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. 3H AGO

    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
  2. 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
  3. 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

  4. 12/17/2025

    Undrafted and Purposed | Speaking With Gravity Episode 100

    This is more than an episode. This is a milestone. Episode 100 of Speaking With Gravity celebrates 100 conversations centered on Black mental health, self-awareness, and growth—and it marks the release of Undrafted and Purposed, the debut book by our executive producer and founder, Kervin Searles. If you were drawn to Shannon Sharpe’s conversation with Dr. Cheyenne Bryant, this episode creates a unique lane—real talk about reflection, purpose, emotional growth, and healthy relationships in the African-American community, grounded in lived experience and clinical insight. In this episode, the hosts reflect on what it means to feel “less than,” how early experiences shape adulthood, and how self-awareness, connection, and commitment can change how we live, love, and lead. While this episode celebrates longevity and consistency, it also invites you into the why behind the work—and the book born out of it. 🎉 100 episodes in. Still standing. Still growing. Still purposed. Honest reflections on feeling overlooked, underestimated, and “undrafted” How childhood experiences quietly shape adult identity and relationships Why self-awareness is foundational to healing, especially for Black men The difference between healthy growth and unhealthy comparison How connection and community protect mental health Why commitment—not motivation—sustains purpose The story and message behind Undrafted and Purposed Rooted in real experiences and clinical insight, Undrafted and Purposed explores how men—and especially Black men—can reclaim identity, build healthy relationships, and lead intentionally without needing external validation. The book is structured around Self-Awareness, Connection, and Commitment, themes deeply explored throughout this episode. 00:00 — Welcome to Episode 100 Celebrating the journey, the growth, and the purpose behind Speaking With Gravity 01:50 — The People Want To Know: Feeling “Less Than”- Where It Starts Personal stories of being overlooked, underestimated, and internalizing identity 08:20 — The Meaning Behind the Title “Undrafted and Purposed” How early experiences quietly shape adult decisions and self-worth 14:45 — Reaching 100 Episodes: How does it feel? Not just longevity but consistency first. The initial purpose, the current purpose and how it connects to Black mental health advocacy. 18:30 — Self-Awareness: Knowing Who You Are Why awareness is the foundation of growth and not perfection. 25:40 — Connection: Why Healing Doesn’t Happen Alone Knowing the difference between healthy vs. unhealthy and the myth of isolation 32:30 — Boundaries, Triggers, and Emotional Intelligence How self-awareness shows up in relationships and conflict 38:55 — Commitment: Staying the Course When Life Happens Discipline, purpose, and finishing what you start—even during hardship. Personal story of staying the course. 43:20 — Undrafted and Purposed: The Book Where to find this book. 46:30 — Final Reflections 100 down. Still building. Still becoming. While our listeners numbers may fluctuate, the community continues to grow because conversations like this meet people where they are. This episode isn’t chasing algorithms; it’s serving people. If you’re navigating purpose, emotional growth, or healing within your community—this episode is for you. 📖 Undrafted and Purposed is available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble (online), WalMart, and at gravitycounselinggroup.com 🎙️ Follow Speaking With Gravity on Spotify, YouTube, and Facebook 🧠 For counseling and support: Gravity Counseling Group

    47 min

  5. 12/03/2025

    Invisible Battles: When Smiles Hide the Struggle | Speaking With Gravity Ep. 99

    Episode 99 is here — “Invisible Battles: When Smiles Hide the Struggle.” In this powerful conversation, Joshua, Hannah, and Terance unpack the quiet realities so many people carry: anxiety, depression, grief, and trauma that get hidden behind “I’m good,” overworking, humor, or staying busy. They talk about why masking feels safer, how psychological safety matters not just at work but in families and relationships, and what it looks like to move from survival mode into healing mode. If you’ve ever felt like you had to be strong all the time… this one’s for you. What you’ll hear in this episode: The phrases we use to convince people we’re okay when we aren’t How “invisible battles” show up as busyness, achievement, avoidance, or silence Why safe spaces and psychological safety are essential for mental wellness The cost of masking: burnout, loneliness, and emotional spillover Learning to recognize the signs of masking and start unmasking Building a plan for hard days before they arrive Encouragement to seek therapy, support, and community care Whether you’re a returning listener or new to Speaking With Gravity, this episode reminds us: hiding doesn’t help you heal — confronting the truth does. 00:00 — Welcome back + Road to Episode 10002:00 — “The people want to know…”: What do you say when you’re not okay?06:30 — Patterns, safe spaces, and why we keep it surface-level10:15 — Psychological safety beyond the workplace12:50 — Inner work, self-awareness, and emotional freedom16:15 — QD of the Hour: stats on stigma, masking, burnout19:10 — Why masking feels easier… until it doesn’t22:40 — Survival mode vs. healing mode in our community26:30 — “Push in public, coach in private” and what that teaches us30:45 — Unaddressed struggles becoming physical and visible33:45 — Entertainment diet, social media, and avoidance40:15 — When is the best time to stop masking? Build your plan now46:40 — Personalized healing plans + recognizing your masking signs49:05 — Final takeaways: hiding doesn’t heal Connect with us:Follow @speakingwithgravity for clips, reflections, and community.Need support? Gravity Counseling Group is here for your mental health journey. Listen, share, and subscribe — because everything affects everything.

    51 min

  6. 11/19/2025

    Media, Music, and Mental Health: What We Consume Consumes Us | Speaking With Gravity Ep.98

    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.

    37 min

  7. 11/05/2025

    Love, Strength, and Burdens in Families | Speaking With Gravity Ep. 97

    In this heartfelt episode of Speaking with Gravity, hosts Joshua Williams, Hannah Jones, and Terance Dawkins explore what it really means to love, support, and set boundaries within families. 💞 From the “burden of being the strong one” to finding balance between helping others and protecting your own peace, this conversation dives deep into the paradox of family love — how it can both uplift and overwhelm. The hosts share personal stories about healing, generational love, emotional boundaries, and communication, reminding us that being strong doesn’t mean being silent, and love doesn’t always mean sacrifice. If you’ve ever felt torn between caring for your loved ones and caring for yourself — this episode is for you. 🕒 Episode Chapters 00:00 – Welcome & IntroductionsJoshua, Hannah, and Terance kick off Episode 97 and introduce the theme: Love, Strength, and Burdens in Families. 01:19 – What the People Want to KnowThe hosts debate: Does love always mean carrying each other’s burdens, or can love look like setting boundaries instead? 06:41 – The Support-Stress ParadoxHannah shares insights from a Journal of Marriage and Family study revealing how support and stress often come hand in hand in family relationships. 09:26 – Boundaries and Emotional HealthThe team discusses setting healthy boundaries — from saying “no” to understanding that someone else’s emergency doesn’t have to be yours. 11:31 – Healing and Saying No Without GuiltHannah opens up about becoming a “yes woman” and the journey toward emotional boundaries and personal healing. 13:43 – The Burden of StrengthTerance and Joshua reflect on always “holding it together” and learning to audit their emotional energy before burnout hits. 19:51 – Marriage, Priorities & Family RolesHannah and Joshua share how marriage reshapes emotional priorities and how communication transforms family expectations. 24:37 – The Cost of Carrying Others’ BurdensThe hosts unpack the emotional and clinical toll — stress, anxiety, burnout — that comes from taking on everyone else’s struggles. 26:30 – Two-Way Boundaries & CommunicationThey remind listeners that being the strong one also means not dumping emotional weight on others. 28:37 – Takeaways: Internal Audits & Self-AwarenessPractical advice for maintaining emotional health through self-awareness, communication, and regular check-ins. 31:19 – Closing & Counseling ResourcesFinal reflections, gratitude to the audience, and a reminder to seek professional help when needed through Gravity Counseling Group. 💬 Call to Action If this episode resonated with you, share it with a friend or family member who carries the weight of others.Follow Speaking with Gravity on all platforms @speakingwithgravity, and join the journey to Episode 100: The Season of Purpose.

    32 min

  8. 10/22/2025

    The Hustle Myth, When Success Hurts Mental Health: Episode 96

    Breaking Generational Cycles and Healing Beyond Survival: Episode 95 In a world that glorifies the grind, Speaking with Gravity takes a hard look at what “success” is really costing us. Joshua, Hannah, and Terance unpack the mental, emotional, and physical toll of hustle culture—especially within Black communities where resilience is often mistaken for restlessness. From burnout and boundaries to redefining what achievement means, this episode challenges listeners to rethink the myth that constant motion equals progress. Because rest isn’t laziness—it’s liberation. 🎧 Listen as the hosts share real stories, research, and practical steps to help you balance ambition with mental wellness. 📊 QD of The Hour: Working more than 55 hours a week increases your risk of stroke by 35% and heart disease by 17% (World Health Organization, 2021). 🔗 Resources Mentioned: Gravity Counseling Group: gravitycounselinggroup.com Missing Pieces Counseling Undrafted and Purposed: Still Living, Loving, and Leading in Life by Kervin Searles 📲 Follow @speakingwithgravity | #SpeakingWithGravityPodcast 💡 Everything affects everything.

    44 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
    99
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Created by Kervin K. Searles, LPC
  • Show Website
    Speaking with Gravity