Raul Espinoza’s father had many talents, but an equal number of demons. He struggled with addiction and was abusive to Raul’s mother as well as to him and his siblings. At the early age of ten, Raul decided he would take a different path and vowed not to drink and to treat women with respect. He has stayed true to this pledge and now, at the age of 38, Raul Espinoza is the executive director and driving force behind All Kings, a peer-led support organization that empowers men who have been – or may soon be impacted by the criminal justice system. This is an inspiring conversation about how this man overcame extreme challenges to make a huge difference in the lives of others with similar backgrounds.

All Kings: www.allkings.org

NY Times feature: https://www.nytimes.com/2024/07/01/style/all-kings-mens-work-retreat-masculinity.html

Episode Chapters:

02:06 Raul Espinoza’s Personal Journey
Raul shares his personal story of growing up in a challenging environment marked by domestic violence, substance abuse, and finding resilience and release through the arts.

06:04 Turning Pain into Purpose
Raul discusses how his childhood experiences led him to channel his emotions into art, setting the foundation for his journey towards personal development and helping others.

10:08 Entering the World of Personal Development
Raul shares his initial resistance to personal development work, his transformative experience, and his decision to help others navigate their own traumas and challenges.

14:00 Journey to All Kings
Raul recounts his global travels, working with marginalized communities, and finding his calling at All Kings, a nonprofit focusing on men’s mental health, trauma, and leadership development.

18:04 All Kings: A Peer-Led Men’s Group
Exploration of All Kings’ mission to address the crisis of manhood in America, providing a safe space for men impacted by the justice system and at-risk youth to process trauma and develop leadership skills.

23:24 Impact of Incarceration on Men
Discussion on the disproportionate incarceration rates of men of color in America, the challenges faced by those reentering society, and the cycle of trauma perpetuated by the current system.

29:34 Unpacking Stories at All Kings
Discover how All Kings uses retreats to revisit personal narratives, emotions, and beliefs, creating a safe space for men to unpack and share their stories while incorporating somatic healing and experiential learning.

33:29 Peer-Led Support and Emotional Healing
Explore the power of peer-led support in men’s groups, where individuals process trauma and emotions, unlocking each other’s experiences and fostering emotional healing through shared storytelling and vulnerability.

37:23 Body, Community, Equality: Pillars of Transformation
Delve into how All Kings integrates body awareness, community support, and equality principles into their program, empowering men to explore emotional intelligence, release negative energy, and cultivate a supportive environment for personal growth.

43:54 Impact and Optimism
Discover the outcomes and impact of All Kings’ work in transforming lives and communities, fueled by stories of personal growth, leadership development, and the ripple effects of empowerment, highlighting the optimism and hope that drives Raul Espinosa and his team forward.