How our understanding of our own identity, race, ethnicity can change and how we can advocate to be seen as all of our parts and not only the most obvious. Acclaimed playwright, actor and author of the books, "Incognito: An American Odyssey of Race and Self-Discovery" and "Nobody Wants to Talk About It; Race, Identity and the Difficulties in Forging Meaningful Conversations”, Michael Fosberg has written about his lived experience around race and identity. See, Michael found out well into his life, that his father was African American. This wouldn’t seem odd except Michael doesn’t quite fit the physical profile of a biracial person. On this Black History Month episode of Man Versus Brand, we discuss the often unspoken experience of identity revelation, specifically as it relates to finding out you are black. What does that look and feel like? I don’t know but Michael is here to share his story, engage in meaningful conversation and we are glad for it. We also talk about how his experience has informed his artistic and diversity/inclusion work. It’s not one to miss. Check out this episode now.

Quote of the Episode:

“When I first did the play, I just thought I was telling my story. I didn’t really think about the implications because they are just so many different things. The story is just as much about family secrets as it is about privilege as it is about race as it is about all these other things. Every family has a secret. I’ve found that out. - On the topic of writing the works on race, identity and Michael’s lived experience.

Topics Covered:

Guest: Michael Fosberg

website: incognitotheplay.com

podcast: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/incognito-the-podcast/id1614270059

Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/michael-fosberg-670b216/

Michael’s Top Picks:

guest watch/read/listen recommendation:

The Sum of Us: What Racism Costs Everyone and How We Can Prosper Together Heather McGhee

https://www.amazon.com/Sum-Us-Everyone-Prosper-Together/dp/0525509569

Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents  by Isabel Wilkerson

https://www.amazon.com/Caste-Origins-Discontents-Isabel-Wilkerson/dp/0593230256

How the Word Is Passed: A Reckoning with the History of Slavery Across America by Clint Smith

https://www.amazon.com/How-Word-Passed-Reckoning-History/dp/0316492930

Jazz: Documentary by Ken Burns

https://www.pbs.org/kenburns/jazz/

guest secret watch/read/listen: Historical Document Collection

https://www.collectorsweekly.com/advertising/black-memorabilia

Host: Deeon Brown

website: deeonbrown.com

website: projectbigbrand.com/

linkedin: linkedin.com/in/deeon-brown-6b747b43/

Instagram: instagram.com/bestdeeonever/

Man Versus Brand:

website: manversusbrand.com

instagram: instagram.com/manversusbrand/

How to recognize if you or a loved one are in fact okay, both mentally and emotionally by self evaluating and learning the traits of addiction and illness. Isaiah Cruz is a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. His specialty is in the spectrum of  addiction and the necessary medicine to treat it. His experience is with depression, anxiety, bipolar, schizophrenia, and addictions to herione, cocaine, meth, food and pornography. In this episode of Man Versus Brand, we discuss the signs of addiction, including addiction to celebrity and notoriety  Specifically, we discuss how to recognize mental illness and addiction in ourselves and others. We discuss the public’s fascination with problematic celebrity behavior.  If you want insight into addiction, attention seeking behavior and unhealthy mindsets, this is the episode for you. If you want to really assert your own mental health, this is the episode for you. We discuss Isaiah’s venture No-X. No-X.net treats pornography addiction with medication via telemedicine in all 50 states. Let’s help you to get mentally healthier by giving you the resources to get support.

Quote of the Episode:

Everyone has  little mood swings, normal, depression, normal, that’s part of life. So when do you get concerned? Typically it’s your loved ones who notice first, because your kind of in the fog of depression. Right? And it’s your loved ones that say, I’m a little concerned about you. If you don’t have that, you’ve kind of isolated yourself, cause that’s kind of part of depression too. There are diagnostic criteria for depression. Depressed mood almost or nearly everyday for two week straight, weight loss or weight gain, slowing movements….or the opposite is tru, your hyper, thoughts racing. Those are signs health care professionals use. ” - On the topic of determining signs of depression or mental distress.

Topics Covered:

Guest: Isaiah Cruz

Website: no-x.net/

website: riahealth.com/team/isaiah-cruz-np-c/

Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/isaiah-cruz-b1a5a313b

Isaiah’s Top Picks:

guest watch/read/listen recommendation: Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones by James Clear

https://www.audible.com/pd/Atomic-Habits-Audiobook/1524779261

guest secret watch/read/listen:  Literary RPG (Literary Role Playing

​​https://theurbanwriters.com/blogs/publishing/litrpg-genre-that-s-revolutionizing-fiction

Host: Deeon Brown

website: deeonbrown.com

website: projectbigbrand.com/

linkedin: linkedin.com/in/deeon-brown-6b747b43/

Instagram: instagram.com/bestdeeonever/

host recommendation: Magic The Gathering

https://magic.wizards.com/en

Man Versus Brand:

website: manversusbrand.com

instagram: instagram.com/manversusbrand/

How to attune your creativity to your genius inner child and return to being unafraid to take chances, to create and to discover. T Keaton-Woods is a force of nature. Not only does she support creatives as a creative, she travels the globe doing so. Beneath her humble and nurturing exterior lies a level of genius business acumen and genius emotional intelligence that rivals your favorite mogul. For T, the world needs artists while artist need support systems and safe spaces. In this episode of Man Versus Brand, we discuss how you can find your genius. Specifically, we discuss how to re-discover the type of genius that we all possessed as children. If you want to access the creativity, the world view, the unflinching fearlessness that you once had, this is the episode for you. Let’s help you to get to your happy, productive, creative genius space. T Keaton-Woods is the right person to usher you there.

Quote of the Episode:

“I always come back a lot of the time to what’s your voice. Where are your values? What’s your voice? That’s not stuff we talk about. Like what school, what church, what institution and be like, hey, let’s get int touch with our values and then let’s claim our voice, before we got out and say something public. That’s what I care about” - On the topic of delivering creativity and not sensationalism

Topics Covered:

Guest: T Keaton-Woods

website: www.thethive.com/

IMDB: .imdb.com/name/nm2606530/

linkedin: linkedin.com/in/tkeatonwoods

T’s Top Picks:

referenced in podcast:

guest watch/read/listen recommendation: The Poetry Unbound Podcast

https://onbeing.org/programs/welcome-to-poetry-unbound/

guest secret watch/read/listen: My Aurora App

Apple: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/my-aurora-forecast-alerts/id1073082439  

Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.jrustonapps.myauroraforecast

Host: Deeon Brown

website: deeonbrown.com

website: projectbigbrand.com/

linkedin: linkedin.com/in/deeon-brown-6b747b43/

Instagram: instagram.com/bestdeeonever/

host recommendation: Sky View App

Apple: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/skyview-lite/id413936865

Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.t11.skyviewfree

Man Versus Brand:

website: manversusbrand.com

instagram: instagram.com/manversusbrand/

How finding and affirming gratitude can improve your business, life, relationships and world view, especially in tough times, through grief and in discovering joy. The Bible has a verse in Thessalonians 5:18 that states, “In all things give thanks”. Whether you subscribe to holy texts, believe in higher powers or the workings of the universe, we can all agree that being thankful and showing gratitude is paramount to living a healthy, well-balanced life. That doesn’t just pertain to when things are great. Sometimes, we have to find gratitude in loss, in depression and in grief. In this episode, I pod with Antonio Javar Hairston about gratitude. The episode takes place after Thanksgiving but before Giving Tuesday. See Antonio is not only a two time author, he is a meditation coach and the founding director of the non-profit organization I Am King. So if you want to discuss thankfulness, Thanksgiving, grief, meditation, the power of focus and honing our connection to our ancestors, this is definitely the episode for you.

Antonio Javar Hairston believes in higher purpose.

Quote of the Episode: “I’m just going to stop, I’m going to pause, I’m going to take ten minutes. Set a timer, I’m going to take ten minutes to write down ten or fifteen things I am grateful for. I’m going to write down twenty things that I’m grateful for right now. Not what things are going to come that I am thankful for or haven’t come or came  to pass. Right now what am I thankful for, And if you sit there for those ten minutes or fifteen minutes…you will begin to notice and invite the energy of gratitude into your life.: Antonio Hairston on Activities to Recognize Gratitude

Topics Covered:

Guest: Antonio Javar Hairston

website: https://antoniojavar.com/

“Awaken” e-book: https://antoniojavar.com/product/awaken-5-ways-to-calm-your-mind-for-meditation/

“The Center” book: https://www.amazon.com/Center-Thoughts-Feelings-Beliefs-Destiny/dp/0578414775

“The Center” e-book: https://www.amazon.com/Center-Thoughts-Feelings-Beliefs-Destiny-ebook/dp/B07NV12RJK

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/antoniojavarhairston

Host: Deeon Brown

website: deeonbrown.com

website: projectbigbrand.com/

linkedin: linkedin.com/in/deeon-brown-6b747b43/

Instagram: instagram.com/bestdeeonever/

Man Versus Brand:

website: manversusbrand.com

instagram: instagram.com/manversusbrand/

From the Parkland shooting and anti-semitic celebrity radical speech to Superstorm Nicole and Monkey Pox, the world seems to be getting wilder by the second. I’m doing a solo recording to discuss all the trigger points that we experience, my own recent triggered moment, and what we can do to create safer mental health spaces. Rather than be driven to lean into unhealthy coping mechanisms, let’s dive into how you can be your best self, handle all triggers as effectively as possible and still scroll Instagram!!! I’m using points made from the Conversation to help you feel more at ease in the world we are facing. This is a talk for everyone that heard the midterm elections were coming up and they couldn’t quite sleep soundly at night. Let’s figure out how to get you back in bed.

How to change your mindset and perspective to become the person you want to be, build the community you’re searching for, and be a stronger leader. Lion Goodman believes in the power of transformation. This belief is grounded in the idea that human beings have the capacity to overcome their own negative and limiting belief systems to become their better selves. This disciplined act of transformation and self realization then can be taught to others, creating a movement of change. In this episode, I talk to Lion about transformation and overcoming limiting belief systems, specifically as it pertains to leadership, race and marginalized people. We explore possible answers to the question, can you truly remove limiting belief systems in societies that reinforce those limits everyday. Because, for many, everyday is a struggle to be seen with worthiness and value, so what does transformation and realization look like for them? In this episode we talk about influences on your mindset via parenting, intention, inclusion, religion and behavior. Can’t have a talk about transformation without a good caterpillar to butterfly reference, so listen now to hear ours.

Quote of the Episode:

“Transform means to change form. Now if you have a realization in a workshop, an aha, I now know where my wound came from, that’s groovy, thats a realization but until its transformed at the core of the psyche, then it’s just that, a realization. You can have an aha….see the world differently for a minute, an hour, two hours or sometimes two weeks but if it (your perspective) goes back to the way it was, then you have not transformed...  ” Lion on transformation and the mindset improvement industry.

Topics Covered:

Guest: Lion Goodman

website: liongoodman.com

free ebook: clearyourbeliefs.com/free-ebook/

book: amazon.com/Creating-Purpose-Spiritual-Technology-Manifesting/dp/1604078529/

book: .amazon.com/Transforming-Trauma-Inspiring-Powerful-Manifesting/dp/B0B1FGN2DH/

linkedin: linkedin.com/in/liongoodman/

Lion’s Top Picks:

referenced in podcast:

guest watch/read/listen recommendation: Outer Range: amazon.com/Outer-Range-Season-1/dp/B09PVRLSLB

guest secret watch/read/listen: vulture.com/article/best-magic-specials-shows-documentaries-streaming.html

Host: Deeon Brown

website: deeonbrown.com

website: projectbigbrand.com/

linkedin: linkedin.com/in/deeon-brown-6b747b43/

Instagram: instagram.com/bestdeeonever/

Man Versus Brand:

website: manversusbrand.com

instagram: instagram.com/manversusbrand/

Social skill hacks to improve your ability to walk into a room and own the audience. Sean Tyler Foley is an accomplished film and stage performer who has been acting in film and television since he was six. He has appeared in productions, including Freddy Vs. Jason, Door to Door, Carrie, and the musical Ragtime. He is currently the Managing Director of Total Buy In and author of the #1 best-selling book The Power to Speak Naked. He lost his motor skills during his career and had to re-learn how to speak, act and move. Challenging, right?  In this episode, we talk to Tyler about his passion tot help others to confidently take the stage and impact an audience with their stories. We discuss growing up in the entertainment business and life as a Canadian actor with a ton of American projects. If you’re interested in leveling up your ability to work a room, engage an audience, and overcome adversity, this is the funny and thought-provoking, Canadian episode for you. Eh!

Quote of the Episode:

“Everytime someone approaches me, it's that cone of silence. Here, this is my bubble, now I’m with you, tell me about you. I want to know more about you. And if it’s very surface-level, I go great. If someone wants to dive deeper, I’m like great. And if they want to meet in the middle, great. I’m just excited to learn that they have to share.” Sean Tyler Foley on how he engages one-on-one at large events.

Topics Covered:

Guest: Tyler Foley

Tyler’s Top Picks:

referenced in podcast:

Host: Deeon Brown

Man Versus Brand:

How to find your voice and fanbase in content creation regardless of age, background, ethnicity, ability. Derek Gorthy is a software engineer turned serial entrepreneur that's been starting businesses since 15. He is passionate about empowering independent content creators and is looking to revolutionize the creator economy with his new startup, Enshrine. In this episode, we talk about content creation, monetization, and its future. We discuss web3 technology and how it is empowering platform development. We compare different platform-based earning models and objectively discuss their benefits for you. We talk about going viral and how to capitalize on that moment if you ever find yourself in that position. This episode was an excellent opportunity to pick a content platform developer's brain on how you can gain a more significant, more engaged following and create revenue by creating perks for that following, resulting in enrichment for both parties (you and your following). Do you want to hear the conversation? Click here now.

Quote of the Episode:

“If you have that community of loyal followers, they want to engage with you. They are willing to take out time, and probably money to engage with you in ways that if you go on Instagram and look at your pictures, it’s beyond that.” Derek on why monetizing your content should be an option.

Topics Covered:

- Fostering Growth in Online Communities

- Content Creation

- Web3 Technology

- Monetization From Content Through Tier/Incentive/Reward Models

- Taking Control of Your Platform and Messaging

Guest: Derek Gorthy

- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/derekgorthy/

- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/derekgorthy/

- Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/enshrine

- Company Website: https://enshrine.io/

Derek’s Top Picks:

referenced in podcast:

- Guest watch/read/listen recommendation: HoTD - hbomax.com/series/urn:hbo:series:GYsYeoAxKH8LCwgEAAAOR

- Guest secret watch/read/listen: 90 Day Fiance - go.tlc.com/show/90-day-fiance-tlc-atve-us

Host: Deeon Brown

- Website: deeonbrown.com

- Website: projectbigbrand.com/

- Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/deeon-brown-6b747b43/

- Instagram: instagram.com/bestdeeonever/

Man Versus Brand:

- Website: manversusbrand.com

- Instagram: instagram.com/manversusbrand/

How to see yourself as your number one investment and use life insurance to make you wealthy. Brandon Neely founded Grandma’s Wealth Wisdom based on the idea that you should pour into yourself and your business financially, logistically, and with your energy. This is the company’s outlook on entrepreneurs who head  small, medium sized and large businesses. Wealth Wisdom pulls from the experiences of parenting and family to role model how we can grow productive and competitive businesses while also being fiscally savvy. Ever heard of Infinite Banking and the Profit FIrst book?. These are models that you can employ to get available finances that can allow you to access growth both professionally and personally. So let’s talk about finances, best business practices, alternate ways to scale your business and why Grandma definitely knows best.

Quote of the Episode: 

“You can’t outpace poor saving habits with earning more.” Deeon on unhealthy habits in developing a business or personal wealth. 

Topics Covered

Growing Your Business

Being An Advocate For What You Don’t Know In Business 

Empowering Yourself With Financial Literacy To Develop Your Business 

Smart Financial Habits 

How Having A Strong Team Can Be The Difference In Your Business’ Success

Guest: Brandon Neely 

website: grandmaswealthwisdom.com/

podcast: grandmaswealthwisdom.com/podcast/

linkedin: linkedin.com/in/brandon-neely

Brandon’s Top Picks:

guest watch/read/listen recommendation for parents with young children:y outube.com/c/Blippi

guest secret listen recommendation:​podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/marvels-wastelanders-doom/id1642540669

Concepts Mentioned:

- Profit First: Transform Your Business from a Cash-Eating Monster to a Money-Making Machine by Mike Michalowicz: mazon.com/Profit-First-Transform-Cash-Eating-Money-Making-ebook/dp/B01HCGYTH4

- Infinite Banking System: https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/insurance/infinite-banking

- 30/30/40 Model 30% Cost of Sale/ 30% Expenses/ 40% Profit

Host: Deeon Brown

website: deeonbrown.com

website: projectbigbrand.com/

linkedin: linkedin.com/in/deeon-brown-6b747b43/

Instagram: instagram.com/bestdeeonever/

Man Versus Brand:

website: manversusbrand.com

instagram: instagram.com/manversusbrand/

Donnie Boivin, founder of Success Champion has followed a path of selling throughout his life. Now he is selling one of the best products around - community and leadership. His life experiences have led him to become an author of three books, a serial entrepreneur, a creator of two top podcasts and a blunt and emotionally intelligent guy. We are going to talk about the many ways that he has been able to come back from failure, dust himself off and make it happen. Are you ready to do the hard work? The hard work we are talking about is taking a hard look in the mirror at yourself and your business to go from f*cked to focused.

Quote of the Episode:

“My wife literally had to cash in our 401K to get out jeep back from repossession, to save our house and farms from being taken over by the banks and she looked at me in that moment and said to me, get off your ass and go sell something.” Donnie on finding motivation after a failed business venture.

Topics Covered:

Guest: Donnie Boivin

website: donnieboivin.com

website: successchampionnetworking.com/

book: amazon.com/cked-Focused-Taking-Business-Ultimate/dp/1734623721

book: amazon.com/How-Success-Champion-Business-Strategy/dp/1734623705

book: amazon.com/Your-High-Vibe-Business-Entrepreneurial/dp/1733073841

linkedin: linkedin.com/in/donnieboivin

instagram: instagram.com/donnie.boivin/

Donnie’s Top Picks:

guest watch/read/listen recommendation: edmylett.com/

guest secret watch/read/listen recommendation:therenlist.com/all-fairs

Host: Deeon Brown

website: deeonbrown.com

website: projectbigbrand.com/

linkedin: linkedin.com/in/deeon-brown-6b747b43/

Instagram: instagram.com/bestdeeonever/

Man Versus Brand:

website: manversusbrand.com

instagram: instagram.com/manversusbrand/