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

“Something one of my friends said about me is that, ‘Julian doesn’t have secrets - he just has things he ain’t said yet.’” - Julian A.

This TOTM Face to Face conversation is between Mohandas and Julian. Mohandas is the Ever Forward Club’s Youth Host, whom you can get to know more about in episode 83. Julian is Mohandas’s friend since childhood, currently a 12th grader based in Oakland, CA, and an all-around artist. By playing the card game "Ever Forward Club: The Adventure", Mohandas and Julian have a chance to discuss self-awareness, friendships, life skills, coping mechanisms, and more.

(2:40) Ashanti’s introduction.

(8:00) Julian and Mohandas say hello, and Mohandas asks the first question: “Name something you can do to improve your life and what’s stopping you.” Then, Mohandas talks about his reading habits, and Julian shares some thoughts about time management.

(12:40) “What is a difficult story that you carry with you every day?” Mohandas explains why setting lofty goals can make him feel stuck at times.

(14:20) “What can you start right now in your life to become a better person?” Mohandas and Julian go into the different ways they continue to learn about themselves and others. Then, they continue answering more questions…

(17:40) “What is a characteristic of myself that I don’t talk about very much?”

(19:40) “Describe a time where you felt like you were in a battle with a friend.”

(23:40) “What is something you need to stop doing?”

(27:10) “What is something that you’ve kept a secret from your parents?”

(29:00) “How do you get through tough times?”

(31:30) “Tell us about a time when you realized you were becoming an adult?”

(34:00) “Share a project that you’ve recently started.”

(40:45) And finally, “what are you most afraid of?”

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Connect with Mohandas and Julian:

Mohandas: instagram.com/moduewa

Julian: instagram.com/thedeltawave

Project Artivism (mentioned by Julian): projectartivism.org

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Create your own mask anonymously at millionmask.org

If you are interested in being on the Face to Face podcast, email us 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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Send in a voice message:

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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 wear my emotions on my sleeve, positive dude overall… But I just got numb. There was so much stress and it was the first time I was just numb. I wouldn’t call it depression because I was still motivated, but it was like if I get emotional, if I’m not stoic, I’m just going to go a little bit crazier than I want, or down a path I don’t want to.” - Scott Messier

Ever Forward Club’s Ashanti Branch is joined by Scott Messier. Scott is newly married, an owner of an electrical safety business, and a man who wears his heart on his sleeve. But, in medical school, he felt he had to turn off his emotional side in order to succeed. And then something that already felt wrong to him was put under more strain when Scotts’ brother, a cancer survivor, began to have health complications. Life became a whirlwind for him, to the point where he felt he had to choose between spending time with his brother and preserving his medical career. And, as you’ll see from the front of his mask, Scott made the choice that allowed him to finally feel whole again as a human.

(2:40) Ashanti’s introduction.

(9:55) Scott introduces himself, some current life changes, and a recent career change.

(12:55) Scott shares the front of his mask - energetically positive vibe, gritty growth mindset, family/friends are your wealth - and how the movie 300 makes him ponder what it really means to be a man.

(18:15) Ashanti shares the front of his mask - funny, serious, hard-working - and tells the story of some encounters he’s had with his mask analogy during the pandemic.

(24:25) Scott shares the back of his mask - stubborn with help, ADHD, processing loss.

(26:45) Ashanti shares the back of his mask - self-doubt, worry, fear of failure/success - and how social media has given him insight into what the youth are going through.

(37:50) Scott looks back on the types of friendships he formed in college and high school. Then, he tells the story of his older brother, Chris.

(57:35) Scott shares how he is “finally back to himself” and “feeding both wolves.” Then, Ashanti and Scott take a step back together and add perspective to their hectic lives by finding their neutral ground.

(1:20:30) Scott shares some information on his company and how you can get in touch with him.

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Connect with Scott Messier:

Instagram: instagram.com/scd.messi

Twitter: twitter.com/scdmessi

Business: instagram.com/kidzsafelock; twitter.com/kidzsafelock

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Create your own mask anonymously at millionmask.org

If you are interested in being on the Face to Face podcast, email us 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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Send in a voice message:

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“We’re trying to make being a teacher sexy again. You know, I can’t even say ‘again’ because I don’t know if it was ever sexy. But we got to make it sexy.” - Jason Muhammad

Ever Forward Club’s Ashanti Branch is joined by Brother Jason Muhammad. Jason teaches middle school in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. And the fact that Jason isn’t fixated on labels and boundaries means that he doesn’t think of himself as an employee of his school - he thinks of himself as an employee of his community. And he applies that mindset to other things. For example, as a card-carrying member of the Nation of Islam, he’s still not above criticizing the hypocrisy of organized religion. It’s interesting how boundaries, labels, and language affect all aspects of our lives, and we’re excited for you to learn about how it affects Jason’s.

(2:30) Ashanti’s introduction.

(7:40) Jason introduces himself, his work, his family, and his passion for community work.

(12:20) Jason and Ashanti make their masks together and, as fellow educators, discuss what they observe in schools.

(18:50) Ashanti shares the front of his mask - passionate/intense, dedicated, creative - and observes some of his “old programming.”

(21:35) Jason shares the front of his mask - joy/jubilance, community, therapy - and how he destigmatizes going to therapy.

(28:15) Ashanti shares the back of his mask - self-doubt, worry, sadness re: brother.

(32:10) Jason shares the back of his mask - anger, insecurities, my faith - and he and Ashanti both tell some stories about their faith.

(45:00) Then, they discuss how we might build understanding amongst different religions and different individuals.

(47:20) Jason shares a message to parents, students, and educators as the school year approaches.

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Connect with Jason Muhammad:

Podcast: instagram.com/epndpodcast

Jason’s friend, Amil: instagram.com/bootuppgh

Twitter: twitter.com/jsunkm

Instagram: instagram.com/jsunkm

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Create your own mask anonymously at millionmask.org

If you are interested in being on the Face to Face podcast, email us 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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Send in a voice message:

anchor.fm/branch-speaks/message

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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 lost my brother last year… The thing that has driven me for so long - I was raised without anything - I would be damned if I wasn’t going to be successful… My brother never really had that same thing. He was successful, but he was gentle, and he was just sweet, and he was always late for everything, and all kinds of things. We had totally different character sets… And now I’m questioning all those things that I had been working on.” - Jonathan DeYoe

Ever Forward Club’s Ashanti Branch is joined by Jonathan DeYoe. Jonathan is an author, investor, educator, and financial advisor. One of the first things that Jonathan displays to the world is his work ethic. But, importantly, Jonathan also wears his love for his brother on his sleeve. It was really difficult for Jonathan when he lost his brother a little more than a year ago. And it pushed Jonathan to make a simple, yet noble, choice - to openly release his feelings. We’re excited for you to get to know this great father, uncle, and brother.

(2:40) Ashanti’s introduction.

(5:45) Jonathan and Ashanti look back on their first meeting, and Jonathan introduces himself, his work, and his relationship with his brother.

(13:00) Jonathan shares the front if his mask - hard-working, smart, good habits.

(14:00) Ashanti shares the front of his mask - funny, serious, caring - and both men discuss how they struggle to tap into the fun side of their personalities.

(19:30) Jonathan shares the back of his mask - anxiety, fragility, afraid.

(24:15) Ashanti shares the back of his mask - fear of failure, sadness, I worry a lot - and he expresses his love for his own brother.

(30:20) Jonathan and Ashanti take time to process their grief and loss. Then, they celebrate the power of men’s teams, like the Mankind Project, Evryman, and Sacred Sons.

(48:20) Jonathan shares a little bit about his son.

(53:05) Then, Jonathan shares some final words.

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Connect with Jonathan DeYoe:

Twitter: twitter.com/MindfulMoney_Ed

Instagram: instagram.com/mindfulmoneyplan

Facebook: facebook.com/MindfulMoneyPlan

Youtube: youtube.com/c/mindfulmoney

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jonathandeyoe

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Create your own mask anonymously at millionmask.org

If you are interested in being on the Face to Face podcast, email us 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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Send in a voice message:

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“I’m a people pleaser. For good reasons - because I want to take care of others - and then bad reasons - because I think I am seeking love and acceptance, and so I will give beyond what I should in order to get that. At some point I start to get weary, I get overwhelmed. I start to get resentful, where I’m like, ‘okay, I’ve given a lot. Everyone, can you please back off me?’ But I don’t have the skills to lay down that boundary.” - Newton Cheng

Ever Forward Club’s Ashanti Branch is joined by Newton Cheng. Beyond being the Director of Health + Performance at Google, Newton is a father of 2 girls, a husband of 13 years, and a world champion powerlifter. In January 2022, Newton went on mental health leave. And after sharing this story, the responses were more positive than he ever imagined they’d be. Now, Newton is charged up to continue the work of destigmatizing having conversations about your mental health, and he’s ready to build a movement. We’re excited for you to get to know Newton and his precise insights on himself as a leader and as a man.

(2:30) Ashanti’s introduction.

(6:45) Newton introduces himself and how he was introduced to Ashanti back in 2015. Then, he tells the audience about his family background, his athletic career, and his work at Google.

(10:45) Newton talks about the LinkedIn post that brought him and Ashanti closer together. Then, he and Ashanti broadly discuss the work they have to do around masculinity.

(16:35) Newton shares the front of his mask - kind, optimistic, zen - which he refers to as “Zen Newton.”

(18:15) Ashanti shares the front of his mask - funny, serious, dedicated - and how his serious side tends to take over during his interactions.

(24:25) Newton goes into the concept of “shadows” in the world of mindfulness, then shares the back of his mask - resentful, self-judging, lonely.”

(29:00) Ashanti shares the back of his mask - sensitive, “I feel”, worry, fear - and how the back of his mask was formed early in childhood. Then, he goes into more detail about his wish to “turn certain feelings off.”

(39:15) Ashanti tells a story about a young man in his program that lost a pet recently.

(43:45) Ashanti finishes up the rest of the back of his mask, and he and Newton broadly discuss leadership, teaching, and the critical gap between where we are now and where we want to be. They reach the conclusion, “just keep doing the reps.”

(54:35) Newton shares some final thoughts and final words with the audience.

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Connect with Newton Cheng:

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/newtoncheng

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Create your own mask anonymously at millionmask.org

If you are interested in being on the Face to Face podcast, email us 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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Send in a voice message:

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“I didn’t have much support from my folks at home. I was the first one to go to high school here in the United States. It was, like, uncertainty on what my next step was. And so, going to your class during lunch time, kind of helped me forget about that and just be confident in who I am.” - Eduardo Canche, on his relationship with Ashanti Branch

It’s Episode 100! And Ever Forward Club’s Ashanti Branch is joined by Eduardo Canche. Now an engineer, Eduardo was a founding member of the Ever Forward Club - 18 years ago at San Lorenzo High School. In addition to having a one-on-one conversation with Ashanti, during the final section of this podcast, Eduardo speaks to some young men in the Ever Forward Club’s Social Emotional Leadership Academy. All of these young men are starting their first year of high school this fall. So, not by coincidence, they’re on the brink of where Eduardo was those 18 years ago…

(7:30) Eduardo introduces himself and how he and Ashanti know each other.

(9:50) Ashanti and Eduardo look back on the masks they wore when they first met 15 years ago. Eduardo examines his lack of self-confidence. Ashanti examines things from a teacher’s perspective, being the only black male teacher at the school.

(19:35) Ashanti and Eduardo look at the bond that Eduardo has made with his high school peers. They observe how different it is now in the smartphone era.

(23:35) Ashanti and Eduardo share the masks that they wear today. Eduardo’s front - calm, poised, happy. Eduardo’s back - irritated, sad, faithful.

(26:40) Ashanti’s front - funny, caring, serious, hard-working. Ashanti’s back - self-doubt, worry, fear. He reflects on his strengths and weaknesses as a leader and Executive Director.

(31:20) Eduardo shares some final words with Ashanti.

(34:10) Eduardo introduces himself to the young men of the Social Emotional Leadership Academy. And the young men ask Eduardo some questions. He looks back on his childhood move to America and some of the supports and relationships he’s had along the way.

(42:20) Eduardo gives some final advice to the youth.

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Connect with Eduardo Canche:

Instagram: instagram.com/eddienine

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Create your own mask anonymously at millionmask.org

If you are interested in being on the Face to Face podcast, email us 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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Send in a voice message:

anchor.fm/branch-speaks/message

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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 doing really good in school, but, self-esteem, self-confidence, all that, I didn’t work on that. I worked on just schoolwork. I wasn’t focused on working on myself.” - Johnathan P.

Ever Forward Club’s Ashanti Branch is joined by Johnathan P. Johnathan has known Ashanti for quite some time. As a 7th grader, Johnathan was one of the first interns at the Ever Forward Club’s Social Emotional Leadership Academy. Now, he’s a sophomore in high school and, to quote Ashanti, “he’s grown into an incredible young man.” Ashanti used to always tell Johnathan to “speak up”, and now he is. We’re excited for you to learn about Johnathan’s masks.

(1:45) Ashanti’s introduction.

(7:25) Johnathan introduces himself and looks back on his history with Ashanti and the Ever Forward Club.

(11:05) Johnathan and Ashanti make their masks together and provide a breakdown of what the mask represents.

(20:55) Johnathan shares the front of his mask - goofy, optimistic, determined - and how these characteristics help him stay focused and accomplish his goals. Then, he shares the back of his mask - stressed, nervous (anxiety).

(24:55) Ashanti shares the front of his mask - serious, adventurous, passionate - and tells a story from his trip to Egypt. Then, he shares the back of his mask - worry, self-doubt, fear of… - and he and Johnathan look back on some of their first conversations together.

(32:55) Johnathan and Ashanti discuss self-esteem.

(37:35) Johnathan shares what it was like the first day Ashanti came to his school. Then, he examines the diversity of perspectives amongst his peers. Ashanti then chimes in, since he went to the same high school that Johnathan attends.

(48:55) Johnathan provides some ideas on how he’d improve the community.

(53:20) Johnathan gives his final message.

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Create your own mask anonymously at millionmask.org

If you are interested in being on the Face to Face podcast, email us 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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Send in a voice message:

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“There are so many decisions that are to be made for students [in India] at this point in time - about their college, about which course they want to take in their high school… on how we good maintain rapport with our friend, on how to move forward with a relationship, and all the things like that… we just don’t have to jump into conclusions. We have to give things time. Everything around us is just in a hustling and bustling mode.” - Prranav Reddy

Ever Forward Club’s Ashanti Branch is joined by Prranav Reddy. A self-described “travel freak”, Prranav just graduated from high school in India. Prranav and Ashanti connected in 2018 when a monsoon warning canceled a Model United Nations event in India. It was clear four years ago that Prranav was a perceptive young man, invested in bettering the mental health of his community. Flash forward to today… and we’re excited for you to meet him :)

(3:20) Ashanti’s introduction.

(8:25) Prranav introduces himself, his origins, and where he’s at in life. Then, he and Ashanti look back on how they met in India.

(15:35) Prranav shares the front of my mask - easygoing, caring, happy.

(17:15) Ashanti shares the front of his mask - dedicated, determined, caring - and how his dedication to helping his community affects how he is perceived.

(20:20) Prranav shares the back of his mask - not expressive, low self-esteem, avoidant.

(24:05) Ashanti shares the back of his mask - self-doubt, fear of failure, family drama - and how he needs to start teaching himself the same things he teaches the youth.

(27:05) Ashanti and Prranav examine some of the things they avoid, and why they avoid it. Then, they build understanding over the different ways that they grieve.

(32:05) Prranav shares some observations he’s made about the masks in his community and some thoughts on how he would improve his community.

(40:00) Then, Prranav looks at how mental health supports have improved for the younger generation in India.

(44:40) Prranav shares some final thoughts with the audience.

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Connect with Prranav Reddy:

Instagram: instagram.com/_prranav.reddy_/

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Create your own mask anonymously at millionmask.org

If you are interested in being on the Face to Face podcast, email us 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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Send in a voice message:

anchor.fm/branch-speaks/message

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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

“‘How are you? How are you up here? How’s everything? Are you okay?’ I had someone ask me that one time. And I just… I broke down - because that dam that I built and built had a crack in it. And that created pressure. And it busted.” - David Silva

Ever Forward Club’s Ashanti Branch is joined by David Silva. It’s hard to pick a place to start when introducing David. He’s so much more than a welder, or a gamer, or a person that is battling cancer, or a self-described high school outcast. David’s a reminder that it’s much more about how someone connects with you and holds the space in the air with you... than what someone has done or what has happened to that someone. We hope you enjoy this conversation :)

(2:10) Ashanti’s introduction.

(9:10) David introduces himself and his passion for video games and motivational speaking.

(10:35) Ashanti shares the front of his mask - serious, caring, dedicated - and how this mask applies to his work with the Ever Forward Club.

(13:30) David shares the front of his mask - happy, caring, empowered - and how he sets high standards for himself when it comes to his work and his “pick me up” energy.

(17:05) Ashanti shares the back of his mask - worried, fear of…, self-doubt - and the things that are present in his life that make him feel helpless but invested.

(21:15) David shares the back of his mask - fear, doubt, loneliness. Then, he reflects on his middle and high school years.

(31:45) David and Ashanti discuss how gender norms and culture relate to acceptance. Then, David shares a time when he let all of his emotions flow out.

(36:35) Next, they recognize the power of caring for and loving ourselves as we do others.

(41:15) David opens up about his cancer diagnosis and chemotherapy.

(49:45) Then, Ashanti and David discuss all the ways that we create energy overloads with our own bad habits.

(56:15) David shares some final thoughts with the audience.

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Connect with David Silva:

Twitter: twitter.com/davidaloca__

Twitch: twitch.tv/Davidaloca__

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Create your own mask anonymously at millionmask.org

If you are interested in being on the Face to Face podcast, email us 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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Send in a voice message:

anchor.fm/branch-speaks/message

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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’m a teacher, I have two masters, I have my doctorate. My father would always call me ‘stupid stupid…’ The only good piece of advice he ever gave me was ‘you don’t have much of a brain so you might as well learn how to use your hands’… I always felt that, even though I have all these diplomas on the wall, I’m just faking it. And, some day, someone’s going to pull back the curtain.” - Dr. Tim Daponte

Ever Forward Club’s Ashanti Branch is joined by Dr. Tim Daponte. Dr. Daponte, or Tim, has been a teacher in the state of Texas for over 38 years. One remarkable thing about Tim, in addition to his years of service, is his ability to adapt to the changing characteristics of youth for over three decades - and to remain an outstanding teacher this entire time. After listening to Tim take off his mask with Ashanti, you’ll see why he is able to do what he does.

(6:25) Tim introduces himself and his history as a teacher. Then, he and Ashanti look back on their experience in the Fulbright Teacher Exchange Program.

(12:55) This conversation was recorded on May 26, 2022, days after the tragedy in Uvalde, Texas. Tim and Ashanti take a moment and provide space for the grief our country is going through.

(15:15) Tim shares the front of his mask - happy, teacher, educated. Then, he shares the back of his mask - insecure, family issues, trauma.

(17:05) Ashanti shares the front of his mask - energetic, serious, caring. Then, he shares the back of his mask - sad, worry, family drama.

(20:35) Tim shares some thoughts on why “insecure” is on the back of his mask, and how this insecurity traces back to his childhood and past relationships.

(27:15) Self-validation and seeking the validation of others can get tangled and complicated. Ashanti and Tim sort these feelings out and the encounters teachers have when meeting with people with traditional “elite” backgrounds.

(34:30) Tim describes his bed of nails activity, and then he shares how, as a teacher, he is constantly innovating and adapting to the next group of young people.

(44:30) Tim shares how he approaches his students in class and makes them feel safe and take off their masks. Then, he thanks Robert Saleh, the teacher who inspired him the most.

(49:15) Tim shares his final thoughts, and he and Ashanti close out.

(52:30) Tim shares how you can get in touch with him.

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Connect with Dr. Tim Daponte:

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/dr-tim-daponte-2b7521b4

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Create your own mask anonymously at millionmask.org

If you are interested in being on the Face to Face podcast, email us 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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Send in a voice message:

anchor.fm/branch-speaks/message