Ever Forward Club’s Ashanti Branch is joined by Christian Lopez. As a former pro athlete, Christian has done the difficult work of rediscovering himself in order to understand what he can offer the world without the label of “pro athlete” hanging over him. When asked what he would like to be listed as his title or job title when we promote the podcast, he simply responded, “Vulnerable Man.” We hope you enjoy listening to this conversation with Christian, and learn what it takes to rediscover your identity and write the future of your own masculinity.

(1:21) Ashanti's introduction.

(5:17) Christian introduces himself - his origins, career, dreams, struggles, and journey to discover his purpose.

(18:32) Ashanti and Christian break down why it is compelling to hear others’ vulnerable stories.

(23:37) Ashanti introduces the concept and origins of the mask activity, then Christian shares the front of his mask - confident, optimistic, kind.

(27:12) Ashanti shares the front of his mask - serious, hard-working, caring - and how it affects how he runs the Ever Forward Club team. Christian shares how he uses the same strategies as a trainer, and Ashanti tells a story from his first year as a teacher.

(34:17) Christian shares the back of his mask - fear, insecurity, shame. He analyzes how a lot of these feelings stem from failing to meet the benchmarks set by traditional masculine culture.

(36:47) Ashanti shares the back of his mask - fear of…, sadness, brother’s mental health. He discusses why his brother is most present on his mind. Then he and Christian speak about the power of enlisting help.

(47:47) Christian and Ashanti discuss why it’s important for our society to shed the “every man for himself” mindset. Christian personally shares how Cuban “machismo” culture and the environment around athletics are limiting.

(53:47) Christian and Ashanti take an optimistic look at the future of manhood.

(57:47) Christian shares how you can get in touch with him.

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Connect with Christian Lopez:

Instagram: instagram.com/clopey

Facebook: facebook.com/groups/2523230051072858

Podcast: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/behind-the-mask-ulinity/id1474423662

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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