Self-Centered Living

Trish Culpepper

"Self-Centered Living," is a podcast dedicated to empowering women of color by amplifying our voices and stories. Join me, your host Trish, as we explore the rich tapestry of our experiences through personal narratives and enlightening conversations with diverse guests. Each episode aims to foster connection and understanding while uplifting narratives that often go unheard. Tune in to be a part of this vibrant community. Let's reshape the conversation together! Send love notes to: info@self-centeredliving.com Music:"Tide Turns" by Ketsa - Free Music Archive - CC BY

Episodes

  1. 07/17/2025

    The Revolutionary Art of Self-Centered Living™: Season 1 Wrap-Up

    Join host Trish for the powerful conclusion of Self-Centered Living™'s introductory series, where she recaps transformative stories from 9 remarkable women of color across cultures and continents. This episode reveals how Self-Centered Living™ isn't selfish—it's revolutionary. What You'll Discover: The 7 foundational principles of self-centered living™ that reshape how you approach lifeWhy centering yourself actually creates more capacity to serve others (not less)The false dichotomy between caring for oneself and caring for othersThe profound difference between narrating from wounds versus wisdomWhy your story matters now more than ever as outdated systems collapse around usThe sacred power of being truly witnessed and how it transforms both storyteller and listener Perfect for listeners who: Are ready to reclaim their narrative and stop shrinking to fit others' expectationsWant to understand how self-care and community care can coexist beautifullySeek inspiration from diverse women's journeys of transformation and self-discoveryAre curious about decolonizing their approach to personal growth and storytelling Trish skillfully weaves together themes of ancestral wisdom, cultural identity, and the revolutionary act of choosing wholeness in a world that profits from our fragmentation. Whether you're new to the series or have been following along, this episode offers profound insights into living authentically while honoring both your individual self and expansive community connections. Key Takeaway: When you stop abandoning yourself, real transformation begins.

    30 min
  2. 07/10/2025 · BONUS

    Between Two Worlds: Evey Howe's Journey from Hong Kong to Self-Discovery

    What happens when what you've been taught about success stops making sense? In this powerful conversation, recent Ivy League graduate and co-host of The Impact Agenda Podcast, Evelyn Howe, also known as "Evey," shares her personal journey of navigating the space between external expectations and authentic self-discovery. Fresh out of one of the world's most prestigious universities, Evey opens up about her mental health experiences, the unique pressures faced by international students, and her ongoing process of unlearning people-pleasing. For Parents of High Achievers: Hear one student's perspective on the intense environments many navigate and gain insight into the balance between support and independence in building resilience. For Students and Recent Graduates: Find connection and relatability in the challenge of distinguishing between "I should want this" and "I actually want this" during career transitions and quarter-life questioning For Anyone Feeling Stuck: Explore how meditation practices and intentional self-reflection can help reconnect with your intuition when external voices feel overwhelming. For Those Questioning Their Path: Listen to one person's approach to holding both idealism and pragmatism during life transitions. This isn't another "follow your passion" story. Instead, Evey shares the nuanced reality of making life decisions when multiple pressures compete for priority.  You'll hear her reflect on: Her experience as an international studentHer process for starting to redefine success on her termsWhy she chooses gratitude, love and light - even in this moment Why social entrepreneurship energizes her Navigating cultural identity while building her own pathMental health practices that have supported her as a high-achieving individual Sometimes, the bravest thing you can do is give yourself permission not to have all the answers—and trust that alignment (more than agreement) is worth exploring. Listen to The Impact Agenda: https://open.spotify.com/show/2fV0yXILiHDZ5ci7kRCtBB?si=dc0070b566374ae4

    1 hr
  3. 06/19/2025

    Discovering Her Power: Faatimah A.'s Path to Leadership

    How do you transform the moves that disrupt your life into the foundation for your life's work?   Meet Faatimah A., professional basketball player and CEO, whose journey from relocating as a young girl from Canada to the Bay Area became the unlikely catalyst for founding an entire basketball league. In this honest conversation, she shares how early displacement taught her to see challenges differently and how she's discovering her own leadership strengths along the way.   What you'll gain from this episode: - The mindset shifts that transform obstacles into opportunities for growth - Real insights into the mental health challenges of professional athletics - How childhood moves and transitions can build entrepreneurial resilience - Behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to build a sports league from scratch - The intersection of personal healing and visionary leadership - Practical wisdom about reframing adversity as preparation for your purpose   Perfect for entrepreneurs facing obstacles, athletes navigating career transitions, anyone who's felt displaced or disrupted, or listeners curious about women's sports. Faatimah's honest reflections on discovering her own strengths—both natural and developed through challenges—offer inspiration for anyone in their own journey of stepping into their power.   Ready to hear how one woman is discovering what her disruptions were actually preparing her for?   A genuine conversation about growth, self-discovery, and learning to embrace the strengths that come from navigating life's challenges. https://www.womenspba.com www.instagram.com/faatimah_a

    43 min
  4. 06/12/2025

    From Rebellion to Zen: Dorotea's Journey of Integration

    What if the secret to living fully isn't choosing sides, but embracing the contradictions? Meet Dorotea, whose life philosophy centers on the beautiful tension of opposites—from morning rituals that blend relaxation with stimulation to navigating rebellion and belonging as a Filipino immigrant teenager in the U.S. In this thought-provoking conversation, she shares how Zen meditation, creative expression, and meaningful mentorship have taught her to find harmony within life's dualities. What you'll discover in this episode: How living with contradictions can become a source of strength and authenticityHow rebellion and writing became outlets after leaving the Philippines and her father at age 13Why embracing contradictions can be more powerful than resolving themHow Zen meditation can coexist with creative activism and self-expressionThe transformative role of mentorship in navigating life's complexitiesPractical wisdom for living authentically when your identity exists "in between"Perfect for anyone feeling torn between different parts of themselves, immigrants navigating cultural identity, creatives seeking balance, or anyone curious about integrating seemingly opposing aspects of life. Dorotea's journey reveals how the spaces between extremes can become the most fertile ground for growth. Ready to explore how your own contradictions might be your greatest strengths? An enlightening conversation about integration, identity, and the art of living in the beautiful space between opposites. https://doroteamendoza.com https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I3zYtjZFAjw

    56 min
  5. 06/05/2025

    Beyond Survival Mode: How Kyrah Potter Thrives at an Ivy and the Power of a Mother's Love

    What does it take to thrive in spaces that weren't built with you in mind? Meet Kyrah Potter, a pre-law student at an Ivy League institution who's mastered the art of staying true to herself while navigating predominantly white and affluent academic spaces. As graduation approaches, Kyrah opens up about the realities of seeking cultural diversity and community in environments where you might be one of the few. What you'll discover in this episode: Strategies for maintaining your identity and values in challenging academic environmentsHow to intentionally seek and build cultural community in predominantly white spacesThe power of having a mother who believes in your limitless potentialReal talk about balancing ambition with authenticity as a young Black womanInsights into preparing for law school while staying grounded in your purposeHow personal experiences shape professional aspirations and career choicesPerfect for students navigating PWIs (predominantly white institutions), young professionals questioning their path, parents supporting ambitious children, or anyone curious about resilience in academic spaces. Kyrah's story offers both practical wisdom and emotional inspiration for thriving in environments that challenge you to grow. Ready to hear how one student is redefining what success looks like on her own terms? An uplifting conversation about resilience, family influence, and the courage to dream big while staying true to yourself.

    58 min
  6. 05/29/2025

    Stepping Down to Step Forward: Dara Cooper on Sustainable Activism

    How do you know when it's time to evolve your role in the work you love? Meet Dara Cooper, co-founder of the National Black Food and Justice Alliance, who made a thoughtful transition in 2022 when she stepped down as Executive Director. In this reflective conversation, Dara shares the collaborative process behind that decision and how she's exploring new ways to engage in sustainable activism. What you'll gain from this episode: How to recognize when your passion for justice is burning you out instead of fueling youPractical strategies for balancing activism with personal well-being and self-careThe surprising role creativity (like DJing) can play in sustaining your justice workInsights from someone shaped by strong Black women on navigating leadership transitionsA fresh perspective on what it means to serve a cause while honoring yourselfReal talk about stepping back to step forward in your activism journeyPerfect for activists feeling overwhelmed, nonprofit leaders questioning their approach, or anyone wondering how to create meaningful change without sacrificing their own well-being. Dara's journey through food and land justice offers a roadmap for sustainable engagement that honors both the work and the worker. Ready to explore the many ways activism can show up when you prioritize flow? An honest exploration of leadership, self-preservation, and finding flow in justice work. https://www.daracooper.com https://www.blackfoodjustice.org

    59 min
  7. 05/22/2025

    From Court to Camera: Brittani's Journey of Reinvention

    What happens when the identity you've built your entire life around suddenly shifts? Meet Brittani C. Burgess, whose journey from D1 collegiate and professional basketball player to cinematographer reveals the complex process of reinventing yourself when your path takes an unexpected turn. In this honest conversation, Brittani opens up about the mental health realities student-athletes rarely discuss and how she found her way to storytelling through the lens of a camera. What you'll discover in this episode: How to navigate identity shifts when your original plan changes courseReal insights into the mental health challenges student-athletes face (and rarely talk about)The surprising connection between sports discipline and creative expressionHow photography became the bridge to filmmaking and a new chapterWhy vulnerability in storytelling creates healing—for both the creator and audiencePractical wisdom about finding alignment when life feels off-trackPerfect for anyone experiencing a major life transition, former athletes finding new direction, creatives questioning their path, or anyone curious about the intersection of sports and mental health. Through her work on projects like 'On the Rise' and 'Life After,' Brittani demonstrates how storytelling can transform both personal challenges and broader narratives. Ready to explore what alignment looks like when you're brave enough to evolve? An inspiring conversation about growth, resilience, and the courage to redefine yourself—one story at a time. @bazeinteractions bazeinteractions.com

    51 min
  8. 05/15/2025

    The Pivot That Started with Play: Natasha Scott Reichel's Journey

    What happens when a moment of pure play becomes the key to unlocking your true calling? Meet Natasha Scott Reichel, who discovered that the hardest conversation she'd ever have wasn't with her family, her boss, or anyone else—it was with herself. In this raw and inspiring episode, Natasha opens up about navigating the tension between family expectations and personal dreams, and how embracing play transformed her entire trajectory. What you'll gain from this conversation: Permission to honor your creative curiosities and the power of playful explorationInsight into balancing cultural family expectations with personal authenticityReal talk about the mental health challenges that come with major life transitionsA roadmap for having difficult conversations with yourself about what you really wantUnderstanding how supportive families can still create pressure—and how to navigate that with love Perfect for anyone feeling stuck between who they "should" be and who they want to become, this episode offers hope for creatives questioning their path and anyone struggling with the courage to pivot. Natasha's journey from film studies to nonprofit work to podcasting proves that your winding path isn't a detour—it's preparation. Ready to discover what your own playful instincts might be trying to tell you? An honest exploration of creativity, family dynamics, mental health, and the courage to rewrite your story—one difficult conversation at a time. patreon.com/2blackgirls1rose https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/2-black-girls-1-rose/id1327196317 https://open.spotify.com/show/2BiPtRMmIp4eSIT8Plnwa1

    59 min

About

"Self-Centered Living," is a podcast dedicated to empowering women of color by amplifying our voices and stories. Join me, your host Trish, as we explore the rich tapestry of our experiences through personal narratives and enlightening conversations with diverse guests. Each episode aims to foster connection and understanding while uplifting narratives that often go unheard. Tune in to be a part of this vibrant community. Let's reshape the conversation together! Send love notes to: info@self-centeredliving.com Music:"Tide Turns" by Ketsa - Free Music Archive - CC BY