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What does healthy masculinity actually look like in today's world? The Mood Dudes tackle this provocative question head-on in a candid, thought-provoking conversation that challenges traditional notions of what it means to be a man.

Join clinical therapists Immanuel, James, and Joey as they break down the artificial barriers between "masculine" and "feminine" tasks, revealing how many gendered expectations are simply life skills everyone should master. With refreshing honesty, they explore why men often struggle to express platonic affection for one another without discomfort or fear of judgment. Their discussion illuminates how historical economic concerns and religious misinterpretations have shaped harmful attitudes toward male emotional expression.

The conversation takes a fascinating turn when James shares cognitive neuroscience research about potential differences in male and female brain function, sparking a lively debate about nature versus nurture. Rather than settling for simplistic answers, the therapists examine how biology interacts with socialization to create our understanding of gender.

Drawing from personal experience, each therapist shares financial wisdom they wish they'd known at age 18 – from the importance of emergency funds to avoiding impulsive purchases – connecting financial wellbeing directly to mental health. Throughout the episode, they emphasize critical thinking, encouraging listeners to question whether traditional masculine roles actually serve them or those they love.

Whether you're struggling with outdated expectations, curious about healthier expressions of masculinity, or simply interested in understanding men's mental health better, this episode offers compassionate insights and practical suggestions for moving forward. Subscribe now and join the conversation about redefining masculinity for a healthier, more authentic life.

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When passion meets purpose, communities transform. In our latest episode, we sit down with Jasmine West-Hunter, the dynamic Volunteer and Event Coordinator for Mane Up Memphis, to explore how this innovative nonprofit is reshaping Memphis through mental health services and financial literacy training for youth ages 11-25.

Jasmine shares her fascinating journey from agricultural business student to community builder, revealing how she was drawn to Mane Up Memphis after witnessing founder Racheal Shantel speak with rare authenticity about her path. "She showed the grit, the grind, and the heartache," Jasmine explains, "and I resonated with it." This conversation pulls back the curtain on what drives the people behind organizations working to lift up Memphis's next generation.

The heart of our discussion explores Jasmine's vibrant vision for community events that could strengthen Memphis's social fabric. From family-oriented water balloon fights to an elegant "Bluff City Gala" featuring upscale versions of Memphis soul food, her ideas reflect a deep understanding of what brings people together. We dive into her unique passion for agricultural sustainability, where she dreams of teaching Memphians food preservation, livestock management, and creating community-based food systems.

We also tackle the universal financial challenges facing younger generations, discussing the concept of "generational financial trauma" and strategies for breaking negative money cycles. Jasmine offers candid advice to her 18-year-old self that listeners of all ages will find valuable: "Don't max out that credit card!"

Whether you're curious about nonprofit innovation, community building, financial wellness, or simply love Memphis, this episode offers fresh perspectives on how we can all contribute to a stronger, more connected city. Check out Mane Up Memphis at maneupmemphis.org to learn about volunteering opportunities or to support their mission. Remember, as Jasmine says: "Mane Up, y'all!"

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The Mood Dudes are hosted by Immanuel, James, Joey, three Mane Up Memphis™ clinicians bringing you behavioral health knowledge through the lens of your favorite superhero hood. Get ready for action-packed adventures served with a side of humor, pop culture references, and a dash of edge.

Subscribe now, or you’ll miss your mental wellness power-up!

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What happens when someone falls through the cracks of our systems? When traditional pathways fail, where do people turn? Racheal Chantel faced these questions head-on and decided to build a solution from the ground up.

In this powerful conversation, Racheal shares her remarkable journey from commercial construction management to founding Mane Up Memphis, a revolutionary approach to mental health support. After returning to Memphis and experiencing the pandemic's forced pause, Rachel began noticing how intentionally designed gaps in our systems keep vulnerable people trapped. "People falling through a gap is a system that's built intentional," she explains. "That's how you keep the rich rich and the poor poor, and it's very expensive to be poor."

Through graduate studies in urban planning and public administration, Racheal discovered what she calls "the cheat code to the matrix" – understanding how these systems function but fail to serve everyone. This knowledge became both a burden and a catalyst. When traditional therapy helped her process these realizations, she understood that mental health access was the missing link for many trapped in cycles of struggle.

What makes Mane Up Memphis different is its approach to mental health as infrastructure rather than just another service. Instead of waiting years for policy changes, Racheal built something to help those who need support right now. Whether it's domestic violence victims who fall between law enforcement and family court jurisdictions or individuals without resources for therapy, Mane Up Memphis creates immediate pathways to safety and healing.

The name itself carries deep cultural significance, drawing from Memphis's unique local language and community spirit. "I wanted to make sure that the culture wasn't lost," Racheal shares. This grassroots authenticity has helped the organization's rapid growth and acceptance across Memphis.

Ready to be part of something transformative? Visit maneupmemphis.org to learn more about volunteering, attending workshops, or supporting this vital work. As we say at Mane Up Memphis: leave the baggage, keep the change.

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The numbers hit like a sledgehammer: 30% of men will face depression, yet most of us were taught to "shake it off" by age six. In this powerful episode, licensed therapist and Certified Financial Social Worker, Joey reveals why men's mental health demands our urgent attention this June.

Joey dives into the devastating disconnect between mental health statistics and society's expectations of masculinity. When we're conditioned to bench press feelings instead of expressing them, the consequences manifest through physical health problems, substance use, broken relationships, and alarming suicide rates. But there's hope on the horizon through community-centered approaches that meet men exactly where they are.

This episode spotlights the upcoming Heart and Soul: Men's Wellness Collective - a groundbreaking collaboration between ManeUp Memphis and Baptist Hospital happening June 21st at the AgriCenter International Expo Center from 8:30-2:00 PM. Attendees will receive free health screenings, expert guidance from cardiologists and psychologists, and practical workshops teaching accessible tools for mental wellness. Joey shares his personal journey as a veteran who once "stuffed fear into a rucksack" until therapy and genuine brotherhood saved his life, demonstrating that healing is possible when we let go of outdated notions of toughness.

Whether you're struggling yourself or supporting someone who is, this episode offers a refreshing, shame-free approach to men's mental health. Register for the free event through our show notes, and remember - mental health isn't a solo sport. Share this episode, subscribe for more insights, and join the ManeUp Memphis community where you can leave the baggage and keep the change.

https://www.baptistonline.org/heart-and-soul

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Mane Up Memphis Podcast serves up practical therapy insights, financial-empowerment tips, and inspiring local stories—straight from the nonprofit that says “wrap-around support or bust.” Hosted by LMSW & CFSW Joseph Laswell. New episodes every Tuesday.

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