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 him in episode 152. Topics include: video games, core values, extrinsic/intrinsic motivation,...

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 environments can change lives, raising snakes in a college dorm, feeding snakes (with rodents!)...

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. Topics include: Having a father in the South African Border War & “Murder Battalion”;...

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 entrepreneurs and fans of the book “The Alchemist.” (0:00) Intro (9:40) Front of Ashanti’s Mask. What he...

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 dedicated practice to the mat, seamlessly blending strength and grace in his dynamic Vinyasa flows....

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 boys with diverse perspectives, they gain insight into the challenges of marginalized communities...

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 Garden”, about his inner journey from boyhood to manhood—acknowledged by co-founder Bill Kauth of the...

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 vulnerability that goes beyond the performative, offering an intimate exploration of the struggles,...

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 filmmaking. (0:00)  Introduction (5:30) Wenceslao’s front - funny, engaging, responsible. And...

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 experienced teacher and positive youth development expert,  in episode 152. (0:00)...

“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 critical care nurse practitioner serving in South Florida’s public hospitals.  Since 2010, he has...

“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, the messages provided by these murals are uplifting communities and challenging the public to...

"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 123. Eloy is a personal stylist and interior designer, who also supports the Ever Forward Club’s training...

“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 Director of the Foundation for Positive Masculinity, an NGO based in Melbourne Australia. He hosts...

“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 techniques, motivation, and glimpses into his personal yoga journey with a global community. Like...

“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 today, being the Founding Creative and voice for the first men’s mental health app: Mental. Jason...

In this solo episode, Ashanti Branch tells the story of his encounter with the most popular girl in school… A story about emotions, class, wealth, status, bullying, family structures, and what we need to provide for our young people as educators. Then, he looks ahead at what’s in store for the Ever Forward Club in 2024.  --- (0:00) Ashanti introduces the episode and his story about the most popular girl in school. (13:10) Ashanti reflects on the story and applies it to the work he and the...

Happy Holidays! Today is a re-release of episode 3, with Lewis Howes. Enjoy! In this Podcast, Ever Forward Club’s Ashanti Branch is joined by New York Times Bestselling author, Lewis Howes, author of the hit book,The School of Greatness and his newest book, The Mask of Masculinity. He is a lifestyle entrepreneur, high-performance business coach and keynote speaker. A former professional football player and two-sport All-American. He hosts a top 100 iTunes ranked Apple podcast, The School of...

“I knew that if I wanted to control the outcome before someone was about to make fun of me, or judge, or criticize; it was better for me to be the first one to make a joke about myself.” - Diego Estrada Happy Holidays! Today is a re-release of episode 143, with Diego Estrada. Enjoy! Ever Forward Club’s Ashanti Branch is joined by Diego Estrada. Born and raised in Monterrey, Nuevo León, Mėxico, Diego currently speaks at conferences and delivers workshops on authenticity. Diego lists his job...

“It’s hard to be the last strong pillar in a breaking-down house. It’s really challenging. Sometimes you just have to understand that the house is breaking down. And it’s always okay to rebuild.” - Theo Coker-Edwards Happy Holidays! Today is a re-release of episode 162, with Theo Coker-Edwards. Enjoy! Ever Forward Club’s Ashanti Branch is joined by Theo Coker-Edwards. Theo is a college athlete based in Albany, New York. And in Alameda, as a high schooler, he started and ran his own...

In this solo episode, Ashanti Branch tells the story of the teacher who CHANGED HIS LIFE, Ms. BP. It’s the story of a magic sentence that unlocked everything for him and changed his trajectory. Then, he looks at how the podcast, the Ever Forward Club, and schools in general are approaching the end of the year. ---  (0:00) Ashanti provides some updates on the podcast going into 2024. (5:20) Ashanti tells the story of Ms. BP, the teacher who changed his life with a magic sentence. (14:50)...

This TOTM Face to Face conversation is between Wenceslao and Lincoln. Wenceslao is the Ever Forward Club’s Youth Host. You can get to know more about him in episode 123. Lincoln is a fellow student of Wenceslao’s at City Arts and Leadership Academy ➡️➡️➡️ As they share their masks, play our Adventure Card Game, and discuss all things poetry, friendship, and trust, it’s inspiring to imagine the future these two youth have in store for themselves… (5:15) Lincoln introduces himself. (6:15)...

“As much as people think I’m in my dad’s shadow, in many ways I live my life to NOT be like him. And even though my dad was a psychologist, I always felt like he wasn’t terribly emotional.” - Matt Englar-Carlson Ever Forward Club’s Ashanti Branch is joined by Dr. Matt Englar-Carlson. Matt is a professor of counseling and the director of the Center for Boys and Men at California State University, Fullerton. His work focuses on healthy/prosocial forms of masculinities, social justice,...

“I’ve always been funny. As a kid I was funny. Always funny. But then ask me why I was funny, and the story’s not funny.” - Pellegrino Riccardi Happy Holidays! Today is a re-release of episode 133, with Pellegrino Riccardi. Enjoy! --- Ever Forward Club’s Ashanti Branch is joined by Pellegrino Riccardi. Raised in the UK in an archetypal Italian family, as a young adult Pellegrino balanced a career in education and music. He moved to Norway in the 1990s and, long story short, now works as a...