The Masks We Wear

In a world that asks you to be everything—sometimes the most powerful thing you can be is clear. In this episode, we explore what it means to choose simplicity—letting go of overthinking, anxiety and decision fatigue. From politics to social media, it’s hectic navigating the complexities of this world and even our lives.  I speak with macro social worker, Relando Thompkins-Jones and Psychotherapis...

In this special episode of The Masks We Wear, journalist Taylor Crumpton speaks about her path from social work into journalism, beginning during the first Trump administration and later shifting into music and cultural criticism as a way to decompress while still treating pop culture as inherently political. Taylor discusses burnout for Black journalists, newsroom training and mentorship, and the...

In Part 2, journey with me as I connect with professionals, educators, parents, and creatives who walk us through some novel approaches to facing up to the reality -- both what it is and what it isn't -- of neurodiversity. Special Thanks to  Dr. Nora Ekeanya Dr. Jeff Gardere Reverend Tamera Kabemba Vaughan Harrison David F. Walker Music Credits Lofi Chill by DELOSound from Pixbay  Relax” produced...

In Part 1, we'll explore how neurodiversity is portrayed in the media, masking, the societal pressures behind those facades, and politics. Special thanks to: Tomar Alexander The Different Spectrums Podcast Kenneth Mims Dr. Michelle Meyer Bendita C. Malakia Andrew Robinson Music Credits Lofi Chill by DELOSound from Pixbay  Relax” produced by White Hot; provided by https://freebeats.io/ https://...

This episode explores how celebrities and public figures — often idolized or scrutinized — wear emotional masks to hide their pain, trauma, or inner turmoil. We dig into the pressures of fame, toxic perfectionism, public opinion, and the toll it takes on mental health. By looking at real-world figures and fictional parallels, we create a dialogue around visibility, vulnerability, and the cost of h...

Sometimes the hardest story to rewrite... is our own. Join me and Relando Thompkins-Jones as we unmask and rewrite origin stories. Whether we’re healing from trauma, shaking off labels the world put on us, or finally seeing ourselves with fresh eyes—rewriting an origin story is an act of resistance, an act of liberation. My episode on Social Justice Origin Stories: https://youtu.be/-GxD-HCS8SI?si=...

In this episode, I speak with music artist and comic book creator, BAYANI about his personal journey and identity. We explore what it means to rep your culture like a banner and how to fight bigotry with creativity and voice.

In this episode , we’ll explore how societal forces—such as trauma, oppression, injustice, and neglect—can shape individuals into the so-called “villains” of our world.  We’ll analyze how pop culture, politics, and comic books reflect these ideas, showcasing characters who were pushed into villainy by their circumstances rather than being inherently evil. Are these individuals truly the mastermind...

We’re diving into men’s mental health and how the “superhero complex” impacts the way men see themselves. We’ll explore how fictional icons grapple with trauma, masculinity, and the burden of always having to be strong.  Joining us are Adhim DeVeaux (creator of the comic, "The Unforgiving Scruff") and Dr. Keith Edwards (author of "Unmasking Toward Authentic Masculinity") for profound conversa...

In our first episode, we dive deep into the masks we put on every day—the ones we use to hide our pain, protect ourselves, and navigate a world that doesn’t always see us for who we truly are. I share my own story as someone who has wrestled with identity, mental health, and the struggle to belong.   Through a mix of personal narrative, honest conversations, live discussion, storytelling...