In this episode, Andre explores how media, from TV shows and movies to news cycles and social feeds, shapes the way we view neighborhoods, people, class, race, and opportunity. Using personal experiences and academic research, he breaks down why the “hood” is often portrayed negatively, why the suburbs are glamorized, and how these narratives influence our assumptions without us noticing.
You’ll hear:
• The real impact of media stereotypes on identity
• Why Black poverty is overrepresented in the news
• How being biracial and navigating two worlds shaped Andre’s perspective
• Why questioning media narratives matters more than ever
• How storytelling, podcasts, and parasocial contact can change perceptions
Audience Question of the Week:
Is your perception of the hood and suburbs shaped more by media — or by your lived experiences?
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“No matter what side of the fence you grew up on, we’re all more alike than we think.”
