In this episode [in French], I sit down with Jessie Jimbere, a Burundian content creator, mother of two, and returnee-at-heart currently living in France. We unpack the realities of coming back home and we dive into friendship, expectations, and how introverts navigate social life in Burundi. We talk about therapy, being judged, feeling misunderstood, and how hard it can be to say what you really need.

This is a vulnerable conversation about identity, empathy, and the courage it takes to truly be seen. Share it with someone who gets it and send me a DM to tell me what it brought up for you.

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Artwork by ⁠Inarunyonga⁠

Music by ⁠KDaGreat

Jessie's Instagram and Youtube Channel

We're back for episode 19, DeeSquad! And today, I’m joined by Winnie Irangabiye; twin mama and founder of Post-Natal Kindness.

We’re talking about what it really means to be supported as a new mom, how Burundian care traditions like 'kwarama' helped her through her own post partum journey, and why moms in Canada could use a bit more of that 'Kwarama energy'. Oh! And there’s a sweet giveaway at the end too. Tune in and come back here after.

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[Giveaway Details] How to enter:

1. Follow both @postnatal_kindness and @thedeescoveredoasispod on Instagram
2. Nominate someone (or yourself) by:
   • Sending a voice note (max 2 mins) to @thedeescoveredoasispod
   • OR sending a text (5–10 sentences) to @postnatal_kindness
3. Tell us: what makes this parent special to you? What has their journey into parenthood looked like?
4. Deadline: Friday, June 13 at 11:59pm EST. Winners will be announced: Monday, June 16 (1 mom + 1 dad)
5. Winning stories will be featured in a bonus podcast episode

Open to Ottawa & Gatineau residents ONLY, 18+

No purchase necessary. Not affiliated with Instagram.

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Artwork by ⁠Inarunyonga⁠

Music by ⁠KDaGreat

This episode [in FR] is a special one... we are going to West Africa and Saly in Senegal to be exact. I sit down with Hadiatou, who chose to build her family life in Senegal despite having no initial network. We talk about using LinkedIn to find jobs in African markets, dealing with racism, COVID challenges, and why she wanted her kids to be genuinely attached to Africa. Drop a comment - have you ever made a life decision based on what you wanted your children to experience?

Cet épisode est un peu spécial parce que c'est la première fois que mon invitée nous emmène en Afrique de l'Ouest et à Saly au Sénégal pour être exact. Je m'assois avec Hadiatou, qui a choisi de construire sa vie familiale au Sénégal sans réseau initial. On parle d'utiliser LinkedIn pour trouver du travail sur les marchés africains, faire face au racisme, et pourquoi elle voulait que ses enfants soient vraiment attachés à l'Afrique. Et toi ? As-tu déjà pris une décision de vie basée sur ce que tu voulais que tes enfants expérimentent ?

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Artwork by ⁠Inarunyonga⁠

Music by ⁠KDaGreat

Do we celebrate Mother’s Day - and other special moments - the same way when we move back home? In this special episode EN FRANÇAIS, I reflect on how traditions shift, what feels different after returning to the motherland, and the small cultural surprises that say a lot about identity and belonging.

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Artwork by ⁠Inarunyonga⁠

Music by ⁠KDaGreat

In this episode, I’m riding solo to talk about something no one really prepares you for: friendships when you move back home.

I share about my own struggles with returning to Burundi and realizing that the friendships I left behind weren’t always waiting for me. From navigating a social life that’s warm but not always deep, to finding new circles in unexpected places, ...this one’s for anyone trying to redefine their circle and sense of connection.

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Artwork by ⁠Inarunyonga⁠

Music by ⁠KDaGreat

In this episode, I sit down with Stephie Mazunya who is a playwright, actress and overall creative who uses her art is rooted in culture abd the experience of African women.

We talk about her latest play "Chronologies" and follow the journey of Muco, its main character. Through Muco, a young Burundian woman returning home after years away, we get into some beautiful themes: memory, silence between generations, what we inherit, and how return isn't always what we expect.

Just a heads-up: this episode flows in and out of Kirundi, French, and English, as we usually do when we talk.

Chronologies runs from April 15th to May 3rd, 2025, in Montréal. Don't miss it!!

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Artwork by ⁠Inarunyonga⁠

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Buy tickets - Chronologies

Stay in touch with Stephie

In this week's episode, Fablice Manirakiza shares his journey from life as a refugee in Australia to becoming an entrepreneur in Burundi. While in Australia, Fablice used his voice to inspire change, performing on major stages and sharing his story through music. Now back in Burundi, he's focused on innovative real estate development, creating job opportunities, and driving positive change. Tune in to hear how Fablice is transforming vision into action, one bold step at a time.

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Artwork by ⁠Inarunyonga⁠

Music by ⁠KDaGreat

Fablice's work + his TedxTalk

In this 2nd of a two-parter with Andrea Harahagazwe, we dive into the themes of her debut novel "The Sun Sets Everywhere." Andrea shares insights about her protagonist Graciella, the symbolism of sunsets across different cultures, and we talk about the things we like and don't like about grief in Burundian society. We also touched on the interesting subject of adult friendships and how they evolve through life's transitions.

Thank you for being here!

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Artwork by Inarunyonga

Music by KDaGreat

Purchase THE SUN SETS EVERYWHERE

Get in touch with Andrea

In this first of a two-parter with Andrea Harahagazwe, we explore the journey behind her debut novel "The Sun Sets Everywhere." From her childhood in Burundi to her years in France and professional stint in Nairobi before returning home, Andrea shares how these transitions shaped her identity. Andrea opens up about the challenges of returning home and navigating cultural expectations while remaining true to oneself.

See you next week for Part 2 ;)

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Artwork by Inarunyonga

Music by KDaGreat

Purchase THE SUN SETS EVERYWHERE

Get in touch with Andrea

What is one thing you wish someone had told you before moving to the country you live in now?

In this conversation, Larissa Nezerwe joins me to discuss our experiences moving back to Burundi. We reflect on what we wish we had known when we made the move in 2020 and 2021. We touch on things like the "savior mentality," being called "umu diaspora," and we also give our two cents on the not-so-great customer service back home.

And now, I’d love to hear from you :)

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Artwork by Inarunyonga

Music by KDaGreat