In the Space Between with Esther Boykin: Recent Episodes
Esther Boykin
What does it really feel like to be a Black man in today’s society? Beyond the prescribed narratives we see in media and grow up within our families, who are Black men? “The Space Between” is a podcast for and about black men and the intimate stories that make up their identities, lives, and relationships. Join host, Esther Boykin, LMFT, CEO of Group Therapy Associates and a celebrity therapist as she creates space to weave a more honest and complex understanding of what it means to be Black and male: one personal story at a time.
On today’s episode of In the Space Between, I have an insightful conversation with Reginald Howard, a mental health activist. He is also the author of Suffering Into Success: A Paradigm Shift of Struggle to Achieve Happiness and the host of the Black Mental Health Podcast.
We discuss representation, allowing ourselves to take up space, and the stigma within the Black community about mental health. Reginald also shares his key tips for planning a productive day.
To connect further with Reginald Howard
Visit his website https://reginaldahoward.com/
Follow him on Instagram www.instagram.com/reginaldahoward/
Follow him on Facebook www.facebook.com/reginaldahoward/
Mentioned in today’s podcast:
Suffering Into Success: A Paradigm Shift of Struggle to Achieve Happiness by Reginald Howard
Black Mental Health Podcast - https://reginaldahoward.com/podcast/
The Patient on FX
To connect further with me:
Visit my website www.estherboykin.com
Follow me on Instagram www.instagram.com/estherbmft
Follow me on Twitter @estherbmft
On today’s episode of In the Space Between, I welcome Kevin Carr, author of What I've Learned About Dating and co-host of Caught in the Act on VH1.
We discuss the gift of self-expression, developing trust in self and within relationships, and the benefits of introspection. We also dove into what it takes to create relationships that center genuine connection and communication.
To connect further with Kevin Carr
Follow him on Instagram at www.instagram.com/kev_carr
Follow him on Twitter @kev_carr
Follow him on TikTok @kev_carr
Watch him in Caught in the Act on VH1
Mentioned in today’s podcast:
What I've Learned About Dating by Kevin Carr
The Will to Change: Men, Masculinity, and Love by Bell Hooks
Esther Perel’s Books - https://www.estherperel.com/books
To connect further with me:
Visit my website www.estherboykin.com
Follow me on Instagram www.instagram.com/estherbmft
Follow me on Twitter @estherbmft
On today’s episode of In the Space Between, I speak with Lance Jasper Jones, the director and founder of Jasper House Warriors, a nonprofit that deals with sickle cell anemia and the mental health comorbidities of living with sickle cell anemia.
We chat about the ways growing up with sickle cell anemia impacted him, why the collective consciousness of Black people needs to be unpacked and how he redefined what success and manhood meant for himself.
To connect further with Lance Jasper
Visit his website at https://lancejasperjones.com/
Vist the Jasper House Warriors website at https://jasperhousewarriors.org/
Mentioned in today’s podcast:
Black Men Heal - https://blackmenheal.org/
To connect further with me:
Visit my website www.estherboykin.com
Follow me on Instagram www.instagram.com/estherbmft
Follow me on Twitter @estherbmft
On today’s episode of In the Space Between, I speak with Arron Muller, a licensed clinical social worker, owner of Life Matters, and CEO of Modify Wellness.
We talk about the importance of Black men building their own identity, and the ways in which the image of Black men as portrayed in the media differs from their lived experience. We also discussed Arron’s journey to creating the Black Therapist, and the barriers to accessing mental healthcare, and practicing self-compassion.
To connect further with Arron Muller
Follow him on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/theblack_therapist/
Visit Modify Wellness' website at https://www.modifywellness.org/
Listen to him on The Jamal Bates Morning Show’s Men Mondays.
To connect further with me:
Visit my website www.estherboykin.com
Follow me on Instagram www.instagram.com/estherbmft
Follow me on Twitter @estherbmft
On today’s episode of In the Space Between, I chat with Paul Bashea Williams, a licensed clinical social worker, owner of Hearts In Mind Counseling, and author of Dear Future Wife: A Man's Guide and a Woman's Reference to Healthy Relationships.
We talk about freedom of expression through writing, how he manages anxiety and the people and experiences that have inspired him to become the man he is.
To connect further with Paul Bashea Williams
Visit his website at https://basheawilliams.com/
Follow him on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/BasheaWilliams
Follow him on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/basheawilliams/
Follow When Love Aligns on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/whenlovealignstm/
Mentioned in today’s podcast:
The Will to Change: Men, Masculinity, and Love by Bell Hooks
Dear Future Wife: A Man's Guide and a Woman's Reference to Healthy Relationships by Paul Bashea Williams
When Love Aligns Conference - www.whenlovealigns.com
To connect further with me:
Visit my website www.estherboykin.com
Follow me on Instagram www.instagram.com/estherbmft
Follow me on Twitter @estherbmft
On today’s episode of In the Space Between, I chat with Damon Roberts, Sr., an Iraq veteran turned social worker and the author of Matter of Time: Continue to March - a book about his transition back to life after Iraq.
We talk about his experience growing up in a community that encouraged him to be Black and proud, his first experiences with racism and PTSD, how he got into social work and community service, and what personal responsibility means to him.
To connect further with Damon Roberts, Sr.
Follow him on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/authorDamonRoberts/
Mentioned in today’s podcast:
Matter of Time: Continue to March by Damon Roberts, Sr.
To connect further with me:
Visit my website www.estherboykin.com
Follow me on Instagram www.instagram.com/estherbmft
Follow me on Twitter @estherbmft
On today’s episode of In the Space Between, I have a conversation with Jay Hurt, a certified relationship coach and the Chief Operating Officer of the Academy of Creative Coaching - a coach training program accredited by the International Coaching Federation.
We talk about power dynamics, leadership, learning to believe in yourself, how to effectively mentor yourself, and Jay’s show, The Confident Charismatic.
To connect further with Jay Hurt
Follow him on Facebook at www.facebook.com/jayhurtcoaching/
Follow him on Instagram at www.instagram.com/jayhurtcoaching/
Follow him on TikTok at www.tiktok.com/@jayhurtcoaching/
Mentioned in today’s podcast:
The Confident Charismatic - www.youtube.com/channel/UC1DRkpdPttaFpTI0ma5apZw
The Nap Ministry - https://thenapministry.com/
To connect further with me:
Visit my website www.estherboykin.com
Follow me on Instagram www.instagram.com/estherbmft
Follow me on Twitter @estherbmft
On this episode of In the Space Between, I sat down with Randall E. Toby, a lifelong entrepreneur, two-time bestselling author on Amazon, and the founder of the Breakfast with Our Boys series - an award-winning program for male youth ages 10-15 years old.
He shared lessons from his traumatic childhood, how he found his way as a Black man, and why he transitioned from a two-decade-long career in corporate sales to serving underserved populations.
To connect further with Randall E. Toby
Follow Breakfast with Our Boys on Instagram www.instagram.com/breakfastwithourboys/
Follow Randall E. Toby on Instagram www.instagram.com/randalletoby/
Find him on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Randall-E-Toby-536024173091867/
Visit the Breakfast with Our Boys website at www.breakfastwob.org/
Mentioned in today’s podcast:
Suited for Success: 25 Inspirational Stories on Getting Prepared for Your Journey to Success by PK Kersey
To connect further with me:
Visit my website www.estherboykin.com
Follow me on Instagram www.instagram.com/estherbmft
Follow me on Twitter @estherbmft
On this episode of In the Space Between, I welcome you to the second season of the podcast and I reflect on how the podcast reminds me that we, as humans, cannot fix everything. However, we can be attentive and hold space for the stories and explorations of Black men from all walks of life. That is the essence of this podcast.
Mentioned in today’s podcast:
Love and Rage by Lama Rod Owens
To connect further with me:
Visit my website www.estherboykin.com
Follow me on Instagram www.instagram.com/estherbmft
Follow me on Twitter @estherbmft
We’ve made it to the final episode of Season one and I can honestly say this has been one of my favorite projects. On today’s episode I reflect on some of the wisdom the podcast guests shared throughout season one. They have encouraged me to clean the chaos in my own mind and share my story and the lessons I have learned. I also have an exciting update about when you can expect Season two to be released.
To connect further with me:
Please follow me on social media and share your North Star with me. I would also love to hear about other gems you remember from this season.
Visit my website www.estherboykin.com
Follow me on Instagram www.instagram.com/estherbmft
Follow me on Twitter @estherbmft
Link to my Ted Talk: (2) The Antidote to Laziness Isn’t What You Think | Esther Boykin | TEDxUStreetWomen - YouTube
On today’s episode of In the Space Between, I have a great conversation with Jamie Wood. Jamie is a former football player at Ohio State University and currently works in the athletic department. He is passionate about helping former athletes find their place after their sports career is complete and is an advocate for mental health awareness. Today we discuss what he wishes women understood, his first memories of love, the rarely discussed challenges of biracial relationships, and how he handled the expectations others placed on him both on the field and off.
To Connect further with Jamie Wood
Follow Jamie Wood on Instagram: @jamiewoodofficial
Follow him on Twitter @lamjamiewood
Mentioned in today’s podcast:
All About Love by Bell Hooks
The Will to change by Bell Hooks
To connect further with me:
Visit my website www.estherboykin.com
Follow me on Instagram www.instagram.com/estherbmft
Follow me on Twitter @estherbmft
On today’s episode, I talk to Fellonte Misher, the Co-Founder and Program Director of In the Streets, a community outreach program that’s mission is to build meaningful livelihoods and disrupt generational trauma. We discuss his experience living in Europe and how it exposed him to racial profiling and isolation but also helped him understand how to determine the person he truly is, rather than accepting who others thought he should be. We also discuss the importance of reciprocal accountability and trust and how they became the foundation of the work he is doing within his community.
To Connect further with Fellonte Misher
To find out more about the organization In the Streets or to make a donation go to: www.inthestreets.org
Follow Fellonte Misher on Instagram: @lockedin.fel24
Follow In the Streets on Instagram: @inthestreets_
Mentioned in today’s podcast:
The Untethered Soul by Michael A. Singer
To connect further with me:
Visit my website www.estherboykin.com
Follow me on Instagram www.instagram.com/estherbmft
Follow me on Twitter @estherbmft
On today’s episode I am excited to welcome Aristo Mohit-Coker, founder of the startup company Downtime, which helps those struggling with emotional wellness locate the professional services that are the best fit for their needs. Aristo shares his experience growing up as a minority in Montreal and the lessons he learned from sitting with the hatred he was shown in his community as a young child. We have a meaningful and unique conversation about anxiety, entrepreneurship, relationships, coping skills, and building confidence. Aristo shares his secret to daily contentment and how he learned to show empathy toward those around him.
To Connect further with Aristo Mohit-Coker
Find out more about Downtime at www.hellodowntime.com
To connect further with me:
Visit my website www.estherboykin.com
Follow me on Instagram www.instagram.com/estherbmft
Follow me on Twitter @estherbmft
On today’s episode, I talk to Stevon Lewis, who has a passion for helping people overcome Imposter Syndrome. He shares the pivotal moment that helped him understand that he was treated differently because of his race and his size and the healthy way he learned to handle those difficult situations. He also reflects on how he learned to accept himself while setting boundaries to protect himself and his happiness, while maintaining healthy relationships with those around him.
To Connect further with Stevon Lewis
Visit his website: www.stevonlewis.com
Follow Stevon on Instagram Stevon Lewis, LMFT (@stevonlewismft) • Instagram photos and videos
Check out Stevon’s new podcast How to Talk to (High Achievers) About Anything
To connect further with me:
Visit my website www.estherboykin.com
Follow me on Instagram www.instagram.com/estherbmft
Follow me on Twitter @estherbmft
In today’s episode, I have an open and honest conversation with guest, André Hunter, who is passionate about serving others in every area of his life. He shares his feelings on being a mixed race, Black man in America, when he realized racism is systemic, and how he uses that understanding to help younger Black men and women. We also discuss how he is teaching his son confidence, why he believes Black women should be given a safe space, and what he feels is key to finding and accepting love.
To Connect further with André Hunter
Follow him on Instagram: @psalm25seven
Books mentioned in the podcast:
- What Happened to You: Conversations on Trauma, Resilience, and Healing by Bruce D. Perry and Oprah Winfrey.
- The ABC’s of Black History by Rio Cortez
To connect further with me:
Visit my website www.estherboykin.com
Follow me on Instagram www.instagram.com/estherbmft
Follow me on Twitter @estherbmft
Stream and Download the In the Space Between Podcast NOW for FREE on Apple Podcast, Google, Amazon and Spotify!
Today’s guest is one of my favorite people to talk to, Paul C. Brunson, an entrepreneur, author, and TV host of a popular dating show in the UK. Paul shares how travel and frequently moving as a child changed his perspective on diversity and his view of what it means to be a Black man. He believes that differences are a resource and advantage that can make you into a powerful influencer. We also discuss how the content we consume can change our mindset and have an effect, positively or negatively, on our pursuit of excellence.
To Connect further with Paul C Brunson
Visit his website: www.paulcbrunson.com
Follow Paul on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/paulcbrunson@paulcbrunson
Find him on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/paulcbrunson
Connect with him on LinkedIn at https://www.instagram.com/paulcbrunson
Follow him on Twitter at https://twitter.com/paulcbrunson
To connect further with me:
Visit my website www.estherboykin.com
Follow me on Instagram www.instagram.com/estherbmft
Follow me on Twitter @estherbmft
Stream and Download the In the Space Between Podcast NOW for FREE on Apple Podcast, Google, Amazon and Spotify!
Accounting for the details in your life can help turn difficult parts of your past into positive ways to encourage and set an example for younger Black men and women. In today’s episode, I talk with Douglas Reed, the Director of Partnerships for Black Men Heal, which provides mental health support, community resources, and education for men of color. Douglas is also retired from the military and the Federal Bureau of Prisons and worked in the height of mass incarceration in the 1990’s. He brings his experience, perspective, and leadership to young people through his work in Black Men Heal and Kings Corner.
To Connect further with Douglas Reed
Follow Douglas on Instagram @douglas_mreed
Find him on Facebook at Douglas McNeil Reed
Check out Black Men Heal on their website: www.blackmenheal.org
Follow them on Instagram @blackmenheal
Find them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/blackmenheal
Follow them on Twitter @blackmenheal
Find out more about Kings Corner @kingscornerbmh
To connect further with me:
Visit my website www.estherboykin.com
Follow me on Instagram www.instagram.com/estherbmft
Follow me on Twitter @estherbmft
Stream and Download the In the Space Between Podcast NOW for FREE on Apple Podcast, Google, Amazon and Spotify!
It’s important to cultivate human connection by creating a space for deep and honest conversations. In this episode of In the Space Between Podcast, I speak with Thomas Knox, the creator and founder of Date While You Wait and The Connection Collective. Thomas shares his view on masculinity and his place in the world as a Black man. He also shares about the male role model who inspired him to live a life of honesty and integrity.
To Connect further with Thomas C. Knox
Instagram: @theconnectioncurator
Date While You Wait
www.datewhileyouwait.tv
Instagram: @datewhileyouwait
Facebook: Date While You Wait
The Connection Collective
www.theconnectioncollective.com
Instagram: @theconnectioncurator
Be Great Bow Ties
www.begreatbowties.com
Instagram: @begreatbowties
To connect further with me:
Visit my website www.estherboykin.com
Follow me on Instagram www.instagram.com/estherbmft
Follow me on Twitter @estherbmft
Stream and Download the In the Space Between Podcast NOW for FREE on Apple Podcast, Google, Amazon and Spotify!
Artistic expression is a wonderful space for self reflection and understanding. In this episode of In the Space Between Podcast, I speak with Henry Jones, a photographer and father of two, about using artistic expression and self reflection to teach our children about what it means to be a Black man, how to love others, and how to turn loss into something beautiful. We also discuss the difficult balance between natural aggression and the need for tenderness that men often face in the Black culture.
IN THIS EPISODE, WE TALK ABOUT…
How Henry’s view of his place in the world as a Black man changed after he became a father and how it continues to evolve today.
The importance of leaving a legacy and what he learned from his own mom, a single parent of seven children.
How important it is to find a balance between natural male aggression and the need for tenderness and understanding and how Henry learned to find balance and express himself.
How a pivotal moment of pain and loss inspired Henry’s photography business.
What lessons Henry learned from loss and heartbreak and how he will use these lessons to set an example for his children.
What cultural norm Henry believes will change soon and why he believes it will start a renaissance.
To connect further with Henry Jones:
Visit Henry on his website www.lovejonesphoto.com
Follow Henry on Instagram www.instagram.com/henryrjonesii
To connect further with me:
Visit my website www.estherboykin.com
Follow me on Instagram www.instagram.com/estherbmft
Follow me on Twitter @estherbmft
Stream and Download the In the Space Between Podcast NOW for FREE on Apple Podcast, Google, Amazon and Spotify!
Daily journaling can give a safe place to express and understand your emotions regarding cultural limitations and your place in the world as a Black man. In today’s episode, Esther welcomes Joel Cross, a talented musician, writer, poet, and meditation instructor. Joel shares how keeping a daily journal has changed his view on toxic masculinity, systemic and cultural limits, and helped him discover his voice as a musician and in relationships with others.
To Connect further with Joel Cross
Visit his website www.asoulcalledjoel.com
Follow Joel on Instagram @asoulcalledjoel
Follow Jole on Tik Tok @asoulcalledjoel
Listen to the Hello Beautiful Souls Podcast wherever you get your podcasts.
Find Joel Cross on Insight Timer asoulcalledjoel | Insight Timer
R.I.S.E Journal https://asoulcalledjoel.ck.page
To connect further with me:
Visit my website www.estherboykin.com
Follow me on Instagram www.instagram.com/estherbmft
Follow me on Twitter @estherbmft
Stream and Download the In the Space Between Podcast NOW for FREE on Apple Podcast, Google, Amazon and Spotify!
As a therapist I’ve spent more than 15 years in deep conversation with Black men. As I listened to their stories and emotions in session one theme that emerged was a longing for and a lack of space in their daily lives to be open, vulnerable, honest about their experience of benign Black men. As often as I see folks say it’s “ok” for men to share their feelings and women in particular ask men to be more emotionally available, I simultaneously see subtle and overt ways in which they are shut down and shamed.
As Bell Hooks suggests in her book The Will to Change, we are often afraid to be confronted with complex and deeply emotional experiences of men, particularly Black men. But we can not reconcile nor repair what ails us if we don’t begin to hold space for these conversations. This is my intention in hosting The Space Between; a podcast for and about Black men.
Featuring layered and deeply personal stories of individual Black men, each episode we will explore what it means to feel seen, loved, heal, thrive, and create meaning in a world often determined to control and contain the narrative of what it means to be Black and male. I invite you to join me as we create space to weave a more honest and complex understanding of what it means to be a Black man, one personal story at a time.