Kenny and Mak explore the concept of mental load in relationships, examining how it impacts gender roles, performance, and partnership dynamics. They share research, personal insights, and practical strategies to better understand and share the mental load at home.

keywords: mental load, relationships, gender roles, partnership, household management, work-life balance, emotional labor, caregiving, family dynamics, performance; saving marriage

key topics

• Definition of mental load and its components
• Research findings on gender disparities in household mental load
• Impact of mental load on relationships and performance
• Personal stories and realizations about mental load
• Strategies for sharing and managing mental load effectively

In this episode, Kenny and Mak explore what really drives people to do their best work, and how that connects to happiness, purpose, and how we show up for others. They talk about the difference between being ambitious, being disciplined, and simply being someone who takes responsibility — at work, at home, and in everyday life.

• Why taking responsibility matters in small everyday moments as much as in leadership
• The difference between drive, ambition, and conscientiousness
• How culture shapes the way people think about performance and success
• Why strong teams need different kinds of people, not just one type of high performer
• The tension between always pushing for more and being content with where you are
• How purpose, autonomy, and intrinsic motivation shape both performance and satisfaction
• What parents can focus on when raising children in a world that rewards achievement
• Why intentionality, presence, and balance matter for a meaningful life

Timestamps:

00:00 - Welcome and episode overview 

02:40 - Personal reflections on responsibility and leadership 

07:09 - The drive for excellence: Margins of performance 

13:16 - Talent in organizations: From high performers to team roles 

17:02 - Cultural influences on ambition and drive 

21:29 - Team dynamics: Leadership, Jordan, and Belbin’s roles 

26:12 - National cultures and global ambition 

30:49 - Raising children with purpose and contentment 

34:40 - The role of expression, mastery, and wellbeing 

44:31 - Responsibility, intentionality, and presence in life 

50:49 - Contentment versus continuous bar raising 

55:43 - The balance between growth and being present 

61:22 - Final reflections: Purpose-driven living and humility

Final thoughts:

This conversation underscores that high performance isn't solely about relentless pursuit of more but also about cultivating awareness, purpose, and contentment in the present. Whether you're building a team or raising children, intentionality and balance remain key to human flourishing.

In this follow-up epsiode, Kenny continues to share his personal journey of self-discovery, the role of journaling, and navigating career transitions.

In this solo episode, Kenny shares his inspiring journey from musician to teacher and corporate professional, highlighting the importance of honesty, adaptability, and finding purpose in diverse careers. Discover practical insights on navigating career transitions, embracing vulnerability, and building resilience.

Key  topics
Career pivot from music to education to corporate
The role of honesty and vulnerability in personal growth
Strategies for navigating career transitions and challenges

In this conversation, Mak and Kenny explore the multifaceted nature of feedback, discussing its significance in both personal and professional contexts. They delve into the complexities of giving and receiving feedback, the emotional responses it can evoke, and the importance of context and trust in these interactions. Through personal anecdotes and insights, they highlight the art of constructive criticism and the need for humility and self-awareness in feedback dynamics. In this conversation, Kenny Temowo and Mak explore the multifaceted nature of feedback, emphasizing its importance in personal and professional relationships. They discuss the complexities of giving and receiving feedback, the significance of timing and delivery, and the challenges of navigating both positive and constructive criticism. The concept of relational debt is introduced, highlighting how unresolved feelings can impact relationships. Ultimately, the discussion underscores the value of honest communication as a means of fostering growth and understanding.

Chapters

00:00 Polling Day and Local Elections
03:12 The Importance of Feedback
05:46 Feedback in Personal Relationships
08:58 The Art of Giving Feedback
11:53 Memorable Feedback Experiences
14:56 Understanding Feedback Context
18:00 Navigating Feedback Triggers
21:02 The Complexity of Feedback
24:10 The Johari Window and Self-Awareness
27:03 Feedback Dynamics in Organizations
34:02 The Power of Feedback Conversations
36:34 Understanding Feedback Trends
39:32 The Complexity of Receiving Feedback
40:27 The Art of Delivering Feedback
45:07 The Importance of Timing in Feedback
49:50 Navigating Positive Feedback
53:31 The Challenge of Honest Conversations
56:33 Relational Debt in Relationships
 

In this episode, Mak probes Kenny on insights from his experience at Netflix. They explore its unique culture, leadership principles, and the challenges of maintaining organizational values across different regions. Discover how Netflix's approach to talent, feedback, and culture can inform your own organizational practices.

Key  topics

• Netflix culture and its origins
• The concept of talent density and high-performance teams
• Operationalizing culture through language and rituals
• Challenges of exporting culture globally
• The role of feedback and candor in organizational health

Chapters

02:14 Insights from Netflix Culture
04:53 The Experiment of Netflix's Culture
07:49 Talent Density and Its Implications
10:52 Informed Captaincy and Decision-Making
13:32 Navigating Hierarchies at Netflix
16:27 Chaos vs. Control in Organizational Culture
19:04 Explorative vs. Exploitative Cultures
21:45 Navigating Layoffs and Company Culture
25:07 The Transience of Relationships in Work Environments
27:20 Operationalizing Culture: The Keeper Test
32:07 The Challenge of Organizational Atrophy
35:57 The Brutal Simplicity of Corporate Culture
43:11 Navigating Netflix's Culture: A Pragmatic Approach
45:28 Cultural Differences in Employee Relations
47:57 The Impact of Employee Law on Company Culture
49:17 Bridging the Gap: Aspiration vs. Reality in Organizations
53:08 Defining Family Values: The Importance of Codification
55:16 The Role of Rituals in Culture
59:27 The Complexity of Measuring Cultural Values

In this conversation, Kenny and Mak explore themes of identity, the influence of social media, the importance of positive male role models, and the need for meaningful spaces for reflection. They share personal stories, analyze cultural phenomena like the Louis Theroux Manosphere documentary, and discuss how to foster healthier masculinity and community connections.

 keywords

masculinity, social media, identity, community, mental health, role models, cultural analysis, personal growth

key topics
The significance of names and identity
Impact of social media on young men
The role of positive male role models
Analysis of Louis Theroux's documentary on influencers
The importance of community spaces for reflection

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Name Mishap
02:59 Identity and Communication Challenges
05:55 Entrepreneurial Ventures and Personal Growth
08:37 Exploring the Manosphere and Louis Theroux's Documentary
10:51 Understanding the Underlying Issues in Masculinity
13:33 The Impact of Social Media on Young Men
16:06 Fatherhood and Raising Healthy Sons
25:21 The Role of Fatherhood in Masculinity
26:20 Navigating Life Without a Father Figure
27:34 The Impact of Faith and Introspection
28:30 The Influence of Social Media on Masculinity
30:47 Creating New Paths in Relationships
32:29 The Importance of Journaling for Self-Discovery
34:15 Fragmentation of Community and Values
36:26 The Attraction of Simplistic Masculine Narratives
37:16 The Role of Influencers in Shaping Masculinity
37:38 The Weight of Life and Shared Experiences

In the first episode together, Kenny and Mak do what they do best — laugh a lot and go deeper than expected.

Starting with the stories behind their names, the conversation moves through fitting in between two cultures, why HR teams often undervalue real psychological depth, and what actually drives innovation in startups. Then Marc Andreessen's recent post dismissing introspection sparks a debate — is he right? Has self-reflection become self-indulgent? Or is the tech world's obsession with action over depth exactly what's wrong? Kenny and Mak disagree, agree, and land somewhere unexpected. William Shatner's emotional reaction to seeing Earth from space becomes the perfect counterargument.

Two friends. One psychotherapist. One creative. No script. All real.

Chapters: 00:00 The stories behind our names 09:30 Fitting in — being mixed race and living between two cultures 15:20 Do HR teams actually value depth? 20:24 Innovation and diversity of thought in startups 30:40 Introspection vs action — a philosophical debate 34:55 What introspection has to do with greatness 40:44 Jeff Bezos, William Shatner, and seeing Earth from space

References: Marc Andreessen — The Techno-Optimist Manifesto William Shatner — space reflection [link] Manfred Kets de Vries [link] Sam Walton — Walmart founder Pan-Africanism movement

Welcome to The Half Has Not Been Told. A podcast about the human side of work and life. For anyone looking for more soul in their lives. 

I'm Kenny Temowo — musician, writer, ex-Netflix, dad of three, and VP at an AI infrastructure company. I'm a creative operating in the corporate world.

Some of you might know Inside the Art of Making. That was Season 1. This is what it's become. Broader. More honest. More me.

The name comes from a song I wrote called "It Means More to Be Human." And that's really what this show is about. The stuff that matters but doesn't make it onto LinkedIn. Think work, relationships, fatherhood, faith, creativity, AI — and whatever else is alive that week. All told from the human side of things. 

I'll be joined regularly by Maktuno Suit — psychotherapist, consultant, and entrepreneur. And occasional visits from my daughters!

Expect honesty. Expect laughter. Maybe some tears. But hopefully you'll leave a little different from how you came in.

New episodes biweekly. Next up: Maktuno and I talk about the story behind our names, as well as Jeff Bezos, Will Shatner and the role of introspection in our lives. 

I'm Kenny Temowo. The half has not been told.

In this episode of Inside the Art of Making, I'm joined by my daughters, Ava and Liora, as they reflect on their favorite movies, books, and games from 2025. The conversation flows from excitement about the upcoming year to a fun quiz about Marvel movies, leading into a discussion about their favorite films, including Zombies 4 and Avatar. We also delve into my girl''s love for the Percy Jackson series, sharing insights on what makes it special and how it compares to other works. 

As always we get into deep conversation including about the purpose of school, the challenges of growing up, and what adults should remember about childhood.

The episode wraps up with advice for parents on encouraging their children to read more, and what's in store for 2026.

 Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Excitement for the Podcast
05:50 Reflecting on 2025: Movies and TV Shows
10:13 Favorite Reads of 2025: Percy Jackson and More
16:09 The Endurance of Belief Systems
18:13 Exploring Favorite Books
21:26 The Importance of Reading
26:36 Navigating Age-Appropriate Literature
28:44 Game Time: Family Fun and Engagement
37:03 Deep Questions About Life and Education
37:39 The Purpose of School
43:21 Growing Up and Life's Challenges
54:07 Understanding Between Generations