As Told By Us

We’re asking a wild but honest question: Would you rather be ghosted… or manipulated into leaving a relationship?

From ghosting to gaslighting, we unpack the reality of modern dating and why so many people struggle to end relationships the right way.

We talk about:

• Why ghosting has become so normal
• Emotional manipulation in relationships
• Why people avoid difficult conversations
• Rejection, pride, and dating in your 20s & 30s
• Are we actually dating wrong?

If you’ve ever been ghosted, confused in a relationship, or struggled to let go… this episode is for you.

Why do friendships suddenly feel harder as adults?

At some point in your late 20s, something changes. Friends get married, careers get demanding, people move away, and suddenly the friendships that once felt effortless start to feel… complicated.

In this episode of As Told By Us, we talk about the reality of adult friendships — why people feel lonelier than ever, why we often prioritise romantic relationships over friendships, and what it actually takes to maintain meaningful connections as life evolves.

Have adult friendships become harder, or are we just not putting in the effort anymore?

Let’s talk about it.

Last week’s conversation was too good to end… so we kept it going.

In this Part 2 episode of As Told By Us, we sit down again with Kate and TJ for a brutally honest conversation about what it actually feels like to be a young adult trying to figure life out in this economy.

We were raised believing the formula was simple: go to school, get your degree, find a stable job, and build a life. But for many millennials and Gen Z today, that formula isn’t working the way we were promised.

We talk about the reality of freelancing and inconsistent income, the pressure of hustle culture, moving back home as an adult, dating when you’re not where you thought you’d be financially, and what it feels like to watch your peers seemingly “make it” while you’re still figuring things out.

The conversation also gets deeply personal as we unpack faith, disappointment, patience, and the emotional weight of feeling like you did everything right… but life still hasn’t worked out the way you expected.

This episode is for anyone who feels like they’re navigating adulthood without a blueprint.

In this episode we discuss:

• The truth about freelancing vs a 9–5

• Why hustle culture feels unavoidable

• Losing jobs and questioning faith

• Dating expectations and the “provider” debate

• Moving back home and navigating independence

• The pressure of watching others succeed online

• Learning patience in a generation that feels behind

And to close it out, we ask a powerful question:

What would you tell your 38-year-old self?

Join the conversation and let us know — what would you say to your future self?

Follow As Told By Us for more honest conversations about adulting, relationships, money, and life as young Africans navigating the world.

What happens when you do everything “right”… and life still doesn’t work out?

In this episode of As Told By Us, we sit down with Kate (29) and Tawanda (32) for an honest conversation about starting over in your late 20s and 30s. From quitting medical school to giving up an apartment and moving back home, this episode dives into the reality of adulthood in Zimbabwe — and what it means to redefine success when the plan you followed doesn’t deliver the life you expected.

We talk about:

Moving back home as an adult

Switching careers in your 20s and 30s

The pressure to have it “figured out” by 30

Grieving the life you thought you’d have

Zimbabwe’s job market realities

African parent expectations

Fear of disappointing your family

Redefining success on your own terms

If you’re a millennial or Gen Z navigating career changes, relationship timelines, financial pressure, or the fear of starting over — this conversation is for you. Because sometimes adulthood isn’t about sticking to the plan.

It’s about having the courage to rewrite it.

You ever wake up and realize you built a life around being liked… not being yourself?

The “good girl.”

The peacemaker.

The one who never says no.

The one who carries everyone… and forgets herself.

In this Episode we discuss where the "Good Girl" trope came from and how it has affected us in our day to day.

But this season? She’s allowed to evolve.

We’re unlearning people-pleasing.

We’re choosing boundaries.

We’re protecting our peace.

We’re stepping into main character energy — unapologetically.

What if money was never meant to control your life?

In this episode, we unpack the idea of "decentering money" and using it for what it truly is — a tool, not a master. So many of us were taught to chase income, grind endlessly, and tie our worth to productivity. But at what cost?

We explore how to shift the focus back to your peace, mental health, freedom, and lived experiences — because this life isn’t a rehearsal. It’s the only one you get.

This conversation is for anyone feeling stuck in hustle culture, burned out by survival mode, or questioning what “success” really means. Learn how to redefine wealth beyond numbers and build a life that actually feels good to live.

If this resonates, share your thoughts in the comments and subscribe for more honest conversations like this.

#DecenterMoney #MindsetShift #FinancialWellbeing #LifeBeyondWork #PodcastConversations

Welcome! We are back to bless your eardrums. Happy new year, or whatever! In this episode we unpack a listener dilemma: her boyfriend keeps disappearing whenever he’s out with the boys — then he comes back like nothing happened. Is he cheating or is she overreacting? Then we get into the reality of moving out of home in your 30s, including housing agent scams, expensive furniture regrets, learning to focus on essentials and not comparing your new space to social media or your parents’ home.

We also discuss the cultural pressure African women face when living alone, and what it means when moving out doesn’t go as planned and you have to go back home.

Press play and join the conversation. Don't forget to follow As Told By Us Podcast and share with a friend.

This week we were in trouble.

We tackled some of the dilemmas you have sent to us.

Should a Christian give generously to relatives they know do not like them?

Should you stay in a relationship that is not meeting your financial needs?

Hear our thoughts on these issues and help us give advice to these listeners below and on our socials.

In this episode, we explore why there is a rising number of men not showing up on the day of lobola/roora celebrations.

Is it cold feet?

Is it the discovery of new information?

Is it purely disrespect?

What is the real issue and what must happen after?

We explore different scenarios where this could arise and give our 2 cents on how to end a relationship amicably.

We also give you our take on a juicy Dilemma submitted by one of you.

Tell us what you think in the comments and keep the conversation going on our social media.

It seems that more and more people over 25 are—whether by choice or circumstance—still living at home with their parents or guardians. Is it a financial life-hack to stay rent-free in a tough economy, or is it a slow descent into madness, complete with curfews, clashing routines, and unsolicited life advice?

In this episode, we unpack the emotional, cultural, and economic realities of adulting under your parents’ roof. We talk about the trade-offs—saving money vs. losing independence—and ask whether living at home is a setback or simply the smart move right now. We also hear from guests who’ve lived it, left it, or are still navigating the sometimes comforting, sometimes claustrophobic experience of being a grown-up in your childhood bedroom.

If you’ve ever had to explain to someone why you still live at home—or questioned it yourself—this one’s for you.

PLUS: Get ready for our brand-new segment — Your Story, Your Voice — where we feature anonymous voice notes from YOU, our listeners. 🎧 Send them to our Whatsapp number +263 77 810 3171

📌 Production and Sponsorship

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☕ Support the podcast by sending us a coffee on InnBucks: 0778103171 or through World Remit.

📱 Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms.

🎙️ Recorded at NRVANA Labs.