"I looked at my son in the mirror and said, 'You want to be like me? I just got fired.'"

This raw and deeply emotional episode of Vulnerability Muscle peels back the layers of identity, purpose, and healing with educator, father, and consultant Dr. Brandon Haskins. Reggie D. Ford and Brandon dive into what it means to break generational cycles and be the adult you needed as a child. From growing up without guidance to becoming a father trying to get it right, Brandon opens up about his journey through college, discovering his calling, and building Branded Consulting to help students find purpose before they lose their way.

They unpack the school-to-prison pipeline, restorative justice in education, and how boxing in creative students sets them up for failure. Brandon reflects on the pressures of parenthood, the haunting absence of a father figure, and what it means to simply make it home as a Black man in America. This episode is an unfiltered masterclass in purpose-driven leadership, emotional intelligence, and real talk that hits straight to the heart.

Call to Action:
If you’ve ever questioned your path or what it means to show up fully for yourself and others, this episode is for you. Tune in, share it with someone who needs it, and keep flexing that vulnerability muscle.

Guest Contact:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doctahaskins?igsh=MTZ3NTFiaGloOHY5
• Consulting: ​​https://www.instagram.com/branedd_?igsh=MTVyNXRndWI3eWc2NQ==

Host Contact:

• Website: https://reggiedford.com
• Instagram, YouTube, Twitter, TikTok: @reggiedford
  

Key Quotes/Takeaways:

• "When you're not operating in your purpose, you're not going to do what's necessary."
• "Our kids aren't missing anything — we just have to stop boxing them in."
• "The greatest thing my dad ever did... was come home."