The Pen and Pulse Podcast

By Phiwe Mhlope

Amplifying young African voices at home and in the diaspora thus, adding to the global discourse of making home a better place. On each episode, I deep dive into conversations with authors, influencer... more

· Society & Culture

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FAQs about The Pen and Pulse Podcast:

How many episodes does The Pen and Pulse Podcast have?

The podcast currently has 13 episodes available.

The Pen and Pulse Podcast episodes:

January 24, 2025 Unpacking the Book: 'Who Will Bury You? And Other Stories', Lessons on Writing & Life | Dr Chido Muchemwa |EP13
In this conversation with Dr Chido Muchemwa: writer and author of "Who Will Bury You and Other Stories", I had the pleasure of delving into the intricacies of writing, exploring themes of identity, loss, migration, family narratives, dreams and societal expectations.
Chido shares insights into her writing process, the significance of her latest book and the importance of representing marginalized voices, particularly in the context of queer and African narratives. This discussion highlights the balance between personal experiences and fictional storytelling, as well as the challenges and joys of being a writer in today's world. She also discusses the challenges faced by African authors, navigating the publishing landscape, the role of workshops and value of MFA programs. Tune for a very laid back intriguing conversation.
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction
02:52 How Phiwe discovered the book.
04:28 Exploring the Title: Who Will Bury You?
05:30 How much of the Fiction is based on real experiences
07:47 Chido's Writing Journey
09:46 The Writer's Process: Creating Characters
10:30 What is the Purpose of Writing
13:03 Should you write for an ideal audience?
13:55 Writing Common Experiences: Marriage Pressure as an adult
18:09 Favorite stories in the book
21:00 Writing Queer Narratives
26:00 The Fight For Marginalized Voices
29:00 Exploring Acceptance in Queer Narratives
32:00 Nuances of Parental Acceptance
34:00 Homelessness and Belonging
38:18 Beliefs in Mermaids, Magic and the Supernatural
40:01 African Stories in Western Spaces
47:38 On Father-Daughter Relationships & Expressing Emotions
52:50 The Search for Meaning in Life and Dreams
57:14 Writing Routine and Process
01:00:00 Navigating the Publishing Landscape
01:02:23 Role of Writing Workshops & Blogs
01:06:53 Role of MFA Programs
01:09:58 Writing Influences and Inspirations
01:13:58 Making money As A Writer
01:19:12 Nutty O Favorite Artist
01:20:08 Advice for Aspiring and Young Writers
➡️Suggest A guest or sign up to feature as a guest:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1EqDjF6eBp01oLq5BWkDiACgeo4NJ5taoAsz0_OaPfoo/preview
📱Follow Chido Muchwemwa:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chidomuchemwa/
Twitter: https://x.com/chidomuchemwa
Website: https://chidotmuchemwa.wordpress.com/
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📲 Follow us on social media:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thepenandpulsepod
Twitter: https://x.com/phiwemhlope
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thepenandpulsepod
🔗 Check out my website: https://www.mhlopephiwe.com/
🎙️ Don’t forget to Subscribe, Share and Turn on Notifications!:
https://www.youtube.com/@UCznNtAguf40a4UMSWUklkJw
or leave a nice comment, or just say hie.
📚Mentioned Literature
1. "Who Will Bury You and Other Stories", Chido Muchemwa
https://houseofanansi.com/products/who-will-bury-you?
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Music Attribution:
Track Title: Kid Kodi
Artist: Blue Dot Sessions
Source: https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Blue_Dot_Sessions/Skittle/Kid_Kodi/
License: Creative Commons CC BY-NC 4.0/ https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/
Changes Made: No changes made.
...more
1h 22min
January 17, 2025 Importance of African Voices, Role of Alternative Media & Banning Podcast Mics | Phiwe Mhlope |EP12
In this solo episode I share the vision for the show, emphasizing the importance of amplifying African voices and discussing literature, politics, and culture. I reflect on my journey as a writer and the need for a platform that fosters meaningful conversations about African narratives. The episode also highlights the role of alternative media in providing diverse perspectives and the significance of building a community around shared interests in writing and culture. I also attempt to make a case why we shouldn't ban podcasts.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to the PenAndPulsePodcast
01:25 Why Solo Episode
05:38 Where's my cohost?
06:43 Why the PenAndPulse Name
11:41 College Debate Nostalgia
16:00 Where affinity for Politics comes from
17:00 The Importance of Alternative Media
25:33 The Goals and Vision of the Podcast
30:00 Invite to come on the show
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📲 Follow us on social media:
Instagram:   / thepenandpulsepod
Twitter: https://x.com/phiwemhlope
TikTok:   / thepenandpulsepod
🔗 Check out my website and Newsletter:
https://www.mhlopephiwe.com/
🎙️ Don’t forget to Subscribe, Share and Turn on Notifications!:
   / @thepenandpulsepodcast
or leave a nice comment, or just say hie.
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Music Attribution:
Track Title: Kid Kodi
Artist: Blue Dot Sessions
Source: https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Bl...
License: Creative Commons CC BY-NC 4.0/ https://creativecommons.org/licenses/...
Changes Made: No changes made
...more
35min
January 10, 2025 On the pursuit of truth, Idea Exchange, Activism & Role of Media| Valentine Makoni | EP11
In this conversation, I have the pleasure of interviewing my longtime friend Valentine Makoni, who is a writer, debate enthusiast, and creative thinker. We explore various themes including cultural traditions, the significance of music and performance, the pursuit of truth in debate, the impact of ideas on society, and the role of activism in the media. We also reflect on our personal experiences and the broader implications of these themes in contemporary life, exploring the complexities of navigating creative expression in a world fraught with the fear of cancellation. We also discuss the importance of finding alternative sources of sustenance to maintain artistic integrity, the evolution of writing as a medium for preserving thoughts, and the challenges of engaging with politics in a toxic environment. The dialogue also touches on the disillusionment felt by many Zimbabweans and the personal preferences in hip hop, particularly the contrasting styles of Kendrick Lamar and J. Cole. Enjoy!
Chapters:
00:00 Intro
05:19 Winky D New Year Concert
09:00 The Pursuit of Truth
11:17 College Debate & Idea Exchange
16:00 Substitutes for Truth
19:00 Activism & The Role of Media
27:00 Alternative Media & Propaganda Antidotes
29:00 Navigating Cancellation
34:32 The Power of Writing and the Creative Pursuit
43:00 Reading and Knowledge Consumption
49:00 Engaging with Politics in Toxic Environments
56:00 The Art of Hip Hop, J Cole vs Kendrick Lamar
📱Follow Valentine:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/valentinewrite_/
Twitter: https://x.com/Valentinewrite_
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/valentinermakoni
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📲 Follow us on social media:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thepenandpulsepod
Twitter: https://x.com/phiwemhlope
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thepenandpulsepod
🔗 Check out my website: https://www.mhlopephiwe.com/
🎙️ Don’t forget to Subscribe, Share and Turn on Notifications!:
https://www.youtube.com/@UCznNtAguf40a4UMSWUklkJw
or leave a nice comment, or just say hie.
📚Mentioned Literature
#49 Crushes :https://valentinemakoni.co.zw/books/49crushes/
Phiwe's 25th Birthday Ebook: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1w2yohbwUK7ZO4O3VWEbPc90ibjrzbNES/view
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Music Attribution:
Track Title: Kid Kodi
Artist: Blue Dot Sessions
Source: https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Blue_Dot_Sessions/Skittle/Kid_Kodi/
License: Creative Commons CC BY-NC 4.0/ https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/
Changes Made: No changes made.
...more
1h 1min
December 27, 2024 The Art of Writing, Discipline vs Inspiration & Authentic African Stories| Chioniso Tsikisayi | EP10
In this conversation, award winning writer—Chioniso Tsikisayi shares her journey as a poet, writer, and filmmaker, discussing her creative process, the importance of visibility in the arts, and her personal definition of success. She reflects on her unconventional path, the significance of relationships in her work, and the balance between being visible and nurturing her craft. Chioniso emphasizes the necessity of writing as a form of expression and the patience required in the creative process. We discuss her writing philosophy, discipline over mere inspiration, the balance between routine and spontaneity, her intentional approach to consuming African literature and how personal experiences shape her narratives. She also reflects on the diaspora and home, sharing her literary influences and inspirations. Tsikisayi also emphasizes the life lessons writing can teach, including the significance of authenticity and self-acceptance.
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📱Follow Chioniso:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chichi_celest
Twitter: https://x.com/chichicelest
📲 Follow us on social media:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thepenandpulsepod
Twitter: https://x.com/phiwemhlope
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thepenandpulsepod
🔗 Check out my website: https://www.mhlopephiwe.com/
🎙️ Don’t forget to Subscribe, Share and Turn on Notifications!:
https://www.youtube.com/@UCznNtAguf40a4UMSWUklkJw
or leave a nice comment, or just say hie.

Chapters:
00:00 Introduction and Background
05:40 The Creative Journey and Opportunities
06:58 Defining Successes and Personal Goals
09:56 Navigating the Creative Landscape
12:46 Traditional Education and the Arts
15:51 Writing as a Necessity
22:00 Inspiration vs Discipline in writing
40:00 The Interconnectedness of Writing, Poetry, and Film.
45:00 Intentional Consumption of African Literature
49:00 Influences and Inspirations in Writing
53:00 Non-fiction and Self-help books
58:00 Life Lessons Through Writing
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Music Attribution:
Track Title: Kid Kodi
Artist: Blue Dot Sessions
Source: https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Blue_Dot_Sessions/Skittle/Kid_Kodi/
License: Creative Commons CC BY-NC 4.0/ https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/
Changes Made: No changes made.
...more
1h 6min
December 20, 2024 From Zimbabwe to Silicon Valley, Google Engineering , Y Combinator & Building Ocular AI |EP09
In this episode of #ThePenAndPulsePod I dive deep into the story of Louis Murerwa: Zimbabwean-born ex-Google engineer and, now co-founder and CTO of Ocular AI, a Y Combinator-backed startup. Learn about Louis' journey from growing up in Gweru all the way to Dartmouth College, his experience at Google, and his transition into the world of entrepreneurship.
We also explore the challenges and opportunities in the African Tech Startup ecosystem, personal philosophies on life, favorite books, and advice for aspiring entrepreneurs.
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📲 Stay Connected!
🔗 Follow us on social media:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thepenandpulsepod
Twitter: https://x.com/phiwemhlope
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thepenandpulsepod
🔗 Check out my website: https://www.mhlopephiwe.com/
🎙️ Don’t forget to Subscribe, Share and Turn on Notifications!:
https://www.youtube.com/@UCznNtAguf40a4UMSWUklkJw
or leave a nice comment, or just say hie.
📚 Mentioned Books:
"The Almanack of Naval Ravikant" by Eric Jorgenson
"Outliers" by Malcolm Gladwell
00:00 Intro & Background
06:32 Journey to the US
14:21 Discovering Computer Science
23:45 Path to Google Engineering
30:00 Overcoming Intimidation in Big Tech
36:00 Tech Environment Social Dynamics
42:00 The Y Combinator Experience
47:32 Building Ocular AI
53:03 Startup Funding and Y Combinator Process
01:00:05 : Product Launch
01:03:21 African Startup Market
01:08:00 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
01:10:53 Books to Die With
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Music Attribution:
Track Title: Kid Kodi
Artist: Blue Dot Sessions
Source: https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Blue_Dot_Sessions/Skittle/Kid_Kodi/
License: Creative Commons CC BY-NC 4.0/ https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/
Changes Made: No changes made.
...more
1h 15min
December 13, 2024 On The Dangers of Ideology, Love over Money, Nietzsche, Orwell & Happiness with Dumo Dhlamini |EP08
In this episode, my guest is Dumo Dhlamini, an old friend. We shared high school and college corridors and, together we were fond of Debate and Intellectual discourse, on just about everything.
We dive into a conversation that touches on life, philosophy, politics, and the socio-economic challenges facing Zimbabwe and the African diaspora. From the debate over whether financial security is necessary to settle down, to the dangers of ideology and the influence of political discourse, we explore various ideas that impact youth today. We also discuss the complex reality of living in Zimbabwe, balancing personal dreams with economic hardship, and how young people navigate the pursuit of success while being faced with systemic obstacles. This is an intellectual exchange that seeks to encourage deeper thinking about the world and how we can contribute to shaping the future, especially for Africans both at home and abroad.
00:00 Intro
01:32 Revisiting Intellectual Discourse
04:37 The Allure of the Diaspora
08:22 The philosophy of Satisfaction at home and abroad
16:43 The pressure to Settle Down
21:05 Disconnect of Ideologies and reality
25:01 The Dangers of Ideology
27:55 Mental Hygiene and Awareness
30:07 Influence of Literature
33:10 Relationships, Personal Worth and Money
36:23 Contextualizing Financial Advice in Africa
46:05 On Financial Freedom, Ambition and Happiness
52:18 The philosophy of Parenthood
55:45 On Political Conversations & Politics in Zimbabwe
01:10:58 Political Awareness & Self-Care
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📲 Stay Connected!
🔗 Follow us on social media:
Instagram:   / thepenandpulsepod
Twitter: https://x.com/phiwemhlope
TikTok:   / thepenandpulsepod
🔗 Check out my website: https://www.mhlopephiwe.com/
🎙️ Don’t forget to Subscribe!:
   / @thepenandpulsepod
If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to hit the subscribe button and turn on notifications so you never miss an episode. Also, if you’re interested in more content like this, please leave a comment below and let us know your thoughts!
...more
1h 16min
October 01, 2024 A holistic approach to Wellness: Therapy, Physical & Mental Health, Nutrition, Spirituality |EP07
Join us as we delve into what keeps us sane, and how we approach emotional, physical and emotional stability. We talk about our relationship with Therapy, journaling, exercising, and happiness in developed and developing countries. Six-packs may be a point of discourse as well😂.
Tune in for an honest and relatable conversation by young people asking questions on how to lead better lives.
Don't forget to like, comment, share and subscribe!
Follow us on Social Media:
Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@thatsourtakepod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
Youtube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@thatsourtakepod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Email: [email protected]
...more
1h 17min
September 17, 2024 On Financial Independence and the American Dream: Financial Freedom, Splurges, first paychecks |EP06
Join us in Episode 6 as we dive into the journey toward financial independence and explore the allure of the American Dream. We reflect on our first bank accounts, the excitement of those first paychecks, and share what we'd do with a million dollars. We also discuss what motivates people to seek more money, our evolving understanding of financial freedom, and how to balance saving with the occasional splurge. Tune in for an honest, relatable conversation about money, goals, and the pursuit of financial independence

Don't forget to like, comment, share and subscribe!
Follow us on Social Media:
Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠@thatsourtakepod⁠⁠⁠⁠
Youtube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠@thatsourtakepod⁠⁠⁠⁠Email: [email protected]

...more
1h 16min
August 20, 2024 Navigating Corporate America: Job Search & first Jobs, Impostor Syndrome, Work Life Balance | EP05
In this episode , we dive into the complex and often challenging world of Corporate America from the unique perspective of black African immigrants.
We discuss the highs and lows of navigating the corporate landscape, the cultural adjustments required, our first jobs in the US, work-life balance and the unspoken rules that can make or break a career.
Don't forget to like, comment, share and subscribe!
Follow us on Social Media:
Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠@thatsourtakepod⁠⁠⁠
Youtube: ⁠⁠⁠@thatsourtakepod⁠⁠⁠Email: [email protected]
...more
1h 34min
July 23, 2024 Our Take on Modern Dating, Expectations, Dating App Culture, and the New Pressures | EP04
Join us as we share and explore our dating experiences, what we've learnt and seen from Dating Apps, trying to date in the community, Interacial dating and everything dating from how finances influence dating.

Follow us on Social Media:
Instagram: ⁠⁠@thatsourtakepod⁠⁠
Youtube: ⁠⁠@thatsourtakepod⁠⁠Email: [email protected]
...more
1h 51min

FAQs about The Pen and Pulse Podcast:

How many episodes does The Pen and Pulse Podcast have?

The podcast currently has 13 episodes available.