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

What happens when students are expected to adapt to systems that were never designed with them in mind?In this episode of unMASKing with Male Educators, Ashanti sits down with Dr. Lewis Thomas III, educator, author, professor, and longtime school leader, to explore Black identity, worthiness, mentorship, relationships, educational systems, and what it means to help young people feel seen.This conversation dives into:How Lewis’s family history, Black identity, and deep connection to education shaped his path as an educator.Why he knew from a young age that teaching would be part of his purpose.The impact of both harmful and transformative teachers on the direction of his life.How one educator can help a young person see something in themselves they cannot yet see.Why worthiness can be something we know intellectually while still struggling to feel emotionally.How Black and Brown boys can become disconnected from schools that fail to build meaningful relationships with them.Why educators and systems must stop placing the responsibility for change entirely on young people.Why relationships must come before academics when students are already disconnected.How schools can move beyond rigid, outdated approaches and create more responsive pathways for different learners.Why educators and leaders must be willing to rethink the systems, practices, and assumptions that shape young people’s experiences.Ashanti and Dr. Lewis Thomas III explore the power of mentorship, relationship, identity, and self-reflection in education—from the people who help shape our sense of worth to the systems that can either deepen disconnection or create belonging.Dr. Thomas challenges educators to stop asking only what young people need to do differently and begin asking what schools, adults, and systems must change in order to meet them where they are.Connect with Dr. Lewis Thomas IIINew Book from Dr. Lewis Thomas IIIDr. Lewis Thomas III’s debut book, From the Ashes: The Fire This Time, launches November 6, 2026. Part memoir and part roadmap for healing, the book explores family, identity, worthiness, transformation, and the people who helped “hold his fire” throughout his journey.📚 Learn more and order here: https://austinmacauleyusa.com/book/from-the-ashes-the-fire-this-timeInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/drlewistheiii/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lewis.i.thomasWebsite: https://www.monmouth.edu/directory/profiles/lthomas/Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lewis-thomas-iii-ed-d-7bba6b238/Connect with Ashanti BranchInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/branchspeaks/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BranchSpeaksX: https://x.com/BranchSpeaksLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch/Website: https://www.branchspeaks.com/Support the Podcast & Ever Forward ClubHelp us continue creating spaces for young men to be seen, heard, and supported:https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/branch-speaks/supportConnect with Ever Forward ClubInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/everforwardclubFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/everforwardclubX: https://x.com/everforwardclubLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-ever-forward-club/#UnMASKingWithMaleEducators #MaleEducators #StudentBelonging #EducationLeadership #RelationshipBeforeCurriculum #MentorshipMatters #StudentSelfWorth #BlackBoys #BrownBoys #TeacherLeadership #SchoolCulture #ClassroomCulture #EducationalEquity #MaleVulnerability #IdentityAndBelonging #Worthiness #HealingAndGrowth

What happens when you learn to show up prepared, confident, and composed—but struggle to process the emotions behind the mask?In this episode of unMASKing with Male Educators, Ashanti sits down with Dr. Darrius Stanley, educator, author, researcher, and Associate Professor at the University of Minnesota, to explore Black education, masculinity, identity, grief, and emotional vulnerability.This conversation dives into:How Darrius’s Black Southern upbringing, faith, and community shaped his identity as an educator.The influence of Florida A&M University and Black history on his teaching journey.Challenging traditional social studies curricula to better represent diverse histories and perspectives.How men learn to manage emotions internally without fully processing them.Navigating grief, family loss, and the emotional challenges of living far from home.How schools shape Black children’s sense of intelligence, identity, and self-worth.Why Black educators must resist teacher martyrdom and the pressure to fix broken systems alone.Creating emotionally safe classrooms where every student feels valued, respected, and connected.Why strong relationships matter just as much as content knowledge in effective teaching.Addressing adultification, systemic bias, and the need for ongoing reflection and change in education.Ashanti and Dr. Darrius Stanley explore the difference between understanding life intellectually and navigating it emotionally—from grief and masculinity to leadership and education.Dr. Stanley challenges educators to move beyond traditional practices, reflect on their assumptions, and adapt to the changing needs of students and communities.Connect with Dr. Darrius StanleyX: https://x.com/4BlakLiberationInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/leadership4blackliberation/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/darrius.stanley/Learn More About His WorkBlack Educators Matter: The Experiences of Black Teachers in an Anti-Black WorldDr. Stanley’s current research also includes work examining the career trajectories of Black principals and a book and digital archival project preserving the history of Florida A&M University’s historically Black K–12 school.Connect with Ashanti BranchInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/branchspeaks/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BranchSpeaksX: https://x.com/BranchSpeaksLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch/Website: https://www.branchspeaks.com/Support the Podcast & Ever Forward ClubHelp us continue creating spaces for young men to be seen, heard, and supported:https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/branch-speaks/supportConnect with Ever Forward ClubInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/everforwardclubFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/everforwardclubX: https://x.com/everforwardclubLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-ever-forward-club/#UnMASKingWithMaleEducators #MaleEducators #LeadershipAndHumility #BlackTeachers #EducatinalLeadership #TeacherSustainability

What happens when educators stop trying to appear like they have everything figured out—and begin openly acknowledging the mistakes, worries, and struggles that come with being human?In this episode of unMASKing with Male Educators, Ashanti sits down with educator, administrator, podcaster, and author Jon Harper to explore vulnerability, anxiety, mistakes, parenting, empathy, emotional safety, and why admitting when we get something wrong can create deeper connections with students and the people around us.This conversation dives into:Jon’s unexpected path from medical school plans to becoming an educatorLessons from being a teacher, coach, administrator, and special educatorWhy vulnerability became central to his teaching and leadershipHow talking openly about anxiety helped other educators open upWhy men may struggle to admit mistakes or discuss mental healthHow parenting changed Jon’s perspective on students and familiesWhy keeping promises helps build trust with young peopleWhy educators should understand the full story before judging behaviorHow “stepping first” with vulnerability gives others permission to shareWhy sometimes the best support is simply listening and making room for silenceIf you care about educator mental health, vulnerability, male educators, student relationships, restorative practices, parenting, emotional safety, school leadership, or creating classrooms where both adults and young people have permission to be human, this episode is for you.Connect with Jon HarperBook: My Bad: 24 Educators Who Messed Up, Fessed Up, and Grew https://www.amazon.com/dp/0999139738?lv=shuf&channelId=500&plpRedirect=mhFallbackEmail: [email protected] link: https://www.bamradionetwork.com/genre/teachers-aid/X: https://x.com/Jonharper70bdConnect with Ashanti BranchInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/branchspeaks/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BranchSpeaksX: https://x.com/BranchSpeaksLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch/Website: https://www.branchspeaks.com/Support the Podcast & Ever Forward ClubHelp us continue creating spaces for young men to be seen, heard, and supported:https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/branch-speaks/supportConnect with Ever Forward ClubInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/everforwardclubFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/everforwardclubX: https://x.com/everforwardclubLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-ever-forward-club/#UnMASKingWithMaleEducators #MensMentalHealth #HealthyMasculinity #BoysMentalHealth #EmotionalSafety #MasculinityMatters #UnmaskingWithMaleEducators

What happens when your life is built around serving others—but the weight of that responsibility begins showing up in your body, your family, and the parts of yourself most people never see?In this episode of unMASKing with Male Educators, Ashanti sits down with Kingmakers of Oakland Founder and CEO Christopher P. Chatmon to explore Black male identity, brotherhood, leadership, vulnerability, health, ancestral wisdom, education, and what it means to build a life around sacred purpose without losing yourself in the process.Chris reflects on the people and experiences that shaped him—from being adopted into a family that taught him unconditional love and community, to raising three sons, becoming a grandfather, building movements for Black boys and young men, and learning that even leaders who appear strong, visionary, and grounded can carry tremendous weight behind the mask.This conversation dives into: How Chris’s adoptive parents shaped his understanding of identity, community, education, and unconditional loveWhat it means to know “who you are”Why his life’s work has centered on helping young Black men recognize the greatness they already possessThe importance of ancestral intelligence, Sankofa, and understanding the past in order to move forwardWhy leadership can be both a blessing and a tremendous weightThe doubt and insecurity that can exist behind visionary leadershipWhat Chris learned from navigating funding losses and having to lay off people he considered familyLosing his younger brother after a long struggle with alcoholism and learning how love and boundaries can exist togetherHow a heart attack forced him to reconsider stress, mindfulness, rest, and the way he had been modeling leadershipWhy leaders must learn to schedule their wellness with the same intentionality they schedule their workHow becoming a grandfather changed his relationship with presence, joy, and the pace of lifeThe challenge of working alongside your own children while allowing them to develop identities separate from your leadershipWhy young people do not need to be fixed—they need environments that help draw out what is already inside themWhy proximity matters when adults are trying to understand a generation growing up with technology constantly in their handsHow art, music, creativity, culture, and joy can become powerful gateways into deeper learningWhy educators must lead with love, belonging, relationship, and belief in young peopleAshanti and Chris explore the hidden weight of leadership, redefining strength as self-awareness, community, and care.Chris also challenges educators to see Black boys not as problems to fix, but as young people to listen to, affirm, and empower.A powerful conversation on leadership, wellness, belonging, Black male achievement, and creating spaces rooted in love and possibility.Connect with Christopher P. ChatmonKingmakers of Oakland: https://www.kingmakersofoakland.orgPodcast / YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@kingmakersofoaklandInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/babachris/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/babachris/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-chatmon-2429b511/Connect with Ashanti BranchInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/branchspeaks/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BranchSpeaksX: https://x.com/BranchSpeaksLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch/Website: https://www.branchspeaks.com/Support the Podcast & Ever Forward ClubHelp us continue creating spaces for young men to be seen, heard, and supported:https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/branch-speaks/supportConnect with Ever Forward ClubInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/everforwardclubFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/everforwardclubX: https://x.com/everforwardclubLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-ever-forward-club/#UnMASKingWithMaleEducators #MaleEducators #LeadersStrenght #EducatorWellness #EmotionalHealth #LeadershipAndVulnerability 

What happens when educators stop waiting for the system to change before giving themselves permission to experience more joy—and begin paying attention to the small things they can control every day?In this episode of UnMASKing with Male Educators, Ashanti talks with longtime educator, speaker, and author Phil Januszewski about resilience, vulnerability, student relationships, and educator burnout.They explore the emotions teachers show and hide, and why sustainable teaching means caring for yourself while continuing to show up with connection, humor, and love for students.This conversation dives into:Phil’s journey from science teacher to motivational speakerWhy energy, humor, and love became central to his teachingThe doubt, disappointment, and anger educators may hideWhy educators can carry personal struggles into the classroomHow human connection can transform the learning environmentWhat helped Phil stay at the same school for 20 yearsWhy supportive school culture matters for teacher retentionHow leadership can affect an educator’s ability to stay healthyWhy people outside education may underestimate the demands of teachingHow phones and social media have changed the classroomWhy learning to sit with different perspectives still mattersThe story behind Phil’s book Too Damn HappyWhy educators cannot always wait for the system to changeHow small choices can make teaching feel more sustainableWhy educators should intentionally schedule things that bring them joyHow music, food, humor, and personal interests can build classroom connectionWhy students need to see teachers as human beingsHow sharing mistakes can model humility and confidence for young peopleWhy male educators can help boys see that vulnerability and strength can coexistHow apologizing to students can build trust instead of weakening authorityWhy emotional safety creates stronger opportunities for learningHow educators can balance connection with healthy boundariesWhy students are more willing to follow teachers when they know they are genuinely cared forAshanti and Phil explore what happens when educators let students see the person behind the profession.Phil reminds us that teaching doesn’t require perfection. Educators can feel frustration, doubt, and exhaustion while still creating space for joy, connection, humor, and love.If you care about teacher wellness, burnout, student relationships, classroom culture, and authentic teaching, this episode is for you.Connect with Phil JanuszewskiPhil’s New Book.. Pre-order now! Release date: October 15th⁠Too Damn Happy: Flourishing in a Tired and Uninspired Worldhttps://philjanuszewski.com/new-bookEmail: [email protected]: https://philjanuszewski.com/Twitter: https://x.com/philjanuszewskiInstagram:https://www.instagram.com/philjanuszewskiFacebook:https://www.facebook.com/PhilJanuszewskiSpeaksYoutube: https://youtube.com/@philjanuszewski?si=SUszTp7RJzc0zeAxLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/philjanuszewskiTiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@philjanuszewskiConnect with Ashanti BranchInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/branchspeaks/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BranchSpeaksX: https://x.com/BranchSpeaksLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch/Website: https://www.branchspeaks.com/Support the Podcast & Ever Forward ClubHelp us continue creating spaces for young men to be seen, heard, and supported:https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/branch-speaks/supportConnect with Ever Forward ClubInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/everforwardclubFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/everforwardclubX: https://x.com/everforwardclubLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-ever-forward-club/#UnMASKingWithMaleEducators #TeacherWellness #EducatorBurnout #EmotionalSafety #TeacherResilience #HumanConnection

What happens when educators see themselves not only as teachers—but as conduits carrying history, culture, wisdom, and possibility from one generation to the next?In this episode of unMASKing with Male Educators, Ashanti sits down with educator, scholar, priest, writer, and longtime teacher Dr. Joseph Brown to explore education, Black history, identity, imagination, mentorship, spirituality, and the responsibility adults have to help young people dream beyond the limitations placed in front of them.At 82 years old and still teaching full-time, Dr. Brown reflects on knowing he wanted to become a teacher from the age of nine and the family message that shaped his life: “Get all the education you can.”This conversation dives into:Why education became Dr. Brown’s callingWhat he means by “spirit talking”How introversion shaped his experience as a student and educatorWhy he sees himself as a conduit for historyThe importance of intergenerational mentorship for Black boysWhy literacy, storytelling, music, and art are connected to freedomHow adults can keep young people’s imaginations aliveWhy students need to know they are more than how others define themHow educators can recognize the spark in young people and help protect itWhy communities must intentionally rebuild spaces where generations learn from one anotherThroughout the conversation, Ashanti and Dr. Brown explore how education happens far beyond the classroom—through books, stories, music, family, churches, barbershops, front porches, and relationships with adults willing to say, “Come with me. Let me show you something.”Dr. Brown reminds us that young people need more than information. They need imagination, history, connection, and people who help them see what is possible.As he says, we have to intentionally create the circle again.If you care about Black male educators, mentorship, Black history, literacy, student identity, culturally responsive education, creativity, or helping young people imagine bigger futures, this episode is for you.Connect with Joseph BrownEmail: [email protected] with Ashanti BranchInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/branchspeaks/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BranchSpeaksX: https://x.com/BranchSpeaksLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch/Website: https://www.branchspeaks.com/Support the Podcast & Ever Forward ClubHelp us continue creating spaces for young men to be seen, heard, and supported:https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/branch-speaks/supportConnect with Ever Forward ClubInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/everforwardclubFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/everforwardclubX: https://x.com/everforwardclubLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-ever-forward-club/#UnMASKingWithMaleEducators #MaleEducators#IntergenerationalMentorship #BlackHistory #CulturallyResponsiveTeaching #StudentIdentity #PowerOfEducation ##IntergenerationalMentorship

What happens when Black boys are taught that they have to choose between being authentically themselves and being seen as intelligent, successful, or worthy of belonging in school?In this episode of unMASKing with Male Educators, Ashanti sits down with educator, writer, professor, and author Matthew R. Morris to explore Black masculinity, identity, schooling, academic expectations, authenticity, equity, and the hidden lessons young people learn inside and outside the classroom.Together, they reflect on the masks Black men carry, the narrowing opportunities young people see around them, and why truly supporting Black boys requires educators to move beyond stereotypes, saviorism, lowered expectations, and performative conversations about equity.This conversation dives into:Matthew’s mask: appearing concrete and clear while feeling soft, afraid, and searchingWhy Black men often feel pressure to appear unbreakableWhy young Black males may struggle to see clear paths to future successHow education’s traditional promise of college, career, and stability has changedWhy educators should avoid blaming students when engagement declinesHow care without high expectations can limit student growthWhy culturally relevant teaching must include identity, rigor, and belief in studentsMatthew’s “Fresh Prince Syndrome” and the narrow boxes placed around Black masculinityWhy Black boys should not have to choose between cultural authenticity and academic successHow schools can send hidden messages about who is expected to be brilliantWhy knowing the language of equity is different from doing the workHow saviorism can undermine genuine support for studentsWhy educators must examine their own biases and assumptionsHow showing up authentically can help students do the sameThroughout the conversation, Ashanti and Matthew explore how narrow ideas about masculinity, intelligence, and success can limit Black boys. They challenge educators to maintain high expectations, understand cultural expression, and create spaces where students can be both academically brilliant and authentically themselves.If you care about Black male identity, culturally relevant teaching, student belonging, racial equity, academic expectations, or helping Black boys show up as their whole selves, this episode is for you.Connect with Matthew R. MorrisBook: Black Boys Like Me: Confrontations with Race, Identity, and BelongingWebsite: https://www.matthewrmorris.comEmail: [email protected]/X: https://x.com/callmemrmorris?s=21&t=mQltOmL0H7gModQJHT7wBQYouTube: https://youtube.com/@matthewr.morris?si=3fCn_kVztaocBUIiConnect with Ashanti BranchInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/branchspeaks/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BranchSpeaksX: https://x.com/BranchSpeaksLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch/Website: https://www.branchspeaks.com/Support the Podcast & Ever Forward ClubHelp us continue creating spaces for young men to be seen, heard, and supported:https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/branch-speaks/supportConnect with Ever Forward ClubInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/everforwardclubFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/everforwardclubX: https://x.com/everforwardclubLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-ever-forward-club/#UnMASKingWithMaleEducators #MaleEducators #BlackBoysLikeMe #BlackMaleEducators #StudentBelonging #CulturallyResponsiveTeaching

What happens when we stop shaming boys for the masks they wear—and start getting curious about why they learned to wear them in the first place?In this episode of unMASKing with Male Educators, Ashanti sits down with psychotherapist, former BBC journalist, men’s mental health advocate, and founder of Men’s Therapy Hub and M-Path Chris Hemmings to explore masculinity, empathy, grief, vulnerability, and what boys need from the adults trying to reach them.Chris shares how losing his father pushed him to confront his own relationship with masculinity and emotion—and how years of hiding his sensitive, empathic side shaped the man he became.Together, they reflect on the masks boys and men wear, the pressure to appear strong, and why real change requires compassion rather than shame.This conversation dives into:How losing his father changed Chris’s relationship with grief and masculinityWhy Chris spent years hiding the sensitive and empathic parts of himselfWhat happens when boys are repeatedly told to “stop being soft”The difference between masculinity and rigid ideas of masculinityWhy boys need opportunities to reconnect with empathyHow social media influencers are filling emotional gaps for young menWhy harmful models of masculinity may be symptoms of a deeper problemWhy shaming and blaming boys rarely leads to meaningful changeHow educators can “speak to what is happening in the room” without humiliating studentsWhat one student taught Chris about the power of challenging boys without shaming themWhy vulnerability and confidence do not have to be oppositesThe importance of being able to say, “I hadn’t thought of it that way”Why adults working with boys must be willing to examine their own experiences firstHow educators may impact young people without ever knowing itWhy boys need adults who can see beyond the behavior and recognize the person underneath the maskThroughout the conversation, Ashanti and Chris explore how boys can question rigid ideas of masculinity without shame.Chris reminds us that boys need curiosity, compassion, honesty, and emotional safety—not more judgment.If you care about boys’ mental health, masculinity, vulnerability, or creating healthier spaces for young men, this episode is for you.Connect with Chris HemmingsWebsites: https://chrishemmings.co.ukhttps://menstherapyhub.comhttps://m-path.co.ukPodcast:https://open.spotify.com/show/5QgINHeUZKorBCE4LBoBXFInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/menstherapyhub/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MensTherapyHubLinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/company/menstherapyhub/TikTok:https://www.tiktok.com/@menstherapyhub/video/7599690461707767042Connect with Ashanti BranchInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/branchspeaks/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BranchSpeaksX: https://x.com/BranchSpeaksLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch/Website: https://www.branchspeaks.com/Support the Podcast & Ever Forward ClubHelp us continue creating spaces for young men to be seen, heard, and supported:https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/branch-speaks/supportConnect with Ever Forward ClubInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/everforwardclubFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/everforwardclubX: https://x.com/everforwardclubLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-ever-forward-club/#UnMASKingWithMaleEducators #MensMentalHealth #HealthyMasculinity #BoysMentalHealth #EmotionalSafety #MasculinityMatters #UnmaskingWithMaleEducators

What happens when educators stop believing they need to have all the answers—and start recognizing trust, curiosity, and presence as some of the most powerful things they can offer students?In this episode of unMASKing with Male Educators, Ashanti sits down with jazz bassist, educator, artist, immigrant, and father Ray Seol to explore grief, identity, mentorship, anxiety, imposter syndrome, student trust, and the responsibility educators carry when young people are looking for someone to believe in them.Together, they reflect on the masks educators wear, the struggles they may carry privately, and why creating spaces where people feel safe enough to be honest can change lives.This conversation dives into:Ray’s unexpected path into music and educationThe pressure of feeling like you are never enoughLosing his mother and learning to talk about griefWhy vulnerability can be difficult across culturesHow the pandemic helped Ray begin sharing his storyNavigating identity as a Korean immigrantWhy mentors helped Ray understand he was not aloneWhy trust is essential in the educator-student relationshipThe importance of telling students, “I trust you”Why educators should remain learners tooHow the pandemic changed music educationWhy human connection still matters in a digital worldHow curiosity can help educators see beyond student behaviorWhat one struggling student taught Ray about judgment and potentialWhy sometimes showing up is the lessonThroughout the conversation, Ashanti and Ray explore how educators can become the people they once needed in their own lives.Ray reminds us that students do not always need someone to fix everything. Sometimes they need someone who will listen, stay curious, believe in them, and remind them that they are not alone.If you care about mentorship, emotional safety, educator vulnerability, student belonging, mental health, music education, immigrant identity, or building stronger relationships with young people, this episode is for you.Connect with Ray SeolLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rayseol/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@soulraymusicofficialConnect with Ashanti BranchInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/branchspeaks/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BranchSpeaksX: https://x.com/BranchSpeaksLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch/Website: https://www.branchspeaks.com/Support the Podcast & Ever Forward ClubHelp us continue creating spaces for young men to be seen, heard, and supported:https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/branch-speaks/supportConnect with Ever Forward ClubInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/everforwardclubFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/everforwardclubX: https://x.com/everforwardclubLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-ever-forward-club/#UnMASKingWithMaleEducators #Education #Mentorship #EmotionalSafety #StudentBelonging #EducatorWellbeing

What happens when educators stop seeing hip-hop as something to keep outside the classroom—and begin recognizing it as a tool for building confidence, self-awareness, connection, and possibility?In this episode of unMASKing with Male Educators, Ashanti sits down with hip-hop educator, author, curriculum creator, and community leader David Spellmon to explore social-emotional learning, Black male identity, mentorship, student engagement, emotional vulnerability, and the power of using culture to help young people recognize the greatness already inside of them.Together, they reflect on the confidence educators and community leaders often display publicly, the inadequacy and vulnerability they may carry privately, and why reaching young people sometimes requires educators to speak through the music, language, and culture students already understand.This conversation dives into:David’s path as an unconventional educatorWhy positivity and connection guide his workThe vulnerability behind being the “strong friend”Why Black men may feel pressure to adjust how they show upHow A Tribe Called Quest shaped David’s approach to educationWhy culturally relevant learning mattersHow David created Just Like Music during the pandemicWhy knowledge of self is central to hip-hopHow lyrics can build social-emotional skillsWhy greatness requires both belief and actionHow a “Game 7” mindset can reframe setbacksWhy educators should challenge students with careHow music builds identity, memory, and connectionWhy students can lose their joy for learningWhy educators must honor students’ culture and experienceses students bring with them instead of asking them to become less of themselvesThroughout the conversation, Ashanti and David explore how educators, mentors, music, and relationships can help young people recognize the greatness within themselves.David reminds us that hip-hop can be a powerful tool for creativity, connection, self-awareness, and growth. Even one lyric can help a young person reframe failure, reconnect with a goal, and turn belief into action.If you care about hip-hop education, social-emotional learning, culturally responsive teaching, mentorship, student engagement, or bringing more joy and relevance into learning, this episode is for you.Connect with David SpellmonLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-spellmon/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mrjappi/Website: https://positivearchersolutions.com/Connect with Ashanti BranchInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/branchspeaks/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BranchSpeaksX: https://x.com/BranchSpeaksLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch/Website: https://www.branchspeaks.com/Support the Podcast & Ever Forward ClubHelp us continue creating spaces for young men to be seen, heard, and supported:https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/branch-speaks/supportConnect with Ever Forward ClubInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/everforwardclubFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/everforwardclubX: https://x.com/everforwardclubLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-ever-forward-club/#UnMASKingWithMaleEducators #HipHopEducation #SocialEmotionalLearning #BlackMaleEducators #StudentBelonging #KnowledgeOfSelf