Show Notes:

In this episode of The Shift, host Mark Travis Rivera engages in a powerful and heartfelt conversation with Joél Leon, acclaimed poet, cultural critic, and author of Everything and Nothing at Once: A Black Man’s Reimagined Soundtrack for the Future.

Together, they explore themes of resistance and resilience, as well as the vital role of storytelling in cultivating understanding and building community. Joél shares personal reflections on fatherhood, masculinity, and the challenges of body image as a Black man. He also discusses the importance of expanding our frameworks of care and accountability, particularly by learning from other communities—such as the queer community.

Throughout the episode, Joél pays homage to the legacy and influence of brilliant artists, writers, and activists such as Sonia Sanchez, Toni Morrison, Cherrell Brown, and Dr. Jenn Jackson. His insights illuminate the intersections of classism, racism, and vulnerability, underscoring the need for grace and safe spaces for men to engage in their healing work.

This is more than a conversation—it’s a blueprint for reimagining masculinity and our future.

Guest Bio:

Joél Leon, author of the 2025 Gotham Book Prize nominated “Everything and Nothing At Once: A Black Man's Reimagined Soundtrack For the Future” is a Bronx-born girl dad, poet, performer and cultural critic who writes and tells stories for Black people. His TED talk on co-parenting has over 1.6M views, and his work has been featured in the New York Times, People, The Boston Globe, ABC NEWS, TED, EBONY, Okayplayer, Pop Sugar, The Root, Newsweek, Forbes and others. He is a Creative Collective NYC Creative Class alumni, winner of the BCA Bronx Recognizes Its Own Award in Poetry, member of the Top 50 Waymaker Class of 2025 and author "Things I will Tell My Daughter", and "God Wears Durags, Too" (Bottlecap Press). He is currently a Creative Director at the New York Times' T Brand Studios. His latest book, the Holt/Macmillian essay collection, “Everything and Nothing At Once: A Black Man’s Reimagined Soundtrack For the Future” is nominated for the 2025 Gotham Book Prize. Joél is repped by Folio Literary.

Connect with Mark:

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Connect with Joél:

Joél Leon’s Instagram

Joél Leon LinkedIn

Questions or comments?

Email us at Hello@MarkTravisRivera.com.

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):

⁠⁠⁠⁠https://uppbeat.io/t/all-good-folks/aspire⁠⁠⁠⁠

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Disclaimer Note: The captions in this video are auto-generated, and while we try to ensure accuracy, you may notice a typo or error. Thank you in advance for extending grace.