The Meaning of Men S3, Ep13: The Meaning of Masks | How men hide their true selves
What’s the mask you wear, and what might be hiding underneath it?
In this episode of The Meaning of Men, I speak with Ashanti Branch, founder of The Ever Forward Club and creator of the Million Mask Movement. We explore the emotional lives of boys and men, the feelings we hide, the stories we learn to tell ourselves, and what it truly takes to live with authenticity, purpose and emotional honesty.
Ashanti shares his journey from growing up in Oakland, California without a father to becoming a teacher who began noticing the same patterns he lived through in his own students. Many young men were hiding behind masks of toughness, humour and indifference, while struggling silently with fear, pressure and self doubt.
This insight inspired him to start The Ever Forward Club, a space that encourages boys to talk openly about what is happening beneath the surface. What began as a small lunch group has since grown into a global movement that invites men everywhere to remove the masks that limit them and reconnect with who they really are.
In this episode you will learn:
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Why so many boys and men feel pressure to appear strong and emotionless
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How masks of toughness, humour or indifference form and how they affect mental health
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The influence of online role models and cultural expectations on young men
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The deep need for safety, belonging and meaningful connection
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How vulnerability and strength can work together rather than compete
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Practical ways to create spaces where honesty, compassion and emotional expression can thrive
This conversation offers insight for anyone interested in men’s mental health, masculinity, emotional wellbeing and the lifelong process of becoming your true self.
Hear more from Ashanti:
Website & Socials:EFC Website: https://everforwardclub.org/
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/the-ever-forward-club
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/everforwardclub
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@everforwardclub
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/everforwardclub/
Book
Diary of a Confused Educator
Upcoming Events
Global Young Men's Conference, Nov 8th: https://everforwardclub.org/global-young-mens-conference-2025
Timestamps:
05:15: The Ever Forward Program and Its Impact 08:10: Understanding the Masks We Wear 12:56: Emotional Struggles of Young Men 23:41: Navigating Expectations and Authenticity 24:35: The Influence of Online Figures on Young Men 29:17: The Power and Danger of Sound Bites 32:58: Understanding Addiction and Emotional Health 37:08: Messages of Hope and Finding Authentic Connections