Lesser Known Self

by Briana Boyd

Lesser Known Self is a podcast about intersectionality, identity, otherness, and the creative life. Originally released from 2019–2020 with 17 episodes, the show returns in December 2025 after a long hiatus and a personal transformation—from a regular-degular music-industry girl to a mental health counselor in training. Each episode explores who we are beneath expectations, labels, and external messaging. Through intimate conversations and reflective storytelling, Lesser Known Self creates space for the parts of us that often go unseen: the identities we negotiate, the art we make, the wounds we carry, and the selves we’re becoming. Expect grounded, curious dialogue with artists, thinkers, and everyday people; themes of creativity, belonging, selfhood, and mental health; and a renewed commitment to telling honest stories about what it means to be human. Perfect for listeners craving authentic conversations, cultural nuance, and the courage to meet themselves more fully. lesserknownself.substack.com

  1. 4. Making Jam From the Mulberry Tree w/ Wafia

    16/12/2025

    4. Making Jam From the Mulberry Tree w/ Wafia

    In this episode of Lesser Known Self, host Briana Boyd sits down with singer songwriter Wafia for an intimate conversation about identity, family, and the weight of perception. Wafia reflects on growing up as an Arab Muslim woman, navigating bullying, beauty standards, and the pressure of being seen and misunderstood in both life and the music industry. Together, they explore what it means to exist outside of neat categories, resist being flattened or tokenized, and honor emotional depth without becoming cynical. Wafia also revisits her debut album Promised Land one year later, sharing how time, distance, and live performance have reshaped her relationship to the work. Through reflections on family dynamics, immigration, independence, and acceptance, this conversation becomes an invitation to slow down, sit with nuance, and allow softness to coexist with strength. Check out Wafia: https://www.instagram.com/wafiaaa https://wafia.world/ Check us out online: https://linktr.ee/lesserknownself Get full access to Lesser Known Self at lesserknownself.substack.com/subscribe

    40 min
  2. 3. Kojo Ampadu (LittleBlackBook91) on The Fearful Avoidant and Emotional Safety

    16/12/2025

    3. Kojo Ampadu (LittleBlackBook91) on The Fearful Avoidant and Emotional Safety

    In this episode of Lesser Known Self, host Briana Boyd sits down with Kojo Ampadu, relationship coach and creator of the YouTube channel Little Black Book 91, for an expansive and deeply honest conversation about attachment, emotional development, and healing. Kojo shares his personal journey into relationship work, from growing up in a Ghanaian household to building a decade-long career analyzing relationships, faith, and pop culture. Together, Briana and Kojo explore the nuances of fearful avoidant attachment, disorganized attachment patterns, and why so many people struggle to trust their own voice in relationships. Check out Kojo Online: https://linktr.ee/Littleblackbook91 Follow us online: https://linktr.ee/lesserknownself Get full access to Lesser Known Self at lesserknownself.substack.com/subscribe

    54 min
  3. 2. The Lesser Known Self of Akili Ni Mali

    09/12/2025

    2. The Lesser Known Self of Akili Ni Mali

    In this conversation, Akili Ni Mali shares her journey as a performer, exploring her "Lesser Known Self" and the complexities of her identity as a Black woman in the entertainment and performing arts. She discusses the importance of authenticity, the challenges of activism, and the role of motherhood in shaping her artistic purpose. Join us as we talk through the weight of perception. Check out Akili Ni Mali: https://akilinimali.bandcamp.com/ https://www.akilinimaliofficial.com/ Follow us online: https://linktr.ee/lesserknownself Get full access to Lesser Known Self at lesserknownself.substack.com/subscribe

    49 min
  4. 1. Taking Care of Yourself w/ Le Sirén

    09/12/2025

    1. Taking Care of Yourself w/ Le Sirén

    Le Sirén (they/them) joins to talk about their 2019 debut album, Take Care of Yourself, and how their lifelong love of punk and hardcore led them to their new band Commitment. They share openly about childhood trauma, mental health struggles, and how honesty and vulnerability shape both their relationships and their music. TW: This episode includes references to suicide and may be triggering for some listeners. Note: I use she/her briefly in the intro. I apologize for this and should have asked before recording. I want to thank Le Sirén for bringing such a real and honest conversation about being non-binary and how they’re perceived. I deeply appreciate their openness. Check out Le Sirén and Commitment: www.instagram.com/le.siren/ www.instagram.com/commitment.phl/ Follow us Online: https://linktr.ee/lesserknownself Get full access to Lesser Known Self at lesserknownself.substack.com/subscribe

    1h 4m

  5. 08/04/2021

    17. Light, Berkeley, and Development (feat. Caleborate)

    In this episode we talk to the articulate Caleborate about his new album, his upcoming move to LA, and of course mental health! Get full access to Lesser Known Self at lesserknownself.substack.com/subscribe

    56 min

  6. 20/02/2021

    16. Parenting, Depression, and Growth (feat. Briana's Mom)

    In this insightful interview, Briana sits down with her mother to reflect on their experiences dealing with Briana's depression, coping skills, and more. TW: Depression; Suicide  Get full access to Lesser Known Self at lesserknownself.substack.com/subscribe

    38 min

  7. 27/12/2020

    15. Choices, Letting Go, and Growth (feat. Kavale)

    In this episode, Briana chats with rapper and producer Kavale about fatherhood, choices he's made, and keeping level-headed.  Get full access to Lesser Known Self at lesserknownself.substack.com/subscribe

    24 min

  8. 16/12/2020

    14. Lessons Learned, Frank Ocean, and Consistency (feat. Jordan Hawkins)

    Back at it again!  In this episode, Briana chats with singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist Jordan Hawkins about his path to music, lessons he's learned, and social justice.  Get full access to Lesser Known Self at lesserknownself.substack.com/subscribe

    28 min
See All (21)

About

Lesser Known Self is a podcast about intersectionality, identity, otherness, and the creative life. Originally released from 2019–2020 with 17 episodes, the show returns in December 2025 after a long hiatus and a personal transformation—from a regular-degular music-industry girl to a mental health counselor in training. Each episode explores who we are beneath expectations, labels, and external messaging. Through intimate conversations and reflective storytelling, Lesser Known Self creates space for the parts of us that often go unseen: the identities we negotiate, the art we make, the wounds we carry, and the selves we’re becoming. Expect grounded, curious dialogue with artists, thinkers, and everyday people; themes of creativity, belonging, selfhood, and mental health; and a renewed commitment to telling honest stories about what it means to be human. Perfect for listeners craving authentic conversations, cultural nuance, and the courage to meet themselves more fully. lesserknownself.substack.com

Information

  • Creator
    by Briana Boyd
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    21
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Briana Boyd
  • Show Website
    Lesser Known Self