Manhood Matters Podcast

Drop us a message Ever wonder what separates successful entrepreneurs from those who struggle for years without breakthrough? Tobiah Rocker's story might just hold the answer. From borrowing a neighbor's lawnmower as an eight-year-old to fund a school field trip his mother couldn't afford, to building Roof Bullies, a thriving roofing and restoration company, Rocker's journey de...

Drop us a message What separates those who dream about entrepreneurship from those who actually succeed at it? In today’s conversation, brand strategist Rod Brinson reveals how getting laid off after 20+ years in corporate America became the catalyst for his entrepreneurial journey. We dive deep into what our host Stéphane  calls "the ugly duckling phase" of business—those grueling early...

Drop us a message Meet Jayden Williams, the 22-year-old mayoral candidate whose resume might just make you question what you've accomplished in your life. With eight years of public service already behind him, this Clark Atlanta University political science graduate is mounting a serious challenge for leadership in Stockbridge, Georgia—and bringing fresh perspective, boundless energy, and sur...

Drop us a message What happens when a career of service meets an uncompromising vision for economic justice? State Representative Derrick Jackson opens up about his journey from Navy Lieutenant Commander to gubernatorial candidate with a laser focus on family and opportunity for all Georgians. Growing up as his mother's only son in a single-parent household, Jackson learned the meaning of ser...

Drop us a message Seven months and 35 episodes deep into this journey, Manhood Matters has evolved into something truly special – a sacred space for authentic conversations through a Black male lens. Most podcasts never make it past episode 7, yet here we stand, growing stronger each week because of listeners like you who tune in, share feedback, and make these conversations matter. Today's e...

Drop us a message *** Warning: This episode mentions su!cide, addiction, & mental illness *** What happens when a man faces his demons head-on after three decades of alcoholism? Kenneth "Sober Scooter" Reddick II, reveals his extraordinary journey from the depths of addiction to becoming a beacon of hope for Black men struggling with mental health challenges. Scooter's story beg...

Drop us a message "Forgiveness doesn't have to be you going to somebody and saying 'I forgive you.' Forgiveness is a choice you make." These powerful words from Mark Monplaisir cut to the heart of healing generational trauma in the Black community. In this profound conversation, organizational psychologist and author Mark Monplaisir joins us to discuss his book "Stron...

Drop us a message We explore the complex relationship between Haiti and other Black communities while confronting how colonial narratives have created artificial divisions within the African diaspora. • Examining the stigma Haitian-Americans faced growing up in the United States  • Understanding how media has consistently portrayed Haiti negatively to undermine its revolutionary legacy • Uncoverin...

Drop us a message Vulnerability isn't something we often associate with fathers and sons, but in this raw, emotional episode, two dads and their 20-year-old sons break down those barriers completely. What happens when fathers ask their sons to grade their parenting performance, with nothing held back? Jean-Jacques (JJ) and Stéphane (our host), who are cousins of the same age, both have sons b...

Drop us a message What does it take to abandon the safe path and build a business from scratch in your early twenties? Vince Starrs (29) and Justin Bradford (22) reveal the raw truth behind their entrepreneurial journeys, from teenage side hustles to founding thriving tech companies. These young founders share a refreshing perspective on success that challenges conventional wisdom. Rather than ask...

Drop us a message When a new self-appointed relationship "guru" begins racking up millions of views on social media with inflammatory advice about men, women, and money, the Manhood Matters team steps in to set the record straight. This episode dissects the dangerous trend of unqualified influencers who gain massive followings by pandering to relationship pain points and stoking gender w...

Drop us a message Most men never received proper instruction on the fundamentals of personal grooming. From skincare routines to cologne application, haircare to nail maintenance - these skills aren't intuitive, they're learned. When a woman complains about her partner's hygiene, it often signals a gap in knowledge rather than laziness. At The Men's Refinery in Conyers, Georgia...

Drop us a message Warning: This episode mentions suicide.  What happens when we finally pause to address the part of ourselves we leave on autopilot the most—our minds? In this powerful episode, recorded at a community wellness day in Atlanta, we witness raw conversations about mental health that challenge everything we think we know about strength and vulnerability. From the projects of Staten Is...

Drop us a message Ever wonder why you're constantly drained, struggling to keep up with life's demands, or finding yourself irritable with the people who matter most? The answer might be simpler than you think. "We have to stop pouring into people. We must fill ourselves first, and then everyone else catches the overflow," explains psychologist Jonah Bell. This conversation bri...

Drop us a message Testosterone deficiency remains one of the most misunderstood health issues affecting men today. Despite impacting millions of men over 30, myths and misconceptions continue to prevent many from seeking help for symptoms that dramatically affect their quality of life. In this revealing conversation with nurse practitioner Minal Patel from Game Day Men's Health, we explore th...

Drop us a message Remember when men had hobbies? Not just squeezing in an occasional round of golf or gaming session, but actually dedicating regular time to activities that brought them joy and connection with other men. This disappeared cultural norm became the catalyst for one of our most reflective conversations yet. Our panel dives into the complex reasons why modern men struggle to prioritiz...

Drop us a message "If you think parenting is hard, try being a step-parent. If you think separating from your kids is tough, just wait until someone else is raising them." This raw, unfiltered conversation tackles one of the most challenging aspects of modern relationships—navigating the complex world of blended families. Our panel of fathers brings diverse perspectives to this emotional...

Drop us a message The age-old question of how to raise our children echoes through every generation, but the answers seem to shift with each passing decade. In this deeply reflective conversation, we bring together a fascinating mix of perspectives – a 45-year-old military veteran father, a 27-year-old dad navigating early parenthood, and a young mother of twins alongside her own father. Through t...

Drop us a message Have you ever considered what a relationship truly means, beyond the obvious trappings of romance and attraction? The answer might surprise you, challenge you, and ultimately transform how you approach your partnerships. In this eye-opening conversation, we dive deep with an author who's about to release his provocative book, "Who Took My Manhood and Left Me All Alone W...

Drop us a message Inside the buzzing atmosphere of I Heart Barbershop, we drop in with the 100 Black Men of South Metro Atlanta for authentic conversations that cut deeper than any clipper. Three Black men open up about masculinity, mental health, and challenging the toxic expectations society places on men today. • Mental health in the barbershop - how barbers create safe spaces by opening up fir...

Drop us a message Mr _________ moved to Sharpsburg, Georgia seeking a peaceful life for his family just 30 minutes from Atlanta. What he found instead was a campaign of harassment that feels ripped from America's darkest past. From the moment Mr _______  purchased his home—discovering the xxxx seller had tried charging him $xxxxx more than what he accepted from Mr ______’s attorney—the stage...

Drop us a message What does it really take to transform a struggling marriage into a thriving partnership? In this powerful, emotionally raw episode, Willie and Patrice Nash open up about the journey of their 17-year marriage alongside host Stéphane and his wife Zola. They reveal the pivotal conversation that changed everything seven years into their relationship. "Before we were fighting aga...

Drop us a message Three stories of survival that will leave you questioning what it truly means to love someone "in sickness and in health."  Willie and Patrice Nash, along with Stanley Jean, share unfiltered accounts of their brushes with death and the profound love that pulled them through. From Patrice's harrowing post-hysterectomy complications where toxins silently poisoned her...

Drop us a message Two accomplished Black women pull back the curtain on what it really means to navigate corporate America while carrying the DOUBLE burden of race and gender. This conversation explores the exhausting mental gymnastics required to succeed in spaces not designed for them. Our guests share powerful stories about the necessity of code-switching – that daily performance where tone, ex...

Drop us a message When a child lacks positive role models, they'll find their own path—shaped by whatever influences surround them. But what if we could change that trajectory through intentional mentorship? Leon Cohen, a dedicated member of the 100 Black Men of DeKalb County, joins us to reveal how this remarkable organization has been transforming young lives since 1963. Founded by luminari...