What’s the mask you wear — and what’s hiding underneath it? In this episode of The Meaning of Men, we sit down with Ashanti Branch, founder of The Ever Forward Club and creator of the Million Mask Movement. Together, we explore the emotional worlds of boys and men — the parts we hide, the stories we tell ourselves, and what it takes to live with authenticity and purpose. Ashanti’s story begins in Oakland, California, where he grew up without a father and was told from a young age to “be the man of the house.” That early pressure to be strong and emotionless shaped his understanding of manhood — until years later, as a teacher, he began seeing the same patterns in his students: bright young men hiding behind masks of toughness, humour, and indifference. That realisation led him to start The Ever Forward Club, a space for boys to talk about what’s really going on beneath the surface. What began as a lunch group in one classroom has since become a global movement, inviting men everywhere to take off their masks and rediscover who they truly are. In this conversation, we dive deep into the emotional lives of men and boys — from the influence of online role models to the longing for safety, connection, and belonging. We explore how vulnerability and strength are not opposites, but partners — and how each of us can start creating spaces where honesty and compassion can thrive. Hear more from Ashanti: Website & Socials:EFC Website: https://everforwardclub.org/LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/the-ever-forward-clubFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/everforwardclubYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/@everforwardclubInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/everforwardclub/BookDiary of a Confused EducatorUpcoming EventsGlobal Young Men's Conference, Nov 8th: https://everforwardclub.org/global-young-mens-conference-2025    Timestamps: 05:15: The Ever Forward Program and Its Impact 08:10: Understanding the Masks We Wear 12:56: Emotional Struggles of Young Men 23:41: Navigating Expectations and Authenticity 24:35: The Influence of Online Figures on Young Men 29:17: The Power and Danger of Sound Bites 32:58: Understanding Addiction and Emotional Health 37:08: Messages of Hope and Finding Authentic Connections