Ep 14: Getting Nosier, Posse Therapy & The Invisible Ache (with Javon Garcia)

Doug talks with Javon Garcia, a clinical social worker in Chicago and former member of the Grinnell Posse Doug mentored, about therapy, masculinity, community, and The Invisible Ache by Courtney B. Vance and Dr. Robin L. Smith. Javon reflects on becoming a therapist, why representation matters, the pressures Black men face around vulnerability and mental health, and why self-care is not enough without community care. They also talk about virtual therapy, Posse as accidental group therapy, shame, faith, and why maybe we should all be a little nosier.Music for Doug Reads with Friends is provided by Eiren Caffall.00:05 INTRO: Javon Garcia, therapy, and The Invisible Ache 01:51 From law school dreams to clinical social work 09:25 Who are you as a therapist? 17:13 Virtual therapy, rural Illinois, and the Posse connection 21:24 Politics, fear, joy, comedy, and what keeps Javon going 25:13 Javon as a reader 26:22 OK, now the book: The Invisible Ache by Courtney B. Vance and Dr. Robin L. Smith 29:43 Self-care, community care, and being a little nosier 34:19 The man box: race, masculinity, shame, and barriers to therapy39:55 Taking off the mask, Posse travel, and what comes next