“I can’t change the fact that I’m vulnerable and that I’m open. Like, as much as I want to act all tough and stuff and throw up more masks, I can’t. And so even if me being more sensitive and just, like, soft is preventing me from making some connections - whether they be deep connections or surface connections - it’s more important to me to be who I am than it is to change who I am for other people.” - Zev Grossman

Ever Forward Club’s Ashanti Branch is joined by Zev Grossman. Zev was raised in the Bay Area and is now studying philosophy at Montana State University in Bozeman, Montana. College is a huge transition for young people - now add that to the fact that Zev is now 1,000 miles away, learning a new culture. With the ground shifting beneath him, Zev has approached things with empathy, humility, and an open mind. We hope you enjoy the episode as you learn more about Zev and the college students of 2021.

(1:40) Ashanti's introduction.

(7:00) Zev introduces himself and how the Ever Forward Club’s work around gender and emotions aligns with his college studies. He shares how college life in Bozeman, Montana, has pushed him out of his comfort zone.

(12:15) Zev shares the front of his mask - kindness, wisdom, funny.

(14:00) Zev shares the back of his mask - lonely, insecure, uncertain.

(16:30) Ashanti shares the front of his mask - serious, dedicated, passionate - and explores the etymology of passion.

(20:45) Ashanti shares the back of his mask - fear of failure, anger, family stuff.

(23:00) Zev and Ashanti find common ground in the insecurities that exist on the back of their masks.

(27:00) Zev shares some of the masks he’s seen while in college in Montana - for example, a specific section of a wall that frustrated young men like to punch.

(34:50) Ashanti and Zev discuss the rarity of adults saying “that hurt my feelings.”

(38:45) Ashanti tells the story of how he encountered a salesman at Costco, who was put off by the term “toxic masculinity.”

(43:00) Ashanti and Zev share their thoughts on the phrase “toxic masculinity.”

(48:45) Zev and Ashanti give their closing thoughts.

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Connect with Zev Grossman:

Instagram: instagram.com/imzevg

Facebook: facebook.com/zev.grossman.31

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The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800-273-8255

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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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anchor.fm/branch-speaks/message