“I’m generally more shy and reserved, and I think I’ve naturally gravitated towards more extroverted people because they take up space and it makes me feel more comfortable.” - Drew Barvir

Ever Forward Club’s Ashanti Branch is joined by Drew Barvir. Drew currently is enrolled in Stanford’s MBA program. Growing up, members of Drew’s family had their battles with mental illness, and, partly because of these past experiences, he’s now building a startup in the adolescent mental health space: Sonar Mental Health. In their own way, Drew and Ashanti are both trying to be proactive about the mental health crises our youth face today - attempting to build connection and a sense of belonging early, before the feelings we may be bottling up explode into something else less desirable. Today, however, they are allowed to heal themselves and take a break from healing others…

(1:30) Drew introduces himself, his Canadian roots, his love of the outdoors, and his family history with mental health.

(4:00) Drew shares the front of his mask - outgoing and social, hardworking, optimistic, generous.

(5:00) Ashanti shares the front of his mask - funny, caring, intelligent.

(8:55) Drew shares the back of his mask - introverted and shy, social self-doubt, family baggage, caring.

(11:25) Ashanti shares the back of his mask - fear, self-doubt, excited and worried.

(15:30) Drew tells the story of how he built a startup in the adolescent mental health space: Sonar Mental Health.

(19:40) Drew and Ashanti discuss how schools can be more proactive with how they treat mental health.

(24:10) Drew shares how you can get in touch with him.

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Connect with Drew Barvir:

Email: [email protected]

Website: sonarmentalhealth.com

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/drewbarvir

Instagram: instagram.com/drewbarvir

Create your own mask anonymously at millionmask.org

Email us questions and comments at [email protected] 

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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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Support the podcast and the work of the Ever Forward Club: anchor.fm/branch-speaks/support

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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