to contact him.
If you or someone you know is experiencing bullying, please visit and explore the resources at nobully.org.
Connect with Luis Canseco:
Instagram: instagram.com/lfercanseco
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/luis-canseco-9691971a5
Create your own mask anonymously at www.100kmasks.com
If you are interested in being on the Face to Face podcast, email us at everforwardclub@gmail.com
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: instagram.com/branchspeaks
Facebook: facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
Twitter: twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch
Send in a voice message:
anchor.fm/branch-speaks/message
Ever Forward Club’s Ashanti Branch gives some updates and news around the EFC. He then shares the story of an Ever Forward Club member and student leader, Sam R.
Here are some updates:
(1:47) An Ever Forward Club student and Ashanti are appearing on the Kelly Clarkson Show, on April 7, 2021, at 3 pm PST. Learn how you can watch the program on NBC or online.
(3:46) Alameda High School submitted 1,850 new masks, during a school wide Taking Off The Mask workshop, led by student leadership. Ashanti shares what the experience was like.
(6:18) Learn how the Ever Forward "Peer Mentoring" project works and spreads by empowering young people.
(9:44) Ashanti shares thoughts on schools getting ready to resume in-person instruction; how big of an adjustment it is going to be for students, their communities, and teachers; and the social-emotional implications of this transition.
(14:13) Ashanti gives praise for Sam R. and the story he shared with over 100 student leaders at Alameda High School.
(17:45) Learn about the launch of the "Ever Forward Club Adventure" card game.
(18:51) Listen to Sam’s story about how he overcame serious injuries to his body, and a fire at his and his family's home.
Create your own mask anonymously at www.100kmasks.com
If you are interested in being on the Face to Face podcast, email us at everforwardclub@gmail.com
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: instagram.com/branchspeaks
Facebook: facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
Twitter: twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch
Send in a voice message:
anchor.fm/branch-speaks/message
Connect with Ever Forward Club:
Instagram: instagram.com/everforward
Facebook: facebook.com/everforwardclub
Twitter: twitter.com/everforwardclub
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/the-ever-forward-club
Ever Forward Club’s Ashanti Branch is joined by Adam Smiley Poswolsky. Adam is a person full of empathy, and his desire to build understanding for the common good comes across in this conversation. As a millennial workplace expert, his goal is to foster a sense of belonging in the digital age. Currently he is de-stigmatizing loneliness in his newest book, “Friendship in the Age of Loneliness.”
(1:45) Ashanti’s introduction.
(5:30) Smiley introduces himself and his work as an author and millennial workplace expert. Then he and Ashanti reflect on how their work and their relationship has evolved over time.
(11:12) Ashanti and Smiley share the front of their masks. Ashanti - funny, serious, hard-working. Smiley - happy, successful, expert.
(14:02) Ashanti shares the back of his mask - fear of failure, sadness, mental health. They discuss negative self-talk, downplaying one’s own work and ability, and how comparison is the thief of joy.
(17:07) Smiley shares the back of his mask - lonely, sad, unsure. He shares how the pandemic has exacerbated his sadness and loneliness, and how he has always oscillated between feeling like an expert and feeling like he doesn’t have the answers.
(26:01) The men discuss Smiley’s book, “Friendship in the Age of Loneliness”, as it pertains to the Covid-19 pandemic, and to Ashanti’s work with youth. They also discuss how loneliness is a subjective experience, as opposed to something that can be measured objectively.
(29:37) Next, they discuss the stigma of admitting loneliness, and how an extroverted, actively social person can still be lonely.
(34:50) Smiley shares how he got the nickname “Smiley” as an adolescent. They discuss how this experience made him feel a sense of belonging, and how opportunities for a sense of belonging are more available for adolescents than they are for adults.
(39:30) As an expert on how the digital age has changed our society, Smiley shares his lesson for young people.
(42:45) Smiley shares how to get in touch with him.
Connect with Adam Smiley Poswolsky:
Instagram: instagram.com/whatsupsmiley
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/adamsposwolsky
Website: smileyposwolsky.com
Book: amazon.com/Friendship-Age-Loneliness-Optimists-Connection/dp/0762472278
Create your own mask anonymously at www.100kmasks.com
If you are interested in being on the Face to Face podcast, email us at everforwardclub@gmail.com
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: instagram.com/branchspeaks
Facebook: facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
Twitter: twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch
Send in a voice message:
anchor.fm/branch-speaks/message
Ever Forward Club’s Ashanti Branch is joined by Adam Roa. Adam is a renowned artist, poet, and coach. Beyond his millions of YouTube views, Adam is known for being radically vulnerable and open with his emotions. In this conversation, Adam and Ashanti discuss fulfillment, discovering the "magic" of life, and how a giving people the right emotional tools can change perspectives and lead to healthier, happier lifestyles.
(1:42) Ashanti’s introduction.
(5:55) Adam introduces himself and his purpose in life.
(10:25) Ashanti and Adam recall how they met. And Adam shares how he came up with the idea for his poem “Masks”, a poem closely aligned with Ashanti’s work.
Check out the poem here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yXO8qAaIESc
(17:20) After Adam shares why it was hard for him to stay in an authentic relationship with an image conscious celebrity, the two men discuss what “fulfillment” means to them, and why “lifestyle” is more important than “accomplishments".
(28:55) Adam and Ashanti share the fronts of their masks. Adam - smart, hard worker, caring. Ashanti - funny, caring, serious, hard working.
(29:45) Adam shares the back of his mask - uncertain, fear of failure, anger. He shares how uncertainty and fear of failure are on his mind despite his success, and how he is learning to utilize anger.
(31:55) Ashanti shares the back of his mask - fear of failure, sadness about death, brother’s mental health. This leads Adam and Ashanti into a discussion about faith and “the magic” of life. They discuss how these concepts apply to themselves, as well as how they apply to the young people Ashanti works with.
(38:48) Adam and Ashanti then explore the difference between being excited and being nervous.
(42:05) Next, the two men discuss how poetry and art can simplify complex emotions for those that are struggling, and how creating art can give people tools to process trauma.
(49:15) Adam shares a final message for young people, before sharing where you can find him and get in touch.
Connect with Adam Roa
Instagram: instagram.com/adam.roa; instagram.com/thedeepdive
Facebook: facebook.com/IAmAdamRoa
Websites: adamroa.com; surrenderedartist.org; thecreatecommunity.com
Create your own mask anonymously at www.100kmasks.com
If you are interested in being on the Face to Face podcast, email us at everforwardclub@gmail.com
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: instagram.com/branchspeaks
Facebook: facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
Twitter: twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch
Send in a voice message:
anchor.fm/branch-speaks/message
Ever Forward Club’s Ashanti Branch is joined by Keita Demming. In addition to his work with The Covenant Group, Keita is interested in how our society can have better conversations. Keita's grandmother passed away recently before the recording of this podcast, and Ashanti lost his grandmother a year ago, so the men bond and reflect on where their emotions have taken them during the grieving process.
(1:36) Ashanti’s introduction.
(5:05) Keita introduces himself, his work, and why he believes why doing small things exceptionally well is the best way to have a big impact.
(9:58) The two men share the fronts of their masks. Keita - thoughtfulness, knowledge, optimism. Ashanti - serious, caring, hard working.
(11:36) Keita shares the back of his mask - foresight, my deepest work, who I really am. He shares how he is still learning how to be humble, instead of being secretive.
(13:20) Keita reflects on the passing of his grandmother, the good and bad of a virtual funeral, and how close his bond was with his grandmother.
(16:56) Ashanti shares the back of his mask - fear of failure, sadness about death, childhood trauma. Ashanti relates the passing of his own grandmother to Keita’s. Ashanti reflects on what his grandmother represents to him, and why he is upset that his family is selling his grandmother’s home.
(21:30) Keita talks about how he believes emotions are love notes to the self. He helps Ashanti unpack what "love note" Ashanti’s emotions are telling him, with regards to his grandmother.
(26:10) Keita shares why he believes he has only just begun the grieving process, and shares how he is applying what he has learned about his emotions to how he is raising his son.
(29:06) The men discuss the idea of emotional wounds and emotional scars. They discuss how this metaphor is multi-layered.
(33:31) Keita shares how you can get in touch with him.
Connect with Keita Demming:
Instagram: instagram.com/kdemming/
Twitter: twitter.com/kdemming
LinkedIn:linkedin.com/in/kdemming/
Website: www.betterconversationsproject.com
Create your own mask anonymously at www.100kmasks.com
If you are interested in being on the Face to Face podcast, email us at everforwardclub@gmail.com
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: instagram.com/branchspeaks
Facebook: facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
Twitter: twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch
Send in a voice message:
anchor.fm/branch-speaks/message
Connect with Ever Forward Club:
Instagram: instagram.com/everforward
Facebook: facebook.com/everforwardclub
Twitter: twitter.com/everforwardclub
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/the-ever-forward-club
Ever Forward Club’s Ashanti Branch hosts filmmaker Alex Gabbay, and author and lecturer Dr. Judy Chu, as the three panelists answer audience questions and discuss Alex’s new film "Beyond Men and Masculinity". In addition to discussing the effects of culture and hierarchy on child development, the panelists are joined by nine-year-old Lucian, the youngest member of Ever Forward Club’s newest boys’ circle, and high school senior Justin Odom, who has contributed significantly to the launch of the Ever Forward Club’s Peer Mentoring program.
(0:09) Ashanti gives background on the film and the panel. He then shares some masks that he collected while visiting Mexico and taking some youth through the mask-making process.
(6:40) The panelists discuss the question, “How do we get more men to say yes to showing up in vulnerable spaces, and how do we create more of these spaces?”
(11:00) Lucian, a 9-year-old boy, shares what it is like being in a newly launched Ever Forward Club circle, for boys in grades 4 through 6.
(13:00) Justin, a high school senior based in Alameda, shares why he was drawn to the work of Ever Forward Club, especially while enduring the trials of a global pandemic.
(15:49) Alex shares where people can view Beyond Men and Masculinity and get in touch with him.
(17:10) The panelists consider the idea that promoting equality and democracy is a threat to masculinity.
(21:21) Next, they address the question, “What are things that adults and students can practice daily to help shift men into more honest, vulnerable spaces?”
(27:34) The panelists discuss the question, “For mothers raising boys, what are ways to raise them to be emotionally healthy and break traditional male norms?”
(35:27) Next, they consider some of the similarities and differences around the concept of masculinity amongst different cultures.
(38:02) The next question raised is, “Is the solution to patriarchy a “co-archy”?”
(40:35) Alex shares information on another one of his films, The Price of Fairness, addressing the question, “what does it mean to be fair?”
(41:45) Finally, the panelists discuss two questions: “How should a parent gauge whether a child is too emotional? How do we move a child from acknowledging the themes of emotionality to actually practicing them?”
(46:23) Dr. Chu and Alex share some words with the audience.
Connect with Alex Gabbay
Instagram: instagram.com/futureishumane
Twitter: twitter.com/futureishumane
To See the Full film: https://thefutureishumane.vhx.tv/
Connect with Dr. Judy Chu
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/juchu
Create your own mask anonymously at www.100kmasks.com
If you are interested in being on the Face to Face podcast, email us at everforwardclub@gmail.com
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: instagram.com/branchspeaks
Facebook: facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
Twitter: twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch
Send in a voice message:
anchor.fm/branch-speaks/message
Ever Forward Club’s Ashanti Branch is joined by Thomas Sage Pedersen. Thomas hosts the podcast Speak For Change, works as CEO of the award winning music school Everyone's Music School, serves on the Steering Committee for Santa Cruz County’s Black Coalition for Justice and Racial Equity, and is a Certified Kingian Nonviolence Trainer. Thomas and Ashanti share their masks, and their conversation centers mostly around Parker Palmer’s idea of a “Critical Gap” that exists between one’s own world as it is, and one’s own world as he/she wants it to be.
(1:36) Ashanti’s introduction.
(4:04) Thomas introduces himself, his podcast, his work as the CEO of Everyone’s Music school, and his community work in Santa Cruz.
(5:00) Ashanti appeared on Thomas’s podcast, and they reflect on the experience as it relates to “taking off the mask”
(8:11) Thomas shares what it was like making a mask, and why he tried the exercise twice.
(10:00) Thomas and Ashanti share the fronts of their masks. Thomas - passion and dedication, empathy and compassion, lightheartedness. Ashanti - funny, caring, hard working.
(10:55) Thomas reflects on how he puts on a "front" during stressful situations, and how re-examining his first mask led to a deeper exploration of self. Ashanti reflects on why caring is an integral part of his personality.
(15:30) Thomas and Ashanti share the back of their masks. Thomas - insecure, playful, sensitive. Ashanti - fear of failure, trauma, mental health.
(17:48) Thomas relates to Ashanti’s experiences with family members that have mental health issues, and shares how mental health issues are symptoms of our societal value system.
(19:50) The two men discuss their insecurities. They discuss how it is hard to be objective about whatever they may be insecure of, since insecurity is an emotional, subjective experience that leads to extreme behaviors - unless we learn to accept ourselves and reframe our self-improvement goals.
(29:25) Thomas and Ashanti discuss Parker Palmer’s idea of a “Critical Gap” between the world as it is, and the world as one wants it to be. They discuss how acknowledging this gap can allow one to make incremental, healthy progress.
(37:33) They then share how embracing one’s identity, one’s strengths and weaknesses, allows for a more authentic and productive life. They also acknowledge the other side, how certain identities and characteristics are connected to gender and gender conformity. Unfortunately, for men, being playful and sensitive leads to negative experiences when rubbing up against the dominant culture.
(52:41) Thomas shares how you can get in touch with him.
Connect with Thomas Sage Pedersen
Website: linktr.ee/speakforchangepodcast; everyonesmusicschool.com
Instagram: instagram.com/thomassagepedersen
Facebook: facebook.com/speakforchangepodcast
Create your own mask anonymously at www.100kmasks.com
If you are interested in being on the Face to Face podcast, email us at everforwardclub@gmail.com
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: instagram.com/branchspeaks
Facebook: facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
Twitter: twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch
Ever Forward Club’s Ashanti Branch is joined by Adam Rosendahl. As a creative entrepreneur and the Chief Experience Officer of Late Nite Art, Adam sees art as a means to humanize individuals and build connections. The two men discuss what it takes to maintain creativity while leading their respective organizations.
(1:33) Ashanti’s introduction.
(3:28) Adam introduces himself and his work, and then he and Ashanti share their friendship and its origins.
(9:22) Both men share the front of their masks: Adam - caring, adventurous, confident, creative; Ashanti - serious, funny, caring, hard working.
(10:09) Adam reflects on the front of his mask - how being caring can be a beautiful quality in a man, but at times he finds himself sacrificing for others at the expense of his own emotions. Adam also shares how proud he is of his work, and how it keeps him connected to his childhood qualities.
(13:15) Ashanti reflects on the front of his mask - why he has started to write “caring” on his mask every time, and what it’s like to have to oscillate between being a mentor and a boss. Adam then shares how he is similar and different when running his organization.
(17:52) Both men share the back of their masks: Adam - restless, worried, passive-aggressive; Ashanti - fear of failure, sadness, trauma.
(18:45) Adam reflects on the back of his mask - how he is working on addressing conflict head on, working on being okay with making others uncomfortable. He also shares how he is working on channeling his worries in a more loving, caring manner.
(22:05) Ashanti reflects on the back of his mask - how having one-sided interactions with individuals can be a detriment to success. He also shares an internal dissonance he has been tackling this year - how he is in the business of allowing young men to release their anger, yet he has not allowed himself to release emotions in the same way.
(33:00) The men discuss the power of developing and implementing a more specific, self-aware, emotional vocabulary.
(37:04) They discuss the balancing act that occurs when one wants to hold oneself accountable to high standards, but still needs to admit when one needs help and support to achieve these standards.
(43:00) Ashanti and Adam look back on the first day they met, at a workshop that built in time for everyone to decorate their name tags.
(47:31) Adam shares one last message about the power of saying something out loud, and how this act can release the power that insecurities and vulnerabilities may have over you.
(51:25) Learn about Adam’s current projects.
Connect with Adam Rosendahl
Website: www.lateniteart.com
Instagram:.instagram.com/adam_rosendahl & instagram.com/lateniteart
Facebook: facebook.com/lateniteart
Create your own mask anonymously at www.100kmasks.com
If you are interested in being on the Face to Face podcast, email us at everforwardclub@gmail.com
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: instagram.com/branchspeaks
Facebook: facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
Twitter: twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch
Email: branchspeaks@gmail.com
Ever Forward Club’s Ashanti Branch is joined by Jason Gant. Jason is a San Francisco native who brings an international perspective to his work in mental health and athletics. He has collaborated with and supported the youth of Ever Forward Social-Emotional Leadership Academy. Ashanti discusses Jason's curios, adventurous nature, and what he has learned while abroad.
(1:24) Ashanti’s introduction.
(3:55) Jason introduces himself. In addition to his experiences with mental health, we learn about his experience with entrepreneurial management and his travels in Spain and Taiwan.
(7:14) Jason shares the front of his mask - curious, joy, adventurous.
(8:16) Ashanti shares the front of his mask - serious, caring, hard-working. He shares how “caring” has become a new word on the front of his mask that he’s been reflecting on, and how it often replaces where he usually writes “funny”.
(9:55) Jason shares the back of his mask - victim, hyperrational, intense. He reflects on how these words change over time. He shares what it was like to write these words down for the first time, after seeing these descriptors in a personality test he recently took. He talks about what it’s like finding a balance between the front and the back, and how acquiring more mental health tools has helped him.
(13:12) Ashanti shares the back of his mask - fear of failure, sadness about death, his brother’s mental health. He shares that it was recently his brother’s birthday, and how he builds empathy and handles the frustrations of having a brother with paranoid schizophrenia.
(19:27) Jason shares how he found his current niche - developing the mental skills of athletes - while wandering the streets of Spain and providing space for his mind to ponder. He then shares what he learned about mental health, during the most intense moments of competitive sports, and how he can help athletes access peak performance in these moments.
(28:37) Jason shares his final thoughts on the mask-making process, and how you can get in touch with him.
Connect with Jason Gant
Twitter: twitter.com/myvillagetribe
Instagram:.instagram.com/myvillagetribe
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/myvillagetribe
Email: myVillageTribe@gmail.com
Youtube: youtube.com/watch?v=n_ZAkEvn5MQ&t=51s
Check out the USA premiere of Beyond Men and Masculinity:
gofund.me/e5d204ee
Create your own mask anonymously at www.100kmasks.com
If you are interested in being on the Face to Face podcast, email us at everforwardclub@gmail.com
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: instagram.com/branchspeaks
Facebook: facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
Twitter: twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch
Email: everforwardclub@gmail.com
Send in a voice message:
anchor.fm/branch-speaks/message
Ever Forward Club’s Ashanti Branch is joined by Charles Luis Herñañdez, or “Chuck”. Among many things, Chuck is “a man on a mission to lose 300 lbs”. In this conversation, Ashanti and Chuck discuss how each man has gained purpose and inspiration from their friendship.
(1:20) Ashanti’s introduction.
(4:05) Chuck introduces himself, the origins of his nickname, his family, his work in education, as well as his passion for projects in music and video. They reflect on how a chance meeting with Ashanti at a conference has grown into a friendship.
(10:42) Chuck talks briefly about starting a health group before he and Ashanti talk broadly about how they both have set and are on the pathway to achieving their weight loss goals. They each share their vulnerabilities around food addiction and how they have both inspired one another.
(21:28) Chuck and Ashanti make their masks together.
(25:50) Chuck shares the front of his mask - glowing, humorous, neutral, before Ashanti shares the front of his mask - funny, hard-working, caring. They discuss how these facets of themselves play a role in how each navigates the world, how these facets hold each man accountable to certain standards, and how Ashanti holds the youth he works with to certain standards.
(39:20) Chuck shares the back of his mask - pain, physical pain, neutrality. He shares how each item on the back of his mask is connected to a specific item on the front.
(41:55) Ashanti shares the back of his mask - food addiction, sadness, fear of failure. He shares how his mother helped him open his eyes to the concept of food addiction, and how he has just recently been able to properly name and acknowledge this addiction.
(49:05) We learn about Chuck’s current projects - his podcast, social media, and the feature-length documentary he has been working on. He reflects on how making the documentary has been therapeutic, allowing him to look at his past and process it.
(52:00) Chuck shares some final thoughts on the documentary, and how he is learning to aim beyond his targets and goals in life.
Connect with Chuck Herñañdez:
Instagram:.instagram.com/fat.talk/
Facebook: facebook.com/startedwiththebottlenowimfat
Documentary Trailer: instagram.com/p/CJPa3dFg5Nb/
Create your own mask anonymously at www.100kmasks.com
If you are interested in being on the Face to Face podcast, email us at everforwardclub@gmail.com
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: instagram.com/branchspeaks
Facebook: facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
Twitter: twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch
Email: everforwardclub@gmail.com
Send in a voice message:
anchor.fm/branch-speaks/message
Ever Forward Club’s Ashanti Branch is joined by Aaron Jackson. Aaron is a student at the University of San Francisco. Based in Oakland, CA, he was recently featured in the San Francisco Chronicle’s coverage of the Bay Area’s 2020 graduating high school senior class. Ashanti and Aaron make masks together, and share their similar experiences with the passing of family members.
(1:12) Ashanti’s introduction.
(4:13) Aaron shares what his southern background means to him, and why he enjoys living in the Bay Area.
(10:33) Ashanti walks Aaron through the mask-making process.
(13:27) Aaron shares the front of his mask - a can-do attitude, optimism, enthusiasm, resilience.
(16:15) Ashanti shares the front of his mask - hard working, caring, serious.
(18:20) Aaron shares the back of his mask - past experiences, anxiety. He shares how he believes in focusing on a brighter future as opposed to dwelling on the past. And he reflects on how he tends to overthink in certain situations, which can be overwhelming.
(20:03) Ashanti shares the back of his mask - fear of failure, childhood trauma, sadness about death. He shares with Aaron how he is overcoming his fear of sharing videos with his followers, how he is only just recently confronting his childhood traumas, and how his father’s and grandmother’s passing have affected him.
(23:06) Aaron opens up about how he has had similar experiences with trauma and death. These experiences cause him to not share his past with many people he meets. He recalls the pain he has felt over not being able to speak with his mother one last time after his parents divorced, since she passed away soon after Aaron and his father left for California.
(26:31) Aaron reflects on the mask-making experience, relates this experience to restorative justice circles, and shares how other men his age need to do this type of work more.
Connect with Aaron Jackson:
Instagram: instagram.com/aaron.jjr
SF Chronicle Feature: projects.sfchronicle.com/class-of-2020/summer
Create your own mask anonymously at www.100kmasks.com
If you are interested in being on the Face to Face podcast, email us at everforwardclub@gmail.com
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: instagram.com/branchspeaks
Facebook: facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
Twitter: twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch
Email: branchspeaks@gmail.com
Send in a voice message:
anchor.fm/branch-speaks/message
Connect with Ever Forward Club:
Instagram: instagram.com/everforward
Facebook: facebook.com/everforwardclub
Twitter: twitter.com/everforwardclub
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/the-ever-forward-club
Everforward Club’s Ashanti Branch is joined by Dan Doty. Dan has done it all, from writing, to meditation teaching, to men's coaching, to wilderness exploring, to podcasting, to filmmaking... Ashanti's relationship with Dan includes an appearance on Dan's podcast, as well as a retreat into Joshua Tree with Evryman. In this conversation, Dan and Ashanti explore the fronts and backs of their masks, and they reflect on what it means to break the "rules" of masculinity, and whether there are any rules to begin with.
(1:54) Ashanti’s introduction.
(4:25) Dan introduces himself, his background, and the wide variety of work he does and has done; then Dan and Ashanti recall past adventures, specifically an Evryman retreat at Joshua Tree.
(8:23) Dan shares the front of his mask - strong, caring, creative. He shares how he makes sure to keep the front of his mask representative of his authentic self.
(10:29) Ashanti shares the front of his mask - funny, serious, hard-working. He then ponders why he has never written “caring” on the front of his mask, and shares that he often struggles to find a balance between his funny self and his serious self when running the Ever Forward Club.
(12:33) We learn about the similarities and differences between Dan and Ashanti’s experiences rubbing up against stereotypes as school teachers.
(15:50) Dan shares the back of his mask - scared and full of fear, hopeless, angry, feeling as if he does not have things in his life together. We learn about how Dan feels all these things are connected, and connected to the state of the world.
(17:55) Ashanti shares the back of his mask - fear, sadness, trauma. Ashanti relates to Dan’s feelings, and how his insecurities are connected to Ashanti’s tendency to compare himself to others. We learn the many ways that Ashanti wants to push his comfort zone in 2021.
(21:22) The men explore the idea that, with our career and our passions, we are trying to create the things that we lacked in childhood. And, after we achieve some of these milestones, they reflect on the many mental barriers and distractions that exist that prevent us from continuing to move forward.
(24:59) Dan shares what learned about vulnerability, mental health, and coping, while working on a pig farm in high school.
(26:42) Ashanti and Dan discuss the “rules of masculinity.” They question whether they are indeed rules, or if they are the manifestation of men lacking the tools to healthily express feelings.
(29:49) Dan shares how becoming a father further invigorates his work as a men’s coach, and Ashanti relates, with his work with young men.
(32:22) Dan shares a final message, and how we can get in touch with him.
Connect with Dan Doty
Website: dandoty.com
Evryman: evryman.com
Instagram: instagram.com/danieldoty
Create your own mask anonymously at www.100kmasks.com
If you are interested in being on the Face to Face podcast, email us at everforwardclub@gmail.com
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: instagram.com/branchspeaks
Facebook: facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
Twitter: twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch
Send in a voice message:
anchor.fm/branch-speaks/message
Ever Forward Club’s Ashanti Branch is joined by Big Bruh. Big Bruh is a family man, and the host of the podcast Live with Big Bruh. Ashanti and Big Bruh find common ground over hard work, experiences with grief and loss, and conquering the urge to numb pain with distraction instead of confronting pain with honesty and vulnerability.
(1:02) Ashanti’s introduction.
(4:07) Big Bruh introduces himself. He talks about his family and what it’s like to record and host a podcast in a car, with his wife.
(9:00) Ashanti shares the front of his mask - serious, hard working, funny. He shares how he felt as if he was moving slowly this past week, and how certain emotions played a role in this.
(10:20) Big Bruh shares the front of his mask - Hard working, honest, a provider. He reflects on how he picked up these traits from his father, and how he wants to pass these traits on to his seven year old son.
(12:15) Big Bruh breaks down what it was like making a mask for the first time.
(14:15) Ashanti shares the back of his mask - fear, sadness, trauma. He and Big Bruh discuss what happens when you don’t give yourself time to grieve. Ashanti hadn’t dealt with sadness over his grandmother’s passing, and Big Bruh relates, with similar experiences with his grandfather and his aunt.
(19:45) Ashanti and Big Bruh explore the trend that men shut down their emotions and numb these feelings with unhealthy behaviors.
(24:40) Big Bruh shares the back of his mask - stress, over thinker, failure. He shares how his habit of over thinking fuels his stress, and how his status as an illegal immigrant adds further stress. He then shares how a supportive marriage and family allows him to move forward.
(30:50) The two men then analyze what it means to “kill the messenger”, in an attempt to “ignore the message”. They consider how this affects young people today, and how Big Bruh broke out of this cycle, overcoming alcoholism.
(35:25) Ashanti shares thoughts on the book Cry Like a Man, by Jason Wilson. They discuss what happens when men turn off a part of their “humanness”.
(39:19) Big Bruh shares his final message for young men.
(44:08) Learn where to get in touch with Big Bruh.
(45:10) Ashanti shares thoughts on Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Connect with Big Bruh
Podcast: livewithbigbruh.libsyn.com
Instagram: instagram.com/livewithbigbruh
Twitter: twitter.com/livewithbigbruh
Email: livewithbigbruh@gmail.com
Create your own mask anonymously at www.100kmasks.com
If you are interested in being on the Face to Face podcast, email us at everforwardclub@gmail.com
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: instagram.com/branchspeaks
Facebook: facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
Twitter: twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch
Send in a voice message:
anchor.fm/branch-speaks/message
Ever Forward Club’s Ashanti Branch is joined by Jordon Hodges. Jordon is an alumnus of the Ever Forward Club, a former student of Ashanti at San Lorenzo High School, and a UC Irvine graduate, who now works and lives in Orange County, California. The two men discuss how one's expression of anger can change over the course of one's life, and they look back on their experiences at San Lorenzo High School from the perspectives of identity and emotional intelligence.
(1:15) Ashanti’s introduction.
(3:45) Jordan introduces himself - an Oakland native, a father, the first black valedictorian at San Lorenzo High School, and an HR Coordinator in the cannabis industry.
(5:40) Ashanti recollects his experiences with Jordon as his teacher at San Lorenzo High School. He remembers seeing himself in Jordon, and how Jordon had an impact on EFC, bringing more young men into the club through financial literacy training.
(10:20) Ashanti and Jordon make their masks together.
(14:16) Jordon shares the front of his mask - strong, funny, confident, and Ashanti shares his front - hard working, serious, funny. Jordon reflects on what it means to be black in Orange County, while Ashanti reflects on how the front of his mask plays a role as Executive Director of the Ever Forward Club.
(18:29) Jordon shares the back of his mask - sadness, anxiety, anger. He shares the good and the bad of how he has learned to convert sadness into anger, how he can be “active” with anger, whereas he cannot be “active” with depression.
(22:06) Ashanti shares the back of his mask - sadness, fear of failure, trauma. He reflects on how giving back to young men so much allowed him to avoid examining his own mask. He also shares what it was like to transition from engineering to teaching, and how giving up the prospects of financial success pushed him to strive for a deeper impact on the world.
(25:45) Jordon shares his family’s bouts with anger, and how it stemmed from being an emotional child. Over time, his anger matured into more calculated responses, and now, he is learning to let go of his anger.
(31:50) Ashanti and Jordon further examine their past at San Lorenzo High School. They discuss what it was like to be the first black male valedictorian, and how Jordon forged an identity based around a friend group diverse in identities and points of view.
(40:00) Ashanti shares a final story from the day of graduation, before restating his mission to build a space that helps men find peace and navigate their emotions.
(43:28) Ashanti and Jordon share their final thoughts.
Connect with Jordon Hodges:
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jordon-hodges-49138b4b/
Create your own mask anonymously at www.100kmasks.com
If you are interested in being on the Face to Face podcast, email us at everforwardclub@gmail.com
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: instagram.com/branchspeaks
Facebook: facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
Twitter: twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch
Send in a voice message:
anchor.fm/branch-speaks/message
TOTM Face to Face is a series of podcasts where two or more young men undergo the process of making masks, a workshop activity created by Ashanti Branch. This conversation between Darnell and Marcel is the first time that the two men have ever spoken.
(1:05) Ashanti’s introduction.
(3:31) Darnell and Marcel “check in”, rating how they are feeling from a scale from 1 to 10 at this moment.
(4:23) The men create their masks, explain what the front of the mask means, and share what they currently have on the fronts of their masks.
(7:00) Darnell shares the back of his mask - scared, hurt, and disturbed. He opens up about his current situation with law enforcement, and how he is filled with the urge to defend his character.
(8:30) Marcel shares the back of his mask - fearful, anxious, insecure, worried, confused. He shares how the back of his mask is motivated by the uncertainty of the future, and the need to be patient about what is yet to come.
(10:22) Darnell and Marcel discuss how they relate to one another’s masks. Marcel consoles Darnell and gives advice about the current situation. Darnell opens up more about how he feels relieved to unburden himself of the stigma that comes with dealing with law enforcement.
Create your own mask anonymously at www.100kmasks.com
If you are interested in being on the Face to Face podcast, email us at everforwardclub@gmail.com
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: www.instagram.com/branchspeaks
Facebook: www.facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
Twitter: twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch
Send in a voice message:
anchor.fm/branch-speaks/message
Connect with Ever Forward Club:
Instagram: www.instagram.com/everforward
Facebook: www.facebook.com/everforwardclub
Twitter: twitter.com/everforwardclub
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/the-ever-forward-club/
Ever Forward Club’s Ashanti Branch is joined by Shawn Dove, CEO of the Campaign for Black Male Achievement (CBMA). An accomplished leader, community-builder, and advocate for children and families, Shawn has held a prominent position as mentor in Ashanti's life. The two share a spiritual connection, an intangible brotherhood, and the fronts and backs of their masks flow and roll open without ever specifically naming the activity, happening through free-flowing conversation, story, and reflection.
(1:38) Ashanti introduces the podcast.
(4:11) Shawn and Ashanti reflect on the mantra of the season, the current state of affairs, the tumultuous year of 2020, and the importance of moving from extrinsic motivators to intrinsic ones.
(10:55) Shawn tells a story about his trip to Ghana and a retreat to Belize, where he feels that he faced death in the form of a dream - and his willingness to fight it gave him the conviction to continue his life’s work.
(19:45) Shawn and Ashanti reflect on when they first met and connected, the importance of setting lofty goals, and how fear is integral to the history of the Million Mask Movement, and how Ashanti is coming to terms with a particular moment in its history.
(28:50) They discuss impostor syndrome, and Shawn tells a story from his childhood about avoiding abduction as a 9-year-old boy in New York City. He shares how he is just now realizing this was trauma and not a badge of honor.
(38:20) Ashanti and Shawn begin taking off their masks.
(43:24) Then, they ruminate on the common idea that “comparison is the thief of joy”, and on how male vulnerability is now becoming more accepted in our culture - and what these concepts mean when looking back on their past, examining their present, and projecting into the future.
(52:33) Shawn shares details on his upcoming book, I Too Am America: On Loving and Leading Black Boys in America, and shares how sunsetting CBMA is preparing him for his third act.
(57:15) Shawn and Ashanti acknowledge a “kindred brotherhood”, and how Ashanti’s prior fears to reach out to Shawn in tough moments were always overcome by this deep connection.
(1:02:40) The men close the show, but not before Ashanti is interrupted by an unexpected visitor and is able to show off his bilingual chops.
Check out Shawn's:
Twitter: twitter.com/DoveSoars
Instagram: instagram.com/shawn_dove
Create your own mask anonymously at www.100kmasks.com
If you are interested in being on the Face to Face podcast, email us at everforwardclub@gmail.com
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/branchspeaks/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch
Send in a voice message:
anchor.fm/branch-speaks/message
This week Ashanti Branch is joined by Mike Veny. Mike is a keynote speaker, who usually speaks on mental health topics, and is an author of multiple books, including Transforming Stigma: How to Become a Mental Wellness Superhero.
(1:37) Ashanti’s introduction.
(3:33) Mike shares his background with Ashanti, including his speaking experience, his own struggles with mental health, and the mission of his company. Ashanti then relates to Mike’s story with his experiences as a Vice Principal and with the Million Mask Movement.
(12:30) Ashanti and Mike make their masks together.
(16:37) Ashanti shares the front of his mask - funny, serious, hard-working. He reflects on being the man of the house at age 7, and what it was like to not have a consistent male figure at home as a child.
(19:50) Mike shares the front of his mask - joy, confidence, calm. They both relate to the fact that they do not unplug from work well, and they discuss the struggle of having “their own brands” in the social media era.
(27:24) Ashanti shares the back of his mask - fear of failure, sadness about death, loneliness, childhood trauma. He shares how talking about his mask more publicly, as opposed to doing the mask activity anonymously, is new and provides even more healing.
(29:14) Mike shares the back of his mask - fear, insecurity, feeling worthless. He reflects on how he has recently been talking about and acknowledging his fear much more, and how he has been working with being present with himself more - without being dependent on the dopamine rush of social media likes.
(33:18) Mike and Ashanti discuss the natural human urge to be tribal, and how this gives us all the fear of being “excommunicated” from the group. They also ponder how this translates to the “Zoom Era” of communication.
(37:10) Mike takes us behind the curtain of his Youtube set up. And the men discuss how “comparison is the thief of all happiness.”
(42:29) Mike Veny shares his last message for the listeners, how taking off the mask is not a form of surrender, but rather an embrace of authentic human messiness.
(45:00) Mike shares his website, and what is next for him, which includes a third book and education content being posted on his website.
We can all help prevent suicide. The Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals: suicidepreventionlifeline.org; 1-800-273-8255
Connect with Mike Veny:
Website: mikeveny.com
Twitter: twitter.com/mikeveny
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/mikeveny
Create your own mask anonymously at www.100kmasks.com
If you are interested in being on the Face to Face podcast, email us at everforwardclub@gmail.com
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: www.instagram.com/branchspeaks
Facebook: www.facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
Twitter: twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch
Send in a voice message:
anchor.fm/branch-speaks/message
On November 29th, 2020, Ashanti appeared on “Lost Boys,” an episode of Lisa Ling’s nationally televised CNN Program, This Is Life. The episode took on a whole new meaning when things were revealed that he was not yet ready to share with his mother, who was watching the program as it aired live.
(0:10) In Ashanti’s introduction he gives context for the special episode, leading up to a story he is going to tell about when he was 8 years old.
(3:50) Ashanti begins his story, about a tragic event that happened when he was 8 years old, and how he did not tell his mother because he decided that it was too much for her to handle, especially with his role as the "Man of the House"
(8:25) We learn how the incident disappeared from his memory, up until 2015 when he heard a similar story from another man.
(10:40) Ashanti shares the dissonance within: that his work is built around vulnerability, sharing things that people don’t normally share, and that he could not share this story from his childhood.
(12:00) We hear how Ashanti could never find a good time to tell his mom.
(13:15) Ashanti gives a breakdown of the night of the “Lost Boys” premiere, and how he felt as he realized what was being revealed to the world.
(16:38) We watch/listen to a video Ashanti made after watching this scene.
(18:08) Ashanti continues to reflect on why he hid this from his mom for so long and then shares what it was like talking to his mom after the episode ended.
(22:33) Ashanti reflects on how he was able to compartmentalize this trauma. He believes he did this subconsciously through eating.
(25:07) We learn more about Ashanti’s interview with Lewis Howes, and how even so many years after the incident that he couldn’t open up about his abuse, even after hearing Lewis’s story of abuse.
(28:23) Ashanti shares the sense of joy and healing that is coming through him now.
(31:23) Ashanti wraps up, and shares more about the Million Mask Movement and the Ever Forward Club.
Create your own mask anonymously at www.100kmasks.com
If you are interested in being on the Face to Face podcast, email us at everforwardclub@gmail.com
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/branchspeaks/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch
Youtube: Branch Speaks
Send in a voice message:
https://anchor.fm/branch-speaks/message
Ever Forward Club’s Ashanti Branch is joined by Justin Odom. Justin is a talented filmmaker and senior at Encinal High School.
(1:25) Ashanti’s introduction.
(4:00) We learn about how Justin and Ashanti met, and about Justin’s background, his work as a filmmaker, and how he is bringing the Million Mask Movement to his high school.
(5:45) Justin talks about the first time he made a mask during his freshman year. Ashanti celebrates how, three years later, Justin is now entering a leadership role.
(8:55) Ashanti and Justin make their masks together.
(11:42) Ashanti shares the front of his mask - funny, serious, and hard working. He shares how he tends to mix his humorous side with his serious side, and sometimes to his own detriment.
(15:02) Justin shares his front - funny, serious, and protective. He shares more about how he has a giving, selfless personality. And he shares how he has turned into a more serious and protective person.
(17:40) Justin reflects on the mask-making process, how life changes day by day, and it makes every mask different.
(18:25) Ashanti shares the back of his mask - fear of failure, sadness about death, and childhood trauma. He talks about attempting to balance his fear of failure and his self-esteem. He shares how he thought he would eventually get over his father’s death, and didn’t think it would stay with him for this long.
(21:11) Justin encourages Ashanti to finish writing the book Ashanti has been putting off. They discuss how not taking big risks can, at times, be a bigger risk than the risk itself.
(24:42) Justin shares the back of his mask - lost, lonely, and depressed. He talks about his worries about the future, keeping his friend group small, and his battles with depression.
(31:00) Justin opens up about what it took to start his Youtube channel and open his heart.
(34:25) Ashanti and Justin discuss what conversations his Youtube channel sparked with Justin’s family.
(39:45) Ashanti shares how Justin’s work inspired him to be more courageous with the videos and truths he records. Justin shares how he has been able to reflect during the pandemic.
(42:45) Justin and Ashanti talk about different types of relationships: how some are lifelong relationships and some hold specific, finite reasons.
(45:00) They discuss how there are two sides to everything, how the pain of love is necessary for people to appreciate the ecstasy.
(52:00) Justin and Ashanti relate to the fact that they are both giving people, but do not want to burden people with their own needs.
(53:30) The men wrap up - discussing future work Justin will be doing for EFC, and sharing some final thoughts and future projects.
Connect with Justin Odom:
Instagram: instagram.com/justin.odom_
Youtube: Justin Relates
Create your own mask anonymously at www.100kmasks.com
If you are interested in being on the Face to Face podcast, email us at everforwardclub@gmail.com
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: instagram.com/branchspeaks
Facebook: facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
Twitter: twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch
Ever Forward Club’s Ashanti Branch is joined by Nana Oduro Frimpong, a renowned artist, and photographer based in Ghana. Frimpong was recently named a 2020 Adobe Rising Star of photography.
(1:37) Ashanti’s introduction.
(3:55) Frimpong introduces himself and the journey that led him to art.
(5:20) Ashanti and Frimpong go back to the moment when Frimpong fell in love with photography and how it started while sitting under a tree, taking photos, at a time when he was deferring his college education to help his mother financially.
(11:10) The men prepare to share their masks, and Ashanti gives context to the mask-making process.
(12:50) Ashanti shares the front of his mask - funny, serious, and hard working.
(14:25) Frimpong shares the front of his mask - talented, happy, strong, hard-working, and friendly.
(15:20) Ashanti shares the back of his mask - fear, sadness, and trauma. They discuss the difference between fear of failure and fear of success, whether success actually raises more questions and uncertainty than failure.
(18:13) Frimpong shares the back of his mask - angry, lazy, doubtful, joy of being alone, funny, and sarcastic. We learn a little bit about each, and then fully examine why Frimpong holds a lot of anger, and why that anger comes back to being conditioned as a child to compare himself to others.
(21:32) Both men relate to the idea of not being satisfied with their work, whether it is Ashanti’s videos or Frimpong’s artwork, they both have an inner critic with which to reckon.
(24:18) Frimpong shares how his mother fosters his creativity, whereas friends from his community have difficulty pursuing their passions when their parents have differing expectations.
(27:00) We learn about what’s next for Frimpong, how he wants to help others become an artist like himself, and his artistic process - going from sketches to photography to Photoshop.
(29:13) Ashanti shares his mask sketchbook.
(31:44) Frimpong shares one of his most recent pieces, which is very similar to Ashanti’s work with the front and back of masks.
(36:20) Frimpong gives a message to the young people in his community and shares how you can get in touch with him.
Connect with Nana Oduro Frimpong:
Instagram: instagram.com/frizzlemadeit
Create your own mask anonymously at www.100kmasks.com
If you are interested in being on the Face to Face podcast, email us at everforwardclub@gmail.com
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/branchspeaks
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/branchspeaks/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/branch-speaks/message
Ever Forward Club’s Ashanti Branch is joined by Chris Ategeka, an entrepreneur, engineer, curator of TEDx Oakland, and the Founder/CEO of UCOT (Unintended Consequences of Technology).
(1:25) Ashanti’s Introduction.
(4:07) Chris introduces himself - an entrepreneur, engineer, father, and Ugandan. Chris and Ashanti share how they met and have gotten to know each other.
(6:00) Chris and Ashanti make their masks together, and share thoughts throughout the process.
(11:55) Chris shares the front of his mask - funny, resilient, and hard-working - before Ashanti shares the front of his mask - funny, serious, and hard working.
(15:00) Chris shares the back of his mask - failure, anxiety, and vulnerability. He reflects on how the function of vulnerability, to him, is tied to history, social class, and privilege - especially as someone who came from homelessness and poverty.
(17:42) Ashanti shares the back of his mask - fear (not enough), sadness, and childhood trauma. It prompts him to reflect on how comparing himself to others gives him the feelings of not being enough, and how being prideful and bragging about his accomplishments was conditioned out of him at a young age.
(20:30) The men continue to discuss how class and privilege play a huge role in someone’s comfort with vulnerability. They talk about the turning point, when embarrassment becomes a badge of honor, in our “culture of conquering.” They talk about how, as public speakers, the audience’s class and comfort dictate what they share while on the stage.
(30:00) Ashanti shares how he was battling Covid-19 when he was a guest on Chris’s podcast. It leads to a discussion on why, even with those we are close to, we still hold back our vulnerability.
(36:45) Chris breaks down how everything in life comes down to safety and security. Ashanti relates this back to his work and his own childhood - how he, and now the young men he works with, sought safety and security, feared judgment and consequences, and did not yet know how to communicate the discomfort behind this search.
(44:00) Chris shares his thoughts on how to encourage more people to make a mask and be vulnerable. He also gives a brief history of a similar platform to the Million Mask Movement, called PostSecret.
(47:45) Chris shares his final thoughts for young listeners, and then the men wrap up.
Connect with Chris Ategeka:
Instagram: instagram.com/chrisategeka
Twitter: twitter.com/chrisategeka
Website and podcast: www.christopherategeka.com
Create your own mask anonymously at www.100kmasks.com
If you are interested in being on the Face to Face podcast, email us at everforwardclub@gmail.com
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: instagram.com/branchspeaks
Facebook: facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
Twitter: twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch
Send in a voice message:
https://anchor.fm/branch-speaks/message
Ever Forward Club’s Ashanti Branch is joined by Mike Sagun, a former Oaklander, a Certified Professional Men’s Coach, and an EVRYMAN Facilitator.
(1:20) Ashanti’s introduction
(3:50) Mike shares his background, as a business owner, men’s coach, and Bay Area native.
(6:00) After an early break in the production, Ashanti and Mike ruminate on the responsibilities of a leader.
(10:53) Mike and Ashanti discuss how they met in Oakland and Joshua Tree, and open up a general discussion on how masks function in our society and play a role in the social media era.
(18:15) Mike goes into more detail about the men’s spaces he leads and the unmasking that goes on, before Ashanti relates this to his own work with youth in the Ever Forward Club.
(25:35) The men begin to share their masks. The front of Mike’s mask prompts conversation about his experiences as a theater performer, and what it’s like to “perform” while holding in genuine trauma from real life.
(28:13) Ashanti shares the front of his mask, and the men discuss the idea that the front of the mask is a coping mechanism that is subconsciously dealing with the true feelings behind the mask.
(35:40) Mike shares the back of his mask, and how at a young age he was trained to hide anger and embarrassment.
(39:30) Ashanti shares the back of his mask, and how navigating different expectations between home and in the outside world led to struggles with how to properly express his anger. It also prompts a discussion about self-worth, and the habit of comparing his work and organization with others around him.
(45:40) The men further their discussion about anger, and how their relationship with anger has matured over time, now understanding it as a “guardian of boundaries.”
(48:55) Ashanti shares how, at a young age, his anger was taken over by rage, an expression of his frustrations behind the mask.
(51:22) Mike pushes the audience to try taking off their masks, and gradually raise the bar for themselves over time. He then shares how you can get in touch with him.
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Connect with Mike:
Website: www.mikesagun.com
Instagram: @mike.sagun
Facebook: Mike Sagun Coaching, LLC
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Create your own mask anonymously at www.100kmasks.com
If you are interested in being on the Face to Face podcast, email us at everforwardclub@gmail.com
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Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/branchspeaks/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch
Ever Forward Club’s Ashanti Branch is joined by Khiari Allen-Infante, a high school senior, Ever Forward Club member, and graduate of EFC’s social-emotional leadership academy.
(3:00) Ashanti’s introduction
(6:10) Ashanti welcomes Khiari and introduces Khiari’s role with Ever Forward Club and the podcast.
(7:10) Khiari and Ashanti make their masks together.
(12:15) Khiari shares more about himself, an Alameda High School senior, who has lived all over the Bay Area in his lifetime.
(13:45) Ashanti and Khiari connect over how they both initially grew up in single-mother households, and both had experienced similar transitions: Khiari experienced his father coming back into his life in the 9th grade; and both Khiari and Ashanti experienced stepfathers coming into their lives and creating uneven dynamics.
(20:20) The men discuss how Ashanti saw something in Khiari’s eyes the last time he saw him, and they circle closer towards something deep down in Khiari’s heart.
(25:15) Khiari and Ashanti share the fronts of their masks.
(29:20) Khiari and Ashanti share the backs of their masks, connecting over Khiari’s disappointment in himself and Ashanti’s fear of failure.
(32:55) Khiari reflects on the expectations of his family, and how not meeting these expectations, especially with the sacrifices his mother has been making, is filling him with regret and disappointment.
(34:05) Ashanti shares a science experiment conducted with monkeys in a cage, which may teach Khiari something about societal expectations.
(37:50) After sharing more about his regrets and bringing himself down, Khiari receives encouragement from Ashanti to engage in more positive self-talk and let his positive assets shine brightly to those around him.
(44:00) Khiari shares his responsibilities at home, and how his stepfather moving across the country, and the ensuing stressors over the custody of a sibling, are causing Khiari to take in the stress that his family is projecting onto him.
(47:15) Ashanti and Khiari discuss anger, and whether Khiari’s is not actually balancing emotions, but rather suppressing them and preventing himself from finding a reason to care.
(52:20) Now that Khiari is a senior, the men discuss how Khiari is finding his reason to care, and now is developing an ability to lead other youth around him and youth in the EFC.
(57:00) After wrapping up, Khiari shares his last word.
---
Create your own mask anonymously atwww.100kmasks.com
If you are interested in being on the Face to Face podcast, email us at everforwardclub@gmail.com
---
Connect with Khiari:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/key.are.e/
---
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
Twitter: twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch
Ever Forward Club’s Ashanti Branch is joined by Nafis Ricks, a mental health advocate, coach, and collaborator with www.forblackmen.org.
(1:30) Ashanti’s introduction
(3:03) Nafis shares his background, his work as a mental health advocate, his passion for the field of psychology and aspirations to earn a PhD, and how sports and an athletic identity taught him some essential lessons about mental health and vulnerability.
(8:18) Nafis and Ashanti reflect on their childhood: Nafis shares the different types of love and connection he experienced between his mother and father; Ashanti shares his connection with his grandfather and how he yearned for something deeper.
(12:52) Nafis shares some of the moments of his life that caused him to rediscover his sense of self: The passing of his brother; being diagnosed with mental illnesses, and seeing the same warning signs in other men while coaching basketball, and deciding to quit professional basketball.
(17:05) Ashanti and Nafis share the front of their masks, as well as the back.
(19:20) Both men share the ways in which they both feel overwhelmed. Nafis shares how uncovering the whole story of his people is overwhelming; Ashanti shares his worries about his brother who suffers from paranoid schizophrenia.
(25:15) Ashanti and Nafis both also share similar fears. Nafis fears not fulfilling his purpose and wonders what’s next in his liberation, what’s next after leaving basketball. And Ashanti finds common ground in how he left engineering to leave a deeper legacy, and he feels the pressure to live up to this calling.
(30:22) The men talk about the solutions and work they do to unmask and quell these fears - Nafis reflects on seeing a psychologist, a growing relationship with his girlfriend, and hosting meetings for black men to be vulnerable.
(33:00) We learn more about Nafis’s Zoom meetings, his work with ForBlackMen.org , and his ability to connect with NCAA athletes on a deep level.
(42:40) Nafis and Ashanti discuss future collaborations and how you can reach out to Nafis.
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Connect with Nafis:
Instagram: www.instagram.com/nafisricks2
Instagram: www.instagram.com/collabmgmt
Email: Collabmgmt@gmail.com
www.forblackmen.org
---
Create your own mask anonymously at www.100kmasks.com
If you are interested in being on the Face to Face podcast, email us at everforwardclub@gmail.com
---
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: www.instagram.com/branchspeaks
Facebook: www.facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
Twitter: twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch/
Ever Forward Club’s Ashanti Branch is joined by Mark Green, keynote speaker and author of the books The Little #MeToo Book for Men and Remaking Manhood.
(3:11) Mark shares information about his publishing house, ThinkPlay Partners, NYC.
(5:48) We learn about how starting a blog on masculinity 12 years ago, and stepping outside the traditional rules of masculinity led Mark to the work he does today as an author, work that is closely tied to Ashanti’s work around masks.
(12:45) Mark and Ashanti reflect on how they both found their calling: Mark came to men’s work at the age of 56, and Ashanti remembers how certain behaviors were considered “feminine” in his cultural background, and always struggled with this dissonance.
(16:27) Both men embark on a winding, compelling discussion on the theories behind how troublesome behaviors associated with “being a man” start in early childhood.
(33:20) Mark and Ashanti begin to share their masks.
(35:00) After sharing the front of their masks, they discuss Ashanti’s drive to raise his family out of poor circumstances, and how it’s intertwined with race and power in our society.
(38:40) After sharing the back of their masks, they discuss grief, and how Mark “wasted half a century”; Ashanti then shares his grief over his father’s death, and how it affected how he questioned traditional masculinity from childhood onward.
(43:42) Mark and Ashanti discuss how our culture of competition builds subconscious patterns within us that cause a tension within us that many refuse to understand.
(49:30) Mark and Ashanti both become deeply moved. After getting to truly know each other they both begin to confront demons in their past.
(58:30) The men begin to wrap up their conversation, and Mark Shares more about his work, social media, and website, remakingmanhood.com
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Connect with Mark Green
Website: http://remakingmanhood.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/remakingmanhood?lang=en
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/remakingmanhood/?hl=en
---
Create your own mask anonymously at www.100kmasks.com
If you are interested in being on the Face to Face podcast, email us at everforwardclub@gmail.com
---
Connect with Ashanti Branch
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/branchspeaks/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch
---
Send in a voice message:
https://anchor.fm/branch-speaks/message
Ever Forward Club’s Ashanti Branch is joined by Shawn Dove, CEO of the Campaign for Black Male Achievement (CBMA). An accomplished leader, community-builder, and advocate for children and families, Shawn has held a prominent position as mentor in Ashanti's life. The two share a spiritual connection, an intangible brotherhood, and the fronts and backs of their masks flow and roll open without ever specifically naming the activity, happening through free-flowing conversation, story, and reflection.
(1:38) Ashanti introduces the podcast.
(4:11) Shawn and Ashanti reflect on the mantra of the season, the current state of affairs, the tumultuous year of 2020, and the importance of moving from extrinsic motivators to intrinsic ones.
(10:55) Shawn tells a story about his trip to Ghana and a retreat to Belize, where he feels that he faced death in the form of a dream - and his willingness to fight it gave him the conviction to continue his life’s work.
(19:45) Shawn and Ashanti reflect on when they first met and connected, the importance of setting lofty goals, and how fear is integral to the history of the Million Mask Movement, and how Ashanti is coming to terms with a particular moment in its history.
(28:50) They discuss impostor syndrome, and Shawn tells a story from his childhood about avoiding abduction as a 9-year-old boy in New York City. He shares how he is just now realizing this was trauma and not a badge of honor.
(38:20) Ashanti and Shawn begin taking off their masks.
(43:24) Then, they ruminate on the common idea that “comparison is the thief of joy”, and on how male vulnerability is now becoming more accepted in our culture - and what these concepts mean when looking back on their past, examining their present, and projecting into the future.
(52:33) Shawn shares details on his upcoming book, I Too Am America: On Loving and Leading Black Boys in America, and shares how sunsetting CBMA is preparing him for his third act.
(57:15) Shawn and Ashanti acknowledge a “kindred brotherhood”, and how Ashanti’s prior fears to reach out to Shawn in tough moments were always overcome by this deep connection.
(1:02:40) The men close the show, but not before Ashanti is interrupted by an unexpected visitor and is able to show off his bilingual chops.
--
Check out Shawn's:
Twitter: twitter.com/DoveSoars
Instagram: instagram.com/shawn_dove
--
Create your own mask anonymously at www.100kmasks.com
--
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/branchspeaks/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BranchSpeaks
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch
If you are interested in being on the Face to Face podcast, email us at everforwardclub@gmail.com
Ever Forward Club’s Ashanti Branch is joined by pastor, youth leader, and cyber security business operator Spencer Romero. Spencer is not a stranger to the mask-making process, as Ashanti and Spencer have known each other for ten years. Ashanti has seen Spencer grow into a wonderful pastor and youth leader through their affiliation with TheMovement.church, in Oakland, California, whose mission is to "Overwhelm Oakland with Love."
(3:00) Ashanti’s introduction.
(5:29) Spencer introduces himself and his work, and how being a young father changed the trajectory of his entire life.
(9:00) Spencer and Ashanti reflect on the process of creating a mask. They discuss Spencer’s prior history with Ashanti’s mask making workshop, and how making a mask allows individuals to lift their judgment away from the world, for just a moment, and focus on themselves.
(14:30) Spencer reflects on what it was like growing up in a traditional, masculine, sports culture, and what this upbringing means to him as a father of three.
(19:46) Ashanti and Spencer begin sharing the front of their masks.
(24:58) Then, the men share the back of their masks.
(27:28) This leads to a discussion about how fear of failure and anxiety are deeply intertwined. They both are rooted in the question “what if?”, which can rule our minds and prevent us from being present and known.
(31:10) Spencer and Ashanti then discuss leadership, and how carrying past trauma while grabbing onto false identities can prevent one from truly connecting as a leader.
(43:31) The men wrap up, and Spencer shares his final thoughts with listeners.
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Check out Spencer’s
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spencerromero/?hl=en
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/spencer-romero-8084a156/
Work with The Movement: https://themovement.church/podcast/tag/spencer+romero
--
Create your own mask anonymously at www.100kmasks.com
If you are interested in being on the Face to Face podcast, email us at everforwardclub@gmail.com
--
Send in a voice message:
https://anchor.fm/branch-speaks/message
--
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/branchspeaks/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ashantibranch
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch
Ever Forward Club’s Ashanti Branch is joined by educator, activist, and podcast host Wali White. Wali previously hosted Ashanti on The 730 Podcast. Check out the bottom of the notes to be linked to Wali’s podcast.
As a New York City school teacher, Wali, like Ashanti, has witnessed first hand the power of shared vulnerability to create life changing relationships.
(3:28) Ashanti introduces the podcast.
(6:13) Wali shares his background as a podcaster, basketball coach, school teacher, and activist fighting to end capital punishment in our justice system.
(11:11) We learn why Wali created his podcast - to help men carve out vulnerable spaces for themselves, in order to find parallels with each other and validate experiences that were once kept inside.
(14:34) The men share the front of their masks.
(16:32) Through personal experiences with sexual abuse, the men share how hearing others’ stories can cause a chain reaction of moments and realizations, opening up the floodgates that allow one to transition from fear of being broken to relief that they are not alone.
(20:32) Through both of their experiences as educators, Ashanti and Wali reflect on how many children are suffering in silence, and how the state infrastructure and its faults hangs above all as a barrier to how we deal with trauma, and how we connect with students.
(29:27) The men share the back of their masks. Wali focuses on his insecurity and need for affirmation. Ashanti talks about his fear of failure.
(35:30) Wali and Ashanti reflect generally on the importance of their work: how “when you reveal, you heal”, and how Ashanti’s mask workshop is a form of “counseling” without the societal stigma.
(39:48) Wali shares more details about The 730 Podcast, drops some final advice to the listeners, and shares his fight to end capital punishment and provide justice for Keith Lamar.
(47:55) Wali shares more about Keith Lamar.
-
Check out Wali’s
Podcast, including the podcast he mentions with Imani McGee Stafford: https://www.the730podcast.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the730podcast/?hl=en
Twitter: https://twitter.com/the730podcast?lang=en
Learn more about Keith Lamar:
https://www.keithlamar.org/
https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/justice-for-keith-lamar-a-short-documentary#/
-
Send in a voice message:
https://anchor.fm/branch-speaks/message
Connect with Ashanti
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/branchspeaks/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ashantibranch
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch
Ever Forward Club’s Ashanti Branch is joined by mask maker and artist, Freehand Profit, also known as Gary Lockwood. Gary began making masks ten years ago, starting a movement on his blog called “Mask 365”, in which he created one mask every day for a year. Now with over 161,000 Instagram followers, he has become known for reimagining and taking apart sneakers, transforming them into one of a kind masks.
(1:39) Ashanti's introduction.
(5:30) Gary introduces how he started making masks, struggling to find his place in the art world, and how sneakers and the surrounding sneaker culture are symbols for the “front of the mask”.
(11:44) Gary and Ashanti share the front of their masks and find common ground in their hard-working nature.
(18:48) Before exploring the back of their masks, Gary analyzes why he has a tendency to delay doing the necessary internal work to maintain his own health - something Ashanti deals with as well.
(21:20) Then Ashanti connects Gary’s battle with depression to his own fear of failure, and with his sadness about his father’s death.
(24:15) Gary’s thoughts on self-doubt lead into a discussion about the double-edged sword of seeking recognition, setting and reaching goals, and how ultimately extrinsic reinforcement will never be enough.
(29:41) Ashanti talks about the mental health of his brother, who battles paranoid schizophrenia, before both men share their battle with body image issues.
(34:36) This leads into thoughts about “the story we tell ourselves”, and how we are biased towards the outside voices that are also confirming whatever messages of self-doubt repeat in our heads.
(37:22) After taking a breath, Ashanti and Gary talk about how sneaker culture can cause people to do self-destructive things; and then Ashanti shares how he fell victim to the “what are those” gag in school.
(40:49) Finally, Gary gives insight into his artistic vision and process behind his art, and Ashanti shares the details of his work with youth.
---
Check out Freehand’s
Website: Freehandprofit.com
Instagram/Twitter: @FreehandProfit
Patreon: patreon.com/freehandprofit
---
Create your own mask anonymously at www.100kmasks.com
If you are interested in being on the Face to Face podcast, email us at everforwardclub@gmail.com
Send in a voice message:
https://anchor.fm/branch-speaks/message
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/branchspeaks/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ashantibranch
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch
Ever Forward Club’s Ashanti Branch is joined by fellow Fremont High School alumni; Dean of Students at Latitude High School in Oakland, CA; and music artist, magazine curator, and podcast host Noxhe Galactica, also known as Christian Martinez.
Christian is our first educator on the platform, and the flow and connection is evident, to the point where the men are moved to share the back of their masks before even sharing the front:
(3:15) Ashanti introduces the episode.
(5:30) Christian introduces himself and his podcast.
(7:30) We learn about Christian’s deep connection with his ancestry, how he and Ashanti crossed paths previously at Fremont High, and how he excels as an educator.
(10:45) Christian and Ashanti discuss how they found education to be their calling, and how deep connections go beyond what is taught during teacher trainings.
(17:30) We dive into the back of Christian’s mask, and how his journey through personal pain included being shot at age 15, and losing his father shortly after.
(21:20) Ashanti shares the back of his mask, and they explore what it’s like to feel like you are not enough, and what it’s like to be in a culture that discourages celebrating yourself and your achievements.
(25:25) They discuss the front of their masks, and the idea that the front of the mask is actually an expression of the insecurities behind it.
(30:30) Ashanti and Christian continue to dive into their past, how toxic masculinity begins at the youngest of ages, and how both have first hand experiences with people battling depression and suicide.
(38:30) The power goes out at Ashanti’s home, moving the men to discuss what “survival mode” means to Christian and Christian’s theory of life, before wrapping up the conversation and learning more about Christian’s work.
__
We can all help prevent suicide. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available 24/7 at 1-800-273-8255, and suicidepreventionlifeline.org
__
Check out Noxhe Galactica's
Podcast - soundcloud.com/nochegalactica/pantera
Swimgood Clothing Brand - www.instagram.com/swimgoodbrand/
Magazine - issuu.com/search?q=noxhegalactica
__
Create your own mask anonymously at www.100kmasks.com
If you are interested in being on the Face to Face podcast, email us at everforwardclub@gmail.com
Send in a voice message:
anchor.fm/branch-speaks/message
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: www.instagram.com/branchspeaks/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/ashantibranch
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch
In this Podcast, Ever Forward Club’s Ashanti Branch is joined by New York Times Bestselling author, Lewis Howes, author of the hit book,
The School of Greatness and his newest book, The Mask of Masculinity. He is a lifestyle entrepreneur, high-performance business coach and keynote speaker. A former professional football player and two-sport All-American. He hosts a top 100 iTunes ranked Apple podcast, The School of Greatness, which has over 250 million downloads and just reached their 1000th episode since it launched in 2013.
During their conversation, Ashanti and Lewis talked very little about all of his success as an athlete and podcaster but spoke about the masks that they wear and what gets in the way of being our full authentic selves. This conversation is about emotional well-being of men and how ignoring our emotions leads men to unhealthy outcomes and emotional overload.
(7:38) Together, they discuss how Lewis’s childhood shaped his understanding of the pitfalls of masculinity;
(24:30) And how Ashanti’s life and work is tied directly to Lewis’s The Mask of Masculinity, as well as how the norms of masculinity can explain the country’s violence and divisiveness.
(35:18) Then, Lewis and Ashanti participate in the #MillionMaskMovement by sharing their masks.
__
Create your own mask anonymously at www.100kmasks.com
If you are interested in being on the Face to Face podcast, email us at everforwardclub@gmail.com
___
Send in a voice message:
https://anchor.fm/branch-speaks/message
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/branchspeaks/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ashantibranch
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch
Connect with Ever Forward Club:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/everforward...
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/everforwardclub
Twitter: https://twitter.com/everforwardclub
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-ever-forward-club/
Ever Forward Club’s Ashanti Branch is joined by former student and graduating high school senior, Clive Bryan Jr.
(6:23) The conversation starts with Clive introducing himself, which prompts himself and Ashanti to reflect on the ups and downs of their relationship.
(20:07) Next, Ashanti and Clive share the front of their masks,
(21:17) then share and discuss the back of their masks.
(31:30) Finally, they reflect on the mask making process and how it has allowed Clive to continue to grow comfortable with lowering his emotional guards.
___
Send in a voice message:
https://anchor.fm/branch-speaks/message
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/branchspeaks/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ashantibranch
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch
Connect with Ever Forward Club:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/everforward...
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/everforwardclub
Twitter: https://twitter.com/everforwardclub
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-ever-forward-club/
TOTM Face to Face is a series of podcasts where two or more young men undergo the process of making masks, a workshop activity created by Ashanti Branch. In this conversation between Alam and Alberto, they realize how seeing each other each day did nothing for their connection until they sat down and had a conversation around the masks that they were seeing and wearing each day.
(7:34) Alam and Alberto introduce the mask making process,
(11:35) then discuss the front of their masks,
(21:43) before discussing the back of their masks.
(58:39) Finally, they reflect on how going through the process together has allowed them to understand each other on a far deeper level than ever before, despite already being colleagues at Ever Forward Club .
___
Send in a voice message:
https://anchor.fm/branch-speaks/message
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/branchspeaks/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ashantibranch
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch
Connect with Ever Forward Club:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/everforward...
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/everforwardclub
Twitter: https://twitter.com/everforwardclub
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-ever-forward-club/
Trigger Warning: In this conversation the subject of suicide is talked about as Breno reflects on his friend who took his life.
Ever Forward Club’s Ashanti Branch is joined by Breno Teixeira, an alumni of Ever Forward Club programming in São Paulo, Brazil.
(4:18) They discuss Ashanti’s inspiration for the podcast,
(5:46) Breno’s interests in philosophy as a recent high school graduate, his history with Ever Forward Club in Brazil, as well as his experience founding the non-profit Construindo o Futuro with his late friend,
(20:24) and then finally wrap up by discussing the power of listening without judgement.
___
Send in a voice message:
https://anchor.fm/branch-speaks/message
Connect with Ashanti Branch:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/branchspeaks/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ashantibranch
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BranchSpeaks
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch
Connect with Ever Forward Club:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/everforward...
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/everforwardclub
Twitter: https://twitter.com/everforwardclub
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-ever-forward-club/
In this 2 minute montage, you will hear clips from our first 4 episodes. You will hear the voices of young men and men getting real about challenges in their lives. You will hear some of the experiences that men have faced in their lives when they are courageous and willing to be vulnerable. They have joined this movement to help other boys and men realize that #YouAreNotAlone and that there are other boys and men who are dealing with similar challenges and life experiences.
You will hear powerful phrases of people getting real, going into their hearts, and sharing some of the challenges that have brought them to where they are today.