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

Author: Ashanti Branch - Taking Off The Mask

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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Language: en

Genres: Education, How To

Contact email: Get it

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#73: From Survival to Purpose: The Courage to Uncover Your Light w/ Steve Sapourn
Episode 73
Tuesday, 9 June, 2026

Content notes: This episode contains discussions of trauma, addiction, mental health, and psychedelic-assisted healing. Steve shares his personal experiences and perspectives. This conversation is not intended as medical, psychological, or professional treatment advice. Listeners seeking support should consult qualified healthcare or mental health professionals.What happens when the masks that helped you survive start keeping you from truly living?Ashanti Branch sits down with Steve Sapourn, host of The Neuro’s Journey, to explore childhood trauma, addiction, healing, and nervous system regulation. Steve shares how his journey from survival to success led him toward deeper self-understanding, purpose, and transformation.Together, they discuss how trauma shows up in classrooms, why behavior is often communication, and how one caring educator can change a life.This episode is a reminder that healing happens through choices, connection, and the courage to uncover your light.How childhood trauma shapes the nervous system and influences behaviorWhy some students act out while others hide their pain behind achievementThe connection between addiction, survival, and emotional regulationWhat educators can learn from students who struggle to sit still or stay engagedThe life-changing impact of one teacher who truly sees a studentWhy success, money, and achievement don't always heal emotional woundsThe difference between surviving and truly livingHow shame can keep people disconnected from themselves and othersThe role of community, reflection, and vulnerability in healingWhy apologizing can strengthen relationships instead of weakening themThe importance of regulating your own nervous system before helping othersHow uncovering your inner light can create positive change for everyone around youConnect with Steve SapournWebsite: stevesapourn.comPodcast: The Neuro’s JourneyFollow Steve for conversations about trauma recovery, nervous system regulation, personal transformation, and the healing journey that helps people move from survival to purpose.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 #MillionMaskMovement #EverForwardClub #FromSurvivalToPurpose #UncoverYourLight #HealingJourney #TraumaRecovery #NervousSystemHealing