What Are You Watching? & Why It Matters: How Reality TV, Podcasts & Fictional Stories Heal Us

Connect with Erin! Send a textIn this episode, I’m talking about why reality TV, podcasts, fictional TV shows, movies, and even books can all be healing in their own way. We’ll explore why reality TV can feel so comforting when we’re overwhelmed, why podcasts often feel like safe companionship, and why fictional storytelling can feel either deeply nourishing or completely inaccessible depending on where we’re at.I share my own journey of moving through years of reality TV and podcasts, then slowly finding my way back to fictional stories - and what that shift reflected about my healing, emotional capacity, and nervous system regulation. This is a conversation about:Why comfort shows aren’t “mindless”How storytelling supports us in different seasonsWhy starting a new show or movie can feel overwhelmingLetting go of judgment around what you consumeTrusting that what you’re reaching for is meeting a real needThere’s no hierarchy here. No good or bad. Just information, awareness, and a reminder that whatever you’re watching or listening to right now is allowed.Connect with Erin!Follow on Instagram:@ebbsandflows222Send me an Email: [email protected] a Reiki Session With Me!Products:I Published a Dream Journal! Available on Amazon Key TakeawaysThe media we consume reflects the state of our nervous systemReality TV offers low emotional risk and familiarity.Podcasts provide a sense of companionship and comfort.Fictional storytelling allows for deep emotional immersion.Escapism can be a healthy way to process emotions.New stories require emotional availability and can be overwhelming.We have privileged access to diverse storytelling today.Connecting over shared media experiences can foster healing.There is no right or wrong in media consumptionChapters00:00 My Evolution of Media Consumption07:35 Reality TV: Comfort and Reflection15:14 The Healing Power of Podcasts21:33 Fictional Storytelling: Emotional Immersion31:03 Navigating New Shows and Movies35:54 The Importance of Escapism and Balance