unMASKing with Male Educators: Creating Emotionally Safe Classrooms & Schools for Male Students

“When I noticed that an educator had expectations for me or wanted me to succeed, or believed that I could succeed, I actually worked harder in those classes. For the educators and teachers who said, ‘I really care about you, I see your potential,’ those are the classes I actually worked hard in because I wanted to do it not just for me but for the educators themselves and those who believed in me.” - Justin Black

Ever Forward Club’s Ashanti Branch is joined by Justin Black. Justin and his wife, Alexis, published an award-winning, bestselling book, Redefining Normal: How Two Foster Kids Beat The Odds and Discovered Healing, Happiness and Love. The book has impacted over 15,000 individuals and families, and, with Redefining Normal, they hope to continue the conversation on healthy relationships, mental health, and community growth and healing through speaking engagements, trainings, and book clubs.

(4:30) Justin introduces himself and his book, Redefining Normal, and how it helps youth find an identity beyond their trauma.

(11:55) Ashanti and Justin make their masks together.

(16:10) Ashanti shares the front of his mask - funny, serious, caring.

(18:30) Justin shares the back of his mask - fatherhood/family man, service, caring.

(24:25) Ashanti shares the back of his mask - worry, doubt, fear of failure - and he shares some worries he has about his brother and his brother’s health issues.

(29:00) Justin shares the back of his mask - let down, insecurity, doubt.

(34:10) Justin shares what he tells teachers about “warning signs” in students, and he talks about some of the general advice he gives to teachers.

(41:00) Justin shares how you can get in touch with him.

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Connect with Justin Black:

Website: re-definingnormal.com

Facebook: facebook.com/redefiningnormalmovement

Instagram: instagram.com/theblacksredefinenormal

TikTok: tiktok.com/@theblacksredefinenormal

“I’m really really anxious, like, off the charts anxious. In my head, it’s the Tasmanian Devil. It is spinning and spinning. If you’ve ever seen the cartoon, whenever he stops to say something it’s unintelligible. It’s just, ‘blah blah blah blah.’ And then he spins off. And that’s what it feels like in my head. But people don’t see that. They see this calm, confident, semi-put-together person on the outside.” - Zach Tucker

Ever Forward Club’s Ashanti Branch is joined by Jeremy Grater and Zach Tucker. Jeremy and Zach host the podcast The Fit Mess. The Fit Mess is in direct alignment with how Jeremy and Zach identify, as two vulnerable guys who have made extraordinary efforts to improve their own lives and want to help others clear a path to better wellness. Jeremy and Zach believe that fitness is not just about outer appearances or physiological health, it’s about the mind and achieving inner peace. Though their journey to inner peace is ongoing, never complete, you can hear the strides they have made in their journey, as they communicate with Ashanti with joy, authenticity, and electric chemistry…

(1:20) Ashanti’s introduction.

(6:30) Jeremy and Zach introduce themselves, their journey in fitness, and how they found healing in vulnerable conversations.

(14:30) Zach shares the front of his mask - funny, calm, confident - and why he identifies with the Tasmanian Devil.

(17:50) Jeremy shares the front of his mask - friendly, helpful, people pleaser.

(19:00) Ashanti shares the front of his mask - serious, caring, passionate - and why he’s worried about his city, Oakland.

(26:15) Zach shares the back of his mask - sensitive, introvert, anxious.

(31:50) Jeremy shares the back of his mask - terrified, insecure, selfish, alone - and how comparison is the thief of joy.

(37:15) Ashanti shares the back of his mask - self-doubt, fear, family mental health.

(40:30) Zach shares the science behind the benefits of venting.

(43:10) Zach and Jeremy give their final messages to the audience and share how you can get in touch.

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Connect with Jeremy and Zach:

Twitter: twitter.com/FitMessGuys

Instagram: instagram.com/fitmessguys

Facebook: facebook.com/fitmessguys

YouTube: youtube.com/@fitmessguys

TikTok: tiktok.com/@fitmessguys

Website: thefitmess.com

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Create your own mask anonymously at millionmask.org

Email us questions and comments 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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Support the podcast and the work of the Ever Forward Club: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/branch-speaks/support

“It’s hard to be the last strong pillar in a breaking-down house. It’s really challenging. Sometimes you just have to understand that the house is breaking down. And it’s always okay to rebuild.” - Theo Coker-Edwards

Ever Forward Club’s Ashanti Branch is joined by Theo Coker-Edwards. Theo is a college athlete based in Albany, New York. And in Alameda, as a high schooler, he started and ran his own restorative justice program. IT NEEDS TO BE SAID, Theo is a college freshman who’s mature beyond his years; he is WISE. Please enjoy his thoughts on “the self”, conflict resolution, humility, and his mother - of course. What’s beautiful about Theo is that he understands both his vulnerabilities and his privileges. This came from a lot of self-reflection, and readings of spiritual texts like the Rastafari Bible. And as a result his honesty and self-awareness, his groundedness, is magnetic.

(6:00) Theo introduces himself, his hometown, and his work in restorative justice.

(8:30) Theo and Ashanti make their masks together.

(12:20) Theo shares the front of his mask - funny, college athlete, charismatic.

(13:40) Ashanti shares the front of his mask - serious, hard-working, caring - and they discuss the “fronts” society expects is to put on.

(19:10) Theo shares the back of his mask - mental health issues, insecurity, the desire to be wanted/needed - and how he never sees himself as enough.

(22:30) Ashanti shares the back of his mask - sadness, fear, worry - and the helplessness he feels when caring for his brother.

(27:00) Theo explains how some religious texts have helped him adjust his perspective and approach life with humility. Then, he shares some beautiful thoughts about his mother.

(36:00) Ashanti and Theo discuss conflict resolution, and picking your battles when you have a different perspective from someone.

(39:00) Theo holds a lot of wisdom and roundedness at a young age. He looks back on his childhood and the formation of his personality/EQ.

(42:00) Theo and Ashanti continue to discuss human behavior, triggers, and how we are all capable of different levels of good and bad - based on circumstances.

(49:20) Theo shares a final message for young people.

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Connect with Theo Coker-Edwards:

Instagram: instagram.com/theo__coker

Twitter: twitter.com/TheoCoker4

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Create your own mask anonymously at millionmask.org

Email us questions and comments 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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Support the podcast and the work of the Ever Forward Club: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/branch-speaks/support

This TOTM Face to Face conversation is between Wenceslao and Bilal. Wenceslao is the Ever Forward Club’s Youth Host. You can get to know more about him in episode 123. Bilal is a high school sophomore and has been a member of the Ever Forward Club for 3 years. As they share their masks; play our Adventure Card Game; and discuss life in high school, how they want to make the most of their lives, and some of their fondest Ever Forward Club memories, Bilal and Wenceslao find their bond growing even stronger...

(1:00) Ashanti's introduction.

(5:00) Wenceslao and Bilal introduce themselves.

(6:00) Wenceslao shares the front of his mask - athletic, passionate, quiet. Then Bilal shares his - happy, energy, fun, image.

(7:00) Wenceslao shares the back of his mask - guilt, shy, scarred. Then Bilal shares his - anger, tired, sad, guilt, hard work.

(9:30) Wenceslao and Bilal play the Ever Forward Club: Adventure card game. Question 1. What stands between you and what you want?

(10:30) Question 2. Share a project that you’ve recently ended.

(11:00) Question 3. Describe a time when you’ve been in a difficult situation with your friend.

(12:30) Question 4. If you knew you’d die in 30 days, what would you do for those days?

(15:20) Question 5. Name something you can do to improve your life. What’s stopping you?

(16:50) Question 6. Name a relationship that has recently ended.

(18:00) Wenceslao interviews Bilal and reads some poetry, and they share some memories from the Ever Forward Club.

(32:20) Wenceslao and Bilal wrap up and look to the future.

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Create your own mask anonymously at millionmask.org

Email us questions and comments 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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Support the podcast and the work of the Ever Forward Club: anchor.fm/branch-speaks/support 

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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

“I was working so hard in service to my community; I hit burnout, had a massive breakdown. And I looked at myself in the mirror, and I was like, ‘Even though I’m aspiring so hard to be a positive role model and innovate and create change in my communities, I wouldn’t want anyone to be like me right now.’” - Jamin Heppell

Ever Forward Club’s Ashanti Branch is joined by Jamin Heppell. Jamin is a founding director and leadership coach of his company Mountains and Marathons; a transformational leadership development organization that delivers life-changing coaching programs for entrepreneurs, executives, and leaders. Jamin really turns this podcast ON ITS HEAD when he brings his experience with Internal Family Systems, better known as IFS or Parts Work, to the forefront. He introduces the concept, models it, and then guides Ashanti through this spiritual, metaphysical process… LIVE ON THE AIR.

(2:00) Ashanti’s introduction.

(13:30) Jamin introduces himself, his background, and his work as a leadership coach.

(16:00) Ashanti shares the front of his mask - passionate, dedicated, caring, hard-working - and how his intense level of care can be a burden. They address the question: Is it possible to care so much and not carry a burden?

(28:05) Jamin shares the front of his mask - warmth, groundedness, inspiration.

(31:30) Ashanti shares the back of his mask - worry, self-doubt - and he reflects on dealing with some disruptive students at a recent workshop.

(45:00) Jamin shares the back of his mask - inner-critic, little boy, shame, unworthiness - and explores the vulnerability of inviting others to things and receiving “no’s” and no responses.

(51:30) Jamin shares the process he undergoes in order to have conversations with himself - his many parts - and ultimately heal. This is called Internal Family Systems (IFS) or parts work.

(57:30) Jamin guides Ashanti through the IFS process.

(1:13:00) Jamin and Ashanti recap the IFS process and share closing remarks.

(1:16:30) Jamin shares how you can get in touch with him.

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Connect with Jamin Heppell:

Instagram: instagram.com/jaminheppell

Business: instagram.com/mountainsandmarathons

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Create your own mask anonymously at millionmask.org

Email us questions and comments 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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Support the podcast and the work of the Ever Forward Club: anchor.fm/branch-speaks/support 

“There’s times where it feels like I’m in my own bubble. And, as soon as I leave that bubble, I realize I’m still this very lost, immature kid in a lot of ways.” - Gael Aitor

Ever Forward Club’s Ashanti Branch is joined by Gael Aitor. Gael is the creator and a host of the “Teenager Therapy” podcast - the largest teen mental health podcast, with over 1,000,000 followers. In this conversation, Gael and Ashanti discuss their inner-child and what it means to them, their masks, what it means to be your own best friend, and what’s next for Gael. In this conversation, it’s clear why Gael has such a beloved podcast; it’s not just Gael’s speaking ability, it’s his ability to deeply listen to his counterpart and generate true chemistry and connection.

(1:15) Ashanti’s introduction and a big announcement about receiving the Surgeon General’s medallion.

(10:05) Gael introduces himself, his podcast, and his new venture, Astro Studios.

(12:30) Ashanti shares the front of his mask - serious, passionate, caring - and they both find solace in the fact that growth is not linear.

(16:55) Gael shares the front of his mask - maturity, composure, confidence - and they both yearn for more moments in life to get back in touch with their inner-child.

(29:30) Ashanti shares the back of his mask - fear of failure, sadness, worry/self-doubt - and how he needs to make himself his best friend.

(34:45) Gael shares the back of his mask - vulnerability, anger, love.

(47:15) Gael and Ashanti wrap up their conversation, and Gael shares a message for today’s teens.

(49:45) Gael shares how you can get in touch with him.

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Connect with Gael Aitor: 

Instagram: instagram.com/gaelaitor

Podcast: instagram.com/teenagertherapy

Create your own mask anonymously at millionmask.org

Email us questions and comments 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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Support the podcast and the work of the Ever Forward Club: anchor.fm/branch-speaks/support

“I often greet people with a smile, no matter how I’m feeling. I’ve always wanted folks to feel comfortable engaging with me. No matter how I feel I want them to feel comfortable, like I’m approachable.” - Rondy Isaac

Ever Forward Club’s Ashanti Branch is joined by Rondy Isaac. Rondy is a father of two, the Wellness Program Director for Create The Space, and a Yoga Instructor, certified in Vinyasa yoga teacher training, power yoga teacher training, psychotherapeutic yoga teacher training, and trauma-based yoga training with the Art of Yoga Project. Rondy would consider the things listed here as “modifiers” - only temporary labels orbiting around his core, “signature” entity. What is that entity? As Rondy puts it, "I am a light that's trying to connect with you."

(0:25) Ashanti’s introduction

(4:10) Rondy and Ashanti overcome some technology hurdles, then Rondy introduces himself, his core entity/“signature”, and his “modifiers”.

(14:40) Rondy and Ashanti make their masks together.

(16:10) Rondy shares the front of his mask - friendly, proud, healthy.

(17:40) Ashanti shares the front of his mask - funny, serious/hard-working, caring - then, he and Rondy discuss how they handle failure.

(24:20) Rondy shares some thoughts on the book, “The Four Agreements.” And then they discuss why people deserve a grace period to get over mistakes.

(29:35) Rondy shares the back of his mask - sadness, anger, frustration.

(32:30) Ashanti shares the back of his mask - self-doubt, balancing blessings and burdens, fear - and they both reflect on how they can continue to shed their capitalistic mindsets.

(40:20) Rondy comes up with a new tagline for Ashanti. Then he shares his final thoughts.

(43:55) Rondy shares how you can get in touch with him.

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Connect with Rondy:

Website: rondyoga.com

Black to Yoga: blacktoyoga.com

Create The Space: instagram.com/create_the_space

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Create your own mask anonymously at millionmask.org

Email us questions and comments 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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Support the podcast and the work of the Ever Forward Club: anchor.fm/branch-speaks/support

“Now that I’m much older I realize, I was never really lonely. There was always people around me in my life - my family, my friends - that I could have reached out to and built a relationship with.” Jordan Barragan

This TOTM Face to Face conversation is between Wenceslao and Jordan Barragan. Wenceslao is the Ever Forward Club’s Youth Host. You can get to know more about him in episode 123. Jordan  is currently a student at Cal State East Bay, and he also interned at the Ever Forward Club thi past summer. As they share their masks, play our Adventure Card Game, and discuss career paths, poetry, the future, and what it means to be truly authentic, Jordan is allowed to look back on his adolescence so that he and Wenceslao can both learn from the experience…

0:15 Ashanti’s introduction

6:00 Jordan introduces himself

7:30 Jordan shares the front of his mask - I’m always energetic, got a smile on my face, funny. Then, he shares the back of his mask - career path insecurities, fear of failure, desire for acceptance, am I making the right decisions?

10:00 Wenceslao shares the front of his mask - bravery, risk taker, compassionate. Then, he shares the back of his mask - shy around people, lost in what I love, memories absorb me.

12:30 Jordan and Wenceslao play the Everforward Club: The Adventure Card Game. Question 1. What can you start right now in your life to become a better person?

13:30 Question 2. What is something you want to do in your life but don’t talk about?

19:10 Question 3. Tell us a time when you realized you’re becoming an adult.

20:40 Question 4. How much much information do you need before you believe something someone says?

22:40 Question 5. Name something you can do to improve your life. What’s stopping you?

23:30 Question 6. Does the image you have of yourself match the image others have of you?

25:50 Jordan looks back on his high school years and gives Wenceslao some advice.

33:50 Jordan shares how his relationship with authenticity has changed over time.

40:50 Jordan and Wenceslao wrap up, and Jordan shares some final words of advice for Wenceslao.

Create your own mask anonymously at millionmask.org

Email us questions and comments 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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Support the podcast and the work of the Ever Forward Club: anchor.fm/branch-speaks/support 

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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

Today is a special crossover episode, featuring The Contemplative Corazón podcast, with Julie Calderon!

The episode you will hear today from The Contemplative Corazón, featuring Ashanti Branch, originally aired on June 11th, 2023 - episode 27: Holding Space for Healing.

In it, they discuss Ashanti’s career journey and eventual calling to be a teacher, the story of the Ever Forward Club, how to set high expectations for students, the time Ashanti was so burnt out he needed a ride to the hospital in an ambulance, how they practice self-care, and how wellness is going mainstream.

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Connect with Julie Calderon:

Website: mujerevolving.com

Podcast: podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/julie-calderon

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Create your own mask anonymously at millionmask.org

Email us questions and comments 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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Support the podcast and the work of the Ever Forward Club: anchor.fm/branch-speaks/support 

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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

“I try to lie to myself that ‘I find stillness in activity.’ But actually I think I’m terrified of stillness. I’m terrified of sitting with me.” - Kip Ioane

Ever Forward Club’s Ashanti Branch is joined by Kip Ioane. Kip is a former NCAA Head Basketball Coach of 14 years, who spent the last 10 years of his career crafting a framework of coaching designed to empower coaches to enlighten their players to the power of reimagining manhood. In creating and executing the TeamsOfMen program over the last decade, Kip has been forced to self-reflect and unlearn my own toxic ideas around being a man, a father, a husband, and a coach…

(0:25) Ashanti’s introduction

(5:00) Kip introduces himself, his family, his career in NCAA basketball, and his organization TeamsOfMen.

(12:25) Kip shares the front of his superhero-inspired mask - innovative, intentional, family legacy.

(16:05) Ashanti shares the front of his mask - dedicated, determined, purpose - and the numbing that goes on in our culture that appears in many different forms.

(23:55) Kip shares the back of his mask - unworthy of belief, weak with self-doubt, the legacy ball dropper. All the way to 27:20 check for teasers.

(28:35) Ashanti shares the back of his mask - self-doubt, world-doubt, I can’t be lazy so I stay busy - and he and Kip further analyze grind culture.

(35:30) Ashanti and Kip discuss “the mean friend” and “the mean voice inside your head.”

(47:20) Kip shares some final words and how you can get in touch with him.

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Connect with Kip Ioane:

Twitter: twitter.com/@teams_men; twitter.com/@kipioane

Youtube: youtube.com/@teamsofmen

TikTok: tiktok.com/@teamsofmen

Create your own mask anonymously at millionmask.org

Email us questions and comments 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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Support the podcast and the work of the Ever Forward Club: anchor.fm/branch-speaks/support