Choose the path designed for your soul, not your pockets." In this episode of Service Titans, host Anton Taylor sits down with Detroit native Joshua Moore to explore his transition from a math degree to ethnic studies and full-time national service. Joshua breaks down how two educator parents shaped his foundation, how he navigated family pushback and low stipends during City Year, and why restorative practices are essential when Black male educators address classroom trauma. Plus, Joshua opens up about founding the NRDM Organization to honor his grandmothers and leading with radical transparency while living with bipolar disorder.

Key Highlights

• Detroit Roots & Educator Foundations: Raised on Detroit's East Side by two first-generation college graduates who instilled community-first values.

• Purpose Over Paycheck: Shifting from a lucrative math trajectory to ethnic studies and City Year despite financial concerns and family pushback.

• Restorative Practices & Trauma: How Black corps members can implement restorative care rather than punitive discipline when navigating classroom trauma.

• The "In Our DM" Legacy: Establishing a tutoring and scholarship project named in tribute to his grandmothers.

• Mental Health & Radical Transparency: Openly discussing his journey with bipolar disorder and prioritizing mental health during career transitions.

Connect & Resource Links

• Guest: Joshua Moore (LinkedIn)

• Host: Anton Taylor (LinkedIn)

• Community: Follow the ⁠Service Titans LinkedIn Page⁠ and subscribe to our podcast on Spotify.

Episode Chapters

• 00:00 – Welcome & Meet Joshua Moore

• 01:37 – Detroit Roots & Educational Foundations

• 03:16 – Mentors Who Believed First: Alan Washington & Anna Brown

• 05:54 – The Pivot: Choosing Purpose & Ethnic Studies Over Math

• 11:12 – Discovering City Year & Entering National Service

• 13:23 – Navigating Low Stipends & Family Pushback

• 16:47 – Representation, Restorative Practices & Classroom Trauma

• 21:00 – Direct Advice for Emerging Black Male Leaders

• 25:12 – Honoring Service Titans

• 32:46 – The "In Our DM" Project & Scholarship Legacy

• 38:35 – Closing Reflections & Mental Health Transparency

#ServiceTitans #CityYear #EducationEquity #RestorativePractices #BlackMaleLeadership #MentalHealthAwareness