Shows
BeUPodEpisode 6: "I Am My Ancestors’ Wildest Dreams"Trigger warning: This episode includes thoughtful discussion of suicide and grief.
In this profoundly moving episode of BEUPOD, we welcome Tamara Grossett—minister, life coach, and intuitive connector—whose story is one of faith, healing, and radical transformation. A woman of quiet strength and deep wisdom, Tamara invites us into her journey across identities, continents, and callings.
Tamara speaks candidly about navigating cultural assumptions, embracing her spiritual calling, and discovering her passion for coaching. With degrees from Princeton, the University of Pennsylvania, and Carnegie Mellon, her voice carries both intellectual rigour and soulful depth.
Re...2025-07-2349 minBeUPodEpisode 5: “This is My True Black, African, Malawian Self”In this episode of Black Excellence Unfiltered we welcome Webby winning & Emmy nominated Victor Kamwendo (@Zulu_Warrior), a young Malawian filmmaker, producer, and actor. Victor shares his inspiring journey from Malawi to the United States, revealing the pivotal moments that shaped his path in the entertainment industry. From his transformative college experience guided by a guest director to moving to Los Angeles without knowing anyone in the industry, Victor's story is one of resilience and passion. Hear about his struggles, triumphs, and deep-rooted commitment to representing Malawian artists on the global stage. Victor also talks about his commitment to...2025-06-2040 minBeUPodEpisode 4: "Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway"In this episode, Anya and Dr. Tiamo sit down with Teti Lekalake—a marketer at Meta, INSEAD MBA graduate, and founder of the Career Queens podcast. Originally from Botswana and now based in New York, Teti opens up about her journey across continents, navigating the tech industry.
Teti reflects on the power of representation, the impact of her family’s values, and the challenges she's faced as a Black woman in tech. Through moments of vulnerability, she shares how she’s cultivated resilience, redefined success, and continues to build spaces for community and mentorship.
This episode...2025-05-2642 minBeUPodBonus Episode: "When We Say the Struggle's Real, the Numbers Back It Up" - Black Women dating #UnfilteredIn this episode of Black Excellence Unfiltered, co-hosts Anya, and Dr. Tiamo, tackle the complexities of dating for Black women. The conversation provides insight into societal pressures, mental health impacts, and the evolving narrative around relationships. They delve into statistical data on marriage rates, discuss the significance of the ‘soft life’ trend, and emphasize the importance of self-awareness, healing, and adjusting expectations. Through personal anecdotes and practical advice, Anya and Dr. Tiamo encourage Black women to know themselves, set priorities, and enjoy the dating journey while being open to authentic connections.
2025-05-1642 minBeUPodBonus Episode:"How Is Your Heart?" - A Deep Dive into Mental HealthMental health is more than just a buzzword—it’s a critical part of our well-being that too often gets overlooked or stigmatized in the Black community. In this bonus episode of Black Excellence Unfiltered, we break down what mental health really means, the common struggles we face, and why self-awareness and proactive care are essential.
We explore the impact of stigma, the power of community and spirituality in healing, and the importance of recognizing when to seek professional help.Through engaging dialogue and personal experiences, we offer practical insights to help you navigate your mental wellness jour...2025-02-1650 minBeUPodEpisode 3:"You Have to Be Good Enough So You Cannot Be Ignored"In this episode of Black Excellence Unfiltered, co-hosts Anya and Dr. Tiamo sit down with Dumisani Kapanga to explore his remarkable journey from Malawi to the UK, and ultimately to New York. Dumisani shares how his evolving identity has shaped his experiences in life and career, navigating the challenges of being underestimated, adapting to new environments, and maintaining resilience under pressure. The conversation dives deep into the personal side of excellence, as Dumisani opens up about his struggles with anxiety, the strategies he uses for self-care—including his transformative 'Dumi days'—and the importance of therapy. He also reflects on t...2025-01-2937 minBeUPodBonus Episode: Meet Dr Tiamo "Make a positive impact on somebody's life"In this bonus episode Dr. Tiamo, co-host of the podcast, talks about her journey, experiences, and motivations. The conversation delves into Dr. Tiamo's personal 'why,' her purpose of making the world better, and her path to becoming a psychologist from Malawi to the USA. Significant moments include her discovery of her calling, experiences with culture shock, battling loneliness and depression, and the importance of vulnerability. The episode also discusses the nuances of Black excellence, its unique challenges, and the importance of strong, supportive relationships. Dr. Tiamo emphasizes the significance of being authentic and creating spaces for vulnerability within the B...2024-11-2536 minBeUPodEpisode 2: "Be the Best Version of Yourself"In this episode, Heather Katsonga Woodward (@TheFinancialPlannerUK) shares her authentic journey, exploring her career path in banking, civil service, and entrepreneurship. Heather discusses her complex identity, the pursuit of financial independence, and the importance of not being boxed into societal labels. She emphasizes the value of social, time, and financial wealth and stresses the importance of maintaining personal boundaries to achieve a balanced life. Heather reflects on overcoming challenges, maintaining confidence, and redefining black excellence by embracing individuality and living authentically. The conversation offers insights into navigating work environments, maintaining self-care, and fostering personal growth and independence.
2024-10-1332 minBeUPodTrailerHighlights from our first episode
2024-09-1702 minBeUPodEpisode 1: "Building the plane while flying"In this episode, we introduce you to our podcast and dive into the transformative journey of balancing career ambitions with mental health challenges. We share our experience of "building the plane while flying," highlighting the complexities of pursuing 'excellence' amid societal and personal hurdles.
We discuss the misconception that mental health is a binary state, emphasizing that it's a spectrum where struggles and strengths coexist. A key takeaway is learning to embrace both strength and vulnerability. We speak candidly about the importance of self-compassion and the value of recognizing one's needs.
Tune in for a...2024-09-1427 min