“‘How are you? How are you up here? How’s everything? Are you okay?’ I had someone ask me that one time. And I just… I broke down - because that dam that I built and built had a crack in it. And that created pressure. And it busted.” - David Silva

Ever Forward Club’s Ashanti Branch is joined by David Silva. It’s hard to pick a place to start when introducing David. He’s so much more than a welder, or a gamer, or a person that is battling cancer, or a self-described high school outcast. David’s a reminder that it’s much more about how someone connects with you and holds the space in the air with you... than what someone has done or what has happened to that someone. We hope you enjoy this conversation :)

(2:10) Ashanti’s introduction.

(9:10) David introduces himself and his passion for video games and motivational speaking.

(10:35) Ashanti shares the front of his mask - serious, caring, dedicated - and how this mask applies to his work with the Ever Forward Club.

(13:30) David shares the front of his mask - happy, caring, empowered - and how he sets high standards for himself when it comes to his work and his “pick me up” energy.

(17:05) Ashanti shares the back of his mask - worried, fear of…, self-doubt - and the things that are present in his life that make him feel helpless but invested.

(21:15) David shares the back of his mask - fear, doubt, loneliness. Then, he reflects on his middle and high school years.

(31:45) David and Ashanti discuss how gender norms and culture relate to acceptance. Then, David shares a time when he let all of his emotions flow out.

(36:35) Next, they recognize the power of caring for and loving ourselves as we do others.

(41:15) David opens up about his cancer diagnosis and chemotherapy.

(49:45) Then, Ashanti and David discuss all the ways that we create energy overloads with our own bad habits.

(56:15) David shares some final thoughts with the audience.

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Connect with David Silva:

Twitter: twitter.com/davidaloca__

Twitch: twitch.tv/Davidaloca__

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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

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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