Assimilation Not Required
Pull up — we’re not watering down nothing over here.
You ever show up to a room and feel like you left half of yourself at the door? Yeah, this ain’t that.
Assimilation Not Required is the video podcast this is for anyone who’s tired of pretending and ready to come and take the mask all the way off. Hosted by Tahiirah Habibi, this is where code-switching gets buried, cultural honesty thrives, and the conversation might get deep, petty, or a little bit ratchet, all in one sitting.
We talk work, dating, parenting, softness, rage, identity, edges, healing, and what happens when we stop performing and start showing up in full.
No explaining. No editing. Just all of you — loud, loved, layered.
LISTEN AND SUBSCRIBE
as·sim·i·la·tion
/əˌsimiˈlāSH(ə)n/
the state or condition of being assimilate, or of being absorbed into something. The process of adopting the language and culture of a dominant social group or nation, or the state of being socially integrated into the culture of the dominant group.
🎧 Episodes
Ep 1: MORE THAN A MENU
Host Tahiirah Habibi sits down with Chef Eric Adjepong to talk heritage, flavor, and staying rooted while redefining success. From his Top Chef journey to launching Elmina in D.C., Eric shares how culture fuels his cooking and why food is a powerful form of storytelling.
Ep 2: Fireside Fire inside
Host Tahiirah Habibi sits down with Taraji P. Henson to talk passion, perseverance, and the power of authenticity. From her early acting days to becoming a Hollywood icon and mental health advocate, Taraji shares how staying true to herself has fueled her career and her mission to uplift others. It’s a candid, inspiring conversation about finding and keeping your inner fire.
ABOUT THE HOST
Tahiirah Habibi built a life around telling the truth as it is — honest, thoughtful, and never diluted. A founder, culture-shifter, and advocate for showing up whole, she’s been named in Forbes and Wine Enthusiast for shifting what “Black in wine” can be.
Assimilation Not Required is her open door for you to show up fully — no shrinking, no performing, just you.
Why this show had to happen
Because there’s no safe space when you’re edited for approval.
Because we’ve mastered showing up — but what about showing up whole?
It’s time to talk soft life, rage, joy, locs, baby hairs, boundaries, and authentic identity.
No code-switching required.
Segments you’ll love
Mask Off: Where we say the quiet parts out loud.
If You Know, You Know: The cultural nods that need no explanation.
Sip or Skip: Hot takes — no fence-sitting.
A Word: We close with an affirmation to hold you down all week.