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. 2d ago

    #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

  2. Sep 2

    #85 | Hip-hop Lessons for Life and Learning w/ David Spellmon

    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 educator Why positivity and connection guide his work The vulnerability behind being the “strong friend” Why Black men may feel pressure to adjust how they show up How A Tribe Called Quest shaped David’s approach to education Why culturally relevant learning matters How David created Just Like Music during the pandemic Why knowledge of self is central to hip-hop How lyrics can build social-emotional skills Why greatness requires both belief and action How a “Game 7” mindset can reframe setbacks Why educators should challenge students with care How music builds identity, memory, and connection Why students can lose their joy for learning Why educators must honor students’ culture and experiences es students bring with them instead of asking them to become less of themselves Throughout 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 Spellmon LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-spellmon/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mrjappi/ Website: https://positivearchersolutions.com/ 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 #HipHopEducation #SocialEmotionalLearning #BlackMaleEducators #StudentBelonging #KnowledgeOfSelf

  3. Aug 25

    #84 | Your Words Can Build—or Burn w/ Maurice McDavid

    What happens when educators recognize that their words can create warmth, build confidence, and strengthen belonging—or leave wounds students carry for years? In this episode of unMASKing with Male Educators, Ashanti sits down with educator, principal, pastor, author, and podcast host Maurice McDavid to explore student belonging, Black male identity, culturally responsive teaching, school leadership, representation, and the power of language. Together, they reflect on the strength educators display publicly, the fear and overwhelm they may carry privately, and why supporting young people requires both accountability and compassion. This conversation dives into: Maurice’s journey from aspiring politician to educator and school leader Why social justice and equity have shaped his career in education What it means to lead with optimism while carrying fear and uncertainty Why Black students benefit from seeing educators and leaders who look like them How accountability can come from care rather than punishment Why Black boys are often expected to grow up faster than their peers How schools can bring joy, creativity, and curiosity back into learning Why students need to see themselves as belonging in academic spaces How personal goals can help students connect their behavior to their future Why home language should be respected rather than treated as a sign of low intelligence How educators’ words can create belonging, bring warmth, or leave lasting burn marks Throughout the conversation, Ashanti and Maurice explore what it means to protect, challenge, and empower young people without stripping away their identity or childhood. They remind educators that language is never neutral—what adults say can shape how students see their intelligence, their culture, and their place in the classroom. If you care about culturally responsive teaching, Black male educators, student belonging, school leadership, restorative practices, language, representation, or creating more joyful and affirming learning environments, this episode is for you. Connect with Maurice McDavid Book: Your Words Are Fire: 10 Culturally Responsive Teaching Strategies to Speak the Language of Belonging and Help Students Learn, Express Ideas, and Solve Problems Podcast: https://www.blackbrownbilingue.com/podcast Email: revmcdavid@gmail.com Website: http://www.blackbrownbilingue.com Youtube:https://www.youtube.com/@blackbrownbilingue6382 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#WordsCarryPower #BuildingBelonging #CulturallyResponsiveTeaching #StudentBelonging

  4. Aug 18

    #83 | Behind the High Performer: What We Hide Behind the Mask w/ Ron Rapatalo

    What happens when someone appears confident, connected, and successful on the outside while privately navigating anxiety, avoidance, pressure, and self-doubt? In this episode of unMASKing with Male Educators, Ashanti sits down with educator, coach, connector, podcast host, and social impact leader Ron Rapatalo to explore identity, vulnerability, high performance, community, leadership, and the emotional weight people often carry behind their public image. Together, they reflect on the version of ourselves we share publicly, the struggles we protect privately, and why true self-awareness requires looking beyond achievement, visibility, and professional success. This conversation dives into: Ron’s journey as the child of Filipino immigrants and a product of New York City public schools Why education became an equalizer in his life How Filipino cultural values shaped his commitment to community and connection The difference between a public brand and the person behind it Why vulnerability is often shared only after it has been processed How high performers can hide anxiety, avoidance, and private struggles The emotional and physical cost of constantly needing to succeed Why educators should not have to sacrifice their health to serve others How ADHD, anxiety, deadlines, and performance can become deeply connected Why excellence does not have to look like suffering Throughout the conversation, Ashanti and Ron explore what it means to be visible without being fully known. They remind listeners that achievement does not erase struggle, vulnerability is not weakness, and the people who appear strongest may still be carrying experiences others cannot see. If you care about educator wellness, leadership, identity, high performance, emotional health, vulnerability, community, social impact, or creating more human-centered professional spaces, this episode is for you. Connect with Ron Rapatalo Email: rapatalo@gmail.com Podcast: https://ronderings.podcastsmatter.com/ LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/rapatalo/?skipRedirect=true 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#BehindHighPerformance #WhatSuccessHides #HighPerformers #EducatorWellness #LeadershipAndVulnerability

  5. Aug 11

    #82 | Behind the Confidence: Let Kids Learn To Live w/ Dr. Ray Boyd

    What does it mean to lead with confidence while carrying vulnerability, caution, and responsibility behind the mask? In this episode of unMASKing with Male Educators, Ashanti sits down with Western Australian educator and school leader Dr. Ray Boyd to explore leadership, childhood, boundaries, technology, masculinity, and the lasting impact teachers have on young people. Together, they reflect on the pressure educators carry, the importance of consistency, and why students need both freedom and clear expectations in order to grow. This conversation dives into: The confidence school leaders often show publicly The vulnerability and sensitivity many men keep hidden Why dependable leadership builds trust How teachers constantly anticipate what could go wrong The pressure educators carry beyond the school day Why children need opportunities to take healthy risks How overprotection can increase anxiety and limit independence The impact of phones and social media on childhood Why clear boundaries must be followed by consistent action Throughout the conversation, Ashanti and Ray explore how strong leadership combines confidence with care, boundaries with support, and high expectations with humanity. They remind educators that students may not always express their appreciation, but the consistency and care they receive can shape their lives for years to come. If you care about school leadership, emotional safety, healthy masculinity, student independence, educator wellness, or creating consistent and supportive classrooms, this episode is for you. Connect with Dr. Ray Boyd Email: ray.boyd@education.wa.edu.au LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/rayboyd007/ 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#EmotionalSafety #HealthyMasculinity #StudentSupport #CaringClassrooms #PositiveDiscipline #ConsistencyMatters #YouthDevelopment

  6. Aug 4

    #81 | Leading With Compassion w/ Joshua Stamper

    What happens when an educator chooses to look beyond behavior and uncover the story, need, or struggle beneath it? In this episode of unMASKing with Male Educators, Ashanti sits down with educator, author, speaker, and podcast host Joshua Stamper to explore relationships, leadership, student behavior, educator wellness, and the power of discovering purpose. Together, they reflect on the confidence educators show publicly, the self-doubt they may carry privately, and why meaningful change begins when students and staff feel seen, valued, and understood. This conversation dives into: Joshua’s journey from graphic designer to teacher and school leader How mentors can recognize leadership potential before we see it ourselves Why purpose can transform motivation and performance The importance of building relationships before expecting academic growth Why knowledge of the brain must first pass through the heart How educators can misinterpret students when pieces of their stories are missing Why behavior should be viewed as a form of communication The role respect and trust play in student engagement The confidence leaders display while privately carrying self-doubt If you care about educator wellness, student behavior, school leadership, emotional intelligence, relationship-centered education, or creating healthier school communities, this episode is for you. Connect with Joshua Stamper Email: Joshua@joshstamper.com Website:https://joshstamper.com LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshua-stamper/ YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@joshuastamper Explore Joshua’s books and podcasts, including Aspire to Lead, The Language of Behavior, and the VibeEDU Podcast. 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#AspireToLead #TheLanguageOfBehavior #VibeEDU #EducationalLeadership #SchoolLeadership #EducatorWellness #TeacherBurnout #StudentBehavior #RelationshipCenteredEducation #EmotionalIntelligence

  7. Jul 29

    #80 | Beyond The Mask: What Education Owes The World w/ Professor Richard Weissbourd

    What does it truly mean to raise caring, moral, and engaged young people? In this episode of unMASKing with Male Educators, Ashanti sits down with Harvard educator and Making Caring Common founder Professor Richard Weissbourd to discuss empathy, morality, purpose, civic responsibility, and the pressures shaping educators and students today. They explore why schools must look beyond academic achievement, how listening builds empathy, why young people need help finding truth in a divided media landscape, and why we cannot afford to become indifferent. This conversation is for educators, parents, and anyone committed to helping young people become thoughtful, compassionate, and engaged human beings. Connect with Professor Richard Weissbourd Email: richard_weissbourd@gse.harvard.edu LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/company/making-caring-common-at-hgse 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#SocialEmotionalLearning #EmotionalSafety #MoralDevelopment #CivicEngagement #StudentWellbeing #PurposeAndMeaning

  8. Jul 22

    #79 | Behind the Mask: The Masks We Wear, the History We Carry w/ Dr. Frederick Gooding Jr.

    What happens when a historian, educator, and cultural critic invites us to think more deeply about the masks we wear, the stories we inherit, and the truths we often avoid? In this powerful episode of unMASKing with Male Educators, Ashanti sits down with historian, professor, author, and public scholar Dr. Frederick Gooding Jr. Known for his work exploring African American history, race, culture, and representation, Dr. Gooding brings both intellectual depth and personal reflection to a conversation about identity, education, and emotional truth. Ashanti and Dr. Gooding unpack the realities many Black men navigate every day, the tension between who they are and who the world expects them to be, the exhaustion of code-switching, and the emotional weight carried beneath carefully constructed masks. This conversation dives into: The concept of front-stage and backstage behavior W.E.B. Du Bois' idea of double consciousness Why many young men hide vulnerability behind humor and performance The emotional safety students need before authentic connection can happen Hip-hop as an overlooked educational and cultural teaching tool How schools often overlook the strengths students bring from home The relationship between empathy, history, and education The hidden pain that can exist behind passion and advocacy Why teaching honest history is essential to understanding the present The challenges and opportunities of being a Black male educator today Throughout the conversation, Ashanti and Dr. Gooding explore what it means to lead with authenticity while navigating systems that often demand performance. Together, they challenge listeners to think differently about masculinity, education, empathy, and the power of human connection. If you care about education, history, emotional wellness, racial equity, authentic leadership, or helping young people feel seen and understood, this episode is for you. Connect with Dr. Frederick Gooding Jr. LinkedIn: Dr. Frederick Gooding Jr. Email: f.gooding@tcu.edu Upcoming Books: A book exploring Black statues and monuments in Washington, D.C., and what they reveal about visibility, memory, and representation in America. A Disturbance in the Force: Making Space for Race in the Star Wars Space, examining race, identity, and representation throughout the Star Wars universe. 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 #AuthenticMasculinity #BlackMaleEducators #EmotionalSafety #TeachingHonestHistory #EducationalEquity

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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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