Dark and Tender: Aaron Johnson on Reclaiming Touch and Dismantling the Black Brute Myth - Episode 80

The Inside Circle Podcast with Eldra Jackson III

In this episode of The Inside Circle Podcast, Eldra sits down with social activist and founder of The CUT Project, Aaron Johnson, about the need for holistic, platonic touch in the lives of Black and BIPOC men. Drawing from personal experience and his work, Aaron explores how unaddressed trauma and chronic under-touching affect nervous systems, relationships, and communities — and how healing practices rooted in intention and connection can bring transformation.

Aaron introduces his short documentary Dark and Tender, which follows 10 Black men on retreat as they navigate grief, touch, and connection. He reflects on dismantling the “Black brute” stereotype, building personal touch plans, and creating spaces grounded in consent, connection to the earth, and care.

Whether you're raising a young Black man, working in healing spaces, or seeking deeper connection in your own life, this episode is an invitation to listen, reflect, and begin again.

Learn more: https://cutproject.org

More episodes and info: https://insidecircle.org/podcast