Dadvengers Podcast Episode 14 – John Lashley
It’s Dadvengers Podcast Episode 14 – John Lashley. Our guest in this episode is not only a mental health advocate and a full time dad to Leo. Plus, he is also a brownie baking wizard!
John has had a remarkable life and we chatted about his hugely varied career – from becoming a professional Mr T impersonator, to being a graphic designer, to now running the incredible Brooklyn Brownie Co. We also delved into his move to the UK and his experiences of racism in the US, which includes being held at gunpoint by police and why he doesn’t visit there anymore.
It’s never easy to talk about loss but John opened up about the loss of Leo’s mum, Elaine, who sadly took her own life in July 2019. The impact of this on Leo and John was istrumental in how they navigated that grief together. We also chatted about the lack of support for all of them in dealing with the grief, and how Leo adapted to the huge life changes this led to. We were even lucky enough to be joined by Leo who also spoke about his part in the brownie empire, and his big future plans!
This is another incredible episode and we are sending huge thanks to John for joining us!
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Episode Time Stamps
01:35 – “I got my chains on, got my overalls on… and I went as Mr T!” – John on becoming a Mr T impersonator, and ending up on Britain’s Got Talent!
05:27 – John’s road to becoming a parent to Leo. – “I thought I was a failure and blamed myself”
08:56 – “There wasn’t much support and it was all about ‘Man Up’…” – John on learning to talk and support the men around him to open up too.
12:24 – “I’ve been held at gunpoint 9 times… 5 by police” – John’s experiences of racism in the US and why he doesn’t visit New York anymore.
16:41 – John’s relationship with his “pops”, and how this has shaped him as a parent.
18:36 – “I was lucky enough to go to art high-school – it was like Fame”! – John’s education and how he let his mum down by choosing graphic design!
21:22 – John on his and his partner’s parenting style, and how they balance their differences!
24:21 – “She passed on the end of July 2019” – John opens up about Leo’s mum’s death.
30:27 – How John told his son about his mother’s death. and Leo’s reaction – “Find a place you’ll never go to again and tell him there”.
33:54 – How the Brooklyn Brownie Co started and how its grown into the massive success it is today!
41:40 – “There is no pause… know you will get through it” – John’s advice on navigating grief.
43:44 – John’s view on the importance of parenting, and being a parental unit with his partner.
46:43 – John is joined by Leo and we talk about balancing work and school, what his mates think about the Brooklyn Brownie Co and his future plans!
50:30 – John’s parenting Superpower
51:49 – Leo’s Superpower
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If you enjoyed this episode of the Dadvengers Podcast don’t forget to check out some of the others. We have dads from all sorts of backgrounds and industries talking about their journey’s through fatherhood. And more are being added all the time.
Whether you are male, female, and parent or a parenting professional there’s lots to be learned by listening to men tell their stories. We also have a comments box below if you’d like to leave your thoughts.
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If you want to hear more Dadvengers Podcast episodes the easiest way is to subscribe via your usual podcast provider. In addition you can always check back here on the website where all episodes are listed on the Podcast page.
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