Being a Robertson Scholar, studying at both UNC and Duke and deconstructing the unspoken rivalry between South and West Africans: A deep dive with Malaika(@Malaikitalot) |S1 E7

Being a Robertson Scholar, studying at both UNC and Duke and deconstructing the unspoken rivalry between South and West Africans: A deep dive with Malaika(@Malaikitalot) |S1 E7

Hello, boys and girls! We’re back with another episode, and this time we’re talking to someone who is officially overachieving more than all of us combined. In this episode, we’re sitting down with Malaika, a Robertson Scholar who refused to choose between light blue and dark blue—so she just did both. Navigating both UNC and Duke is a personality trait in itself, but Malaika is much more than just a dual-campus academic weapon. We’re getting into the real tea of her journey as an international student from South Africa. From the initial culture shocks of the American South to building a home away from home, she’s giving us the unfiltered truth about the international student experience. But if you recognize her, it’s probably from your FYP. Malaika has been doing the Lord’s work as a TikTok creator, bridging the gap between the charts and the culture by translating the lyrics of your favorite Amapiano hits. If you’ve been screaming the words to a song and had no idea what you were actually saying, this one is for you. Oh, and don't forget to: ⭐ Use #SMST or #SMSTPodcast to share your thoughts! ⭐ Rate the show 5 stars on your preferred listening app, leave a review, and share with your friends and family if you enjoyed the episode! ⭐ Subscribe, like, and leave a comment if you watch on YouTube ⭐ Reach out to seemeeseetrouble@gmail.com [seemeeseetrouble@gmail.com] if you have a review or general fanmail - the SMST team will be sure to read it on the next episode! ⭐ And most importantly make sure to follow us on: Instagram: thesmstpod | YouTube: @SeeMeSeeTroublePod | TikTok: @thesmstpod K, thanks byeeeee

Propaganda we're not falling for in 2026 |S1 E6

Hello, boys and girls! It’s a new year, but the same us. #sorrynotsorry In this episode, we’re breaking down the "propaganda" we refuse to fall for in 2026. For us, that means the viral trends and lifestyle challenges that have taken over the internet—but that we wouldn't be caught dead participating in. From dating apps and running clubs to social media pressure and the obsession with putting protein in literally everything, we’re questioning it all. If you’re a fellow skeptic, this conversation will help you decide between what’s real and what’s just societal conditioning. We hope you enjoy this episode and all we have in store for the rest of this season! We can’t wait to keep growing (and hating) with you. Oh, and don't forget to: ⭐ Use #SMST or #SMSTPodcast to share your thoughts! ⭐ Rate the show 5 stars on your preferred listening app, leave a review, and share with your friends and family if you enjoyed the episode! ⭐ Subscribe, like, and leave a comment if you watch on YouTube ⭐ Reach out to seemeeseetrouble@gmail.com [seemeeseetrouble@gmail.com] if you have a review or general fanmail - the SMST team will be sure to read it on the next episode! ⭐ And most importantly make sure to follow us on: Instagram: thesmstpod | YouTube: @SeeMeSeeTroublePod | TikTok: @thesmstpod K, thanks byeeeee

But do they sponsor? - Vanessa's journey from studying abroad to job seeking|S1 E5

In this episode, we sit down with Vanessa, our well-travelled guest from Tanzania who recently graduated from Mount Holyoke College. Vanessa opens up about her journey as an African international student in the U.S., reflecting on the culture shocks, unexpected lessons, and moments of growth that came with navigating college, and now post-grad life, far from home. From building community in unfamiliar spaces to finding her voice in academic and social settings, she shares the highs and lows that shaped her experience. We also dive into her love for travel, including the transformative semester she spent abroad and the many adventures that have broadened her perspective on identity, belonging, and curiosity. And of course, we talk about her life as a swimmer—how being in the water grounds her and how teaching others to swim has become one of her favorite ways to connect and give back. Expect a warm, honest, and inspiring conversation about crossing borders, literally and figuratively, embracing independence, and creating a life that reflects resilience, exploration, and joy. Oh, and don't forget to: ⭐ Use #SMST or #SMSTPodcast to share your thoughts! ⭐ Rate the show 5 stars on your preferred listening app, leave a review, and share with your friends and family if you enjoyed the episode! ⭐ Subscribe, like, and leave a comment if you watch on YouTube ⭐ Reach out to seemeeseetrouble@gmail.com [seemeeseetrouble@gmail.com] if you have a review or general fanmail - the SMST team will be sure to read it on the next episode! ⭐ And most importantly make sure to follow us on: Instagram: thesmstpod | YouTube: @SeeMeSeeTroublePod | TikTok: @thesmstpod K, thanks byeeeee.

From Kampala, Uganda to the American South - Bethany’s Story | S1 E4

This episode features an interview with Bethany Sseruwagi, a senior undergraduate student from Kampala, Uganda, majoring in Microbiology at the University of Oklahoma. We dive into Bethany’s experience moving to the United States for college, including the culture shocks and adapting to life as an African international student at a predominantly white institution (the University of Oklahoma). Bethany, a Davis UWC Scholar, shares her insights on: * Academic Journey: Her focus on Microbiology and conducting research on cross-border humanitarian efforts and health in East Africa. * Nomadic childhood: Her experiences growing up as a child of African Missionaries, and her childhood in Texas, Rwanda, Uganda, Tanzania and now Oklahoma * The African Diaspora: Discussing preconceived notions about America, processing homesickness, staying grounded in her Ugandan heritage, and navigating the Black and African community dynamics in the US. * Campus Leadership: Leading the African Women's League and the East African Alliance at OU, and fostering community among the East African diaspora. * Life Post-Grad: Looking ahead to her final year, career aspirations (potentially a PhD), and the complexities of the H1B visa. Expect honest and inspiring moments as Bethany shares her story of finding her place and stepping into leadership far from home. Don't forget to connect with us! ⭐ Use #SMST or #SMSTPodcast to share your thoughts! ⭐ Rate the show 5 stars on your preferred listening app and share with a friend! ⭐ Subscribe, like, and leave a comment if you watch on YouTube ⭐ Reach out to seemeeseetrouble@gmail.com [seemeeseetrouble@gmail.com] if you have a review or general fanmail. ⭐ Follow us on:Instagram: thesmstpod | YouTube: @SeeMeSeeTroublePod | TikTok: @thesmstpod K, thanks byeeeee

If it's beyond me it's beyond me- a KD tell-all | S1 E3

In this episode, we sit down with Kwadwo—who you might recognize from his then-controversial, now-iconic line: “if it’s beyond me, it’s beyond me.” But beyond the laughs, Kwadwo opens up about his journey as an international student navigating transferring schools, adjusting to a new environment, and finding his community on campus. We also dive into his passions outside the classroom, from building a personal style through thrifting, to experimenting with photography and how both have shaped the way he sees the world. Expect a mix of humor, honesty, and inspiration as we discuss culture shocks, creativity, and carving out identity and community in college. Oh, and don't forget to: ⭐ Use #SMST or #SMSTPodcast to share your thoughts! ⭐ Rate the show 5 stars on your preferred listening app, leave a review, and share with your friends and family if you enjoyed the episode! ⭐ Subscribe, like, and leave a comment if you watch on YouTube ⭐ Reach out to seemeeseetrouble@gmail.com [seemeeseetrouble@gmail.com] if you have a review or general fanmail - the SMST team will be sure to read it on the next episode! ⭐ And most importantly make sure to follow us on: Instagram: thesmstpod | YouTube: @SeeMeSeeTroublePod | TikTok: @thesmstpod K, thanks byeeeee