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

“I don’t come to education as just a teacher. I come to education as a teacher, as an administrator, as a former really bad student, as a former really good student, as a community person, as a man in a body that I identify with - but knew how hard it was to be my full self at school.” - Ashanti Branch

In this special episode of Taking Off The Mask, Ever Forward Club’s Ashanti Branch reflects on the organization’s trip to Austin, Texas, to attend South by Southwest. Also, while on the trip, he received some incredible news that he hasn’t been able to share until now…

(0:00) Ashanti reflects on his personal attitude towards taking the time to celebrate himself. He explores this attitude as it relates to his childhood.

(4:30) Then, Ashanti introduces the video “Youth, Heard” and shares some thoughts on the Ever Forward Club’s trip to South by Southwest, and what it meant for the youth that attended.

(6:30) We play the video, “Youth, Heard”.

(10:00) Ashanti shares some masks from a recent visit to an elementary school. From the front of their masks - sleepy, cool, annoying; my attitude, personality, look away; fun, happy, super happy; who I am, what I like.

From the back of their masks - sad about my dad, missing my mom; my nice self, my heart, who I really am; depression, mad, thinking nothing, sad, mean; my real emotions, the loved ones I’ve lost, my family.

(15:30) Ashanti shares the big news and what it means for the Ever Forward Club.

(18:00) Then, he shares a reaction video from when he first heard the big news.

(21:30) Ashanti takes the time to thank all of the supporters of the Ever Forward Club.

(24:00) Then, he tells a story about schools and their priorities, before concluding the episode.

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Watch "Youth, Heard": youtu.be/Exb7gqgG0EY

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

“When we can look young people in the eye, and see who they are, and tell them that they matter, and show them a book, and spark their imagination, and be right there… That’s the thing. Going through the experience with them, build up their confidence… Put a battery in their back. They need that. Everybody needs that. That little bird that’s about to jump off the nest, I’m sure the little bird needs a little bit of encouragement from big momma bird, like, ‘You got this, baby.’” - Amil Cook

Ever Forward Club’s Ashanti Branch is joined by Amil Cook. As a Hip-Hop educator and technologist, Amil teaches students and educators how to use their personal and historical narratives to increase self-efficacy, well-being, and capacity through the use of new media and technology. Amil is passionate about unlocking the unlimited potential of youth. He is able to see this potential, in part, because he is aware of his own emotions and, specifically, resentments that he is harboring and processing. We hope you enjoy this episode and enjoy learning how Amil’s masks apply to his talents as an educator.

(1:30) Ashanti’s introduction.

(8:00) Amil and Ashanti look back on their South by Southwest experience. Then, Amil introduces himself, his work, and his mission.

(13:30) Ashanti shares the front of his mask - dedicated, determined, caring - and how he manages the big expectations he has for himself.

(16:30) Amil shares the front of his mask - thoughtful, optimistic, caring - and how positivity moves him into action.

(22:45) Ashanti shares the back of his mask - worry, getting old, fear.

(25:50) Amil shares the back of his mask - resentful, mistrustful, scared - and how he is learning to let go of some of his resentments.

(32:00) Amil and Ashanti observe and analyze certain resentments that can build up in the youth. And they discuss the flip side - all the different types of encouragement we can give kids.

(39:00) Amil shares the level of emotional intelligence he’s observing in the youth in Pittsburgh.

(45:00) Amil looks back on his youth and how he was motivated to enter the world of education. And he shares a story about his work in South Africa.

(51:15) Amil delivers a final message to the youth.

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Connect with Amil Cook:

Social Media and Podcast: linktr.ee/amilcook

BootUp PGH: instagram.com/bootuppgh

Hip Hop Ed: instagram.com/hiphoped

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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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“Why do I want this? Why do I react like that? Why do I do this? I think that’s something that more people need to be asking themselves. I think that people need to explore themselves a bit more, understand why they do what they do.” - Mohandas D.

Ever Forward Club’s Ashanti Branch is joined by Mohandas D. This week’s episode will feel a little bit different. Mohandas is a High School student, and he will soon be hosting conversations on behalf of the Ever Forward Club - on the EFC’s social media and podcast platforms. But before you get to know Mohandas as a host, we’d like for you to learn about his mask, his friendships, and how he carries himself in the hallways and classrooms of Latitude High. Enjoy the show!

(0:20) Ashanti’s introduction.

(4:00) Mohandas and Ashanti reflect on their first meeting. Then, Mohandas introduces himself and shares some of his hobbies and interests.

(7:30) Ashanti and Mohandas make their masks together. Ashanti guides him through the process.

(16:50) Ashanti shares the front of his mask - serious, caring, funny.

(18:20) Mohandas shares the front of his mask - confidence, work ethic, friendliness.

(20:50) Ashanti shares the back of his mask - overthinking, fear of failure, childhood trauma.

(23:20) Mohandas shares the back of his mask - lonely, unsure, hard on myself - and how the front and back of his masks are at war with each other.

(28:20) Mohandas and Ashanti discuss how Mohandas’s generation of youth relates to one another and how much his friends really know about him.

(34:50) Ashanti and Mohandas look forward and anticipate what it will be like for Mohandas to host other youth on his show.

(41:50) Mohandas reflects on the experience of making a mask.

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Connect with Mohandas D.:

Instagram: instagram.com/moduewa

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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 raised in a violent environment, so, as much as I want to be positive, it’s just satisfying to do some of that petty stuff. As much as I don’t want to, as much as I’m like, ‘I can’t- that’s ratchet- whoo wham,’ like, that’s me. That’s how I grew up... There is a lot of pressure to be a positive person.”

Ever Forward Club’s Ashanti Branch is joined by Leo Mercer. As an Oakland native, Leo has been running creative campaigns and executing community organizing work in Oakland since 2009. Leo has a full, empathetic heart, and he’s always thinking intensely about what is best for his community. And in this work, as he’s discovered contradictions and Catch-22’s over the years, Leo has consistently re-assessed his craft, how he carries himself, and what it means to be “a tree with onion roots.” We know you’ll enjoy getting to know Leo in this week’s episode.

(1:30) Ashanti's introduction.

(10:55) Leo introduces himself, his work as a musical artist, and his drive to do good community work in Oakland. Then, he and Ashanti reflect on Leo’s on-stage appearance with President Obama.

(16:15) Leo shares the front of his mask - blind strength, creative abilities, a tree with onion roots.

(18:00) Ashanti shares the front of his mask - caring, dedicated, intense - and how ignorance is not actually bliss.

(24:45) Leo shares the back of his mask - numbness, pressure, always talking to myself. He reflects on all of the Catch-22’s and conflicts of interests he sees within his community and within himself.

(30:50) Ashanti shares a drawing created by students during his visit to Yuma, Arizona. Check out the video podcast on the Branch Speaks Youtube Channel.

(37:40) Ashanti shares the back of his mask - not enough, worry, my brother’s mental health.

(45:20) Ashanti and Leo sit with the phrase, “I am not the enemy,” and how this phrase has particular significance as it relates to their gender and the color of their skin.

(57:30) Leo shares his current projects and how you can get in touch with him.

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Connect with Leo Mercer:

Personal Instagram: instagram.com/leo_mercer

Business Instagram: instagram.com/mercerbrotherhood

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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

“For people like myself, who have a lot of privilege, I try to become aware of other people’s experiences. And then I can make a conscious choice: ‘How do I want people to experience me? What choices can I make to level the playing field?’ And the only way that that really works is when I take off my mask.” - Ray Arata

Ever Forward Club’s Ashanti Branch is joined by Ray Arata. Ray is the author of SHOWING UP: How Men Can Become Effective Allies in the Workplace. He’s also a coach, master facilitator, and co-founder of Better Man Leadership, but Ray prides himself most in being an ally. We hope you enjoy learning why Ray has dedicated his life to creating a more inclusive, heart-centric world, and how Ray’s masks play a role in this journey.

(2:10) Ashanti's introduction.

(5:55) Ray Introduces himself, why he is a heart-centered man, and why he has dedicated himself to men’s work.

(10:00) Ray shares the front of his mask - happy, grounded, calm, present. Then, he shares the back of his mask - afraid, not enough, alone.

(11:35) Ashanti shares the front of his mask - serious, dedicated, hard-working, caring. Then, he shares the back of his mask - overloaded, worrier vs. warrior, my brother in jail.

(15:50) Ray and Ashanti find common ground in their experiences as older brothers.

(19:40) Ray and Ashanti discuss why some youth choose not to make themselves emotionally vulnerable. Then, Ashanti tells a story about an experience from Yuma, Arizona.

(28:30) Ray shares what he has seen in his work helping reshape the behavior of men in corporate America.

(36:55) Ray and Ashanti discuss The Better Man Conference, how the conference is open and beneficial to all gender identities, and the importance of guiding the next generation of men away from the old playbook.

(42:40) Ray shares how you can get in touch with him, the titles of his books, and his last words.

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Connect with Ray Arata:

Ray’s newest book: showingupbook.com

The Better Man Conference: bettermanconference.com

Website: rayarata.com

Social Media: rayarata.com/contact

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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

WARNING: SUICIDAL IDEATIONS DISCUSSED

“I’ve come to learn and understand that, whether it’s depression or - something more serious - dealing with suicidal thoughts or anger or just the overall emptiness with everything… That they are just parts of the human experience and human condition. I’ve definitely built compassion for myself in dealing with those things.” - Rohit Tigga

Ever Forward Club’s Ashanti Branch is joined by Rohit Tigga. As the Founder of I’m Here And Care, it’s Rohit’s mission to create a world where everyone is loved and cared for. But before he was able to launch his powerful, modern, and effective wellness community, Rohit had to learn how to reframe, understand, and build compassion for his own struggles with depression. And in addition to saving his own life, he just so happened to save someone else’s…

(2:10) Ashanti's introduction.

(6:20) Rohit, or Ro, introduces himself, his passions, and his platform “I’m Here And Care”.

(10:20) Ro shares the front of his mask - emotional, sensitive, creative, artistic - and how it aligns with his positive and optimistic vision for the world.

(11:50) Ashanti shares the front of his mask - serious, hard-working, dedicated - and how he often wears his heart on his sleeve in his work. Then, they discuss the relationship between being fully loved and fully known.

(16:20) Ro shares the back of his mask - depression, suicidal thoughts, anger, emptiness, feeling alone - and how what people associate as negative emotions are actually very healthy and human.

(20:20) Ashanti shares the back of his mask - intense worry, fear of failure, self-doubt - and how his morning routine tends to get disrupted.

(26:20) Ro tells the origin story of “I’m Here And Care” - what he describes as a life or death situation, and a lifelong bond with a young woman named Simona.

(45:20) Rohit shares where you can get in touch with him.

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Connect with Rohit Tigga

All Social Media and Podcast Links (@imhereandcare): beacons.ai/imhereandcare

Text Rohit: 408-539-8459

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The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800-273-8255

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The NAMI Helpline: 800-950-NAMI

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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

“Life is impermanent. And that doesn’t mean that we’re not important or what we contribute to life is not important. The institutions we create are not going to live forever. But the energy, the way we live - this will live on forever.” - Alfredo Mathew III

Ever Forward Club’s Ashanti Branch is joined by Alfredo Mathew III. Alfredo is the co-founder of ESO Ventures, an entrepreneurial support organization focused on providing the confidence, competence, and capital for any Black and Brown person to become an entrepreneur. With over 20 years of experience in New York City and California public schools, Alfredo has followed in his father's footsteps, but found a path within his family's journey that allowed him to be his best self. We hope you enjoy this episode and learn more about how family heritage and legacy have shaped Alfredo's mask.

(2:00) Ashanti’s introduction.

(6:30) Alfredo introduces himself and his heritage, and shares the best thing he’s ever written in his entire life. Then, he and Ashanti discuss fathers, the idea of a father, and how these things played a role in their lives.

(19:00) Alfredo and Ashanti look back on how they met and their teaching careers.

(32:20) Ashanti shares the front of his mask - serious, caring, dedicated.

(39:00) Alfredo shares the front of his mask - hustler, dreamer, competent.

(42:20) Ashanti shares the back of his mask - fear of failure, sadness, not enough.

(48:00) Alfredo shares the back of his mask - undervalued, fear of failure, chip on my shoulder.

(55:00) Alfredo shares how you can reach him, and talks more about ESO Ventures.

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Connect with Alfredo Mathew III:

Website: eso-ventures.com

LinkedIn:

Email: [email protected]

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Create your own mask anonymously at www.100kmasks.com

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

“It literally starts when [boys] come out of the womb, before they’ve even got their language. Because they’re already being talked to by their parents… in ways that they didn’t ask for… What they’re being told, what they’re not being told, are both equally powerful.” - Andrew Reiner

Ever Forward Club’s Ashanti Branch is joined by Andrew Reiner. Andrew has written about contemporary and healthy masculinity extensively for the New York Times, and he published the book "Better Boys, Better Men" in 2020. Then, it came to be that the path to publishing this book and the path to becoming a father intersected at around the same time, and it pushed him to fully understand his relationship with masculinity. In other words, Andrew is the type of man who both writes and lives his work. We hope you enjoy the episode!

(2:10) Ashanti's introduction.

(5:45) Andrew introduces himself, his writings, his teachings, and how becoming a father and writing a book continued to push him to examine his masculinity. Then, he and Ashanti discuss how we are imprinting a certain masculinity upon boys “straight out of the womb.”

(16:30) Andrew and Ashanti discuss how the conversation around “toxic masculinity” is losing context. Then, they ponder how we can get men and boys to acknowledge their emotional truth more often.

(35:30) Andrew shares the front of his mask - positive, hopeful, patient. Then, Ashanti shares the front of his mask - dedicated, passionate, serious - and they compare what it is like caring for young teenagers versus caring for college students.

(41:00) Andrew shares the back of his mask - sad, frustrated, scared.

(43:00) Ashanti shares the back of his mask - anger, justice-driven, self-doubt.

(45:15) Ashanti and Andrew had this conversation on Martin Luther King Jr. Day. They reflect on Dr. King and the self-doubt he must have overcome.

(50:05) Andrew shares some final thoughts and how you can get in touch with him.

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Connect with Andrew Reiner:

Instagram: instagram.com/andrew.reiner.author

Twitter: twitter.com/AndrewTReiner

Website & Book, "Better Boys, Better Men": andrewreinerauthor.com

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Create your own mask anonymously at www.100kmasks.com

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

“What I’m most proud of is… I realized after my divorce that I needed some help, and so I found therapy - 11-plus years ago. So I like to share with people that I’ve been emotionally sober for 11 years. And with all sobriety you’ve got waves to ride, and sometimes the wave crashes you into a shore. [But] sometimes you ride it - and you’re in this place where you get to step onto the shore. Because the board carried you” - Ceasar F. Barajas

Ever Forward Club’s Ashanti Branch is joined by Ceasar F. Barajas. As a wellness mentor, mental health advocate, performer, and activist, Ceasar is an incredibly accomplished individual. His career has spanned 30+ years, and he's done everything from yoga instruction to fight and dance choreography, teaching at Columbia University to working with fellow veterans on their mental health and wellness. Importantly, amongst all of the accolades, he openly shares how he still presently copes and attempts to manage the anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress injuries that have plagued him his entire life. We hope you enjoy getting to know Ceasar in this week's episode.

(1:15) Ashanti’s introduction.

(5:15) Ceasar and Ashanti discuss their favorite book, The Alchemist, by Paulo Coelho.

(7:15) Ceasar introduces himself. He shares the many lives he’s already lived and masks he’s already worn, and he shares what pushed him to seek “emotional sobriety.”

(18:45) Even after 11 years of therapy, Ceasar didn’t discover men’s groups until June of 2020. He shares all the things that led up to a major breakdown in June 2020, and the men’s group that changed his life.

(29:15) Ceasar and Ashanti discuss what it’s like staying in touch their college fraternity brothers.

(37:15) Ceasar and Ashanti return to an incident of racism Ashanti experienced. Ceasar applies his learnings and teachings to this incident, and he shares the different ways he’s been healing since March 2021.

(48:15) Ashanti shares the front of his mask - funny, dedicated, determined. Then Ceasar shares the front of his mask - vulnerability, artistry, fortitude.

(54:45) Ashanti shares the back of his mask - deep sadness, worrier vs. warrior, no rest.

(58:15) Ceasar shares the back of his mask - self-sabotage, remorse/guilt, self-doubt.

(1:04:15) Ceasar shares how you can connect with him.

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Connect with Ceasar F. Barajas:

Instagram: instagram.com/ceasarfbarajas

Twitter: twitter.com/ceasarfbarajas

Website: thejourneywithceasar.com

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Create your own mask anonymously at www.100kmasks.com

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

“I’ve just gone through this process of realizing who I am, what I want to be interested in, and not having to really care about the inputs that other people have on things that I enjoy doing… I love to dress how the way I dress now - I don’t care if I get a look here or there. I love talking about the subject of mental health. I love being friends with people that genuinely care about me - and not just friends with them because they have status… In my past self, I was extremely self-conscious. I was the person that always tried to fit in.” - Preston Lee

Ever Forward Club’s Ashanti Branch is joined by Preston Lee. As a Senior at Marin Catholic High School and a future NYU student, Preston has really been coming into his own of late. He’s been refining his artistic voice, releasing short films, and finding traction in local government while promoting mental health awareness. But Preston would be the first one to tell you - before he could progress to such impressive highs for a young man of his age, he had to be honest with his own mental health journey. Listen in as he and Ashanti explore that journey, and we hope you enjoy today’s episode!

(1:20) Ashanti's introduction.

(7:00) Preston introduces himself and how he combines his two passions - filmmaking and mental health awareness.

(11:00) Preston shares the front of his mask - optimistic, driven, courageous, introspective - and how mental health and emotions play a huge part in how he interacts at school and in the community.

(15:30) Ashanti shares the front of his mask - serious, funny, caring - and shares a mentoring relationship that is on the top of his mind. Then, Preston tells Ashanti about a family friend whom he found to be very inspirational.

(23:30) Preston shares the back of his mask - burnt out, self-conscious, self-doubt, fearful - how it relates to the front of his mask, and how he has developed and discovered himself over the past two years.

30:50 Ashanti shares the back of his mask - fear of failure, sadness, trust issues.

(36:15) Preston and Ashanti reflect on the similarities on their masks - how intricate differences often distract from the "common ground" at the most fundamental level.

(38:30) Preston had a moment of self-realization that pushed him to explore mental health topics. He reflects on the moments that lead to this realization and the ideas for his films.

(48:00) Preston gives a message to his peers and gives them something new to try.

(51:30) Preston shares how you can connect with him.

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Connect with Preston Lee:

Instagram: instagram.com/shotbyleeofficial

Youtube: youtu.be/wrhwFPKfURw

The Perspective Project: theperspectiveproject.co.uk/post/alone-preston-lee

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The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255

Or, text "NAMI" to 741-741

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Create your own mask anonymously at www.100kmasks.com

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

Website: branchspeaks.com

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Send in a voice message:

anchor.fm/branch-speaks/message