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

“I’ve always been, quietly, a fearful kid growing up. And there’s always that fear in the background. It probably wasn’t until I was in college - fear was the only form of motivation that I knew.” - Gerry Sandusky

Ever Forward Club’s Ashanti Branch is joined by Gerry Sandusky. Gerry is the voice of the NFL's Baltimore Ravens, and he’s a broadcaster and communications coach. As Gerry puts it, “I show leaders how to become presenters people cancel plans to hear.” And, wouldn’t you know it, Gerry believes that the key to being a great public speaker has something to do with taking off the mask…

(0:25) Ashanti’s introduction

(4:25) Gerry introduces himself, his work with the Baltimore Ravens, and his consulting business. Then he and Ashanti discuss the writing process.

(9:40) Gerry and Ashanti make their masks together.

(10:45) Gerry shares the front of his mask - entertaining, insightful, guide.

(11:45) Ashanti shares the front of his mask - serious, dedicated, driven.

(13:30) Gerry shares the back of his mask - afraid, failed potential, not enough.

(17:50) Ashanti shares the back of his mask - self-critical, fear, family loss.

(22:00) Gerry and Ashanti reflect on how much they have in common despite growing up on opposite sides of the country with different backgrounds.

(30:00) Gerry and Ashanti discuss what young athletes may need to hear about character vs. talent.

(34:00) Gerry shares how you can get in touch with him.

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Connect with Gerry Sandusky:

Website: sanduskygroup.com

Instagram: instagram.com/gsandusky

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/gerrysandusky

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 became trained to feel that I always need to be doing something. To get loved. To get respect. To be appreciated. When I look back, it wasn’t healthy. But it was the reality.” - Ashanti Branch

In this solo episode of Taking Off The Mask, Ashanti Branch looks at the past, present, and future - of schools, of himself, and of the Ever Forward Club as it approaches its 20th anniversary.

(0:00) Ashanti introduces the episode and the concept behind this podcast.

(5:15) Ashanti reflects on where the Ever Forward Club and this podcast “have been”.

(8:45) Ashanti breaks down where the Ever Forward Club and this podcast is “right now”, the upcoming Global Champions Program, and what he sees in the world of education currently.

(14:45) Ashanti tells a story from a memorable workshop.

(18:45) Ashanti shares where the Ever Forward Club is “going next” as it approaches its 20th anniversary.

(23:55) We share a clip from Ashanti’s appearance on Julie Calderon’s podcast - The Contemplative Corazón.

Listen to Julie Calderon’s Podcast, The Contemplative Corazón: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-contemplative-coraz%C3%B3n/id1615279864

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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

“Sometimes I just want someone to sit with me and say, ‘I know you’re scared.’ And I never had that when I was a kid, and I don’t have it now.” - Donovan Hall

It’s our THREE-YEAR ANNIVERSARY episode and this conversation is a SPECIAL ONE! Ever Forward Club’s Ashanti Branch is joined by Donovan Hall. As a youth empowerment and development advocate, Donovan is currently speaking, coaching, creating content, and working on creating his first docuseries about youth in America. Donovan, with his teaching persona Donofriend, is a natural talent with kids and in the classroom. But what you’ll learn today is that this persona cannot persist without reconciling some things behind the mask…

(0:20) Ashanti’s introduction.

(6:30) Donovan introduces himself and how he dedicates himself to youth development and empowerment. Then, he and Ashanti dive right into learning, pedagogy, and emotional intelligence.

(17:20) Ashanti shares the front of his mask - funny, serious, dedicated - and he and Donovan reframe their relationship with dedication, grit, and choice.

(26:05) Donovan shares the front of his mask - Donofriend: caring, goofy, charismatic - and breaks down his approach to working in schools.

(33:40) Ashanti shares the back of his mask - worry, pride, failure.

(41:20) Donovan shares the back of his mask - Donovan: fear, loneliness, self-doubt - and how Donofriend is “at stake” if he doesn’t take care of Donovan.

(54:00) Ashanti and Donovan discuss why it is hard to “Be Your Own Best Friend” even when they preach it to others.

(1:03:30) Ashanti and Donovan discuss growth mindset, before wrapping up the conversation.

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Connect with Donovon Hall:

Website: www.donovantaylorhall.com

Instagram, TikTok, Youtube: @donofriend

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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

“When I’m having a good time, I feel like my soul and my spirit are in the room. They’re both present and in the room. And if I’m not enjoying myself, then I feel like I’m disconnected from those bigger parts of myself.” - Ken Mossman

Ever Forward Club’s Ashanti Branch is joined by Ken Mossman. An executive and leadership coach who’s specialized in working with men for two decades, Ken has an international clientele from a wide range of industries – from finance, academia, and tech, to entrepreneurship, medicine, and the arts. Ken imagines a world in which all people are valued and experience a sense of belonging and wholeness, and he’s found that helping leaders lead with presence and heart is the best way he can help realize what he imagines for the world. We’re excited for you to learn about Ken’s approach to the work, his creativity, and his internal struggle as he seeks to achieve his vision…

(0:20) Ashanti’s introduction.

(2:55) Ken introduces himself and looks back on the blessings he’s had while living a creative life and working many jobs to support it.

(9:45) Ken shares the front of his mask - fun, inspiring, big-hearted.

(14:55) Ashanti shares the front of his mask - creativity, serious, loving - and thinks about why it has taken so long to put “loving” on the front of his mask.

(25:10) Ashanti shares the back of his mask - fear, worry, self-doubt - and tells the story of an “Ask Me Anything” gone wrong.

(30:55) Ken shares the back of his mask - jealousy, entitlement, arrogance - and how he oscillates between the extremes of grandiosity and insignificance.

(39:50) Ken explains what he does in his men’s work and how he creates a sense of emotional safety.

(47:10) Ken shares some final thoughts for the audience and shares how you can get in touch with him.

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Connect with Ken Mossman:

Podcast: kenmossman.com/podcast

Website: kenmossman.com

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ken-mossman-3649b5

Facebook: facebook.com/ken.mossman.79

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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

“We’re different adults, this is a different situation, and you don’t have to be that child anymore. You can be, for that child, what you needed when you were their age. And we can do that now. And we can do that differently. That’s how healing happens.” - Saed Hill

Ever Forward Club’s Ashanti Branch is joined by Saed Hill. Saed is a Counseling Psychologist, and the Assistant Director of Prevention and Masculine Engagement at the Center for Awareness, Response, and Education (CARE) at Northwestern University. There, he develops and implements strategies to improve masculine engagement in the prevention of violence. Aside from what Saed sees while working with Northwestern students and with clients in all kinds of industries, Saed has done a lot of self-reflection about his own background. And today, he and Ashanti are granted the space to share - both where they have come from and where they are headed…

(0:25) Ashanti’s introduction.

(4:20) Saed introduces himself, his work as a counseling psychologist at Northwestern University, and his overall passion to help people feel free from the structures of conventional masculinity.

(7:50) Ashanti shares the front of his mask - serious, caring, work-a-holic - and both men connect over insecurities about laziness and rest.

(13:05) Saed shares the front of his mask - funny, reflective, curious - and he looks back on his immigrant childhood.

(17:45) Ashanti and Saed discuss how they get past the pleasantries when asking, “How are you doing today?”

(19:45) Ashanti shares the back of his mask - fear of losing mom, worry, desire for a legacy - and what he’s been thinking about when looking at his family tree. Then, Saed reflects on what it’s been like to not be a father while many of his friends are having children.

(29:55) Saed shares the back of his mask - lonely, numbing, not enough - and how he experiences vicarious trauma in his profession.

(35:00) Saed and Ashanti discuss burnout culture, and how the systems in place make it difficult for us to appreciate simply being human.

(43:35) Saed shares more about what he teaches and how he works with college students.

(51:05) Saed shares how you can get in touch with him.

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Connect with Saed Hill:

Website: dynamiccooperative.com/about

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/saed-d-hill-phd

Instagram: instagram.com/papercutrhymesphd

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

“Everyone’s always thinking about what they don’t have. We can always be looking at each other thinking, ‘he’s got something I don’t have’ or ‘she has this.’ You take that focus away from what you do, and it’s that hedonic treadmill where it’s never enough.” - Manj Bahra

Ever Forward Club’s Ashanti Branch is joined by Manj Bahra. Manj is a transformation and relationship coach, who’s found a specialization in being a “Heartbreak Coach.” But overall, it’s not about heartbreak; Manj has been helping clients achieve goals, overcome problems, and realize their own innate potential. Manj is an engaging speaker with spot-on analogies for every situation, and we’re excited for you to hear some of this magic as he takes off his mask :)

(0:25) Ashanti’s introduction

(2:20) Manj introduces himself and his transition from corporate life to being a “heartbreak” coach.

(9:30) Ashanti shares the front of his mask - serious, dedicated, passionate - and how Ever Forward Club has come full circle after 19 years.

(14:55) Manj shares the front of his mask - ambitious, coach, transformation - and how he reconsidered “what he wanted to be remembered by.”

(20:15) Ashanti shares the back of his mask - middle age, work - and how moments from our childhood create narratives and automatic responses that remain within us for our lifetime.

(30:25) Manj shares the back of his mask - anxiety, fear of failure, body dysmorphia.

(39:10) Manj and Ashanti break down some insights Manj has had while coaching, and how he helps people adjust their focus, unlearn old stories, and get off the hedonic treadmill.

(45:20) Manj shares some final thoughts and how you can get in touch with him.

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Connect with Manj Bahra:

Medium: medium.com/@manjbahra

Website: manjbahra.com

Instagram: instagram.com/manj.bahra

TikTok: tiktok.com/@manj.bahra

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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

Say not, “I have found the truth,” but rather, “I have found a truth.”

Say not, “I have found the path of the soul.” Say rather, “I have met the soul walking upon my path.”

- The Prophet by Kahlil Gibran

This TOTM Face to Face conversation is between Wenceslao and Mohandas. Wenceslao is the Ever Forward Club’s Youth Host. You can get to know more about him in episode 123. Mohandas is the Ever Forward Club’s prior Youth Host. As they share their masks, play our Adventure Card Game, and discuss high school, poetry, the future, adulthood, and what makes a balanced friendship, Mohandas is allowed to share some wisdom with Wenceslao as he follows a similar path…

(0:30) Ashanti’s introduction.

(4:05) Wenceslao and Mohandas reunite.

(5:25) Wenceslao shares the front of his mask - empathy, joy, straight forward.

(6:25) Mohandas shares the front of his mask - hard-working, confident, kind.

(6:50) Wenceslao shares the back of his mask - regret, insecure, shame.

(7:35) Mohandas shares the back of his mask - ashamed, worried, existential crisis

(10:40) Mohandas and Wenceslao answer some questions from the Everforward Club: The Adventure card game. What’s a hidden talent that you would like to work on more?

(12:10) Describe a time when you felt like you were in a battle with a friend.

(13:50) Name a relationship that recently ended.

(19:05) Share a lesson that you’re still learning.

(21:30) Tell us about a time when someone betrayed your trust. 

(27:05) Wenceslao and Mohandas discuss The Prophet by Kahlil Gibran. Then, Mohandas looks back on his time hosting the podcast.

(31:10) Wenceslao, a high school freshman, gets some advice from Mohandas, who’s about to graduate from high school. Then, Mohandas looks ahead at his future.

(41:45) Wenceslao and Mohandas close things out by reading one more poem from The Prophet by Kahlil Gibran.

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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

“Racism has been used as this tool for centuries to divide and conquer, and to separate ordinary people of different colors, and to keep them from working together to challenge the corporate domination of working people and the planet.” - David Dean

Ever Forward Club’s Ashanti Branch is joined by David Dean. David is a political educator, speaker, and writer dedicated to supporting white people to engage in multiracial social movements with emotional strength, political clarity, and fierce purpose. Whether it’s in the hallways of Oakland Public Schools or the neighborhoods of working-class Americans, Ashanti and David both agree in the power of universal belonging and the power of the phrase, “There is more to me than you can see just by looking at me.” Please enjoy their conversation, as they explore the breadth and depth of overcoming prejudice in order to achieve a higher purpose.

(0:30) Ashanti’s introduction

(3:30) David introduces himself, his work providing antiracism education to white people, and what Whiteness took away from white people. Then, he and Ashanti discuss the tricks of the adult bullies of the world.

(11:50) Ashanti shares the front of his mask - serious, intense, caring, funny.

(17:20) David shares the front of his mask - confident, connected to purpose, generous + loving.

(21:55) Ashanti shares the back of his mask - fear, organizational drama, worry - and wonders whether he’s afraid to let people see him cry.

(29:00) David shares the back of his mask - fearful of being outcast, overwhelmed by and fearful of death and suffering, belief in universal belonging - and goes into the complications of working with white people on antiracism.

(41:20) Ashanti and David go deeper into antiracist education. 

(46:30) David breaks down the history of racial socialization.

(50:30) David shares how you can get in touch with him and shares some last words.

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Connect with David Dean:

Website: davidbfdean.com

Instagram: instagram.com/davidbfdean

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

“Keep on keepin’ on. Because, believe it or not there’s someone who’s looking at you in a way that you don’t even see yourself.” - Tyrone J. Dangerfield

Ever Forward Club’s Ashanti Branch is joined by Tyrone J. Dangerfield. Tyrone is a Writer and Independent Filmmaker, born and raised in Oakland, CA. With deep generational family roots in the Bay Area, he loves researching his family history and is heavily influenced and fascinated by stories on both sides of the law. Currently working in and elevating his craft in Atlanta, Georgia, it was a teacher in 1993 who first recognized his talent as a writer and encouraged Tyrone by putting him into the Junior Publishers program. In this conversation, Tyrone and Ashanti look back on this moment, as well as many others, as they take off the mask…

(2:10) Tyrone introduces himself, his work as a filmmaker, and his Oakland roots.

(4:30) Ashanti shares the front of his mask - serious, caring, hard-working, funny.

(7:00) Tyrone shares the front of his mask - focused, happy, fun. Then, he and Ashanti share some more thoughts about the Bay Area and gentrification.

(17:00) Ashanti shares the back of his mask - fear (free?), stress, worry, I’m awesome.

(22:30) Tyrone shares what it’s been like raising two sons, twenty-two years apart, and how he continues to evolve and learn from the youth.

(32:10) Tyrone looks back on his childhood and how he discovered writing and filmmaking.

(40:05) Tyrone shares a message he has for young people.

(43:50) Tyrone shares how you can get in touch with him.

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Connect with Tyrone J. Dangerfield:

Instagram: instagram.com/tabdangersdad

Website: TheOaklandFilmCompany.com

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’m generally more shy and reserved, and I think I’ve naturally gravitated towards more extroverted people because they take up space and it makes me feel more comfortable.” - Drew Barvir

Ever Forward Club’s Ashanti Branch is joined by Drew Barvir. Drew currently is enrolled in Stanford’s MBA program. Growing up, members of Drew’s family had their battles with mental illness, and, partly because of these past experiences, he’s now building a startup in the adolescent mental health space: Sonar Mental Health. In their own way, Drew and Ashanti are both trying to be proactive about the mental health crises our youth face today - attempting to build connection and a sense of belonging early, before the feelings we may be bottling up explode into something else less desirable. Today, however, they are allowed to heal themselves and take a break from healing others…

(1:30) Drew introduces himself, his Canadian roots, his love of the outdoors, and his family history with mental health.

(4:00) Drew shares the front of his mask - outgoing and social, hardworking, optimistic, generous.

(5:00) Ashanti shares the front of his mask - funny, caring, intelligent.

(8:55) Drew shares the back of his mask - introverted and shy, social self-doubt, family baggage, caring.

(11:25) Ashanti shares the back of his mask - fear, self-doubt, excited and worried.

(15:30) Drew tells the story of how he built a startup in the adolescent mental health space: Sonar Mental Health.

(19:40) Drew and Ashanti discuss how schools can be more proactive with how they treat mental health.

(24:10) Drew shares how you can get in touch with him.

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Connect with Drew Barvir:

Email: [email protected]

Website: sonarmentalhealth.com

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/drewbarvir

Instagram: instagram.com/drewbarvir

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