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

1. How to redesign schools to keep pace with a rapidly changing world

2. How teachers can create enough excitement to match the dopamine hits students are getting from their phones

3. Some restorative justice practices you can implement in your school

4. What helicopter parents and phones in schools have in common

5. 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

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Connect with Jerome Hunter:

https://www.jeromeleehunter.com/

https://www.instagram.com/seatownstorycollective/

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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 

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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: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch/

Website: https://www.branchspeaks.com/

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Support the podcast and the work of the Ever Forward Club: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/branch-speaks/support 

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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 

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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: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch/

Website: https://www.branchspeaks.com/

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Support the podcast and the work of the Ever Forward Club: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/branch-speaks/support 

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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 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

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(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 

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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: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch/⁠

Website: ⁠https://www.branchspeaks.com/⁠

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Support the podcast and the work of the Ever Forward Club: ⁠https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/branch-speaks/support⁠ 

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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/

“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.

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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

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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

“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.

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Connect with Dax-Devlon Ross:

Website: dax-dev.com

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/dax-devlon-ross-69b3749

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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

“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

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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

“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?

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Connect with Mohandas & Selim

Selim: https://www.instagram.com/8miles4354/

Mohandas: https://www.instagram.com/moduewa/

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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

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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’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.

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Connect with Marcelo Peterlini:

Instagram: instagram.com/somos_lala

Website: latinamericanleadershipacademy.org

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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

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Send in a voice message:

anchor.fm/branch-speaks/message

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.

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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

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Send in a voice message:

anchor.fm/branch-speaks/message

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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 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.

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Connect with Muhammad Bilal:

Instagram: instagram.com/bilalworldentertainment

The Blue Cave: instagram.com/the_blue_cave_

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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

“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.”

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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

“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.

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Connect with Marcus L. Strother:

Website: mentorcaliforniayouth.org

Instagram: instagram.com/marcuslstrother

Twitter: twitter.com/MarcusLStrother

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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

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Connect with Ashanti Branch:

Instagram: instagram.com/branchspeaks

Facebook: facebook.com/BranchSpeaks

Twitter: twitter.com/BranchSpeaks

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch

Website: branchspeaks.com

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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.

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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 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.

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(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

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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

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Connect with Jordan Bowman:

Website: https://journeymentriangle.org/ 

Website: https://www.jbowman.org/ 

Social Media: @Jordan7Bowman

Social Media: @Journeymen_NC

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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 

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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: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch/

Website: https://www.branchspeaks.com/

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Support the podcast and the work of the Ever Forward Club: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/branch-speaks/support 

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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/

“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.

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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?”

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Connect with Mohandas and Julian:

Mohandas: instagram.com/moduewa

Julian: instagram.com/thedeltawave

Project Artivism (mentioned by Julian): projectartivism.org

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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.

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Connect with Scott Messier:

Instagram: instagram.com/scd.messi

Twitter: twitter.com/scdmessi

Business: instagram.com/kidzsafelock; twitter.com/kidzsafelock

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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.

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Connect with Jason Muhammad:

Podcast: instagram.com/epndpodcast

Jason’s friend, Amil: instagram.com/bootuppgh

Twitter: twitter.com/jsunkm

Instagram: instagram.com/jsunkm

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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.

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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

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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.

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Connect with Newton Cheng:

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/newtoncheng

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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.

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Connect with Eduardo Canche:

Instagram: instagram.com/eddienine

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

“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

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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

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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/ 

“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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.”

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Connect with Mohandas D.:

Instagram: instagram.com/moduewa

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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.

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Connect with John Okhiulu:

Twitter: twitter.com/souliberationar

Instagram: instagram.com/souliberationary

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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

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Connect with Ashanti Branch:

Instagram: instagram.com/branchspeaks

Facebook: facebook.com/BranchSpeaks

Twitter: twitter.com/BranchSpeaks

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch

Website: branchspeaks.com

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Send in a voice message:

anchor.fm/branch-speaks/message

“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

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Connect with John Feldkamp

John’s Writing: www.heybrotherco.com 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/feldyj/

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Our BetterHelp Promo: https://www.betterhelp.com/everforwardclub/

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Create your own mask anonymously at https://millionmask.org/ 

Email us questions and comments at totmpod100@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: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch/

Website: https://www.branchspeaks.com/

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Support the podcast and the work of the Ever Forward Club: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/branch-speaks/support 

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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/

“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.

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Connect with Arturo Aviña:

Instagram: instagram.com/schooledbyarturo

Tik Tok: tiktok.com/discover/schoolbyarturo

Twitter: twitter.com/schooledbyart

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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

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Connect with Ashanti Branch:

Instagram: instagram.com/branchspeaks

Facebook: facebook.com/BranchSpeaks

Twitter: twitter.com/BranchSpeaks

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch

Website: branchspeaks.com

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Send in a voice message:

anchor.fm/branch-speaks/message

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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.

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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

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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.

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Connect with Amil Cook:

Social Media and Podcast: linktr.ee/amilcook

BootUp PGH: instagram.com/bootuppgh

Hip Hop Ed: instagram.com/hiphoped

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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.

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Connect with Mohandas D.:

Instagram: instagram.com/moduewa

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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

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Connect with Ashanti Branch:

Instagram: instagram.com/branchspeaks

Facebook: facebook.com/BranchSpeaks

Twitter: twitter.com/BranchSpeaks

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch

Website: branchspeaks.com

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Send in a voice message:

anchor.fm/branch-speaks/message

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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.

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Connect with Leo Mercer:

Personal Instagram: instagram.com/leo_mercer

Business Instagram: instagram.com/mercerbrotherhood

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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

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Connect with Ashanti Branch:

Instagram: instagram.com/branchspeaks

Facebook: facebook.com/BranchSpeaks

Twitter: twitter.com/BranchSpeaks

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch

Website: branchspeaks.com

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Send in a voice message:

anchor.fm/branch-speaks/message

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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.

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Connect with Ray Arata:

Ray’s newest book: showingupbook.com

The Better Man Conference: bettermanconference.com

Website: rayarata.com

Social Media: rayarata.com/contact

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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

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Connect with Ashanti Branch:

Instagram: instagram.com/branchspeaks

Facebook: facebook.com/BranchSpeaks

Twitter: twitter.com/BranchSpeaks

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch

Website: branchspeaks.com

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Send in a voice message:

anchor.fm/branch-speaks/message

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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.

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Connect with Rohit Tigga

All Social Media and Podcast Links (@imhereandcare): beacons.ai/imhereandcare

Text Rohit: 408-539-8459

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The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800-273-8255

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The NAMI Helpline: 800-950-NAMI

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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

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Connect with Ashanti Branch:

Instagram: instagram.com/branchspeaks

Facebook: facebook.com/BranchSpeaks

Twitter: twitter.com/BranchSpeaks

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch

Website: branchspeaks.com

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Send in a voice message:

anchor.fm/branch-speaks/message

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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.

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Connect with Alfredo Mathew III:

Website: eso-ventures.com

LinkedIn:

linkedin.com/in/alfredomathew

Email: Alfredo@eso-ventures.com

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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: instagram.com/branchspeaks

Facebook: facebook.com/BranchSpeaks

Twitter: twitter.com/BranchSpeaks

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch

Website: branchspeaks.com

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Send in a voice message:

anchor.fm/branch-speaks/message

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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.

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Connect with Andrew Reiner:

Instagram: instagram.com/andrew.reiner.author

Twitter: twitter.com/AndrewTReiner

Website & Book, "Better Boys, Better Men": andrewreinerauthor.com

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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: 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.

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Connect with Ceasar F. Barajas:

Instagram: instagram.com/ceasarfbarajas

Twitter: twitter.com/ceasarfbarajas

Website: thejourneywithceasar.com

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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: instagram.com/branchspeaks

Facebook: facebook.com/BranchSpeaks

Twitter: twitter.com/BranchSpeaks

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch

Website: branchspeaks.com

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Send in a voice message:

anchor.fm/branch-speaks/message

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

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(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 

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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: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch/

Website: https://www.branchspeaks.com/

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Support the podcast and the work of the Ever Forward Club: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/branch-speaks/support 

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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’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.

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Connect with Preston Lee:

Instagram: instagram.com/shotbyleeofficial

Youtube: youtu.be/wrhwFPKfURw

The Perspective Project: theperspectiveproject.co.uk/post/alone-preston-lee

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The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255

Or, text "NAMI" to 741-741

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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: instagram.com/branchspeaks

Facebook: facebook.com/BranchSpeaks

Twitter: twitter.com/BranchSpeaks

Website: branchspeaks.com

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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.

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Connect with Shems Heartwell:

Website: shemsheartwell.com

Navigator Project: navigatorproject.org

Instagram: instagram.com/shemsheart

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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: instagram.com/branchspeaks

Facebook: facebook.com/BranchSpeaks

Twitter: twitter.com/BranchSpeaks

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch

Website: branchspeaks.com

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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.

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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

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The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800-273-8255

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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

---

Connect with Ashanti Branch:

Instagram: instagram.com/branchspeaks

Facebook: facebook.com/BranchSpeaks

Twitter: twitter.com/BranchSpeaks

Website: branchspeaks.com

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Send in a voice message:

anchor.fm/branch-speaks/message