BeUPod

Episódios

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  Bonus Episode: The Polygamist #Unfiltered 07.07.2026 47min

  Anya and Dr. Tiamo unpack the viral series The Polygamist and explore whether the conversation is really about polygamy - or about trust, betrayal, power, and accountability. They discuss why accomplished women may stay in unhealthy relationships, how identity, reputation, upbringing, and societal expectations shape our choices, and why families and communities sometimes enable harmful behaviour. The episode also explores consent, non-monogamy, gaslighting, emotional safety, and what healthy love truly requires. Beyond the drama, this is a deeper conversation about the relationships we normalize and the kind of love we should expect.
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  S2.E5 “Healing Through Humanity": Tamanda Namangale on Turning Shame into Purpose 04.05.2026 50min

  What does it mean to fight for others without losing yourself? As part of Mental Health Awareness Month, Tamanda Namangale - pre-law student, organizer, and writer - shares her journey from growing up as a Malawian military kid to leading in politics and immigrant advocacy. She opens up about identity, being targeted in college, having her visa revoked twice, and the hidden mental health toll behind “high-functioning” success. This is a conversation about burnout, boundaries, and redefining Black excellence through self-knowledge, wellness, and joy. A reminder that meaningful work shouldn’t come at the cost of your wellbeing.
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  S2.E4 “I Call It African Excellence”: Joe Ekue Kinvi on Identity, Investment & Building Without Borders 12.04.2026 1h 5min

  Anya and Dr Tiamo are joined by Joe Ekue Kinvi, Pan-African entrepreneur and founder of Borderless, to discuss redefining Black excellence through an African lens. From his journey moving to Ireland at 15 to leadership roles at Stripe and Paystack, Joe shares insights on identity, bias, and building economic power across the African diaspora. This episode explores Pan-Africanism, diaspora investing, and how collective capital can shape Africa’s future. Topics include: Black excellence, African identity, entrepreneurship, diaspora investing, and economic empowerment.
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  S2.E3 "Being the best I can be": Pendo O'Donohoe on Resilience, Identity & Leadership 15.03.2026 45min

  In this episode, Pendo O’Donohoe, Director for the Middle East and Africa at Google Ireland, shares her journey navigating leadership, identity, grief, and representation while breaking barriers in tech. A powerful conversation about resilience, authenticity, and being the best version of yourself.
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  S2.E2: "Learning to Be Kind to Myself": Caroline Nganga-Anderau on Balance, Healing & Delight 07.02.2026 48min

  In this episode, Caroline shares how navigating career, identity, and a breast cancer diagnosis reshaped her relationship with ambition. Together, we unpack redefining Black excellence, choosing authenticity, and learning to be kind to yourself, without needing to be exceptional to be worthy.
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  S2.E1: "Believing in Myself & Finding Balance": Eddie Mullon on his Journey from Barefoot Dreamer to Fashion Innovator 14.01.2026 1h 2min

  From Malawi to the UK to New York, fashion-tech pioneer Eddie Mullen shares his journey from barefoot dreamer to global entrepreneur. In this episode of BEUPOD Eddie reflects on building Fashion GPS (now Launchmetrics), navigating identity and racism, and learning, often the hard way, why self-care and balance are essential to long-term success. A powerful conversation on resilience, reinvention, and redefining what it means to truly win
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  Episode 9: "We're still building": A Season of Community, Resillience, and Black Excellence 14.11.2025 42min

  We were building the plane while flying it and what a season it’s been. In this Season 1 finale of Black Excellence Unfiltered, Dr Tiamo and Anya reflect on the unexpected lessons, powerful guest stories, and behind-the-scenes chaos that shaped their inaugural season. From resilience and community to identity and intentionality, they revisit the moments that moved them and the feedback that kept them going. Tap in for reflections, surprises, and what’s coming in Season 2. We’re still building.
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  Bonus Episode: Meet Anya Mhone "Kintsugi: Finding Beauty in Brokenness" 29.10.2025 54min

  Dr. Tiamo sits down with Anya Mhone, global business leader at Google and co-host of @beupodcast, to explore how brokenness can reveal beauty. From her roots in Malawi to her rise in Tech in NY; Anya opens up about loss, resilience, and redefining Black excellence as joy in rebellion. A heartfelt conversation on healing, purpose, and finding gold in life’s cracks.
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  Episode 8: "If You Become Your Greatest Self, You'll Set the World on Fire" Nthanda Manduwi on resillience, courage & purpose 24.09.2025 59min

  From Malawi to New York, Nthanda Manduwi has led digital hubs reaching half a million young Africans, shaped initiatives at the UN and Microsoft, and written books empowering women and youth. In this episode, she shares the resilience, vision, and radical self-care that fuel her journey and why she believes we’re all called to “set the world on fire.”
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  Episode 7: “It's In the Most Vulnerable Moment That You Can Actually Find Strength” Felix Gondwe 01.09.2025 40min

  This week on Black Excellence Unfiltered, we sit down with Felix, a Bloomberg Software Engineer, marathon runner, and lover of coffee and craft beer. He takes us from Malawi to California to London, sharing his story of resilience, cultural identity, and the realities of navigating Black Excellence.
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  Episode 6: "I Am My Ancestors’ Wildest Dreams": Tamara Grossett on Purpose, Community & Authenticity 23.07.2025 49min

  Minister and life coach Tamara Grossett shares her journey through faith, identity, and profound grief after losing her son. She reflects on healing, self-care, and what it means to be her ancestors’ wildest dreams. A powerful story of resilience, legacy, and connection.
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  Episode 5: “This is My True Black, African, Malawian Self”: Victor Kamwendo on resilience, passion & representation 20.06.2025 40min

  In this episode of Black Excellence Unfiltered we welcome Webby winning & Emmy nominated Victor Kamwendo (@Zulu_Warrior), a young Malawian filmmaker, producer, and actor. Victor shares his inspiring journey from Malawi to the United States, revealing the pivotal moments that shaped his path in the entertainment industry. From his transformative college experience guided by a guest director to moving to Los Angeles without knowing anyone in the industry, Victor's story is one of resilience and passion. Hear about his struggles, triumphs, and deep-rooted commitment to representing Malawian artists on the global stage. Victor also talks about his commitment to mental health, fitness, and the importance of having a supportive network. Don't miss his insights on how to break into the entertainment industry, the essence of Black Excellence, and his upcoming projects, including a hit Netflix documentary and a new podcast. Subscribe on your favourite Podcast platform to be the first to listen to more inspirational stories from outstanding individuals like Victor Kamwendo. #BlackExcellence #EntertainmentIndustry #Inspiration
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  Episode 4: "Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway": Tetlanyo Lekalake on Identity, Ambition & Courage 25.05.2025 42min

  In this episode, Anya and Dr. Tiamo sit down with Teti Lekalake—a  marketer at Meta, INSEAD MBA graduate, and founder of the Career Queens podcast. Originally from Botswana and now based in New York, Teti opens up about her journey across continents, navigating the tech industry. Teti reflects on the power of representation, the impact of her family’s values, and the challenges she's faced as a Black woman in tech. Through moments of vulnerability, she shares how she’s cultivated resilience, redefined success, and continues to build spaces for community and mentorship. This episode is a celebration of identity, ambition, and the courage it takes to feel the fear and do it anyway.
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  Bonus Episode: "When We Say the Struggle's Real, the Numbers Back It Up" - Black Women dating #Unfiltered 15.05.2025 42min

  In this episode of Black Excellence Unfiltered, co-hosts Anya, and Dr. Tiamo, tackle the complexities of dating for Black women. The conversation provides insight into societal pressures, mental health impacts, and the evolving narrative around relationships. They delve into statistical data on marriage rates, discuss the significance of the ‘soft life’ trend, and emphasize the importance of self-awareness, healing, and adjusting expectations. Through personal anecdotes and practical advice, Anya and Dr. Tiamo encourage Black women to know themselves, set priorities, and enjoy the dating journey while being open to authentic connections.
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  Bonus Episode:"How Is Your Heart?" - A Deep Dive into Mental Health 15.02.2025 50min

  Mental health is more than just a buzzword—it’s a critical part of our well-being that too often gets overlooked or stigmatized in the Black community. In this bonus episode of Black Excellence Unfiltered, we break down what mental health really means, the common struggles we face, and why self-awareness and proactive care are essential. We explore the impact of stigma, the power of community and spirituality in healing, and the importance of recognizing when to seek professional help.Through engaging dialogue and personal experiences, we offer practical insights to help you navigate your mental wellness journey. Trigger Warning: This episode includes references to suicide. Tune in now—because protecting your peace is just as important as securing the bag. #BlackExcellence #MentalHealthMatters   Resources referenced: For those in the US Call or text 988. Chat 988lifeline.org. Therapy for Black Girls: https://therapyforblackgirls.com/ Clinicians: https://www.cliniciansofcolor.org/ Megan Thee Stallion website https://tinyurl.com/53dcfw5t Global helplines https://findahelpline.com/
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  Episode 3:"You Have to Be Good Enough So You Cannot Be Ignored": Dumi Kapanga on Intentionality, Vulnerability & Grace 29.01.2025 37min

  Dumisani Kapanga shares his multifaceted journey from Malawi to the UK, and eventually New York. Dumisani discusses his evolving identity, the importance of intentionality in his life, and his career trajectory in financial services and investment banking. He addresses the challenges of being underestimated due to his background, the pressures of maintaining excellence, and the importance of adaptability and resilience. The conversation delves into his personal mental health journey, the concept of ’Dumi days’ for self-care, and the significance of finding balance. Throughout, Dumisani emphasizes the power of connecting people and living with purpose.
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  Bonus Episode: Meet Dr Tiamo Tamale "Make a positive impact on somebody's life" 24.11.2024 36min

  In this bonus episode Dr. Tiamo, co-host of the podcast,  talks about her journey, experiences, and motivations. The conversation delves into Dr. Tiamo's personal 'why,' her purpose of making the world better, and her path to becoming a psychologist from Malawi to the USA. Significant moments include her discovery of her calling, experiences with culture shock, battling loneliness and depression, and the importance of vulnerability. The episode also discusses the nuances of Black excellence, its unique challenges, and the importance of strong, supportive relationships. Dr. Tiamo emphasizes the significance of being authentic and creating spaces for vulnerability within the Black community.
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  Episode 2: "Be the Best Version of Yourself": Heather Katsonga - Woodward on living authentically 12.10.2024 32min

  Heather talks career shifts, balancing family life, and why she’s never putting herself in a box.
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  Trailer 17.09.2024 2min

  Highlights from our first episode
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  Episode 1: "Building the plane while flying" 14.09.2024 27min

  In this episode, we introduce you to our podcast and dive into the transformative journey of balancing career ambitions with mental health challenges. We share our experience of "building the plane while flying," highlighting the complexities of pursuing 'excellence' amid societal and personal hurdles. We discuss the misconception that mental health is a binary state, emphasizing that it's a spectrum where struggles and strengths coexist. A key takeaway is learning to embrace both strength and vulnerability. We speak candidly about the importance of self-compassion and the value of recognizing one's needs. Tune in for a taste of how we plan to build a supportive community and a path to wellness through this Podcast.