Shows
The Busy Being Born Podcast#69: No Guest but Nuggets - Performance Anxiety, Parenting Wins & Five Years of GrowthIn this candid and reflective “No Guest but Nuggets” episode, the Busy Being Born duo engage in a deep, unfiltered conversation marking five years of podcasting, personal growth, and creative evolution.
Recording from a new studio (wrestling the thrill of improved lighting and the surprise of performance jitters), they open up about what life has looked like lately: parenting wins, shifting priorities, health experiments, and creative milestones.
From Kigondu directing "Kifo Kisimani" (On stage this August 2nd and 3rd at Jain Bhavan), working on high-profile translations, and prepping television premieres, to the joy of Kamande’s six-year...2025-07-2859 min
The Busy Being Born Podcast#68: Maureen Kunga on Music, Law & Self-DiscoveryIn this richly layered episode, the Busy Being Born duo is joined by Maureen Kunga, an award-winning singer, songwriter, and advocate of the High Court, best known as one-third of the beloved Kenyan music group Elani.
Maureen opens up about her journey of self-discovery, navigating the dual identity of being an introvert in a spotlight-driven industry. From her early years in Lang’ata to singing on global stages, Maureen traces the winding path of following her passion while balancing law school and societal expectations.
She shares the behind-the-scenes story of Elani’s formation, the struggles they faced...2025-06-121h 33
The Busy Being Born Podcast#67: Victor Ikawa on Navigating Life's Crossroads with Grace and GritIn this heartfelt episode, the Busy Being Born duo sits down with Victor Ikawa, a man whose journey embodies resilience, introspection, and the pursuit of purpose. From humble beginnings to facing life's myriad challenges. The two-time national scrabble champion shares stories that are both deeply personal and universally relatable. From policy rooms in Nairobi to dusty fields in rural Kenya, and from corporate offices in Lusaka to lakeside reflections in Kisumu, Victor has walked through life with quiet courage and curiosity.
His reflections on identity, community, and the transformative power of adversity offer listeners a mix of...2025-04-222h 16
The Busy Being Born Podcast#66: Mohamed Komeja on Rekindled joys, Surviving cancer and the Poetry of lifeIn the wisdom of an elder sitting and seeing further than the younger ones can while standing, the BBB duo have a chat with Mohamed Komeja. From Taita to Norway, Tingila to Tanzania, University of Nairobi to University of Oslo, Mohamed tenderly handles the questions from the hosts with as much clarity as his memory allows. Sharing lessons from thirty plus years in marriage; the chat also shines a light on gems from the power of literature, cross cultural experiences, cotton picking, building community and of course lessons from parenting. From conversations with God about mortality, journaling through cancer...2025-04-031h 32
The Busy Being Born Podcast#65: Muthoni Gitau on Productivity, Synchronicity and building her dream lifeIn this episode the BBB duo sit with Muthoni Gitau, the original queen of DIY herself and discover way beyond her crafts side. From recent learnings to childhood memories, teen hood trials to the cyclic nature of employment, the episode flows like a movie that Muthoni flamboyantly leads. They talk colour, construction, progress, routine, relations, the thing about employment and lessons in leadership. From finding joy, to the freedom of freelance, wash wash escapades to sex positivity; the episode moves from Kawangware to Lavington, Kileleshwa to Kakamega, hospital beds to street demos and so on! Muthoni’s storytelling makes for...2025-03-282h 07
The Busy Being Born Podcast#64: Wanjira Wanjiru on Liberation, Loss of Fear and birthing a new generation of love & Patriotism!In this high powered episode spotlighting a most eloquent and driven Wanjira Wanjiru, the BBB duo celebrate courage, conviction and the call to do better. While highlighting the seeds that she endeavors to plant, Kamande and Kigondu explore Wanjira’s becoming; taking notes on the endurance, mettle, brains and experiences that have chopped up as sharp and ballsy an activist. The episode traverse’s seasons of deep loss courtesy of police extra judicial killings, poverty, pain and protests, to those of light, loving teachers, a most loving father, parenting, successful assemblies and institutions of hope. As much as the conve...2025-03-062h 05
The Busy Being Born Podcast#63: Reflections on a Year of Awakening, AI, Teargassed baddies Trumping Must Goes and more!The awesome foursome is back for a year review! Kamande and Kigondu are joined by their good friends Veronica Waceke and Byron Sitawa for a review of the year that was. The good, the bad, the ugly, the inspirational, the aspirational and the absurd! From the year’s live gigs locally and around the globe to science, sports and beyond the four explore lessons, expansions, contractions and innovations. From Rapcha, Dave Chapelle, Faith Kipyegon, AI, Sanctuary, Watendawili, Must Go and so on, the episode covers observations from the tech ecosystem, entertainment, politics and more. Making room for observations from the...2025-02-121h 41
The Busy Being Born Podcast#62: No guest but nuggets - The one on Presentness (we insist it’s a word!) and Friendship (Part 1)Kamande and Kigondu go beyond the catchup in another episode just by themselves. Their chat appreciates the worlding of the world, paper cuts, clutter and equanimity through waves and emotion. They explore the ideas and stories around meaning and purpose in life, giving both close to heart and mundane examples that move from bikes on pavements to childhood heartbreaks, Kamande’s bags of emotion parenting to Kigondu’s dating chronicles. They eventually find themselves under the shade of friendship - exploring the hows and the wheres of it; growing friendship, the joys of friendship, childlike nature of genuine friendship and so on...2025-01-0248 min
The Busy Being Born Podcast#61: Fred Makori on A collage of experience in Media, Impact Driven Artistry and The Making of Five for OneIn this episode the hosts sit with film enthusiast Fred Makori and spotlight content creation for humans by humans with an emphasis on shaping values. As they follow his journey through the media landscape from behind the camera to in front of it and then back, the gents pick gems across the transitions, evolutions and adaptations. Highlighting Makori’s journey from breaking pulpit continuums to production chronicles, visions in Vihiga to vision bearing in leadership positions, from Kisumu to Kisii to Kiss TV the conversation underlines lessons from different seasons, lessons from different bosses and even lessons from rocks! Fr...2024-12-312h 29
The Busy Being Born Podcast#60: Ngartia on Art, Activism and the early risings of this birdProlific Kenyan poet and performing artist Ngartia sits with Kamande and Kigondu for a most engaging and candid conversation. Starting on a high that was a low for him; the conversation moves from Kendrick in Kigali and the could have beens, campus chronicles and the should have beens, to strides in agency and professional engagements that actually became. From his first encounter with propaganda and the spine-chilling experiences in high school, this grandchild of the MauMau reflects on the Nairobi Half Life esq experiences in the big city and on his career path so far - with a profound...2024-11-231h 59
The Busy Being Born Podcast#59: Joyce Musoke on Finding, appreciating and establishing her Voice, Value and Pace.In this episode the gents sit with award winning actress and director Joyce Musoke and follow her journey from a curious quiet child who wanted to be a queen to her becoming all that and more! From finding her creative tribe and how a casual choice catapults her into the limelight! From Better Days to being a household name, finding footing, understanding, love and leverage while juggling a whole lot. From private to public, concept to product, screen to theatre - Joyce shares stories, gems, dos and don’ts she’s picked on her journey so far. From billboards and fr...2024-09-262h 09
The Busy Being Born Podcast#58: Alice Kombani and Tracey Shiundu on the Making of formidable Women - An Ode to MotherhoodIn this special episode the BBB duo sit with Filmmaker and third time podcast guest Alice Kombani and with Scientist, Entrepreneur and great supporter of the podcast Tracey Shiundu for a great conversation in ode to motherhood. The episode picks the convo from their early interactions with ideas of motherhood and marriage, to dating, doubts, rites, weddings and how men with funny shoes and Gully creeper tendencies turned into impressive husbands and fathers. The guests share gems they’ve picked on their journeys so far; from friendship to marriage, through love and lessons, to timing, teething, tantrums and raising teen...2024-09-041h 24
The Busy Being Born Podcast#57: No guest but nuggets - The one on Floods, full spirits and relationship with food.In this post floods episode under a clear sky, the BBB duo have a No guests but nuggets off shoot episode to do a casual catch up on their mind spaces and seasons in life. From Kigondu’s perspective shifts on ‘settling down’, companionship, fasting, music and more, to Kamande’s transitions at work, new found meditation partners, parenting updates and so on. The episode which explores themes around intentionality, friendship and planting seeds of compassion and wisdom also glazes over the folly of comfort of the middle class, capitalism, systemic rot in governance and the need for overhauls in systems...2024-08-2643 min
The Busy Being Born Podcast#56: Emmanuel ‘Mongul’ Mavala on Cross-Fit, Visionary Sports Leadership and LegacyIn this episode the host duo chat with the fittest man in the country! Kamande and Kigondu sit with the towering Emmanuel Mavala and pick gems from his expeditions around the world and life through sports. The legendary rugby player and strength and conditioning coach walks them through winning tides, plateau periods and lessons through transitions, tiers, training, the early grind and professional athlete experience. From his football days to his first rugby game, from tours with the Simbas to his unexpected boxing season, from different Kenyan rugby clubs to his international experience and so on - this episode fol...2024-07-292h 14
The Busy Being Born Podcast#55: DR. FRANZ OWANO on Masks of Manhood, Words, Wards and the Merits of slow SuccessIn this episode the BBB duo sit with Dr. Franz Owano - a prolific author, publisher and doctor for a most intriguing conversation. Jumping into the deep end as soon as the episode starts, Franz explores the merits of greed - yes, greed - before the episode flows more towards studying the choices, strengths, weaknesses and shadows of great men. With historical figures, characters from his books and prominent thought leaders making appearances in his anecdotes and examples; the episode follows Franz’s ideas, curiosities, experiences and journey into both medicine and literature. From ‘stealing’ books to the scribblings that b...2024-06-062h 04
The Busy Being Born Podcast#54: Doug Mutai on the cross country building the comedy culture, Purpose and AlignmentIn this episode the BBB duo sit with respected Kenyan stand-up comedian and manager, Doug Mutai (X, IG). The three gents follow Doug’s journey finding comedy or is it comedy finding him? From Bomet to Lethbridge, Kericho to Calgary, Nakuru to Nairobi and so on, in between laughs and hot takes - the trio trace Doug’s discovery of purpose through comedy and management; from daring abroad to successfully engineering a dam for comics back home. The episode sees the protagonist move in old cars in winter, tackle tedious terrain chasing the comedy high through comedy rooms, caves, clubs...2024-05-082h 26
The Busy Being Born Podcast#53: Tugi Waiyaki on Therapy, Artistry and the Preciousness of this existenceAn episode that flows like a productive session at the therapist! The BBB duo sit with psychologist and performing artist Tugi Waiyaki for a chat on mental health, music and more. Finding clarity, direction, and truth being the soul of the guest’s belief system, Tugi walks the gents through her path so far; overcoming growing pains, anxiety, extreme ideations, depression and despair to finding light, love, abundance, melody and the strength to swim against the current. With candid examples from their individual lives, the three explore ways of functioning in a dysfunctional world while pursuing purpose, healing, grounding an...2024-03-222h 07
The Busy Being Born Podcast#52: Vet Moses Kwereba on Chess Missions across the globe, Animal Health and the Art of SimplicityIn this first episode of their fourth season - Kamande and Kigondu are back all fresh and curious! Seated beside experienced Chess Coach and Veterinary doctor Moses Kwereba, the trio engage in a great conversation that closes with a poetic cherry on top! Opening with talks on reconnection and paying respects, the middle game sees the convo focus on the guest’s experience and come-up in the animal health industry. The fight and end game stages of the episode soon enough dig deep into chess and its parallels with life, its complexities, lessons, benefits and beyond. Following Vet Musa’s journey to...2024-02-291h 30
The Busy Being Born Podcast#51: No guest but nuggets - The one on the Golden anniversary ReflectionsIn the fifty first episode celebrating the Podcast's golden anniversary; Kamande and Kigondu take time with a live studio audience to reflect on the journey so far. A nice and chill short episode that is really about taking stock, making dreams a reality in between adulting, gratefulness, grace, need for rest, high fidelity experiences, plans and projections. The episode is structured into three short segments; (i) Reflecting on their current mind state and spaces (ii) Reflecting on quotes from previous episodes, lessons and interactions with guests and (iii) A QnA session with the audience answering questions on culture, philosophy...2024-01-2540 min
The Busy Being Born Podcast#50: Maqbul Mohammed on Healing from the inside out, Rethinking Success and the African RenaissanceOn their special fiftieth(!!!) recording, the host duo has a chat with celebrated actor and media personality Maqbul Mohammed. In front of a live studio audience courtesy of the Busy Being Born Live Experience 2023, the three explore the journey home to the self through the lens of the guest’s perspective on his career, childhood, pursued interests, choices and lessons along the way. From his first show on stage, on Radio and on the screens to his most popular shows on TV, characters on stage, collaborations and successes on the airwaves - the conversation picks gems from all these se...2024-01-111h 56
The Busy Being Born Podcast#49: Chantelle Kaaria on Impact, Filmmaking and coming home to the SelfIn this episode the BBB duo sit with UK based Kenyan filmmaker Chantelle Kaaria for a candid conversation on her journey home and away. Home in this case being her - self, her calling, her place of birth and her motherland. The episode covers her coming and goings across borders, interests and seasons. From Kent to Kenya, London to Lang’ata, film practice studies to the actual filmmaking and so on. Following an impassioned story that soon introduces the regal producer, the episode follows Chantelle’s journey in search of impact, meaning, belonging, voice, direction and the finding of all...2023-12-121h 36
The Busy Being Born Podcast#48: Abdullahi Bulle on the Biashara bug, Books, Banking and success with E-commerceIn this episode the host duo sits with Bulle Abdullahi, an entrepreneur and the founder of the Award winning bookstore - Nuria. Following his experience moving books both at the bank and bookstores; his is a journey of resilience, ingenuity and risk. A self-proclaimed pessimist making optimistic moves despite his skeptical nature - Bulle’s story spotlights the spine and mind of a serial entrepreneur and born doer. The episode highlights lessons from his days selling camel milk to his first website selling car spare parts, from his car wash days to his years in banking and his eventual su...2023-10-201h 57
The Busy Being Born Podcast#47: Ceci and Clementina on Kanairo, Filmmaking and Mental fortitudeIn this episode the host duo is joined by a filmmaking duo for an exciting conversation! Ceci Wanza and Clementina Kabutha are award winning filmmakers in pre-production for their latest feature film (at the time of recording). Their film ‘Kanairo’ follows the story of Jonte, a young Kenyan man navigating life in the big city with all its demands, expectations and excitement. The quartet go on to review their ‘Kanairo’ experiences; from the ladies’ inspiration to writing the film, to suitors, to the hustle of the city life, even to Kamande’s street bully nightmares. They look at the mental forti...2023-09-061h 03
The Busy Being Born Podcast#46: Celestine Gachuhi on tags of Favour, Faith over Fear, Selina and beyondIn this episode the host duo chat with the impressive Celestine Gachuhi and spotlight her path to the screens and beyond. An admirable journey of crazy faith, discipline and eyes on the prize dedication. Starting from the deep end - they talk impermanence, trials and tough beginnings; exploring childhood memories, circumstances and experiences littered with love and pain in equal measure. An episode full of gems, as the guest highlights lessons through changes, leaving, loving, cleaving and losing, dreaming, daring, doubting and overcoming. From Murang’a to Nakuru, Narok to Webuye and so on, the episode follows Celestine’s jour...2023-08-082h 04
The Busy Being Born Podcast#45: Mwongera Mutiga on Parenting, PapaBear and the ministry of FatherhoodIn this first episode of the third season, the host duo has a powerful chat with brilliant Mwongera Mutiga. They interrogate the epidemic that is fatherlessness, highlight the crisis - its cause and effect, cite related studies and explore possible ways through and beyond. Besides themes around fatherhood, the episode follows Mwongera’s lessons growing up to becoming the consumer behavior scientist, communications strategist, entrepreneur and father that he is. From his first job to his first child, from his school days through to his hustling days, from his struggles to his successes with business, fatherhood and more. Mwongera ta...2023-07-131h 51
The Busy Being Born Podcast#44: No guest but nuggets; The one on Kipchoge Philosophy lessons and What would ‘Denzel’ do? momentsAs they wrap the second season of the podcast in a classic No guests but Nuggets episode, Kamande and Kigondu sit and exchange thoughts on growth, leadership and expansion. With this one just by themselves, their musings cover intentions, inflections, deflections and elevations around work, their personal lives, podcasting and beyond. Kigondu shares a note or two from his experience working on his award winning one-person performance ‘Supernova’, as Kamande shares reflections from expansion of mandate both at home and at work. Starting off with memories and vibe around public holidays, rituals and meaning, the duo go on to underl...2023-06-2056 min
The Busy Being Born Podcast#43: Joe Kinyua on his Journey to the Award Winning Njoro wa Uba role, Dedication to the craft and living his purposeIn this episode Kigondu and Kamande sit with the brilliant Joe Kinyua and look back at his journey to becoming a stellar lead TV, theatre and film actor. With great stories highlighting consistency, discipline and understanding the self - the episode moves from his first acting role growing up, prolific theatre seasons, his journey into producing and of course to his entry and success on TV. From being conned to being a recognizable face, from surviving days of scarcity to growing wiser in days of plenty; the episode gets personal and goes professional - all the while polishing gems...2023-05-221h 52
The Busy Being Born Podcast#42: Ythera on building Self-confidence, Harmony and Wanavokali’s journey to Timeless musicIn this episode the BBB duo sit with the vivacious vocalist Ythera for an engaging chat on her journey finding purpose and direction through music and more. From the young and quirky to the mature and driven, the episode cuts across her experiences growing up, school days at Quabbz, campus life, Sauti Academy, her dive into the music industry, family, concerts, covers, bands and beyond. Ythera and the host duo highlight gems from her Coke Studio experiences, choir days, making money touring the country singing, the formation of Wanavokali, on and on to winning big in South Africa. Lessons a...2023-05-092h 05
The Busy Being Born Podcast#41: Maurice Otieno on Community building, Impact investment and finding his feet through Sports, Diligence and NetworkingIn this episode Kamande and Kigondu have an engaging chat with the sociable and impressive Maurice Otieno, picking gems from his illustrious career and journey discovering the self. Their hearty chat covers lessons from building impactful communities and grand opportunities, to memories around childhood escapades, hustling days and the come up.
From MYSA football days to his daughter’s ballet classes, from his Highrise to Strathmore walks to professional correspondence with HongKong, from rugby opening opportunities and saving his life to broken metatarsals and drowning in accounts; the episode covers much in both breadth and depth. Double cl...2023-04-142h 18
The Busy Being Born Podcast#40: John ‘JJ’ Jumbi on Creative direction, expression and ImpactIn this high energy episode, the BBB duo sit with the brilliant John Jumbi and trace his path to becoming an award winning and prolific creative. From early curiosities, youthful audacity to recent discoveries, they explore JJ’s life changing UNI indulgences, days in Agency and his pathway into the Arts. From his first performance on stage to his first cooker, first script to his first child, first sold out show to his first feature film, JJ’s storytelling emphatically interweaves his creative pursuits, family life, school life, parenting and gradual growth and understanding through life and career. The epis...2023-03-312h 22
The Busy Being Born Podcast#39: On troughs, crests, reflections and projectionsAs they do at the end of a year / beginning of one, the BBB duo sit with another two to look back at the year that was and make projections and intentions for the one ahead. In this episode Kigondu and Kamande sit with the Co-founder of CHURA, award winning techie Byron Sitawa and the brilliant actor and prolific Assistant Director (AD) Veronica Waceke to do just that! In between laughs and lessons, they pick and polish gems from the year circling seasons of waiting, working, wins and losses. From moments around sports, family, elections and entertainment to GOAT...2023-03-091h 29
The Busy Being Born Podcast#38: No guest but nuggets; The one on Beaming in discomfort and weird weddingsIn this episode by themselves, the BBB duo talk finding balance and perspective in seasons of overwhelming joy or strain. They talk new babies and sold out shows, the discomfort of growth and thriving in the here and now. They look at the relationship we have with our thoughts vis-a-vis the lives we live, explore the effects of attachment and aversion and even the awareness of not performing excitement. Of sense stores, noble truths and the like - Kamande explores ways we could learn from experiences and not get caught in the stories we tell ourselves, while right across...2023-02-1449 min
The Busy Being Born Podcast#37: Nini Wacera on Becoming, Overcoming and the healing nature of NatureIn this episode the host duo adoringly sit at the feet of the indomitable Nini Wacera. Filled with plot twists and turns, great stories and storytelling, gems and rib cracking set ups, this episode is one for the books! From golf course parking lots to jaw dropping experiences in her twenties, from her childhood dance crew to professional paths on TV, Radio and Movie making, a story deserving of a movie in and of itself.
This most candid interview with a most candid guest highlights experiences around overcoming seasons of strain and uncertainty, depression and the way...2023-02-012h 44
The Busy Being Born Podcast#36: Abu Sense on Artistry, odes to friendship and a love for words and the weirdIn this episode, the BBB duo engage a renaissance man, the brilliant Abu Sense aka Abubakar Nuuman. The laugh-filled chat and warm listen follows Abu's path from Nairobi to New Jersey, Dar Es Salaam to Calif and so on, picking gems and lessons from the different cultures, countries and seasons. They follow the trail of Abu's creative journey from the sparks ignited watching other pupils perform Festival stuff - to the poetic letters puppy love later flamed up. They spotlight memories and moments on his path so far, moving from his first purchase of a rap album to his...2022-12-202h 10
The Busy Being Born Podcast#35: Muthoni Maina on the power of Literature, Sacrifice and wholesome vanilla womenIn this episode the BBB duo engage the skilled wordsmith, novelist and girl with the shiny shoes that turned into a queen in a Black Panther T-shirt. Kamande and Kigondu engage the mighty smart literature buff - Muthoni Maina (Twitter: @iamnonimaina). They trace her roots from Turi, before and beyond - picking gems along the path that build her for the better. Their conversation frolicks with history, Africanism, religion, becoming, belonging and so much more as the guest tells of her story through books, heartbreaks, school, stories, wins and losses. Using books and characters as time markers and pacesetters...2022-11-172h 02
The Busy Being Born Podcast#34: No guest but nuggets; The one on the big three three, mindfulness and Wabi-sabiAnother episode by themselves! On this one, the duo reflects on the privilege of a new year and the lessons that come with. They talk transitions, projections, observations, mindsets, meditations and motivations. This episode features Mambo beard recalls with admissions of struggle and celebration of growth. Addressing pressures that come with new birthdays, solitude and work Kigondu sieves his thoughts and reflections through a Wabisabi lense while Kamande wrestles with the theoretic nature of stoicism, recurring states of unwholesomeness as he finds ground and comfort in more practice of loving kindness and awareness. The duo highlight lessons from the ‘Je...2022-10-1850 min
The Busy Being Born Podcast#33: Maryolive Mungai on Consistency, Passion and finding the Melody of purpose and Purpose in melody.In this episode, the Busy Being Born duo have a great conversation with the outrageously skilled singer, actress and queen of opera MaryOlive Mungai. The trio retrace her steps from her earlier curiosities and traces of passion from childhood, through school and into adulthood. The journey traverses continents with stories and lessons from recitals, friendships, family, school and scholarships, actuarial science days, mentors, musicals, studying in Liverpool, full circles, soul sucking office days, concerts and so much more! Encounters with the ‘real’ Santa, Fleetwood Mac and English Mayors do not pull away from the loudness of solitude and celebration of...2022-09-292h 05
The Busy Being Born Podcast#32: Joshua ‘the beast’ Chisanga – On appreciating process, trail blazing and pro-rugbyIn this episode, the BBB duo get to sit with a Kenyan giant, a brilliant sportsman with a special spot for music production. With the guest physically towering over them, they giddily tackle topics around sports and sportsmanship, shifts, sacrifice and then some! Following Joshua Chisanga’s journey, they talk strength and conditioning, discipline and deadlifts, living the dream, trials, teams, tenacity, headspace through surgeries and breakthroughs after delays and disappointments. Even as they polish lessons from the past, they underline ambitions, targets and heights yet to be reached with Olympics and more not far from reach. A hearty ep...2022-08-182h 17
The Busy Being Born Podcast#31: Alice in Wakanda land too – On parenting, productivity, buds and rebirthIn this episode, the BBB hosts are stoked to have the gracious Alice Kombani in the studio. Their first second time guest, wapi nduru wewe!! They talk life in the first world, shifts, parenting, poetry, productivity and more! They explore what ‘home’ really is and the cultural, social and societal differences and expectations. Taking quite a bit of time on lessons and choices around parenting in a faster futuristic world where systems work, they explore FinTech, sports, performing arts and other global opportunities for the younger generation. On being home, they speak of barefoot bliss, bull fighting, farming, mutura, muth...2022-07-211h 59
The Busy Being Born Podcast#30: No guest but nuggets; The one on Gratitude, Equanimity and Catching upAnother episode by themselves!
In this episode Kamande and Kigondu catch up on step changes, housekeeping, expansion and counting it all joy. From Kigondu ‘marrying when he wants’ to Kamande’s dad 2.0 developments. From Agent Sasco, plays and paternity leave vibes, to social media management, careers and possible perils, the duo lively engage in yet another ‘No guests but Nuggets’ offshoot episode. Kamande highlights his experience cycling in Nairobi to sleepless ‘Chapati, Ndengu’ nights as Kigondu looks back at his experience back on stage and the reflections of his work being consumed live after a season of quiet.
2022-06-211h 07
The Busy Being Born Podcast#29: Prof. Nandaa on Computing, Convictions and ConsistencyIn this episode the host duo and the guest jovially get into the trenches that built the brilliant software engineer Anthony Nandaa aka Prof. They take it back to his coming to Nairobi from the village in his lecturer suit and take it forward to his current passions, positions and pursuits around computing and beyond. They talk; breakdowns and breakthroughs, fallacies and benefits of tunnel vision, ambition and expectations. Prof shares lessons from UNI days and experiences that he holds onto to date, learning and unlearning through the student to lecturer journey, C4D, friendships, focus, distractions, resignations and...2022-05-212h 12
The Busy Being Born Podcast#28: Leah Njuguna on Taking Chances, STEM and thriving Home and AwayIn this hearty episode, the hosts engage the brilliant Leah M. Njuguna, picking gems from her walk through lessons and experiences in different continents, classes, courses and seasons. The chat explores earlier dreams and desires to soon finding order, direction and purpose in and through STEM as she grew older. They talk dissertations, decision trees, AI and more, diving into the fruits of drive, discipline, enjoying the present, questioning belief, expectations, exemptions, parties, prayers, patterns and more. They highlight her seasons of finding order in entropy, drive in seasons of watery meat and tasteless sodas, warmth in cold cities a...2022-04-211h 59
The Busy Being Born Podcast#27: Bilal Mwaura on Discipline, the Spirituality of Performance and being like WaterIn this powerful episode, the duo host the brilliant Actor and Writer Bilal Mwaura and talk film, fatherhood, faith and so much more! From the creation of Uradi, Kauzi, Nganya and numerous theatre and film characters and productions to tales of tours, maasai shukas, sheikhs, the captain’s principle, poetry, prayer and esoteric conversations with artists from across Africa. Unafraid to explore drifts, doubts and despondency, the episode touches on philosophies, parenting, purpose, lucidity and the balance of practice and dogma in religion. Bilal shares lessons from teachers, men with books, ladies with heart and the woman that is th...2022-03-182h 16
The Busy Being Born Podcast#26: Mary Mwikali – On Scripts, Studios and the Greatness Within.In this episode the duo hosts the vivacious Mary Mwikali; a highly skilled and sought after journalist and Kenyan actress known for her majestic voice and bubbly personality. The episode follows Mwikali’s story through breakthroughs, paths and curves that have shaped her life so far, exploring choices around school, stages, stations and studios. From being the child that took the scene, to being the lady who works to make an impact. Mwikali shares gems from seasons of favour to those of shifts, confronting the allure of 'stability' while leaving space for possibility. The hearty chat explores beginnings, backdrops, bo...2022-02-232h 01
The Busy Being Born Podcast#25: No guest but nuggets; The One on Shades of SheddingIn another episode just by themselves, the host duo digs deep into their personal experiences, seasons and lessons; this time spotlighting the idea of shedding and consciously letting go of ‘stuff’ to grow. They explore purging of behaviours, beliefs, friendships, material and more in a conscious effort to surround oneself with only the useful and beautiful. They talk decluttering in different aspects, travelling light through life to be both present and productive, they share on being mindful of what one says ‘yes or no’ to and look at the implications stemming from constraint vs. restraint situations. Their choice of examples...2022-01-2655 min
The Busy Being Born Podcast#24: Reviews, Reflections and ProjectionsThe host duo is joined by techie Byron Sitawa (Co-Founder CHURA) and performing artist Michelle Tiren [Twitter](Actor and singer). Together the awesome foursome looks back at lessons and memories from the year that was, as they also look forward to projecting intentions around career, relations and beyond. The juicy stories in between taking the four from Tiren's breakthrough role as Nikita on the Showmax Tv show 'Famous', innovations in Fintech in Africa and even personal experiences through Covid, sciatica, changes and choices. From Paw Patrol to The Matrix, this episode features thoughts on films, Tv shows, books and...2022-01-042h 21
The Busy Being Born Podcast#23: Peter Kawa on Exertion, Filmmaking and Christmas LoveIn this episode, the duo hosts the purpose-driven and award-winning creative that is Peter Kawa. Sharing stories and gems from his journey gracing screens and stages years upon years; the episode highlights the importance of having a sense of purpose navigating through building a career and/or industry, faith, fatherhood and so much more! His conversation with Kamande and Kigondu spotlights themes and lessons around perseverance, business, art, sacrifice, turning points and epiphanies. Kawa shares exclusives from his experience making and being part of award-winning projects, moments of collision between his convictions and career, escapades from Bungoma to Morroco and...2021-12-091h 30
The Busy Being Born Podcast#22: Nick Ndeda on Providence, Discipline, Dopeness and Needful ThingsIn this episode, the host duo has a chat with the impressive performing artist and media personality - Nick Ndeda. In their chat, they pick and explore gems from Nick’s career interacting with microphones, cameras, costumes, stages, scripts and artists across Africa. They also go deep into lessons from his personal life as well; through the learning and the yearning, through love and loss, calling back to gems and memories from Rubik’s cubes, auditions, bars of soap, Big Brother and big brothers. The chat on his journey features stints at X FM, Homeboyz, ‘Radio Nick’ and on, features...2021-11-192h 05
The Busy Being Born Podcast#21: Mambo Beard; On Manhood, Marriage, Shifts and even Shafts.In this episode the host duo are joined by two other gentlemen; Brian and Ndaiga. Their in depth and open conversation explores the mind of a man not only coming to find himself but also his other half. Sampling their individual journeys they decipher and discuss the path of finding and understanding self through a male perspective, go on to talk cultural expectations, ego, handling failure, dips and heartbreaks. They talk morality, mental fortitude, responsibility, ventures and visions. In between laughs and lessons they look at shockers and subtleties that come with marriage, new patterns, rituals, memorable moments so...2021-10-191h 46
The Busy Being Born Podcast#20: Inspirations and Appreciations - The Busy Being Born team on the journey so farIn this episode the whole team sits to chat, recap and check in. Mariah and Abu join Kamande and Kigondu in sharing their highlights, lessons and moments from the first season. You finally get to hear the voices behind production management and sound engineering and how that's been coming along. The awesome foursome not only review the behind the scenes efforts, outstanding guests and notes so far but also go internal using the allegory of music to tell of their current personal vibrations. They talk matters growth, improving thoughts and skill sets, transitions, regression to the mean, manifestations and so muc...2021-09-3058 min
The Busy Being Born Podcast#19: Mufasa the Poet - On Poetry, Purpose, Dreaming and Daring in plateaus.In this episode the duo host the powerhouse that is Mufasa; a Kenyan performing artist and author. Exploring deep and close to heart experiences that formed and deformed him in various ways, to lighter stories with laughs and that possibly feature letters, loaves and lessons, their convo moves from pulpits to the making of a rockstar! They talk matters family, fears and chance karaokes that influenced the making of Mufasa. Sharing stories from his childhood, teenagehood, school and home experiences from Eldoret and Kapsabet, he goes on to tell of 'Nairobi Half Life' like experiences on moving to the city...2021-09-162h 04
The Busy Being Born Podcast#18: Movement towards Harmony - Greenman Muleh Mbillo on Alignment, Consciousness and the Cessation of Suffering
In this episode the duo host the intriguing Greenman M. Mbillo and he shares profound lessons from his curiosities, studies and experiences with an influence of ancient, asclepian and African healing practices and beyond. Besides stories from his childhood and growth, he also indulges the hosts on the effects of forgiveness (rather, the lack thereof), ritual design, salvation, importance of moments of contemplation, Yoga, embodied knowledge, control of sexual energy, morphogenetic fields, chess and even catness! As they talk disparity between expectations and experience, Greenman shares lessons from thinkers, seers and teachers such as Kanukwa, Mugo wa Kibiru, Muhammad Zakariya...2021-08-261h 58
The Busy Being Born Podcast#17: Ndeithi Kariuki on Fine Arts, transitions and the Human Spirit.In this episode the host duo have a chat with Kenyan multi dimensional artist Ndeithi Kariuki. Their conversation picks from analysis of African leadership both past and present, freedom fighters, founding fathers and fallacies from history, to celebrating artistic greats and spaces. He journeys with the duo through his choices and transitions from both his artistic and corporate experiences. In conversation, they highlight gems and lessons from a life in the visual arts, graphics, illustration, brand and digital marketing worlds, to an even more profound relation with music, fatherhood, family, travel, human development, teaching and more!
This episode is brought t...2021-07-291h 50
The Busy Being Born Podcast#16: The beauty of building Arks - Cindy Ogana on the Arts, media and self value.In this episode the duo hosts Cindy Ogana and she heartily shares her journey in media and self growth. They explore lessons from love, funks and faith. They talk humility, healing, emceeing, car seat anchor, Larry Madowo's big heart, Campus days, theatre days, Kwani?, progressions of okayness, alignment, Faraja, marriage, family, maturity and so much more in between laughs and great vibe.
Brought to you by FunKe Science.
Cindy Ogana [Twitter] is a media personality with over a dozen years in the communications world. A smart and outspoken social commentator who's a regular panelist on the popular Kenyan weekly recap sh...2021-07-131h 55
The Busy Being Born Podcast#15: Patricia Okelo on entrepreneurship, mentorship and partnership in marriageIn this episode the dynamic duo hosts the one and only Patricia Okelo! As they navigate through her youthful memories surrounding her start-up businesses, life in Mombasa, juggling both motherhood and work and following her passions. They get to pick out amazing lessons from her life on matters entrepreneurship, marriage and leadership which have impacted and led to the growth of her successful businesses; Willart, Conferencing in a Box and Kayana. They don't just stop there as they also talk about introversion, below the line advertising, procrastination, living life to the fullest and so much more!
Brought to you by Fu...2021-07-131h 47
The Busy Being Born Podcast#14: No guest but nuggets - Stoicism, intersections and frolicking with philosophiesThe host duo have another episode by themselves, this time focusing their chat on stoicism and finding calm in the storm. Building off stories of saints and strife, Seneca and St. Augustine, the two share lessons and experiences they've employed stoicism. From Marcus Aurelius, Mandela, teachings of Christ and compassion, to Kamande's family and covid experience and Kigondu's love and career choices, this episode invites one to think deeper about their internal operating system, spirituality and decision making in high stress seasons. Memorable miale moments crown the short listen and a curious addition by the sound engineer (Abu) is great...2021-06-1137 min
The Busy Being Born Podcast#13: Life is a stage - Angela Mwandanda on transitions, performing arts, finding balance and bravery.In this episode the duo host Angela Mwandanda a.k.a Shinde. She shares lessons from her journey through music and the making of it, being an introverted artist, overcoming shyness, her rendezvous with Shakespeare and the whirlwind that came with the success of the girl group Tattuu. They explore gems from the Ogopa days, Phoenix Players, lessons from James Falkland, juggling the office and the stage, salvation, longevity, intentionality around friendships, humility, Tevin Campbell, singlehood, pressure and more!
This episode is brought to you by Prevail BeeYond Entertainment [Facebook]
Angela Mwandanda [Facebook] is a Kenyan performing art...2021-05-271h 33
The Busy Being Born Podcast#12: The battlefield of the mind - Tony Mochama on tenacity, compartmentalization and sunken placesIn this episode, the duo hosts Tony Mochama. They talk - creative writing, mentorship, mental fortitude, nocturnal habits, Binyavanga's intensity, Chimamanda's focus, literary networks and spider webs. They highlight Tony's thoughts and memories around growing up, Amka, Story Moja, Chelsea wins and losses, trending on twitter, Smitta Smitten, meritocracy, the need for discussion in dystopian times, regeneration, vindication, 2063, Morgan, organs and more!
Brought to you by TULIVU SAFARIS Limited. (Twitter)(Facebook)
Tony Mochama is a celebrated Kenyan poet, writer, multiple award and grant winning author and senior journalist at The Standard Media Group Kenya, one...2021-05-112h 04
The Busy Being Born Podcast#11: Excellence embodied - Dr. Shikoh Gitau on Innovation, intentionality, leadership and faithIn this episode the duo hosts the brilliant Dr. Shikoh Gitau (LinkedIn) and the conversation ranges from technology solutions for Africa to the personal too - from routines to matters faith. The episode explores Shikoh's experiences from creating solutions from her brainchild Ummeli while pursuing her PHD in her late twenties, to working at Google, Microsoft, Safaricom and more through to building Qhala. Gems galore from managing and building teams, lessons from bosses past, women thriving in STEM and in the workplace, being cheerleader in chief, to the essence of prayer, letting God defend Himself, to joys, tears, twins, wins...2021-04-141h 49
The Busy Being Born Podcast#10: First Offshoot 'Kaende Kaende'; On progress, presence and the personal.In this first 'offshoot' the host duo are by themselves. Kamande and Kigondu catch up, review the journey so far, speak on their struggles and interactions with social media and the desire to live in the present. The convo starts off in music and concerts, goes into lessons from the guests and episodes, potential meet-ups with the listeners, the clubhouse app, a bit into philosophy, before wrapping in personal desires for the year and great quotes for the miale moment. Have a listen, enjoy the conversation and get more motivation to keep journeying with them and stay busy being born!
Li...2021-04-0233 min
The Busy Being Born Podcast#9: Thought Leading and Left leaning - Kingwa Kamencu on identity, alignment and purpose.In this episode the duo host Kingwa Kamencu and talk shifts in the times and energies, the interaction of the social and the political, the left being in ICU and the obesity of the right - to philosophies around She-Ra (yes, the superheroine), Ubuntu, duality, madam president, the underwear free movement, the creatives disability, power traps, mental health and more!
This episode is brought to you by: AVALANCHE MEDIA (Facebook)and FunKe Science
Kingwa Kamencu (Facebook) (Twitter) is a social and cultural commentator who uses her skill and industry to provoke thought and influence change; a pan Africanist, a writer, an a...2021-03-181h 47
The Busy Being Born Podcast#8: Of petticoats and peacocking Success - Jacky Vike on discipline, humour and consistency.In this episode, the duo host Jacky Vike and talk performance, versatility, lessons from Papa Shirandula, making the Nairobi Half Life character, peeping petticoats, life in the hood, the value of saving, love, loss, content creation and more!
This episode is brought to you by: SYLVIA'S BITES
Jacky Vike is an actress - most popular for her role as 'Awinja' in the popular Kenyan TV show 'Papa Shirandula', she also has theatre and film credits to her name that include her memorable appearance in highly acclaimed film 'Nairobi Half Life'. Her artistry has also seen her have stints on radio and...2021-03-031h 52
The Busy Being Born Podcast#7: Finding fluency in courage- Sam Soko on storytelling, filmmaking and taking chances
In this episode the duo host Sam Soko (Instagram)(Facebook) and talk making documentary film projects, film making policies, festivals across the world including a premier at Sundance, family, success, protests, showers in places whose walls you wouldn't want to touch, Softie, faith in humanity and more!
This episode is brought to you by: MOPRINT CREATIVES LTD
Sam Soko is a Kenyan - better yet African filmmaker; a director, producer, writer and editor. He is a co-founder of LBx Africa (Facebook), the Kenyan production company credited for on ground work for the 2018 Academy Award-nominated short fiction film 'Watu Wote...2021-02-111h 50
The Busy Being Born Podcast#6: 'Oops! He did it again' - dance and being deliberate with love, life and businessIn this episode, the duo host Paul Muiruri and talk dance, fitness, marriage, business, Safari Cats, Britney Spears, management, perceptions, makeup and more!
Brought to you by Funke Science.
Paul Muiruri
Paul Muiruri (Facebook) is a revered dancer, choreographer, dance fitness trainer and is the artistic director of Artzone Events (Facebook). The company focuses on dance entertainment solutions for the corporate client for events and promotions across Africa and the globe. Besides Dance and Acrobatic performances they also offer Dance classes, Make-up services and costume hiring for dancers. 'Pau' is an easy-going gentleman in person but his laser-sharp focus a...2021-01-291h 41
The Busy Being Born Podcast#5: When songs weirdly felt sweeter - 2020 reviews & reflections with Waceke and ByronAn awesome foursome wrap the long some 2020: reviews, reflections and 2021 projections.
The host duo is joined by tech founder Byron Sitawa (Co-Founder CHURA) and performing artist Veronica Waceke (Actor, Director; IG: @Veronicawaceke) to look back at 2020; lessons, tricks and discoveries through tough times. The awesome foursome go on to share great insights on finding strength in solitude, being still and handling loss - and go high sharing moments and joys that came with the season; from family, online content, apps, acquisitions, books, music, basketball and more! They then go on to share aspirations, hopes and projections for days ahead in b...2020-12-171h 59
The Busy Being Born Podcast#4: Quatro with the queen (or Profoundly queenly) - Performing Arts and Evolution of selfThe duo host Akinyi Oluoch (@queen_AKINYI on Instagram and Twitter) - actor, performance coach, emcee, poet and so much more! They talk; performing arts, Lupita Nyong'o, yoga, the evolution of self, multi-tasking, redifining productivity, cooking mrenda with mum, psychology and humans being human beings.
Brought to you by: Prevail Beeyond Entertainment.
Akinyi Oluoch
Akinyi Oluoch is an award-winning actress, a performing arts teacher, a voice artiste, poet, emcee, singer-songwriter and a yoga trainer. She also recently graduated with a BA in Psychology.
Akinyi won Best Actress 2018 at the Sanaa Awards for her role a...2020-12-031h 44
The Busy Being Born Podcast#3: Could it get 'THUITA' than this? - EdTech in Africa and SpiritualityIn this episode, we host Thuita Wachira and discuss building Education Technology companies in Africa, leading teams, spirituality and the role of African Tradition in a modern/urban man's life. Brought to you by Funke Science.
Thuita Wachira
Thuita (LinkedIn) is currently the CTO of the technology company, ENEZA. (https://enezaeducation.com/). Eneza is an ed-tech company that provides curriculum aligned revision material in all subjects for primary and secondary learners on any device. Thuita previously worked at Andela, REFUNITE, SOKO and a bunch of other great technology startups. He is a family man a...2020-11-121h 40
The Busy Being Born Podcast#2: Alice in Wakanda LandIn their premier interview, the duo host Alice Kombani (@AliceKombani on Twitter) and discover nuggets of wisdom from her second chance at life, her parenting choices, love Africa, her journey as a creative and a prolific filmmaker.
Alice Kombani
With her latest feature film 'Pillow Talk' pulling crowds to the cinemas, Alice Wangui is not new to having an audience revel in her work. Her brainchild project Tuwatch Cinema was particularly aimed at doing just that: bringing locally made films to the audience. Having won coveted awards such the Best Short Film at the 2015 Zanzibar...2020-10-161h 27
The Busy Being Born Podcast#1: And we are onIn this episode, the hosts (Kamande and Kigondu), dissect their reasons for the podcast title, their intentions and aspirations with the podcast and also ‘throw it back’ a bit with tales of how they met and their backgrounds.
Why do a podcast, and why now?
Why BUSY BEING BORN?
Our backgrounds in the performing arts and how we met
Where we are now - Technology, Entrepreneurship ... and More performing arts
People we would like to interview
Quotes we are thinking about
2020-09-301h 11