We just wrapped our second Young Men’s Conference, and I’m still taking in the power, the stories, and the lessons this year brought.

From 220 registered to nearly 100 young men showing up in person, this year felt bigger, bolder, and more aligned with the work we’ve been building: helping young men normalize vulnerability, step into their strengths, and see themselves in community with mentors who truly see them.

This episode is a reflective solo cast on what went well, what surprised us, and how we’re preparing for a global expansion of the movement in 2026.

• The growth of the Young Men’s Conference from 50 to 100 participants

• What young men actually said about their experience

• Why “normalizing vulnerability” remains a radical act

• What we learned from the 100+ youth who didn’t show up, and how to reach them next year

• • The global partners activating this movement around the world
  • A call to action for parents, mentors, schools, and anyone who cares about young men
    

Timestamps

(0:00 ) Welcome & why this episode is a reflection on the conference

(2:30 ) What worked: attendance, workshops, volunteers & community support

(4:48 ) How we expanded to a bigger venue and deeper partnerships

(7:14 ) Parent testimonials and powerful stories from young men

(9:40 ) Why “normalizing vulnerability” is the theme—and why it matters

(11:30 ) What we learned from 220 registrants but only 100 attendees

(14:07 ) Alberto & Parth share behind-the-scenes insights

(18:00 ) Why this work matters even more after recent tragedies

(20:30 ) The “critical gap” and our responsibility to young men

(22:15 ) A call to action as we prepare for 2026

Join / Contribute to the Young Men’s Conference

Join/Contribute to our Young Men’s Conference 2026: https://everforwardclub.org

Join our Skool Community: https://www.skool.com/efc-young-mens-advocates-2345

Submit Questions, Reflections, or Episode Ideas

Email us: totmpod100@gmail.com

Create your mask anonymously: https://millionmask.org/

Connect with Ashanti Branch

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/branchspeaks/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BranchSpeaks

Twitter: https://twitter.com/BranchSpeaks

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch/

Website: https://www.branchspeaks.com/

Support the Podcast & Ever Forward Club

Help us continue creating spaces for young men to be seen, heard, and supported:https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/branch-speaks/support

Connect with Ever Forward Club

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/everforwardclub

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/everforwardclub

Twitter: https://twitter.com/everforwardclub

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-ever-forward-club/

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