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Speaking with GravityAuthor: Kervin Searles
Welcome to Speaking with Gravity Your go-to podcast for real conversations about mental health within the African diaspora. In each episode, we take long and deep look into the complexities of how "everything affects everything." Our goal is simple: to have conversations that make you think, feel, and inspire you to do what's best for you. Whether we're discussing coping strategies, breaking down the barriers of self-sabotage, or exploring everyday mental health challenges, this isnt therapyits a podcast. But its one that will resonate with your mind, heart, and soul. Language: en Genres: Health & Fitness, Mental Health Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
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Media, Music, and Mental Health: What We Consume Consumes Us | Speaking With Gravity Ep.98
Episode 98
Wednesday, 19 November, 2025
Welcome back to Speaking With Gravity, where everything affects everything.In Episode 98, Joshua, Hannah, and Terance dive deep into how media, music, social platforms, and entertainment shape our emotions, mental health, habits, identity, and even cultural norms. From hip-hop and gospel to TikTok and reality TV, the crew unpacks how our entertainment diet influences the way we show up every day—often without us even realizing it.This episode is perfect for listeners struggling with social comparison, emotional triggers, stress, or unhealthy media habits—and for anyone wanting to be more intentional about the content they allow in their mind and space.00:00 – Welcome to Episode 98Joshua, Hannah, and Terance set the stage and shout out Executive Producer Kervin Searles and Winston Stewart of Winston J. Stewart Photography. 01:28 – “What You Wanna Know?” Icebreaker: One Artist ForeverThe hosts share which single artist they’d keep if they had to delete every other from their playlist—and why. From John Coltrane to Lauryn Hill to Sounds of Blackness, their answers say a lot. 04:23 – QD of the Hour: What Research Says About Media & Mental HealthHannah shares APA research showing how TV, music, and social platforms impact stress, sleep, and self-esteem. The team breaks down how even subconscious exposure affects us. 06:07 – Social Comparison: The Hidden Consequence of ScrollingA conversation about comparing real life to others’ highlight reels—and how it creates feelings of inadequacy and burnout. 10:19 – Emotional Triggers & Consuming Content While SadThe hosts explore how media triggers emotions, especially during hard moments, with examples like the George Floyd video and the rabbit-hole effect of TikTok. 14:31 – Cultural Norms, Messaging & Intergenerational TraumaFrom hip-hop lyrics to gospel music, the crew discusses how media creates cultural expectations and even reenacts trauma across generations. 18:21 – How Entertainment Shapes Daily BehaviorMusic that sparks fights, songs that stir sadness or joy—Joshua and Terance explain how content subconsciously influences our moods and decisions. 20:03 – Entertainment as a Tool vs. Entertainment as a MaskIs content helping us grow, or helping us hide? The hosts break down how people use media personas to cope with insecurity. 24:39 – Fun Segment: Top Five Artists (and Comedians!)A lighthearted moment as the hosts name the artists and performers who shaped their worldview—from Maxwell and Kirk Franklin to Bernie Mac and Dave Chappelle. 31:18 – Beyond Music: Media Also Includes Photography & ArtShoutout to Winston J. Stewart and how visual media also influences identity and creativity. 32:17 – Takeaways: Intentional Consumption & Setting BoundariesA powerful closing message about monitoring your entertainment diet, modeling healthy habits for children, and setting limits online. 34:51 – The Positive Side of TikTok & Being YourselfHannah highlights how TikTok encourages authenticity over perfection. 35:54 – Closing & What’s Next: Chapter 99 on the Road to 100The hosts remind listeners: everything affects everything—and tease the milestone episode ahead. Follow @speakingwithgravity on all platforms for clips, updates, and new episodes.
