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 98
Joshua, 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 Forever
The 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 Health
Hannah 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 Scrolling
A 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 Sad
The 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 Trauma
From 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 Behavior
Music 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 Mask
Is 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 & Art
Shoutout to Winston J. Stewart and how visual media also influences identity and creativity.

32:17 – Takeaways: Intentional Consumption & Setting Boundaries
A 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 Yourself
Hannah highlights how TikTok encourages authenticity over perfection.

35:54 – Closing & What’s Next: Chapter 99 on the Road to 100
The hosts remind listeners: everything affects everything—and tease the milestone episode ahead.

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