Podcast Summary: Grits and Eggs Podcast
Episode 47 - You Matter Ft. Demetrius Harmon
Release Date: January 28, 2025

Introduction

In Episode 47 of the Grits and Eggs Podcast, host Deante’ Kyle sits down with special guest Demetrius Harmon to engage in a raw and unfiltered conversation. They delve into a myriad of topics including personal struggles, mental health, substance abuse, the impact of social media, entrepreneurial ventures, and the significance of community support. This episode offers listeners an intimate look into Demetrius's life, providing both inspiration and candid insights.

1. Personal Struggles and Substance Abuse

Demetrius Harmon opens up about his tumultuous journey with substance abuse, detailing his brief stint in the drug trade and the subsequent realization of his destructive path.

• Demetrius Harmon [02:15]: "I know my punch. I don't know your punch."

• Meech [29:51]: "I did sell crack for like three weeks. It just wasn't for me."

Demetrius recounts his experiences selling crack, highlighting the internal conflict and the eventual decision to step away:

• Demetrius Harmon [33:10]: "Once I actually reach back to the crib, I was like, I'm never doing that again. That was crazy."

Meech shares his own brief encounter with selling crack, emphasizing the unsuitability and personal decision to avoid such a path:

• Meech [29:51]: "It just wasn't for me, you know what I mean?"

2. Mental Health Advocacy and Community

A significant portion of the conversation centers around mental health, particularly within the Black community. Demetrius discusses his own battles with depression and anxiety, stemming from childhood trauma and losses.

• Demetrius Harmon [52:25]: "No one ever taught me how to grieve, so I just stayed in me, and I just became very scared of, like, death."

• Meech [59:03]: "I think it's incredible to call it 'You Matter' because that's the feeling that you don't feel."

They explore the transformative power of platforms like Tumblr in providing language and community for mental health struggles:

• Demetrius Harmon [61:45]: "That Tumblr, like, saved my life."

• Meech [61:57]: "It's a good thing for me with Tumblr, too."

The duo underscores the importance of recognizing and addressing mental health issues, advocating for open conversations and support systems.

3. The Impact of Social Media and Content Creation

Demetrius and Meech discuss the evolution of social media platforms—from Vine and YouTube to TikTok—and their roles in shaping personal and professional identities.

• Demetrius Harmon [08:03]: "I started doing YouTube when I was 14."

• Meech [19:33]: "So you already do YouTube and the TikTok started on YouTube."

They highlight the challenges of maintaining authenticity while navigating public scrutiny and the backlash that comes with visibility.

• Demetrius Harmon [74:36]: "You always making up the worst in your mind. It's never reflective."

• Meech [77:58]: "I'm glad you said it, because I got a bottle. I was like, nah, we almost over."

4. Entrepreneurial Efforts: Clothing Brands as Advocacy

The conversation shifts to Demetrius's entrepreneurial ventures, notably his clothing brand "You Matter." He explains how creating merchandise was both a personal coping mechanism and a way to spread mental health awareness.

• Demetrius Harmon [59:35]: "So like, the fact that people care and have adopted it to their own mantra is crazy to me because I'm like, at my fucking lowest point. This is all I had."

• Meech [40:48]: "When you put the words on a shirt, terrible."

Demetrius shares the journey of launching the brand, its initial struggles, and the eventual positive impact it had on both himself and his community.

5. Personal History and Life Experiences

Demetrius provides a heartfelt recount of his early life, marked by significant losses and familial challenges that shaped his mental health struggles.

• Demetrius Harmon [52:25]: "In fourth grade, my cousin committed suicide. In fifth grade, my God mom was murdered."

• Meech [56:07]: "And having your God sister there is also like informing how you're processing this too."

These experiences fostered a deep sense of anxiety and depression, leading Demetrius to seek solace in online communities and eventually in advocacy work.

6. The Challenges and Rewards of Visibility

The episode delves into the dual-edged sword of being a public figure. While visibility has allowed Demetrius to advocate for mental health, it has also subjected him to unwarranted criticism and hate.

• Demetrius Harmon [73:41]: "I want to be in the podcast and you gave me a date. I said I'd be a hard ass if I don't come."

• Meech [75:03]: "But it's real. And you can't give them everything, man."

They discuss strategies to cope with negativity and the importance of focusing on positive community interactions rather than detractors.

Conclusion

Episode 47 of the Grits and Eggs Podcast offers a profound exploration of Demetrius Harmon's life, touching on themes of struggle, resilience, and the power of community. Through candid discussions, notable quotes, and personal anecdotes, listeners gain valuable insights into the complexities of mental health advocacy, the pitfalls of substance abuse, and the journey towards self-acceptance and empowerment. This episode stands as a testament to the importance of speaking out and supporting one another in the face of adversity.

Notable Quotes:

• Demetrius Harmon [02:15]: "I know my punch. I don't know your punch."

• Meech [18:12]: "You matter. Your health matters."

• Demetrius Harmon [59:22]: "I made the first hoodie for me."

• Meech [75:03]: "But it's real. And you can't give them everything, man."

• Demetrius Harmon [73:41]: "I want to be in the podcast and you gave me a date. I said I'd be a hard ass if I don't come."

These quotes encapsulate the essence of the discussions, emphasizing personal responsibility, the significance of mental health, and the complexities of public life.