Kelly and Tash engage in a profound discussion with Cesar and Pedro P. about men's mental health, focusing on vulnerability, emotional intelligence, and intimate relationships. Both guests reveal how significant personal losses served as turning points in their willingness to be vulnerable. They share how these experiences have transformed their interactions in relationships and how they are working to create safe spaces for men to express emotions freely. The conversation delves into how societal expectations impact men's mental wellness and the importance of emotional support systems.

You can find Pedro P. on Instagram @newagedisciple_ & @transformationoasis

Email: [email protected]

Website: transformationoasisllc.com

Tash and Kelly, along with special guests Dr. Kevin Guyton and Jason G. delve into the topic of emotional expression among black men. This episode explores the societal stigmas and cultural expectations that often inhibit black men from openly sharing their emotions. Jason G. and Dr. Kevin Guyton, share their personal experiences and thoughts on the matter. They discuss the impact of upbringing, cultural backgrounds, and societal norms on their perception and expression of emotions. Both guests emphasize the importance of vulnerability and the need for safe spaces for black men to embrace and express their emotions. They highlight the transformative power of emotional growth and how it has shaped their relationships, particularly with their families. Overall, this episode seeks to counter the prevailing narratives surrounding black masculinity and encourage a more open and supportive approach to mental health for black men.

Tash and Kelly highlight the importance of supporting black men and addressing the internal and external stressors they face. With two guests, Tyreese Bryant and Shatik, we discuss the challenges black men encounter in seeking support and communicating their needs. They share their firsthand experiences and perspectives on support, need for respect, appreciation, and understanding in their relationships. They also discuss the different forms of support they receive from friends, family, and their spouses. The episode emphasizes the importance of men supporting each other and challenging societal stereotypes.

This episode delves into the topic of marginalized masculinity in entertainment, specifically focusing on the lack of representation and leadership roles for black men. The hosts discuss how societal constructs have shaped the concept of masculinity, often limiting black men to the role of financial provider while neglecting other aspects of their humanity. They emphasize the importance of expanding the definition of masculinity to include traits such as empathy, love, nurture, and adventure.

Sources:

Griffith DM, Brinkley-Rubinstein L, Bruce MA, Thorpe RJ Jr, Metzl JM. The Interdependence of African American Men's Definitions of Manhood and Health. Fam Community Health. 2015 Oct-Dec;38(4):284-96. doi: 10.1097/FCH.0000000000000079. PMID: 26291189; PMCID: PMC4547385.

Smith RM, Parrott DJ, Swartout KM, Tharp AT. Deconstructing Hegemonic Masculinity: The Roles of Anti Femininity, Subordination to Women, and Sexual Dominance in Men's Perpetration of Sexual Aggression. Psychol Men Masc. 2015 Apr;16(2):160-169. doi: 10.1037/a0035956. PMID: 29950930; PMCID: PMC6016395.

Goodwill, J. R., Anyiwo, N., Williams, E.-D. G., Johnson, N. C., Mattis, J. S., & Watkins, D. C. (2019). Media representations of popular culture figures and the construction of Black masculinities. Psychology of Men & Masculinities, 20(3), 288–298. https://doi.org/10.1037/men0000164

Tash with battling allergies this episode, but her and Kelly delved into the mental health challenges that men of color face, specifically focusing on African, Native American, and Hispanic/Latin cultures. It explores the cultural narratives and norms that contribute to distress, dysfunction, deviance, and danger in these communities. The episode reveals how stoicism, emotional restraint, and the emphasis on physical strength can hinder men from seeking help or expressing their emotions. Overall, the discussion highlights the need to challenge societal expectations and provide safe spaces for men to share their experiences and seek support.

Sources:

Ezeugwu, C. R., & Ojedokun, O. (2020). Masculine norms and mental health of African men: what can psychology do?. Heliyon, 6(12), e05650. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2020.e05650

https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/67/wr/mm6708a1.htm

Office of Minority Health https://minorityhealth.hhs.gov/mental-and-behavioral-health-hispanics#:~:text=The%20death%20rate%20from%20suicide,Hispanics%2C%20ages%2015%20to%2034

Powell, W., Adams, L. B., Cole-Lewis, Y., Agyemang, A., & Upton, R. D. (2016). Masculinity and race-related factors as barriers to health help-seeking barriers among african-american men. Behavioral Medicine (Washington, D.C.), 42(3), 150-163.

Goodwill, J. R., Anyiwo, N., Williams, E. G., Johnson, N. C., Mattis, J. S., & Watkins, D. C. (2019). Media representations of popular culture figures and the construction of black masculinities. Psychology of Men & Masculinity, 20(3), 288-298.

Steindl C, Jonas E, Sittenthaler S, Traut-Mattausch E, Greenberg J. Understanding Psychological Reactance: New Developments and Findings. Z Psychol. 2015;223(4):205-214. doi: 10.1027/2151-2604/a000222. PMID: 27453805; PMCID: PMC4675534.

https://www.nami.org/Blogs/NAMI-Blog/March-2023/Black-Men-and-Mental-Health-Practical-Solutions

https://www.potawatomi.org/blog/2021/06/21/key-to-improving-native-mens-mental-health-lies-in-community-culture/

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/collective-healing/202312/supporting-latino-men-and-their-mental-health

This podcast episode delves into the topic of black men's mental health, highlighting the lack of attention it receives. Tash and Kelly discuss the impact of slavery on African American men's mental well-being and the challenges they faced during and after the Jim Crow era. They also explore the experiences of African men and Afro-Latino men in different cultural contexts, shedding light on the societal expectations and stigmas they have to navigate. The podcast emphasizes the importance of creating supportive spaces and resources for black men to address their mental health needs and advocates for breaking the silence surrounding their struggles.

Sources:

The Racial Healing Workbook  by  Anneliese A. Singh

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4009685/

Williams, K. D., Adkins, A., Kuo, S. I., LaRose, J. G., Utsey, S. O., Guidry, J. P., ... & Carlyle, K. E. (2023). Mental health disorder symptom prevalence and rates of help-seeking among University-Enrolled, emerging adults. Journal of American College Health, 71(1), 61-68.

 https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/ED578186.pdf 

https://www.apa.org/monitor/2021/09/ce-black-mental-health

Coleman-Kirumba, L. M., Cornish, M. A., Horton, A. J., & Alvarez, J. C. (2023). Experiences of Black Men: Forms of Masculinity and Effects on Psychological Help-Seeking Variables. Journal of Black Psychology, 49(1), 32-57

https://shuddhashar.com/masculinity-tropes-the-unaddressed-battle-between-african-men-and-their-mental-health/ 

https://jvrafricagroup.co.za/blog/emotional-intelligence-through-the-lens-of-the-indigenous-african-wisdom-the-case-of-african-proverbs

https://www.edi.nih.gov/blog/communities/mental-health-and-latino-men-breaking-barriers-stigma

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6532404/

https://escholarship.org/content/qt93x0104f/qt93x0104f_noSplash_a4d4f50f365fb7781b360cf7fedddf59.pdf

Becoming Men: Black Masculinities in a South African Township by Dr. Malose Langa

In this podcast episode, Tashia and Kelly reflect on their experiences with mental health in 2023 and their plans for personal growth in 2024. They discuss the importance of setting intentions and being intentional in their daily routines. Tashia shares her journey of learning to recognize and embrace her emotions, while Kelly explores the concept of living from the heart. Both emphasize the need to confront fears and challenges in order to find freedom and live authentically. 

Tashia and Kelly welcome guests Aastashia Lacy, Richard Spence, and Tianna Tolen to explore experiences, impacts of marginalization on mental health among people of color. The guests share personal stories of being marginalized in various aspects of life, including pregnancy and healthcare, education, and societal representation. They highlight the importance of advocacy and representation, and the need for deeper connections within communities to foster understanding and support. They also discuss how self-advocacy and resilience can help overcome challenges and navigate through marginalization on the path to empowerment.

Generational trauma has deep roots in the history of mental health, often excluding people of color from essential discussions and support. This podcast episode highlights the impact of generational trauma on mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual well-being. It discusses the various ways in which this trauma is passed down through generations, leading to distorted beliefs and unhelpful coping mechanisms. We emphasize the importance of recognizing and understanding these traumas, fostering self-worth, and breaking free from harmful cycles.

Generational trauma is explored in this podcast episode, highlighting the way it can be inherited through families. The term refers to the trauma that passes down through generations, impacting individuals both physically and mentally. We discuss how generational trauma can occur biologically, environmentally, psychologically, and socially. They emphasize the importance of understanding the trauma experienced by previous generations in order to break the cycle and heal.