Speaking with Gravity

Created by Kervin K. Searles, LPC
  • 5.0 (10)
  • Mental Health
  • Updated Semimonthly

Speaking with Gravity is a bi-weekly mental health and culture podcast created to break stigma and open doors to healing in the Black community. Hosted by mental health professionals and real people living real life, we have honest, down-to-earth conversations about what we’re carrying and how to cope with stress, anxiety, trauma, identity, relationships, grief, purpose, and more. Our mission is simple: spark conversations that help you think, feel, and do what’s best for you, because everything affects everything. This podcast is educational and inspirational. It does not replace therapy.

  1. Jun 18

    The Body’s Receipt: Stress & Somatic Truth | Speaking With Gravity Ep 108

    Have you ever had a physical symptom—like a debilitating migraine, a heavy chest, or sudden back pain—that only showed up after a chaotic week, but you still tried to tell yourself you were "fine"? In our culture, we’re often taught to be strong, keep our heads down, and push past the pain. Grind culture tells us that rest is lazy, so we dissociate from our bodies just to survive our day-to-day demands. But burnout isn’t just an emotional state—it’s a physical reality stored directly in your tissues. Your body is keeping a strict receipt of the trauma and stress your mind tries to ignore. In this powerful episode of Speaking with Gravity, hosts Kervin Searles, Terance Dawkins, and Sherika Anderson are joined by special guest host Shameka Chanel, Clinical Director of Points of Origin Counseling. Together, they break down the philosophical trap of Cartesian Dualism—the harmful separation of mind and body that forces us to treat our bodies like machine tools instead of messengers meant to be heard. If you've been feeling chronically tired, struggling with gut issues, or realizing you've been living entirely in your head, this episode is your invitation to log back into your body. It’s time to stop throwing away the body’s receipts and start reclaiming your holistic health. ​[0:00 – 10:00] Opening: The People Want to Know 🎙️ The crew introduces the signature question: How does your body typically signal to you that you've reached your limit before your mind is ready to admit it? Plus, a deep dive into Cartesian Dualism and why treating our bodies like machines is breaking our community down. ​[10:00 – 15:00] QD of the Hour (Quotable Data): Somatization Defined 📊 Breaking down the clinical definition of somatization—the psychological distress that physically manifests in the body. We address why up to 33% of primary care patients are actually experiencing physical pain rooted in unaddressed psychological stress. ​[15:00 – 30:00] The Core Conversation: Trapped Trauma & Physical Signs 🧠Guest Shameka Chanel shares her personal journey with body awareness and maps out the concrete alarm systems of impending burnout. Learn why holding excess weight in your core and suffering from chronic digestive issues are direct signs that your parasympathetic nervous system is failing to process your stress. ​[30:00 – 40:00] Somatic Exercises & "Soma Flow" 🧘‍♀️ Moving away from standard talk therapy into real, actionable somatic healing. The hosts walk through practical methods for "body-mapping" and introducing "Soma Flow" exercises to help release trapped emotional energy from your muscles. ​[40:00 – 50:00] Conversation Starter & The "Crash" 💥The team unpacks the reality of hitting a physical "crash"—those moments where your body forces you to stop because your mind refuses to. How do we rewrite our playbook to respect our nervous systems?​[50:00 – 57:39] Outro: Tools for Reclaiming the Self 📖 Closing thoughts on self-expression and community healing. Shameka highlights how a lack of body connection directly fractures our relationships and identity. ​Embodied Self Reclamation: A 30-Day Holistic Journey by Shameka Chanel​Undrafted and Purposed: Still Living, Loving, and Leading in Life by Kervin Searles​B.L.A.C.K. Trauma Journal & Cards by Terance DawkinsListen & Subscribe: Available on all major podcast platforms. Follow us on social media: @speakingwithgravity Need professional support? Visit gravitycounselinggroup.com to connect with culturally competent therapists. Remember: Everything affects everything.

    58 min

  2. Jun 4

    Communication and Connection | Speaking With Gravity Ep 107

    Welcome back to Speaking with Gravity, the space where we unpack mental health and remind you that everything affects everything. In this powerful episode, your resident hosts and licensed therapists—Kervin Searles, Sherika Anderson, and Terance Dawkins—are pulling up a chair to have a real, transparent conversation about what it truly takes to bridge the gap between being mere "roommates" and becoming true soulmates. Oftentimes in our community, we think a relationship only ends because of a "Big Bang" like infidelity or a massive blow-up. But the truth is much quieter. Sometimes, we just hit autopilot. We get complacent, we stop dating, and we exhaust our possibilities instead of choosing intentional intimacy. Taking inspiration from the classic film Love Jones, the SWG crew discuss why romance fades and how getting curious about the person sitting across from you can completely shift your connection. From navigating how childhood upbringings shape our love languages to breaking down the literal formula for conflict-resolving "I statements," this episode is packed with the therapeutic culture shifts we need to love deeper and live better. If you are ready to stop showing up as just a "representative" and start building a resilient, authentic connection, this one is for you. Press play, get these tools, and let’s stop guessing and start verbalizing. [00:02] – Welcome back to Speaking with Gravity: Easing into Episode 107 with Kervin, Sherika, and Terance. [01:10] – The Love Jones Theory: Moving from exhausted possibilities to intentional intimacy, inspired by Darius Love Hall. [03:32] – The Cohabitation Trap: Why do we get complacent once we move in together, and how presenting a "representative" instead of our authentic selves trips us up? [06:39] – Keep the Goals Flowing: The importance of never-ending relationship goals so you don't stall out after marriage and kids. [09:34] – The 94% Rule (QD of the Hour): Breaking down Gottman Institute data on how the first few minutes of a conversation predict its entire outcome. [12:37] – Master the "I Statement": Terance and Kervin drop the exact communication formula to cut relationship arguments in half. [16:44] – "How Do You Know They Don't Know How to Love?": A deep dive into love languages, childhood upbringings, and unreceived affection. [20:05] – Securing "Cool Points": Kervin shares a hilarious personal story about late-night Waffle House runs and learning his wife's appreciation language. [24:02] – The "You Should Just Know" Debate: Reeka steps up for the sisters to break down what women actually mean when they drop this infamous line. [32:02] – Therapeutic Takeaways: Final gems from the hosts on verbalizing your needs, dropping assumptions, and choosing romance daily. Enjoyed the episode? Don't forget to Subscribe, Rate, and Leave a Review on your favorite platform! 📲 Follow us on Social Media: @speakingwithgravity Looking for support on your healing journey? Your mental health and relationship wellness matter. Visit gravitycounselinggroup.com to learn more about our therapy services, couples workshops, and community healing resources. Watch on YouTube: Check out our full video episodes and deep dives in the show notes on YouTube to connect with the team directly! Remember: When we learn how to love, we'll know how to live. Everything affects everything. 🤎✊🏾

    37 min

  3. May 21

    What We Got Wrong About Friendship | Season 11 Ep 106

    Hey family! Welcome back to another powerful episode of Speaking with Gravity. Since it's Mental Health Awareness Month, we are diving deep into a topic that affects our peace, our joy, and our healing: Friendship. As Black men and women, we are often taught to carry the world on our shoulders, but life is meant to be done in community. This week, hosts Kervin Searles, Sherika Anderson, and Terance Dawkins are joined by a very special guest: powerhouse trauma therapist, TikTok creator, and author Dr. Jaquinda Jackson! Together, we’re unpacking the myths, the boundaries, and the beautiful realities of adult friendships. Are your friends pouring back into your cup? Are you picking your inner circle with intentionality, or just letting whoever sit at your table? We're getting real, raw, and hilarious about what it means to build an authentic, safe support system. Grab your tea, your headphones, or your walking shoes, and let’s get into it! 🎧✨ [00:00] Welcome to Speaking with Gravity! Meet the team and our special guest, trauma therapist Dr. Jaquinda Jackson, as we kick off Mental Health Awareness Month. [01:36] The Friendship "Performance Review" If your friendship was a career this month, would you get a promotion, a PIP (Performance Improvement Plan), or straight-up fired? The hosts give their hilariously honest answers. [05:04] "Don't Call Me on Monday Night!" Why therapists secretly hate talking on the phone after work, and how life stages change our availability. [07:14] Boundaries & Priority Lists How to vocalize your boundaries so your friends know exactly when and how to show up for you. [09:12] The Red Flags vs. Green Flags Are you the only one pouring into the relationship? The crew breaks down one-sided dynamics and why a real friend respects your marriage and family boundaries. [12:06] Staying "In Alignment" Through Life's Seasons Navigating the shifts when some friends are single, some are married, and some are just going through a hard season. [14:29] How Do You Define a True Friend? Looking past proximity to find people who share your common goals, entrepreneurial mindsets, and personal growth paths. [18:40] Psychological Safety & Accountability If your friend can't look you in the eye and tell you that you're making a bad decision, are they really a good friend? [29:39] Healing the Strong Black Woman Dr. Jaquinda Jackson introduces her actionable workbook, discussing how trauma impacts the Black community, why Black women are facing high stress rates, and how to build a chosen community that heals. [38:44] Reconnecting and Overcoming Regret Kervin shares a personal story about a spontaneous road trip to Georgia to reconnect with an old friend, proving that true friendships shouldn't be complicated. [41:53] Main Takeaways & Closing Out The final gems: Choose your friends, protect your table, and remember that you have the power to create your own chosen family. 🌟 Key Gems from the Episode "Be careful who you let sit at your table, because not everybody deserve a seat." — Terance Dawkins "Your friendships are the people that you have the opportunity to not think about how you was brought up, not think about your blood, but you can be intentional about who you allow to be able to create that safe space with." — Sharika Anderson Dr. Jaquinda Jackson: Follow her on TikTok and all social platforms @DrJaquindaJackson for amazing mental health content, and check out her book Healing the Strong Black Woman. Speaking with Gravity: Subscribe on all major podcast platforms and follow us on social media at @speakingwithgravity. Check the show notes for individual contact info! Don't forget to Like, Share, and Subscribe! Drop a comment below: Based on this month, are you getting a promotion or a PIP in your friendships? 👇🏾🔥

    45 min

  4. May 7

    Different, Not Deficit: The Neurodiversity Wave | Speaking With Gravity Ep 105

    Are you constantly fighting against procrastination, or do you feel like your brain is just wired differently than everyone else’s? 🧠✨ In this powerful episode of Speaking With Gravity, host Kervin Searles is joined by co-hosts Sherika Anderson and Terance Dawkins, along with special guest Passion Bankhead, a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) from South Carolina. We’re tearing down the stigma surrounding ADHD and Neurodiversity. For too long, our symptoms have been mislabeled as "character flaws" or "laziness". Passion breaks down how cultural pressures play a massive role in who gets support and who just gets disciplined. Whether you’re an entrepreneur looking to turn your "hyper-focus" into a superpower or a parent trying to navigate the school system for your child, this conversation provides the blueprint for moving from a "deficit" mindset to embracing your unique brilliance. ​00:16 – Welcome to Season 11: Different, Not Deficit. ​01:36 – Meet the Guest: Passion, LPC, on working with neurodivergence in the clinic and schools. ​03:26 – The People Want to Know: "When did you realize your brain worked differently?". ​08:43 – QD of the Hour: The shocking rise in ADHD and Autism projections for 2025/2026. ​11:18 – Symptoms vs. Character Flaws: Why we mislabel struggling kids as "disrespectful" or "lazy". ​14:29 – The Misdiagnosis Trap: Trauma-related symptoms vs. ADHD labels. ​19:41 – Professional Help vs. TikTok Trends: How to seek a real clinical diagnosis. ​28:38 – Interest vs. Importance: The secret to motivating the neurodivergent brain. ​31:05 – The "PTO" Method: A genius strategy for helping kids take responsibility for their behavior. ​39:54 – Neurodivergent Excellence: Why entrepreneurs and creatives thrive as adults. ​42:53 – Upcoming Training: Support for ADHD parents raising ADHD children. Connect with the Squad: ​Passion: Find her at Outside of the Box Therapy in Gaffney, SC. ​Terance Dawkins: Find him at Missing Pieces Counseling in Spartanburg, SC. (missingpiecescounseling.com) ​Kervin & Sherika: Find them at Gravity Counseling Group in Greenwood, SC. (gravitycounselinggroup.com)Don't forget to subscribe and leave a review! Everything affects everything. 🎙️✊🏾 How has understanding your "wiring" changed the way you show up in your relationships or career? Let us know in the comments!

    47 min

  5. Apr 23

    The Connection Crisis: Connected But Alone | Speaking With Gravity Ep 104

    If your phone died for 48 hours, who in your "circle" would actually show up at your front door to check on you? 📱🚪 Welcome back to Speaking With Gravity for Season 11, Episode 104. In this episode, Terance, Kervin, and Sherika tackle The Connection Crisis. We discuss the startling reality that in 2023, the U.S. Surgeon General declared loneliness a public health epidemic—revealing that social isolation can be as deadly as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. Whether you are the "strong friend" who gives 100% and receives 0%, or you’re struggling to bridge the gap between your digital followers and your real-world village, this conversation is the wake-up call we all need to regulate our nervous systems through authentic connection. Watch, listen, and stay grounded. Because everything affects everything. 00:00 - The 48-Hour Reality Check: Who shows up when the screen goes dark? 04:40 - The Loneliness Epidemic: Is isolation deadlier than smoking? 10:15 - Digital Intimacy vs. Real Connection: Why DMs aren't enough 13:30 - Dopamine Hits vs. Oxytocin: The science of a "Like" vs. a Hug 18:50 - The "Edit" Culture: How social media prevents raw vulnerability 24:15 - Auditing Your Inner Circle: The "Kervin Searles Method" 30:10 - The "Why" Behind the Post: Moving from autopilot to intention 34:00 - Breaking the "Strong Friend" Cycle 39:55 - Resource Spotlight: My B.L.A.C.K. Trauma Journal & Undrafted and Purposed Undrafted and Purposed: Still Living, Loving, and Leading in Life by Kervin Searles. A roadmap for men (and those who love them) to lead with purpose. My B.L.A.C.K. Trauma Journal by Terance Dawkins. An acronym for Building Language, Awareness, Connections, and Knowledge. 🔗 Get the tools for your journey: gravitycounselinggroup.com We want to hear from you. After auditing your "Top 5" contacts—is the energy flow mutual? Or are there "Thieves in the Den" stealing your joy through comparison? Drop a "🤝" in the comments if you're committing to an in-person connection this week! Follow the Movement: 📸 Instagram/Facebook: @SpeakingWithGravity 🎙️ All Podcast Platforms: Speaking With Gravity #SpeakingWithGravity #ConnectionCrisis #BlackMentalHealth #GenerationalHealing #StrongFriend #SurgeonGeneral #TheVillage #EverythingAffectsEverything

    35 min

  6. Apr 9

    The Stories We Keep (And the Ones That Keep Us) | Speaking With Gravity Ep 103

    Ever wonder why "be home before the streetlights come on" felt like more than just a curfew? Or why "what stays in this house" was the golden rule? Welcome back to Speaking with Gravity. In this heavy-hitting episode, Terance, Kervin, and Sherika dive deep into inherited trauma and the hidden emotional baggage we carry without even knowing it. We aren't just talking about old stories; we’re looking at epigenetics—how the stress and trauma of our ancestors can actually leave chemical marks on our DNA. If you’re ready to move from being a character in someone else’s history to the author of your own story, this one is for you. The "Streetlight Rule" Unpacked: Why historical safety for people of color turned a survival tactic into a modern household rule . Family Business vs. Family Survival: Understanding the roots of "hushing" children and its connection to slavery and historical consequences. The Science of the Struggle: Terance explains the groundbreaking research on how trauma-induced DNA changes are passed down through generations . Talking TO vs. Talking AT: A vital shift for parents to promote critical thinking and better relationships with their kids . Breaking the Cycle: Practical tips on interviewing your elders and using curiosity to understand your own patterns. 01:13 – The People Want to Know: Rules we didn’t realize were trauma responses. 04:40 – "Don't tell people our business": Analyzing the "mute state" . 06:50 – Historical Context: How slavery and the Holocaust shaped intergenerational responses. 11:15 – Epigenetics 101: Environmental factors and DNA changes. 13:56 – The Mouse Study: How trauma responses are born before the child is . 18:59 – Communication Shift: The difference between giving orders and giving the "why" . 24:59 – "Do as I say, not as I do": Why the "Why" matters for development. 38:10 – Final Takeaways: Learning your story and remaining curious. 39:55 – Resource Spotlight: My B.L.A.C.K. Trauma Journal (Building Language, Awareness, Connections, and Knowledge). "We want to move from being a character in someone else's story to being the author of our own." — Kervin Searles Connect with the Gravity Team: 🔗 Website: gravitycounselinggroup.com 📸 Social Media: @SpeakingWithGravity 📖 Resource: Pick up the My B.L.A.C.K. Trauma Journal by Terance Dawkins (https://a.co/d/0fRxcnBy). Subscribe & Review: If this episode resonated with your journey, leave us a review and share it with the family. Remember—everything affects everything.

    43 min
  7. Therapy Has Been Trending But Is It Transforming Us? | Speaking With Gravity Ep. 102

    Mar 25

    Therapy Has Been Trending But Is It Transforming Us? | Speaking With Gravity Ep. 102

    Therapy is everywhere right now.From TikTok to Instagram, words like “trauma,” “gaslighting,” “boundaries,” and “narcissism” are part of everyday conversations. But here’s the real question: 👉 Are we actually healing… or just getting better at talking about our pain? In this thought-provoking episode of Speaking with Gravity, hosts Kervin Searles, Sherika Anderson, and Terance Dawkins discuss one of the most relevant mental health conversations happening today. Mental health awareness is at an all-time high—but with that comes: The rise of self-diagnosis Overuse (and misuse) of clinical language “Instagram therapy” that informs but doesn’t always transform This episode challenges you to reflect on your own journey: Awareness isn’t enough—real change comes from skill-building and applicationSocial media can spark growth—but it can’t replace real-life experience and intentional workHealing requires more than knowledge—it demands action, communication, and vulnerabilityYour brain is capable of change (neuroplasticity), but only if you do something differentA clearer understanding of the gap between knowing and healingPractical insight into how to apply what you learnA challenge to audit your own growth journeyA new perspective on how therapy should actually impact your lifeDon’t just follow the trend.Transform it. If you’ve ever: Felt stuck despite “doing the work”Learned all the right terms but still feel the sameOr questioned whether therapy is really working…👉 This episode is for you. Subscribe, share, and join the conversation—because at Speaking with Gravity, we believe everything affects everything. 🔥 What’s Trending (And Why It Matters) 💡 Real Talk You Don’t Want to Miss 🧠 Key Takeaways 🎯 What You’ll Walk Away With 🎧 Final Message: 00:00 – New Season, New Energy👉 Season 11 begins—new host Sherika Anderson joins Kervin Searles & Terance Dawkins as the conversation shifts from awareness to real healing. 02:10 – “Therapy Words” Are Everywhere🔥 Narcissism, gaslighting, boundaries… are we using these words correctly or just using them? 05:40 – Viral Question of the Episode💥 “If you can name your trauma but nothing changes… are you healing or just mastering your pain?” 06:30 – The Truth About Therapy Nobody Talks About🎯 Going to therapy isn’t enough—what did you actually learn and apply? 08:20 – Instagram Therapy vs Real Healing📱 Are reels helping you grow… or keeping you stuck in self-diagnosis? 09:30 – Therapy in 2 Words (Power Moment)⚡ “Awareness and skills.” If you don’t have both—you don’t have change. 11:55 – The Rise of Self-Diagnosis (Trending Topic)📊 100% of people are consuming mental health content… but are we diagnosing ourselves incorrectly? 14:45 – TikTok Is Teaching Therapy… But Is It Enough?👀 Relatable content feels good—but does it actually change your life? 17:30 – “Smart About Your Problems, Weak in Change”💡 You understand your issues but why can’t you break the cycle? 19:00 – Are We Using Therapy Language to Avoid Growth?🚨 Are therapy tools for healing or excuses for staying the same? 21:40 – Are Boundaries Becoming Weapons? (Viral Clip Alert)🔥 “I’m not doing this.” Is that healing—or control disguised as growth? 25:40 – Why We Keep Repeating the Same Patterns🔁 You’re not stuck—you’re repeating what you haven’t healed. 27:50 – Communication vs Reaction🧠 Healing shows up in how you respond—not how you react. 28:45 – Neuroplasticity Explained (Your Brain Can Change)🚀 You’re not wired to stay the same—your brain is built to grow if you apply the work. 30:40 – Stop Watching, Start Experiencing🎯 You can’t heal only on social media—real growth happens in real life. 35:00 – Final Takeaway: Transform the Trend💥 Don’t just follow what’s trending—apply it and transform your life.

    39 min
  8. Turning the Chapter | Speaking With Gravity Ep. 101

    Mar 11

    Turning the Chapter | Speaking With Gravity Ep. 101

    A new chapter begins. Episode 101 of Speaking with Gravity kicks off Season 11 with host Kervin Searles guiding listeners through the show’s history, current course, and future shift. This season premiere is very short and sweet. It sets a clear course and goal of being substantive, no clickbait, and intentional with hosts and guests being licensed clinicians delivering a topic bi-weekly. In this episode, you’ll hear, A concise history of Speaking with Gravity, including the original mission to raise mental health awareness in the Black community and normalize difficult conversations. An episode-by-episode evolution timeline and the departure of past hosts, Joshua Williams and Hannah Williams-Jones.- An introduction to the current and upcoming hosting ensemble while shifting to guests with LCSWs, LPCs, LMFTs, NPs, psychologists, and psychiatrists. A discussion of Season 11’s goal to move beyond aesthetics toward substantive, thoughtful dialogue that serves Black listeners with real resources and guidance. If you like and enjoy this podcast. Subscribe and turn on notifications to catch Season 11 episodes. 0:00 Cold Open 01:05 Mission and Goal of Speaking With Gravity 2:15 The Beginning History Season 1-7 5:15 The Most Recent History Season 8- Present 7:30 Future Episodes, Forward Moving, and Intentional (Conversational Style, Mental Health Professionals) 10:00 The Focus on Season 11: Beyond The Aesthetics 12:20 CTA (Listen, Subscribe, Comment, and Email Us)

    16 min
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About

Speaking with Gravity is a bi-weekly mental health and culture podcast created to break stigma and open doors to healing in the Black community. Hosted by mental health professionals and real people living real life, we have honest, down-to-earth conversations about what we’re carrying and how to cope with stress, anxiety, trauma, identity, relationships, grief, purpose, and more. Our mission is simple: spark conversations that help you think, feel, and do what’s best for you, because everything affects everything. This podcast is educational and inspirational. It does not replace therapy.

Information

  • Creator
    Created by Kervin K. Searles, LPC
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    104
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Created by Kervin K. Searles, LPC
  • Show Website
    Speaking with Gravity