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Selam & Hello
By Lilly Bekele-PiperSociety & Culture
Selam & Hello episodes
- Under the Sea with Kenya's Poseidon
Today Lilly plunges into the captivating world of marine life with the remarkable Gibbs Kuguru! Gibbs is a Kenyan shark geneticist, biologist, and a vibrant presence on the cast of When Sharks Attack 360 on National Geographic WILD. Gibbs is the proud recipient of the 2022 National Geographic Society Wayfinder Award and is furthering research to unravel the mysteries of shark DNA and broaden our understanding of these majestic creatures.
Dive in as Lilly and Gibbs discuss the pivotal role of representation in scientific fields, reflecting on how Black and African scientists are pushing the boundaries in domains like shark research and contributing significantly to our understanding of marine ecosystems.
Gibbs' work advocates for harmonious and informed interaction between humans and sharks, sheds light on the symbiotic existence of all living beings - and the catastrophic consequences of an ocean devoid of sharks. In a thoughtful exploration of conservation history, Gibbs and Lilly dissect its colonial roots and the resultant impacts on wildlife and indigenous communities. They underscore the imperative of positioning these communities at the epicenter of conservation initiatives, fostering an environment where their voices are heard and their wisdom is revered. Gibbs helps us understand the diverse personalities of different shark species by comparing them to celebrities - listen to find out which global leader he likens to a great white shark!
Join Lilly and Gibbs in this immersive conversation as they unravel the mysteries of the deep blue, advocate for enlightened coexistence with sharks, and illuminate the path towards more inclusive and informed conservation practices.
Follow Selam & Hello:
- YouTube
- TikTok
- Website
Follow Gibbs Kuguru:
- NatGeo Explorer Directory
Email us at:
Music Credits: Selam & Hello Jingle by Silas Piper
Production by: Sahihi Africa Productions
1 hr - All Hail Arsema!
Selam & Hello to all our wonderful listeners - we are thrilled to be back with Season 2 of Selam & Hello! Our guest today is actor, activist, and tech entrepreneur Arséma Angela Adeoluwayemi Hamera Thomas. Arséma has captured the imagination of global audiences with their portrayal of the young lady Danbury in Netflix's original series from Shonda Rhimes - Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerston Story. Born to a Nigerian father and an Ethiopian mother, Arséma is the definition of a pan-African global citizen. They not only speak multiple languages but they have engaged with the challenges they saw growing up head-on through their academic and creative work, as well as their social impact entrepreneurship. Having traversed multiple countries, she pursued a career in the arts only after graduating with a degree in Biophysics from Carnegie Mellon University and a Master of Public Health from Yale University. They are an advocate for health equity, marginalized populations, and a staunch voice for justice. Today we journey through their life, exploring the interplay of joy and justice. Although they were not able to talk about the show due to the writer's strike, Lilly and Arséma take a leisurely stroll through their shared Ethiopian heritage, her must-have songs for any playlist, explore the cost of being a voice for equity and inclusion in Hollywood, discuss the works of Ta-Nahisi Coates and Zora Neale Hurston and in the end - try to determine if they are cousins. Arséma brought courage, love and wisdom to this conversation, just as they did to their portrayal of the young Lady Danbury.
(PS - Tickets are still available to our live show on Sunday, September 24th with Dr. Ijeoma Kola. You can get your tickets here - see you Sunday!)
Follow Arséma:
- Instragram
- TikTok
- Website
Follow Selam & Hello:
- Website
Email us at:
Music Credits: The opening song is written and performed by Lilly's son, singer/songwriter/guitarist Silas Piper
Artwork by Yegonizer
Production by: Sahihi Africa Productions
1 hr 18 min - (Best of Series) Poverty Has an Expiration Date
72% of Kenya's population and over half of Africa's population live in rural areas. Join Lilly as she sits down with Nelly Cheboi, the inspiring CEO of TechLit Africa, Forbes 30 Under 30, and CNN's 2022 Hero of the Year to hear how Nelly is on a mission to empower rural, African children with the digital skills they need to access opportunities anywhere in the world. TechLit Africa has engaged over 4000 kids in computer classes to equip them with the tools they need to work remotely for any company in the world, right from their own villages. And they are just getting started; they are currently selecting their next 100 schools in Kenya, to prepare an additional 40,000 student for the digital economy. Lilly and Nelly explore Nelly's childhood experiences which inspired her to find solutions for poverty and Nelly shares how TechLit Africa grounds the ownership of their work in the local communities and schools that participate in their programs. Nelly closes the show with a song to her mom - the most selfless woman she knows and the one person she is determined to show the world.
Follow Nelly:
- Website
Follow Selam & Hello:
- Website
Email us at:
Music Credits: Lone Tree - Woman (ft. Bensoul)
Production by: Sahihi Africa Productions
52 min - (Best of Series) My Feet Are My Only Carriage
In this episode, Lilly talks to Navalayo Osembo-Ombati - CEO and Co-Founder of Enda Athletic, Inc. Navalayo takes Lilly along her journey of founding the first running shoes and athletic brand to come from the continent. Navalyo shares her experience conceptualizing Enda and the innovation inspired by traditional Kenyan arts and culture that led to creating the brand, a story, and ultimately - a way of preserving and communicating African history. They talk about how Enda has built a community driven by the spirit of "Harambee," which has enabled them to bring the running legacy of East Africa to the world. Navalayo shares her strong belief in the unity of the continent and how "buying Black" is how we continue to build the industries created on African soil. And in the spirit of International Women's History Month, Lilly and Navalayo talk about the incredible women who have walked the journey with Navalayo and have served as a source of inspiration and encouragement as she goes through her career journey.
Follow Enda and Navalayo:
- Website
- Navalayo's Instagram
- Enda Athletic Insragram
- Navalyo's Twitter
- Enda Athletic Twitter
Follow Selam & Hello:
- Linktree
- Website
Learn more about Abebe Bikila's historic 1960 Olympic gold medal win for Ethiopia https://worldathletics.org/news/feature/abebe-bikila-1960-olympic-marathon-victory
Email us at:
Music Credits: Lone Tree - Woman (ft. Bensoul)
Production by: Sahihi Africa Productions
52 min - (Best of Series) Power in the Culture
In this episode, we get to know Lilly a little better as she brings you a mashup of the personal and the professional. Lilly speaks to Dr. Benjamin Piper - Director, Global Education at Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation - and her husband of 24 years. They talk about their journey of coming back to the continent to both raise a family and pursue careers in development as a blended Black American and Ethiopian family. Ben also highlights some of his work within international education policy and his time spent on the continent working with governments and communities to try and improve learning outcomes and returns for families and children. Ben and Lilly share why they believe there are 'genuises' in our midst, what they believe they got wrong as parents and why they are eternal African optimists.
Follow Ben:
- Website
Follow Selam & Hello:
Email us at:
Music Credits: Lone Tree - Woman (ft. Bensoul)
Production by: Sahihi Africa Productions
40 min - (Best of Series) Wakanda Forever Eva
Award-winning actor, director, and writer Mugambi Nthiga joins Lilly for an episode all about the movies. Following the Oscar nominations, Lilly and Mugambi talk about their favorite films of 2022, the celebration of films such as blockbuster and diaspora-inspired Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, and the apparent snubs of The Woman King and Nope. They also explore the importance (if any) of institutions such as The Academy for the African film industry and how the creative industries - and audiences - on the continent can continue to empower filmmakers in the industry. Mugambi shares the process of creation - and the lasting impact - of two films he co-wrote, Kati Kati and Supa Modo, that were Kenya's submissions to the Oscars in 2017 and 2018, respectively. Mugambi highlights the priceless value and impact the arts have in society and why it's important to continue to produce art that pushes forward cultural-shifting conversations.
Follow Mugambi:
- Website
Follow Selam & Hello:
- Website
Email us at:
Music Credits: Lone Tree - Woman (ft. Bensoul)
Production by: Sahihi Africa Productions and Kubamba TV
57 min - (Best of Series) Let's Get It On
In the Valentine's Dat episode, Lilly speaks to psychosexual therapist Julie Githiru-Goko about all things sex and relationships. Julie and Lilly tackle questions from some of our listeners on issues they have been curious about. They explore how to have deeper, more meaningful communication for better connection and ultimately - better sex. Julie gives us some tips and tricks on how to navigate sex and relationships in different seasons of our lives including handling sex when dealing with mental health, long-term relationships where the romance has fizzled out, divorce, parenting, and even when healing from sexual trauma.
Follow Julie:
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/crtherapy?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/juliecrtherapy
Listen to a previous Selam & Hello episode with Julie:
-
All I want for Christmas is peace of mind: https://www.selamandhello.com/podcast/episode/c0b392b5/all-i-want-for-christmas-ispeace-of-mind
Listen to AfroQueer:
-
https://afroqueerpodcast.com/
Follow Selam & Hello:
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/selamandhello?s=11&t=IaPUlNRBwhaymLBNgVBoew
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/selamandhello?igshid=Zjc2ZTc4Nzk=
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/selamandhello/
Email us at:
Music Credits: Lone Tree - Woman (ft. Bensoul)
Production by: Sahihi Africa Productions and Kubamba TV
53 min - (Best of Series) The Revolution Will Be Taught
In one of our most popular episodes of 2023, in honor of International Day of Education, Lilly speaks to 'educators for liberation,' Sagda Khalil and Amin Hussain. They explore their journeys to becoming educators both on the continent and abroad and their approach to education as social justice. They share the ways they are celebrating the wisdom and brilliance of every child and decentering the dominant culture in education through both their pedagogical approach and workshops they have developed for schools and parents who want to integrate principles of indigenius teaching and learning - also known as ital - into their work and practice. Sagda and Amin are gifted storytellers and in this conversation they share powerful moments with teachers in their own lives that shaped them and helped mould their teaching practice. And most importantly, they talk about the importance of finding joy in justice.
Follow Sagda's & Amin's work:
- https://www.indigeniuseducation.com/
Follow Selam & Hello:
Email us at:
Music Credits: Lone Tree - Woman (ft. Bensoul)
Production by: Sahihi Africa Productions and Kubamba TV
47 min - (Best of Series) Ten Million Meals Isn't Enough
In 2022, Food4Education served its 10 millionth meal. Since we first aired this episode in January - they have passed the 15 million mark! Wawira Njiru, the Founder and Executive Director of Food4Education joins us to share the journey and incredible impact that the organization has had in Kenya since they began their work a decade ago. Wawira and Lilly discuss how to tell dignified stories about poverty, carrying forward the legacy of committed (and shoeless) parents and the importance of grassroots organizations that provide internal solutions for internal problems - especially in the midst of the worst drought Kenya has ever experienced.
Follow Wawira
Follow Food4Education:
- Twitter: https://mobile.twitter.com/food4education
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/food4education?igshid=Zjc2ZTc4Nzk=
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/food4education/
- TO SUPPORT, visit their website: https://food4education.org/
You can listen to the episode Lilly did on Project Imagine - the Community Based Organization her daughter Selah started in Murang'a County - here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/up-root-the-podcast/id1447148005?i=1000450741275
Follow Selam & Hello:
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/selamandhello?s=11&t=IaPUlNRBwhaymLBNgVBoew
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/selamandhello?igshid=Zjc2ZTc4Nzk=
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/selamandhello/
Email us at:
Music Credits: Lone Tree - Woman (ft. Bensoul)
Production by: Sahihi Africa Productions and Kubamba TV
42 min - (Best of Series) Who Tells Your Story?
In this episode, Lilly talks to East Africa correspondent for the New York Times, Abdi Latif Dahir. They explore the nuanced experience and incredible responsibility of writing about Africa as a child of the continent who has an international platform. Abdi discusses how his personal ties and experiences in the region inform his role as a journalist and the challenges he and other reporters face when narrating the story of Africa, her people and her places. He shares what he's hearing from readers and what he's learned from his work - and about his home.
Abdi's Somali Tea recipe includes:
- Nido (powered milk, preferably)
- Cardamom
- Ginger
- Cinnamon
- Cloves
- Black pepper
- Add hot water, black tea and enjoy til you sweat!
Follow Abdi:
- His articles for The New York Times
Follow Selam & Hello:
- Website
Email us at:
Music Credits:
Lone Tree - Woman (ft. Bensoul)Production by Sahihi Africa Productions and Kubamba TV
54 min
About Selam & Hello
From the publisher's feed
Selam & Hello is a show featuring stories of joy and justice from Africa and the diaspora. Produced in Kenya for global audiences - Selam & Hello curates conversations on identity and culture…
that inform, entertain and uplift.