Dadvengers
#14 - John Lashley (@brooklynbrownieco)
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Episode notes
Dadvengers Podcast Episode 14 - John Lashley (@Brooklynbrownieco)
Our guest this episode is not only a mental health advocate and a full time dad to Leo, but 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 - including being held at gunpoint by police and why he doesn't visit there anymore.
If that wasn't enough we also hear about John's struggles with mental health after the tragic loss of Leo's mum.
Time Code
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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