We’re looking forward to introducing you to Craig Cooper. Check out our conversation below.
Hi Craig, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: What is a normal day like for you right now?
Great question! How does a normal day look for me? I like to start my day by being active; I enjoy going to the gym super early in the morning, around 2:00 AM. I know that’s really early, but it’s the only time when the gym is empty. I appreciate the early drive to the gym because it gives me time to think.
When I return home from the gym, I like to write down my thoughts and feelings for the day, get things off my mind, and take a nap. After that, I eat my breakfast and head to work.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Craig King Cooper. I was born in Washington, DC, and raised in Landover, Maryland. I am a proud mental health advocate for men and young boys. I went through depression and suicidal ideation as a young man, and I’ve been telling my story for the past eight years through books, podcasts, interviews, and magazines. I was part of a powerful anthology for men called “When His Soul Cries.” During the pandemic, I launched a podcast called the “Walk in Purpose Podcast.” I had the opportunity to interview men from all around the world, including Washington, DC, Detroit, the UK, and Ireland.
I created a group called the United King Community Circle, where we meet virtually to have conversations, grow, and learn from each other. I also merged my organization with my beautiful wife to form “Uplift Us For.” We provide a great, safe place for men, women, and youth to meet and greet in Maryland and Detroit. We just started a podcast this month, and Episode One is available now.
Additionally, I started a podcast about professional wrestling with my best friend, Derrick Jay Humphrey. The podcast is called “All The Gold Podcast,” where we review weekly shows like WWE Monday Night Raw, Friday Night SmackDown, NXT, and AEW shows. Starting a wrestling podcast has been therapeutic for me, and my co-host and I are experiencing great success; we are nearing 1,600 subscribers on YouTube.
I am also a farmer and a mixed martial artist.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
When I think about the relationship that has helped me see myself, I reflect on my relationship with my beautiful wife. Not only is she my best friend and my partner, but she also helps me see the greatness within myself and allows me the freedom to be myself. Most importantly, she respects me as a man and encourages me to pursue my goals, even when I’m afraid. The best relationships come when you can be honest, feel safe, and love each other unconditionally.
When did you stop hiding your pain and start using it as power?
There were a few moments in my life when I realized that I needed to stop hiding my pain and my depression. One day in particular, my mom saved my life. I was getting ready to write a goodbye note to the world when she called me and told me that she loved me. That’s what I needed to hear; that woman gave me another day. Sometimes, people just need another day and another voice.
Another key moment was in 2009 when I was riding in the car with my best friend, CJ. He looked at me and asked, “You good?” He could tell that something was off as I started to tear up. I said, “Honestly, no.” I remember feeling so frustrated and wanting to let things out and tell him how I felt. His response was, “I hear you.” That is very important—to be heard. Sometimes a problem may not go away, but a simple “I hear you” can go a long way.
I feel blessed to have so many great men in my life who pour into me the way I can pour into them. A big thank you to my brothers: David, Craig, CJ, Dex, Lawrence, Derrick, Tajh, Leon, Hebie, Craig D, Isaiah, and George. I really appreciate you all. Without these powerful men in my life, I wouldn’t be the same. Thank you for your brotherhood and your honesty.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. Is the public version of you the real you?
I’m at the point in my life where what you see is what you get. I’m not out here trying to be anyone else but me; I love myself and every part of who I am. I feel like I have a lot to offer in this world, and I refuse to be anything different. Years ago, I learned not to shy away from my authentic self. It feels good to love yourself.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. Could you give everything your best, even if no one ever praised you for it?
When I think about our lives, I realize that we only get one go-around and one heart. We all have a vision and a dream in this world—something that we want to accomplish. It could be going back to school, starting your own business, launching your own clothing line, starting a podcast, or doing that one thing you’ve been thinking about for the longest time. A lot of times, we think about the “what ifs”: What if no one sees it? What if no one likes it? What if I put my all into it and don’t get the results I want?
I’ve learned not to seek validation from others; instead, I focus on my thoughts and take action. While taking action, I give myself grace because taking that powerful first step can lead you to accomplish your goals later in life. You have to get in the mindset where you want to do it for yourself, not for the approval of everyone else. Keep pushing forward!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamcraigkingcooper?igsh=dmNwdzRibjl3NWo0
- Youtube: All The Gold Podcast
Image Credits
David Blair Tanzania Cooper Craig King Cooper
