Ever Forward Club’s Ashanti Branch is joined by fellow Fremont High School alumni; Dean of Students at Latitude High School in Oakland, CA; and music artist, magazine curator, and podcast host Noxhe Galactica, also known as Christian Martinez.

Christian is our first educator on the platform, and the flow and connection is evident, to the point where the men are moved to share the back of their masks before even sharing the front:

(3:15) Ashanti introduces the episode.

(5:30) Christian introduces himself and his podcast.

(7:30) We learn about Christian’s deep connection with his ancestry, how he and Ashanti crossed paths previously at Fremont High, and how he excels as an educator.

(10:45) Christian and Ashanti discuss how they found education to be their calling, and how deep connections go beyond what is taught during teacher trainings.

(17:30) We dive into the back of Christian’s mask, and how his journey through personal pain included being shot at age 15, and losing his father shortly after.

(21:20) Ashanti shares the back of his mask, and they explore what it’s like to feel like you are not enough, and what it’s like to be in a culture that discourages celebrating yourself and your achievements.

(25:25) They discuss the front of their masks, and the idea that the front of the mask is actually an expression of the insecurities behind it.

(30:30) Ashanti and Christian continue to dive into their past, how toxic masculinity begins at the youngest of ages, and how both have first hand experiences with people battling depression and suicide.

(38:30) The power goes out at Ashanti’s home, moving the men to discuss what “survival mode” means to Christian and Christian’s theory of life, before wrapping up the conversation and learning more about Christian’s work.

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We can all help prevent suicide. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available 24/7 at 1-800-273-8255, and suicidepreventionlifeline.org

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Check out Noxhe Galactica's

Podcast - soundcloud.com/nochegalactica/pantera

Swimgood Clothing Brand - www.instagram.com/swimgoodbrand/

Magazine - issuu.com/search?q=noxhegalactica

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Create your own mask anonymously at www.100kmasks.com

If you are interested in being on the Face to Face podcast, email us at [email protected]

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Instagram:    www.instagram.com/branchspeaks/

Facebook:  www.facebook.com/ashantibranch

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch