Surviving the Bullies: Schoolyard Scars, Grown-Up Grudges & Breaking the Cycle (part I)

What is up, y’all! Welcome back to another soulful, candid, and hilarious Wednesday drop of Damn We Grown with your favorite duo, Mike and Tiff! This week, the studio gets real, raw, and just a little bit petty as we dive headfirst into listener mail. After a listener reached out asking us to talk about the lasting scars of schoolyard harassment, we had to lay it all on the table: bullying, childhood trauma, and why some folks carry that mean-girl and mean-boy energy straight into their adult careers. Before we get heavy, Mike and Tiff recap their rainy LA weekend hitting the Soulnic Block Party, scarfing down hot dogs at Earle’s on Crenshaw, and taking in the culture at the Pomona Art Walk with the African American Advisory Alliance (4AAS). Plus, Mike addresses the internet comment section blowing up our previous episode—because you know the red-pill brigade was crying about accountability and common sense! Then, we unpack: The High School Homecoming Queen Trap: Tiff opens up about being an awkward, tall girl dealing with covert bullying, nasty rumors, and how winning a school crown unleashed high school jealousy that followed her for years. 4th Grade Bathroom Brawls: Mike shares his one and only childhood bully encounter—nearly getting tossed into an 80s toilet until his big brother stepped in. "Hurt People Hurt People": Breaking down where bullies are made, why broken homes breed schoolyard monsters, and how modern cyberbullying and social media have made youth mental health ten times harder. Gentle Parenting with an Edge: Why teaching our kids to stand on business, speak their minds respectfully, and protect their inner fire is essential to surviving today’s world. Grown-Ass Bullies in the Workplace: The moment Mike’s 6'5" frame met corporate disrespect, the poodle-versus-grizzly-bear dynamic, and learning how to protect your peace without losing your bag! Grab your coffee, settle into your commute, and hit play. Keep choosing joy, and stop bullying people out here! Email: [email protected] Instagram & All Socials: @DamnWeGrown Visual Podcast: Watch every full episode on Spotify & YouTube Audio Feed: Streaming across Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and everywhere podcasts live Shoutouts: Pomona Art Walk & African American Advisory Alliance: IG @pomona4as Legal Dope Streetwear (Victorville, CA): IG @legal_dope_ | everythinglegal.bigcartel.com Sean Cross & the Afro Boy Comic Series Connect & Support the Show