Taking Off The Mask
216 episodes - English - Latest episode: 2 days ago -Taking Off The Mask is an experience of getting real. Providing young men and men a space to have real conversations about life, challenges, joys, heartbreak, dreams, failures, and whatever is ready to be revealed. Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/branch-speaks/support
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Episodes
201. Welcome to High School - TOTM Face to Face #24 - with Wenceslao and Demarco
July 09, 2024 23:00 - 36 minutes - 33.2 MBIn this episode of "Face to Face," Wenceslao welcomes Demarco, an 8th grader, star athlete, and member of the Ever Forward Club. Demarco is a bit nervous but ready to take on the world of high school in the Bay Area. Listen in as they discuss friendship, boundaries, sports, bullying, and how to balance life as a teen in 2024. Topics include: baseball, setting boundaries, understanding/empathizing with bullies, advice/what to expect in high school, athletics, balancing school and extracurric...
200. Special 200th EPISODE!
July 02, 2024 23:49 - 41 minutes - 38.3 MBIn this special 200th Episode, host Ashanti Branch beams in from the Ever Forward Club’s new office and revisits some of the most powerful moments from the past year. This includes some parts work (internal family systems) with Jamin Heppell (ep. 159), discussion on self-love with Gael Aitor (ep. 160), and an analogy between life and repotting plants with Trevor Taylor (ep. 177). Topics include: parts work, internal family systems, IFS, self-love, self-hate, self-talk, positive self-talk, n...
199. Education Monthly #5: New Theories on Teen Mental Health, Self-Determination, and Lessons from Miyazaki Films
June 25, 2024 23:00 - 50 minutes - 46.3 MBDonofriend, or Donovan Taylor Hall, joins Ashanti Branch, a master educator with 20+ years of experience in schools, to talk about what they are reflecting on as educators and what they’re seeing in the halls of modern-day schools. Donovan is an experienced teacher and positive youth development expert who travels around the country speaking at schools and pushing into classrooms. Learn more about him in episode 152. Topics include: an Edutopia video reaction, self-determination theory, par...
198. Football, Fathers, & What it Takes to be a Great Teacher
June 19, 2024 01:06 - 55 minutes - 50.5 MBThis week we welcome David Reese, a high school English teacher with an unparalleled zest for life, to the show. David, the youngest of ten children, has been surrounded by strong women and extraordinary men throughout his life. With 7 sisters, 2 brothers, and a large extended family, David has always been inspired by the compassion, hard work, and humor of those around him. Topics include: father figures, football, high school sports, men’s work and boys’ work in high school, transformativ...
197. Four Years to Life - with Antwone Johnson, Author, Speaker, Coach - Growing with Diirt
June 11, 2024 23:00 - 51 minutes - 47.6 MBIn this episode, host Ashanti Branch welcomes Antwone "Diirt Da Dreamsaver" Johnson, a motivational speaker and entrepreneur who has dedicated his life to helping individuals understand the importance of continuous learning and education. Through his organization, Growing with DiiRT, he inspires others to take charge of their own destinies, emphasizing that education is key to achieving one's dreams. Topics include: survivor’s guilt, perfectionism, grieving, college tours, the public school...
196. A Bird in a Cage - TOTM Face to Face #23 - with Wenceslao and Lucian
June 04, 2024 23:00 - 32 minutes - 29.9 MBIn this episode of "Face to Face," Wenceslao, a high school sophomore, welcomes Lucian, a 7th grader who has been part of the Ever Forward Club since the 4th grade. Lucian shares his experiences and personal growth through the club, emphasizing the importance of expressing feelings and building trust within the group. “When you don't speak or speak up, the thought is like a bird in a cage; you have it in there, but you’re just not willing to let it fly. Let it out.” --- (0:00) Welcome (1...
195. Education Monthly #4: Rapid Fire Questions, Teacher Burnout, & the 20th Annual 5k Relay
May 28, 2024 23:36 - 39 minutes - 36.2 MBWe just celebrated our 20th Anniversary! At the anniversary, Bilal, who you can get to know better in episode 161, went around and asked guests a series of rapid-fire questions. Listen to the questions in quick succession. And as they get deeper, the answers lengthen. Before Bilal’s section, please enjoy host Ashanti Branch’s thoughts on teacher burnout, social-emotional learning in schools, Mental Health Awareness Month, and what his experience as a private school educator made him see in ...
194. Confronting Grief, Avoiding Grief, and Everything in Between - with Blair Daly, Writer, Advocacy Leader, Founder
May 21, 2024 23:00 - 54 minutes - 49.7 MBAshanti Branch is joined by Blair Daly, a dedicated advocate for boys and men in Washington state. As the founder of the Washington Initiative for Boys and Men, Blair leads efforts in advocacy journalism and grassroots political advocacy to enhance the well-being of boys, male youth, and men in the state. He holds a Master of Public Administration degree from the University of Washington and earned his bachelor's degree from Whitworth University. After college, he spent four years living i...
193. Anniversaries: Hoop Dreams, Warrior Films, and the Ever Forward Club - with Frederick Marx, Filmmaker, Author, Public Speaker
May 14, 2024 23:00 - 50 minutes - 46.6 MBEver Forward Club’s Ashanti Branch is joined by Frederick Marx. Frederick, best known for Hoop Dreams (1994), is an acclaimed Academy Award and Emmy-nominated filmmaker of 40 years. Throughout his career, he has addressed significant social issues through his films, and he has been named a Chicago Tribune Artist of the Year, a Guggenheim Fellow, and a recipient of a Robert F. Kennedy Special Achievement Award. To this day, filmmaker Frederick Marx remains driven by a commitment to storytelli...
192. Fathers, Films, and Freedom of Expression - TOTM Face to Face #22 - with Wenceslao and Andres
May 13, 2024 19:11 - 50 minutes - 46 MBTwo high schoolers come together in this TOTM Face to Face conversation. Our host, Wenceslao, is joined by Andres, a senior at Skyline High School in Oakland, CA, and a member of Youth Beat. ➡️➡️➡️ Youth Beat is an incredible organization that provides free digital media instruction for disadvantaged Bay Area students. A future filmmaker, Andres finds common ground and shared humanity with Wenceslao. They share an interest in arts and self-expression; they both have biological fathers that ...
191. Education Monthly #3: Video Games, Core Values, and Designing School for Students who Hate School
April 30, 2024 23:00 - 50 minutes - 46.6 MBDonofriend, or Donovan Taylor Hall, joins Ashanti Branch, a master educator with 20+ years of experience in schools, to talk about what they are reflecting on as educators and what they’re seeing in the halls of modern-day schools. Donovan is an experienced teacher and positive youth development expert who travels around the country speaking at schools and pushing into classrooms. Learn more about him in episode 152. Topics include: video games, core values, extrinsic/intrinsic motivation, ...
190. College Roommates, Dorm Room Snakes, & Self-Esteem, with Charles Smith, Recruitment Manager, PhD Candidate, & Lifelong Learner
April 23, 2024 23:00 - 1 hour - 55.5 MBCharles is a Christian, a father of two, a Recruitment Manager, and Ashanti’s COLLEGE ROOMATE! Charles loves helping people advance in their careers and developing a strategy for life. He’s currently spending much of his time outside of work studying for a PhD in Industrial and Organizational Psychology. Topics include: being diagnosed with ADHD, leaving Los Angeles for Wisconsin and how changing environments can change lives, raising snakes in a college dorm, feeding snakes (with rodents!)...
189. Self-Talk, Ketamine, Border Wars, & Everything In Between - w/ Johnny Cole, Men's Work Leader, Community Builder, Mentor
April 16, 2024 23:00 - 57 minutes - 52.6 MBJohnny is the 26-year-old founder of Hey Brother Co., a men's work organization committed to reshaping the contemporary narrative of masculinity to promote a safer, more abundant world for all. As a survivor of domestic violence and a rigidly patriarchal upbringing, Johnny prides himself on his ability to transmute his painful lived experiences and traumas into opportunities for others to heal. Topics include: Having a father in the South African Border War & “Murder Battalion”; ketamin-ass...
188. The Code-Switching Alchemist - with Wesley Spence, Entrepreneur, Barber, Clothing Designer
April 09, 2024 23:17 - 50 minutes - 46.2 MBIn this episode of Taking off the Mask, host Ashanti Branch welcomes Wesley Spence. Wesley is a 19-year-old entrepreneur, barber, and owner/operator of a clothing brand called iconicc22. Is comparison truly the thief of joy? Wesley and Ashanti delve into topics such as self-awareness, personal growth, and the journey to becoming the best version of oneself while finding common ground as entrepreneurs and fans of the book “The Alchemist.” (0:00) Intro (9:40) Front of Ashanti’s Mask. What he...
187. Trevor Taylor - on Nonviolent Communication, Process over Outcome, Think-Feel-Do, & Becoming a Leader
April 02, 2024 23:00 - 1 hour - 56.4 MBThis is one of the rare episodes where we did not make or share masks… But we sure did feel them come off. Trevor Taylor is back for part 2! (Listen to Part 1) Join Ashanti and Trevor as they explore nonviolent communication, how to communicate effectively to build community, the Think Feel Do methodology, and attachment to the process instead of the outcome. Trevor brings over nine years of dedicated practice to the mat, seamlessly blending strength and grace in his dynamic Vinyasa flows. ...
186. LIVE from SXSW! - Education Monthly #2: What’s up with young men?! / The cultural disconnect between adults and youth at schools
March 26, 2024 23:00 - 59 minutes - 54.4 MBLive from SXSW 2024! Ashanti Branch, Wenceslao Soto Sanchez, Johnathan Pugh Jr., and Ryan Louie take the stage and the education landscape head-on by considering the questions: What’s up with young men? How does the way we present our identity affect the climate and culture of our schools? Through a profound conversation facilitated by a 20-year master educator, a filmmaker, and two high school boys with diverse perspectives, they gain insight into the challenges of marginalized communities ...
185. Talking to your Nervous System - with Matthew Sloane, Author & Men’s Group Facilitator
March 19, 2024 23:00 - 49 minutes - 45.2 MBJoin Ashanti and Matthew in a candid conversation about self-awareness, emotional/nervous system regulation, fatherhood, and the complexities of personal growth. Matthew has been a father since 2016 and a husband since 2013. He authors short, illustrated men's fiction for book clubs, men's groups, dad groups, and male studies courses. He Kickstarted his first book in 2011, called “Tulie’s Garden”, about his inner journey from boyhood to manhood—acknowledged by co-founder Bill Kauth of the Ma...
184. Performative Vulnerability - with Solomon Adams, Musician, Writer, & Educator
March 12, 2024 23:00 - 43 minutes - 39.5 MBEmbark on a journey into the depths of vulnerability as Solomon Adams, a deeply talented musician, writer, and educator, unearths the intricate layers of his emotional landscape in this episode. From the front-facing optimism that radiates through his creative work to the complexities that lie beneath, Solomon delves into the power of emotions often concealed. Join us as he shares the real vulnerability that goes beyond the performative, offering an intimate exploration of the struggles, tri...
183. Does it hurt more to leave somebody or to be left? - TOTM Face to Face #21 - with Wenceslao and Ryan Louie
March 06, 2024 00:00 - 51 minutes - 47.4 MBJoin Wenceslao, the Ever Forward Club’s Youth Host, in an insightful conversation with filmmaker and educator Ryan Louie. Together, they explore the profound lessons learned from love, relationships, and the transformative impact of the Ever Forward Club. The discussion touches on fearlessness, self-knowledge, and the pursuit of authenticity, offering a unique perspective on personal growth and filmmaking. (0:00) Introduction (5:30) Wenceslao’s front - funny, engaging, responsible. And hi...
182. EDUCATION MONTHLY! - Productive struggle, trying out new lesson plans, high school vs. middle school, and staying curious
February 28, 2024 00:00 - 43 minutes - 39.5 MBAre you a teacher? An educator? Administrator? We’re excited to launch a new series under the Taking Off The Mask podcast feed: Education Monthly - with Donofriend! Donofriend, or Donovan Taylor Hall, joins Ashanti Branch to talk about what they are reflecting on as educators, what they’re seeing out in the schools, and what’s the latest news in education. You can learn more about Donovan, an experienced teacher and positive youth development expert, in episode 152. (0:00) Welcome! (3:30...
181. Minding the Gap (Boldness vs. Fear) - with Kevin Cho Tipton, Healthcare Reform Advocate & Military Medical Officer
February 21, 2024 02:30 - 46 minutes - 42.5 MB“When I was younger, being bold was mistaken for being arrogant or a know-it-all all. If I’m honest with myself, I think I was arrogant or a know-it-all all. But I’d like to hope that it was out of a desire to do good. To fix something. To help someone.” - Kevin Cho Tipton Ever Forward Club’s Ashanti Branch is joined by Kevin Cho Tipton. Kevin is a Major in the United States Air Force and a critical care nurse practitioner serving in South Florida’s public hospitals. Since 2010, he has se...
180. Ruben Rojas, Artist - on Love and Valentine’s Day
February 14, 2024 00:00 - 41 minutes - 38.2 MB“Ultimately I’m just trying to simplify this human journey into, ‘We either operate out of love or we operate out of fear.’ … Love is a verb. It’s an active choice. And instead of reacting, let’s respond.” - Ruben Rojas Ever Forward Club’s Ashanti Branch is joined by Ruben Rojas. Ruben traded in his suit for a paintbrush. He began transforming blank walls into unique, empowering messages. Today, the messages provided by these murals are uplifting communities and challenging the public to c...
179. The American Dream: TOTM Face to Face #20 - with Wenceslao and Eloy Castro
February 07, 2024 00:00 - 36 minutes - 82.9 MB"Everyone’s dream is having the “American Dream” right? Own property, own big cars, have a big family. But for me, that dream is fading away a bit. Hopefully, I’ll get part of that dream… having a good, relaxing life." This TOTM Face to Face conversation is between Wenceslao and Eloy Castro. Wenceslao is the Ever Forward Club’s Youth Host. You can get to know more about him in episode 123. Eloy is a personal stylist and interior designer, who also supports the Ever Forward Club’s training p...
178. All the World’s a Stage - with Dr. Ray Swann, Teacher, Author, Host, Actor
January 31, 2024 00:00 - 56 minutes - 51.9 MB“Teachers will generally give longer wait time for kids that they think know the answer, than kids that they think don’t know the answer.” - Dr. Ray Swann Ever Forward Club’s Ashanti Branch is joined by Dr. Ray Swann. Ray knows a thing or two about acting and emotions. Pair that with a deep knowledge of teaching and learning, and you have an excellent educator. Ray is currently the Executive Director of the Foundation for Positive Masculinity, an NGO based in Melbourne Australia. He hosts...
177. Trevor Taylor - on Career Changes, Zip Codes, Re-Potting Plants, & Life’s Purpose
January 24, 2024 19:23 - 53 minutes - 49.4 MB“If I continue to make myself small to fit their expectations, who am I truly letting down?” - Trevor Taylor Ever Forward Club’s Ashanti Branch is joined by Trevor Taylor. As a seasoned yoga instructor, Trevor brings over nine years of dedicated practice to the mat, seamlessly blending strength and grace in his dynamic Vinyasa flows. Beyond yoga, Trevor is a content creator, sharing mindfulness techniques, motivation, and glimpses into his personal yoga journey with a global community. Like...
176. The Calm App, but for DUDES - with Jason Kyle Budahazy, Founding Creative at Mental
January 17, 2024 00:00 - 1 hour - 58 MB“If we put ourselves on our deathbed, and we look back on THIS moment, are we going to be proud of ourselves?” - Jason Kyle Budahazy Ever Forward Club’s Ashanti Branch is joined by Jason Kyle Budahazy. Jason Kyle’s journey has taken many twists and turns, and ups and downs - from stand-up comedy, to the Peace Corps in Albania, to Hollywood and “Two and a Half Men” and “The Big Bang Theory”, to today, being the Founding Creative and voice for the first men’s mental health app: Mental. Jason ...
175. The Most Popular Girl in School (solo episode with Ashanti Branch)
January 10, 2024 00:00 - 30 minutes - 28.3 MBIn this solo episode, Ashanti Branch tells the story of his encounter with the most popular girl in school… A story about emotions, class, wealth, status, bullying, family structures, and what we need to provide for our young people as educators. Then, he looks ahead at what’s in store for the Ever Forward Club in 2024. --- (0:00) Ashanti introduces the episode and his story about the most popular girl in school. (13:10) Ashanti reflects on the story and applies it to the work he and the...
174. Lewis Howes and the Mask of Masculinity (RE-Release)
January 03, 2024 00:00 - 57 minutes - 52.9 MBHappy Holidays! Today is a re-release of episode 3, with Lewis Howes. Enjoy! In this Podcast, Ever Forward Club’s Ashanti Branch is joined by New York Times Bestselling author, Lewis Howes, author of the hit book,The School of Greatness and his newest book, The Mask of Masculinity. He is a lifestyle entrepreneur, high-performance business coach and keynote speaker. A former professional football player and two-sport All-American. He hosts a top 100 iTunes ranked Apple podcast, The School of...
173. The Difference Between Self-Love and Self-Compassion - with Diego Estrada, Alegrador de Vidas / Brightener of Lives - Monterrey, Mėxico (RE-Release)
January 02, 2024 03:23 - 41 minutes - 38.3 MB“I knew that if I wanted to control the outcome before someone was about to make fun of me, or judge, or criticize; it was better for me to be the first one to make a joke about myself.” - Diego Estrada Happy Holidays! Today is a re-release of episode 143, with Diego Estrada. Enjoy! Ever Forward Club’s Ashanti Branch is joined by Diego Estrada. Born and raised in Monterrey, Nuevo León, Mėxico, Diego currently speaks at conferences and delivers workshops on authenticity. Diego lists his job...
E173. The Difference Between Self-Love and Self-Compassion - with Diego Estrada, Alegrador de Vidas / Brightener of Lives - Monterrey, Mėxico (RE-Release)
December 27, 2023 00:00 - 41 minutes - 38.3 MB“I knew that if I wanted to control the outcome before someone was about to make fun of me, or judge, or criticize; it was better for me to be the first one to make a joke about myself.” - Diego Estrada Happy Holidays! Today is a re-release of episode 143, with Diego Estrada. Enjoy! Ever Forward Club’s Ashanti Branch is joined by Diego Estrada. Born and raised in Monterrey, Nuevo León, Mėxico, Diego currently speaks at conferences and delivers workshops on authenticity. Diego lists his job...
172. Redemption Song - with Theo Coker-Edwards, College Athlete, Restorative Justice Advocate (RE-Release)
December 20, 2023 00:00 - 53 minutes - 48.7 MB“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 Happy Holidays! Today is a re-release of episode 162, with Theo Coker-Edwards. Enjoy! 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 restora...
171. The Magic Sentence (that changed my life)
December 13, 2023 00:00 - 38 minutes - 35.6 MBIn this solo episode, Ashanti Branch tells the story of the teacher who CHANGED HIS LIFE, Ms. BP. It’s the story of a magic sentence that unlocked everything for him and changed his trajectory. Then, he looks at how the podcast, the Ever Forward Club, and schools in general are approaching the end of the year. --- (0:00) Ashanti provides some updates on the podcast going into 2024. (5:20) Ashanti tells the story of Ms. BP, the teacher who changed his life with a magic sentence. (14:50) ...
170. Hours to Kill vs. Hours to Live: TOTM Face to Face #19 - with Wenceslao and Lincoln
December 06, 2023 19:52 - 27 minutes - 25.6 MBThis TOTM Face to Face conversation is between Wenceslao and Lincoln. Wenceslao is the Ever Forward Club’s Youth Host. You can get to know more about him in episode 123. Lincoln is a fellow student of Wenceslao’s at City Arts and Leadership Academy ➡️➡️➡️ As they share their masks, play our Adventure Card Game, and discuss all things poetry, friendship, and trust, it’s inspiring to imagine the future these two youth have in store for themselves… (5:15) Lincoln introduces himself. (6:15) We...
170. Healthy Student-Teacher Relationships: TOTM Face to Face #19 - with Wenceslao and Lincoln
December 06, 2023 00:00 - 27 minutes - 25.6 MBThis TOTM Face to Face conversation is between Wenceslao and Lincoln. Wenceslao is the Ever Forward Club’s Youth Host. You can get to know more about him in episode 123. Lincoln is a fellow student of Wenceslao’s at City Arts and Leadership Academy ➡️➡️➡️ As they share their masks, play our Adventure Card Game, and discuss all things poetry, friendship, and trust, it’s inspiring to imagine the future these two youth have in store for themselves… (5:15) Lincoln introduces himself. (6:15) We...
169. Psychology and the Gender Evolution - with Dr. Matt Englar-Carlson, Professor, Scholar, Speaker
November 29, 2023 00:00 - 52 minutes - 48 MB“As much as people think I’m in my dad’s shadow, in many ways I live my life to NOT be like him. And even though my dad was a psychologist, I always felt like he wasn’t terribly emotional.” - Matt Englar-Carlson Ever Forward Club’s Ashanti Branch is joined by Dr. Matt Englar-Carlson. Matt is a professor of counseling and the director of the Center for Boys and Men at California State University, Fullerton. His work focuses on healthy/prosocial forms of masculinities, social justice, diversi...
168. Connection over Perfection - with Pellegrino Riccardi, Award-winning Keynote Speaker, Author, & Communication Skills Trainer - Norway (RE-Release)
November 22, 2023 00:00 - 50 minutes - 46.2 MB“I’ve always been funny. As a kid I was funny. Always funny. But then ask me why I was funny, and the story’s not funny.” - Pellegrino Riccardi Happy Holidays! Today is a re-release of episode 133, with Pellegrino Riccardi. Enjoy! --- Ever Forward Club’s Ashanti Branch is joined by Pellegrino Riccardi. Raised in the UK in an archetypal Italian family, as a young adult Pellegrino balanced a career in education and music. He moved to Norway in the 1990s and, long story short, now works as a...
167. A Modern-Day Brown v. Board - with Jamarria Hall, Youth Rights Activist & Social Entrepreneur
November 15, 2023 00:00 - 42 minutes - 38.8 MB“Most youth say THE government. They don’t say OUR government. Or they say THE schools. They don’t say OUR school. Or they say THE house. They don’t feel connection. A lot of the autonomy from young people is being taken. The access is being suppressed. A lot of times youth are doing it without help and despite the system and despite the programs that be, because they had to do it on their own.” - Jamarria Hall Ever Forward Club’s Ashanti Branch is joined by Jamarria Hall. Jamarria is a Soc...
166. Healthy Student-Teacher Relationships: TOTM Face to Face #18 - with Wenceslao and Mr. Craig Galvin
November 08, 2023 00:00 - 51 minutes - 46.9 MBThis TOTM Face to Face conversation is between Wenceslao and Mr. Craig Galvin. Wenceslao is the Ever Forward Club’s Youth Host. You can get to know more about him in episode 123. Craig Galvin is an Algebra teacher at Wenceslao’s high school ➡️➡️➡️ Let’s just say this is a conversation between a teacher and a student that most people never get to experience. It’s so great seeing a student and a teacher connect on this level. As you listen, consider this - have you ever had a conversation like...
165. A Second Chance at Life - with Nick Bracks, Actor & Entrepreneur
October 31, 2023 23:00 - 50 minutes - 46.1 MB“I had a car crash where I was lucky to survive. My best friend was in the car, and we were very fortunate we didn’t die. It was a period where I was very off the rails and I was using alcohol to cope - a drunk driving incident where the whole car was crushed in half. It became the biggest news story in the country.” - Nick Bracks Ever Forward Club’s Ashanti Branch is joined by Nick Bracks. Growing up in one of the most famous political families in Australia, Nick was exposed to life in the...
164. How Two Foster Kids Beat The Odds - with Justin Black, Bestselling Author: Redefining Normal
October 24, 2023 23:00 - 44 minutes - 40.6 MB“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 ...
163. Looney Tunes - with Jeremy Grater & Zach Tucker, Hosts of The Fit Mess Podcast
October 17, 2023 23:00 - 49 minutes - 45.2 MB“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 Za...
162. The Rastafari Bible - with Theo Coker-Edwards, College Athlete, Restorative Justice Advocate
October 10, 2023 23:00 - 53 minutes - 48.7 MB“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 beyo...
162. Redemption Song - with Theo Coker-Edwards, College Athlete, Restorative Justice Advocate
October 10, 2023 23:00 - 53 minutes - 48.7 MB“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 beyo...
161. If you had 30 days to live… TOTM Face to Face #17 - with Wenceslao and Bilal
October 03, 2023 23:00 - 34 minutes - 31.6 MBThis 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 ...
160. Internal Family Systems - with Jamin Heppell, Leadership Coach, World Traveler, & Guinness World Record Participant
September 26, 2023 23:00 - 1 hour - 72.6 MB“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 ...
159. Gael Aitor - on Teenager Therapy and the Inner-Child
September 19, 2023 23:00 - 49 minutes - 45.6 MB“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 ...
158. Yoga, and Finding Your Essence - with Rondy Isaac, Yoga Instructor, Life Coach
September 12, 2023 23:00 - 47 minutes - 43.4 MB“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, a...
157. TOTM Face to Face #16: Advice from a College Student - with Wenceslao and Jordan Barragan
September 05, 2023 23:00 - 46 minutes - 42.2 MB“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 th...
156. SPECIAL EPISODE: The Contemplative Corazón, with Julie Calderon
August 29, 2023 23:00 - 54 minutes - 124 MBToday 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 hos...
155. What Makes a Great Coach? - with Kip Ioane, Founder, TeamsOfMen
August 22, 2023 23:00 - 50 minutes - 46.7 MB“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 th...