Advertise on podcast: The Busy Being Born Podcast

On this episode, we sit down with Esther Kazungu, a content creator, media personality and civic rights advocate for a candid conversation about the journey from traditional media to building a career on her own terms. Esther shares how the 2020 pandemic became a turning point, giving her the space to take content creation seriously. From a viral recreation of a parliamentary session to building long-term brand partnerships. She reflects on what it takes to turn creativity into a sustainable career and why authenticity matters more than chasing every opportunity. We also get into the realities behind the bubbly online persona: motherhood, fitness, mental health, setting boundaries and learning to be comfortable with being misunderstood online. As her interests evolve, Esther is increasingly moving toward civic advocacy, research and social impact. We talk about the responsibility that comes with having a platform, navigating Kenya's political climate, and staying engaged without allowing activism to consume you. Esther's story is ultimately about evolving without losing yourself. Listen in to learn: Taking the leap into content creation Building an authentic personal brand Motherhood, mental health and boundaries Life behind the public persona Finding purpose beyond the algorithm Moving from lifestyle content to civic advocacy Why getting “the full picture” matters Resources & Mentions: Civic Rise Africa — Esther’s work in civic advocacy and communications Esther Kazungu — Follow her journey and content across social platforms Connect with us: Instagram & X (Twitter): @busybeingborn_  Visit busybeingborn.africa for more episodes and updates.

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Zippy Okoth an award-winning creative, educator, filmmaker, and among the first Kenyans to earn a PhD in Theatre Arts for a conversation on storytelling, leadership, healing, and the evolving role of the arts in Africa. Dr. Zippy reflects on her remarkable journey from academia to the film industry, including her move to KCA University to champion practical arts education and her work on Reuben Odanga's feature film Tides. Along the way, she shares the personal experiences that have shaped her. From navigating profound loss and healing to raising two daughters with intention and compassion. We also explore the growing importance of mental health in the creative industry, why therapy is a tool for self-awareness rather than weakness, and how her pioneering Master's programme in Drama Therapy is creating new pathways for healing through the arts. Throughout the conversation, Dr. Zippy offers practical advice to creatives on embracing change, documenting their work, promoting themselves confidently, and building sustainable careers. This episode is a powerful reminder that storytelling is more than entertainment. It is a vehicle for healing, education, and social change.  Listen in to learn: What it means to lead both in academia and the creative industry Why therapy and drama therapy can transform mental wellbeing How artists can build sustainable, visible creative careers Lessons on resilience, parenting, and overcoming life's hardest moments Why African storytellers must boldly own and share their narratives Resources & Mentions: Tides – Dr. Zippy's latest work -Feature film by Reuben Odanga  KCA University – Home of East Africa's pioneering Master's programme in Drama Therapy Lake International Pan African Film Festival Follow Dr. Zippy's work across her social media platforms for updates on her creative projects and advocacy. Connect with us: Instagram & X (Twitter): @busybeingborn_  Visit busybeingborn.africa for more episodes and updates.

In this special BBB Live II episode, the tables turn as Joe Kinyua sits with Kamande and Kigondu for a candid conversation about the journey behind the podcast. Recorded before a live audience and proudly supported by Sugar & Lime, this episode reflects on six years of growth, 81 conversations, and the lessons that have shaped both the podcast and the people behind it. This is an honest look at the people behind the microphones. Together, they explore the recurring themes that have emerged over the years. From purpose, leadership, and mental health to friendship, faith, and the shared hope many of their guests have for Africa's future. They also open up about career uncertainty, growing older, building meaningful support systems, and what it means to keep evolving while creating in public. This episode is a chance to step behind the scenes of Busy Being Born and discover how six years of conversations have shaped not only the podcast, but also the two people who continue to show up each day. Still learning, still growing, and still busy being born 🎧 Listen in to learn: Why Busy Being Born was started and how it has evolved over 80+ episodes The biggest lessons their guests have taught them about leadership and purpose Why vulnerability and honest conversations matter, especially for men How faith, friendship, and curiosity have shaped their personal growth What's next for Busy Being Born and the vision for the years ahead Resources & Mentions: Sugar & Lime – Supporters of Busy Being Born Live II Joe Kinyua- Live II  Host Busy Being Born – Explore past episodes and more conversations: https://busybeingborn.africa Follow @busybeingborn_ on Instagram and X (Twitter) for updates, clips, and behind-the-scenes content.

In this episode, we sit down with Reuben Odanga, filmmaker, producer, and founder of Multan Screen & Stage, to explore the journey of building one of Kenya's leading production houses and the vision behind creating stories that resonate across Africa. Reuben reflects on his transition from theater to television and film, the early challenges of starting Multan, and how productions like Saida, Nira, Selina, and Nafsi helped shape the local industry. Along the way, he shares lessons on leadership, mentorship, building creative teams, and why developing people is just as important as producing great content. We also explore the future of African storytelling from Pan-African collaborations and audience research to creating sustainable creative businesses that can compete on the global stage. Woven throughout the conversation are honest reflections on grief, faith, rest, and the importance of building a legacy that extends beyond career success. Whether you're a filmmaker, entrepreneur, or simply passionate about the future of African creativity, this episode offers thoughtful insights into what it takes to build something that lasts. 🎧 Listen in to learn: How Reuben transitioned from theater into film and television production The story behind building Multan Screen & Stage Why mentorship and talent development are essential to growing the creative industry What Kenyan filmmakers can learn about audience building and sustainable storytelling The importance of rest, resilience, and leading with intention Resources & Mentions: Tides – Reuben Odanga's upcoming Pan-African feature film Nafsi – Kenyan feature film available on Netflix Multan Screen & Stage Saida, Nira & Selina Pan-African collaboration in film and television Connect with us: Instagram & X (Twitter): @busybeingborn_ 🌍 Visit busybeingborn.africa for more episodes and updates.

In this No Guest But Nuggets episode, Kamande and Kigondu reflect on the lessons, challenges, and moments that shaped their year. From navigating family crises and learning to recover more quickly from difficult emotions, to celebrating 10 years of Prevail Arts, the conversation explores what it means to stay present, resilient, and committed to the long game. They reflect on gratitude, mentorship, creativity, spirituality, and the reality that growth is rarely a straight line. Along the way, they discuss leadership, governance, artistic inspiration, and the importance of continuing to show up even when progress isn't immediately visible. This episode is a reminder that life unfolds in its own time, and that our job is simply to keep doing our best with what is in front of us. 🎧 Listen in to learn: Why resilience is more about recovery than perfection How challenging experiences can deepen gratitude and presence Lessons from 10 years of building Prevail Arts The value of mentorship and lifelong learning Why growth is rarely linear and how to trust the process Reflections on creativity, leadership, and personal growth Resources & Mentions: Prevail Arts Gregorian chants and contemplative spiritual practices Artists referenced: J. Cole, Nas, Dave Chappelle, Michael Jackson & Lil Wayne Conversations on mentorship, creativity, and leadership Connect with us: Instagram & X (Twitter): @busybeingborn_ 🌍 Visit busybeingborn.africa for more episodes and updates.

In this episode, we sit down with Angela Oduor Lungati a tech leader, community builder, and Executive Director of Ushahidi  to explore what it means to build technology that truly serves people. Angela reflects on her journey from software intern to leading a globally recognized civic tech organization whose crisis response tools have been used in over 160 countries. Along the way, she shares the realities of leadership, fundraising, motherhood, grief, and navigating spaces where African voices are often overlooked. Together, we unpack the urgent need for Africa to shape its own tech future — from ethical AI governance and digital inclusion to ensuring African languages, communities, and lived experiences are represented in the systems being built today. This conversation is a thoughtful reflection on leadership, resilience, community, and the responsibility of building technology that centers people over profit.  Listen in to learn: Why Africa must take ownership of its tech narrative and resources How AI can either empower or exclude African communities The importance of ethical data governance and local language inclusion What it takes to lead mission-driven organizations through uncertainty Lessons on resilience, mentorship, community, and purpose-driven leadership Resources & Mentions: Ushahidi Creative Commons Masakhane Research Foundation AI governance, open-source technology & digital inclusion initiatives Community-centered technology and African innovation ecosystems Connect with us: Instagram & X (Twitter): @busybeingborn_  Visit busybeingborn.africa for more episodes and updates

In this episode, we sit down with Moses Kiema an actor, coach, and author for an honest conversation about what it really takes to build a lasting career in the creative industry. Moses reflects on starting out in traveling theater, where he developed the discipline and confidence that later carried him into film and television. His breakthrough role in Kina became a defining chapter. Four intense years of back-to-back filming that expanded his reputation and financial stability, but also tested his health and endurance. Rather than chase constant screen time, Moses made a deliberate shift. Today, he chooses shorter projects, prioritizes family life, and invests deeply in mentorship. Fatherhood reshaped his discipline and mental health, grounding him beyond the spotlight and influencing how he approaches both work and legacy. He also shares insights from his book, The Unforgettable Actor, a practical guide for emerging talent navigating auditions, contracts, and professional conduct. Lessons often learned the hard way. This episode is a thoughtful reflection on craft, resilience, reinvention, and choosing sustainability over burnout.    Listen in to learn: Why theater builds stronger screen actors The hidden costs of long-running TV productions How fatherhood reshaped Moses’s discipline and priorities Why rest and reinvention are essential in creative careers Practical industry knowledge every aspiring actor should know  Resources & Mentions: The Unforgettable Actor by Moses Kiema Coaching & mentorship for aspiring actors Moses on social media: @MosesKiema  Connect with us: Instagram & X (Twitter): @busybeingborn_  busybeingborn.africa

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Kiptolo a 2025 BD Top 40 Under 40 honoree, former national swimmer, sports scientist,  and founder of Next Gen Multi Sport Academy to unpack what it really takes to develop athletes in systems that often fall short. Dr. Kip reflects on his journey through competitive swimming, from intensive training in South Africa to representing Kenya internationally, and the repeated funding gaps, broken promises, and governance failures that ultimately wore him down and led him to step away from elite sport. His experience mirrors a wider issue in Kenyan athletics: abundant talent, but inconsistent support. Out of this frustration, Next Gen Multi Sport Academy was born. Now supporting around 150 children, the academy focuses on multi-sport development, sports science, injury prevention, and holistic care especially for vulnerable youth before early specialization. We also examine Kenya’s sports ecosystem, from misplaced investments in mega stadiums to the lack of basic grassroots facilities, coach education, and data-driven training. Dr. Kip makes a clear case for ethical leadership, smarter systems, and long-term thinking in sport. This episode is a grounded conversation about rebuilding from the ground up and choosing to create what the system failed to provide. 🎧 Listen in to learn: Why many Kenyan athletes fall through the cracks despite clear talent The dangers of early specialization and why multi-sport development matters How poor governance and funding misalignment kill athletic careers How data and sports science can transform performance The role of sports science, data, and injury prevention in performance What it takes to build ethical, long-term sports systems from the ground up 🏊🏽‍♂️ Resources & Mentions: Next Gen Multi Sport Academy & Foundation Business Daily Top 40 Under 40 (2025) – Dr. Kiptolo Boit recognised among Kenya’s influential young leaders Youth development programs in swimming and football Sports science, biomechanics & data analytics in training Grassroots sports infrastructure vs. high-cost stadium projects Advocacy for ethical governance in Kenyan sports Connect with us: Instagram & X (Twitter): @busybeingborn_ 🌍 Visit busybeingborn.africa for more episodes and updates

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Wanjiru Stuhler, an orthodontist who spent nearly two decades training and practicing in Europe before returning home to Kenya to build her life’s work. Dr. Wanjiru shares her journey through rigorous German dental training, navigating licensure back home, and the intentional seven-year process that led to the launch of Stuhler Orthodontics in Nairobi just weeks ago. Her story is one of patience, precision, and choosing long-term impact over rushing milestones. Beyond the clinic, we explore her deep commitment to public health education. From teaching children the importance of flossing to raising awareness about fluoride levels in Nairobi’s water and the health benefits of early orthodontic assessments. She explains why orthodontics isn’t just about straight teeth, but how it can also affect breathing, sleep, confidence, and overall wellbeing. This conversation is a powerful reflection on returning home with global expertise, building trust-based businesses, and practicing care that centers people before profit. And because she loves the Busy Being Born community: Busy Being Born listeners are eligible for a complimentary orthodontic consultation from 12th January to 12th February 2026 at Stuhler Orthodontics. A special invitation to take the first step toward your healthiest smile. Listen in to learn: ·        What it takes to train and specialize in dentistry abroad ·        Why early orthodontic checks matter for children’s health ·        The role of flossing in preventing long-term dental issues ·        How Dr. Wanjiru built her brand before opening her clinic ·        Lessons on patience, consistency, and intentional growth Resources & Mentions: ·        Stuhler Orthodontics (Nairobi) – complimentary orthodontic consultation  for Busy Being Born listeners ·        Website: https://www.stuhlerorthodontics.co.ke ·        Invisalign & modern orthodontic treatments ·        Oral health education & public talks  Connect with us: Instagram & X (Twitter): @busybeingborn_ 🌍 Visit busybeingborn.africa for more episodes and updates.

In this end of year episode, the Busy Being Born crew is joined by Thuita and Monski and reflect on the cultural moments that defined the year 2025. From the evolution of African music and storytelling to the accelerating influence of AI, shifting political realities, and what lies ahead. We talk about Kenyan and African music, celebrating hip hop, reggae, and cross-border sounds alongside a renewed focus on live performance and intentional artistry. The conversation also explores how audiences are consuming shows on television, differently gravitating toward quality, emotional depth, and culturally resonant stories. We then turn to technology, where 2025 marked a turning point for AI. Tools like Gemini, GPT-5 and Claude are reshaping creative and technical workflows, raising questions about productivity, ethics, and the importance of maintaining human judgment in an automated age. Finally, the conversation zooms out to politics, culture, and hope, acknowledging growing global and local tensions while emphasizing civic engagement, accountability, and the quiet resilience found in art, community, and personal milestones as we look toward 2026.   Listen in to learn: How African music evolved in 2025 and where it’s headed Why storytelling is winning in film, TV, and animation How AI is transforming creative and tech work — and its risks Why civic engagement and accountability matter more than ever What gives the crew hope as 2026 approaches Highlights & Mentions: Kenyan hip hop, reggae & cross-border collaborations Monski’s upcoming EP Here and Now Standout films, series, and animated storytelling AI tools: GPT-5, Claude, and custom models Live theatre, music collectives, and community arts The New Zealand All Blacks rugby tour (South Africa) Connect with Monski Thuita on BBB EP #3   Connect with us: Instagram & X (Twitter): @busybeingborn_ 🌍 Visit busybeingborn.africa for more episodes, resources, and updates.

In this reflective and grounding conversation, we sit down with Amwayi Tsuma to explore what it means to live beyond fixed identities and social roles. Drawing from personal experience, Buddhist philosophy, and daily mindfulness practice, Amwayi invites us into a gentler, more honest way of being with ourselves and others. We talk about how letting go of labels like “leader,” “husband,” or “achiever” can reveal a deeper sense of self; one rooted in awareness rather than performance. Amwayi shares how this shift transformed his relationships, helped him navigate addiction and habitual patterns with compassion, and opened space for healthier emotional regulation. The conversation also explores meditation as a practical tool for everyday life. Not as dogma, but as a form of mental training that builds clarity, balance, and kindness. From breath awareness and daily rituals to forgiveness and loving-kindness, Amwayi breaks down simple practices that support long-term inner change. At its heart, this episode is about friendship, community, and owning one’s narrative especially within African contexts  as essential foundations for healing and growth. It’s a reminder that awareness, practiced with softness and consistency, can transform both inner life and shared humanity. Listen in to learn: Why identity goes deeper than roles and labels How awareness helps break cycles of addiction and habit The role of meditation in emotional balance and clarity Why compassion and friendship are central to growth How reconnecting with culture supports self-authorship Resources & Mentions: Bhikkhu Bodhi (Books & YouTube teachings) Access to Insight — accesstoinsight.org Vipassana 10-Day Meditation Retreat Metta Bhavana (Loving-Kindness Meditation) Connect with us: Instagram & X (Twitter): @busybeingborn_ 🌍 Visit busybeingborn.africa for more episodes, resources, and updates.

In this deeply moving conversation, we sit down with Omondi Ochuka: a writer, teacher and author to explore his powerful journey through loss, and the lifelong work of healing. Rooted in creativity, community, and a quiet defiance of conventional masculinity, Omondi’s journey unfolds through stories of family, identity, and the lifelong work of becoming. He talks about his new memoir, Precursor: An Unfolding, which blends personal stories and poetry on healing, vulnerability, and masculinity. Growing up on the autism spectrum, he navigated academic challenges, resistance to unjust school systems, and found his voice through journaling and creativity. Turning to his health journey, he opens up about living with cancer since 2011, the emotional and financial strain of treatment, and the profound moment his daughter led a fundraiser for him in Sweden. His story weaves together fatherhood, vulnerability, and the realities of navigating Kenya’s healthcare system. We also dive into the experiences that shaped him, finding refuge in creativity, and being raised by grandparents whose love held him through some of life’s hardest seasons. At the heart of his philosophy is a simple truth: healing is not linear. It’s an ongoing process that demands honesty, softness, and grace. This episode is a reflection on grief, masculinity, community, and the courage it takes to remain soft in a world that often demands hardness. It invites us to rethink strength, embrace vulnerability, and hold space for each other’s unfolding.   …….. Listen in to learn: The story behind Precursor and Unfolding and its lessons on healing Why masculinity must make room for softness and emotional honesty How grief, fatherhood, and illness shaped his worldview Battling cancer & navigating Kenya’s healthcare system Autism, schooling challenges & resisting unjust systems How community support and creative expression sustained him   Resources & Mentions: Precursor: An Unfolding by Omondi Ochuka (Available on Nuria; Amazon coming soon) Ochuka on SoundCloud, Bandcamp & Medium Themes on masculinity, grief & healing Busy Being Born past episodes on fatherhood and community care Connect with us: Instagram & X (Twitter): @busybeingborn_  Visit busybeingborn.africa for more episodes and updates.

In this deeply personal and layered episode, the Busy Being Born duo sits down with Sylvia Karanja, founder of Corner 254 and Media Light Agency, to unpack the courage, clarity, and calling behind her return to Kenya after over a decade in the U.S. With openness and warmth, Sylvia opens up about her migration journey. From navigating family responsibilities and career restarts abroad, to rediscovering identity and purpose through faith, storytelling, and entrepreneurship. Her decision to move back to Kenya in August 2024 marked not just a physical return, but a spiritual and emotional homecoming. The conversation goes beyond the complexity of immigrant family dynamics, the weight of being a “firstborn” across continents, and the loneliness that often shadows transition. It also explores how faith and creativity became Sylvia’s anchors, guiding her toward building Corner Networks, a community platform connecting returnees, locals, and dreamers alike through events, storytelling, and shared purpose. From starting over in unfamiliar systems to founding her own agency, Sylvia’s story reflects resilience, hope, and a deep conviction that purpose unfolds when we dare to come home; in every sense of the word. …….. Show notes and links Listen in to learn: What inspires Africans abroad to move back home — and the unseen challenges of reintegration How Sylvia transformed loneliness and loss into faith and purpose Why building community is central to healing and belonging The story behind Corner 254 — and the power of curation in a noisy digital age Lessons from starting over, redefining success, and wearing your own crown How to navigate identity, family expectations, and faith during major life transitions Books, Resources & Mentions: Corner 254 – corner254.com (event discovery & storytelling for returnees) Media Light Agency – medialightagency.com Action Steps: Follow Sylvia’s journey and upcoming Corner Podcast for stories of diaspora returnees Engage with Corner 254 on social media for event updates and collaborations Share your own return or migration story with the Busy Being Born team …….. Connect with us: Join the conversation and follow the journey — Instagram & X (Twitter): @busybeingborn_ Visit busybeingborn.africa for more episodes, resources, and guest updates.

In this inspiring and insightful episode, the Busy Being Born duo sit down with filmmaker Mark Maina, whose journey from computer science student to award-winning storyteller traces the beautiful intersection of discipline, creativity, and vision. Mark shares how a deep curiosity for technology led him to filmmaking, a path that took him from the University of Nairobi to international recognition at the Cannes Film Festival. Along the way, he studied at Germany’s Film Academy Baden-Württemberg, worked as Head of Post-Production at Nigeria’s EbonyLife, and ultimately returned home to Kenya to build MGreen Entertainment, a studio blending live action, animation, and African imagination. With openness and warmth, Mark opens up about family, fatherhood, and legacy, exploring how success means little without presence, and how creativity thrives where skill and purpose meet. The conversation delves into the evolution of Kenya’s film industry, the rise of AI in post-production, and the grounded philosophy of a man shaping art from both heart and discipline. …….. Show notes and links Listen in to learn: ·        How to transition from traditional careers into creative fields ·        Lessons from working in Kenya, Nigeria, and Germany’s film industries ·        Why skill-building sustains passion in competitive creative spaces ·        How AI is transforming storytelling and post-production ·        The importance of legacy, mentorship, and intentional fatherhood ·        Why creativity begins with discipline and ends with meaning Books, Resources & Mentions: ·        So Good They Can’t Ignore You by Cal Newport ·        Neophobia (Cannes Official Selection, 2017) ·        Pause for Reflection – hybrid animation/live-action feature (Festival Premiere: Nov 2024) ·        Sugar Mashariki TV series (Season 2 & upcoming Season 3) ·        MGreen Entertainment Studios Connect with us: Instagram & X (Twitter): @busybeingborn_ Visit busybeingborn.africa for more episodes, resources, and updates.

In this rich and layered conversation, the Busy Being Born crew unpack the philosophy, practice, and pitfalls of friendship. Drawing on personal stories, cultural wisdom, and even biblical references, they explore what makes a friend, how friendships are tested, and why some bonds endure while others fade. From money matters that complicate trust, to the delicate balance of marriage as friendship, to the strategies for cultivating authentic bonds in busy adulthood. This episode is a full-spectrum meditation on how we show up for one another. The conversation weaves through reliability, joy, and emotional safety as core markers of true friendship, while acknowledging the shifting seasons of life that reshape our circles. Whether it’s early morning breakfasts, quarterly road trips, or the unshakable reconnection after 11 years apart, the hosts examine the diverse ways we hold space for those we love. Through humor and vulnerability, they also touch on friendship endings, insecurity, value alignment, and the quiet truth that sometimes, letting go is as important as holding on. …….. Show notes and links Listen in to learn: The different friendship models: reliability, non-judgment, and investment Why money is often the ultimate friendship litmus test How to balance community connections vs. authentic personal bonds Why marriage without friendship at its core is unsustainable The role of honesty, feedback, and value alignment in sustaining friendships How to navigate natural friendship transitions and endings gracefully Books, Resources & Mentions: Lying by Sam Harris Genesis (biblical reference on companionship) Sugar & Lime Restaurant, Bellevue – Mombasa Road DJ Maria's SoundCloud-   – Mukovi Profile  Marrianne Nungo- @nungomarrianne Shop fresh & affordable groceries with Tushop: tushop.io Download on Google Play Download on the App Store Connect with us: Instagram & X (Twitter): @busybeingborn_ Visit busybeingborn.africa for more episodes, resources, and updates