Sweet Tea Ethics

Dr. Ed Garnes

Sweet Tea Ethics, with Dr. Ed Garnes, pours life lessons and conversations with creatives, artists, and cultural producers about the ways harmonious living and balanced well being have shaped them. Using Black psychological principles, Sweet Tea Ethics transforms grandma’s folk tales, personal experiences, and sobering life lessons into practical strategies for personal development and real-world application. The show is fueled by an uncanny mix of observational humor and candid social commentary from a Black therapist.

Episodes

  1. 11/07/2025

    DJ Sir Daniel on Harmonious Healing, Activism and Musicology

    In this episode of Sweet Tea Ethics, host Dr. Ed Garnes sits down with DJ Sir Daniel in a compelling conversation titled "DJ Sir Daniel on Harmonious Healing, Activism and Musicology." They explore the origins of Queue Points to personal stories of resilience, they explore how music heals, inspires activism, and challenges mainstream narratives. Join the conversation as they unpack everything from Black psychological principles to the evolution of hip hop, all while celebrating authenticity and the vibrant spirit of cultural expression. Visit https://sweetteaethics.com to join the mailing list and to get bonus updates from Dr. Ed Garnes. Topics Covered: Music as a Healing Ritual: DJ Sir Daniel shares how music sustains and unites communities through emotional highs and lows.Diversity Builds Soul: His upbringing immersed in gospel, pop, and hip hop shaped a rich, inclusive musical worldview.Resilience & Safe Spaces: The conversation highlights adaptability and creating spaces where Black men can be emotionally authentic.Advocacy for Women in Hip Hop: Sir Daniel champions underrepresented voices, especially female MCs, as essential to cultural progress. Chapters 00:00 Intro Theme 00:26 Welcome to Sweet Tea Ethics 00:38 Introducing DJ Sir Daniel 00:55 DJ Sir Daniel's Background and Achievements 02:14 Pandora Initiative and Queue Points 04:02 Jazz Meditation Dedication 04:42 Music Quiz Challenge 06:56 DJ Sir Daniel's Musical Journey 18:08 The Birth of Queue Points 24:07 Critique of Black-Owned Media 24:40 The Importance of Balance and Safety 26:29 Navigating Media and Personal Choices 27:37 The Role of Capitalism in Media 28:51 Therapy and Representation in Black Culture 29:33 Stories of Resilience 36:32 Activism and Supporting Female MCs 40:43 Unity and the African Diaspora 44:30 Healing Playlist and Closing Thoughts 49:05 Outro Theme #BlackCulture, #Musicology, #Activism, #Podcast, #QueuePoints, #Resilience, #Healing, #SweetTeaEthics

  2. 10/24/2025

    Honoring D'Angelo and Discussing Grief and Healing in Faith with Rev. Mashaun D. Simon

    In this episode of Sweet Tea Ethics, Dr. Ed Garnes is joined by Rev. Mashaun D. Simon for an honest, moving conversation about grief, healing, and faith at the intersections of Black identity, mental health, and inclusion. Dr. Garnes honors the legacy of D’Angelo, and with Rev. Simon examines the power of ritual, explores the transformative work of Project Joshua, and offers radical perspectives on journeying through loss, spirituality, and creating truly safe spaces for all. Pour yourself a glass and listen in for wise words, healing laughter, and plenty of heartfelt Sweet Tea Ethics.​ Visit https://sweetteaethics.com to join the mailing list and to get bonus updates from Dr. Ed Garnes. Topics Covered: Honoring D’Angelo and collective rituals of grief in the Black community.The purpose and vision of Project Joshua, supporting grief and wellness for LGBTQIA+ individuals.The challenges of navigating faith, mental health, and identity—especially for those often excluded from church spaces.Expanding and redefining traditions, and offering hope and strategies for authentic, affirming spiritual journeys. Episode Chapters 00:00 Intro 00:25 Hold My Mule Musing: "This is the D'Angelo joint." 02:36 Introducing Rev. Mashaun D. Simon 03:20 Project Joshua: Grief and Wellness 05:16 Personal Journey and Ministry Challenges 13:45 Expanding the Understanding of Grief 17:58 The Intersection of Faith and Mental Health 19:59 Mashaun's Path to Ministry 30:59 Creating Inclusive Spaces in the Church 31:51 Vision for Project Joshua 35:37 Supporting Grief Ministries for Black Queer Individuals 36:02 Church Hurt and the Grieving Process 36:49 Philosophical Insights and Social Media Engagement 39:22 NABJ and the Controversial Invitation 50:49 Tradition vs. Progress in Black Communities 55:59 Healing Playlists and Personal Reflections 01:00:40 Encouragement for Personal Spirituality 01:03:33 Closing Remarks and Social Media Information 01:04:34 Outro Theme #GriefHealing, #DAngelo #FaithJourney, #BlackChurch, #SpiritualCare, #ProjectJoshua, #InclusiveFaith, #MentalHealth, #CommunityHealing

  3. 10/10/2025

    Lil' John Roberts on Healing Through Rhythm

    Dr. Ed Garnes sits down with legendary drummer Lil’ John Roberts to explore a journey steeped in musical evolution, healing, and spiritual mentorship. From his early days playing in church and collaborating with iconic artists, to his transition into teaching at Berklee College of Music, Lil’ John Roberts shares candid stories of resilience, creative breakthroughs, and the profound impact of rhythm on emotional well-being. Whether reminiscing about unforgettable fan moments with Janet Jackson and Prince or discussing the future of jazz, this conversation offers a deep dive into how music becomes a conduit for healing and inspiration in challenging times. Visit https://sweetteaethics.com to join the mailing list and to get bonus updates from Dr. Ed Garnes. John “Lil’ John” Roberts Bio John “Lil’ John” Roberts, a Philadelphia native and renowned drummer, gained recognition as a child prodigy alongside Christian McBride and Joey DeFrancesco in the Duke Ellington Orchestra. A Berklee College of Music alum, Roberts began his touring career with DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince before moving to Atlanta to play with top acts like Dionne Farris and Janet Jackson, with whom he toured for two decades. He’s devoted to mentoring youth through lessons, workshops, and masterclasses. Roberts’ extensive credits span across genres, working with icons including Stevie Wonder, Prince, Michael Jackson, Patti LaBelle, and Earth, Wind & Fire. He’s performed on major TV shows and produced his debut album “The Heartbeat” in 2014. In 2021, Roberts returned to Berklee as a professor and continues recording, performing, and inspiring musicians worldwide. #SweetTeaEthics, #LilJohnRoberts, #Jazz, #Healing, #MusicJourney, #Spirituality, #Mentorship

  4. 09/26/2025

    The Art of Sweet Tea Ethics With Jay Ray

    Join Dr. Ed Garnes and his brother and play cousin, Johnnie Ray Kornegay III (Jay Ray), as they pour out a rich blend of life lessons, cultural reflections, and the improvisational spirit that defines Black psychology. In this candid conversation, they delve into personal history, identity congruence, mentorship, and the unique intersections of art, sports, and healing. From reminiscing about family legacies and the impact of influential mentors to sharing stories of overcoming discrimination and finding one’s true voice, this episode is a heartfelt exploration of what it means to navigate and thrive in a complex world. Tune in for an enlightening journey filled with authentic storytelling, deep reflections, and a healing playlist that resonates with the soul. Visit https://sweetteaethics.com to join the mailing list and to get bonus updates from Dr. Ed Garnes. Jay Ray Bio Johnnie Ray Kornegay III (aka Jay Ray) is the Deputy Director of Strategy and Impact for CNP. In his role, Kornegay contributes to visioning and planning for the overall organization, while participating in creating organizational culture, sustainability, wellness and a productive and constructive work environment. In addition, he is co-host and producer of Queue Points, a podcast that informs and celebrates Black Music creatives through meaningful dialogue. He was a 2024 AIR Media New Voices AMPLIFY Fellow. #SweetTeaEthics, #BlackPsychology, #IdentityCongruence, #Mentorship, #Healing, #CulturalReflections, #BlackExcellence

About

Sweet Tea Ethics, with Dr. Ed Garnes, pours life lessons and conversations with creatives, artists, and cultural producers about the ways harmonious living and balanced well being have shaped them. Using Black psychological principles, Sweet Tea Ethics transforms grandma’s folk tales, personal experiences, and sobering life lessons into practical strategies for personal development and real-world application. The show is fueled by an uncanny mix of observational humor and candid social commentary from a Black therapist.