Exploring Identity and Mental Health Through Comics, Anime, and Culture with Quincy M. Simmons

Quincy M. Simmons, a rising senior at SUNY New Paltz in Journalism, Film, Video, and Black Studies, shares what motivated him to use his love for comic books, manga, and anime to address social justice issues through his podcast, 'The Masks We Wear. He talks about mental health, neurodiversity, and toxic masculinity, and how exploring comics as modern mythology can offer powerful reflections on today’s social and political climate. Quincy also talks about his journey with journalism, how he uses storytelling to inspire and educate, his guiding influences, and the impact he hopes to make with his work.🔔 If you haven't already...SUBSCRIBE to Social Justice Origin Stories on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/@socialjusticeoriginstories?sub_confirmation=1❤️ SUPPORT THE PROJECT Support this work by becoming a patron: https://www.patreon.com/SocialJusticeOriginStories💬 SHARE YOUR STORY OR FEEDBACK Your voice helps shape this community and may be featured in a future episode.Email: [email protected] a Voice Note: https://socialjusticeoriginstories.com/contact/ or https://www.speakpipe.com/socialjusticeoriginstoriesOr leave a comment below🎧 LISTEN & FOLLOWWebsite: https://socialjusticeoriginstories.comApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/social-justice-origin-stories/id1771268991Wherever You Get Your Podcasts: https://pod.link/1771268991Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/socialjusticeoriginstories/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61567841874653Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/sjoriginstories.bsky.socialLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/social-justice-origin-stories/LinkedIn (Relando): https://www.linkedin.com/in/relandothompkinsjones/LinkTree for more: https://linktr.ee/SocialJusticeOriginStories?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaZzPfl3gCm5NY9C_Y-glRzwDu-8BvHfkCJaQlDihfrQxbYWC1dnxgRL2kU_aem_kmgEcokBmDt8WaAtlWQMQQSocial Justice Origin Stories is produced, edited, and hosted by Relando Thompkins-Jones.00:00 Introduction and Personal Activation01:32 The Role of Comics in Social Commentary04:07 The Power of Storytelling and Social Justice05:18 Guest Introduction: Quincy M. Simmons10:24 Quincy's Journey into Journalism16:09 The Origin of 'The Masks We Wear' Podcast19:24 The Importance of Rest and Reflection in Content Creation21:55 Comics as Modern Mythology and Social Critique28:40 Exploring Masculinity and Mental Health29:16 The Impact of Representation in Media30:06 Creating the 'Resilience and Recovery' Project30:59 Navigating Doubts and Feedback33:22 Balancing Life and Creative Projects35:09 The Importance of Listening to Your Own Voice38:19 Influences and Inspirations42:56 Favorite Characters and Stories47:10 Hopes for 'The Mask We Wear'53:19 Final Thoughts and Future Generations54:17 Closing Remarks and Call to ActionYou can follow Quincy on Instagram @Quincy495. You can listen to The Masks We Wear podcast on spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0Lc7XPjaYAExYBrywOozgm?si=6330857d3f7840c6&nd=1&dlsi=8f6a063b56654ef7Visit his website: quincymsimmons.com to learn more about his broader work in journalism.