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Taking On The Ego Part 4- “I Am Not Separate From Everyone Else” In this continued solocast on the ego, Charles discusses Thomas Merton’s statement, “We are already one. But we imagine that we are not. And what we have to recover is our original unity.” He offers an approach to life suggesting that we continuously try to differentiate ourselves from others through labels, judgments, categorizations and alliances based on historical, social ego-ladened identity politics. If you believe you have an enemy, you may find his thoughts provoking. Enjoy! Have comments or questions? You can email him at [email protected] or DM us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.

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Throughout our lives we’re bombarded by ego messages attempting to convince us that our worth comes from the observations and opinions of others. Charles continues discussing the reduction of ego and our need for external validation and acceptance. He challenges us to rethink how we interact with the many authority figures in our lives based on superficial ranking systems in society. Take a listen. And don’t forget to leave a review, question, or a comment.

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Today Charles delves into the ego’s tendency to attach identity to what we do, to our occupations and accomplishments. All too often when we do well or better than those we judge as our counterparts, we erroneously ascribe value to ourselves. Charles begins to set forth the notion that we did not arrive on Earth to do, or to compete with anyone else, but to be.

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Today Charles takes a moment to begin answering a question about how he learned to let go of the ego. It is a process with no end in sight. He isn’t a guru or master of his own ego but is often asked to try to explain aspects of the ego and letting go. So join him on Earth Day to listen to the first part of discovering how ego evolves for many of us.

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Join The Barbershop Group Founder Charles Catchings as he sits down with fellow St. Louis, MO native Michelle Steeg, a licensed professional counselor working with young men and women to chat about manhood, shame, anger, fear and so much more! Are men and women perpetually angry with each other? Do women care how men feel? Are men listening to women at all? Do men and women really want the same things? You'll get to hear her take!

Michelle's journey started with echoing the same sentiments she heard her clients expressing. "What is this aching desire for more I can’t shake? Is this it? This can’t be it … I want more!” These questions and feelings haunted her in her early 20s as she sought to understand her own deep yearning for something bigger—something she couldn’t define. For her, the answer came when she began working as a therapist. Michelle feels becoming a therapist was her calling. It’s what she is on this earth to do. For years she observed a disconnect and a void between what people were seeking and the therapeutic options available to them. She even felt a disconnect between what she was taught to do in school and what her instincts were telling her to do as she worked with clients.

To learn more about Michelle and her practice, you can follow her on Instagram, LinkedIn, visit her website or if you're in the St. Louis, MO area, you can call 314.309.2499 or email [email protected] with questions.

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Join Dr. Reginald Cunningham and Charles on The Barbershop Group episode of "Portraits Of Men" as they discuss some of the new information about Michael Jackson which was revealed on the HBO documentary "Leaving Neverland". Did we give the star singer a pass on behavior? Were we blind? Was this another attempt to ruin the legacy of an African-American icon? Are Black men in America outspoken enough about sexual boundaries and sexual misconduct? Give us your feedback! For more info or to contact Dr. Reginald Cunningham, visit Counseling Solutions, LLC or email him at [email protected]. Subscribe and Donate today!  

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Gary "Trey" Taylor received a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Virginia Commonwealth University. He then received his Master’s Degree from George Mason University in Social Work with a concentration in Policy and Advocacy in 2015.  Trey is the owner of Uphold 31:8, a consulting business dedicated towards providing education, awareness, and resources to the world about Mental Health, with a specialty in the African-American community. Through his business, he is also passionate about community initiatives and created an event called Stop The Violence Movement now named U.I.E. (Unify, Illuminate, Empower), aimed at unifying the community via the school system, community leaders and elected officials through dialogue, workshops and solution focused goals to ensure a safer community. He is also the author of “You Good Fam? An Analysis of Mental Health in the Black Community” and “Mental Health Keys”, a manual for managing your Mental Health. You can also purchase his book here. In his spare time, he enjoys collecting sneakers, customizing his car, writing and playing/watching/coaching basketball. He is also the creator of The Backwoodz Podcast, in which he, his wife and two family members speak about black millennial content, social issues and sports. Follow Trey on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter. Want to help us reach more men? Donate today!

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As a Licensed Psychotherapist, Relationship & Sexuality Expert, Owner & Founder of The Relationship & Sexual Wellness Center, the Flow & Ease Healing Center and Co-Founder of Melanin & Mental Health, LLC Eliza Boquin works with couples and individuals to overcome any traumas, pain, or destructive patterns that keep them from enjoying healthy, satisfying, and pleasure-filled lives.  By working with clients in her office, online, and in workshops Eliza helps people gain the skills necessary to get closer to their life and relationship goals.

She believes that pleasure is our birthright and shame is the greatest blocks to enjoying healthy, balanced lives. Eliza's journey of overcoming the messages of shame that were passed onto her and finding self-compassion along the way drives her mission to help others free themselves from shame and a embrace a more holistic mind, body, and spirit balance. 

Topics of discussion she frequently comments on include: Unapologetic Self-Care, Healthy Sexuality, Pleasure-Focused Sexual Experiences, and Mutually Satisfying Healthy Relationships.  Her advice has also appeared in Bustle, ThriveWorks, Good Therapy, Stylecaster, and Business Insider, and various local radio stations in Houston, TX including Amazing 102.5. You can follow Eliza on Twitter, Instagram and on Facebook. You can help us reach more men with a donation today!

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Join Dr. Reginald Cunningham and Charles on The Barbershop Group episode of "Portraits Of Men" as they discuss some cultural differences regarding toxic masculinity and patriarchy without and within the Black community. While the words "toxic masculinity" have become popular, the idea has often been misunderstood by men and women. Though years of study in colleges and universities preceded general public awareness, toxic masculinity has been reduced to emotionally-charged shorthand. Charles asks Dr. Cunningham if there are any positive traits of traditional masculinity and if Black men might be fighting someone else's battle. For more info or to contact Dr. Reginald Cunningham, visit Counseling Solutions, LLC or email him at [email protected]. Subscribe and Donate today! 

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Join music recording artist and videographer Tuu Ra as he speaks with Charles about a serious mental wellness episode that changed his life and the lives of his friends. It isn't every day that a guy opens up about a really scary, traumatic and troubling time in life and Tuu Ra's account gives us all a glimpse into what non-western healing can look like sometimes. Listen in as he spells out how he took bold initiatives to reclaim his sanity. 

Tuu Ra is a hip-hop/rap artist hailing from Brooklyn, New York. He developed his love and passion for music from at early age, playing the trumpet, guitar, and piano in school. As an introverted individual, Tuu Ra found companionship with his limitless creativity and abundant imagination. 

Tuu Ra’s mother was a Jamaican-born educator and his father was a Haitian musician who has a monumental influence on his music. He grew up with a diverse and international mix of influences and started composing and producing original music at just 14 years of age! When songwriting, his focus is incorporating his metaphysical views & experiences which provide a unique outlook to his fans & listeners.

If you enjoy the likes of Lupe Fiasco, Pharrell, Mos Def, and the legendary Rakim then you’ll love Tuu Ra’s direct and edgy performance style. Tuu Ra is also inspired by his spirituality and uses music to promote positivity and joy in his own life and those around him. You can follow Tuu Ra on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Youtube. Love our show? Make a contribution today!