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Seven months and 35 episodes deep into this journey, Manhood Matters has evolved into something truly special – a sacred space for authentic conversations through a Black male lens. Most podcasts never make it past episode 7, yet here we stand, growing stronger each week because of listeners like you who tune in, share feedback, and make these conversations matter.

Today's episode takes a moment to express profound gratitude while revisiting some of our most impactful discussions. From exploring how father-son relationships shape our parenting in episode 2, to challenging the myth of Black resilience in our mental health conversations, these discussions have created ripples far beyond our recording sessions. Remember when we tackled whether men can be faithful? Or when we unpacked generational trauma with Mark Montblazier, examining how patterns established during slavery continue affecting our relationships today? These conversations aren't just podcasts—they're gateways to healing and growth.

I'm incredibly excited to announce next week's special guest: Georgia gubernatorial candidate Derek Jackson. This military veteran turned state representative brings a fascinating journey from humble beginnings to political leadership. We'll explore the man behind the campaign, his core values, and his vision not just for Georgia but for leadership in these critical times. Whether you're politically engaged or not, this conversation promises to deliver profound insights on service, purpose, and authentic leadership. While I deeply appreciate your listenership, I have two small requests: take 30 seconds to leave a review, and share an episode that resonated with someone who might benefit. This is how we grow—one conversation at a time. Remember, manhood isn't about age; it's about action.

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Music by Liam Weisner

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*** Warning: This episode mentions su!cide, addiction, & mental illness ***

What happens when a man faces his demons head-on after three decades of alcoholism? Kenneth "Sober Scooter" Reddick II, reveals his extraordinary journey from the depths of addiction to becoming a beacon of hope for Black men struggling with mental health challenges.

Scooter's story begins with raw vulnerability as he recounts surviving three suicide attempts while under the influence. "I was in a situation where I just felt nobody cared and I just didn't want to be here," he shares. The turning point came on February 2, 2022—a date with angelic significance (2-2-22)—when Scooter embraced sobriety and discovered his true purpose in helping others heal.

Through his Brothers Brunch Foundation, Scooter champions a revolutionary approach to mental wellness. "Every time we say mental health in the Black community, everybody wants to say nothing's wrong with me," he explains. That's why he focuses on "mental health fitness"—teaching men to strengthen their minds like muscles to better handle life's challenges. His five principles—sleep, breathing, meditation, exercise, and therapy—form the backbone of this proactive approach.

Most powerfully, Scooter addresses the unique burdens Black men carry: "It's five to six generations of unhealed birth trauma." This generational weight requires intentional healing, which begins with self-care. "Put your oxygen mask on first," he advises, challenging the notion that seeking help shows weakness. Through his work with fathers and sons, he's "bridging the generational gap of mental health awareness," teaching that "you can't cuss, fuss, or beat you out of your child."

Scooter's wisdom culminates in a profound truth: "Triggering is lessened when healing is increased." His transformation from seeking everyone's approval to finding peace within himself offers hope to anyone struggling with addiction or mental health challenges. As he puts it, "When we find our purpose, we find our peace."

Ready to prioritize your mental fitness? Visit brothersbrunchfoundation.com to learn how you can support this vital work or find resources for your own healing journey.

Please follow on IG: @brothersbrunchfoundationinc @soberscooter

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Host: StéphaneAlexandre
IG: @stephanealexandreofficial
Music by Liam Weisner

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(833) 878-3323

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"Forgiveness doesn't have to be you going to somebody and saying 'I forgive you.' Forgiveness is a choice you make." These powerful words from Mark Monplaisir cut to the heart of healing generational trauma in the Black community.

In this profound conversation, organizational psychologist and author Mark Monplaisir joins us to discuss his book "Strong Women, Fed Up Men, Defeated Sons, Broken Daughters: Healing Generational Pain." Mark shares his deeply personal journey of growing up without his biological father and the anger that consumed him until a therapist asked the transformative question: "Who are you punishing?" The answer wasn't his absent father—it was himself.

We explore how historical trauma from slavery continues to shape Black relationships today. Black men and women often view each other as sources of pain rather than partners in healing. Mark expertly breaks down how these dynamics play out in modern relationships, from expectations around providing and protecting to the different standards applied to interracial relationships. His guidance on moving from blame to understanding offers a pathway forward: "It's not your fault, but it is your responsibility."

The conversation dives into practical approaches to healing—creating safe spaces for vulnerability, practicing self-care without guilt, and engaging in honest dialogue with our children. Mark shares how he regularly asks his daughter, "What can I do to be a better dad?"—a simple yet powerful practice that transforms parent-child relationships. We discuss the balance between addressing structural barriers and taking personal responsibility for our healing journey.

Whether you're struggling with forgiveness, trying to break unhealthy relationship patterns, or seeking to create a healthier foundation for your children, this episode provides both the understanding and practical tools to move forward. Listen now and take the first step toward healing your generational pain.

Visit Mark’s website: About - Healing Vibes

Follow Mark on IG: https://www.instagram.com/authormomplaisir?igsh=MTJ2ZGZrdWpvNTFnaA==

Follow ZoEL Murphy on IG: https://www.instagram.com/reddog_murph?igsh=MWc3dnp4aXF5dWQ0OA==

Please support our guest by purchasing/ sharing his books:

https://a.co/d/ie31wWw

https://a.co/d/4kU8sAu

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We explore the complex relationship between Haiti and other Black communities while confronting how colonial narratives have created artificial divisions within the African diaspora.

• Examining the stigma Haitian-Americans faced growing up in the United States
• Understanding how media has consistently portrayed Haiti negatively to undermine its revolutionary legacy
• Uncovering Haiti's significance as the first free Black republic and how it threatened global white supremacy
• Learning about foreign interference in Haiti, including the American occupation from 1915-1934
• Discussing how classism within Black communities perpetuates division and mirrors colonial hierarchies
• Exploring how Haitians and other immigrants often arrive with prejudices against African-Americans
• Recognizing that Black unity requires understanding our shared history and identity beyond national borders
• Emphasizing that education about our interconnected past is essential to building solidarity

Please support us by following the show. Leave us a 5-star review on Apple Podcast. Thank you so much for listening. We'll catch you next week when we share conversations surrounding real issues we deal with every day. Manhood Matters we out.

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Email us at manhoodmatterspodcast@gmail.com
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Host: StéphaneAlexandre
IG: @stephanealexandreofficial
Music by Liam Weisner

Sponsored by www.OnsiteLabs.net
(833) 878-3323

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Vulnerability isn't something we often associate with fathers and sons, but in this raw, emotional episode, two dads and their 20-year-old sons break down those barriers completely. What happens when fathers ask their sons to grade their parenting performance, with nothing held back?

Jean-Jacques (JJ) and Stéphane (our host), who are cousins of the same age, both have sons born in April 2005 – Christian "Kiki" and Julien. Despite their parallel journeys, their paths diverged through divorce and different parenting arrangements. This conversation reveals the profound impact these circumstances had on their father-son relationships.

The young men don't hold back. They discuss what they wish had been different – from the desire for more emotional connection to wishing their fathers had pushed them harder in sports. Particularly moving is Julien's revelation about growing up primarily without his father after divorce, and how this created both appreciation for the time they did have and regret for what was missed. Kiki opens up about the communication difficulties that led him to feel isolated despite living with both parents.

What makes this conversation extraordinary isn't just the honesty, but the grace with which these young men view their fathers' imperfections. They acknowledge that their dads were navigating parenthood without a roadmap, often trying to break cycles from their own Haitian upbringing while figuring out the delicate balance between pushing their sons toward excellence and nurturing their emotional well-being.

The conversation culminates with both sons expressing how they envision their relationships evolving as they move deeper into adulthood – with hopes for friendship, mentorship, and continued growth together. Their insights offer a powerful template for how father-son relationships can mature and heal with honest communication.

Ready to examine your own parenting journey or understand your relationship with your father in a new light? This episode will inspire you to have the difficult, necessary conversations that lead to deeper connection and healing. Subscribe now and join us on this journey of authentic manhood.

Thank you for supporting us by following the show, leaving a five-star review on Apple Podcasts, and sharing with your family. We'll catch you next week when we share conversations surrounding real issues we deal with every day. Manhood Matters.

Support the show

Email us at manhoodmatterspodcast@gmail.com
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Host: StéphaneAlexandre
IG: @stephanealexandreofficial
Music by Liam Weisner

Sponsored by www.OnsiteLabs.net
(833) 878-3323

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What does it take to abandon the safe path and build a business from scratch in your early twenties? Vince Starrs (29) and Justin Bradford (22) reveal the raw truth behind their entrepreneurial journeys, from teenage side hustles to founding thriving tech companies.

These young founders share a refreshing perspective on success that challenges conventional wisdom. Rather than asking "what if I fail?" they've built their careers on the mindset of "even if it takes time, I'll succeed." Their stories debunk the myth that you need privileged backgrounds or extensive formal education to create wealth – instead, they emphasize the power of proximity to success, learning through action, and unwavering persistence.

The conversation takes a fascinating turn when they discuss their deliberate decision to remain single during these formative business years. "The best women are behind a paywall," Vince explains, suggesting that focusing on personal development first creates better relationship opportunities later. While potentially controversial, their perspective reveals a strategic approach to life planning that prioritizes long-term vision over immediate gratification.

Most compelling is their advice for aspiring entrepreneurs: isolation to hear your internal voice, learning to say no to distractions, identifying blue ocean opportunities, and embracing failure as essential education. Justin's insight that "we spend so much time listening to outside noises that we lose touch with our internal voices" serves as a powerful reminder for anyone feeling stuck or uncertain about their path.

Whether you're a young person contemplating entrepreneurship, someone considering a career pivot, or simply fascinated by the mindsets of successful founders, this episode offers practical wisdom and genuine inspiration from two individuals who've rejected conventional paths to create extraordinary results on their own terms.

RESOURCES:

Essentialism by Greg McKeown https://a.co/d/eMIUz62

Blue Ocean Strategy by Chan Kim & Renée Mauborgne https://a.co/d/73wJ8Rv

FOLLOW @vincestars & @justinthementor on IG

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Host: StéphaneAlexandre
IG: @stephanealexandreofficial
Music by Liam Weisner

Sponsored by www.OnsiteLabs.net
(833) 878-3323

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When a new self-appointed relationship "guru" begins racking up millions of views on social media with inflammatory advice about men, women, and money, the Manhood Matters team steps in to set the record straight. This episode dissects the dangerous trend of unqualified influencers who gain massive followings by pandering to relationship pain points and stoking gender wars for clicks.

The hosts draw a direct parallel to Derek Jackson—the previous relationship advisor who preached standards to women while mistreating his own wife—and unmask how these personalities profit from division. From claims that "no man with real money cares if she's a gold digger" to contradictory advice about texting behaviors, the team breaks down why these viral soundbites attract attention while damaging real relationships.

What makes this conversation particularly compelling is how the panel—featuring a therapist, a business owner married 23 years, and other relationship veterans—offers nuanced counterpoints from lived experience. They explore the difference between women desiring security versus being reduced to gold diggers, why financial provision should never equal ownership, and how the best relationships involve mutual contribution beyond money.

Most troublingly, they observe how these harmful messages primarily circulate within the Black community, potentially widening relationship divides rather than healing them. As one host powerfully notes: "I'm convinced social media is about making the human race regress."

Whether you're navigating your own relationship or concerned about the advice your loved ones are consuming online, this episode provides crucial perspective on distinguishing harmful clickbait from genuine relationship wisdom. Join us as we challenge toxic narratives and offer healthier frameworks for understanding partnership, provision, and mutual respect.

What relationship advice have you encountered online that seemed questionable? Share your thoughts and join our growing community of listeners seeking authentic conversations about manhood, relationships, and personal growth.

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Host: StéphaneAlexandre
IG: @stephanealexandreofficial
Music by Liam Weisner

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(833) 878-3323

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Most men never received proper instruction on the fundamentals of personal grooming. From skincare routines to cologne application, haircare to nail maintenance - these skills aren't intuitive, they're learned. When a woman complains about her partner's hygiene, it often signals a gap in knowledge rather than laziness.

At The Men's Refinery in Conyers, Georgia, owners Cedric Mews and Alvino Sanders have created a sanctuary where men can receive grooming services without the discomfort of traditional salons. This clothing and grooming lounge offers everything from haircuts and shaves to manicures, pedicures, custom clothing & shoes, and even features a members' area with a golf simulator - all designed specifically with men in mind.

Our fascinating conversation with Cedric, master barber Alvino Sanders, therapist Quentin Opong, and veteran Kelly Saunders explores how personal appearance affects both others' perception and self-confidence. We tackle sensitive topics like male baldness (and the psychological impact of hair loss), proper cologne application (hint: two spritzes, not a shower), and why those neglected feet matter more than you think. The experts share wisdom on building proper grooming rituals, finding authentic personal style beyond expensive brands, and teaching young men the self-care habits that build lifelong confidence.

Whether you're struggling with thinning hair, never had a proper skincare routine, or simply want to elevate your personal presentation, this episode delivers practical guidance from men who understand the intimate connection between grooming, confidence, and success. Your appearance speaks volumes before you say a word - make sure it's telling the right story. Follow us and leave a five-star review to support conversations that truly matter for modern men.

MEN’S REFINERY: 948 Railroad St NW, Conyers GA 30012

https://www.facebook.com/share/16t4N9qjCy/?mibextid=wwXIfr

https://www.instagram.com/themensrefinery_?igsh=MWlvZWg5eGhyOWg3OA==

ETSERVICEMEMBERS.ORG

Support the show

Email us at manhoodmatterspodcast@gmail.com
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Host: StéphaneAlexandre
IG: @stephanealexandreofficial
Music by Liam Weisner

Sponsored by www.OnsiteLabs.net
(833) 878-3323