The Busy Being Born Podcast

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.africafor 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.africafor 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.
 
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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

In 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-old’s first coherent email (with emojis) , the hosts share stories that are as heartfelt as they are humorous. They unpack Kenya’s political cycles and the role of this generation, this episode balances heartfelt gratitude with honest introspection.
The hosts open up about their ongoing health journeys tweaking protein intake, navigating injuries, and learning to treat both body and mind with patience. They speak candidly about embracing human traits like envy and jealousy with compassion instead of shame, finding tenderness in self-awareness.
Five years in, the duo pause to celebrate the Busy Being Born community, complete with shout-outs to the production team and heartfelt thanks to listeners. It’s an episode that feels like both a pause and a deep breath before the next climb.
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Show notes and links
Listen in to learn:
How a new recording space can transform creative energy (and nerves)
Why parenting remains the most “energy-giving” part of life
How to sustain a fitness routine while recovering from injury
Accepting envy, jealousy, and comparison with compassion
Why personal meaning should sit at the heart of life priorities
How creative projects shape personal and professional growth
How maombi ya matheeis the gift that keeps giving.
Books, Entertainment Cultural Consumption Resources & Mentions:
Petals of Blood by Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o
Sinners(film) - declared the best of the year
Tune in to 'Center Stage' radio show on Pawa Radio every Thursday
Buy your Kifo Kisimani tickets (2nd and 3rd  August at Jain Bhavan) HERE
Qware TV show premiere (July 20)- Maisha Magic
F1 movie discussed as fantastic but not the greatest F1 film compared to 'Ford versus Ferrari'.
Ryan Coogler identified as 'man of the year' for his work with Proximity Media.
Music preferences include Lil Sims' 'Lotus' album and dub music, with plans to attend Okello Max’s 'Healing' album launch.
Interest in Pope Leo's initiative to bring back Latin chanting and Gregorian singing to Catholic Church
Personal connection to Gregorian chants for meditation and spiritual practices.
Connect with us:Follow the journey and join the conversation onInstagram & X (Twitter): @busybeingborn_Visit busybeingborn.africa for more episodes, resources, and updates

In 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 in the Kenyan music industry, and the emotional rollercoaster of their debut album launch—which landed on the same day as her final law school exam.
The episode also dives deep into Maureen’s personal evolution—her experience with therapy, journaling, and spiritual exploration, as well as her temporary detour into influencer work during the pandemic. Ultimately, it was a return to music that helped her rediscover peace and purpose.
From raw honesty about mental health to fierce advocacy for musicians' rights, Maureen offers wisdom, vulnerability, and inspiration in equal measure.
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Show notes and links
Listen in to learn:
How to stay grounded while living a public life
Why therapy and self-reflection are vital for artists
Music as a balm, as a mirror, as a rebellion
On music royalties and the need for legal awareness in the creative economy
The untold story behind one of Kenya’s most iconic music groups
How Maureen is reclaiming her creativity on her own terms
Books, Resources & Mentions:
Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life by Héctor García and Francesc Miralles
The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
Elani’s “Jana Usiku” music video
Elani concert clips from J's (coming soon!)
The Busy Being Born live event (Stay tuned)
 
Connect with us:Follow the journey and join the conversation onInstagram & X (Twitter): @busybeingborn_Visit busybeingborn.africa for more episodes, resources, and guest updates.

In 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 deep and meaningful insights. It’s a warm, honest conversation about growth, purpose, and staying grounded through change.
Guest Bio:
Dr. Victor Ikawa (LinkedIn) is an environmentalist, marketer, and seasoned research and strategy expert with over 15 years of leadership experience across East and Southern Africa. He has held leadership roles in major organizations, including Research International East Africa, Land O’Lakes International Development Division (USAID-funded), Celtel Uganda, Celtel Group Netherlands, Zain Group Bahrain, and Airtel Group Kenya, where he led Pan-African research efforts. He later served as Research Director at Research Path Associates and worked at Safaricom, where he served as Head of Research and Insights, following prior roles in Brand, Communications, and Sales. He is currently a director at Snapp Africa, a leading provider of full-stack software solutions and design excellence across the continent, while also pursuing research and biogeography through his YouTube channel, Lost Wings. The University of Nairobi graduate has also led initiatives focused on youth development, governance, and civic engagement. He is also an avid reader, bird watcher, old-school music lover, and believer in the quiet power of storytelling. He’s lived in Kenya, Zambia, and Tanzania, and remains deeply connected to both rural and urban life, able to move between boardrooms and barazas with equal ease.
Links and Notes
Learn more about birdwatching in Kenya: Nature Kenya – The East Africa Natural History Society
Scrabble Kenya (Kenya Scrabble Federation): Facebook Page
Victor’s Youtube channel, Lost wings
Victor's short Engage Talk
The last lecture, a book shared with Bob Collymore
Kenya drops to second in Africa in number of bird species
Yesse Oenga
Timocracy
The Republic, Plato
The Daily Stoic
The Busy Being Born episode on Stoicism [Ep 14]
Nature Kenya
Burkina Faso, The land of upright people

In 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, to loneliness in a foreign land, this audio only episode highlights the power of mental fortitude and the spirit one has to have when being strong is the only option. The guest observes the present, revisits the past and sees the convergence of the two through ruracios, reflections and serendipitous reconnections with his people, his culture, his country and his gifts.
 
Episode Links and Notes
Ruracio ceremony
Norwegian Human Rights Institute
About Norway
On NORAD
The 1982 Kenyan coup
Health services in Norway among the best in the world
7 stages of processing cotton
Mwalimu Julius Nyerere
Desmond Tutu
About PICHA – KBC cover