Taking Off The Mask

Charles 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 Wiscons

Johnny 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 fo

In 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 grou

This 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 n

Live 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

Join 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,

Embark 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

Join 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 pers

Are 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

“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 Sta