Discovering the Real Me:
Acting, Identity, and Embracing Your Truth
with Brian Michael Smith
Acting, Identity, and Embracing Your Truth
with Brian Michael Smith
special segments
Coming soon…
In This Episode
- 0:00 For Brian, the journey to becoming the man he is today hasn’t always been easy
- 01:35 Christoper Rivas is guest hosting this episode
- 03:14 What it was like for Brian to be included in People’s Sexiest Man Alive issue
- 04:14 Being a man was denied to Brian for most of his life.
- 08:15 Brian has the privilege of “passing” and playing cis characters
- 12:25 How do you decide who to spend time educating and who to ignore?
- 20:20 People pleasing stood in the way of Brian’s authenticity
- 22:00 Brian was denied a role as a man early on
- 30:49 The difference between sex, gender identity and gender expression
- 38:40 Brian is working to be an integrated man
- 48:33 It’s important to be seen as more than a “trans” man
- 54:01 Try not to resist change
- 57:21 What does it mean to be man enough?
Select Quotations from the Episode
“I don’t take mean comments personally because they don’t know me, they’re talking about [themselves]. Whatever you put in a comment is a reflection of you and what you’re dealing with, not me.” – Brian Michael Smith
“A lot of the investigation that the men on this show are doing is investigation that I’ve had to do for a very long time.” – Brian Michael Smith
“Everything is a story, one you’ve been made to believe or chose to believe. Knowing the difference is profound.” – Christopher Rivas
“Men are often so led to believe they always want to have sex that they deny themselves the opportunity for consent.” – Liz Plank
“We are always transitioning, everything is transitional” – Christopher Rivas
- Instagram: @the_brianmichael
- Twitter: @TheBrianMichaelSmith
The Man Enough Podcast explores what it means to be a man today and how rigid gender roles have affected all people. The goal is to create a safe, open environment for a range of perspectives to come together and stay at the table, moving from systems and language that polarize and demonize men and masculinity, into those that invite all humans to participate and thrive in the world. Each episode engages in honest conversations with celebrities, thought leaders and change-makers, exploring topics such as relationships, body image, privilege, fatherhood, sex, success, mental health and so much more.
THE HOSTS
Justin Baldoni is an actor, director, producer, entrepreneur and changemaker whose efforts are focused on creating impactful media and entertainment. Baldoni is the co-founder of Wayfarer Studios, an independent financial and production engine pioneering purpose-driven, multi-platform film and television productions that elevate and speak to the human spirit. He is also the founder of Wayfarer Foundation, a non-profit which seeks to change the way communities see and respond to unhoused populations. Learn more about his debut book, Man Enough: Undefining My Masculinity at manenough.com/books.
Instagram ⋅ Facebook ⋅ Tik Tok ⋅Twitter ⋅ Clubhouse ⋅ Website
Liz Plank is an award-winning journalist, author of For the Love of Men: From Toxic to a More Mindful Masculinity, and the executive producer and host of several critically acclaimed digital series at Vox Media and NBC News. She’s the CEO of Liz Plank Productions and is a columnist for MSNBC and has been listed as one of Forbes’ 30 Under 30, Mediaite’s Most Influential in News Media, and Marie Claire’s Most Powerful Women, and was named one of the World’s Most Influential People in Gender Policy by Apolitical. She’s built a loyal following on numerous social media platforms, but her proudest accomplishment by far remains being blocked by the 45th president of the United States.
Instagram ⋅ Facebook ⋅ Tik Tok ⋅Twitter ⋅ Clubhouse ⋅ Website
Jamey Heath is a prolific and versatile songwriter, musician and producer, he has co-written and/or produced songs for many artists, including Andy Grammer, Idina Menzel, Solange, Chaka Khan, Rahsaan Patterson, Randy Jackson, Dionne Farris, Guy Sebastian, Tamia, Tevin Campbell, Shanice, Az Yet, Yasmeen, Jody Watley, Ray J, Changing Faces, Janet Jackson, Kenny Lattimore, Babyface, Eric Benet, Take 6, and many others. He has been a part of many multi platinum selling records and singles earning him two Grammy Nominations with one win for his work on Gladys Knight’s, “At Last” album.
Instagram ⋅ Facebook ⋅ Tik Tok ⋅Twitter ⋅ Clubhouse ⋅ Website
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