“I’m not trying to glorify suffering. If people can find ways of suffering less, I think that’s a really great thing. But I also find some beauty in - if we all sat around and talked about how terrified we were, I would rather be in that group than a bunch of groups who think they’ve healed it all.” - David Bedrick

Ever Forward Club’s Ashanti Branch is joined by David Bedrick. David is the founder of the Santa Fe Institute for Shame-Based Studies where he teaches therapists, coaches, and healers from around the world.  He is the author of  three books: “Talking Back to Dr. Phil”, “Revisioning Activism”, and “You Can’t Judge a Body by Its Cover.” David believes that being ashamed and emotionally hidden plays far too great of a role in how our society behaves and interacts. To counteract this behavior he believes in allowing the back of the mask to breathe and express its beauty. In this conversation, David and Ashanti do just that.

(1:55) Ashanti’s introduction.

(6:25) David introduces himself and his focus on depth psychology and shame. Then, he and Ashanti discuss what it takes to come back to one’s self and cleanse oneself from all of the conditioning we’ve received in life.

(13:50) David unpacks his Jewish heritage and how it dictates some of the choices he makes in subconscious ways.

(19:50) David shares the front of his mask - teacher, writer, feeling/vulnerability.

(21:35) Ashanti shares the front of his mask - serious, resting frown face, funny.

(29:35) Ashanti gives David some details about his life, background, and work, as well as his communities attitude toward education. 

(41:40) David shares the back of his mask - nighttime hell, exhaustion, terror - and how he finds beauty and belonging in his terrors.

(49:30) Ashanti shares the back of his mask - fear, worry, self-doubt, I go to church, inner battle.

(53:30) David shares how you can get in touch with him, as well as some final thoughts on suffering.

Connect with David Bedrick:

Instagram: instagram.com/david.bedrick

Website: davidbedrick.com

Facebook: facebook.com/david.bedrick.9

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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