The Idea of Manhood

In this episode, Mike reflects on the complexities of parenting older children and the lack of public narrative about raising teenagers and young adults. He discusses how social media has narrowed the gap between generations and the challenges of not taking their actions personally. Mike emphasizes the importance of trust and maintaining a strong connection with adult children, allowing them to come back when they need support. He also explores the role of fathers as emotional filters and the dynamics between moms and dads in parenting. Overall, the episode encourages parents to think about their approach to parenting older children.

Excuse the dog-walking comedic takes throughout this episode. Join me as I share some of the post-defense thoughts; specifically about encouraging myself to have some alone & me time after my defense, and just in general. The concept of “me” time is soft to me. But I think it’s time to adjust and shift that narrative. Enjoy!

This got a little meta… but I’m having a conversation with myself about the complexities of being a son and a father and husband all at once. It’s not unheard of for there to be challenges, but I’m simply processing my thoughts for y’all to see. Enjoy!

I’ve noticed something with myself over the past two or three years. I’m not even going to project and make the assumption that other men have experienced this. But I’ve noticed that in situations where I would normally speak up and be very vocal, that I have become silent. I’m not really sure why, and I don’t really know if any of the rooms I am in are better with me being silent or with me being engaged and vocal. I’m assuming it’s something in the middle. But it’s definitely something I’ve noticed that I have taken on and that I am trying to be more mindful about. I think it’s time for me to speak up more.

In this episode, I go into the details of demystifying the process of getting a colonoscopy. A lot of the things that we know about getting a colonoscopy, we know cognitively, but we may not know some of the realities of the process. As usual, I wanted to use some humor to demystify the process for all the men out there that may be thinking and preparing to get a colonoscopy. Spread the word and let’s make this as fun and digestible as possible…

If you know something that can help, share it. Make “Give It Away. Now!” your mantra. Whether it’s a life hack, a job lead, or just some wisdom you’ve picked up along the way – pass it on. Let’s make our community not just a group of people, but a powerhouse of shared knowledge and support.

Too often many of us are so worried about being a burden that we become the burden we aren’t trying to be. In 2024 and beyond… be a burden!

What a journey this has been. My son Ellington verbally committed to play soccer in college in April, and it was quite a ride from start to finish. The process is both arduous and exciting. With that said, there are some questions we had along the way, and I thought I'd share my perspective on how the recruitment process is much aligned to the secondary and higher education process. Good luck and have a great day everyone!

This episode is special because it is (another) return to podcasting and it serves as my final exam for my EDU 765 - Conscious Leadership course at American University. In this episode I talk about fear, love, power and the four agreements as I process a very difficult transition from a previous employer. I am trying very hard to lead from my heart unapologetically. To say the things that need to be said with love bravery and authenticity. This conscious leader ship course has provided some powerful reading materials and reflection that I will use for a very long time. Thank you for listening. And shout out to Dr. Michele and Cohort 5!

Welcome to the Re Re Reboot. This is the 3rd time I've stopped and started my podcast... and there's a perfectly reasonable explanation. To my day ones; all tree a y'all... thank you for being here. If this is new to you... allow me to reintroduce myself. Thank you for joining the ride with me on the everlasting exploration of The Idea of Manhood. Spread the word...

In this episode I share a story of the time I worked at Howard university for six weeks. The story is almost 20 years old, but as I reflect on those times, there are more things in common than I could even imagine. The cycles in which we engage in life are truly fascinating to me. Are use this time to reflect on August 2002, in connection to July 2021. Come along with me on this journey.

In this episode I speak about the fear that some Black parents have of sharing how exceptional their children are. I share a story about how that fear has manifested within me over time. Please don’t mistake my passion for anger in this episode. I really started preaching at the end.

I took some time immediately after the Verdict to share some reflections about willfully staying in joyous moments and our incessant need to prepare for the bullshit tomorrow.

We’ve known for a long time that the education system is broken. COVID has not only shined a light on this, but it’s exposed every layer of the education system. Instead of trying to retrofit an old system into a dramatically new paradigm, it’s time for some revolutionary thinking about how we educate and serve Black and brown children and their families and shift the narrative from graduation to liberation. Thank you to Cecily Darden Adams for thinking and living outside of the box with me. Check out Cecily's new non-profit, Learning Pathmakers, where she and her partner Michael Robbins are working to create a better future for learning and for students and families.

"Shifting Narrative" is series that explores common assumptions within the Black diaspora & community. In the first episode, I will be meeting with fellow JMU Duke, and long-time friend, Dr. Marilyn Bibbs Freeman, Assistant Laboratory Director for a facility in Virginia. Dr. Bibbs Freeman has spent most of her career working with and diagnosing viruses and immunology. She has experience in bioterrorism, chemical terrorism, environmental protection, and much more. Dr. Bibbs Freeman has degrees in Biology from JMU, her M.S. in Medical Technology, and her PhD. in Public Health, with a concentration in Epidemiology. In short... Marilyn knows her SH*T, and is prepared to give us the facts and the information to support what many of us are feeling when it comes to COVID and the impending vaccine. Please spread the word.

It's been a long time, I shouldn't have left you... cliche, I know. I took some time away from the podcast for a few reasons. I didn't think my voice was loud enough. I didn't think enough people were listening. I didn't think I was "famous" or influential enough for my message to be meaningful. No woe is me, here... but it's my truth. I'm returning because... another cliche... if not me, then who? I've been actively working to create a platform and space for over 14 years with the writing of my poem "The Idea of Manhood." I've been actively engaging men and women on this idea for much of my adult life. Now, more than ever it's not only important, it's imperative for our communities. I'll go more into my recent thoughts about the idea of manhood throughout this season. I guess it's season 6 time. Keep tuning in. I'm working hard to create a regular schedule for live video and audio drops. Peace.

Thank you for tuning in. In this episode I reflect on a monumental parenting decision my mom made for me when I was 15 years old. It was so impactful, and I am so thankful that she “made” me do this thing that I question my ability as a father to be sure when to exert my monumental parenting skill set. Is there a skill set? Scary!

Embracing Failure - Redefining , reclaiming, and repurposing the power and humanity within our failures. Connecting with one another through our attempts at perfection; and reminding ourselves that failure is kin to forgiveness and healing.

A Bumbling Rambling Mess of an Episode about Feelings, I think. I literally went through a creative block in the middle of this 15 minute episode. I think the episode is about generational differences and emotional intelligence. Maybe.

In this episode, I reflect on my time this weekend at my college’s homecoming. James Madison University is the proving ground for the early stages of my own development as a man. Through the weekend, many conversations led to the new Kanye West project. Through a conversation with a group of brothers... about Kanye West... I had one of those moments that took my breath away. Tune in to hear more.