Ever Forward Club’s Ashanti Branch is joined by Samir Zakir. As an entrepreneur and activist, he has founded companies like Illuminate Entertainment Group and MediaBuzz Global. He and Ashanti both share a desire to have a positive impact on culture and mental health. They share their masks and discuss how their understanding of mental health and wellness has improved over the years.

(1:30) Ashanti's introduction.

(4:30) Samir introduces himself and his work as an activist and media entrepreneur. Ashanti familiarizes Samir with “the mask” and the work surrounding it.

(9:30) Ashanti shares the front of his mask - caring, hard-working, funny. He explores how his caring nature can interfere with his personal goals, and how care can turn into worry.

(14:00) Samir shares the front of his mask - humor, confidence, empathy - and digs deeper into each of the three words and how they shape him as a leader.

(19:30) Ashanti shares the back of his mask - fear of…, my brother’s mental health, worry. He and Samir discuss the things in life that force Ashanti to be a “worrier instead of a warrior.”

(29:00) Samir shares the back of his mask - overthinking/hesitation, nervous/anxious, control.

(38:30) Ashanti and Samir discuss their growth and their improving understanding of mental health, wellness, and the need for authentic community.

(51:30) Samir shares how he found his community in Los Angeles. Ashanti shares how he found his community in men’s groups and retreats.

(1:00:30) Samir and Ashanti wrap up, and Samir shares how you can get in touch with him.

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Connect with Samir Zakir:

Instagram: instagram.com/samirzakir

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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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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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Send in a voice message:

anchor.fm/branch-speaks/message

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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