We currently live in a world where most men have been raised to mask their emotions for fear of being viewed as weak. We live in a world where men who lack empathy have led the world into socially questionable times, and one of the best things that we can do to begin healing these problems, is talk. In this episode, the crew sits down with Tony Newbury for an honest conversation about men’s mental health, vulnerability, purpose, and the emotional cost of chasing a creative life. Tony reflects on self-worth, loneliness, friendship, therapy, and the pressure artists feel to keep pushing even when they are hurting. Together, they explore how masculinity can make openness feel difficult, why support systems matter, and how redefining success can help people stay grounded. Vulnerable and deeply reflective, this episode is a conversation about learning to care for yourself while still building toward the life you believe in.
We currently live in a world where most men have been raised to mask their emotions for fear of being viewed as weak. We live in a world where men who lack empathy have led the world into socially questionable times, and one of the best things that we can do to begin healing these problems, is talk. In this episode, the crew sits down with Tony Newbury for an honest conversation about men’s mental health, vulnerability, purpose, and the emotional cost of chasing a creative life. Tony reflects on self-worth, loneliness, friendship, therapy, and the pressure artists feel to keep pushing even when they are hurting. Together, they explore how masculinity can make openness feel difficult, why support systems matter, and how redefining success can help people stay grounded. Vulnerable and deeply reflective, this episode is a conversation about learning to care for yourself while still building toward the life you believe in.
01:22 Who Tony is beyond the music
04:05 Identity, family, and wanting to become a provider
06:55 Why support systems and male friendship matter
11:02 Therapy, self-love, and speaking openly about dark thoughts
14:20 Letting go of control and holding onto your truth
15:40 Redefining success beyond fame
19:37 Loneliness, burnout, and the physical toll of obsession
21:20 Therapy, the pain of the creative process, and what the world needs more of
Tony Newbury is a recording artist making a name for himself in Jersey’s hiphop scene. His flow and usage of samples has been able to differentiate him from the basic drill or hard style rapper we hear today. He not only wants to entertain people, but also help them make sense of the crazy world we live in. By making music from his hardships, Tony hopes to help others through theirs.
Aziz Finney is an artist and musician, driven by curiosity, connection, and the search for deeper meaning. In the wake of the disconnection left by COVID, he began a personal journey of self-discovery that pushed him to ask bigger questions about identity, healing, purpose, and what it means to be human. That journey evolved into conversations with strangers on deeply reflective topics, creating space for honesty, vulnerability, and perspective in a world that often moves too fast to look inward. Through his work, Aziz invites others to join him in exploring the questions that shape us, hoping to make people feel a little more seen, a little less alone, and a little more connected to themselves and each other.
Taylor Tote is a singer, songwriter, producer, and creative director originally from the NJ/NYC area now based in San Diego, CA. Recognized by the Asbury Park Press for her “big voice, old soul” style, Taylor has spent the last 10 years touring nationally as both a solo artist and alongside acclaimed soul performer Remember Jones. With a background in music, media, business, and entrepreneurship, Taylor served has lead Content Creation and Production at Indigo Soul NYC, where she produced and co-hosted the podcast Thoughts on the Path. Passionate about honest conversation, creativity, and community, Taylor helped curate a thoughtful and artist-driven perspective to each episode, exploring the realities of music, mental health, identity, and navigating life on your own terms.
Indigo Soul NYC nurtures artists of all levels, mediums, and backgrounds by providing accessible space, community, and education with the goal of shaping society through the means of culture.
Thoughts on the Path is Hosted by Aziz Finney and Taylor Tote
Powered by Indigo Soul NYC
To learn more about how you can support Thoughts on the Path and other Indigo Soul NYC media projects visit www.indigosoulnyc.com/media