Gator Mentor Session: Turtle Out the Shell with Miles Medina

In this deeply moving mentor session, Dr. Branch sits down with his mentee, Miles Medina a first-generation graduate student in counseling to unpack the real and raw emotions behind reaching out to people on “a higher level,” like professors and PhDs. Miles opens up about the fear of rejection, imposter syndrome, and the weight of academic validation. He shares the pressure of being 1 of 1—the only person in the room who looks like him—and the burden of representing his culture and community in every step forward.Dr. Branch challenges Miles to take the risk of being himself, even when it feels unsafe or intimidating. Through the "Turtle out the shell" analogy, they discuss vulnerability, letting go of the need for control, and embracing authenticity over perfection. Together, they explore generational and ancestral trauma, the pain of overthinking, and the silent stress of carrying everyone else’s expectations.Dr. Branch reminds Miles—and all of us—that we are not responsible for changing other people’s minds. Our job is to pour into ourselves, lead with truth, and trust that some people will support us, and others won’t—and that’s okay.This is a conversation about fear, identity, and freedom. A call to stop peopling for other people—and start becoming the version of yourself only you can be.Challenges for the Listeners1. Reach Out AnywayThis week, contact one person who inspires you—even if they feel "above" your level. Send the email. Ask the question. Take the shot. Don’t let fear of rejection stop your growth.2. Drop the Mask, Even Just a LittleChoose one space in your life where you can show up more authentically. Let go of the need to be perfect. Be honest about who you are—and trust that it’s enough.3. Stop Carrying What’s Not YoursReflect on what pressures you're holding that don’t truly belong to you—whether it's representing your community, changing someone’s mind, or living up to someone else's expectations. Release one of those weights today. You deserve to move freely.This episode is brought to you by our amazing sponsor:J Branch & Associates: Schedule your free 15 minute consultation by going to www.drjbranch.com; call or text (404) 436-2540 Connect with The 3 Parallels Podcast:Instagram: www.instagram.com/3parallelspodcastDownload the 3 Parallels Music Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2DCvaDp1wWypO59l1kearH?si=sy0X9tMcSNumk4ym-VZ9LQDon't forget to subscribe, rate, and review the show on Spotify, IHeart, Apple Podcast, and YouTube. Your feedback helps us inspire more listeners like you!Get your copy of the Gator Scales Journal on Amazonhttps://www.amazon.com/Gator-Scales-Journal-Jason-Branch/dp/B0DPXLXZWCGator Talk: Every Friday via Zoom at 9am PST/12pm EST  Join the conversation every Friday starting today on The 3 Parallels Podcast Post Show Q&A Session called Gator Talk.When: Every Friday Where: Battlecat Studios (Zoom) Zoom Link: https://alliant.zoom.us/j/4044362540Meeting ID:404-436-2540Time: 9:00am PST/ 12:00pm ESTConnect with Dr. Branch: www.drjbranch.com | [email protected] | (858) 786-3638Therapy available in NJ, PA, and GA.Coaching available everywhere. Book a free consultation: https://calendly.com/drjbranch/balloon-string-session-cloneGator University Free Community:https://www.skool.com/gator-university-4736/about Support the show on Cash App:$3ParallelsPodcast