“Hard-working is definitely in my DNA. I learned that from my mom and my dad growing up. My dad always seemed like the hardest working guy that I knew, but that’s a double-edged sword, that’s really a double-edged sword. When I don’t want to be present, in certain situations with people, family, friends, I bury myself in work. And I guess that’s a way of hiding and running from what’s really going on in front of me. And that has been the biggest struggle for me - to slow down and stop burying myself into work.” - Chris Harrigfeld

Ever Forward Club’s Ashanti Branch is joined by Chris Harrigfeld. Chris works very hard building incredible custom cars, using models and parts from the 30s through the 70s. But, in true Taking Off The Mask fashion, Ashanti and Chris focus on how the hard work relates to Chris’s emotions and identity, rather than the cars themselves. Ashanti and Chris know each other from men’s groups, so they are used to getting vulnerable, and they hit the ground running in this episode. Ultimately, they both make progress in breaking cycles of masculinity that have existed since their childhoods, and they give themselves permission to realize their best and truest selves.

(2:50) Ashanti’s introduction.

(6:20) Chris introduces himself - a father, caretaker, humanitarian, and car builder, who loves to connect and find similarities with all people.

(9:20) Chris shares the front of his mask - loving, hard worker, gentleman, warrior, empathic - and how he is working on taking care of himself emotionally and physically. Then, he and Ashanti reflect on how their childhood has shaped and continues to shape who they are.

(18:00) Ashanti shares the front of his mask - excited, dedicated, intense - and how the front helped him navigate the uncertainty of 2020.

(23:35) Ashanti shares the back of his mask - worrier, doubt, seeking permission - and the “mind games” he plays with himself. Then, Ashanti shares how he is seeking permission from himself, rather than the outside world.

(33:40) Chris shares the back of his mask - I do not have it all together, depression, unsure, insecure - and how he wants to provide his grandchildren the childhood he didn’t have.

(44:30) Chris shares how you can get in touch with him.

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Connect with Chris Harrigfeld:

Facebook: facebook.com/cthotrods

Instagram: instagram.com/ct_hot_rods

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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