Ep. 32 | Mental Health vs The Monster in Your Pocket

In this episode of Selective Ignorance, Mandii B joined by super producer A-King and journalist Jayson Rodriguez unpack the powerful intersections between social media, mental health, and self-perception, exploring how digital culture shapes modern identity and relationships. The conversation opens with an introduction and book promotion [00:00], before delving into the “monster in our pockets” — the pervasive influence of social media on mental health and self-worth [00:51].

They reflect on their experiences at the Sheen Magazine Awards, discussing the pressure to remain professional while navigating the blurred lines between celebrity culture and authenticity [04:59]. The team examines the evolving role of journalists and content creators in an age driven by viral narratives and online engagement [09:44], while also addressing how generational perspectives on work and mental health have shifted over time [20:03].

From there, the conversation turns to knowing your worth in the job market and how financial security can impact self-esteem and boundaries [29:31], leading into a broader discussion about relationships, self-value, and social media’s effect on connection and trust [30:30–31:29]. The hosts emphasize the importance of therapy and emotional growth, particularly for those battling internalized expectations and societal pressures [37:11].

As the dialogue deepens, they challenge traditional notions of masculinity and the stigmas surrounding men’s mental health [48:48], before highlighting the value of long-term vision over quick success in both personal and professional life [58:18].

The latter part of the episode takes a reflective turn as Mandii and her team discuss the hypocrisy surrounding money, morality, and integrity in entertainment [59:46], sparking debate about accepting funding from controversial sources— specifically in light of the Saudi Arabia Comedy Festival controversy [01:05:01]. They explore the broader cultural implications of comedy, free speech, and ethics in global entertainment [01:11:35–01:19:31], ultimately concluding that true growth comes from aligning one’s actions with their values, regardless of public perception.

This thought-provoking episode of Selective Ignorance offers an unfiltered look at how social media, money, and morality continue to shape modern consciousness — reminding listeners that integrity and balance remain the ultimate measures of success. 

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