The Busy Being Born Podcast

In this episode, we sit down with Henry Wamai, a creative, technical director, musician, and storyteller, for a deeply personal conversation about work, faith, identity, relationships and becoming.
From church sound systems and childhood acting to leading international productions, Henry shares how a life rooted in creativity has taken him from Kenya to global stages, including Tinga Tinga the Musical at New York’s New Victory Theater.
We also get into the more personal parts of the journey: questioning faith, navigating season endings, rediscovering culture and language, finding community beyond traditional spaces, and learning to choose compassion over judgment.
Henry also shares the story behind Kitu Simpo, a music experience born out of healing and friendship, and his vision for creating spaces where art, community and connection can come together.
Henry’s story isn’t just about a career in the creative industry, it’s about how work, faith, relationships, culture and community continue to shape who we become. At its heart, this is a conversation about showing up, staying curious, making room for people, and telling stories that remind us of our shared humanity.
Listen in to learn:
·        Building a creative career from the ground up
·        Faith, doubt and finding a more compassionate spirituality
·        Navigating loss, divorce and personal growth
·        Reconnecting with culture, language and identity
·        The power of community, mentorship and collaboration
·        The story behind Kitu Simpo
·        Creativity, storytelling and the pursuit of meaningful work
·        Why compassion might be one of the most important things we can give each other
Resources & Mentions:
·        Kitu Simpo — Henry’s music and community experience
·        Tinga Tinga the Musical — A defining chapter in Henry’s stage-management journey
·        New Victory Theater, New York — Where Henry worked on the international production
·        Sugar & Lime, Betty & SNL Team — Gratitude for hosting BBB live recording
Connect with us:
Website: https://busybeingborn.africa Instagram/X: @busybeingborn_

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.