EP27: Effort, The Ledger of Self-Worth Artwork

NKATA: Dots of Thoughts

I often wake up in the morning with thoughts reeling in my head. Thoughts inspired by a conversation with someone; something I read, heard, listened to (music/podcasts), a film I saw, a photograph I made, an essay/poem I wrote, or in broad terms, an impactful encounter. They exist as disjointed, scattered particles I often refer to as dots of thoughts.Thus, this podcast show is an attempt to articulate, to converse and to put in relation these floating thoughts. While it relies on random impulses, the podcast is structured by thought-prompts focusing on everyday issues across space, time and works of life. Though it is not a live podcast, it somewhat mimics this approach in that for every episode, the conversation, which begins as a monologue, evolves into a dialogue through a phone conversation with someone else in another part of the world (a friend, a colleague, relative, expert in a subject, creator of a work, originator of an idea). This ensures a broadening of the thematic and locational context of the conversation as a way of demystifying distances. It is a weekly show intended to be spontaneous (as much as technical requirements and logistics allow). Future episodes will feature intro/excerpts of new music tracks made by me. Other times, it will reference aural materials sourced from different corners of everyday life. It will be freshly served – nothing preserved in the freezer! Listeners are encouraged to join the conversation by leaving a comment on the episode in their preferred platform of listening. Selected comments will be addressed in a subsequent episode.Emeka Okereke (host)Available on Apple Podcast, Spotify, Google Podcast, Stitcher, Overcast, etc.

All Episodes

NKATA: Dots of Thoughts

EP27: Effort, The Ledger of Self-Worth

February 07, 2026 • Nkata Podcast Station • Episode 27

0:00 | 16:20

Send a text

Since “work” is the bane of our lives — that is, from the moment we are born to the moment we die, we are at work — should we not strive to understand what it means beyond extraction and peddling of labour?

In this episode, Emeka Okereke continues his long-running examination of concepts and societal tendencies encapsulated in words and language.

Here, he reflects on the descriptive implications of the word “effort” in relation to “work,” and how the word is used in mundane vocabulary as a measure and proof of worth and, in a broader sense, self-worth.

The episode takes the listener through an enumerative illustration of how words prescribe and objectify meaning rather than elucidate or enliven when taken at face value.

Further information on the topic discussed can be found in essays written by Emeka Okereke on www.borderbeing.com.

Support the show

Hi, amazing listeners! Emeka Okereke here. I am the founder and host of this show. If you’ve enjoyed the stories, insights, and creativity we bring to this podcast series, I invite you to join my Patreon community at patreon.com/EmekaOkereke. 🎉

By becoming a patron, you’ll gain exclusive access to my artistic world, including:

• Behind-the-scenes content from my photography projects.

• Sneak peeks of upcoming films, vlogs, and video podcasts.

• Exclusive DJ playlists curated just for you.

• Bonus podcast episodes and a chance to contribute to future topics.

Whether you’re a fan of the podcast, my visual storytelling, or simply love art and creativity, there’s a tier for you. Your support helps me continue creating high-quality content, and it truly means the world to me.

Thank you for listening. Follow Nkata Podcast Station on Instagram @nkatapodcast and Twitter.

See the website for extensive materials: nkatapodcast.com

Emeka Okereke

Host