Breaking the Stigma: Mental Health and Black Men with Coach B

Podcast Episode Summary for "Chop Shop Show" Episode 115

In Episode 115 of the "Chop Shop Show," host Daryl "EZDZ" Newton welcomes guest Brezhnev Thorpe, known as "Coach B," the CEO and operator of Touchdown Therapy, for a powerful discussion on mental health, particularly within the African-American community. With co-hosts Greg Dawson and Waldo absent, Daryl and Coach B dive deep into the stigma surrounding mental health among African-American men, emphasizing the importance of emotional vulnerability and seeking therapy. Coach B shares his journey of recognizing the need for mental health advocacy, driven by the lack of representation in therapy for Black men. He highlights how cultural norms, such as the expectation to "suck it up" and suppress emotions, have perpetuated trauma and hindered emotional intelligence. The conversation explores how these societal pressures contribute to issues like pride, ego, and unhealthy coping mechanisms, including substance abuse and womanizing, which can detrimentally affect relationships and personal growth.

The episode delves into the impact of absent fathers and single-parent households, with Coach B stressing that healthy co-parenting and emotional availability are crucial for breaking cycles of trauma. He challenges the notion that men must remain in toxic relationships to be present for their children, advocating instead for accountability and support systems. The discussion also touches on the importance of self-love, with Coach B emphasizing that one must fill their own "cup" before pouring into others. He critiques the lack of positive coping mechanisms among men, contrasting them with the supportive community-building activities women often engage in, such as spa days or group gatherings. The episode underscores the need for Black men to embrace therapy without fear of judgment, with Coach B sharing his commitment to providing culturally appropriate therapy through Touchdown Therapy.

Daryl and Coach B also discuss the societal judgment that discourages men from seeking help, with Coach B encouraging open conversations and accountability among friends. They explore how unaddressed grief and trauma, such as the loss of loved ones, can lead to prolonged mental health struggles if not processed through therapy. The episode concludes with a rapid-fire segment, where Coach B shares his favorite soul food (macaroni and cheese, yams, barbecue chicken), his admiration for Walter Payton, and his desire to converse with Malcolm X about leadership and integrity. He also mentions his Jamaican heritage and plans to visit family there. The episode is a heartfelt call to action for mental health awareness, urging listeners to prioritize self-care, seek therapy, and foster healthier communities.

Topic Chapters with Timestamps

• 00:00:24 - 00:01:36: Introduction and Guest Welcome
• 00:01:53 - 00:03:30: Mental Health Stigma in the African-American Community
• 00:03:31 - 00:05:50: Cultural Expectations and Emotional Suppression
• 00:05:51 - 00:08:54: Impact of Family Dynamics and Co-Parenting
• 00:08:55 - 00:11:46: Pride, Ego, and Emotional Availability
• 00:11:47 - 00:15:56: Therapy vs. Cultural Norms
• 00:15:57 - 00:20:54: Grief, Loss, and Unhealthy Coping Mechanisms
• 00:20:55 - 00:24:56: Importance of Self-Love and Accountability
• 00:24:57 - 00:29:08: Sponsors and Break
• 00:29:09 - 00:34:57: Self-Love and Breaking Trauma Cycles
• 00:34:58 - 00:37:27: Childhood Trauma and Bullying
• 01:07:00 - 01:12:32: Handling Rejection and Emotional Resilience
• 01:12:33 - 01:17:59: Positive vs. Negative Coping Mechanisms
• 01:18:00 - 01:24:56: Building Accountability in Brotherhood
• 01:24:57 - 01:27:06: Coach B’s Contact Information and Services
• 01:27:07 - 01:30:07: Sponsors and Final Break
• 01:30:08 - 01:37:55: Rapid Fire Segment
• 01:37:56 - 01:40:21: Closing Remarks and Shoutouts