What happens when someone falls through the cracks of our systems? When traditional pathways fail, where do people turn? Racheal Chantel faced these questions head-on and decided to build a solution from the ground up.

In this powerful conversation, Racheal shares her remarkable journey from commercial construction management to founding Mane Up Memphis, a revolutionary approach to mental health support. After returning to Memphis and experiencing the pandemic's forced pause, Rachel began noticing how intentionally designed gaps in our systems keep vulnerable people trapped. "People falling through a gap is a system that's built intentional," she explains. "That's how you keep the rich rich and the poor poor, and it's very expensive to be poor."

Through graduate studies in urban planning and public administration, Racheal discovered what she calls "the cheat code to the matrix" – understanding how these systems function but fail to serve everyone. This knowledge became both a burden and a catalyst. When traditional therapy helped her process these realizations, she understood that mental health access was the missing link for many trapped in cycles of struggle.

What makes Mane Up Memphis different is its approach to mental health as infrastructure rather than just another service. Instead of waiting years for policy changes, Racheal built something to help those who need support right now. Whether it's domestic violence victims who fall between law enforcement and family court jurisdictions or individuals without resources for therapy, Mane Up Memphis creates immediate pathways to safety and healing.

The name itself carries deep cultural significance, drawing from Memphis's unique local language and community spirit. "I wanted to make sure that the culture wasn't lost," Racheal shares. This grassroots authenticity has helped the organization's rapid growth and acceptance across Memphis.

Ready to be part of something transformative? Visit madeupmemphis.org to learn more about volunteering, attending workshops, or supporting this vital work. As we say at Mane Up Memphis: leave the baggage, keep the change.

#ManeUpMemphis

The numbers hit like a sledgehammer: 30% of men will face depression, yet most of us were taught to "shake it off" by age six. In this powerful episode, licensed therapist and Certified Financial Social Worker, Joey reveals why men's mental health demands our urgent attention this June.

Joey dives into the devastating disconnect between mental health statistics and society's expectations of masculinity. When we're conditioned to bench press feelings instead of expressing them, the consequences manifest through physical health problems, substance use, broken relationships, and alarming suicide rates. But there's hope on the horizon through community-centered approaches that meet men exactly where they are.

This episode spotlights the upcoming Heart and Soul: Men's Wellness Collective - a groundbreaking collaboration between ManeUp Memphis and Baptist Hospital happening June 21st at the AgriCenter International Expo Center from 8:30-2:00 PM. Attendees will receive free health screenings, expert guidance from cardiologists and psychologists, and practical workshops teaching accessible tools for mental wellness. Joey shares his personal journey as a veteran who once "stuffed fear into a rucksack" until therapy and genuine brotherhood saved his life, demonstrating that healing is possible when we let go of outdated notions of toughness.

Whether you're struggling yourself or supporting someone who is, this episode offers a refreshing, shame-free approach to men's mental health. Register for the free event through our show notes, and remember - mental health isn't a solo sport. Share this episode, subscribe for more insights, and join the ManeUp Memphis community where you can leave the baggage and keep the change.

https://www.baptistonline.org/heart-and-soul

https://maps.app.goo.gl/CVbgLzpEUVj85m8p8

Mane Up Memphis Podcast serves up practical therapy insights, financial-empowerment tips, and inspiring local stories—straight from the nonprofit that says “wrap-around support or bust.” Hosted by LMSW & CFSW Joseph Laswell. New episodes every Tuesday.