Belonging can be a performance - and Dr. Zoe Chitare exposes the hidden cost of being accepted only if you stay quiet, shrink, and play by someone else’s rules. If you’ve ever felt like you were technically included but never fully at ease, this conversation will hit hard. Self-Centered with Remi’s host Dr. Remi Shittu sits down with Dr. Zoe Chitare, a Zimbabwean-born socio-legal scholar and legal practitioner based in London, to unpack conditional belonging, double consciousness, Ubuntu, and the power dynamics baked into law and academia. What starts as a discussion about legal systems quickly becomes a deeper examination of who gets to define legitimacy, whose knowledge counts, and why marginalized people often have to live a double life just to be seen as credible.

Dr. Chitare also shares the behind-the-scenes reality of doing a PhD as an African scholar working through Western canons, the pressure to prove legitimacy twice over, and the emotional toll of being treated as a representative for the whole community. Dr. Shittu pushes the conversation further into the tension between formal inclusion and substantive belonging, asking the question so many people feel but rarely say out loud: if your access disappears the moment you question the room, were you ever truly welcome? This episode matters if you’ve ever navigated academia, the law, or any space where your presence is tolerated but your full self is not. It’s especially powerful for Black women, people of color, and anyone trying to reclaim their narrative without sacrificing belonging. Perfect for listeners who want a sharp, honest conversation about identity, power, law, and the cost of fitting in.

Featured:

Dr. Takudzra Zoe Chitare is a Doctor of Philosophy in law, a socio-legal scholar, and a legal practitioner whose work focuses on belonging, recognition, justice, and the everyday effects of legal systems. She also hosts Language for Living with Dr. Zoe Chitare, where she translates academic ideas into accessible language for public understanding.

Music by: @skyboundzoo

DescriptionComedy is more than punchlines - it can build influence, challenge closed-minded thinking, and even bridge faith and fun without compromising either. Remi sits down with Trinidad and Tobago comedian Kess Ramsey for a conversation about the grind behind stand-up comedy, the jump from viral clips to live stage work, and what it really takes to turn laughter into a lasting career. Kess shares how he went from working trucks and trailers at Petrotrin to performing sold-out shows, and why his path through open mics, early content creation, and years of stage time shaped the comedian he is now. He opens up about the difference between online funny and stage funny, the reality of balancing social media reach with live performance, and why some comedians thrive in both spaces while others struggle to translate. Remi and Kess also get into the realities of public perception, fan interactions in Trinidad's unusually close celebrity culture, and the emotional impact of hearing that your content helped someone through depression during COVID. There’s honest talk about criticism, support from unexpected places, and the pressure of building something new when others may doubt you. If you’ve ever felt called to start something creative, wondered whether your gift can become a career, or needed a reminder that perseverance beats perfection, this episode is for you. Funny, thoughtful, and full of real-world lessons, it’s a must-listen for aspiring comedians, creators, and anyone who believes laughter can still carry meaning. Kess Ramsey is a comedian from Trinidad and Tobago whose work spans live stand-up, social media content, and event hosting. He’s known for his clean comedy brand, Christians Can Laugh, which brings together audiences from different backgrounds for laughs that don’t compromise faith.Music by: ⁨@skyboundzoo⁩

What do a social worker, therapist, socialite, and world traveler all have in common? I sat down with Mica Renee, who’s all of the above, to unpack the winding path life can take. We talked about side quests, nightlife, and a beach moment that went viral. Mica took me back to Monessen, PA, her small-town roots, and the ambition that pushed her from the small town to a life that refuses to stay in one lane for too long. From working at WAMO to networking with club owners, Mica takes us through all her side quests and shows how every chapter contributes to the grander story of her life. You’ll hear how she built her following by spotlighting black, unique events and hidden gems, and by helping others trying to find community in Pittsburgh. You’ll also get the full story behind the viral Miami clip that exploded after a stranger walked into the ocean to meet her, sparking a flood of attention, internet drama, and the kind of chaos only social media can deliver. We break down the difference between being outside and being intentional, why Pittsburgh nightlife is more about who is throwing the party than the venue itself, and how Mica chooses events that create real connection for anyone looking for their place in the city. She also shares how her background in social work shapes the way she thinks about community at every level, from one-on-one support to broader cultural impact. At the core of this episode is a powerful reminder that your life is YOUR OWN and you do not have to fit into anyone’s box. If you have ever felt that you have to choose between your professional goals, creativity, and culture, this episode is just for you. This episode is for anyone who loves Pittsburgh, nightlife, or is trying to build a life in which every version of themselves is seen.

Music by @skyboundzoo