The Idea of Manhood

What's next for The Idea of Manhood. Retooling. In the meantime, stop being iffy… More to come…

In this episode, Mike reflects on his recent accomplishment of defending his dissertation and earning his doctorate. He shares his feelings of imposter syndrome and the struggle to accept the honor and recognition that comes with this achievement. Mike discusses the importance of acknowledging personal accomplishments and the difficulty of being honored as a man, particularly as a black man. He uses this podcast as a form of therapy and processing his thoughts in real-time. Keywords: accomplishment, imposter syndrome, honor, recognition, personal growth, acceptance, therapy Takeaways: Imposter syndrome can affect even those who have achieved significant accomplishments. Acknowledging personal accomplishments and accepting recognition can be challenging. Being honored as a man, particularly as a black man, can be a complex experience. Using platforms like podcasts can serve as a form of therapy and a way to process thoughts and emotions.

In this episode, Mike reflects on the complexities of parenting older children and the lack of public narrative about raising teenagers and young adults. He discusses how social media has narrowed the gap between generations and the challenges of not taking their actions personally. Mike emphasizes the importance of trust and maintaining a strong connection with adult children, allowing them to come back when they need support. He also explores the role of fathers as emotional filters and the dynamics between moms and dads in parenting. Overall, the episode encourages parents to think about their approach to parenting older children.

Excuse the dog-walking comedic takes throughout this episode. Join me as I share some of the post-defense thoughts; specifically about encouraging myself to have some alone & me time after my defense, and just in general. The concept of “me” time is soft to me. But I think it's time to adjust and shift that narrative. Enjoy!

This got a little meta… but I'm having a conversation with myself about the complexities of being a son and a father and husband all at once. It's not unheard of for there to be challenges, but I'm simply processing my thoughts for y'all to see. Enjoy!

I've noticed something with myself over the past two or three years. I'm not even going to project and make the assumption that other men have experienced this. But I've noticed that in situations where I would normally speak up and be very vocal, that I have become silent. I'm not really sure why, and I don't really know if any of the rooms I am in are better with me being silent or with me being engaged and vocal. I'm assuming it's something in the middle. But it's definitely something I've noticed that I have taken on and that I am trying to be more mindful about. I think it's time for me to speak up more.

In this episode, I go into the details of demystifying the process of getting a colonoscopy. A lot of the things that we know about getting a colonoscopy, we know cognitively, but we may not know some of the realities of the process. As usual, I wanted to use some humor to Dummest the process For all the men out there that may be thinking and preparing to get a colonoscopy. Spread the word and let's make this as fun and digestible as possible.

If you know something that can help, share it. Make “Give It Away. Now!” your mantra. Whether it's a life hack, a job lead, or just some wisdom you've picked up along the way – pass it on. Let's make our community not just a group of people, but a powerhouse of shared knowledge and support.

Too often many of us are so worried about being a burden that we become the burden we aren't trying to be. In 2024 and beyond… be a burden!

What a journey this has been. My son Ellington verbally committed to play soccer in college in April, and it was quite a ride from start to finish. The process is both arduous and exciting. With that said, there are some questions we had along the way, and I thought I'd share my perspective on how the recruitment process is much aligned to the secondary and higher education process. Good luck and have a great day everyone!

This episode is special because it is (another) return to podcasting and it serves as my final exam for my EDU 765 - Conscious Leadership course at American University. In this episode I talk about fear, love, power and the four agreements as I process a very difficult transition from a previous employer. I am trying very hard to lead from my heart unapologetically. To say the things that need to be said with love bravery and authenticity. This conscious leader ship course has provided some powerful reading materials and reflection that I will use for a very long time. Thank you for listening. And shout out to Dr. Michele and Cohort 5!

Welcome to the Re Re Reboot. This is the 3rd time I've stopped and started my podcast... and there's a perfectly reasonable explanation. To my day ones; all tree a y'all... thank you for being here. If this is new to you... allow me to reintroduce myself. Thank you for joining the ride with me on the everlasting exploration of The Idea of Manhood. Spread the word...

In this episode I share a story of the time I worked at Howard university for six weeks. The story is almost 20 years old, but as I reflect on those times, there are more things in common than I could even imagine. The cycles in which we engage in life are truly fascinating to me. Are use this time to reflect on August 2002, in connection to July 2021. Come along with me on this journey.

In this episode I speak about the fear that some Black parents have of sharing how exceptional their children are. I share a story about how that fear has manifested within me over time. Please don't mistake my passion for anger in this episode. I really started preaching at the end.

I took some time immediately after the Verdict to share some reflections about willfully staying in joyous moments and our incessant need to prepare for the bullshit tomorrow.

We've known for a long time that the education system is broken. COVID has not only shined a light on this, but it's exposed every layer of the education system. Instead of trying to retrofit an old system into a dramatically new paradigm, it's time for some revolutionary thinking about how we educate and serve Black and brown children and their families and shift the narrative from graduation to liberation. Thank you to Cecily Darden Adams for thinking and living outside of the box with me. Check out Cecily's new non-profit, Learning Pathmakers, where she and her partner Michael Robbins are working to create a better future for learning and for students and families. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

"Shifting Narrative" is series that explores common assumptions within the Black diaspora & community. In the first episode, I will be meeting with fellow JMU Duke, and long-time friend, Dr. Marilyn Bibbs Freeman, Assistant Laboratory Director for a facility in Virginia. Dr. Bibbs Freeman has spent most of her career working with and diagnosing viruses and immunology. She has experience in bioterrorism, chemical terrorism, environmental protection, and much more. Dr. Bibbs Freeman has degrees in Biology from JMU, her M.S. in Medical Technology, and her PhD. in Public Health, with a concentration in Epidemiology. In short... Marilyn knows her SH*T, and is prepared to give us the facts and the information to support what many of us are feeling when it comes to COVID and the impending vaccine. Please spread the word. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

It's been a long time, I shouldn't have left you... cliche, I know. I took some time away from the podcast for a few reasons. I didn't think my voice was loud enough. I didn't think enough people were listening. I didn't think I was "famous" or influential enough for my message to be meaningful. No woe is me, here... but it's my truth. I'm returning because... another cliche... if not me, then who? I've been actively working to create a platform and space for over 14 years with the writing of my poem "The Idea of Manhood." I've been actively engaging men and women on this idea for much of my adult life. Now, more than ever it's not only important, it's imperative for our communities. I'll go more into my recent thoughts about the idea of manhood throughout this season. I guess it's season 6 time. Keep tuning in. I'm working hard to create a regular schedule for live video and audio drops. Peace.

Thank you for tuning in. In this episode I reflect on a monumental parenting decision my mom made for me when I was 15 years old. It was so impactful, and I am so thankful that she “made” me do this thing that I question my ability as a father to be sure when to exert my monumental parenting skill set. Is there a skill set? Scary! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Embracing Failure - Redefining , reclaiming, and repurposing the power and humanity within our failures. Connecting with one another through our attempts at perfection; and reminding ourselves that failure is kin to forgiveness and healing. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

A Bumbling Rambling Mess of an Episode about Feelings, I think. I literally went through a creative block in the middle of this 15 minute episode. I think the episode is about generational differences and emotional intelligence. Maybe. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

In this episode, I reflect on my time this weekend at my college's homecoming. James Madison University is the proving ground for the early stages of my own development as a man. Through the weekend, many conversations led to the new Kanye West project. Through a conversation with a group of brothers... about Kanye West... I had one of those moments that took my breath away. Tune in to hear more. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

I peep how the game is creating a space for everyone to speak of their anxiety. I mean.... I guess. I'm not a huge fan of labels, but either way; in this episode I'm talking about the emotional ups and downs of parenting. Tune in. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Jeez. Maybe I went to hard on this one. *shrugs*, In this episode, I speak of the people in education settings that are culture shifters; and how we are generally treated within the system we are working to impact. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

About 3 weeks ago, we received a phone call from our son's school... Tune in to hear the rest --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

It's been a while. (I feel like I say that every 2-3 months). But I'm back forreal. I'm FiveMikes - Husband, Father, Educator, Writer, MC. In this episode I lean into the “MC” of my tagline. What does being an MC mean to me? In the 2nd segment of the episode, I talk about my hiatus; and why I decided to return. Also, in advance... I apologize for podcasting outside of my son's soccer practice, and about 1000 feet from an International airport. LOL. There are airplanes flying through this episode. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

...and the other stories we tell ourselves every day. After some reflection, I'm questioning... do I really need to be here? --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Racists and bias are ruining baseball for black boys and squelching their innocence in front of our eyes. In this episode I cry... for my boy... for our boys. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Superpowers In The Water: Find Yours! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

What's good ladies and gentlemen. Welcome back to The Idea of Manhood. I'm using Anchor now, so let me know how it sounds and if you're able to listen on all platforms. In today's episode, I welcome the new listeners, talk a bit about Nipsey, and how the news/social media information is set up for us to react. What are we REALLY reacting to, though? Thanks for tuning in! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

This is how I listen to music. Actually, y'all listen to music. I feel it. In this episode, I go a bit rogue, and highlight 6 songs that I FEEL on a different level. 1. James Blake - A Case of You. 2. Donny Hathaway - I love you (more than you'll ever know) 3. Amy Winehouse - Take the Box 4. Tweet - Beautiful 5. Jazmine Sullivan - I'm in love with another man 6. Beyonce - Sandcastles The Idea of Manhood Podcast - It's just different. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

This week's fist bump is some "advice" for folks in new relationships; engagements, marriages, friendships, colleagues, etc. It pretty much revolves about investing in your authentic connections. Primarily, this episode circles around in my thoughts about the ramifications of this Jussie Smollett fiasco. Less about Jussie, and more about you and me and what "they" are doing to us. Thanks for tuning in. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

I start this episode with a powerful Nikki Giovanni quote, and move quickly through Whole 30, JID, and the racist, American school system. I end by discussing the power of my absence. Thanks for tuning in! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

On a very special episode, I sat with Brandon Brown, of On That Note Podcast to discuss the recent disgusting hate crime against Jussie Smollett. Specifically, we discuss the responsibility of straight black men to be allies for our LGBTQ brothers and sisters. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Another tough one today. With the brutal, racially and homophobic near lynching of Jussie Smollet, it was really challenging to be appreciative; but I tried. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

I don't even know what to tell you. It just came out. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

The Idea of Manhood Season 4 Episode 3 Fist Bump - Quote by Lin Manuel Miranda Barber Shop - Facebook Age Challenge haters Mr. Logan - The beauty of celebrating music in Puerto Rico Roti - The Hamilton Episode. The convergence of my celebrating my birthday in Puerto Rico and seeing Hamilton, played by Lin Manuel Miranda led me to think about how our stories are so uniquely and intricately intertwined. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Fist Bump - Quote from Dame Dash The Barber Shop - R. Kelly... Mr. Logan's Corner - New Music Alert Roti - Legends of our Falls. How are the mistakes of our past impacting the success of other around us right now! Tune in and spread the word! I recognize that I said "Anthony" Hamilton...I meant to say ALEXANDER HAMILTON. My baaaaaad!!! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Central to The Idea of Manhood is the understanding that there is a responsibility of men to do & be better; specifically a calling & requirement to be even more socially and emotionally responsive to the needs of our community. Society, our families, our colleagues, our friends are requiring us to be more; be kinder; be empathic; be vulnerable; be better. It is imperative that men & the people that love them, have intentional dialogue and exchanges about the ever-evolving concept of The Idea of Manhood. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Mumble rap has a certain appeal to it. Dope beat, non-sensical rhymes. HITS! The concept of Mumble Thinking is similar. The dope beat is social media. The non-sensical rhymes equate the manner in which folks choose to engage; recklessly and thoughtlessly.  Let me man-splain this to you... --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Just listen. It's important to me/us. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

I'm back after a bit of a break. In the Season 4 opener, I talk about what I've learned and have been learning in the recent past about how to show up as a man in different spaces. Spread the Word! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Are you about the Numb Life? Tune in. #theideaofmanhood - Street Lights, by Kanye West begins the episode and it represents the sometimes repetitive, numbing routine that many of us face every day. Are you numb? --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

I had to start with a little Jazmine Sullivan for today's episode. Today, I reflect on a recent story of my son experiencing a tough and rewarding sports day, and my response to his pain. And also, Levar Ball is mentioned, somehow. Tune in and spread the word. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

If you came here looking for some beef...I had to hit y'all with the Sike, Na. Be consistent & appreciative --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

I don't know, man! As I knock on 41's door, I'm having several revelations. One of which being... What do you do when the folks around you don't recognize your dopeness, or your talents? My answer? Fall Back! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

We talked about the power of narrative last week. This week we are discussing how we can shift narratives to encourage more deep and authentic conversations and interactions. Happy New Year! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Narratives are the currency that makes social media so powerful, and the devil, at the same time.  Tune in! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

In short...raising a black boy...in this day and time...is different. And I'm not sure if "society" (whatever that is) is primed to engage with black. whole. sons; black boys that are confident, smart, intelligent, athletic, strong, handsome, leaders, etc. Society knows how to deal w/ black athletes (kinda)....they know how to deal w/ nerds...they know how to deal w/ thugs. But what about boys that have a collection of strong and amazing qualities. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Thanks for tuning in folks! I start this episode by adding a new segment just to appreciate some of the men in my circle; men that I know that are making strong attempts to being better. Today, I highlight my brother, SK! After some of the recent headlines that have been flooding our timelines, it hit me like a ton of bricks. Yo, are all men trash? With that said, to remove our trash title, we need to apply a deeper focus on empathy. Tune in and spread the word! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Welcome back! Thanks so much for tuning into the season 3 premier of The Idea of Manhood Podcast. This episode serves as a (re)introduction to what it is that we're doing here. We're being honest. We're being vulnerable. We're using our power and privilege as men to make those around us better. But what do you do, when you're not seen; not heard; and feel like what you're doing doesn't matter? Tune in! Every week! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app