As the self-care trend is commodified in digital public spaces, we gain more insight to the human perspective on progression and happiness. The need for behavioral reflection and self-building affirmations and techniques are sometimes needed from external sources. You might share feelings with a friend or laugh it out with a relative. Usually, in the modern environment, folks seek social media therapists and influencers, top ten tips and articles, etc. Since the tidal wave of podcasts, listeners have no problem finding self-help, but with oversaturation, filtering is necessary to find productive help.
If your idea of self-care comes in the form of friendly conversations and empirical theory livened with laughter, you could listen to the harmonious personalities of the sobering writer Reyna Biddy and the spritely comedian Skye Townsend. Skye, being the daughter of The Five Heartbeats director and comedian Robert Townsend, along with her cousin Reyna launched their Spotify podcast Unpack ‘n Bounce Back in 2020. It is an episodic collection of intimate conversations between the two, with titles like “Self Care Ain’t Selfish,” “Loneliness,” and “Friendship.” It does its best to resemble the wine and conversation of a girls’ night in or an after-work release from toxic employers. The series also features segments of Reyna reciting profound poetry driven to empower their audiences.
One thing you can take from the podcast, if not anything else, is that self-building isn’t a measure only done when predicaments arise, but in gradual steps over time. You may already know or might be urged to realize that addressing issues can be done objectively, with grace and creativity. The podcast emphasizes observing your surroundings and your behaviors, even when things are great or moments feel lucky. In the moments when the journal, relative, or friend has been exhausted in their counseling, or you want to learn other ways to thrive in your environment, just Unpack ‘n Bounce Back with Skye and Reyna.