What happens when men finally break their silence on mental health? In this raw and eye-opening episode of Mental Matters , host Asekho Toto sits down with nationally board-certified health and wellness coach, Angie, to uncover the struggles men face in addressing their emotional well-being. From anger management to childhood trauma, Angie shares jaw-dropping stories of men who’ve carried secrets for decades—and how she helps them heal.

But that’s not all! Learn why time-blocking is a game-changer for stress management (especially for ADHD warriors) and discover actionable tips to boost confidence in teens AND adults. Plus, hear about Angie’s powerful book, "Sh t I Wish I Knew in High School,"* packed with life lessons every teenager—and adult—needs to hear.

This episode will leave you inspired, hopeful, and equipped with tools to transform your mindset. Hit play now—you won’t regret it! 🎧✨

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In this unflinchingly honest episode of Mental Mentals, host Asekho sits down with Jenna Righi, founder of Link Jewelry, to dissect how raw vulnerability and brokenness can forge unbreakable resilience. Jenna unravels her journey from fleeing Florida after losing her father, battling isolation, and restarting life at 30 to creating a brand that transforms shattered bike chains—and shattered lives—into symbols of hope. Drawing parallels to Steven Bartlett’s grit and Chris Williamson’s psychological depth, they explore why admitting “I’m not okay” is the bravest step toward healing, how sharing stories rewires shame into strength, and why practicing gratitude isn’t cliché—it’s survival. Learn why Jenna’s “links” aren’t just jewelry but lifelines, how her blog amplifies silenced struggles (from fertility to suicide), and why balancing self-talk like you’d counsel a friend is non-negotiable. Whether you’re drowning in comparison traps or craving proof that pits do end, this episode blends tactical tools—meditation, community support, “bird’s-eye view” reframing—with the hard truth: healing isn’t linear, but connection is contagious. Rate, review, and share if it reminds you that your story—messy, broken, or just beginning—is someone else’s survival guide.

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Want to be a guest on Mental Matters Hosted By Asekho Toto? Send Asekho Toto a message on PodMatch, here: www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1604880114184x746605277921114400

You can buy my book on Amazon: www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B08BRLN7QV/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?ie=UTF8&sr=

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Sponsors and important links

Subscribe to my newsletter: asekhos-newsletter.beehiiv.com/subscribe if you are interested in newsletter beehiiv is the place to go: www.beehiiv.com?via=Asekho-Toto

Want to be a guest on Mental Matters Hosted By Asekho Toto? Send Asekho Toto a message on PodMatch, here: www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1604880114184x746605277921114400

You can buy my book on Amazon: www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B08BRLN7QV/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?ie=UTF8&sr=

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In this raw and transformative episode of Mental Metals, host Asekho sits down with mindset coach and author of Manifest Your Canvas to unpack the gritty journey from childhood trauma to unshakable self-love. Drawing parallels to Maya Angelou’s defiant resilience, they explore how to dismantle toxic narratives, rewrite self-worth, and harness adversity as fuel for growth. Learn why treating yourself how you want others to treat you isn’t just a mantra—it’s a survival tactic, and discover practical tools like meditation, emotional detachment, and "fact-based living" to combat overwhelm. From confronting generational stigmas around mental health in Black communities to balancing motherhood and purpose, this conversation is a masterclass in turning pain into power. Whether you’re battling self-doubt or seeking clarity in chaos, this episode delivers the unflinching honesty of Chris Williamson and the strategic wisdom of Steven Bartlett—proving that healing isn’t about faking it, but awakening to your ultimate self. Rate, review, and share if it sparks a shift in your journey.

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if you are interested in newsletter beehiiv is the place to go: https://www.beehiiv.com?via=Asekho-Toto


Want to be a guest on Mental Matters Hosted By Asekho Toto? Send Asekho Toto a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1604880114184x746605277921114400


You can buy my book on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B08BRLN7QV/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?ie=UTF8&sr=

Backabuddy: https://www.backabuddy.co.za/campaign/asekho-toto-r8k-unisa-fees-mental-matters-host

In this deeply inspiring episode of Mental Matters, we sit down with Kenneth Kunken, a trailblazer who transformed a life-altering spinal cord injury into a lifelong mission of advocacy and empowerment. At 20, Ken became a quadriplegic after breaking his neck in college—a time when accessibility was an afterthought and societal assumptions about disability ran deep.

Ken opens up about navigating an inaccessible world decades before the Americans with Disabilities Act, confronting stereotypes that conflated his physical limitations with cognitive ones, and the unwavering family support that became his "arms and legs." From battling university administrations for basic accommodations to becoming a lawyer, author, and father of triplets, his story defies every preconceived notion about disability.

We delve into the power of storytelling as a tool for societal change, the psychological resilience required to reclaim agency, and why true advocacy starts with making others comfortable with discomfort. Ken’s multidisciplinary approach—melding law, education, and psychology—reveals how systemic barriers crumble when met with relentless compassion and logic.

A must-listen for anyone seeking proof that limitations are often illusions, this episode challenges us to rethink ability, accessibility, and the transformative power of visibility. Don’t miss Ken’s insights on turning personal adversity into collective progress—and why removing two bushes to build a ramp can change the world.

Trigger warning: Contains discussions of physical trauma and societal discrimination.

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Want to be a guest on Mental Matters Hosted By Asekho Toto? Send Asekho Toto a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1604880114184x746605277921114400


You can buy my book on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B08BRLN7QV/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?ie=UTF8&sr=

In this raw, unfiltered episode of Mental Matters, host Asekho sits down with a trauma survivor and psychotherapist whose childhood was shattered by a father’s rage, a mother’s silence, and ashes spilled in milk—a metaphor for irreversible fractures. Together, they dismantle the myth of “one-and-done” therapy, exposing how modern psychology’s spiritual bypassing sells false promises of instant healing.

The guest unravels Carl Jung’s concept of the shadow—the exiled parts of ourselves born from rejection—and shares how decades of hypnotherapy, dream-tending, and recovering “tsunami nightmares” unearthed buried trauma. From a spanked six-year-old cowgirl to a near-fatal addiction, they reveal why healing isn’t about “fixing” pain but reclaiming disowned selves.

The conversation challenges popular narratives: Is all addiction rooted in trauma? Can you ever drink “normally” after recovery? And why do we cling to “comfortable pain” instead of confronting our shadows? With references to their poetic memoir Ashes in the Milk, the guest reframes trauma as poison turned to medicine—a lifelong alchemy of courage, not cure.

For anyone exhausted by superficial self-help, this episode is a compass for embracing the messy, non-linear path to wholeness. Because sometimes, the hurricane is the way home.

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Want to be a guest on Mental Matters Hosted By Asekho Toto? Send Asekho Toto a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1604880114184x746605277921114400


You can buy my book on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B08BRLN7QV/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?ie=UTF8&sr=

In this deeply introspective episode of "Mental Matters," host Asekho Toto sits down with a guest, Kim Peirano, who shares their transformative journey from the world of art to becoming a mental health coach. Our guest opens up about the unexpected path that led them from studio art and jewelry making into the realms of acupuncture, yoga, and ultimately, mental health, following a career that initially seemed unrelated.

The conversation takes a compelling turn as our guest recounts their personal experience with a New Age cult, which they later discovered bore striking similarities to Scientology. Through this harrowing experience, they explore themes of coercive control, spiritual manipulation, and the process of reclaiming personal autonomy.

Discover how they transitioned from victim to victor, employing Jungian psychology, shadow work, and a holistic approach to healing that integrates mind, body, and spirit. This episode sheds light on the psychological impacts of cult involvement, the journey towards recovery, and the empowerment of trusting oneself again. Whether you're interested in mental health, personal growth, or the complexities of spiritual groups, this episode offers profound insights into overcoming adversity through self-awareness and resilience.

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if you are interested in newsletter beehiiv is the place to go: https://www.beehiiv.com?via=Asekho-Toto


Want to be a guest on Mental Matters Hosted By Asekho Toto? Send Asekho Toto a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1604880114184x746605277921114400


You can buy my book on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B08BRLN7QV/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?ie=UTF8&sr=

In this powerful episode of Mental Matters, we dive deep into the often-overlooked world of childhood trauma and its profound impact on our little ones. Join us as we explore the journey of a parent who, through adoption, learned the harsh realities of trauma and its lasting effects on children. Our guest shares invaluable insights on how to create environments of safety and trust, allowing children to heal from their past wounds.

We discuss the science behind trauma, the importance of positive, safe relationships, and practical steps parents and caregivers can take to support their children's healing process. From the critical role of schools in trauma-informed care to the devastating consequences of unaddressed trauma in adulthood, this episode is a must-listen for anyone committed to breaking the cycle of trauma and fostering a brighter future for our children.

Don’t miss this heartfelt conversation on how we can all play a part in healing the next generation.

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if you are interested in newsletter beehiiv is the place to go: https://www.beehiiv.com?via=Asekho-Toto


Want to be a guest on Mental Matters Hosted By Asekho Toto? Send Asekho Toto a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1604880114184x746605277921114400


You can buy my book on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B08BRLN7QV/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?ie=UTF8&sr=

More on the guest: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1002238933611804

In this powerful episode of Mental Matters, host Asekho Toto sits down with Jenny Sue Jessen, a survivor of human trafficking, to explore the intricate relationship between trauma, healing, and resilience. Drawing from her harrowing experiences and journey towards empowerment, Jenny shares insights on how trauma can equip us rather than define us. Together, they discuss the importance of breaking stigmas, the role of co-empowering relationships, and the profound impact of mental health awareness. This conversation is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and a call to action for creating safer, more inclusive communities.

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Subscribe to my newsletter: https://asekhos-newsletter.beehiiv.com/subscribe
if you are interested in newsletter beehiiv is the place to go: https://www.beehiiv.com?via=Asekho-Toto


Want to be a guest on Mental Matters Hosted By Asekho Toto? Send Asekho Toto a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1604880114184x746605277921114400


You can buy my book on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B08BRLN7QV/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?ie=UTF8&sr=

More on the guest: https://compass31.org/