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

In this episode of Self-Centered with Remi, I sit downwith Darien, a PhD researcher studying history, architecture, and everyday life in Guyana, to explore how history shapes our present and future.

Drawing on the concept of “Sankofa – the Akan idea ofgoing back to retrieve from the past to guide the future-“ we discuss how history lives beyond textbooks and archives. Darien shares insights from her research and the stories of the people she interviews, whose experiences help reclaim narratives that have often been overlooked.

From Guyana’s bottom houses to oral history andeducation, we explore the stories embedded in the spaces and communities we live in. We also discuss how power dynamics, the history of colonialism, and imperialism can influence which stories are remembered and how history isframed.

Ultimately, this conversation asks you: What happenswhen we look to the past, not to live in it, but to better understand and reclaim our present and future?

Music by: @skyboundzoo

Major milestones aren’t always what we imagine them to be; sometimes the hardest part of the journey is the end. In this episode of Self-Centered, I unpacked what it means to close a major chapter and navigate the uncertainty of what comes next. I met with Nnaoma, a recent biomedical engineering PhD graduate, to talk about the realities of finishing graduate school and stepping into life beyond it. This conversation goes beyond just graduate school. It’s about navigating the end of every chapter of life. It’s about learning how to answer the question, “Now what?” So whether you’re graduating, changing careers, or just ready to step into something new, this episode is just for you.

Music by sky bound zoo

Turning your passion into a business isn't just about making money—it's about creating something meaningful, solving real problems, and having the courage to bet on yourself. In this episode of Self-Centered, I’m unpacking the journey from passion to profit. I met with Rashuan Simon, a Virgin Islands-born filmmaker, photographer, and entrepreneurial spirit behind a fast-growing media brand. His work captures the essence of storytelling through emotion-driven visuals, and he’s rapidly establishing himself as a key player in the creative business space. Rashuan Simon didn’t follow the typical path into photography. Instead, he used his love for gaming, music, and cinematic storytelling to build a brand that’s now capturing stunning visuals for brands, artists, and creatives worldwide. Rashuan reveals how he went from self-taught beginner to a sought-after filmmaker, sharing his secrets for turning passion into profit through relentless hustle, organic outreach, and the power of consistency. Discover how Rashuan’s early influences—FIFA soundtracks, Tumblr era aesthetics, and YouTube tutorials—shaped his cinematic style and entrepreneurial mindset. Whether you’re a creator, entrepreneur, or someone considering a radical career shift, this episode shows you how to leverage your passions, stay consistent, and build a business on your own terms. Perfect for aspiring creatives, self-starters, or anyone looking to monetize their skills independently, this conversation is packed with practical advice and inspiration to ignite your hustle. Listening to Rashuan’s story might be the nudge you need to turn your passion into your full-time life. If you’re tired of waiting for the “right time” or feeling stuck in unfulfilling jobs, this episode will light the way forward. Get inspired by how passion, grit, and a strategic mindset can lead to real success that’s both authentic and sustainable.

Music by sky bound zoo

Have you ever wondered what makes a successful person successful? What really sets them apart from mediocrity? Most people think it’s about being in the right place at the right time and knowing the right people. I sat down with Will Daniels, a young Black CFP® breaking barriers in finance, to talk about what true success really looks like - why it’s not what you think. Brace yourself. Will keeps it real. Success requires growth, and growth comes through the discomfort of tackling obstacles head-on. We talked about how mastery isn’t the end; it’s about the journey of showing up every day until your craft becomes muscle memory. In today’s episode, you’ll discover: why external validation is a hollow pursuit, how failures and challenges build real armor, and why the people around you can make or break your growth. Today’s episode is for tomorrow’s trailblazers, ready to lock in. Will Daniels is a board-certified financial planner, breaking barriers as a Black man in the elite world of wealth management. He’s passionate about sharing the unfiltered truth: success is earned, it’s hard, and it’s worth every painful step. Get inspired to reframe failure, harness your environment, and push past your limits. Hit play — your future self is waiting.

Music by sky bound zoo

As the year closes, this episode is a gentle invitation to pause, reflect, and step into the New Year with intention rather than urgency. Old Year’s Revelations to Inform Your New Year’s Resolutions is a love letter to you—a reminder that you have time, that life is about the journey, and that the future is not something to chase, but something you can call toward you.

We explore what it truly means to live a life well lived: embracing change, shedding outdated versions of ourselves, and staying anchored to who we are despite the noise of the world. This conversation centers on courage—doing the things that scare you, following what makes your heart beat faster, and allowing yourself to become new while staying true to your essence.

This episode also dives into the power of connection in an increasingly disconnected world. We talk about love, energy, and how nothing we give—kindness, care, or vulnerability—is ever truly lost. Love is conserved. It returns to us, often transformed, if we’re willing to look closely and remain open.

Finally, we reflect on protecting your peace: speaking your truth, choosing environments where you can be fully yourself, and discerning who deserves your presence, grace, and energy. You can love openly and still honor your boundaries.

If you’re setting New Year’s resolutions, seeking clarity, or longing for deeper meaning, this episode offers grounding reflections to help you move forward with intention, authenticity, and peace.