The Idea of Manhood

It’s been a while. (I feel like I say that every 2-3 months). But I’m back forreal. I’m FiveMikes - Husband, Father, Educator, Writer, MC. In this episode I lean into the “MC” of my tagline. What does being an MC mean to me? In the 2nd segment of the episode, I talk about my hiatus; and why I decided to return. Also, in advance... I apologize for podcasting outside of my son’s soccer practice, and...

...and the other stories we tell ourselves every day. After some reflection, I’m questioning... do I really need to be here?

Racists and bias are ruining baseball for black boys and squelching their innocence in front of our eyes. In this episode I cry... for my boy... for our boys.

Superpowers In The Water: Find Yours!

What’s good ladies and gentlemen. Welcome back to The Idea of Manhood. I’m using Anchor now, so let me know how it sounds and if you’re able to listen on all platforms. In today’s episode, I welcome the new listeners, talk a bit about Nipsey, and how the news/social media information is set up for us to react. What are we REALLY reacting to, though? Thanks for tuning in!

This is how I listen to music. Actually, y'all listen to music. I feel it. In this episode, I go a bit rogue, and highlight 6 songs that I FEEL on a different level. 1. James Blake - A Case of You. 2. Donny Hathaway - I love you (more than you'll ever know) 3. Amy Winehouse - Take the Box 4. Tweet - Beautiful 5. Jazmine Sullivan - I'm in love with another man 6. Beyonce - Sandcastles The Idea of M...

This week's fist bump is some "advice" for folks in new relationships; engagements, marriages, friendships, colleagues, etc. It pretty much revolves about investing in your authentic connections. Primarily, this episode circles around in my thoughts about the ramifications of this Jussie Smollett fiasco. Less about Jussie, and more about you and me and what "they" are doing to us. Thanks for tunin...

I start this episode with a powerful Nikki Giovanni quote, and move quickly through Whole 30, JID, and the racist, American school system. I end by discussing the power of my absence. Thanks for tuning in!

On a very special episode, I sat with Brandon Brown, of On That Note Podcast to discuss the recent disgusting hate crime against Jussie Smollett. Specifically, we discuss the responsibility of straight black men to be allies for our LGBTQ brothers and sisters.

Another tough one today. With the brutal, racially and homophobic near lynching of Jussie Smollet, it was really challenging to be appreciative; but I tried.

I don't even know what to tell you. It just came out.

The Idea of Manhood Season 4 Episode 3 Fist Bump - Quote by Lin Manuel Miranda Barber Shop - Facebook Age Challenge haters Mr. Logan - The beauty of celebrating music in Puerto Rico Roti - The Hamilton Episode. The convergence of my celebrating my birthday in Puerto Rico and seeing Hamilton, played by Lin Manuel Miranda led me to think about how our stories are so uniquely and intricately intertwi...

Fist Bump - Quote from Dame Dash The Barber Shop - R. Kelly... Mr. Logan's Corner - New Music Alert Roti - Legends of our Falls. How are the mistakes of our past impacting the success of other around us right now! Tune in and spread the word! I recognize that I said "Anthony" Hamilton...I meant to say ALEXANDER HAMILTON. My baaaaaad!!!

Central to The Idea of Manhood is the understanding that there is a responsibility of men to do & be better; specifically a calling & requirement to be even more socially and emotionally responsive to the needs of our community. Society, our families, our colleagues, our friends are requiring us to be more; be kinder; be empathic; be vulnerable; be better. It is imperative that men & the people th...

Mumble rap has a certain appeal to it. Dope beat, non-sensical rhymes. HITS! The concept of Mumble Thinking is similar. The dope beat is social media. The non-sensical rhymes equate the manner in which folks choose to engage; recklessly and thoughtlessly.  Let me man-splain this to you...

Just listen. It's important to me/us.

I'm back after a bit of a break. In the Season 4 opener, I talk about what I've learned and have been learning in the recent past about how to show up as a man in different spaces. Spread the Word!

Are you about the Numb Life? Tune in. #theideaofmanhood - Street Lights, by Kanye West begins the episode and it represents the sometimes repetitive, numbing routine that many of us face every day. Are you numb?

I had to start with a little Jazmine Sullivan for today's episode. Today, I reflect on a recent story of my son experiencing a tough and rewarding sports day, and my response to his pain. And also, Levar Ball is mentioned, somehow. Tune in and spread the word.

If you came here looking for some beef...I had to hit y'all with the Sike, Na. Be consistent & appreciative

I don't know, man! As I knock on 41's door, I'm having several revelations. One of which being... What do you do when the folks around you don't recognize your dopeness, or your talents? My answer? Fall Back!

We talked about the power of narrative last week. This week we are discussing how we can shift narratives to encourage more deep and authentic conversations and interactions. Happy New Year!

Narratives are the currency that makes social media so powerful, and the devil, at the same time.  Tune in!

In short...raising a black boy...in this day and time...is different. And I'm not sure if "society" (whatever that is) is primed to engage with black. whole. sons; black boys that are confident, smart, intelligent, athletic, strong, handsome, leaders, etc. Society knows how to deal w/ black athletes (kinda)....they know how to deal w/ nerds...they know how to deal w/ thugs. But what about boys tha...

Thanks for tuning in folks! I start this episode by adding a new segment just to appreciate some of the men in my circle; men that I know that are making strong attempts to being better. Today, I highlight my brother, SK! After some of the recent headlines that have been flooding our timelines, it hit me like a ton of bricks. Yo, are all men trash? With that said, to remove our trash title, we nee...