The Rising and Thriving Podcast

Yves Mukanya
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Mental Health
  • Updated Biweekly

Welcome to The Rising & Thriving Podcast—the podcast for high-functioning men who feel emotionally drained, stuck, or broken by life’s hardest seasons. Hosted by therapist, coach, and father Yves Mukanya, each episode offers raw stories, mindset shifts, and tools to help you rise from divorce, burnout, and identity loss—and rebuild your life with clarity, confidence, and conviction. Topics include: Divorce recovery & emotional healingPurpose after burnoutFatherhood, masculinity, and mental healthBuilding a meaningful life after everything falls apart Subscribe now if you're ready to reclaim your identity—and thrive on your own terms.

  1. May 27

    How Lawyers Make Hard Decisions When the Answer Isn’t Clear | with Michael Just S01EP02

    If you like the episode, I would love to hear from you. Decision-making under pressure, legal judgment, leadership, fatherhood, entrepreneurship, and responsibility when there is no clear answer and the outcome affects other people. What do you do when you have to make an important decision, but you do not have all the information you need? In this episode of The Rising and Thriving Podcast, My guest, Michael S. Just, and I explore what it means to think carefully when experiencing pressure and making decision that may affect the people around us. The conversation examines the difference between following rules and using judgment, the risk of leaving stability to build something of your own, and the way responsibility can shape how you lead at work, at home, and in your community. In this episode, we talk about: • Making decisions when there is no clear answer  • Understanding the human cost behind professional choices  • Leaving stability and accepting the risk of building something new  • Leadership that adapts to different people and situations  • Fatherhood, responsibility, and creating opportunities for young people  • Learning to live with decisions when the outcome is uncertain This conversation is part of Season 1 of The Rising and Thriving Podcast, where we explore how people think and decide when the stakes are high. Subscribe to follow the full season. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- About the Guest Michael S. Just is an attorney and the founder of Just Law. His work focuses on veterans’ benefits appeals. He has also taught law, supervised future attorneys, and founded the AAU basketball program Hoops Army. Website: https://www.mjustlaw.com/ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- About the Host  My name is Yves Mukanya. I am a therapist, transformational coach, and host of The Rising and Thriving Podcast. I focus on helping individuals navigate identity, pressure, and decision-making in moments that shape the direction of their lives. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  Hashtags #DecisionMaking #Leadership #LegalJudgment #Entrepreneurship #Fatherhood #Mentorship #HighStakesDecisions #RisingAndThrivingPodcast  ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CHAPTERS 00:00  Intro  01:06   Judgement Vs Certainty 05:22   Sustained Pressure and Burnout 17:10     Decison-Making Under Pressure With A Teaching Lens 30:56   Fatherhood and Long-Term Responsibility  39:00   Moral Weight And Reflection  43:10    Closing Reflection 44:31    Final Question To Close 46:14    Sign-OFF + Call To Action  ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Follow me: Instagram: www.instagram.com/your_neighberhood_therapist/ Tik Tok: www.tiktok.com/@urneighberhoodtherapist LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/yvesmukanya/ Website: www.yvestmukanya.com

    How Lawyers Make Hard Decisions When the Answer Isn’t Clear | with Michael Just S01EP02

  2. May 11

    Where This Conversation Is Going Identity, Pressure, and the Decisions We Make S01EP01

    If you like the episode, I would love to hear from you. Decision-making under pressure, identity, leadership, and high-stakes choices. How do people think and decide when the path is not clear and responsibility cannot be avoided? What happens when the direction of your life changes and the decision in front of you is not as clear as you want it to be? This episode introduces Season One of The Rising and Thriving Podcast and the question behind this season: How do people think, decide, and become who they are when pressure forces them to act? This is not about quick answers. It is about understanding how decisions are made when: information is incomplete time is limited responsibility is real Subscribe to follow the full season. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- About the Host My name is Yves Mukanya. I am a therapist, transformational coach, and host of The Rising and Thriving Podcast. I focus on helping individuals navigate identity, pressure, and decision-making in moments that shape the direction of their lives. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Follow me: Instagram: www.instagram.com/your_neighberhood_therapist/ Tik Tok: www.tiktok.com/@urneighberhoodtherapist LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/yvesmukanya/ Website: www.yvestmukanya.com ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Hashtags #DecisionMaking #IdentityUnderPressure #leadershipthinking  ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CHAPTERS 00:00  Intro  00:32  The Shift  01:10  The New Direction  01:59  What High-stakes Means Here  02:35  The Lens I Bring  04:04  What This Season Will Explore  04:35  Who Is This For 05:03  Closing  ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Follow me: Instagram: www.instagram.com/your_neighberhood_therapist/ Tik Tok: www.tiktok.com/@urneighberhoodtherapist LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/yvesmukanya/ Website: www.yvestmukanya.com

    Where This Conversation Is Going Identity, Pressure, and the Decisions We Make S01EP01

  3. Jan 13

    Divorce Court Blindsides Men | Here's What You're Not Being Told | With Mac-Arthur Pierre-Louis (EP 14)

    If you like the episode, I would love to hear from you. Divorce court is not what most men think it is. In this episode of The Rising and Thriving Podcast, I sit down with family-law attorney and mediator Mac-Arthur Pierre-Louis to talk honestly about divorce court, child support, custody, and why so many fathers feel shocked and unprepared when decisions are made. Many men believe that telling the truth about what they lived through will lead to fair outcomes. But as Mac explains, court isn’t built around emotional truth — it’s built around proof. And that gap is where many men get hurt financially, emotionally, and mentally. We talk about child support, retroactive support, custody, mediation, and the mental health toll divorce takes on men. More importantly, we talk about how fathers can prepare themselves and stay present for their children through the process. This episode isn’t about blaming the system.  It’s about helping men see divorce court clearly, prepare wisely, and protect their future — and their kids. If you’re a father dealing with divorce or family court, this conversation is for you. #DivorceCourt #MensDivorce #FamilyLaw #ChildSupport #FathersRights #MensMentalHealth #DivorcedFathers #FamilyCourt #LifeAfterDivorce #TheRisingAndThrivingPodcast ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Guest: Mac-Arthur Pierre-Louis Link: https://use1.link/macpierrelouis ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CHAPTERS ------------------ 00:00 Divorce Court Reality for Men (Intro) 02:43 Why Men Expect Divorce Court to Deliver Justice 06:51 How Family Court Decides Child Support, Custody, and Visitation 10:26 Why Judges Don’t Care How Toxic Your Marriage Was 16:26 Discovery Explained: The Divorce Investigation Most Men Don’t Expect 18:19 Mediation vs Court: Which Is Better in Divorce? 21:34 Divorce Costs Explained: Court vs Mediation 23:09 Why Divorce Court Feels Cold and Transactional to Men 31:18 Why Mac-Arthur Pierre-Louis Chose Family Law 46:18 Biggest Divorce Mistakes Men Make Early On 51:28 Child Support Shock: Retroactive Support Explained 56:33 How Men Can Protect Themselves From Back Child Support 58:32 Legal Tech and Divorce: Tools That Reduce Conflict and Stress 1:04:10 High Earners and Child Support: What Men Need to Know 1:11:30 Divorce and Men’s Mental Health: Guilt, Anger, and Shame 1:18:04 Why Men Experience Divorce in Isolation 1:27:01 Co-Parenting After Divorce: How Fathers Stay Strong and Present 1:31:06 Co-Parenting Communication Tools Every Divorced Father Should Use 1:34:00 How Fathers Stop Feeling Like ‘Weekend Dads’ 1:37:52 Technology and Fatherhood: Staying Connected After Divorce 1:41:21 Where to Find Legal Help and Mediation Resources 1:46:19 Message to Divorced Fathers: Rebuilding After Court (Outro) ------------------ Follow me: Instagram: www.instagram.com/your_neighberhood_therapist/ Tik Tok: www.tiktok.com/@urneighberhoodtherapist LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/yvesmukanya/ Website: www.yvestmukanya.com

  4. 12/11/2025

    Breaking the Silence: Faith, Culture, and Protecting Children's Bodies | With Jeanine Banza

    If you like the episode, I would love to hear from you. Child safety, body education, Congolese parenting, trauma healing, and faith-based learning — in this episode, Maman Jeanine Banza breaks the silence around how we teach and protect our children. We explore her new course “God’s Gift of Your Body: A Multicultural Faith-Based Approach” for children ages 3–5, and her powerful book “Harmonies de Mélancolie,” inspired by real stories of war, trauma, and survival. She shares why early education is crucial, how cultural taboos harm children, why presence matters more than correction, and how parents can rebuild trust and emotional safety in the home. 👉 Enroll in the course: https://jeanine-s-site-2f0c.thinkific.com 👉 Find the book on Amazon: Release Date To be announced If this conversation resonates, like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes on parenting, culture, and emotional healing. Guest: Jeanne Banza CHAPTERS -------------------  00:00 Intro 02:026 Who is Jeanine Banza 03:03 Why Start Teaching Body Safety at Ages 3–5? 21:21 Blending Faith, Culture, and Protection 33:42 The Pain Behind the Pages of “Harmonies de Mélancolie” 38:00 The Meaning Behind the Title “Harmonies de Mélancolie” 40:31 The One Chapter She Wants Every Reader to Remember 44:47 How to Enroll in the Course & Get the Book 45:37 Her Message To Future Generations 46:38 Closing Thoughts ------------------- #ChildSafety #BodyEducation #EarlyChildhoodEducation #FaithBasedParenting #CongoleseCommunity #AfricanParenting #traumahealing #protectourchildren  #parentingeducation #ParentingConversations #MulticulturalParenting #EmotionalSafety #breakthesilence #immigration #africandiaspora  Follow me: Instagram: www.instagram.com/your_neighberhood_therapist/ Tik Tok: www.tiktok.com/@urneighberhoodtherapist LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/yvesmukanya/ Website: www.yvestmukanya.com

  5. 10/30/2025

    From Broken Home to Fatherhood & Leadership Andrew Irby on Healing and Co-Parenting (EP 12 Part 2)

    If you like the episode, I would love to hear from you. In this second part of my conversation with Andrew Irby — entrepreneur, father, and candidate for First Selectman in Thompson, Connecticut — we dive deep into what it truly means to lead, serve, and rebuild a community from the inside out. Andrew Irby opens up about his political campaign, his mission to bring accountability, communication, and unity back to local government, and how his experiences as a son, father, and businessman shaped the leader he’s becoming. From volunteering at Adult & Teen Challenge of Southern New England to mentoring foster youth and running multiple businesses, Andrew shares why he believes public service is more than politics — it’s a calling. We also talk about fatherhood, mental health, and the power of vulnerability — how showing your humanity doesn’t weaken leadership, it strengthens it. Andrew’s message to men, fathers, and community leaders is clear: stop waiting for permission to lead; start building the change you wish to see. #fatherhood  #mensmentalhealth  #coparenting  #healingjourney  #leadership  #RisingAndThrivingPodcast Guest: Andrew Irby https://www.instagram.com/andrewirbyforselectman/ https://www.instagram.com/mr_irbysr/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewirby/ CHAPTERS -------------------  00:00 Intro  04:07 Building & Balancing Business with Family 12:28 Transition Into Politics (Personal → Vision) 32:24 Legacy & Mental Health 40:47 Closing ------------------- Follow me: Instagram: www.instagram.com/your_neighberhood_therapist/ Tik Tok: www.tiktok.com/@urneighberhoodtherapist LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/yvesmukanya/ Website: www.yvestmukanya.com

  6. 10/23/2025

    From Broken Home to Fatherhood & Leadership | Andrew Irby on Healing and Co-Parenting (EP 12 Part 1)

    If you like the episode, I would love to hear from you. In this first part of my conversation with Andrew Irby — entrepreneur, husband, father, and now political candidate — we go beyond titles to understand the man behind the brand. Andrew opens up about what it was like growing up in a divorced home, watching his parents argue, and trying to make sense of love and loyalty as a child caught between two worlds. He shares how those early wounds shaped his views on fatherhood, relationships, and emotional responsibility — and how years later, he found healing through honest conversations with his wife and father. We talk about: Growing up between two households and learning what not to repeat as a parentHealing old family wounds and finding closure through honesty and compassionCo-parenting with intention in today’s world of distractions and technologyBlending families and building trust with his children after divorceBalancing fatherhood and business without losing what matters mostMeditation, belief, and mental health as tools for peace and clarityThis is a raw, reflective look at how a man learns to break generational cycles — not through perfection, but through progress. If you’ve ever questioned how to rebuild after brokenness, how to be present for your kids while chasing success, or how to find peace when life feels heavy… this episode is for you. 🎧 Watch Part 1 now, and stay tuned for Part 2, where Andrew talks about stepping into politics, leadership, and serving his community with empathy and purpose. Guest: Andrew Irby https://www.instagram.com/andrewirbyforselectman/ https://www.instagram.com/mr_irbysr/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewirby/ Follow me: Instagram: www.instagram.com/your_neighberhood_therapist/ Tik Tok: www.tiktok.com/@urneighberhoodtherapist LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/yvesmukanya/ Website: www.yvestmukanya.com

  7. 08/28/2025

    Rebuilding from the Rubble A Father's Journey from Divorce to Purpose (EP 11 Part 2)

    If you like the episode, I would love to hear from you. In Part 2 of Rebuilding from the Rubble: A Father’s Journey from Divorce to Purpose, Ange Mukadi shares his powerful story of life after divorce for fathers, navigating co-parenting challenges, and rebuilding identity while raising kids as a single dad. This episode is a raw, honest look at how men heal after divorce, balance fatherhood with career demands, and open their hearts to love again. You’ll hear how Ange balanced fatherhood and a paycheck—why he chose family first even when it cost him a job, and what “doing the right thing” looked like day-to-day. He reveals the counterintuitive emotional strategy that helped him heal—“act” the happiness you’re aiming for until it grows roots. You’ll gain a new way to see divorce—not as an ending, but as a hard pivot that changes (not erases) relationships. We also cover: The turning point when his 12-year-old son moved in and reignited his desire to build a partnership again. Opening his heart to a second marriage—how shared culture and years of friendship made it feel easy this time. What vulnerability really means—and why he sees marriage as armor, not exposure. The behind-the-scenes work: spiritual realignment, community support, and leadership. His wider mission to unite and inspire the Congolese community through “Community Dreammakers.” This episode is a must-listen for divorced fathers, Black men navigating co-parenting, and anyone seeking hope and direction after a painful ending. 📌 Part 1 focused on navigating divorce, co-parenting, and protecting your children’s emotional well-being. 📌 Part 2 dives into what comes after—love, purpose, and legacy. Leave a comment, share with someone who needs this, and remember: Guest: Ange Mukadi Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amukadi Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/angemukadi/ CHAPTERS ------------------- 00:00 Intro 03:14 Career Under Pressure 20:32 The Moment of Shift 27: 27 Love After Loss  56:07 Wisdom for the Wounded  57:25 Congolese Community 01:13:31 Outro ------------------- Follow me: Instagram: www.instagram.com/your_neighberhood_therapist/ Tik Tok: www.tiktok.com/@urneighberhoodtherapist LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/yvesmukanya/ Website: www.yvestmukanya.com

  8. 07/31/2025

    Rebuilding from the Rubble: A Father's Journey from Divorce to Purpose (EP11 Part 1)

    If you like the episode, I would love to hear from you. What does it really take to rebuild your life after losing everything? In this powerful Part One of our two-part series, we sit down with Ange Mukadi—a father of three, tech professional, and Congolese community leader—who shares his raw, honest journey of navigating divorce, single fatherhood, and rediscovering his purpose. In this episode, Ange opens up about: The emotional and mental toll of divorce after 15+ years of marriageHow he stayed present for his kids through the painHis fears of starting over, and what helped him keep goingThe impact on his identity as a man, father, and Congolese immigrantWhat healing looked like on a day-to-day basisAnge doesn’t sugarcoat it. This is real, vulnerable, and deeply human. If you're a man silently struggling with the aftermath of divorce, questioning your worth, your future, or your role as a father—this conversation is for you. Make sure to subscribe—because Part Two is coming very soon, where Ange reveals how he rebuilt trust, found love again, and stepped into leadership with confidence and clarity. Leave a comment, share with someone who needs this, and remember:  You’re not broken. You’re becoming. Guest: Ange Mukadi Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amukadi Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/angemukadi/ Chapters: 00:00: Episode Intro 00:36: Guest Introduction  05:39: Navigating Divorce 06:21: Rediscovering Identity After Divorce 11:58: Support System  14:11: Embracing his emotional side 16:18: Cultural Perspectives on Divorce 19:42: Family Court Experience 37:46: Transactional Side of Marriage 42:08: The Impact Of Divorce Onn Children 47:53: Fatherhood And Connection 56:32: The Importance of Presence in Parenting Follow me: Instagram: www.instagram.com/your_neighberhood_therapist/ Tik Tok: www.tiktok.com/@urneighberhoodtherapist LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/yvesmukanya/ Website: www.yvestmukanya.com

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About

Welcome to The Rising & Thriving Podcast—the podcast for high-functioning men who feel emotionally drained, stuck, or broken by life’s hardest seasons. Hosted by therapist, coach, and father Yves Mukanya, each episode offers raw stories, mindset shifts, and tools to help you rise from divorce, burnout, and identity loss—and rebuild your life with clarity, confidence, and conviction. Topics include: Divorce recovery & emotional healingPurpose after burnoutFatherhood, masculinity, and mental healthBuilding a meaningful life after everything falls apart Subscribe now if you're ready to reclaim your identity—and thrive on your own terms.

Information

  • Creator
    Yves Mukanya
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    18
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Rising and Thriving Podcast
  • Show Website
    The Rising and Thriving Podcast