Only 23% of K-12 educators in America are male, a gender gap that has serious ramifications for male students - who often face DISPROPORTIONATE disciplinary action.
This podcast is for male educators who want to embody a necessary change in schools, via healthy social-emotional outcomes. Come away with actionable lesson plans, relatable stories, and a renewed purpose.
The US Surgeon General says the mental health of our youth is the "crisis of our time." Male educators are uniquely positioned to address this - because real men teach.
Join our community: "Advocates for Young Men" at Skool.com
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unMASKing with Male Educators: Creating Emotionally Safe Classrooms & Schools for Male Students, a podcast by Ashanti Branch - Taking Off The Mask - Stats, Episodes and Rankings - My Podcast Data
#91 | Purpose With Balance: Sacred Purpose Without Sacrificing Yourself w/ Chris Chatmon
Season 2 · Episode 91
Wednesday, October 14, 2026 • Duration 43:53
What happens when your life is built around serving others—but the weight of that responsibility begins showing up in your body, your family, and the parts of yourself most people never see?
In this episode of unMASKing with Male Educators, Ashanti sits down with Kingmakers of Oakland Founder and CEO Christopher P. Chatmon to explore Black male identity, brotherhood, leadership, vulnerability, health, ancestral wisdom, education, and what it means to build a life around sacred purpose without losing yourself in the process.
Chris reflects on the people and experiences that shaped him—from being adopted into a family that taught him unconditional love and community, to raising three sons, becoming a grandfather, building movements for Black boys and young men, and learning that even leaders who appear strong, visionary, and grounded can carry tremendous weight behind the mask.
This conversation dives into:
How Chris’s adoptive parents shaped his understanding of identity, community, education, and unconditional love
What it means to know “who you are”
Why his life’s work has centered on helping young Black men recognize the greatness they already possess
The importance of ancestral intelligence, Sankofa, and understanding the past in order to move forward
Why leadership can be both a blessing and a tremendous weight
The doubt and insecurity that can exist behind visionary leadership
What Chris learned from navigating funding losses and having to lay off people he considered family
Losing his younger brother after a long struggle with alcoholism and learning how love and boundaries can exist together
How a heart attack forced him to reconsider stress, mindfulness, rest, and the way he had been modeling leadership
Why leaders must learn to schedule their wellness with the same intentionality they schedule their work
How becoming a grandfather changed his relationship with presence, joy, and the pace of life
The challenge of working alongside your own children while allowing them to develop identities separate from your leadership
Why young people do not need to be fixed—they need environments that help draw out what is already inside them
Why proximity matters when adults are trying to understand a generation growing up with technology constantly in their hands
How art, music, creativity, culture, and joy can become powerful gateways into deeper learning
Why educators must lead with love, belonging, relationship, and belief in young people
Ashanti and Chris explore the hidden weight of leadership, redefining strength as self-awareness, community, and care.
Chris also challenges educators to see Black boys not as problems to fix, but as young people to listen to, affirm, and empower.
A powerful conversation on leadership, wellness, belonging, Black male achievement, and creating spaces rooted in love and possibility.
#90 | Connection More Than Performance: Your Students Don't Need a Perfect Teacher w/ Phil Januszewski
Season 2 · Episode 90
Wednesday, October 7, 2026 • Duration 46:26
What happens when educators stop waiting for the system to change before giving themselves permission to experience more joy—and begin paying attention to the small things they can control every day?
In this episode of UnMASKing with Male Educators, Ashanti talks with longtime educator, speaker, and author Phil Januszewski about resilience, vulnerability, student relationships, and educator burnout.
They explore the emotions teachers show and hide, and why sustainable teaching means caring for yourself while continuing to show up with connection, humor, and love for students.
This conversation dives into:
Phil’s journey from science teacher to motivational speaker
Why energy, humor, and love became central to his teaching
The doubt, disappointment, and anger educators may hide
Why educators can carry personal struggles into the classroom
How human connection can transform the learning environment
What helped Phil stay at the same school for 20 years
Why supportive school culture matters for teacher retention
How leadership can affect an educator’s ability to stay healthy
Why people outside education may underestimate the demands of teaching
How phones and social media have changed the classroom
Why learning to sit with different perspectives still matters
The story behind Phil’s book Too Damn Happy
Why educators cannot always wait for the system to change
How small choices can make teaching feel more sustainable
Why educators should intentionally schedule things that bring them joy
How music, food, humor, and personal interests can build classroom connection
Why students need to see teachers as human beings
How sharing mistakes can model humility and confidence for young people
#89 | Keeping the Imagination Alive: Learning, Teaching, and Becoming w/ Dr. Joseph Brown
Season 2 · Episode 89
Wednesday, September 30, 2026 • Duration 53:38
What happens when educators see themselves not only as teachers—but as conduits carrying history, culture, wisdom, and possibility from one generation to the next?
In this episode of unMASKing with Male Educators, Ashanti sits down with educator, scholar, priest, writer, and longtime teacher Dr. Joseph Brown to explore education, Black history, identity, imagination, mentorship, spirituality, and the responsibility adults have to help young people dream beyond the limitations placed in front of them.
At 82 years old and still teaching full-time, Dr. Brown reflects on knowing he wanted to become a teacher from the age of nine and the family message that shaped his life: “Get all the education you can.”
This conversation dives into:
Why education became Dr. Brown’s calling
What he means by “spirit talking”
How introversion shaped his experience as a student and educator
Why he sees himself as a conduit for history
The importance of intergenerational mentorship for Black boys
Why literacy, storytelling, music, and art are connected to freedom
How adults can keep young people’s imaginations alive
Why students need to know they are more than how others define them
How educators can recognize the spark in young people and help protect it
Why communities must intentionally rebuild spaces where generations learn from one another
Throughout the conversation, Ashanti and Dr. Brown explore how education happens far beyond the classroom—through books, stories, music, family, churches, barbershops, front porches, and relationships with adults willing to say, “Come with me. Let me show you something.”
Dr. Brown reminds us that young people need more than information. They need imagination, history, connection, and people who help them see what is possible.
#88 | Bad Lessons: What Schools Teach Black Boys Without Saying a Word w/ Matthew R. Morris
Season 2 · Episode 88
Wednesday, September 23, 2026 • Duration 46:04
What happens when Black boys are taught that they have to choose between being authentically themselves and being seen as intelligent, successful, or worthy of belonging in school?
In this episode of unMASKing with Male Educators, Ashanti sits down with educator, writer, professor, and author Matthew R. Morris to explore Black masculinity, identity, schooling, academic expectations, authenticity, equity, and the hidden lessons young people learn inside and outside the classroom.
Together, they reflect on the masks Black men carry, the narrowing opportunities young people see around them, and why truly supporting Black boys requires educators to move beyond stereotypes, saviorism, lowered expectations, and performative conversations about equity.
This conversation dives into:
Matthew’s mask: appearing concrete and clear while feeling soft, afraid, and searching
Why Black men often feel pressure to appear unbreakable
Why young Black males may struggle to see clear paths to future success
How education’s traditional promise of college, career, and stability has changed
Why educators should avoid blaming students when engagement declines
How care without high expectations can limit student growth
Why culturally relevant teaching must include identity, rigor, and belief in students
Matthew’s “Fresh Prince Syndrome” and the narrow boxes placed around Black masculinity
Why Black boys should not have to choose between cultural authenticity and academic success
How schools can send hidden messages about who is expected to be brilliant
Why knowing the language of equity is different from doing the work
How saviorism can undermine genuine support for students
Why educators must examine their own biases and assumptions
How showing up authentically can help students do the same
#87 | Stop Shaming Boys: A Better Way to Talk About Masculinity w/ Chris Hemmings
Season 2 · Episode 87
Wednesday, September 16, 2026 • Duration 52:48
What happens when we stop shaming boys for the masks they wear—and start getting curious about why they learned to wear them in the first place?
In this episode of unMASKing with Male Educators, Ashanti sits down with psychotherapist, former BBC journalist, men’s mental health advocate, and founder of Men’s Therapy Hub and M-Path Chris Hemmings to explore masculinity, empathy, grief, vulnerability, and what boys need from the adults trying to reach them.
Chris shares how losing his father pushed him to confront his own relationship with masculinity and emotion—and how years of hiding his sensitive, empathic side shaped the man he became.
Together, they reflect on the masks boys and men wear, the pressure to appear strong, and why real change requires compassion rather than shame.
This conversation dives into:
How losing his father changed Chris’s relationship with grief and masculinity
Why Chris spent years hiding the sensitive and empathic parts of himself
What happens when boys are repeatedly told to “stop being soft”
The difference between masculinity and rigid ideas of masculinity
Why boys need opportunities to reconnect with empathy
How social media influencers are filling emotional gaps for young men
Why harmful models of masculinity may be symptoms of a deeper problem
Why shaming and blaming boys rarely leads to meaningful change
How educators can “speak to what is happening in the room” without humiliating students
What one student taught Chris about the power of challenging boys without shaming them
Why vulnerability and confidence do not have to be opposites
The importance of being able to say, “I hadn’t thought of it that way”
Why adults working with boys must be willing to examine their own experiences first
How educators may impact young people without ever knowing it
Why boys need adults who can see beyond the behavior and recognize the person underneath the maskThroughout the conversation, Ashanti and Chris explore how boys can question rigid ideas of masculinity without shame.
#86 | You Are Not Alone: Trust, Mentorship, and The Power of Showing up w/ Ray Seol
Season 2 · Episode 86
Wednesday, September 9, 2026 • Duration 47:03
What happens when educators stop believing they need to have all the answers—and start recognizing trust, curiosity, and presence as some of the most powerful things they can offer students?
In this episode of unMASKing with Male Educators, Ashanti sits down with jazz bassist, educator, artist, immigrant, and father Ray Seol to explore grief, identity, mentorship, anxiety, imposter syndrome, student trust, and the responsibility educators carry when young people are looking for someone to believe in them.
Together, they reflect on the masks educators wear, the struggles they may carry privately, and why creating spaces where people feel safe enough to be honest can change lives.
This conversation dives into:
Ray’s unexpected path into music and education
The pressure of feeling like you are never enough
Losing his mother and learning to talk about grief
Why vulnerability can be difficult across cultures
How the pandemic helped Ray begin sharing his story
Navigating identity as a Korean immigrant
Why mentors helped Ray understand he was not alone
Why trust is essential in the educator-student relationship
The importance of telling students, “I trust you”
Why educators should remain learners too
How the pandemic changed music education
Why human connection still matters in a digital world
How curiosity can help educators see beyond student behavior
What one struggling student taught Ray about judgment and potential
Why sometimes showing up is the lesson
Throughout the conversation, Ashanti and Ray explore how educators can become the people they once needed in their own lives.
Ray reminds us that students do not always need someone to fix everything. Sometimes they need someone who will listen, stay curious, believe in them, and remind them that they are not alone.
#85 | Hip-hop Lessons for Life and Learning w/ David Spellmon
Season 2 · Episode 85
Wednesday, September 2, 2026 • Duration 49:13
What happens when educators stop seeing hip-hop as something to keep outside the classroom—and begin recognizing it as a tool for building confidence, self-awareness, connection, and possibility?
In this episode of unMASKing with Male Educators, Ashanti sits down with hip-hop educator, author, curriculum creator, and community leader David Spellmon to explore social-emotional learning, Black male identity, mentorship, student engagement, emotional vulnerability, and the power of using culture to help young people recognize the greatness already inside of them.
Together, they reflect on the confidence educators and community leaders often display publicly, the inadequacy and vulnerability they may carry privately, and why reaching young people sometimes requires educators to speak through the music, language, and culture students already understand.
This conversation dives into:
David’s path as an unconventional educator
Why positivity and connection guide his work
The vulnerability behind being the “strong friend”
Why Black men may feel pressure to adjust how they show up
How A Tribe Called Quest shaped David’s approach to education
Why culturally relevant learning matters
How David created Just Like Music during the pandemic
Why knowledge of self is central to hip-hop
How lyrics can build social-emotional skills
Why greatness requires both belief and action
How a “Game 7” mindset can reframe setbacks
Why educators should challenge students with care
How music builds identity, memory, and connection
Why students can lose their joy for learning
Why educators must honor students’ culture and experiences
es students bring with them instead of asking them to become less of themselves
Throughout the conversation, Ashanti and David explore how educators, mentors, music, and relationships can help young people recognize the greatness within themselves.
#84 | Your Words Can Build—or Burn w/ Maurice McDavid
Season 2 · Episode 84
Tuesday, August 25, 2026 • Duration 45:29
What happens when educators recognize that their words can create warmth, build confidence, and strengthen belonging—or leave wounds students carry for years?
In this episode of unMASKing with Male Educators, Ashanti sits down with educator, principal, pastor, author, and podcast host Maurice McDavid to explore student belonging, Black male identity, culturally responsive teaching, school leadership, representation, and the power of language.
Together, they reflect on the strength educators display publicly, the fear and overwhelm they may carry privately, and why supporting young people requires both accountability and compassion.
This conversation dives into:
Maurice’s journey from aspiring politician to educator and school leader
Why social justice and equity have shaped his career in education
What it means to lead with optimism while carrying fear and uncertainty
Why Black students benefit from seeing educators and leaders who look like them
How accountability can come from care rather than punishment
Why Black boys are often expected to grow up faster than their peers
How schools can bring joy, creativity, and curiosity back into learning
Why students need to see themselves as belonging in academic spaces
How personal goals can help students connect their behavior to their future
Why home language should be respected rather than treated as a sign of low intelligence
How educators’ words can create belonging, bring warmth, or leave lasting burn marks
Throughout the conversation, Ashanti and Maurice explore what it means to protect, challenge, and empower young people without stripping away their identity or childhood. They remind educators that language is never neutral—what adults say can shape how students see their intelligence, their culture, and their place in the classroom.
If you care about culturally responsive teaching, Black male educators, student belonging, school leadership, restorative practices, language, representation, or creating more joyful and affirming learning environments, this episode is for you.
#83 | Behind the High Performer: What We Hide Behind the Mask w/ Ron Rapatalo
Season 2 · Episode 76
Tuesday, August 18, 2026 • Duration 41:49
What happens when someone appears confident, connected, and successful on the outside while privately navigating anxiety, avoidance, pressure, and self-doubt?
In this episode of unMASKing with Male Educators, Ashanti sits down with educator, coach, connector, podcast host, and social impact leader Ron Rapatalo to explore identity, vulnerability, high performance, community, leadership, and the emotional weight people often carry behind their public image.
Together, they reflect on the version of ourselves we share publicly, the struggles we protect privately, and why true self-awareness requires looking beyond achievement, visibility, and professional success.
This conversation dives into:
Ron’s journey as the child of Filipino immigrants and a product of New York City public schools
Why education became an equalizer in his life
How Filipino cultural values shaped his commitment to community and connection
The difference between a public brand and the person behind it
Why vulnerability is often shared only after it has been processed
How high performers can hide anxiety, avoidance, and private struggles
The emotional and physical cost of constantly needing to succeed
Why educators should not have to sacrifice their health to serve others
How ADHD, anxiety, deadlines, and performance can become deeply connected
Why excellence does not have to look like suffering
Throughout the conversation, Ashanti and Ron explore what it means to be visible without being fully known. They remind listeners that achievement does not erase struggle, vulnerability is not weakness, and the people who appear strongest may still be carrying experiences others cannot see.
If you care about educator wellness, leadership, identity, high performance, emotional health, vulnerability, community, social impact, or creating more human-centered professional spaces, this episode is for you.
#82 | Behind the Confidence: Let Kids Learn To Live w/ Dr. Ray Boyd
Season 2 · Episode 82
Tuesday, August 11, 2026 • Duration 45:01
What does it mean to lead with confidence while carrying vulnerability, caution, and responsibility behind the mask?
In this episode of unMASKing with Male Educators, Ashanti sits down with Western Australian educator and school leader Dr. Ray Boyd to explore leadership, childhood, boundaries, technology, masculinity, and the lasting impact teachers have on young people.
Together, they reflect on the pressure educators carry, the importance of consistency, and why students need both freedom and clear expectations in order to grow.
This conversation dives into:
The confidence school leaders often show publicly
The vulnerability and sensitivity many men keep hidden
Why dependable leadership builds trust
How teachers constantly anticipate what could go wrong
The pressure educators carry beyond the school day
Why children need opportunities to take healthy risks
How overprotection can increase anxiety and limit independence
The impact of phones and social media on childhood
Why clear boundaries must be followed by consistent action
Throughout the conversation, Ashanti and Ray explore how strong leadership combines confidence with care, boundaries with support, and high expectations with humanity. They remind educators that students may not always express their appreciation, but the consistency and care they receive can shape their lives for years to come.
If you care about school leadership, emotional safety, healthy masculinity, student independence, educator wellness, or creating consistent and supportive classrooms, this episode is for you.
Why male educators can help boys see that vulnerability and strength can coexist
How apologizing to students can build trust instead of weakening authority
Why emotional safety creates stronger opportunities for learning
How educators can balance connection with healthy boundaries
Why students are more willing to follow teachers when they know they are genuinely cared for
Ashanti and Phil explore what happens when educators let students see the person behind the profession.
Phil reminds us that teaching doesn’t require perfection. Educators can feel frustration, doubt, and exhaustion while still creating space for joy, connection, humor, and love.
If you care about teacher wellness, burnout, student relationships, classroom culture, and authentic teaching, this episode is for you.
Connect with Phil Januszewski
Phil’s New Book.. Pre-order now! Release date: October 15th
Too Damn Happy: Flourishing in a Tired and Uninspired World
As he says, we have to intentionally create the circle again.
If you care about Black male educators, mentorship, Black history, literacy, student identity, culturally responsive education, creativity, or helping young people imagine bigger futures, this episode is for you.
Throughout the conversation, Ashanti and Matthew explore how narrow ideas about masculinity, intelligence, and success can limit Black boys. They challenge educators to maintain high expectations, understand cultural expression, and create spaces where students can be both academically brilliant and authentically themselves.
If you care about Black male identity, culturally relevant teaching, student belonging, racial equity, academic expectations, or helping Black boys show up as their whole selves, this episode is for you.
Connect with Matthew R. Morris
Book: Black Boys Like Me: Confrontations with Race, Identity, and Belonging
If you care about mentorship, emotional safety, educator vulnerability, student belonging, mental health, music education, immigrant identity, or building stronger relationships with young people, this episode is for you.
David reminds us that hip-hop can be a powerful tool for creativity, connection, self-awareness, and growth. Even one lyric can help a young person reframe failure, reconnect with a goal, and turn belief into action.
If you care about hip-hop education, social-emotional learning, culturally responsive teaching, mentorship, student engagement, or bringing more joy and relevance into learning, this episode is for you.
Connect with Maurice McDavid Book: Your Words Are Fire: 10 Culturally Responsive Teaching Strategies to Speak the Language of Belonging and Help Students Learn, Express Ideas, and Solve Problems
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