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Episode Summary

What if men's healing isn't really about men at all?

In the Season One finale of the Men's Healing Network Podcast, host Vincent Perez welcomes Fernell Miller and Dr. Jen Self for a profound conversation about what lies Beyond the Patriarchy. Together, they explore how systems of domination shape every aspect of our lives—and why genuine healing requires more than changing individual behaviors. It requires reclaiming our shared humanity.

Drawing from decades of experience in racial justice, education, leadership development, and community healing, Fernell and Jen challenge us to move beyond rigid ideas of masculinity and embrace a more courageous, compassionate way of being. They discuss identity, belonging, accountability, truth-telling, and the transformative power of community, reminding us that healing is not a destination but a lifelong practice.

As the Men's Healing Network wraps up its first season, this conversation serves as both a culmination of the themes explored throughout the series and an invitation to continue the work together.

Show Notes

Throughout Season One, we've explored friendship, grief, fatherhood, vulnerability, accountability, and the communities that help us heal. In this season finale, we zoom out to examine the larger systems that shape our lives—and how moving beyond them opens the door to deeper freedom.

In this episode, Vincent is joined by Fernell Miller, founder and CEO of The Root of Us, and Dr. Jen Self, principal strategist at Brick 13. Together they discuss:

• Why patriarchy harms people of every gender—not just men
• The relationship between personal healing and collective liberation
• How racial justice, gender justice, and men's healing intersect
• The importance of belonging, identity, and telling the truth about ourselves
• Why love is an intentional practice rather than simply an emotion
• Building communities rooted in accountability instead of domination
• How curiosity, compassion, and courageous conversations create lasting change
• What it means to become more fully human

Whether you're a man seeking your own path toward healing, someone who loves a man on that journey, or simply interested in creating healthier relationships and communities, this conversation offers wisdom, challenge, and hope.

About Our Guests

Fernell Miller is the founder and CEO of The Root of Us, where she works with educators, policymakers, and community leaders to advance racial justice through facilitation, coaching, healing circles, and transformative leadership. With more than 40 years of experience in public education, her work centers belonging, identity, and community healing.

Dr. Jen Self is the principal strategist at Brick 13, a coach, educator, consultant, and licensed clinical social worker whose work focuses on intersectional racial and gender justice. They help leaders and organizations build cultures grounded in courage, authenticity, and collective liberation.

Resources
Learn more about Fernell Miller and The Root of Us:
https://therootofus.com

Learn more about Dr. Jen Self and Brick 13:
https://brick13.com

Connect with the Men's Healing Network:
[Insert website]

Credits
Host: Vincent Perez

Producer: Tom Keppeler

Marketing Support: Dee Enriquez

Made possible through the generous support of the Choice Regional Health Network.