Ashanti Branch has been mentoring young men and women for 19 years in California. He is the founder of The Ever Forward Club, with a mission of changing the way students relate to learning. He is also the host of the Taking Off The MaskPodcast.

Ashanti joined me on the show to talk about how to build emotionally intelligent, resilient, and powerful humans. 

In this episode we dive into:
Ashanti’s role in the film: The Mask You Live In.
Creating a safe space for teenage boys.
Talking about feelings vs. writing them down.
The origin of “the mask” movement. 
Myths about anger.
Emotional literacy.
Breaking the cycles perpetuated by older generations. 
Making money vs. following your purpose.
Ashanti’s journey from engineering to teaching. 
What it looks like to run Ever Forward and host men’s groups. 
Expectations of men in society: repressing feelings that have nowhere to go.
The nature of emotions. 
Conscious leadership. 
Grief co-existing with anger.
How to hold space for men experiencing anger.  
Emotional expectations of women vs. men. 
Examples of Ashanti’s work with boys in schools. 
Ashanti’s life-changing path to creating men’s groups.
Overcoming the lone wolf narrative: the importance of asking for help. 
The magic of appreciation, recognition, and compliments in men sharing’s circles. 
The “no homo” phase and what it was pointing to. 
Younger generations: open minds and determination. 
Gender and sexuality. 
COVID vaccines and the divisiveness we are seeing. 
Confirmation bias and the news. 
Advocating for men to have support teams. 
Taking Off the Mask podcast.

Links
Ashanti’s Instagram
Ashanti’s Twitter
Ashanti’s Facebook
Ashanti’s Website
Ever Forward Club Instagram
Ever Forward Club Website
Mask Challenge 
Brad Leslie on The Evolving Man Podcast

Ashanti Branch has been mentoring young men and women for 19 years in California. He is the founder of The Ever Forward Club, with a mission of changing the way students relate to learning. He is also the host of the Taking Off The Mask Podcast. Ashanti joined me on the show to talk about how to build emotionally intelligent, resilient, and powerful humans.&nbsp;
In this episode we dive into:
<ul>
<li>Ashanti&rsquo;s role in the film: <a href="http://therepresentationproject.org/film/the-mask-you-live-in-film/">The Mask You Live In.</a></li>
<li>Creating a safe space for teenage boys.</li>
<li>Talking about feelings vs. writing them down.</li>
<li>The origin of &ldquo;the mask&rdquo; movement.&nbsp;</li>
<li>Myths about anger.</li>
<li>Emotional literacy.</li>
<li>Breaking the cycles perpetuated by older generations.&nbsp;</li>
<li>Making money vs. following your purpose.</li>
<li>Ashanti&rsquo;s journey from engineering to teaching.&nbsp;</li>
<li>What it looks like to run Ever Forward and host men&rsquo;s groups.&nbsp;</li>
<li>Expectations of men in society: repressing feelings that have nowhere to go.</li>
<li>The nature of emotions.&nbsp;</li>
<li>Conscious leadership.&nbsp;</li>
<li>Grief co-existing with anger.</li>
<li>How to hold space for men experiencing anger.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li>
<li>Emotional expectations of women vs. men.&nbsp;</li>
<li>Examples of Ashanti&rsquo;s work with boys in schools.&nbsp;</li>
<li>Ashanti&rsquo;s life-changing path to creating men&rsquo;s groups.</li>
<li>Overcoming the lone wolf narrative: the importance of asking for help.&nbsp;</li>
<li>The magic of appreciation, recognition, and compliments in men sharing&rsquo;s circles.&nbsp;</li>
<li>The &ldquo;no homo&rdquo; phase and what it was pointing to.&nbsp;</li>
<li>Younger generations: open minds and determination.&nbsp;</li>
<li>Gender and sexuality.&nbsp;</li>
<li>COVID vaccines and the divisiveness we are seeing.&nbsp;</li>
<li>Confirmation bias and the news.&nbsp;</li>
<li>Advocating for men to have support teams.&nbsp;</li>
<li><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/taking-off-the-mask/id1518606124">Taking Off the Mask podcast.</a></li>
</ul>
Links
<ul>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/branchspeaks/">Ashanti&rsquo;s Instagram</a></li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://twitter.com/branchspeaks">Ashanti&rsquo;s Twitter</a></li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/BranchSpeaks/">Ashanti&rsquo;s Facebook</a></li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.branchspeaks.com/">Ashanti&rsquo;s Website</a></li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/everforwardclub/">Ever Forward Club Instagram</a></li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://everforwardclub.org/">Ever Forward Club Website</a></li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://100kmasks.com/">Mask Challenge</a>&nbsp;</li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://evolvingman.com/podcast-list/brad-leslie-initiation">Brad Leslie on The Evolving Man Podcast</a></li>
</ul>

The Evolving Man podcast features leaders and influencers in the personal growth arena who are actively engaged in "deep work", whether that be as a healer, or someone doing their own work. The guests on this podcast have a unique gift that they bring to the world, and they come to share these gifts with listeners. 

Tune in to witness discussions about addiction, consciousness, masculinity,  health and personal growth.

The Evolving Man Podcast

The Evolving Man podcast features inspiring figures who are strong forces of change in the world. Tune in to witness discussions about personal growth, romantic relationships, parenting, men's work, addiction recovery, and healing.

The Evolving Man podcast features inspiring figures who are strong forces of change in the world. Tune in to witness discussions about personal growth, romantic relationships, parenting, men's work, addiction recovery, and healing.

#56 - Building Emotionally Intelligent Men - with Ashanti Branch

With over 25 years of hands-on experience in personal transformation, Stefanos Sifandos works at the intersection of human potential, relational intelligence, and embodied leadership. He is a trained educator and somatic, trauma-informed relationship specialist with a background in behavioral science and philosophy, known for translating deep inner work into grounded, real-world change.

In this episode, we dove deep with Stefanos about the real work that keeps love and connection alive, especially through parenting, marriage, and personal challenges. Stefanos got vulnerable about hitting rock bottom, doing the inner work, and how being radically honest and intentional with yourself and your partner is the ultimate foundation for transformation. If you want insight into lasting love, conscious relationship tools, and parenting, this episode is a must-listen. 

Here are some of the pieces we discuss on this episode:

– How to keep love alive and act with love when your romantic partner is angry or distant
– The challenge of maintaining connection and spark in long-term relationships, especially under stress and obligations
– Stef's personal journey of transformation and inner work
– The impact of becoming a parent: how fatherhood stretches emotional edges and expands capacity for love, grief, and devotion
– Life challenges and awakenings: Stefanos Sifandos's turning point with addiction, infidelity, and facing suicidal thoughts
– The role of surrender and connection in moving through rock-bottom moments
– How shame, worthiness, and self-connection relate to addiction and healing
– The power of speaking the truth and vulnerability in men’s work and relationships
– Recognizing and breaking patterns of trauma bonding in volatile relationships
– When and why it’s healthy to let go of a relationship that’s become too toxic or drama-filled
– The importance of doing inner work: working on yourself to show up better in partnership
– Facing old family patterns, impatience, and imperfection as a partner and parent
– Real talk on the struggles of parenthood: impatience, mistakes, and embracing humanity
– Practicing conscious parenting: modeling humility, self-regulation, and apology to your child
– How a father’s relationship with his daughter informs her view of masculinity and future partnerships
– Making quality time and simple connection a priority in marriage
– Relationship tools: carving out time for intentional sharing, listening, and repair (including the Imago dialogue practice)
– The impact of performative gestures versus simple, consistent acts of care in keeping the spark alive
– How curiosity and presence nurture ongoing intimacy and novelty in partnerships
– The art of holding space, self-regulation, and loving your partner even when you’re the target of their anger
– Embracing imperfection in relationship and family life
– Stef’s new book, Tuned In and Turned On: A Path to True Connection, Deep Healing, and Lasting Love, and how it explores these teachings and practices in greater depth

Links from this episode

Stefanos Sifandos – Tuned In and Turned On - with Book Bonuses

Stef’s Instagram

The Path to Conscious Love program for couples

The Conscious Relationship Council live program for men

The Arka Fire and Flow Men’s Weekend - Feb 26 to March 2nd

Keep an eye out for:

The Arka Talks Podcast – launching Feb 2026 (link to be shared upon release)

With over 25 years of hands-on experience in personal transformation, Stefanos Sifandos works at the intersection of human potential, relational intelligence, and embodied leadership. He is a trained educator and somatic, trauma-informed relationship specialist with a background in behavioral science and philosophy, known for translating deep inner work into grounded, real-world change.
In this episode, we dove deep with Stefanos about the real work that keeps love and connection alive, especially through parenting, marriage, and personal challenges. Stefanos got vulnerable about hitting rock bottom, doing the inner work, and how being radically honest and intentional with yourself and your partner is the ultimate foundation for transformation. If you want insight into lasting love, conscious relationship tools, and parenting, this episode is a must-listen.&nbsp;
Here are some of the pieces we discuss on this episode:
&ndash; How to keep love alive and act with love when your romantic partner is angry or distant &ndash; The challenge of maintaining connection and spark in long-term relationships, especially under stress and obligations &ndash; Stef's personal journey of transformation and inner work &ndash; The impact of becoming a parent: how fatherhood stretches emotional edges and expands capacity for love, grief, and devotion &ndash; Life challenges and awakenings: Stefanos Sifandos's turning point with addiction, infidelity, and facing suicidal thoughts &ndash; The role of surrender and connection in moving through rock-bottom moments &ndash; How shame, worthiness, and self-connection relate to addiction and healing &ndash; The power of speaking the truth and vulnerability in men&rsquo;s work and relationships &ndash; Recognizing and breaking patterns of trauma bonding in volatile relationships &ndash; When and why it&rsquo;s healthy to let go of a relationship that&rsquo;s become too toxic or drama-filled &ndash; The importance of doing inner work: working on yourself to show up better in partnership &ndash; Facing old family patterns, impatience, and imperfection as a partner and parent &ndash; Real talk on the struggles of parenthood: impatience, mistakes, and embracing humanity &ndash; Practicing conscious parenting: modeling humility, self-regulation, and apology to your child &ndash; How a father&rsquo;s relationship with his daughter informs her view of masculinity and future partnerships &ndash; Making quality time and simple connection a priority in marriage &ndash; Relationship tools: carving out time for intentional sharing, listening, and repair (including the Imago dialogue practice) &ndash; The impact of performative gestures versus simple, consistent acts of care in keeping the spark alive &ndash; How curiosity and presence nurture ongoing intimacy and novelty in partnerships &ndash; The art of holding space, self-regulation, and loving your partner even when you&rsquo;re the target of their anger &ndash; Embracing imperfection in relationship and family life &ndash; Stef&rsquo;s new book, Tuned In and Turned On: A Path to True Connection, Deep Healing, and Lasting Love, and how it explores these teachings and practices in greater depth
Links from this episode
Stefanos Sifandos &ndash;&nbsp;<a href="http://www.tunedinandturnedonbook.com/">Tuned In and Turned On - with Book Bonuses</a>
Stef&rsquo;s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/stefanossifandos/">Instagram</a>
<a href="https://courses.risingwoman.com/path-to-conscious-love">The Path to Conscious Love</a> program for couples
The&nbsp;<a href="https://evolvingman.com/conscious-relationship-council/">Conscious Relationship Council </a>live program for men
<a href="https://www.tickettailor.com/events/arkabrotherhood/1885683">The Arka Fire and Flow Men&rsquo;s Weekend</a> - Feb 26 to March 2nd
Keep an eye out for:
The Arka Talks Podcast &ndash; launching Feb 2026 (link to be shared upon release)

#105 - From infidelity to integrity: The Work That Keeps Love Alive - with Stefanos Sifandos

Kute Blackson is an author, speaker, and true spiritual visionary. In this episode, we dive deep into discovering your soul's true calling. We talk about Kute’s powerful journey leaving his father's shadow, navigating the unknown with courage, and how real transformation is about shedding old patterns to reveal your authentic self. 

Kute shares how surrendering to life's guidance opens doors you never expected, leading not only to personal success, but deep fulfillment. If you want some deep wisdom on how to “find your purpose”, this episode is rich with inspiration.

In this episode, we dig into:

– Kute Blackson’s inspiring journey as a spiritual visionary, speaker, and author.
– His story of upbringing in Ghana, Japan, and London, and his exposure to miracle work and spirituality from a young age.
– Kute’s early life speaking in his father’s churches and being named as his father’s successor at age 14.
– The internal struggle and courage it took for Kute to break away from his father’s path to follow his own calling.
– Key reflections on a man’s journey with his father and the pivotal coming-of-age moment of “facing the father.”
– Deep discussion on the concept of surrender – what it truly means and its role in personal evolution.
– Debunking common misconceptions about surrender as weakness or passivity.
– The spiritual principles of letting go, un-learning, and uncovering our true essence.
– The dance between intention, action, and surrender – how to tune into your soul’s calling without being overly attached to outcomes.
– The analogy of surrender in life to lovemaking and surfing, highlighting the balance between action and allowing.
– Practical insights on following intuition, even when the path is unclear.
– Kute’s green card “miracle” story and the power of trusting life’s guidance.
– The importance of embracing the “void” or unknown as a necessary space for growth and transformation.
– Kute’s journey to the US and the challenges of building a purpose-driven life from scratch.
– His first attempts at launching a talk show in Hollywood, the attachment to a specific vision, and obedience to deeper spiritual guidance.
– Kute’s transformative pilgrimage on the Camino de Santiago and time in India, leading to new breakthroughs.
– The evolution of his work: from coaching one-on-one to leading international retreats and writing bestselling books.
– The vital distinction between laziness and true surrender – aligning with deep personal commitment over fleeting moods.
– The process and importance of generational healing, specifically the powerful healing and reconciliation with his father.
– How healing with his father impacted his own son and future lineage (“the generational wealth of consciousness”).
– The value of men’s groups and real stories in fostering true change and support.
– How Kute embodies and teaches deep listening, surrender, and walking the unknown path.

Links from this episode:

Kute Blackson’s Website
Kute’s Book: You Are The One 
Kute’s Book: The Magic of Surrender 
Soul Talk with Kute Blackson (Podcast) 
8 Levels of Gratitude (Free Online Course)

Evolving Man’s Conscious Relationship Council

The Freedom From Addiction Circle

Kute Blackson is an author, speaker, and true spiritual visionary. In this episode, we dive deep into discovering your soul's true calling. We talk about Kute&rsquo;s powerful journey leaving his father's shadow, navigating the unknown with courage, and how real transformation is about shedding old patterns to reveal your authentic self.&nbsp;
Kute shares how surrendering to life's guidance opens doors you never expected, leading not only to personal success, but deep fulfillment. If you want some deep wisdom on how to &ldquo;find your purpose&rdquo;, this episode is rich with inspiration.
In this episode, we dig into:
&ndash; Kute Blackson&rsquo;s inspiring journey as a spiritual visionary, speaker, and author. &ndash; His story of upbringing in Ghana, Japan, and London, and his exposure to miracle work and spirituality from a young age. &ndash; Kute&rsquo;s early life speaking in his father&rsquo;s churches and being named as his father&rsquo;s successor at age 14. &ndash; The internal struggle and courage it took for Kute to break away from his father&rsquo;s path to follow his own calling. &ndash; Key reflections on a man&rsquo;s journey with his father and the pivotal coming-of-age moment of &ldquo;facing the father.&rdquo; &ndash; Deep discussion on the concept of surrender &ndash; what it truly means and its role in personal evolution. &ndash; Debunking common misconceptions about surrender as weakness or passivity. &ndash; The spiritual principles of letting go, un-learning, and uncovering our true essence. &ndash; The dance between intention, action, and surrender &ndash; how to tune into your soul&rsquo;s calling without being overly attached to outcomes. &ndash; The analogy of surrender in life to lovemaking and surfing, highlighting the balance between action and allowing. &ndash; Practical insights on following intuition, even when the path is unclear. &ndash; Kute&rsquo;s green card &ldquo;miracle&rdquo; story and the power of trusting life&rsquo;s guidance. &ndash; The importance of embracing the &ldquo;void&rdquo; or unknown as a necessary space for growth and transformation. &ndash; Kute&rsquo;s journey to the US and the challenges of building a purpose-driven life from scratch. &ndash; His first attempts at launching a talk show in Hollywood, the attachment to a specific vision, and obedience to deeper spiritual guidance. &ndash; Kute&rsquo;s transformative pilgrimage on the Camino de Santiago and time in India, leading to new breakthroughs. &ndash; The evolution of his work: from coaching one-on-one to leading international retreats and writing bestselling books. &ndash; The vital distinction between laziness and true surrender &ndash; aligning with deep personal commitment over fleeting moods. &ndash; The process and importance of generational healing, specifically the powerful healing and reconciliation with his father. &ndash; How healing with his father impacted his own son and future lineage (&ldquo;the generational wealth of consciousness&rdquo;). &ndash; The value of men&rsquo;s groups and real stories in fostering true change and support. &ndash; How Kute embodies and teaches deep listening, surrender, and walking the unknown path.
Links from this episode:
<a href="https://kuteblackson.com/">Kute Blackson&rsquo;s Website </a><a href="https://www.amazon.com/You-Are-One-Adventure-Discovering/dp/1501127306">Kute&rsquo;s Book: You Are The One </a><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Magic-Surrender-Finding-Courage-Let/dp/0593421469/">Kute&rsquo;s Book: The Magic of Surrender </a><a href="https://kuteblackson.com/soultalk/">Soul Talk with Kute Blackson (Podcast) </a><a href="https://www.8levelsofgratitude.com/the-8-levels-of-gratitude">8 Levels of Gratitude (Free Online Course)</a>
<a href="https://evolvingman.com/conscious-relationship-council/">Evolving Man&rsquo;s Conscious Relationship Council</a>
<a href="https://evolvingman.com/freedom-from-addiction-circle/">The Freedom From Addiction Circle</a>

#104 - Finding And Following Your Soul’s Path: Courage And Surrender - with Kute Blackson 

Devin Frederickson is a men’s coach, permaculturalist, and close friend of mine from Maui, Hawaii. He joins me on the show to share the most impactful stories, tools, and insights he has gained throughout his life thus far. We cover a wide breadth of subjects on this show, from Devin’s near-death experience to healing addiction, along with a peek at fatherhood as Devin prepares for his first child. 

Here’s what you’ll discover in this conversation:

A Near-Death Experience That Changed Everything - Devin shares his vivid story of a near-fatal accidental MDMA overdose in his early 20s. This was his spiritual wake-up call. Hear how this out-of-body journey made him rethink his entire approach to life, health, and responsibility—and why gratitude is now at the core of his daily practice.

The Lifelong Power of Men’s Mentorship - Both Devin and I open up about the pivotal mentors in our lives—the wise men who showed up without judgment and offered guidance when we needed it most. Devin describes how chance encounters with older men in the permaculture and yoga worlds guided him through turbulent years, while I reflect on the legacy of my own 12 step sponsor.

Healing Porn Addiction & Reclaiming Sexual Energy We get real about a topic that often stays hidden: porn addiction. Devin bravely recounts his early exposure to porn, how it shaped his relationships, and the slow creep into compulsive behaviors - and he outlines the steps to recovery and deeper self-connection. He also introduces the “Multi-Orgasmic Man” practice and explains how mastering your sexual energy can transform every area of your life.

Men’s Work: From Sovereignty to Kingship Devin breaks down his journey with men’s groups - starting with Sacred Sons, moving through years of cross-generational mentorship, and finally building his own programs: Sovereign and Shameless and now Becoming the King. If you’ve ever wondered how to truly “come home to yourself,” harness your power, and step into conscious leadership as a man, this episode is for you.

A Peek Into Conscious Fatherhood - On the personal front  Devin shares the anticipation (and vulnerability) of expecting his first child. He talks about the surrender, support, and trust needed as he and his wife move through pregnancy - plus how fatherhood is already changing him before it’s even begun.

We also touch on:
The role of permaculture & nature as spiritual teachers
Somatic healing and how real breakthroughs happen in-person
The importance (and challenge) of honest friendship and community as men

 

Links from this episode:

Devin’s Instagram - @devinfredericksen

Men’s Groups - Arka Brotherhood

The Freedom From Addiction Circle

Join Devin's Newsletter

Devin Frederickson is a men&rsquo;s coach, permaculturalist, and close friend of mine from Maui, Hawaii. He joins me on the show to share the most impactful stories, tools, and insights he has gained throughout his life thus far. We cover a wide breadth of subjects on this show, from Devin&rsquo;s near-death experience to healing addiction, along with a peek at fatherhood as Devin prepares for his first child.&nbsp;
Here&rsquo;s what you&rsquo;ll discover in this conversation:
A Near-Death Experience That Changed Everything - Devin shares his vivid story of a near-fatal accidental MDMA overdose in his early 20s. This was his spiritual wake-up call. Hear how this out-of-body journey made him rethink his entire approach to life, health, and responsibility&mdash;and why gratitude is now at the core of his daily practice.
The Lifelong Power of Men&rsquo;s Mentorship - Both Devin and I open up about the pivotal mentors in our lives&mdash;the wise men who showed up without judgment and offered guidance when we needed it most. Devin describes how chance encounters with older men in the permaculture and yoga worlds guided him through turbulent years, while I reflect on the legacy of my own 12 step sponsor.
Healing Porn Addiction &amp; Reclaiming Sexual Energy We get real about a topic that often stays hidden: porn addiction. Devin bravely recounts his early exposure to porn, how it shaped his relationships, and the slow creep into compulsive behaviors - and he outlines the steps to recovery and deeper self-connection. He also introduces the &ldquo;Multi-Orgasmic Man&rdquo; practice and explains how mastering your sexual energy can transform every area of your life.
Men&rsquo;s Work: From Sovereignty to Kingship Devin breaks down his journey with men&rsquo;s groups - starting with Sacred Sons, moving through years of cross-generational mentorship, and finally building his own programs: Sovereign and Shameless and now Becoming the King. If you&rsquo;ve ever wondered how to truly &ldquo;come home to yourself,&rdquo; harness your power, and step into conscious leadership as a man, this episode is for you.
A Peek Into Conscious Fatherhood - On the personal front&nbsp; Devin shares the anticipation (and vulnerability) of expecting his first child. He talks about the surrender, support, and trust needed as he and his wife move through pregnancy - plus how fatherhood is already changing him before it&rsquo;s even begun.
We also touch on:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">The role of permaculture &amp; nature as spiritual teachers</li>
<li aria-level="1">Somatic healing and how real breakthroughs happen in-person</li>
<li aria-level="1">The importance (and challenge) of honest friendship and community as men</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
Links from this episode: Devin&rsquo;s Instagram - <a href="https://www.instagram.com/devinfredericksen/">@devinfredericksen</a>
Men&rsquo;s Groups -&nbsp;<a href="https://arkabrotherhood.com/">Arka Brotherhood</a>
<a href="https://evolvingman.com/freedom-from-addiction/">The Freedom From Addiction Circle</a>
<a href="https://devinfredericksen.kit.com/bc5bcae699">Join Devin's Newsletter</a>

#56 - Building Emotionally Intelligent Men - with Ashanti Branch

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