“It’s not just the story of what I’ve accomplished or what I didn’t accomplish… it’s who I was created to be.” -Victor Hogan, II

In this soul-stirring episode of Beauty & the Beast, we sit down with Emmy Award-winning filmmaker Victor Hogan, whose emotional journey from artistic childhood dreams to devastating loss — and eventual rebirth — is nothing short of cinematic.

Victor opens up about growing up in Queens with Panamanian immigrant parents, drawing inspiration from his father’s artistry, and how the validation he received at age five set the tone for his creative destiny. But the path wasn’t linear. Dropping out of college triggered deep-rooted imposter syndrome that followed him for years — even after major career successes.

Then came the collapse: financial ruin, the housing crisis, a failed marriage, and the loss of everything he thought defined him. With brutal honesty, Victor shares how he navigated the darkest valley of his life — from EBT cards to tears at the dinner table — and how vulnerability, fatherhood, faith, and one powerful woman helped him rise from the ashes.

This episode is not about victimhood — it’s about ownership, transformation, and the spiritual grit it takes to step into who you were born to be.

Key Questions Answered

-What does it really feel like to lose everything?

-How do men process failure, shame, and identity after divorce?

-Why is vulnerability the hidden key to healing?

-What role does fatherhood play in self-worth?

-Can you succeed without a degree — and still feel valid?

Guest Bio – Victor Hogan

Victor Hogan is an Emmy Award-winning editor, producer, and filmmaker. A visionary storyteller, he has worked across commercials, documentaries, and feature films. His path from South Ozone Park to the heart of Georgia’s booming film industry embodies resilience, creativity, and purpose-driven artistry.

#VictorHogan #BeautyAndTheBeastPodcast #EmotionalHealing #ResilienceStory #Fatherhood #VulnerabilityIsStrength #OvercomingAdversity #MensMentalHealth #Identity #FaithAndFailure #CreativeJourney #PodcastClips #LifeAfterDivorce #ImposterSyndrome #Transformation

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/beauty-in-the-beast-podcast/exclusive-content

In this deeply moving episode of Beauty & the Beast, wealth advisor and father Jonathan Parris opens up about the emotional and psychological journey behind his professional and personal success. From losing his father to cancer at just ten years old to growing up in a community marked by both tight-knit values and systemic adversity, Jonathan shares how early loss shaped his emotional compass.

But this isn't just a story of survival—it's one of transformation. We dive into how he became the kind of man who shows up for everyone… except himself. Through candid conversations with hosts Kyle and Malik, the episode explores the invisible burden strong men often carry, the legacy of fatherhood, and the vital importance of showing up for yourself.

This episode challenges men to reflect on how much of their strength is actually fueled by unresolved grief, unacknowledged needs, and the desire to protect everyone else at the cost of themselves. It’s raw, vulnerable, and ultimately—empowering.

Key Questions Answered:

What happens to a boy when he loses his father at ten?

How do you turn trauma into fuel instead of a crutch?

What does it mean to prioritize yourself as a man, husband, and father?

Why do “strong friends” often suffer in silence?

How do we cut out people who subtract from our peace?

Guest Bio

Jonathan Parris is a husband, father, and seasoned financial advisor known for his grounded presence, powerful intellect, and unwavering dedication to family. A Brooklyn native with Jamaican roots, Jonathan’s story reflects both professional excellence and deep personal reflection. This episode marks a rare public window into his emotional journey.

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/beauty-in-the-beast-podcast/exclusive-content

In this raw and soul-stirring episode of Beauty & the Beast, Kyle and Malik sit down with Lars Minns—an executive leader and father who shares a profound journey of emotional unlearning, self-examination, and legacy-building.

Raised in the structured traditions of the Bahamas, Lars explores how cultural expectations shaped his identity—and not always for the better. What does it really mean to be a man of integrity? What happens when that integrity is compromised, even unconsciously, through inherited behaviors?

Through deeply personal stories of marriage, fatherhood, and self-reflection, Lars opens up about how he was taught to suppress emotion, to “be strong,” and to avoid vulnerability at all costs. But when the feedback from his wife and kids stayed the same year after year, something had to shift. Why do men struggle to express vulnerability—and what happens when they finally do?

Now navigating a life rooted in intentionality, therapy, and legacy-building, Lars offers wisdom for every father trying to do better, every husband learning to connect, and every son questioning whether he has to inherit emotional silence. How do we raise emotionally healthy sons in a world that still doesn't allow men to cry? And how do we break the cycle for good?

This episode doesn’t just ask tough questions—it models the answers.

Guest Bio

Lars Minns is a C-suite executive and culture leader with roots in the Bahamas and a powerful personal mission: to rewire generational mindsets about masculinity, vulnerability, and emotional accountability. Through his corporate leadership and role as a husband and father, he’s forging a new path for what manhood can look like.

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/beauty-in-the-beast-podcast/exclusive-content

“The majority of Black men are not evolving-they are just readjusting to trauma. But if we reconnect to community, we can finally heal.” Dr. Torre Prothro-Wiley

This isn’t just another conversation about Black masculinity - it’s a masterclass in emotional liberation. For the first time on Beauty & the Beast, a woman joins the couch: Dr. Torre Prothro-Wiley, a licensed therapist with decades of experience helping Black men unlearn, heal, and evolve.

In this deeply vulnerable and soul-shaking episode, the hosts revisit the most recurring themes from this season - community, fatherhood, masking, safety, emotional suppression, and the myth of playing “the game.” Dr. Torre breaks down how these patterns shape not only Black men’s mental health but also their relationships, parenting, and sense of identity.

This episode is an invitation: to be seen, to feel safe, and to stop surviving… and start thriving.

Key Questions Answered:

Why do Black men struggle with vulnerability and emotional safety?

What is “masking” — and how does it impact authenticity?

How can we raise emotionally balanced Black boys?

What role does community play in Black healing?

How do societal expectations suppress Black excellence?

Guest Bio – Dr. Torre Prothro-Wiley

Dr. Torre is a licensed therapist, executive coach, and financial therapy specialist with nearly 20 years of experience. Based in Atlanta, her practice focuses on mood disorders, relational healing, and helping high-performing individuals navigate personal evolution. She is a trusted voice and emotional anchor for countless Black men across the country.

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/beauty-in-the-beast-podcast/exclusive-content

He was 10 when his father died. That trauma should’ve broken him — instead, it became his fuel.

In this powerful episode of Beauty in the Beast, Shawn Cole opens up about losing his father as a child, navigating manhood without a manual, and becoming a high-level corporate executive against all odds. What you’ll hear isn’t just inspiration — it’s instruction.

From grief to growth, from fear to leadership — this is the real story behind the titles, success, and pressure that Black men carry but rarely speak about.

Inside This Conversation:

-The real emotional toll of father loss

-Turning childhood trauma into leadership clarity

-How to lead a family when you never saw it modeled

-Corporate success without losing yourself

-The 4 rules Shawn uses to win in life and work

-Why most men are silently stuck — and how to break through

If you’ve ever asked, “Why did this happen to me?”… this episode will change the way you answer that question.

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/beauty-in-the-beast-podcast/exclusive-content

“I didn’t fail — I just stopped pretending I was okay chasing something that no longer fed me.” - Cedric Castille

Cedric had it all lined up:

-All-American athlete turned rap artist

-Touring with Juvenile

-Walking with purpose, passion and profit

The music. The money. The moment. He had it. But somewhere between the studio sessions and the 4AM drives back to work, it fell apart. What happens when what you love becomes something you don’t recognize?

In this revealing episode of Beauty in the Beast, Cedric shares how he gave everything to the culture - only to watch love turn to loss. From battling imposter syndrome to leaving the studio behind, Cedric opens up about:

-Growing up in a house full of love… but still battling self-doubt

-How writing rhymes became therapy

-The moment he knew hip hop changed — and left him behind

-How he rebuilt his identity without the mic

-How a funeral became the mirror he didn’t know he needed

-And how becoming a father gave him his real voice

This is a love letter. A breakup story. A resurrection. If you've ever felt stuck between who you’ve been and who you’re becoming, this episode will meet you there.

#BrownSugarVibes #HipHopBreakup #SwishaHouse #JuvenileTour #FromRapperToFather #BeautyAndTheBeastPodcast #WhenHipHopChanges #DoWeFailOrDoWeQuit #BlackMenHealing #RealConversationsOnly #ResilienceStory #ThePivot #TheBlessedCode #Juvenile #hiphopmusic #cashmoneyrecords #mentalhealth #blackmentalhealth

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/beauty-in-the-beast-podcast/exclusive-content

“We’re taught how to lead. We’re taught how to work. We’re taught how to provide. But we’re not taught how to be emotionally present.”

— Michael Holt

Michael Holt had the perfect résumé — Harvard MBA, Wall Street success, thriving family, and a circle of powerful Black leaders in his corner. But behind closed doors, he was emotionally isolated, silently struggling to live up to a legacy that taught him excellence, but not emotional safety.

In this intimate episode of Beauty and the Beast, Holt sits down for a raw, transformative conversation. What begins as a journey through childhood discipline and generational success becomes a deeply personal reckoning with fear, masculinity, friendship, and emotional healing.

We dive into:

Growing up Black, brilliant, and burdened in post-Civil Rights Atlanta.

The trauma of success and the fear of disappointing others.

Why so many Black men are scared of vulnerability - and how to break the cycle.

How friendships can become a mirror, revealing what we’ve buried.

Marriage, fatherhood, therapy - and learning to receive love, not just give it.

The letter from his wife that stopped the room cold.

This isn’t just a conversation - it’s a masterclass in unlearning survival mode and embracing emotional truth.

If you’ve ever played small, doubted your worth, or wondered if your armor was also your cage -this episode is for you.

Subscribe and share this with a brother, a father, a husband, or anyone carrying silent weight.

For sponsorships & speaking inquiries: [email protected]

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/beauty-in-the-beast-podcast/exclusive-content

"It took me 5 years to try therapy. A year to actually show up. But when I did… everything changed."

Beauty and the Beast is back with a powerful, emotional, and deeply honest conversation with guest Doug Kelly — a high-powered corporate executive, devoted father, and proud Jamaican-American with a story that breaks the mold.

In this raw and revealing episode, Doug opens up for the very first time about his personal journey — from growing up in a Jamaican household in Miami, to becoming one of the only Black men in the C-suite of a major corporation. From childhood lessons learned on a Miami farm to sharing the silent burdens of being “the only one in the room,” Doug holds nothing back.

This episode dives into:

-The immigrant hustle and the cost of generational sacrifice

-The burden of high achievement and breaking free from shame

-Black fatherhood, therapy, and redefining masculinity

-Navigating imposter syndrome and thriving in elite spaces

-The story behind Chocolate City and going to FAMU with Will Packer

Whether you're a Black man who has been misunderstood, a child of immigrants carrying silent expectations, or someone searching for purpose in your own path — this episode is your reminder that you're not alone.

PLUS: Doug’s wife and son surprise him in a way that leaves the whole room in tears. You don’t want to miss this.

If this conversation moved you, share it. Like. Subscribe.

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/beauty-in-the-beast-podcast/exclusive-content

“I wore the mask so well, I almost forgot who I really was.”

Kyle Vaughn grew up in the heart of Carol City, Miami — a neighborhood that taught him how to survive, adapt, and succeed. But in this powerful episode, we go deeper than the accolades and corporate promotions to unpack what it really cost to keep up the act.

From narrowly escaping street violence to climbing the corporate ladder with a mask stitched together by expectations, Kyle’s story is one of duality, determination, and ultimately, self-reclamation.

He got a full ride to college… and a full dose of impostor syndrome.

He broke into corporate America… and nearly broke down trying to stay there.

He achieved the “dream”… and learned the hard way that it meant nothing if he wasn’t whole inside.

Through raw storytelling and honest reflections, Kyle opens up about:

• The survival mindset that shaped his “tough” persona.

• Code-switching and identity as a Black man navigating white spaces.

• The silent toll of success and the power of stepping back to heal.

• The love, faith, and therapy that helped him remove the mask — for good

This isn’t just about climbing. It’s about healing while holding it all together.

If you’ve ever questioned who you are beneath the surface — this conversation is for you.

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/beauty-in-the-beast-podcast/exclusive-content

What happens when Black men finally have the space to be real — not perform, not protect, but truly open up?

Welcome to Beauty and the Beast, where truth isn't just told — it's honored.

In this powerful episode, hosts Maliik Baraka and Kyle Vaughn begin a conversation that many have avoided for too long. Through raw, unfiltered storytelling, Maliik takes us deep into his life — from growing up in Miami’s projects to navigating the emotional weight of fatherlessness, addiction, and the pressure to be “the strong one.” This isn't just about surviving — it’s about breaking generational patterns and learning how to feel again.

This episode explores:

Childhood Trauma & Emotional Survival — What it means to grow up without a father and still carry the weight of being “the man.”

Community, Code-Switching & Kindness — How street love and street rules both protected and confined him.

The Mask of Fatherhood — How becoming a dad was both healing and a hiding place.

Therapy & Breaking Through — The pivotal moment Maliik stopped running from his pain and started facing it — with help.

Identity Beyond the Resume — From English degrees to navigating corporate life as a Black man — what it really means to show up emotionally whole.

This isn’t a podcast for performance. It’s a safe haven — a space where men can breathe, process, and be heard without judgment. And for anyone who’s ever felt alone in their journey — this one’s for you.

Subscribe, share, and join us as we dismantle stereotypes and build a culture of truth, vulnerability, and power.

#BlackMenSpeak #EmotionalIntelligence #BreakingGenerationalTrauma #TherapyForBlackMen #FatherhoodJourney #BlackMaleHealing #VulnerabilityIsStrength #MentalHealthAwareness #SafeSpacesForMen #MalikBaraka #singlemotherhood #Fatherhood #Trauma #Therapy

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/beauty-in-the-beast-podcast/exclusive-content