unMASKing with Male Educators: Creating Emotionally Safe Classrooms & Schools for Male Students

In 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 incl...

Donofriend, 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...

This 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...

In 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...

In 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...

We 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, Ment...

Ashanti 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 earne...

Ever 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 Achie...

Two 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 Wencesl...

Donofriend, 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...

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 Wisconsin and how changing...

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 for others to heal...

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 ground as entreprene...

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 nine years of ded...

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 two high school bo...

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, called “Tulie’s...

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 the real vulnera...

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 personal growth and f...

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 about Donovan, an expe...

“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 critic...

“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,...

"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 12...

“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 Dire...

“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 te...

“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...