“What Are You?” — Identity, Belonging & the Question We All Hate

“What are you?”

It’s a question many of us have been asked—but what is really being asked in that moment?

In this episode of Brit & The Chick, Melissa Knowles and Errol Barnett unpack identity, belonging, and the layers behind a question that can feel uncomfortable, invasive, and often defining.

Through personal stories and honest conversation, they explore what it means to navigate identity in a world that often tries to simplify who we are.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Being “othered” and navigating mixed or complex identities
• The impact of microaggressions and labeling
• How ancestry and cultural heritage shape self-perception
• The evolving nature of identity in a diverse world
• Why we should be asking “What are you about?” instead

This episode is for you if:

• You’ve ever been asked “What are you?” and didn’t quite know how to answer
• You’ve felt put into a box that didn’t fully reflect who you are
• You’re exploring identity, heritage, and what it means to belong
• You believe identity is more than labels—it’s layered

🎙️ About the Podcast

Brit & The Chick is a weekly podcast hosted by Melissa Knowles and Errol Barnett—two longtime friends having millennial-minded conversations about culture, identity, and the questions we’re all quietly asking.

Because identity isn’t just what you are—it’s what you’re about.

💬 Join the Conversation

Call or text: 762-254-0825

Don’t just listen—be part of the conversation.

⏱️ Episode Chapters

00:00 — Introduction and Identity Exploration
02:57 — The Question: What Are You?
05:59 — Personal Stories of Othering
08:56 — Navigating Identity in Different Cultures
11:50 — Belonging and Self-Definition
14:47 — The Limitations of Labels
17:49 — Redefining Identity Questions
20:49 — Embracing Blackness and Heritage
26:34 — Exploring Ancestry and Citizenship
30:32 — Cultural Identity and Personal Reflection
35:28 — The Importance of Connection
41:19 — Defining Ourselves: What Are You About?

Brit & The Chick is a weekly podcast hosted by longtime friends Melissa Knowles and Errol Barnett exploring culture, identity, purpose, and the questions we’re all quietly asking.

📞 Join the conversation: 762-254-0825

New episodes every Thursday.