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

Ashanti Branch - Taking Off The Mask
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Only 23% of K-12 educators in America are male, a gender gap that has serious ramifications for male students - who often face DISPROPORTIONATE disciplinary action. This podcast is for male educators who want to embody a necessary change in schools, via healthy social-emotional outcomes. Come away with actionable lesson plans, relatable stories, and a renewed purpose. The US Surgeon General says the mental health of our youth is the "crisis of our time." Male educators are uniquely positioned to address this - because real men teach. Join our community: "Advocates for Young Men" at Skool.com

  1. 3d ago

    #93 | Beyond the Curriculum: Understand Before You Educate w/ Dr. Darrius Stanley

    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 Stanley X: https://x.com/4BlakLiberation Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leadership4blackliberation/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/darrius.stanley/ Learn More About His Work Black Educators Matter: The Experiences of Black Teachers in an Anti-Black World Dr. 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 Branch Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/branchspeaks/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BranchSpeaks X: https://x.com/BranchSpeaks LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch/ Website: https://www.branchspeaks.com/ Support the Podcast & Ever Forward Club Help us continue creating spaces for young men to be seen, heard, and supported: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/branch-speaks/support Connect with Ever Forward Club Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/everforwardclub Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/everforwardclub X: https://x.com/everforwardclub LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-ever-forward-club/ #UnMASKingWithMaleEducators #MaleEducators #LeadershipAndHumility #BlackTeachers #EducatinalLeadership #TeacherSustainability

  2. Oct 21

    #92 | Step First: The Power of Vulnerability in Education w/ Jon Harper

    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 educator Lessons from being a teacher, coach, administrator, and special educator Why vulnerability became central to his teaching and leadership How talking openly about anxiety helped other educators open up Why men may struggle to admit mistakes or discuss mental health How parenting changed Jon’s perspective on students and families Why keeping promises helps build trust with young people Why educators should understand the full story before judging behavior How “stepping first” with vulnerability gives others permission to share Why sometimes the best support is simply listening and making room for silence If 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 Harper Book: My Bad: 24 Educators Who Messed Up, Fessed Up, and Grew https://www.amazon.com/dp/0999139738?lv=shuf&channelId=500&plpRedirect=mhFallback Email: jonharper70@gmail.com Podcast link: https://www.bamradionetwork.com/genre/teachers-aid/X: https://x.com/Jonharper70bd Connect with Ashanti Branch Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/branchspeaks/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BranchSpeaks X: https://x.com/BranchSpeaks LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch/ Website: https://www.branchspeaks.com/ Support the Podcast & Ever Forward Club Help us continue creating spaces for young men to be seen, heard, and supported: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/branch-speaks/support Connect with Ever Forward Club Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/everforwardclub Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/everforwardclub X: https://x.com/everforwardclub LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-ever-forward-club/ #UnMASKingWithMaleEducators #MensMentalHealth #HealthyMasculinity #BoysMentalHealth #EmotionalSafety #MasculinityMatters #UnmaskingWithMaleEducators

  3. Oct 14

    #91 | Purpose With Balance: Sacred Purpose Without Sacrificing Yourself w/ Chris Chatmon

    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 love What it means to know “who you are” Why his life’s work has centered on helping young Black men recognize the greatness they already possess The importance of ancestral intelligence, Sankofa, and understanding the past in order to move forward Why leadership can be both a blessing and a tremendous weight The doubt and insecurity that can exist behind visionary leadership What Chris learned from navigating funding losses and having to lay off people he considered family Losing his younger brother after a long struggle with alcoholism and learning how love and boundaries can exist together How a heart attack forced him to reconsider stress, mindfulness, rest, and the way he had been modeling leadership Why leaders must learn to schedule their wellness with the same intentionality they schedule their work How becoming a grandfather changed his relationship with presence, joy, and the pace of life The challenge of working alongside your own children while allowing them to develop identities separate from your leadership Why young people do not need to be fixed—they need environments that help draw out what is already inside them Why proximity matters when adults are trying to understand a generation growing up with technology constantly in their hands How art, music, creativity, culture, and joy can become powerful gateways into deeper learning Why educators must lead with love, belonging, relationship, and belief in young people Ashanti 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. Chatmon Kingmakers of Oakland: https://www.kingmakersofoakland.org Podcast / YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@kingmakersofoakland Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/babachris/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/babachris/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-chatmon-2429b511/ Connect with Ashanti Branch Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/branchspeaks/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BranchSpeaks X: https://x.com/BranchSpeaks LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch/ Website: https://www.branchspeaks.com/ Support the Podcast & Ever Forward Club Help us continue creating spaces for young men to be seen, heard, and supported: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/branch-speaks/support Connect with Ever Forward Club Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/everforwardclub Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/everforwardclub X: https://x.com/everforwardclub LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-ever-forward-club/ #UnMASKingWithMaleEducators #MaleEducators #LeadersStrenght #EducatorWellness #EmotionalHealth #LeadershipAndVulnerability

  4. Oct 7

    #90 | Connection More Than Performance: Your Students Don't Need a Perfect Teacher w/ Phil Januszewski

    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 speaker Why energy, humor, and love became central to his teaching The doubt, disappointment, and anger educators may hide Why educators can carry personal struggles into the classroom How human connection can transform the learning environment What helped Phil stay at the same school for 20 years Why supportive school culture matters for teacher retention How leadership can affect an educator’s ability to stay healthy Why people outside education may underestimate the demands of teaching How phones and social media have changed the classroom Why learning to sit with different perspectives still matters The story behind Phil’s book Too Damn Happy Why educators cannot always wait for the system to change How small choices can make teaching feel more sustainable Why educators should intentionally schedule things that bring them joy How music, food, humor, and personal interests can build classroom connection Why students need to see teachers as human beings How sharing mistakes can model humility and confidence for young people Why male educators can help boys see that vulnerability and strength can coexist How apologizing to students can build trust instead of weakening authority Why emotional safety creates stronger opportunities for learning How educators can balance connection with healthy boundaries Why students are more willing to follow teachers when they know they are genuinely cared for Ashanti 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 Januszewski Phil’s New Book.. Pre-order now! Release date: October 15th⁠ Too Damn Happy: Flourishing in a Tired and Uninspired World https://philjanuszewski.com/new-book Email: phil@positivegrowthlounge.com Website: https://philjanuszewski.com/ Twitter: https://x.com/philjanuszewski Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/philjanuszewski Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/PhilJanuszewskiSpeaks Youtube: https://youtube.com/@philjanuszewski?si=SUszTp7RJzc0zeAx Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/philjanuszewski Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@philjanuszewski Connect with Ashanti Branch Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/branchspeaks/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BranchSpeaks X: https://x.com/BranchSpeaks LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch/ Website: https://www.branchspeaks.com/ Support the Podcast & Ever Forward Club Help us continue creating spaces for young men to be seen, heard, and supported: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/branch-speaks/support Connect with Ever Forward Club Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/everforwardclub Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/everforwardclub X: https://x.com/everforwardclub LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-ever-forward-club/ #UnMASKingWithMaleEducators #TeacherWellness #EducatorBurnout #EmotionalSafety #TeacherResilience #HumanConnection

  5. Sep 30

    #89 | Keeping the Imagination Alive: Learning, Teaching, and Becoming w/ Dr. Joseph Brown

    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 calling What he means by “spirit talking” How introversion shaped his experience as a student and educator Why he sees himself as a conduit for history The importance of intergenerational mentorship for Black boys Why literacy, storytelling, music, and art are connected to freedom How adults can keep young people’s imaginations alive Why students need to know they are more than how others define them How educators can recognize the spark in young people and help protect it Why communities must intentionally rebuild spaces where generations learn from one another Throughout 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 Brown Email: jbrownsj@siu.edu Connect with Ashanti Branch Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/branchspeaks/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BranchSpeaks X: https://x.com/BranchSpeaks LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch/ Website: https://www.branchspeaks.com/ Support the Podcast & Ever Forward Club Help us continue creating spaces for young men to be seen, heard, and supported: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/branch-speaks/support Connect with Ever Forward Club Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/everforwardclub Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/everforwardclub X: https://x.com/everforwardclub LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-ever-forward-club/ #UnMASKingWithMaleEducators #MaleEducators#IntergenerationalMentorship #BlackHistory #CulturallyResponsiveTeaching #StudentIdentity #PowerOfEducation ##IntergenerationalMentorship

  6. Sep 23

    #88 | Bad Lessons: What Schools Teach Black Boys Without Saying a Word w/ Matthew R. Morris

    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 searching Why Black men often feel pressure to appear unbreakable Why young Black males may struggle to see clear paths to future success How education’s traditional promise of college, career, and stability has changed Why educators should avoid blaming students when engagement declines How care without high expectations can limit student growth Why culturally relevant teaching must include identity, rigor, and belief in students Matthew’s “Fresh Prince Syndrome” and the narrow boxes placed around Black masculinity Why Black boys should not have to choose between cultural authenticity and academic success How schools can send hidden messages about who is expected to be brilliant Why knowing the language of equity is different from doing the work How saviorism can undermine genuine support for students Why educators must examine their own biases and assumptions How showing up authentically can help students do the same Throughout 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. Morris Book: Black Boys Like Me: Confrontations with Race, Identity, and Belonging Website: https://www.matthewrmorris.com Email: mrmorrisroom@gmail.com Twitter/X: https://x.com/callmemrmorris?s=21&t=mQltOmL0H7gModQJHT7wBQ YouTube: https://youtube.com/@matthewr.morris?si=3fCn_kVztaocBUIi Connect with Ashanti Branch Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/branchspeaks/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BranchSpeaks X: https://x.com/BranchSpeaks LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch/ Website: https://www.branchspeaks.com/ Support the Podcast & Ever Forward Club Help us continue creating spaces for young men to be seen, heard, and supported: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/branch-speaks/support Connect with Ever Forward Club Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/everforwardclub Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/everforwardclub X: https://x.com/everforwardclub LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-ever-forward-club/ #UnMASKingWithMaleEducators #MaleEducators #BlackBoysLikeMe #BlackMaleEducators #StudentBelonging #CulturallyResponsiveTeaching

  7. Sep 16

    #87 | Stop Shaming Boys: A Better Way to Talk About Masculinity w/ Chris Hemmings

    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 masculinity Why Chris spent years hiding the sensitive and empathic parts of himself What happens when boys are repeatedly told to “stop being soft” The difference between masculinity and rigid ideas of masculinity Why boys need opportunities to reconnect with empathy How social media influencers are filling emotional gaps for young men Why harmful models of masculinity may be symptoms of a deeper problem Why shaming and blaming boys rarely leads to meaningful change How educators can “speak to what is happening in the room” without humiliating students What one student taught Chris about the power of challenging boys without shaming them Why vulnerability and confidence do not have to be opposites The 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 first How educators may impact young people without ever knowing it Why 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 Hemmings Websites: https://chrishemmings.co.uk https://menstherapyhub.com https://m-path.co.uk Podcast:https://open.spotify.com/show/5QgINHeUZKorBCE4LBoBXF Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/menstherapyhub/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MensTherapyHub LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/company/menstherapyhub/ TikTok:https://www.tiktok.com/@menstherapyhub/video/7599690461707767042 Connect with Ashanti Branch Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/branchspeaks/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BranchSpeaks X: https://x.com/BranchSpeaks LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch/ Website: https://www.branchspeaks.com/ Support the Podcast & Ever Forward Club Help us continue creating spaces for young men to be seen, heard, and supported: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/branch-speaks/support Connect with Ever Forward Club Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/everforwardclub Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/everforwardclub X: https://x.com/everforwardclub LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-ever-forward-club/ #UnMASKingWithMaleEducators #MensMentalHealth #HealthyMasculinity #BoysMentalHealth #EmotionalSafety #MasculinityMatters #UnmaskingWithMaleEducators

  8. Sep 9

    #86 | You Are Not Alone: Trust, Mentorship, and The Power of Showing up w/ Ray Seol

    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 education The pressure of feeling like you are never enough Losing his mother and learning to talk about grief Why vulnerability can be difficult across cultures How the pandemic helped Ray begin sharing his story Navigating identity as a Korean immigrant Why mentors helped Ray understand he was not alone Why trust is essential in the educator-student relationship The importance of telling students, “I trust you” Why educators should remain learners too How the pandemic changed music education Why human connection still matters in a digital world How curiosity can help educators see beyond student behavior What one struggling student taught Ray about judgment and potential Why sometimes showing up is the lesson Throughout 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 Seol LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rayseol/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@soulraymusicofficial Connect with Ashanti Branch Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/branchspeaks/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BranchSpeaks X: https://x.com/BranchSpeaks LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch/ Website: https://www.branchspeaks.com/ Support the Podcast & Ever Forward Club Help us continue creating spaces for young men to be seen, heard, and supported: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/branch-speaks/support Connect with Ever Forward Club Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/everforwardclub Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/everforwardclub X: https://x.com/everforwardclub LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-ever-forward-club/ #UnMASKingWithMaleEducators #Education #Mentorship #EmotionalSafety #StudentBelonging #EducatorWellbeing

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Only 23% of K-12 educators in America are male, a gender gap that has serious ramifications for male students - who often face DISPROPORTIONATE disciplinary action. This podcast is for male educators who want to embody a necessary change in schools, via healthy social-emotional outcomes. Come away with actionable lesson plans, relatable stories, and a renewed purpose. The US Surgeon General says the mental health of our youth is the "crisis of our time." Male educators are uniquely positioned to address this - because real men teach. Join our community: "Advocates for Young Men" at Skool.com

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