Sometimes life can be complicated and messy and in our society made up of so many rules and expectations

being yourself can be seen as an act of rebellion or bravery.

Hi I'm Zach can be seen as an act of rebellion or bravery.

Hi, I'm Zach Stafford and this is in the deep stories that shape us.

Join me as our guests, black and Latinx men,

unravel the complexities and struggles they face in a place that doesn't always see them, all of them for who they really are.

I sit down with the people, the athletes, community, and thought leaders that have struggled with the traditional ideals of

masculinity, religion, and family the society often imposes upon them.

Each episode we explore the fears that make up the black and Latin X male psyche,

understanding the effects of stigma and masculinity on self-identity.

We'll talk about how these common themes of discrimination, culture, and economics

factor into the struggle, and yet how these hardships aren't enough to stop these men on the road to health and healing.

These are the stories of men that often risk at all, their families, their faith, and hopes of creating a new reality,

one that values individuality and creating safe spaces for others to come behind them.

In the Deep, Stories that Shape Us is an I Heart Radio original podcast.

Coming to you Wednesday, December 1st, on the I Heart Radio app,

Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to podcasts.