Culture & Entertainment
In this episode of xoMAN, actor and activist Kendrick Sampson joined Kiara Walker for a wide-ranging and honest conversation about masculinity, purpose, identity, pleasure, and polyamory.
Known for his roles on Insecure and his outspoken advocacy, Kendrick shared how his spiritual and political awakening has reshaped his understanding of manhood, relationships, and power.
Raised in Texas, Kendrick shared that his early view of masculinity came from harmful messages, believing that masculinity meant having power, being abusive, or being violent. But his journey led him to break that mold: “It doesn’t have to be.” Now, he defines masculinity through connection and purpose:
“It’s being in the right relationship with your environment, really. Fulfilling your function. It’s understanding your place in the grand scheme of things.”
He challenges certain traditional norms and perspectives. "I think masculine and feminine are divine. I think it’s a spiritual thing. I think that it’s not defined how we think it is. I think it’s something that should be explored for the rest of our lives."
Through the lens of storytelling and activism, Kendrick urged listeners to be intentional in how they show up in the world. “You can make your environment less healthy, or you can make it more healthy… I think this is literally being a man. What is your place, and what’s your function right now?”
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He also reflected powerfully on mystery, faith, and freedom: “You ain't ever going to understand God. You ain't ever going to understand love fully. You’re not ever going to understand peace fully. These are not things you can put science to and come up with evidence.”
Watch Kendrick's full xoMAN podcast episode below:
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Featured image by Virisa Yong/BFA.com/Shutterstock
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