“I’ve kind of worn the front of the mask so much that it’s become attached… Even when I’m with myself, like, the ability to take it off has basically been diminished… It doesn’t help that one of my titles is Captain Encouragement. ‘Wait, you’re going through depression? Wait aren’t you Captain Encouragement?’” - Nicholas Domingo

Ever Forward Club’s Ashanti Branch is joined by Nicholas Domingo. Nicholas is the creator and Executive Director of Captain Encouragement, a superhero (yes) and organization that promotes children’s wellness. He also runs Happy Hive Studios, which helped create “Ever Forward Club: The Adventure.” On this podcast, we usually don’t dive into our guest’s career journey. But all the moments that led up to the creation of Captain Encouragement were so compelling - they led to a bountiful discussion on identity, validation, and societal constructs.

(2:00) Ashanti's introduction.

(8:30) Nicholas introduces himself, his work, and how he’s dedicated his life to positive impact and service.

(14:15) Ashanti shares the front of his mask - caring, funny, dedicated - and how the front of his mask can be misunderstood.

(16:10) Ashanti shares the back of his mask - overload, worried, my brother.

(20:00) Nicholas shares his mask. On the front is unshaken, strong, happy, and calm. On the back us vulnerable, tired, and afraid. Nicholas feels like he’s worn the front of his mask for so long that it’s become fixed to his face to the point where he may not even know the back of his mask. As Nicholas grows more in touch with the back of his mask, he and Ashanti celebrate the fact that they can only be fully loved if they are fully known.

(28:55) Nicholas tells the origin story of Captain Encouragement and how he responded to being bullied as a child. Then, he and Ashanti take the time to appreciate following your heart and taking a leap of faith.

(46:55) Nicholas and Ashanti discuss the human need for validation, and how an ethereal pursuit can be sidetracked by societal constructs. Then, Nicholas shares his thoughts on how social media and our need to capture everything on video perpetuates harmful behavior.

(53:40) Nicholas started seeing a therapist. He shares how he has grown throughout the process. Then, Ashanti looks at all the ways that comic book superheroes receive therapy.

(1:08:55) Nicholas shares where you can get in touch with him.

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Connect with Nicholas Domingo:

Facebook: facebook.com/happyhivesp

Instagram: instagram.com/smilewithnic

Instagram: instagram.com/happyhivesp

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Create your own mask anonymously at millionmask.org

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