The Busy Being Born Podcast

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.

Instagram & X (Twitter): @busybeingborn_

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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.

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Instagram & X (Twitter): @busybeingborn_

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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

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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.

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Instagram & X (Twitter): @busybeingborn_

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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.

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Instagram & X (Twitter): @busybeingborn_

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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.

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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.

Instagram & X (Twitter): @busybeingborn_

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.

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Instagram & X (Twitter): @busybeingborn_

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

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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.

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