Barbershop Mental Health Convo | Thinking Out Loud W/ Samuel David | Ep. 26 On this episode of Thinking Out Loud with Samuel David, our host is joined by Sam Breeden of RO2SE(Reach Out to Someone Else), Gabrielle Jones LMFT with Healing Harmony Therapy, Angie Watson COO of Mental Health America, Chris Jones LSCSW with Fully Connected Counseling, D Wall with Midwest Blends, and Chris Gilmore Preventions Director with Mental Health America. Major shout out to Midwest Blends in Wichita, KS. This conversation delves deep into mental health, generational trauma, and the unique, supportive environment found in Black barbershops. Samuel, joined by a diverse panel of mental health advocates and professionals, explores how these community hubs foster honest, transparent dialogue that is often rare in other spaces. Throughout the episode, the group dives into the importance of diversity and inclusion in mental health discussions, especially within the Black community. They also reflect on the transformative impact that open conversations about mental health can have, not just in personal lives but also in breaking down larger societal stigmas. Join this enlightening conversation and see why the barbershop is more than just a place for a haircut—it's a space for healing, connection, and growth. To contact the mental health experts and providers from this episode, visit the links below. MHA (Mental Health America): https://www.mhasck.org/ RO2SE: https://ro2se.org/ Fully Connected Counseling: https://www.fullyconnectedcounseling.com/ Healing and Harmony Therapy: https://healingandharmonytherapy.com/ Be sure to like, share, and subscribe! CHAPTERS: 00:00 - Intro 01:42 - Introducing the Panel 04:18 - Importance of the Conversation 06:24 - Defining Masculinity 14:36 - Unlearning Past Beliefs 19:20 - Systemic Issues and African American Families 22:35 - Mass Incarceration and "Super Predator" Narrative 24:50 - Cultural Barriers to Therapy for Black Men 26:10 - Impact of Race on Identity 29:26 - Unlearning Bias 33:41 - Feeling Excluded from Groups 34:26 - Experience of White Men in America 42:14 - Experience of Black Women in America 44:45 - The Pressure to Conform 49:40 - Challenges in Following Personal Advice 53:17 - Evaluating Therapist Effectiveness 56:00 - Overcoming Initial Doubts 01:01:37 - Therapy Statistics Overview 01:04:45 - Contacting RO2SC 01:05:54 - Contacting Chris 01:06:35 - Contacting MHA 01:06:56 - Contacting Fully Connected 01:09:35 - Breaking Generational Curses 01:12:17 - Authentic Conversations 01:14:27 - Outro Be sure to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell to stay tuned for more thought-provoking conversations on *Thinking Out Loud*. Like Share & Subscribe Follow us on Youtube https://www.youtube.com/@thinkingoutloudconvo Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/17scuDUSNkZgxEJ0mNuLLR?si=m7ouJ8rWT62NQf5FurHkbQ Instagram www.instagram.com/thinkingoutloudconvo/