In this episode of the Over the Bridge podcast, the hosts engage in a profound and expansive discussion with Ben Hurst, Director of Facilitation at Beyond Equality and TEDx speaker, on the complex themes surrounding masculinity and the societal constructs that shape male behaviour.

The conversation explores the impact of toxic masculinity, the educational challenges in addressing these issues in schools, and the nuances of everyday sexism. The group also delves into parenthood, particularly the role of fathers in shaping healthy masculinity in their sons, and the importance of critical conversations about gender norms, emotional regulation, and accountability.

Highlighting insights from the Netflix series 'Adolescence' and the necessity for systemic educational reform, the dialogue provides a comprehensive look at how different societal factors contribute to the development of young men and the collective responsibility to foster change.

00:00 Welcome to Over the Bridge Podcast

02:07 Special Guest: Ben Hurst

04:29 The Impact of the Netflix Series 'Adolescents'

06:17 Challenges and Opportunities in Addressing Masculinity

09:37 The Role of Education in Addressing Masculinity

19:44 The Debate on Showing 'Adolescents' in Schools

29:36 Challenges in Addressing Gender Stereotypes

30:32 Building Critical Thinking in Kids

31:08 Complexity of Nuanced Shows for Young Audiences

32:45 Tailoring Conversations for Different Groups

37:14 The Role of Facilitators in Education

46:08 Importance of Reflective Parenting

51:48 Depiction of School Environments in Media

01:03:20 Managing Conflict and Teaching Kids

01:03:52 Lessons Learned from My Dad

01:06:36 Respect and Role Modeling

01:13:31 Everyday Sexism and Privilege

01:23:35 Accountability and Forgiveness

01:30:35 Closing Thoughts and Farewells

In this dynamic and interactive live podcast recording, the guys delve into alternative ways to build community in 2025. They invite two inspiring guests who share their unique experiences and perspectives on community building through sport and fitness. Tanita Blackstock, a seasoned supporter of underrepresented groups in the charity sector, talks about her involvement in the running community and empowering women. Aram Akom, founder of Black Tennis Mentors UK, elaborates on his efforts to grow the black tennis community, mentor young athletes, and create international outreach programs. The conversation covers the importance of safe spaces, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on fitness culture, and the role of social media in fostering connections. This episode is an eye-opener on the power of community and the different forms it can take.00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:29 Interactive Q&A Session01:28 Guest Introduction: Tanita Blackstock02:25 Guest Introduction: Aram Akom03:41 Discussion on Community Building04:08 Tanita's Perspective on Community06:53 Aram's Perspective on Community07:59 Health and Fitness in Community08:33 Running Communities and Inclusivity12:54 Creating Safe Spaces14:56 Impact of the Pandemic on Community Sports25:08 Challenges and Learnings in Community Building27:57 Brand Collaborations and Staying True to Purpose34:05 Long-term Goals and Aspirations36:25 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In the first part of our recorded live show, we have an engaging discussion on trauma and healing with guest speaker Whitney Iles, founder of Project 507. The conversation explores the definition of trauma, the importance of being trauma-informed, and the various ways to manage and heal from traumatic experiences. Whitney shares insights from her extensive experience in youth and community development, emphasizing the significance of relationships, community, and self-care in healing. .00:00 Introduction and Welcome02:52 Whitney's Journey and Early Career05:32 Understanding Trauma09:37 Healing and Therapy Approaches16:34 Community and Generational Trauma19:40 Cultural Perspectives on Emotional Expression20:30 Therapy and Community Healing21:33 The Power of Dance and Movement22:16 Trauma-Informed Approaches23:48 Building Community Through Shared Experiences25:22 Supporting Loved Ones Through Trauma26:12 The Role of Practitioners in Trauma Work30:15 Explaining Trauma to Young People36:16 Self-Care for Practitioners39:43 Final Thoughts and Resources

In this episode of the Over the Bridge Podcast, Kalil and Baker share a special two-person discussion focusing on their careers in the public sector. Kalil elaborates on his current role as a safeguarding and attendance specialist leader of education, detailing his journey from studying law at Cambridge to finding fulfillment in teaching. Meanwhile, Baker, a foundation year doctor, shares his path to medicine, discussing the early influences, challenges, and his desire to contribute to communities in need. Both delve into the intricacies, motivations, and the impactful nature of their jobs, providing a candid look at the realities of working in the public sector. They also highlight key traits that make individuals successful in these fields.

00:00 Welcome to Over the Bridge Podcast01:36 Journey into Teaching03:59 From Law to Teaching09:10 The Reality of Teaching11:09 Becoming a Doctor13:13 Balancing Personal and Professional Life17:11 Navigating Social Media as Professionals23:04 Influence of Cultural Expectations25:13 Reflecting on School Experiences27:16 Choosing Medicine29:29 The Reality of Medical School30:49 Public Sector Challenges35:45 Balancing Work and Life in Teaching42:52 Advice for Aspiring Teachers46:28 Qualities of a Good Teacher48:26 Qualities of a Good Doctor52:24 Closing Thoughts and Contact Information

In this episode of Over the Bridge Podcast, Kalil, Bilal, and Baker dive into a discussion inspired by recent personal conversations about the concept of professionalism. They explore the influence of hair, dress code, and the way they speak, especially as black and mixed-race men. The conversation covers personal anecdotes, cultural influences, and how professional norms can differ across various environments like hospitals, schools, and freelance settings. The episode also delves into the subconscious nature of code-switching and its impact on personal identity and professional interactions.00:00 Introduction and Host Introductions01:52 Hospital Dress Codes and Professionalism06:17 Teaching Profession Dress Codes09:42 Freelancing and Dress Codes15:42 Hair and Professionalism35:23 Colonialism and Hair Perceptions36:30 Media Representation and Hair Standards37:22 Generational Shifts in Hair Perception38:13 Professionalism and Natural Hair40:42 Code-Switching in Professional Settings42:05 Accent and Intonation in the Workplace43:21 Language Adaptation and Code-Switching46:29 Cultural Influences on Language56:08 Authenticity in Professional Communication59:02 Future Hair Styles and Personal Identity01:03:24 Live Event Announcement and Conclusion

In this episode of the Over the Bridge Podcast, Kwaku and the squad explore counseling and therapy. They share personal experiences with therapy, discuss the importance of relatable therapists, and tackle the stigma around mental health for Black men. They also address the different modalities of therapy and the financial challenges of accessing mental health services before addressing the question -- do we all need therapy?

In this episode of the Over The Bridge Podcast, the full cast reunites in the studio to discuss Kalil's recent vasectomy. The cast discuss myths and shed light on common misconceptions with Kalil sharing his journey from preparing for the procedure to the aftermath. They detail everything from the surgical process to post-op recovery and family planning to educate listeners and emphasise the significance of informed decision-making.

In this episode of Over The Bridge Podcast, hosts Patrick, Baker, and Bilal discuss the challenges and dynamics of maintaining extended family ties in contemporary society. They explore how generational shifts, social media, and changing social norms affect the way Millennials and Gen Z engage with their families. The conversation delves into personal anecdotes about holiday traditions, the burden of family responsibilities, and the balance between individualism and community. Through contrasting viewpoints, they debate whether today's younger generations can uphold familial bonds as robustly as previous generations.

In this episode of Over The Bridge Podcast, Kalil opens up about his decision to get a vasectomy. The discussion covers a wide range of topics including the stigma surrounding vasectomies, men's health behaviors, emotional intelligence, and responsibility in family planning. The hosts also explore the implications of hormonal contraception for men, the biological and social pressures on male virility, and the societal expectations that contribute to men's reluctance to prioritize their reproductive health. Throughout the episode, Kalil shares his personal journey and thoughts on taking a proactive and responsible approach to family planning.

In this episode of Over The Bridge Podcast, Patrick is joined by Kalil and Baker to discuss the responsibilities that come with podcasting. They touch on the negative perception of black male podcasts, examining the influence and impact these platforms can have on their communities. They reflect on their personal motivations for being part of the podcast and how they navigate balancing authenticity with the scrutiny of a public platform. The conversation delves into the digital representation of self and the ethical considerations of the content they produce.