Sascha Funk

FUNK !T | Mindful Media & Communication

Join Sascha H. Funk, the current head of media studies at Thammasat University, as he explores the impact of media on our lives. Dive into thought-provoking discussions on mindful media consumption, digital trends, and effective communication strategies. Discover how to navigate the digital landscape with intention, cultivate a healthy relationship with media, and stay ahead in the ever-changing media landscape. Tune in for insights, strategies, and real-world examples on Mindful Media and Communications by FUNK !T.

Author

Sascha Funk

Category

Education

Podcast website

funkitpod.com

Latest episode

Jul 11, 2026

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Episodes

You’re Not Just Tired—You’re Media-Tired 20.04.2025

You're not lazy. You're not behind. You're just digitally exhausted. This episode of FUNK !T – Mindful Media & Communication explores why your brain still feels “on” even when you’re offline—and how constant connectivity is draining more than just your battery. We unpack:- Technostress and the pressure to always be responsive- Parasocial fatigue from caring too much about people wh...

How the Media Manipulates Your Reality 10.04.2025

Think you’re seeing the world clearly? Think again. In this episode of FUNK !T – Mindful Media & Communication , we explore how your reality is being shaped—not just by fake news or conspiracy theories—but by framing, selective exposure, and algorithmic feedback loops. From Agenda-Setting Theory to Framing and Cultivation Theory , we break down how the media decides what matters, how you shoul...

You, But Better: How Social Media Warps Your Sense of Self 31.03.2025

Are you still you—or just the version of you that performs well online? In this episode of FUNK !T, we unpack the subtle identity crisis creeping into our lives through filtered stories, curated authenticity, and performance-driven self-branding. Why do we feel disconnected from who we are—even while documenting every part of our lives? You’ll hear: • How Self-Discrepancy Theory explains the emoti...

Fail Better: Why We Secretly Love Watching People Fall Apart 22.03.2025

Why do we love a good public meltdown? From celebrity scandals to influencer takedowns, we consume failure like it’s a sport—and the media is happy to keep the scoreboard running. In this episode of FUNK !T, we dig into the uncomfortable truth about why we enjoy watching others fail —and how media platforms exploit that instinct for clicks, outrage, and engagement. We’ll unpack: • The Schadenfreud...

The Science of Attraction – Why We Fall for Certain People 16.03.2025

Ever wonder why you’re drawn to certain people—but not others? Why some connections feel magnetic , while others fizzle out? Spoiler: It’s not random—it’s science. 🧠 In this episode, we break down: • Attachment Theory – Why we repeat the same relationship patterns (even the toxic ones). • Matching Hypothesis – Why we tend to date people “on our level” (but personality can override looks). • The P...

How to Actually Change Someone’s Mind (Without Arguing) – The Science of Persuasion 05.03.2025

Think facts and logic win arguments? Think again. People don’t change their minds because of facts —they change their minds because of how those facts are presented. In this episode, we break down the science of persuasion , using communication theories to show how you can actually influence people without triggering their defenses. 🎙️ Inside this episode: • Elaboration Likelihood Model: Why logic...

🧠 Overthinking is Killing Your Relationships (And Your Sanity) – How to Stop the Spiral 25.02.2025

Ever replayed a conversation in your head 100 times, convinced you said something stupid? Stared at a text message for hours, analyzing every emoji, punctuation mark, and read receipt ? Yeah, overthinking is the worst. In this episode, we break down why your brain loves to sabotage you , how communication theories explain the overthinking spiral, and—most importantly— how to stop the madness befor...

The Art of Not Giving a F*ck (Strategically): Caring Less, Focusing More 18.02.2025

In this episode of the FUNK !T Podcast, we dive into the communication theories behind why we care about things that drain our energy—and how to stop. From agenda-setting and social comparison to AI-driven outrage cycles, we break down why everything feels urgent and how to reclaim your attention for what truly matters. Expect real talk, practical strategies like the 'Three Buckets' method...

The Super Bowl Effect: What You’re Really Watching 09.02.2025

The Super Bowl is more than just football—it’s the biggest media event of the year , where sports, entertainment, and advertising collide. From the way teams and players are framed as heroes or villains to the psychological tricks behind Super Bowl ads, everything about this event is designed to capture your attention and shape the conversation. In this episode of FUNK !T , we break down: • How me...

Why Your Thoughts Matter: Communicating for Clarity and Growth 27.01.2025

Ever feel like your thoughts are running the show, dragging you into overthinking, doubt, or even self-sabotage? In this episode, I dive into the art of self-communication—how to recognize unhealthy thought patterns, reframe them, and build a healthier relationship with yourself. Sharing personal experiences, like battling racing thoughts and learning from my own missteps, I’ll explore tools like...

Trump’s 2025 Inauguration: TikTok Blackouts, Billionaires, and Bitcoin Booms 21.01.2025

Trump’s back for round two, and his inauguration was a wild mix of power, clout, and chaos. We’re talking about the A-list guest list, the TikTok blackout that freaked everyone out, and Bitcoin breaking records. FUNK !T is breaking it all down—because this wasn’t just politics, it was entertainment.

Quo Vadis Mark Zuckerberg? 18.01.2025

Mark Zuckerberg and the Fact-Checking Paradox - As Facebook rolls back its fact-checking efforts, what does this mean for truth in the digital age? This episode examines Zuckerberg’s controversial role in politics and the ethical dilemmas surrounding Facebook’s policies. From gatekeeping to framing theory, we analyze the implications of these changes on global media landscapes and our trust in onl...

Elon Musk: Evil Genius or Smooth Media Manipulator? 15.01.2025

Elon Musk’s ventures into politics have sparked debates worldwide. In this episode, we dive into how Musk uses his media empire and influence to shape narratives, exploring his actions through media theories like agenda-setting and cultivation. Is Musk’s power in politics a force for good—or something more sinister? Let’s unpack the layers of his growing influence.

Why the media fails with its wildfire reports 12.01.2025

When wildfires devastate communities, why does the media focus on celebrities losing their mansions? In this episode, we critique how such narratives skew public sympathy and overlook the broader human and environmental toll. Through media theories like framing and symbolic interactionism, we explore how disaster coverage could—and should—do better.

Streaming Smackdown: WWE’s Netflix Tag Team Match 11.01.2025

WWE has officially stepped into Netflix’s ring, and the media landscape may never be the same! In this episode of FUNK !T, we break down WWE’s big streaming debut, exploring the media theories and communication strategies behind this bold move. What does this partnership mean for storytelling, audience engagement, and the future of live entertainment? From The Rock’s electrifying return to Netflix...

Squid Game Season 2: From Global Phenomenon to Placeholder – What Went Wrong? 08.01.2025

Season 1 of Squid Game was a cultural lightning bolt—raw, groundbreaking, and impossible to ignore. Season 2? Not so much. In this episode, I break down why the second season feels more like a gap-slash-transition season than a worthy successor. We’ll explore: 🎭 The media theories behind Season 1’s success (think: Cultural Proximity, Cultivation Theory). 🚧 Why Season 2 struggles to deliver on th...

🎄 Holiday Cheer & Hyper-Reality Fatigue: Media, AI, and 2025 Predictions 🎆 25.12.2024

'Tis the season to binge holiday movies, argue over Die Hard being a Christmas movie, and reflect on how media shapes our festive vibes. In this special holiday episode of FUNK !T, we dive into: • How media frames Christmas and New Year’s through ads, movies, and memes. • 2024’s biggest media trends, from AI-generated jingles to privacy-first celebrations. • Bold 2025 predictions, including AI sto...

Framed, Frozen, and Falling Flat 16.12.2024

This episode unpacks how media framing influences our perception of events, focusing on the United Healthcare shooter—viewed by some as a villain, by others as a hero. Then it’s a critical look at Moana 2, a sequel weighed down by outdated visuals, lackluster dubbing, and forgettable songs. Finally, I dive into Ice Cube’s Man Down, an album heavy on anti-woke rhetoric but light on originality. It’...

Semester Debrief: Wins, Fails & Design Thinking Secrets 06.12.2024

This semester was a ride—AI hackathons, design thinking experiments, and lessons learned the hard way. What worked? What didn’t? And how did empathy, prototypes, and iteration shape the journey? Whether you’re into media, education, or the evolution of classrooms, tune in for a thoughtful recap and some ideas for the future.

From Court to Culture: Inside the NBA’s Impact on Basketball and Beyond 22.11.2024

What makes TNT’s “Inside the NBA” more than just a sports show? In this episode, we dive into how Ernie, Kenny, Charles, and Shaq redefined sports media, shaping the way we talk about basketball, culture, and even politics. Using media theories like Agenda-Setting and Framing, we break down their influence on NBA culture, their viral moments that echo far beyond the court, and their bold stances o...

Fight Night Unpacked: Media Theories Behind Tyson Paul & UFC 309 18.11.2024

Dive into the spectacle of combat sports as we break down the Tyson Paul showdown, UFC 309 highlights, the epic Serrano-Taylor rematch, Chandler vs. Oliveira, and Bo Nickal’s rise—all through the lens of media theories. From cultivation and agenda-setting to parasocial bonds and commercialization, we unravel how the media shapes these events and why they grip global audiences. Tune in for a knocko...

Funk Out Loud #1 11.11.2024

In the first episode of Funk Out Loud, we’re diving into a mix of everything from this week: my take on the ONE Championship live event, thoughts on the NBA, Muay Thai training updates, and what’s new in the German Bundesliga. I'll also talk about my love for volleyball, share some quick insights on the U.S. election, give a peek into university life, and recap my recent trip to Argentina. It’s a...

The Trump Triumph: Media Mastery, Crypto Booms, and Global Reactions 08.11.2024

In this episode of FUNK !T – Mindful Media & Communication, we break down the factors behind Donald Trump's recent return to the White House and what his communication strategy reveals about modern political media. We'll dive into how he harnessed the power of relatable language and digital media platforms to resonate with the public, leading to his remarkable victory. We’ll also explore why c...

AI Overload: Hype, Ethics & Real Talk from Buenos Aires to Bangkok 01.11.2024

Just back from the 2024 Communication Media & Design Conference in Buenos Aires and Thammasat’s AI & Communication Hackathon, I’m breaking down where AI in media is actually headed (spoiler: it’s not all rainbows and robot storytellers). From ethically sketchy algorithms to AI’s cultural missteps and the wild future of digital storytelling, we’re talking about what’s real, what’s overhyped...

Football, Tango, and the Media: Unpacking Argentina’s Cultural Power 22.10.2024

In this special episode of  FUNK !T – Mindful Media & Communication , I’m recording straight from Buenos Aires, Argentina. We’re diving into how Argentina’s media shapes and reflects its rich cultural landscape, from the legendary football narratives surrounding Maradona and Messi to the timeless art of tango. Using media theories like Symbolic Convergence, Agenda-Setting, and Cultural Imperia...

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