"People are like, "You are a machine." And I’m like "yeah I am." And there’s a part of me that’s like, "oh yeah, I’m a machine. I’m a machine." And it’s so backwards how as men we can have our egos inflated when we’re compared to non-human things. Why do I want to be a machine? I don’t want to be a machine.

Machines don’t have empathy or compassion or sensitivity. Machines can’t enjoy sex. Machines don’t laugh. Why does that inflate my ego and make me puff out my chest? What am I comparing myself to? What is the basis for which we are judging, and the standard that we have set for each other?" - Justin Baldoni

In a re-release of episode 53, Ever Forward Club’s Ashanti Branch is joined by Justin Baldoni. As an actor, director, producer, and founder of Wayfarer Studios, you may recognize Justin from shows like “Jane the Virgin” or the film “Clouds”, on Disney+. On top of success on the screen, Justin is a compassionate author and changemaker, seeking to “undefine” masculinity and foster a more loving society. Justin’s debut book is now out: “Man Enough: Undefining My Masculinity”. We hope you enjoy the episode, as you listen and learn about what Justin has on the front and back of his mask.

(3:15) Ashanti’s introduction.

(9:35) Ashanti and Justin take off the mask of this very podcast production. Then, they discuss our urge to maintain control, and the difference between “human beings” and “human doings.”

(20:00) Ashanti and Justin continue to discuss how capitalism and the toxicity of “comparison mode” are pervasive in all aspects of our culture.

(22:05) Justin shares what his experience was like making a mask, and where he did and didn’t experience internal resistance to the mask-making process.

(25:30) Justin shares the front of his mask - hard-working, creative, loving, sensitive. He reflects on how traits on the front of the mask have deeper, sometimes darker, intentions.

(28:55) Ashanti shares the front of his mask - passionate, dedicated, caring - and he and Justin break down why our culture glorifies fatigue and busyness (through the lens of The Nap Ministry).

(34:25) Justin shares the back of his mask - anxiety, self-doubt, shame. He traces these feelings back to his upbringing, what Bell Hooks calls the “psychic act of self-mutilation.”

(41:25) Ashanti shares the back of his mask - worry, fear, doubt - and they discuss the pitfalls of when service and capitalism converge.

(43:05) Justin shares where you can find him and get in touch.

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Connect with Justin Baldoni:

Justin’s book, “Man Enough”: manenough.com/books

Podcast: manenough.com/podcast

Instagram: instagram.com/justinbaldoni

Linktree: linktr.ee/justinbaldoni

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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