It’s been ONE year since I packed up my life and moved BACK to Taiwan.
My decision to move to Asia left many wondering, and in this episode I finally open up about it all. The why, the journey, the hardships, the culture shock (again) and joys.
With the help of my good friend, Wandisa Nkosi, I get to share candidly on what this new chapter has looked like. This episode is an honest reflection of a 30-something black girl still figuring it out, unashamedly!
Whether you’re considering relocating, already living abroad, or just want to hear a true story about resetting- this one’s for you.
Leave us questions in the comments, follow us on Instagram and on Spotify
@the.empathyprojectza
@wandi.lu
@whit_cele
Friendship breakups can be just as painful as romantic ones—maybe even more. After 8 years of silence, distance, and growth, Amanda and I finally sat down for an honest, vulnerable, and (surprisingly) funny conversation about our friendship fallout and recent reconciliation.
In this episode, we unpack:
*Our friendship history—what brought us together and what tore us apart
*The defining moment of rupture and what followed
*Grieving the loss vs. accepting the end
*Reconnection—how we found our way back to each other
*The process of rebuilding trust and redefining our friendship
*What friendship means to us now and how we nurture it
If you’ve ever lost a friend, struggled with reconciliation, or wondered if some relationships are worth saving, this one’s for you.
Follow The Empathy Project on Instagram: @the.empathyprojectza
Whitney on Instagram & TikTok: @whit_cele
Amanda on Instagram: @ms_ay_kay
TK takes us on a journey through his experience of *growing up Black* in rural KwaZulu-Natal, where life was shaped by the absence of water, electricity, and modern conveniences. From these humble beginnings to navigating a world dominated by whiteness, TK shares the reality of being the "missing middle" in South Africa.
We dive into the complexities of code-switching as a survival mechanism, the challenges of identity, and the profound importance of family and community. TK speaks to how embracing and practicing his heritage has become a critical part of his journey toward belonging—for himself and the people he cares about most.
This episode is an exploration of Blackness, survival, and the beauty of staying rooted in who you are.
Please let share you thoughts with us in the comments and follow on IG;
The Empathy Project - https://www.instagram.com/the.empathyprojectza/
Thank you for listening!
On today's episode we are joined by Ugandan-born, South African-raised Attorney, Allan Basajjasubi.
Alan takes us on his journey of realising, processing, accepting and owning his identity of foreigner in a newly democratic South Africa as an adolescent. He gives us a peak into some of the challenges he faced having to persistently legitimize his presence and belonging!
Follow us on Instagram here;
Whitney: https://www.instagram.com/whit_cele/
Allan: https://www.instagram.com/mr_basajj/
The Empathy Project: https://www.instagram.com/the.empathyprojectza/
and drop us a message or leave a comment if you'd like to share YOUR story too!
As we gear up to celebrate Freedom Day in our country's 30th year of Democracy, our 'Growing up Black' series will be revealing how we've individually defined ourselves in the face of adversity.
Because truly, we are who we are, because of what we've endured.
I'll be kicking off the series with a retrospective look at how I navigated the opposing realities of my Black & White worlds as a child in the 90's and early 2000's. As well as celebrating all the people and moments who helped me find pride in my Blackness & culture.
Follow us on Instagram here;
Whitney: https://www.instagram.com/whit_cele/
The Empathy Project: https://www.instagram.com/the.empathyprojectza/
and drop us a message or leave a comment if you'd like to share YOUR story too!
Women in their 30-somethings tend to hear a lot about WHY & HOW they are "alone", I thought it was only fair to wrap up the month of LOVE by sharing what we have to say for ourselves!
My guest this episode is model, voice-actor & corporate baddie, Amanda Kaburise to chat singleness and contentment as a technically old person.
Follow us on Instagram here
Amanda: https://www.instagram.com/ms_ay_kay/
Whitney: https://www.instagram.com/whit_cele/
The Empathy Project: https://www.instagram.com/the.empathyprojectza/
Happy Valentines Day, friends!!!!
Love is supposedly in the air, but not necessarily for everyone... so, we thought we'd spread some good, sweetheart vibes! I'm joined by super sports fan, Norika Naidoo, exchanging views & experiences on love and situationships!
In today's chat, we're focusing on the experiences of single women in their 30s, and the pursuit for meaningful connections. Get ready for the most authentic, fun and heartfelt conversation.
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Norika: https://www.instagram.com/just_norika/
Whitney: https://www.instagram.com/whit_cele/
The Empathy Project: https://www.instagram.com/the.empathyprojectza/
Many people in Corporate South Africa, particularly Black employees, have stories of how proximity to Whiteness has positively influenced their career progression.
But how many of us have taken the time to truly consider how embracing our individuality can enhance not only our personal work journeys, but also contribute to the collective empowerment of Black employees in the workplace.
Amy Chiwaye shares on her struggles navigating the work place as a Black Woman, and the lessons she's drawn from those experiences.
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Amy 'Chi-Chi': https://www.instagram.com/ladychi05/
Whitney: https://www.instagram.com/whit_cele/
The Empathy Project: https://www.instagram.com/the.empathyprojectza/
The prevailing discourse preaches; NOW is the time for Black employees in South Africa to thrive!
However, some crucial questions remain; do Black people truly experience a sense of empowerment in their professional environments?
While we may actively participate in these spaces, how much do we genuinely occupy and influence them?
What impact have Diversity & Inclusion initiatives had on the daily experiences of Black employees at work?
Andile Cele joined me to help address some of these concepts, it's a conversation you want to sit down for.
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Andile: @andile__cele https://www.instagram.com/andile__cele/
Whitney: @whit_cele https://www.instagram.com/whit_cele/
The Empathy Project: @the.empathyprojectza https://www.instagram.com/the.empathyprojectza/
Do you love yourself? What does that self-love look like? Is it the act of taking care of yourself and the general condition of your life? or Is it simply accepting yourself flaws and all?
Is it holding a mirror up to yourself, taking a very hard look at who you are and having to call yourself higher?
I sat down with my favourite wanderer, Lindi R, to discuss the intricacies of self-care vs self-love. This is the kind of podcast you save and come back to every few months, it's THAT good.
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Lindi: @lindi_r https://www.instagram.com/lindi_r/
Whitney: @whit_cele https://www.instagram.com/whit_cele/
The Empathy Project: @the.empathyprojectza https://www.instagram.com/the.empathyprojectza/
Also, follow and like the podcast!!!
Imagine starting a podcast and not introducing it!!!
Well... that's exactly what I did and I've finally sat down with myself, Whitney Cele, to record a very late and overdue podcast on all things Empathy Project.
Thank you to everyone who responded to my request for questions, I hope I've answered them well and given you a clearer picture of what this whole thing is about.
Follow the project on IG: @the.empathyproject.za
Follow me, The Founder: @whit_cele
Podcast music composed by Andrew Naidoo: @andrew_naidoo_music
In this episode, we unpack the art of becoming the women we truly want to be. Join us as Sibusi Zwane, photographer & musician, shares her experiences of womanhood and self-discovery.
Sibusi very honestly talks us through the reasons behind her (former) tough exterior and her journey of embracing a path of less resistance. Expect laughter, be prepared to do some introspection, but most importantly- don’t take us too seriously 🙃😂
Follow Sibusi on IG: __sibusi & Whitney: @whit_cele
Follow The Empathy Project on: @the.empathyprojectza
Don't forget to click that follow button and like our podcast.
Being a woman today looks different to what we may have imagined it to be for ourselves. In some ways we have defied gravity, and in other ways there are still so many barriers to break through.
I sat down with the gorgeous Noluthando Mauze to unpack womanhood, what it means to us and the ways in which we have chosen to step into it.
It's giving Barbie World!
Follow Noluthando on IG: @noluthando.cm & Whitney: @whit_cele
Follow The Empathy Project: @the.empathyprojectza
Also, follow and like the podcast!!!
It takes two to tango...
Are you showing up for your friends in the ways they might need? But more interestingly, are you allowing your friends to show up for you?
There is so much value in Adult Friendship and I hope this little clip reminds you of it. For more on this you can check out our newsletter via the link!!
Let us know your thoughts https://open.substack.com/pub/theempathyproject/p/friendship-woes?r=2l0uw3&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web
At The Empathy Project, we believe in the transformative power of open dialogue and exchange. Our platform serves as a space for collective interrogation of topics that often breed contention and misunderstanding. We are dedicated to fostering empathy and building a sense of community by bringing together curious and concerned individuals who are eager to grow and connect.
For our first episode, we sat down with Empathy day one, Wandisa Nkosi to have a candid conversation about navigating friendships in your 30's.
Through the lens of our own personal friendship story, we unpack how our childhoods, personalities and life experiences have shaped the relationships we have today with the people we call friend.
We're so excited to be bringing the dialogue that takes place in Empathy Sessions to a bigger table and hope these podcast episodes will spark conversations with you and yours.