#49 | What I Learned From Hosting the Young Men’s Conference: Community, Vulnerability & Planting Seeds for 2026

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 participantsWhat young men actually said about their experienceWhy “normalizing vulnerability” remains a radical actWhat we learned from the 100+ youth who didn’t show up, and how to reach them next yearThe global partners activating this movement around the worldA call to action for parents, mentors, schools, and anyone who cares about young menTimestamps(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 2026Join / Contribute to the Young Men’s ConferenceJoin/Contribute to our Young Men’s Conference 2026: https://everforwardclub.orgJoin our Skool Community: https://www.skool.com/efc-young-mens-advocates-2345Submit Questions, Reflections, or Episode IdeasEmail us: [email protected] your mask anonymously: https://millionmask.org/Connect with Ashanti BranchInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/branchspeaks/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BranchSpeaksTwitter: https://twitter.com/BranchSpeaksLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch/Website: https://www.branchspeaks.com/Support the Podcast & Ever Forward ClubHelp us continue creating spaces for young men to be seen, heard, and supported:https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/branch-speaks/supportConnect with Ever Forward ClubInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/everforwardclubFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/everforwardclubTwitter: https://twitter.com/everforwardclubLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-ever-forward-club/#unmaskingwithmaleeducators #millionmaskmovement #takingoffthemask #totm #doace #UNWME #diaryofaconfusededucator #youngmensconference #normalizevulnerability #everforwardclub