Redefining Manhood with Papí

Musician and rapper Figgy Baby, who identifies as non-binary, tries to bond with their traditional Mexican father by opening up about their intimate relationships and personal life, even when it makes both of them uncomfortable. And Jerry Tello, a therapist and community educator who works with men and boys of color, speaks with Juleyka about rethinking restrictive notions of what it means to be a man and why labels like toxic masculinity miss the full story.Figgy Baby is an internationally touring, non-binary Mexican rapper, based in Los Angeles. Their last project, "Blood from a Stone" is a vulnerable and exciting concept album revolving around manhood and masculinity in a Mexican household. Featured Expert: Jerry Tello is an internationally recognized authority in family strengthening, therapeutic healing, cross-cultural issues, men and boys of color, racial justice, and community peace and mobilization. Over the last forty years as a noted therapist, author, performer and program developer, Mr. Tello has incorporated his real life experience, together with research-based knowledge, and indigenous, culturally-based teachings, to engage all in a reality-based healing and growth-inspiring experience. He is co-founder of the National Compadres Network and is currently Director of Training and Capacity Building. He has authored numerous articles, videos, and curricula addressing fatherhood, youth “rites of passage,” culturally-based family strengthening, and healing the healer. He is the author of Recovering Your Sacredness, A Father’s Love, a series of children’s books, co-editor of Family Violence and Men of Color, has served as a principal consultant for Scholastic Books on International Bilingual Literacy curriculum, and has published a series of motivational health and healing CDs (find his published work here). Jerry Tello has appeared in Time, Newsweek, Latina and Lowrider magazines. He is the recipient of numerous awards, which include the 2016 Maria Shriver’s Annual Advocate for Change award, the 2015 White House Champions of Change award, two California Governor’s Awards, the Ambassador of Peace Award presented by Rotary International, and the 2012 Presidential Crime Victims Service award, presented by President Bill Clinton and Attorney General Janet Reno.He is a father, grandfather, son, brother and relative of many. He is from a family of Mexican, Texan and Coahuiltecan roots, and was raised in the South Central/Compton areas of Los Angeles. Learn more about his work, including the National Compadres Network's podcast Healing Generations, on his website.If you loved this episode, listen to She's Fighting Inherited Gender Roles and the follow-up OG Check:-in: She Still Needs Papí, but Has to Guide Him to Help.We’d love to hear your stories of triumph and frustration so send us a detailed voice memo to hello@talktomamipapi.com. You might be on a future episode! Let’s connect on Twitter and Instagram at @TalkToMamiPapi and email us at hello@talktomamipapi.com. And follow us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and anywhere you listen to your favorite podcasts.