Odejuma

Harry Itie
  • 5.0 (5)
  • Society & Culture

Odejuma is an intimate storytelling podcast that centers Black voices from around the world, exploring identity, belonging, and becoming. Hosted by Harry Itie, the show creates space for honest, unguarded conversations about love, community, memory, and the journeys that shape who we become.

  1. May 27

    Jason Veasey on Artistic Freedom, Identity, and How 'A Strange Loop' Changed His Life

    In this episode of Odejuma, Harry speaks with renowned theater actor Jason Veasey. He reflects on growing up as a military kid who moved across countries and cultures before finding a stage. Jason built his foundation quietly, through regional theater, before Broadway ever called. This conversation traces that arc up to his nearly decade-long run in the critically acclaimed show A Strange Loop, before it became history. He talks about what it means to be a Black queer man in rooms not built for you, the stories he protects, and the ones he refuses to let die. There's humor here, and tenderness, and the particular wisdom of someone who has learned the difference between success and freedom. Jason Veasey is a man becoming, and this is a conversation worth sitting with. Connect with Jason on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/veaseyville Connect with Harry on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/harryitie For more information on Harry, visit: https://www.harryitie.com/ Editor's Note: The Lion King out-of-town tryouts were held at the Orpheum Theatre, not the Guthrie. Easy mix-up between two of Minneapolis's most iconic venues.

    1h 14m

  2. May 20

    Rashad Jiles Is Using Food to Understand the World

    In this episode of Odejuma, Harry sits down with Rashad Jiles, known across social media as 'rashadeatstheworld.' Rashad traces his journey from flight attendant to culinary storyteller and how a pandemic that grounded everyone gave him permission to finally land somewhere true to himself. He talks about the family table that shaped his palate, the losses that quietly reshaped his creative work, and what it actually means to use food to understand the world. He keeps it real about burnout, staying inspired, and what it looks like to build something that actually feels like you. Connect with Rashad on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rashadeatstheworld/ Connect with Harry on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/harryitie For more information on Harry, visit: https://www.harryitie.com/

    32 min

  3. May 13

    Tolu Ekisola on Yoruba Culture and the Art of Community Organizing

    In this episode of Odejuma, Harry chats with Tolu Ekisola, a Nigerian-American artist and community organizer based in Minneapolis. In this conversation, she talks about growing up as a Nigerian kid in suburban Minnesota, navigating predominantly white spaces while carrying a whole world inside her, and what it took to move from that tension into purpose, from founding CAARE Production Company, building Yoruba language programs, and organizing community at the intersection of art and public health for the Black and Indigenous diaspora. She reflects on why culture is worth preserving, what storytelling has healed in her personally, and what she means when she says she wants people to feel seen and cared for. "Our culture is truly unique and special," she says, and the way she says it makes you feel the weight of everything she's built to protect it. Because that's what love for your people looks like when it becomes action. Connect with Tolu via the links below: www.toluekisola.com www.caareproductions.org www.royalcoilsblog.wordpress.com www.mixedblood.com/engagement Connect with Harry on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/harryitie For more information on Harry, visit: https://www.harryitie.com/

    42 min

  4. May 6

    Chasing Atlanta's Samii Austin on Owning His Story and What It Means to Show Up Fully

    In this episode of Odejuma, Harry chats with Samii Austin, music artist and star of Chasing Atlanta Season 7. In this conversation, Samii traces the journey from Tampa to Atlanta, from choir kid to rapper to reality star, and talks about what it actually costs to show up fully as a Black queer artist in spaces that weren't designed with you in mind. He reflects on what Chasing Atlanta revealed about him, why the community he has built in Atlanta is worth protecting, and what it means to want to give back to underground LGBT artists who are doing the work without the resources to match. There's joy here, and there's grit. And underneath both, the quiet insistence that being exactly who you are is the whole point. Because the stage was always big enough and all you had to do was claim it. Connect with Samii on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whois_samiiaustin/ Get Samii's Merch here: https://austarz-by-samii-austin.myshopify.com/ Connect with Harry on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/harryitie For more information on Harry, visit: https://www.harryitie.com/

    57 min

  5. Apr 29

    Victor Jackson on Faith, Loss, and What It Means to Trust Your Own Voice

    For the Season 2 premiere of Odejuma, Harry chats with Victor Jackson, also known as Mr. GlamRockSoul, a creative director and artist who embodies Black queer magic. After his brother's passing and seven years away from music, a single moment in a rehearsal room changed everything. In this conversation, Victor traces the long road from a childhood in a church choir to standing fully in his own light as a Black queer man in the performing arts. He talks about faith, grief, and the particular labor of building safe spaces for yourself when the world isn't always willing to do so. There's tenderness here, and there's fire. And underneath it all, a reminder that your story, however ordinary it might feel from the inside, is worth telling. Because you deserve to live, to love, and to dance. For Victor’s music and more: https://www.mrglamrocksoul.com/ Connect with Victor on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mrglamrocksoul Subscribe to his Substack here: https://substack.com/@mrglamrocksoul For more information on Harry, visit: https://www.harryitie.com/

    1h 3m

  6. 10/30/2025

    The Chi's James Rogers III is Redefining Black Representation in Film and Television

    For the Season 1 finale of Odejuma, Harry chats with James Rogers III, a celebrated screenwriter and executive producer whose creative path is truly inspirational. Growing up in Compton, James never imagined a life in Hollywood until a film class with his father sparked a passion that would reshape his future. From working as a production assistant on a Frank Ocean music video to writing for 'The Mysterious Benedict Society' and now serving as an executive producer on 'The Chi', James reflects on the lessons, pressures, and triumphs of his journey. Together, they unpack the power of representation, the beauty of collaboration, and the art of telling stories that honor the complexity of Black life. Warm, insightful, and deeply human, this conversation celebrates creativity, authenticity, and the magic that happens when we dare to imagine ourselves on screen. Watch 'Rocky Road on Channel Three' here: https://bit.ly/RockyRoad3 Watch 'The Chi' here: https://www.paramountplus.com/shows/the-chi/ Connect with James on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamesearliii/ For more information on Harry, visit: https://www.harryitie.com/

    48 min

  7. 10/23/2025

    Lamb Rahming Is Using Joy to Create Inclusive Spaces for Black Queer Folks

    In this episode of Odejuma, Harry speaks with Lamb, the visionary co-founder of Frolic, to discuss the importance of joy, faith, and community in queer spaces. Lamb shares his journey from the Bahamas to Atlanta and Boston, explaining how his experiences have shaped his mission to make nightlife more inclusive for queer and trans people of color. They explore the origins of Frolic Weekend, which started as a small gathering and has grown into a national celebration of queer joy and belonging. Their conversation delves into the intersections of culture, faith, and identity, offering a heartfelt reflection on how grace, openness, and purpose can lead us toward liberation. This episode serves as an inspiring reminder that building community begins with understanding your “why” and creating spaces where everyone can truly thrive. Connect with Lamb on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lookdeeper/ For tickets to Frolic Weekend 2026 (as well as the link to the WhatsApp Community): https://www.wearefrolic.com/events/frolic-weekend/ For more information on Harry, visit: https://www.harryitie.com/

    59 min

  8. 10/16/2025

    Steven Chew on Love, Identity, and Black Storytelling in Film

    In this episode of Odejuma, filmmaker Steven Chew takes us on a journey through his artistic evolution from Washington, D.C. to Los Angeles. He discusses his latest project, 'Orion’s Quest', which reimagines Black queer love in the realm of science fiction, weaving together themes of self-love, identity, and belonging. This conversation examines the delicate balance between creative passion and professional work, highlights the importance of preserving Black art, and addresses the ongoing need for authentic representation in film. Rooted in curiosity, this dialogue serves as a reminder that storytelling is not merely a form of truth-telling but also a way to honor our lived experiences, challenge erasure, and keep our collective stories alive. For more information on Steven's work, follow him on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chewchronicles You can also visit his website here: https://www.chewchronicles.com/ For updates on Orion's Quest: https://www.instagram.com/orionsquestfilm/ For more information on Harry, visit: https://www.harryitie.com/

    40 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

Odejuma is an intimate storytelling podcast that centers Black voices from around the world, exploring identity, belonging, and becoming. Hosted by Harry Itie, the show creates space for honest, unguarded conversations about love, community, memory, and the journeys that shape who we become.

Information

  • Creator
    Harry Itie
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    28
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Harry Itie
  • Show Website
    Odejuma