S.M.I.L.E-ing Boys Podcast

The Season One Finale episode of the S.M.I.L.E-ing Boys Podcast that explores the 8 Pillars of Happiness - Trust, Togetherness & Belonging, Health (Mental & Physical), Freedom, Security, Purpose, Money & Wealth and Democracy as it pertains to Black boys, and the wider black experience.The host, Kay Rufai ( https://www.instagram.com/universoulartist/ ) recaps the themes explored in the last 15 week, drawing on the key actions uncovered in the previous episodes.Support the S.M.I.L.E-ing Boys Project to engage with 100 more black boys across 5 schools in London through our crowdfunding campaign here ( https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/smile-ing-boys-project )Read the Guardian opinion piece about Kay Rufai and his work on challenging stereotypes of Black boys in the society (https://www.theguardian.com/global/2020/mar/18/photographs-black-teenage-boys-prejudice-stereotypes )Check out the Guardian Photo Gallery of the S.M.I.L.E-ing Boys Project ( https://www.theguardian.com/world/gallery/2020/mar/18/portraits-black-teenagers-south-london-mental-health )

The Fifteenth episode of the S.M.I.L.E-ing Boys Podcast that explores 1 of the 8 Pillars of Happiness - Togetherness & Belonging, as it pertains to Black boys and the myth of the absent Black father. In this episode, I explore the statistics with nuance and engage in the underlying systems and factors that make for skewed perspectives in the political discourse on this topic.The host, Kay Rufai ( https://www.instagram.com/universoulartist/ ) explores using his happiness research from the top 5 happiest countries ( You can download the report here; https://mailchi.mp/faddab9bb9a1/pdf-delivery ), historical and contemporary data, anecdotes and live accounts from the boys.This episode features audio from young black boys who have participated in the S.M.I.L.E-ing. Boys Project in the last 18 months exploring their honest responses to the idea of role models and presence or lack-thereof of fathers in their lives.Read the Guardian opinion piece about Kay Rufai and his work on challenging stereotypes of Black boys in the society (https://www.theguardian.com/global/2020/mar/18/photographs-black-teenage-boys-prejudice-stereotypes )Check out the Guardian Photo Gallery of the S.M.I.L.E-ing Boys Project ( https://www.theguardian.com/world/gallery/2020/mar/18/portraits-black-teenagers-south-london-mental-health )

The Fourteenth episode of the S.M.I.L.E-ing Boys Podcast that explores 1 of the 8 Pillars of Happiness - Togetherness & Belonging, as it pertains to Black boys and the impacts of role models vs mentors in their lives. In this episode, I explore the argument for and against role models while digging into the nuances of role models and mentors.The host, Kay Rufai ( https://www.instagram.com/universoulartist/ ) explores using his happiness research from the top 5 happiest countries ( You can download the report here; https://mailchi.mp/faddab9bb9a1/pdf-delivery ), historical and contemporary data, anecdotes and live accounts from the boys.This episode features audio from young black boys who have participated in the S.M.I.L.E-ing. Boys Project in the last 18 months exploring their honest responses to the idea of role models in their lives.Read the Guardian opinion piece about Kay Rufai and his work on challenging stereotypes of Black boys in the society (https://www.theguardian.com/global/2020/mar/18/photographs-black-teenage-boys-prejudice-stereotypes )Check out the Guardian Photo Gallery of the S.M.I.L.E-ing Boys Project ( https://www.theguardian.com/world/gallery/2020/mar/18/portraits-black-teenagers-south-london-mental-health )

The Thirteenth episode of the S.M.I.L.E-ing Boys Podcast that explores 1 of the 8 Pillars of Happiness - Purpose, as it pertains to Black boys navigating through the society in pursuit of what their purpose - for coming to school, in contribution to the society and in life generally. In this episode, I explore the Japanese concept of "ikigai' which details 4 key components to navigate us to our purpose.The host, Kay Rufai ( https://www.instagram.com/universoulartist/ ) explores using his happiness research from the top 5 happiest countries ( You can download the report here; https://mailchi.mp/faddab9bb9a1/pdf-delivery ), historical and contemporary data, anecdotes and live accounts from the boys through a simple prompt - 'If you could do anything in life that will bring you joy and make you money, what would it be?'This episode features audio from young black boys who have participated in the S.M.I.L.E-ing. Boys Project in the last 18 months exploring their honest responses to the prompt question.Read the Guardian opinion piece about Kay Rufai and his work on challenging stereotypes of Black boys in the society (https://www.theguardian.com/global/2020/mar/18/photographs-black-teenage-boys-prejudice-stereotypes )Check out the Guardian Photo Gallery of the S.M.I.L.E-ing Boys Project ( https://www.theguardian.com/world/gallery/2020/mar/18/portraits-black-teenagers-south-london-mental-health )Ikigai - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zxj3P0enJNQ&t=185s

The Twelfth episode of the S.M.I.L.E-ing Boys Podcast that explores 1 of the 8 Pillars of Happiness - Freedom, as it pertains to Black boys navigating through the society with 'Masks' is here. In this episode, I explore the concept of 'Masks' worn by black boys in the society and how this could lead to the psychological theory of 'The Fragmented Self' as a whole,The host, Kay Rufai ( https://www.instagram.com/universoulartist/ ) explores using his happiness research from the top 5 happiest countries ( You can download the report here; https://mailchi.mp/faddab9bb9a1/pdf-delivery ), historical and contemporary data, anecdotes and live accounts from the boys through an exercise created by Ashanti Branch exploring the concept of Masks.This episode features audio from young black boys who have participated in the S.M.I.L.E-ing. Boys Project in the last 18 months exploring their thoughts on the masks they wear - the outward facing side nd the side they don't show, leading to interesting revelations as a result.Read the Guardian opinion piece about Kay Rufai and his work on challenging stereotypes of Black boys in the society (https://www.theguardian.com/global/2020/mar/18/photographs-black-teenage-boys-prejudice-stereotypes )Check out the Guardian Photo Gallery of the S.M.I.L.E-ing Boys Project ( https://www.theguardian.com/world/gallery/2020/mar/18/portraits-black-teenagers-south-london-mental-health )Ashanti Branch - The Mask you live in - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-jaVm7fQ4m4The Fragmented Self - http://wgst.athabascau.ca/awards/broberts/forms/Jules.pdfCheckout the Artist - Kay Rufai's website - www.universoulartist.com

The eleventh episode of the S.M.I.L.E-ing Boys Podcast that explores 1 of the 8 Pillars of Happiness - Money & Wealth, as it pertains to black boys and the society as a whole is here. In this episode, I explore a specific question ' How easy is it to make £100?' to the 13yr old black boys, exploring some of the avenues readily accessible to them.The host, Kay Rufai ( https://www.instagram.com/universoulartist/ ) explores using his happiness research from the top 5 happiest countries ( You can download the report here; https://mailchi.mp/faddab9bb9a1/pdf-delivery ), historical and contemporary data, anecdotes and lived experiences to give a much more nuanced insight into the discussion.This episode features audio from young black boys who have participated in the S.M.I.L.E-ing. Boys Project in the last 18 months exploring their thoughts on how easy it is to make £100 and it's direct correlation with crimes and youth violence. This episode challenges us to interrogate our relationship with money and capitalism and how this permeates through our art, media and normalised existence.Read the Guardian opinion piece about Kay Rufai and his work on challenging stereotypes of Black boys in the society (https://www.theguardian.com/global/2020/mar/18/photographs-black-teenage-boys-prejudice-stereotypes )Check out the Guardian Photo Gallery of the S.M.I.L.E-ing Boys Project ( https://www.theguardian.com/world/gallery/2020/mar/18/portraits-black-teenagers-south-london-mental-health )Checkout the Artist - Kay Rufai's website - www.universoulartist.com

The tenth episode of the S.M.I.L.E-ing Boys Podcast that explores 1 of the 8 Pillars of Happiness - Money & Wealth, as it pertains to black boys and the society as a whole is here. In this episode, I explore the age old question ' Does Money Equal happiness?' using research and anecdotal experiences of the young black boys as insightful case studies.The host, Kay Rufai ( https://www.instagram.com/universoulartist/ ) explores using his happiness research from the top 5 happiest countries ( You can download the report here; https://mailchi.mp/faddab9bb9a1/pdf-delivery ), historical and contemporary data, anecdotes and lived experiences to give a much more nuanced insight into the discussion.This episode features a audio from young black boys who have participated in the S.M.I.L.E-ing. Boys Project in the last 18 months exploring their thoughts on money and it's impact on their life's purpose.Read the Guardian opinion piece about Kay Rufai and his work on challenging stereotypes of Black boys in the society (https://www.theguardian.com/global/2020/mar/18/photographs-black-teenage-boys-prejudice-stereotypes )Check out the Guardian Photo Gallery of the S.M.I.L.E-ing Boys Project ( https://www.theguardian.com/world/gallery/2020/mar/18/portraits-black-teenagers-south-london-mental-health )Checkout the Artist - Kay Rufai's website - www.universoulartist.com

The ninth episode of the S.M.I.L.E-ing Boys Podcast that explores 1 of the 8 Pillars of Happiness - Freedom, as it pertains to black people, black boys and the society as a whole is here. In this episode, I explore the socialisation of homophobia & transphobia as a by product of patriarchy to black boys and how this relates to the current global revolution of 'All Black Lives Matter'.The host, Kay Rufai ( https://www.instagram.com/universoulartist/ ) explores using his happiness research from the top 5 happiest countries ( You can download the report here; https://mailchi.mp/faddab9bb9a1/pdf-delivery ), historical and contemporary data, anecdotes and lived experiences, to highlight the anti-black homo/transphobia prevalent in black communities through culture, religion and post-colonial anti-blackness in our communities . It details key stats, recommendations and calls to action for individuals - Black men specifically, men, women and non binary folks.This episode features a audio from young black boys who have participated in the S.M.I.L.E-ing. Boys Project in the last 18 months exploring their thoughts on homosexuality.Read the Guardian opinion piece about Kay Rufai and his work on challenging stereotypes of Black boys in the society (https://www.theguardian.com/global/2020/mar/18/photographs-black-teenage-boys-prejudice-stereotypes )Check out the Guardian Photo Gallery of the S.M.I.L.E-ing Boys Project ( https://www.theguardian.com/world/gallery/2020/mar/18/portraits-black-teenagers-south-london-mental-health )Checkout the Artist - Kay Rufai's website - www.universoulartist.comNational Centre for institutional diversity report - https://medium.com/national-center-for-institutional-diversity/hearing-the-queer-roots-of-black-lives-matter-2e69834a65cdSunahta D Jones research Thesis; Ain't I a Woman, Too? Depictions of Toxic Femininity, Transmisogynoir, and Violence -https://scholarcommons.usf.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=9015&context=etd

The eight episode of the S.M.I.L.E-ing Boys Podcast that explores 1 of the 8 Pillars of Happiness - Freedom, as it pertains to Black people, black boys and the society as a whole is here. In this episode, I explore the theme of freedom or lack thereof, set against the current backdrop of Black Lives Matter protests in the America and the UK as it impacts on black people in general across multiple structures in the society as well as directly for black boys in the society - from education, to criminal justice, mental health and interpersonal interactions.The host, Kay Rufai ( https://www.instagram.com/universoulartist/ ) explores using his happiness research from the top 5 happiest countries ( You can download the report here; https://mailchi.mp/faddab9bb9a1/pdf-delivery ), historical and contemporary data, anecdotes and lived experiences, to construct an insightful account of black experiences with the denial of racism in the UK . It details key stats, recommendations and calls to action for individuals, corporates and institutions. This episode features a audio from young black boys who have participated in the S.M.I.L.E-ing. Boys Project in the last 18 months detailing their experiences in relation to the pillar of Freedom in their everyday lives.Read the Guardian opinion piece about Kay Rufai and his work on challenging stereotypes of Black boys in the society (https://www.theguardian.com/global/2020/mar/18/photographs-black-teenage-boys-prejudice-stereotypes )Check out the Guardian Photo Gallery of the S.M.I.L.E-ing Boys Project ( https://www.theguardian.com/world/gallery/2020/mar/18/portraits-black-teenagers-south-london-mental-health )Checkout the Artist - Kay Rufai's website - www.universoulartist.com

The seventh episode of the S.M.I.L.E-ing Boys Podcast that explores 1 of the 8 Pillars of Happiness - Freedom, as it pertains to Black people, black boys and the society as a whole is here. In this episode, I explore the theme of freedom or lack thereof, set against the current backdrop of Black Lives Matter protests in the America and the UK as it impacts on black people in general across multiple structures in the society as well as directly for black boys in the society - from education, to criminal justice, mental health and interpersonal interactions.The host, Kay Rufai ( https://www.instagram.com/universoulartist/ ) explores using his happiness research from the top 5 happiest countries ( You can download the report here; https://mailchi.mp/faddab9bb9a1/pdf-delivery ), historical and contemporary data, anecdotes and lived experiences, to construct an insightful account of black experiences with the denial of racism in the UK . It details key stats, recommendations and calls to action for individuals, corporates and institutions. This unique episode features a recited text from a young boy that participated in the S.M.I.L.E-ing Boys classroom workshops with Kay Rufai recounting his experience of racism via the hands of the police in the last two days in London.Read the Guardian opinion piece about Kay Rufai and his work on challenging stereotypes of Black boys in the society (https://www.theguardian.com/global/2020/mar/18/photographs-black-teenage-boys-prejudice-stereotypes )Check out the Guardian Photo Gallery of the S.M.I.L.E-ing Boys Project ( https://www.theguardian.com/world/gallery/2020/mar/18/portraits-black-teenagers-south-london-mental-health )Checkout the Artist - Kay Rufai's website - www.universoulartist.comHere are some great organisations doing incredible work in these arenas:4Front ProjectMovement for Justice By Any Means NecessaryThe United Families & Friends Campaign Black Lives Matter UK gal-demUnited BordersMentivity56 Black menResource for white people;Reading List 70 strategies that white people in the UK can adopt to fight for racial injustice - ( https://agatapacho.wordpress.com/2020/06/02/70-strategies-that-white-people-in-the-uk-can-adopt-to-fight-racial-injustice/ )Watch & Subscribe on Youtube and share the S.M.I.L.Es

The sixth episode of the S.M.I.L.E-ing Boys Podcast that explores 1 of the 8 Pillars of Happiness - Togetherness & Belonging, as it pertains to young people, black boys and the society as a whole is here. In this episode, I explore the theme of togetherness & belonging as it pertains to the experiences of racism, unconscious biases faced by black boys, black and minority ethnic people while accessing these spaces. The host, Kay Rufai ( https://www.instagram.com/universoulartist/ ) explores using his happiness research from the top 5 happiest countries ( You can download the report here; https://mailchi.mp/faddab9bb9a1/pdf-delivery ), how to create a much more diverse and inclusive representation, leading to much more welcoming experiences in these spaces. It details specific negative experiences at the Tate and recommendations for institutions to address the issues.The episode features audio clips from young boys that participated in the S.M.I.L.E-ing Boys classroom workshops with Kay Rufai exploring their thoughts on their widely negative experiences while visiting the museum.Read the Guardian opinion piece about Kay Rufai and his work on challenging stereotypes of Black boys in the society (https://www.theguardian.com/global/2020/mar/18/photographs-black-teenage-boys-prejudice-stereotypes )Check out the Guardian Photo Gallery of the S.M.I.L.E-ing Boys Project ( https://www.theguardian.com/world/gallery/2020/mar/18/portraits-black-teenagers-south-london-mental-health )Checkout the Artist - Kay Rufai's website - www.universoulartist.comHere's some further research around happiness for your perusalReferenced research Happy Danes report - (https://www.happinessresearchinstitute.com/publications)'Round house - Self Made Sector report ( https://roundhouse-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/assets/File/14972.pdf )Watch & Subscribe on Youtube and share the S.M.I.L.Es

The fifth episode of the S.M.I.L.E-ing Boys Podcast that explores 1 of the 8 Pillars of Happiness - Health (Mental), as it pertains to young people, black boys and the society as a whole is here. In this episode, I explore the theme of security as it pertains to black boys, black and Minority ethnic groups through education & healthcare and how COVID-19 disproportionately impacts these groups in our society.The host, Kay Rufai ( https://www.instagram.com/universoulartist/ ) explores using his happiness research from the top 5 happiest countries ( You can download the report here; https://mailchi.mp/faddab9bb9a1/pdf-delivery ), how to best create a more equal structure for these young boys, as well as ourselves in the society, both on a micro and macro level.The episode features audio clips from young boys that participated in the S.M.I.L.E-ing Boys classroom workshops with Kay Rufai exploring their thoughts on the different experiences in security through an equality exercise.Read the Guardian opinion piece about Kay Rufai and his work on challenging stereotypes of Black boys in the society (https://www.theguardian.com/global/2020/mar/18/photographs-black-teenage-boys-prejudice-stereotypes )Check out the Guardian Photo Gallery of the S.M.I.L.E-ing Boys Project ( https://www.theguardian.com/world/gallery/2020/mar/18/portraits-black-teenagers-south-london-mental-health )Checkout the Artist - Kay Rufai's website - www.universoulartist.comHere's some further research around happiness for your perusalReferenced research Happy Danes report - (https://www.happinessresearchinstitute.com/publications)'Be Worried About Boys' research piece ( https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/blog/moral-landscapes/201701/be-worried-about-boys-especially-baby-boys )Watch & Subscribe on Youtube and share the S.M.I.L.Es

The fourth episode of the S.M.I.L.E-ing Boys Podcast that explores 1 of the 8 Pillars of Happiness - Health (Mental), as it pertains to young people, black boys and the society as a whole. In this episode, the theme Mental Health as it pertains to black boys and black men, what the stats say, and how this plays out in the schools, criminal justice system, health care and mental health services.The host, Kay Rufai ( https://www.instagram.com/universoulartist/ ) explores using his happiness research from the top 5 happiest countries ( You can download the report here; https://mailchi.mp/faddab9bb9a1/pdf-delivery ), how to best support these young boys, as well as ourselves in a bid to improve our mental well-being. The episode features audio clips from young boys that participated in the S.M.I.L.E-ing Boys classroom workshops with Kay Rufai exploring their experiences with mental health (positive and negative) and how best to be supported through it.Read the Guardian opinion piece about Kay Rufai and his work on challenging stereotypes of Black boys in the society (https://www.theguardian.com/global/2020/mar/18/photographs-black-teenage-boys-prejudice-stereotypes )Check out the Guardian Photo Gallery of the S.M.I.L.E-ing Boys Project ( https://www.theguardian.com/world/gallery/2020/mar/18/portraits-black-teenagers-south-london-mental-health )Checkout the Artist - Kay Rufai's website - www.universoulartist.comHere's some further research around happiness for your perusalArticles referencedCentre For Mental Health Report School Exclusions and Mental health impact'Be Worried About Boys' research piece ( https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/blog/moral-landscapes/201701/be-worried-about-boys-especially-baby-boys )Watch & Subscribe on Youtube and share the S.M.I.L.Es

The third episode of the S.M.I.L.E-ing Boys Podcast that explores 1 of the 8 Pillars of Happiness - Togetherness & Belonging, as it pertains to young people, black boys and the society as a whole. In this episode, the theme of boys and men hugging is explored as it pertains to self expression - licence and freedom to show emotions, displays of affection being policed in boys through a myriad of agents such as patriarchy & limited views of masculinityThe host, Kay Rufai ( https://www.instagram.com/universoulartist/ ) explores using his happiness research from the top 5 happiest countries ( You can download the report here; https://mailchi.mp/faddab9bb9a1/pdf-delivery ), how the parameters of togetherness & belonging for boys are ring-fenced by patriarchal structures that prescribe restricted forms of expression, physical touch and exuberance.The episode features audio clips from young boys that participated in the S.M.I.L.E-ing Boys classroom workshops with Kay Rufai exploring their thoughts on showing affection to other boys and the negative stigmas attached to it by thier peers and the society as a whole. These form the anchor for the episode. Read the Guardian opinion piece about Kay Rufai and his work on challenging stereotypes of Black boys in the society (https://www.theguardian.com/global/2020/mar/18/photographs-black-teenage-boys-prejudice-stereotypes )Check out the Guardian Photo Gallery of the S.M.I.L.E-ing Boys Project ( https://www.theguardian.com/world/gallery/2020/mar/18/portraits-black-teenagers-south-london-mental-health )Checkout the Artist - Kay Rufai's website - www.universoulartist.comHere's some further research around happiness for your perusal'Be Worried About Boys' research piece ( https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/blog/moral-landscapes/201701/be-worried-about-boys-especially-baby-boys )Books Referenced - Bell Hooks - The Will To Change ( https://www.amazon.co.uk/Will-Change-Men-Masculinity-Love/dp/0743456084 )JJ Bola - Mask Off ( https://amzn.to/2WowmaL )Terrence Real - I Don't Want To Talk About It ( https://amzn.to/2WpPYve )(https://www.happinessresearchinstitute.com/publications)Watch & Subscribe on Youtube and share the S.M.I.L.Es

The second episode of the S.M.I.L.E-ing Boys Podcast that explores 1 of the 8 Pillars of Happiness - Togetherness & Belonging, as it pertains to young people, black boys and the society as a whole.The host, Kay Rufai ( https://www.instagram.com/universoulartist/ ) explores using his happiness research from the top 5 happiest countries ( You can download the report here; https://mailchi.mp/faddab9bb9a1/pdf-delivery ), how the quest for togetherness & belonging could lead to ideas of false loyalty that can be weaponised for coercion of young people into not 'snitching' and protecting the honour of exploitative figures.The episode features audio clips from young boys that participated in the S.M.I.L.E-ing Boys classroom workshops with Kay Rufai exploring their thoughts on snitching - why they won't condone it or why they should?. These form the anchor for the episode. Read the Guardian opinion piece about Kay Rufai and his work on challenging stereotypes of Black boys in the society (https://www.theguardian.com/global/2020/mar/18/photographs-black-teenage-boys-prejudice-stereotypes )Check out the Guardian Photo Gallery of the S.M.I.L.E-ing Boys Project ( https://www.theguardian.com/world/gallery/2020/mar/18/portraits-black-teenagers-south-london-mental-health )Checkout the Artist - Kay Rufai's website - www.universoulartist.comHere's some further research around happiness for your perusal(https://www.happinessresearchinstitute.com/publications)Watch & Subscribe on Youtube and share the S.M.I.L.Es

The first episode of the S.M.I.L.E-ING Boys Podcast that explores 1 of the 8 Pillars of Happiness - Trust, as it pertains to young people, black boys and the society as a whole.The host, Kay Rufai ( https://www.instagram.com/universoulartist/ ) explores using his happiness research from the top 5 happiest countries ( You can download the report here; https://mailchi.mp/faddab9bb9a1/pdf-delivery ), how trust impacts the happiness of young black boys, how we can begin to challenge the structures that exist in the society ( school, criminal justice system, police, health care ) which foster a lack of trust as it pertains to this demographic. The episode features audio clips from young boys that participated in the S.M.I.L.E-ing Boys classroom workshops with Kay Rufai exploring their thoughts on trust - who they do and don't trust. These form the anchor for the episode.Read the Guardian opinion piece about Kay Rufai and his work on challenging stereotypes of Black boys in the society (https://www.theguardian.com/global/2020/mar/18/photographs-black-teenage-boys-prejudice-stereotypes )Check out the Guardian Photo Gallery of the S.M.I.L.E-ing Boys Project ( https://www.theguardian.com/world/gallery/2020/mar/18/portraits-black-teenagers-south-london-mental-health )Checkout the Artist - Kay Rufai's website - www.universoulartist.comHere's some further research around happiness for your perusal(https://www.happinessresearchinstitute.com/publications)Subscribe and share the S.M.I.L.Es