A Kenyan's Experience

This week, Denis & Cynthia are joined by Shiro Wachira, an activist at heart, who candidly shares with us how her journey through her graduate program at the University of Stanford led her to unlearning the glorification of burnout. Through her story, we learn how through mentorship, both giving and receiving, are important in creating sustainable personal wellbeing, and how this has led to Growing Acres, her apprentice-ship based program aimed at helping agricultural workers build profitable and environmentally sustainable businesses. As always, as your hosts we took a lot from this conversation and we know you will too. We’re excited to have Shiro back on the podcast in the future to hear more about her journey. Links: Shiro Wachira on LinkedIn here Remember to follow us on IG at @akenyansexperience & tag us on your instagram letting us know where you're listening in from. You can also reach out to us on email at: akenyansexperience@gmail.com. Music credits: Justin Vinylz and The Afrolution --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/akenyansexperience/message

Talk about an amazing comeback story! On this weeks episode, we are joined by business owner, podcaster, father and fitness enthusiast, Shiv Simani. Shiv takes us through many of his origin stories as we discuss the importance of striving to make your dreams come true. He shares with us the lifestyle challenges faced at an early age and how he navigated towards being one of the biggest fitness influencers in the country. We delve into the importance of setting strong boundaries and how making healthy lifestyle choices make a huge difference for oneself and for the people around us. This is the first dad we've had on aKEx, so Shiv talks us through fatherhood in the midst of different career paths and choices. Links: Listen to Unit, the Podcast here You can connect with Shiv here Remember to follow us on IG at @akenyansexperience & tag us on your instagram letting us know where you're listening in from. You can also reach out to us on email at: akenyansexperience@gmail.com. Music credits: Justin Vinylz and The Afrolution --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/akenyansexperience/message

This is Part Two of our conversation with Wambui Wambugu and Jean-Marie Kamweru, whom you met on part one a few weeks ago. In this episode, we dive into their individual journeys from high school into university and now, as working adults in Nairobi, Kenya. They also share with us what impact having older siblings abroad had on the decisions they made and also honestly share if Gathoni & Cynthia met their expectations as older siblings abroad. We'd love to know what you took away from this episode and also what impact your siblings, younger or older, have had on your journey. Links: Jean's LinkedIn here and Wambui's LinkedIn here. Remember to follow us on IG at @akenyansexperience & tag us on your instagram letting us know where you're listening in from. You can also reach out to us on email at: akenyansexperience@gmail.com. Music credits: Justin Vinylz and The Afrolution --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/akenyansexperience/message

“So what are your weaknesses?” Probably the question we all either under or overprepare for as we think about the looming interview. On this week’s episode, full-stack tech-recruiter and HR practitioner Fiona Maingi, shares with us how her journey from law grad to HR specialist has shaped who she is today. Fiona shares with us how her mindset of reframing failure has been essential in her personal growth. She also shares with us tips on branding yourself as you prepare for your next step in your career whether that be now or in the future. We’re so excited to finally have Fiona on the podcast and we’re really looking forward to having her back on in the future. Let us know what you took away from this episode by leaving a voicenote, we’d love to know. Links: Fiona's ⁠LinkedIn⁠, Upwork and Andela. Red Cross runs a toll-free helpline that provides 24 hour free tele-counselling on: 1199 Befrienders in Kenya: +254722178177 Music credits: Justin Vinylz and The Afrolution --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/akenyansexperience/message

In this episode of aKEx, Denis and Gathoni talk to Walter Kuria, a Civil Engineering student and a Motocross racer and trainer. Walter shares stories about his university journey and the things he wished he knew before he started... and trust us, not only are they funny, but also very relateable. He also talks us through his love and passion for motocross... from when he got into it as a young boy, to now, where he takes what he knows and has learnt over the years to train the future generation of motocross racers. If you want to know more about Motocross - how to get started, where to watch races, and what the sport involves, you can reach out to Walter in the following ways: Walter Kuria IG WIP IG and TikTok. As always, thank you for listening and remember to share this episode with someone you think would enjoy this. Follow us on IG & tag us on your instagram letting us know where you're listening in from. You can also reach out to us on email at: akenyansexperience@gmail.com --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/akenyansexperience/message

Meet Our Siblings, Jean-Marie Kamweru and Wambui Wambui and get to know us better on Part One of Two of this series with funny and quirky QnAs. This episode leads us into part two where you get to know Jean's and Wambui's individual journeys and how having older siblings abroad impacted their lives, both positive and negative. We learnt a lot about each other and ourselves as individuals and friends who've known each other for over a decade. We hope you enjoy this episode and we'd love to know if you love these types of episodes - it's good to shake it up once in a while. Links: Jean's LinkedIn here and Wambui's LinkedIn here. Remember to follow us on IG at @akenyansexperience & tag us on your instagram letting us know where you're listening in from. You can also reach out to us on email at: akenyansexperience@gmail.com. Music credits: Justin Vinylz and The Afrolution --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/akenyansexperience/message

In this episode of aKEx, Denis and Gathoni catch up with Ian Mararo. For those of you who have been on this journey with us, you will remember Ian from Season 1. For those of you new to our podcast, you should definitely listen to the episode... it will leave you with the motivation and encouragement you need to pursue new opportunities. You can find Ian's Season 1 episode titled "Don't be afraid to fail" here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2uVRInrLsxA4oFC34EgDjF?si=WKNRhGKgRgOc6ciVYd3JVQ As we reconnect with Ian, he provides us with an update on his personal and professional life, and shares some of the things he is looking forward to. Tune in to find out more! As always, thank you for listening and share with someone you think needs to hear this. Links: You can connect with Ian on LinkedIn here: www.linkedin.com/in/ian-mararo-m-sc-pmp-14b660a5/ Remember to follow us on IG here: https://www.instagram.com/akenyansexperience/ & tag us on your Instagram letting us know where you're listening in from. You can also reach out to us on email at: akenyansexperience@gmail.com. **Music credits: Justin Vinylz and The Afrolution** --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/akenyansexperience/message

I think we can all agree that THEE biggest flex is having your younger siblings on your podcast. We're so humbled and thrilled to have Angela Cauri, a rising star in Nairobi's creative space and a Freelane Virtual Reality Designer. You might have heard her on Capital FM talking about her most recent project, State of the Art 3.0 or perhaps seen her magnificent murals in Bwibo, Lavington. Angela shares with us the importance of self-exploration and how that has led her to take the path less trodden several times in her life which has led up to her incredible achievements today. We know you'll feel courageous and empowered at the end of this episode, and we'd love to know what you took away from this episode so do comment below or send us a DM. We also have the voicenote feature in the link below so leave us some feedback or share your story with us. Who knows, you might be on our next episode. Links: You can find Angela on LinkedIn, on Instagram and find her portfolio here. Remember to follow us on IG at @akenyansexperience & tag us on your instagram letting us know where you're listening in from. You can also reach out to us on email at: akenyansexperience@gmail.com Music credits: Justin Vinylz and The Afrolution --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/akenyansexperience/message

We're baaack with Season 4 of aKEx and we're still shook that we're now on Season 4. Thank you for sticking with us and we're excited for you to hear what we have lined up next. Our first guest is a looong time friend, Julio Mkok, a lawyer trained in Bristol, UK and now currently completing his training in Nairobi. Julio shares with us mind-blowing stories about how he found himself in Bristol, how he acclimatised to living in the UK through the support system he built for himself but also the struggles of living far from home. He gives us a sneak peak into what 'For The 5th' has in store as the movement bringing young Kenyans together and discussing what's important for the future of Kenya. You will love this episode just like we did, and we're excited to have Julio back to share more of his journey to serving Kenya as a politician. As always, let us know what you loved about this episode and leave a voicenote using the link below. Links: You can find Julio on LinkedIn as https://www.linkedin.com/in/julio-mkok-304670127/ Remember to follow us on IG at akenyansexperience & tag us on your instagram letting us know where you're listening in from. You can also reach out to us on email at: akenyansexperience@gmail.com **Music credits: Justin Vinylz and The Afrolution** -- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/akenyansexperience/message --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/akenyansexperience/message

Probably our biggest one yet! In this episode of aKEx, Cynthia, Denis and Gathoni have the amazing opportunity to talk to Muthoni Drummer Queen... artist, musician and trailblazer extraordinaire. MDQ talks us through her journey before the music and the interests she had in the early days. She then talks about her amazing experiences in the music industry both in Kenya and internationally including how and when the name MDQ started, her musical inspirations, overcoming the challenge of being labelled 'not Kenyan enough' and so much more! Yes, of course, we definitely had to hear the origin story of Blankets and Wine, with your hosts each giving their favourite festival memories. Star-struck doesn't even begin to describe it, we were absolutely honoured to have Muthoni Drummer Queen on the podcast. You don't want to miss this one, have a listen and let us know your favourite B&W memory! Links: MDQ's IG: https://www.instagram.com/muthonidrummerqueen/ Blankets & Wine IG: https://www.instagram.com/blanketsandwine/ Blankets & Wine: https://blanketsandwine.com/kenya/ perFORM Music Incubator IG: https://www.instagram.com/performmusicincubator/ Follow us on IG at @akenyansexperience & tag us on your instagram letting us know where you're listening in from. We would also appreciate it, if you could please also take a moment to rate our podcast 🙏🏾 You can also reach out to us on email at: akenyansexperience@gmail.com --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/akenyansexperience/message

In this episode of aKEx, Cynthia, Denis and Gathoni talk to Paul Muigai, CEO and Co-Founder of Igwa Experience (IgwaXP). Muigai talks us through his journey to entrepreneurship, working with friends, and the joys of having a support system. He shares the importance of taking advantage of new experiences by 'just going for it': whether starting a business, studying abroad, widening your frienship circle or even mentoring. Muigai also shows us the value of looking at life as glass half-full and finding the good in every experience. If you know someone who is struggling to make BOLD decision, you definitely want to share this episode with them!! Links: You can follow Muigai on Instagram here, visit Igwa XP here and follow the page on Instagram here. Follow us on IG at @akenyansexperience & tag us on your instagram letting us know where you're listening in from. We would also appreciate it, if you could please also take a moment to rate our podcast 🙏🏾 You can also reach out to us on email at: akenyansexperience@gmail.com --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/akenyansexperience/message

This episode we're joined by Joan Irungu, a good friend from high school that Denis & Cynthia have had the privilege of knowing for over a decade now. Joan is a Research Assistant at Durham University Law School where she just completed her Masters of Laws Degree. Joan shares with us how over the years she's used her sole passion for law to hone in on her various interests within that career path and also the importance of investing in your relationships whichever way life may take you. It was an episode filled with lots of laughter, spilling tea on KSL and a good trip down memory lane. We're looking forward to having Joan back on the podcast, maybe this time as a co-host so stay tuned. Let us know what you loved and learnt from this episode. Remember to follow us on IG @akenyansexperience & tag us on your instagram letting us know where you're listening in from. You can also reach out to us on email: akenyansexperience@gmail.com. Links: Joan's Instagram here and you can find her on LinkedIn here. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/akenyansexperience/message

In this episode of aKEx, Denis, Gathoni & Cynthia sit down with one of Kenya's most renowned and respected Voice Over Artists, Cynthia Kimola. Miss Kimola shares with us how her journey from high school, where she was shipped off to boarding school, to studying Digital Journalism on a fully funded scholarship, has helped mould her into the creative she is. She helps us unpack the meaning of creative vs artist and the tools she uses to help her find her voice everyday. This was an episode that left us all with the urge to start building the creatives within us. Let us know what resonated most with you about this episode and how you work to find your voice. Remember to follow us on IG @akenyansexperience & tag us on your instagram letting us know where you're listening in from. You can also reach out to us on email: akenyansexperience@gmail.com. Links: Cynthia's Website: and Instagram The incredible book: Atomic Habits by James Clear Miles Monroe on YouTube I'm Thrivin' Playlist on Spotify. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/akenyansexperience/message

In this episode of aKEx, we have the privilege of sitting down with Lucy Kinuthia, of the popular online accessories store, Vitamin Accessories. Lucy shares with us how she used the knowledge and skills she learnt whilst studying her undergraduate degree in Commerce at Strathmore University to build her business, Vitamin Accessories. She also shares with us how she navigates the influencer space in Nairobi as a 'micro-influencer'. This conversation left us feeling more confident in our journey as a budding podcast and excited for our own next steps. I think everyone can learn something from hearing Lucy's journey. As always, thank you for listening and do share with someone you think needs to hear this. Remember to follow us on IG at @akenyansexperience & tag us on your instagram letting us know where you're listening in from. You can also reach out to us on email at: akenyansexperience@gmail.com Links: Lucy's personal Instagram page here and her online accessories store, Vitamin Accessories. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/akenyansexperience/message

In this episode of our host-led series, Denis, Eric and Gathoni sit down and talk about part time jobs, extracurricular activities and side gigs. We talk through the different things we did, the importance of getting involved and finding balance between studies and other activities. Let us know some of the things you did while you were university, and what your experience was like. We would love to hear from you! As always, thank you for listening and do share with someone you think needs to hear this. Remember to follow us on IG at @akenyansexperience & tag us on your instagram letting us know where you're listening in from. You can also reach out to us on email at: akenyansexperience@gmail.com --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/akenyansexperience/message

This is an exciting host-led episode! For the first time since we started recording, all hosts are here together. In this episode of our host-led series, Cynthia, Denis, Eric and Gathoni sit down and talk about mental health and wellbeing. We discuss what it means to us, our experiences, and share the things that have worked for us as we have each navigated through our different challenges and situations. Please note: none of us are experts or professionals when it comes to mental health and wellbeing. All we are doing in this episode, is sharing some of the things that have worked for us which can be used to serve as a guide. We strongly advise you seek professional help, if you feel that your mental health and wellbeing are at stake. Remember to follow us on IG at @akenyansexperience & tag us on your instagram letting us know where you're listening in from. You can also reach out to us on email at: akenyansexperience@gmail.com --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/akenyansexperience/message

In this episode of aKEx, Denis and Gathoni talk to Wambui Njehu, an Analyst at Sofala Partners. Wambui talks us through her career journey as she made a shift from Law to Political advisory. She shares her passion for advocacy, the law, fighing for the common wanainchi and doing good for society. Wambui also shares her experience as a Lawyer: prepping clients, doing research and what it was like going to court. If you are curious about the law, what it's like being a lawyer, and what goes on behind the scenes, this episode will definitely answer some of your questions. As always, thank you for listening and do share with someone you think needs to hear this. Links: You can find and connect with Wambui on LinkedIn here, and on Twitter here. Remember to follow us on IG at @akenyansexperience & tag us on your instagram letting us know where you're listening in from. You can also reach out to us on email at: akenyansexperience@gmail.com --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/akenyansexperience/message

Our guest on this episode is Philip Ireri, a born-and-raised Kenyan who currently resides in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Philip and our host Eric go way back to childhood days and they reminisce on what has been an epic journey from primary school to present day. A Process Engineer-in-Training working for a reputable engineering firm, Philip graduated from the International Baccalaureate program in Nairobi, Kenya and joined the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, BC,Canada where he graduated with a Chemical Engineering degree as well as an All Academic Canadian distinction; a recognition given to top academic and athletic performers in Canada. Despite the heavy workload and high demands of his engineering curriculum and Track and Field athletic team commitments, Philip managed to maintain a harmonic balance and thrived in both. He shares his insights and tips on topics including diversity and inclusion in Canada, how to balance passions and obligations, maintaining mental health and well-being, the importance of having a community that you're involved with, and relocating to a new city and starting from scratch. We appreciate you taking the time to tune in and vibe with us! If you enjoyed the episode and could think of someone who would benefit from the conversation we had, do share this with them! Check us out on our IG page for more content at @akenyansexperience & tag us letting us know where you're listening in from or to share your story. Everyone has a unique story to share and so do you! Feel free to also reach out to us on email at: akenyansexperience@gmail.com or DM our IG if you have any questions or feedback to share. Music credits: Justin Vinylz and The Afrolution --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/akenyansexperience/message

In this episode of aKEx, Gathoni & Cynthia talk to the ever so lovely and humble Sandra Gathitu, also known as Glow With S, a lawyer, content creator and entrepreneur in Nairobi. The three ladies share their own personal journeys with mental wellness throughout their university life and as adults. Sandra shares incredible advice on the ways in which to curate your own reality when faced with a reality that hasn't met your expectations, and how she boldly quit her job in the midst of a pandemic whilst pursuing her masters to bravely delve deeper into her passion of helping others face their reality through her love for skincare. This episode left both hosts yearning to go back in time to make better choices and know that with the personal stories shared in this episode, you'll be motivated to not only take charge of your own journey but vulnerably share your struggles too. As always, thank you for listening and do share with someone you think needs to hear this. Links: You can find Sandra on LinkedIn and on IG as Glow with S, your Big Sis for Skincare. Remember to follow us on IG at @akenyansexperience & tag us on your instagram letting us know where you're listening in from You can also reach out to us on email at: akenyansexperience@gmail.com Music credits: Justin Vinylz and The Afrolution --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/akenyansexperience/message

In part 2 of our interview with Mugwe Kiragu, we continue through his journey from graduating university to the professional life. By the time he graduated, Mugwe already had 4 different industry jobs he could reference in his resume and this set him up for success as he applied for jobs in his last year of university. He graduated with an already confirmed full-time job offer at one of his former co-op employers where he thrived and rose in ranks from a Consultant to a Senior Consultant role in a relatively short time. Although on the track to even greater promotion, he left his employer and the private sector and accepted a role as a Senior Advisor in a government organization. Why the change? Were personal reasons, work culture and environment, and job satisfaction contributing factors? What's it like working in the public sector compared to the private sector? Our host, Eric, asks the questions that many of us would have in mind and attempts to understand who Mugwe is and what his life's vision is through the career trajectory path he has charted so far. Thank you for tuning in and being a part of our aKEx family. If you found this episode insightful, please share with family and friends who are in high school, university or already on a career path but are seeking exposure to opportunities in a different field but don't know what factors to consider to make that pivotal change. Do follow us on IG here & tag us on your instagram letting us know where you're listening in from or to share your story. Everyone has a unique story to share and so do you! Feel free to also reach out to us on email at: akenyansexperience@gmail.com or DM our IG if you have any questions or feedback to share. Music credits: Justin Vinylz and The Afrolution --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/akenyansexperience/message