Togetherness & Belonging (Are role models necessary?) Artwork

S.M.I.L.E-ing Boys Podcast

A podcast that explores a public health approach to improving the mental health of black boys while challenging the negative stereotypes associated with this demographic in the society. This is a happiness research informed creative podcast featuring discussions with professionals, changemakers and young people. It is hosted by Kay Rufai, a poet, photographer, filmmaker, playwright, mental health researcher.…he keeps himself busy with anything creative. So expect to hear interesting thoughts, discussions with professionals, change-makers and audio recordings from the young people that participated in the programme.

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S.M.I.L.E-ing Boys Podcast

Togetherness & Belonging (Are role models necessary?)

July 27, 2020 • Kay Rufai • Season 1 • Episode 14

The Fourteenth episode of the S.M.I.L.E-ing Boys Podcast that explores 1 of the 8 Pillars of Happiness - Togetherness & Belonging, as it pertains to Black boys and the impacts of role models vs mentors in their lives. In this episode, I explore the argument for and against role models while digging into the nuances of role models and mentors.

The host, Kay Rufai ( https://www.instagram.com/universoulartist/ ) explores using his happiness research from the top 5 happiest countries ( You can download the report here; https://mailchi.mp/faddab9bb9a1/pdf-delivery ), historical and contemporary data, anecdotes and live accounts from the boys.

This episode features audio from young black boys who have participated in the S.M.I.L.E-ing. Boys Project in the last 18 months exploring their honest responses to the idea of role models in their lives.

Read the Guardian opinion piece about Kay Rufai and his work on challenging stereotypes of Black boys in the society (https://www.theguardian.com/global/2020/mar/18/photographs-black-teenage-boys-prejudice-stereotypes )

Check out the Guardian Photo Gallery of the S.M.I.L.E-ing Boys Project

( https://www.theguardian.com/world/gallery/2020/mar/18/portraits-black-teenagers-south-london-mental-health )