What happens when Black men finally have the space to be real — not perform, not protect, but truly open up?

Welcome to Beauty and the Beast, where truth isn't just told — it's honored.

In this powerful episode, hosts Maliik Baraka and Kyle Vaughn begin a conversation that many have avoided for too long. Through raw, unfiltered storytelling, Maliik takes us deep into his life — from growing up in Miami’s projects to navigating the emotional weight of fatherlessness, addiction, and the pressure to be “the strong one.” This isn't just about surviving — it’s about breaking generational patterns and learning how to feel again.

This episode explores:

Childhood Trauma & Emotional Survival — What it means to grow up without a father and still carry the weight of being “the man.”

Community, Code-Switching & Kindness — How street love and street rules both protected and confined him.

The Mask of Fatherhood — How becoming a dad was both healing and a hiding place.

Therapy & Breaking Through — The pivotal moment Maliik stopped running from his pain and started facing it — with help.

Identity Beyond the Resume — From English degrees to navigating corporate life as a Black man — what it really means to show up emotionally whole.

This isn’t a podcast for performance. It’s a safe haven — a space where men can breathe, process, and be heard without judgment. And for anyone who’s ever felt alone in their journey — this one’s for you.

Subscribe, share, and join us as we dismantle stereotypes and build a culture of truth, vulnerability, and power.

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