
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 @[email protected]@whit_cele
Jun 25, 2025
48 min

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 itIf 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.empathyprojectzaWhitney on Instagram & TikTok: @whit_celeAmanda on Instagram: @ms_ay_kay
Feb 6, 2025
37 min

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!
Sep 24, 2024
53 min

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!
Apr 21, 2024
38 min

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!
Apr 9, 2024
33 min

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/
Mar 5, 2024
50 min

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.
Follow us on IG:
Norika: https://www.instagram.com/just_norika/
Whitney: https://www.instagram.com/whit_cele/
The Empathy Project: https://www.instagram.com/the.empathyprojectza/
Feb 13, 2024
49 min

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.
Follow us on IG:
Amy 'Chi-Chi': https://www.instagram.com/ladychi05/
Whitney: https://www.instagram.com/whit_cele/
The Empathy Project: https://www.instagram.com/the.empathyprojectza/
Feb 1, 2024
49 min

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.
Follow us on IG:
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/
Jan 23, 2024
46 min

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.
Follow us on IG:
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!!!
Nov 19, 2023
50 min
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