Up/Root the Podcast

In a special collaboration, the Kilimani Project Foundation and Up/Root talk with Dr. Githinji Gitahi about the rollout of the vaccine on the continent. Dr. Githai answered questions from the community and addresses the science - and rumors - that remain. This is the episode to share with all the aunties, cousins and grandparents who need information that speaks to our experience as African nationals! Dr. Gitahi sheds light on how the vaccine was developed, how it works, if there are long-term effects -- and if the supply will be enough to meet demand. If you woud like to support COVID-19 relief efforts in India - please consider giving to PATH (https://www.path.org/p/covid-19-response/) or Ketto (https://www.ketto.org/fundraiser/mission-oxygen-helping-hospitals-to-save-lives). You can also give to Amref Health Africa's COVID efforts here on the continent at https://amref.org/coronavirus/donate/. Learn more about Kilimani Project Foundation at https://www.kilimani.co.ke/. Up/Root is edited by Bukachi Akatsa (bukachiakatsa@gmail.com)and the show jingle is written and performed by my daughter Selah Piper.

Would you choose to leave your home and your family if it meant preserving your self-worth? Is choice a commodity of the privileged?Has Kenya mourned together well? Has Kenya healed? We didn't ask any easy questions as the wonderful women from my book club help me interview brilliant author Wanjiru (Shiro) Koinange about her debut novel 'The Havoc of Choice.' In this season four premiere, Wanjiru discusses the choices of her characters and her country during the post-election violence of 2007 in Kenya. It was thrilling to discuss this complex and provocative book with Shiro! Shiro is also co-founder, with Angela Wachuka (@sisterkilljoy), of Book Bunk - a social impact firm that is restoring some of Nairobi’s iconic public libraries. Together they created Bunk Books, a publishing company "focused on the production of contemporary stories" in the continent. You can find more of Shiro's portfolio at https://www.wanjirukoinange.com and follow her on Twitter and IG: @ShiroKoinange. The Havoc of Choice is available in Kenya at TextBook Centre, Prestige Books, Rufu Books and on Amazon. Up/Root was produced by Bilha Luseka (@missluseka). The Up/Root jingle is written and performed by my amazing daughter, Selah Piper. You can learn more about Lilly and Up/Root at https://linktr.ee/uprootthepodcast.

Would you choose to leave your home and your family if it meant preserving your self-worth? Is choice a commodity of the privileged?Has Kenya mourned together well? Has Kenya healed? We didn't ask any easy questions as the wonderful women from my book club help me interview brilliant author Wanjiru (Shiro) Koinange about her debut novel 'The Havoc of Choice.' In this season four premiere, Wanjiru discusses the choices of her characters and her country during the post-election violence of 2007 in Kenya. It was thrilling to discuss this complex and provocative book with Shiro! Shiro is also co-founder, with Angela Wachuka (@sisterkilljoy), of Book Bunk - a social impact firm that is restoring some of Nairobi’s iconic public libraries. Together they created Bunk Books, a publishing company "focused on the production of contemporary stories" in the continent. You can find more of Shiro's portfolio at https://www.wanjirukoinange.com and follow her on Twitter and IG: @ShiroKoinange. The Havoc of Choice is available in Kenya at TextBook Centre, Prestige Books, Rufu Books and on Amazon. Up/Root was produced by Bilha Luseka (@missluseka). The Up/Root jingle is written and performed by my amazing daughter, Selah Piper. You can learn more about Lilly and Up/Root at https://linktr.ee/uprootthepodcast.

Joy. Joy is a choice. Today artists extraordinaire June Gachui and Pete Odera join me to SING, talk, share what this year has been for them and how they have chosen joy in their work and personal lives. Many of you know June Gachui (@junegachui) for her many roles on stage as a speaker, singer, actress and host but she is also an intellectual property lawyer who is passionate about the law and artistic expression. June graces us with her voice, humor and shares what 2020 has taught her about herself. Pastor Pete Odera (@peteodera) joins us and shares three decades of wisdom from being a pastor, singer, producer, writer and mentor. As Pastor of Waterbrook Church and widely appreciated as godfather of Kenyan gospel music, Pete has walked valleys and reached mountain tops and shares why melancholy - and joy - are valuable. THANK YOU, friends, for listening to Up/Root this year. I am so grateful for you and would love to hear from you - send me a message at @uprootandlill on IG and Twitter or email: uprootthepodcast@gmail.com. The last three episodes would not have been possible without the creative commitment of my seasonal producer, Mwari Muthaura. Thank you, dada! Up/Root is edited by Bukachi Akatsa (bukachiakatsa@gmail.com)and the show jingle is written and performed by my daughter Selah Piper.

Njeri Mwangi and I spend this episode talking, laughing and shedding a few tears as we talk about the importance of human rights. Njeri co-stars with her husband, activist Boniface Mwangi, and family in the documentary film Softie (https://www.softiethefilm.com/) which tells their story and invites us to see ourselves in the love, struggle and fears they experience as human rights defenders, parents and everyday citizens. Njeri is the co-founder of PAWA254 (https://pawa254.org/)and in this episode lets us into the hard questions and passions of her life as an activist committed to an equitable, democratic Kenya. You can watch Softie (@softiethefilm) at https://www.softiethefilm.com/watch and learn more about human rights from: Amnesty International (amnesty.org/@AmnestyKenya, National Coalition of Human Rights Defenders (defenderscoalition.org/@DefendersKE) and follow the adventures of the Throttle Queens on Twitter (@throttle_queens). Up/Root is edited by Bukachi Akatsa (bukachiakatsa@gmail.com)and the show jingle is written and performed by my daughter Selah Piper.

Welcome back to Up/Root! As the holidays approach - there are few things that I actually want - and none of them can be bought. Peace of mind is a gift that 2020 has tried to take from all of us and today my friend Julie Githiri-Goko (@julie_githirigoko)will give us practical advice on how to manage our stress, support our kids and enjoy the festive season. Julie is a psychodynamic psychotherapist and psychosexual therapist and has been practicing for over 15 years. She specializes in couples, individuals and adolescents who are experiencing relational conflict, anxiety, sexual trauma or depression. Up/Root is edited by Bukachi Akatsa (bukachiakatsa@gmail.com) and the jingle is written and performed by my daughter Selah Piper.

This episode is a tribute to all the aunties, sisters, cousins, godmothers and women out there who make our lives so rich with laughter and wisdom! On today's show, sisters Annie and Shazz Nderitu, who are two of five siblings, share with us how they survived the Westgate terror attack, how they celebrate and support one another and why sisterhood is such an important part of their identity and lives. Shazz tells us how family inspires her work as a comedian and Annie lets us in on who the family favorite really is; their warmth and generous spirits will inspire you! You can find their original Engage talk that details their experience in the Westgate attack in full at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7AYEPhDgkhs. Annie and Shazz are both available on IG; Annie, a psychotherapist is at @wellnessnowwithannie and Shazz, comedian, entertainer, writer and model is at: @queendom.blog. Our outdoor set was adorned with beautiful artwork, mini-jiko and plants courtesy of Provisions Kenya whose store is full of all things local, organic and creative. You can find them at: https://www.provisions.co.ke/ and on IG (@provisionskenya). This episode was recorded outside, hence the sounds of nature and edited by Bukachi Akatsa of BTSU studios(bstu.av@gmail.com). The Up/Root jingle is performed and written by my daughter, Selah.

Today on the show we will continue in our series of topics on why Black Lives Matter by discussing why Black Journalism Matters with award-winning Kenyan journalist and filmmaker, Elijah Kanyi. Elijah is the 2017 and 2019 Annual Journalism Excellence Awards Journalist of the Year, an acclaimed investigative reporter with Africa Uncensored and founder of SautiTV, a mentoring program for young journalists. Elijah was born and bred in Mathare, one of Nairobi’s poorest neighborhoods and considers himself a voice for his community. He has been reporting on inequity in health, education, and policing in Kenya and the region and his recent story for the BBC's African Eye entitled The Bullet and the Virus (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eb3rV5mhpmQ) is an important piece of reporting that exposes the unjust treatment of the poor in Kenya’s slums during the pandemic. During our conversation, Elijah schools me on why word choice matters, the importance of representation and ultimately – in this historic moment why Black Journalism matters so very much. You can follow Elijah on Twitter at @ElijahKanyi and learn more about equity work in Mathare from two Mathare-based organizations: Mathare Roots Youth Center (Twitter: @Mathare_Roots) and Mathare Social Justice Center (Twitter: @MathareSJustice). This episode was edited by Bukachi Akatsa of BTSU studios(bstu.av@gmail.com). The Up/Root jingle is performed and written by my graduating senior, Selah.

Black Lives Matters - and so does Black Joy! In part two of our series, Christian Lwanda joins us and shares how he defines joy, what his grandmother Selah taught him and how he walks with both joy and suffering in his life. We shared experiences and laughter in this conversation as well as the strengths of Kenyan culture that have guided the country through generations of change and resistance. Shout out to local artists whose incredible home goods were a part of our set: Love Artisan (IG: @loveartisan), Tira Student (IG: @tirastudio) and Tope Ceramics (IG: @tope_kenya). This episode was recorded and edited by Wambui Ngombo for Blackink Films (blackincfilms@gmail.com). The Up/Root jingle is written and performed by my daughter Selah.

Today I talk to you from my home and my heart. "Black lives matter" is a cry that has been heard worldwide as protests in over 60 countries have shaken the world. It's also what we tell our Black children and ourselves as we face the world - and wherever we are in the world. Black lives are a triumph and Up/Root is embarking on a new series to explore the complexity and power of our community and this movement. Black lives matter - and so does Black joy, Black teachers, Black families, Black Black history, Black music, Black research and on and on. Subscribe so you don't miss any of the upcoming episodes and Send us your suggestions and ideas at uprootthepodcast@gmail.com or on IG and Twitter at @uprootandlill. Lastly, the Black Lives Matter movement began in 2013 after the acquittal of the Trayvon Martin's murderers; I mistakenly stated it began in 2014 after Michael Brown was murdered by police. You can learn more about the BLM movement here: https://blacklivesmatter.com/. Special thanks to Allisha Alzan for the audio and video at the beginning of this episode. This episode was edited by Bukachi Akatsa of BTSU studios(bstu.av@gmail.com). The Up/Root jingle is performed and written by my daughter Selah.

Daniya, Mandisa and Jason join Up/Root today for a live show from the International School of Kenya and enlighten us on what makes them "proud to be me." Identity certainly develops throughout life and these cross-cultural students who have grown up between cultures and countries took us to school about the assumptions they face and how they navigate expectations in their families, schools, and communities. They offer us insight and wisdom and many reasons to feel hopeful about the future. Dan Adachi (danadachii@gmail.com)recorded and edited this episode. The Up/Root jingle was written and performed by Selah Piper.

Do you remember your senior year of high school? Thoughts of the future, prom, freedom, finally graduating? The pandemic has put a damper on the plans - but not the spirits - of graduating secondary students across the world. Today on Up/Root, five students - Hilary, Jaya, Matias, Selah and Troy - share their thoughts on the "new normal" of their lives, their thoughts on the future and how they are staying positive during this pandemic. Oh to be young again! These students are the real deal and will bolster your belief in the future. This episode was edited by Bukachi Akatsa of BTSU studios(bstu.av@gmail.com). The Up/Root jingle is performed and written by my graduating senior, Selah.

Health is a human right - and in a pandemic, human rights must continue to be protected and promoted. Irungu Houghton, Kenya Executive Director of Amnesty International joins Up/Root to share his thoughts on how humane policing, good citizenship and community involvement are critical elements for any country to survive a crisis. Irungu has spent his professional career fighting corruption and speaking up for vulnerable communities. In this episode, he highlights what is making him hopeful and the ways each of us can be human rights advocates where we are - even in a midst of a global pandemic. One way you do just that is to consider giving to Food for Education (www.food4education.org); locally, you can give via Mpesa (Paybill 596428, A/C: Donation) or internationally via PayPal. They have already served thousands of children who are out of school daily meals and with our help, can continue to do so throughout this pandemic. This episode was edited by Bukachi Akatsa of BTSU studios(bstu.av@gmail.com. The Up/Root jingle is performed and written by my daughter, Selah.

History has taught us that during times of global crisis and epidemics - longterm outcomes are worse for women than for men. Data indicates that women make up a majority of essential workers, from health care to markets, and in the midst of lockdowns and school closures - domestic labor and the education of children falls disproportionally on female caretakers. Julie Mwabe, a Gender Advisor in the Executive Office of the President and previously a communications and policy specialist at the CDC and UNICEF, joins us to discuss how to better support women and girls during this pandemic. By elevating their needs, Ms. Mwabe guides us towards thoughtful solutions to resist the patriarcy and root dignity for women and girls. In this episode we discuss domestic violence and if you or someone you know is a victim of domestic abuse or GBV - please call the 24hr toll-free Kenya National Hotline at 1195. To support Laja Trust (lajatrust.org)distribute sanitary pads to women and girls in need during this pandemic, you can send local donations to: MPESA PAYBILL: 839900 and ACCOUNT: 1003028000924. This episode was edited by Bukachi Akatsa of BTSU studios (bstu.av@gmail.com). The Up/Root jingle is performed and written by my daughter, Selah.

Dr. Michael Chung is an infectious disease and internal medicine physician with an MD from the University of Chicago and a Masters of Public Health from Harvard University School of Public Health where he also completed his internship and residency. He and his family have lived in Nairobi for 18 years and he is a Professor at and Chair of the Department of Medicine at Aga Kahn University in Nairobi and an Affiliate Professor at the University of Washington, Seattle. Dr. Chung joins Up/Root today to answer all our questions about COVID-19 and give us the latest updates from the scientific community. Please consider giving to support Shining Hope for Communities (shofco.org)who are providing critical food and medical assistance to poor families in Mathare and Kibera. For the latest information and assistance on COVID-19 in Kenya, please go to: http://www.health.go.ke/ or call 0800 721 316 or 0709 931700. This episode was edited and recorded by Bukachi Akatsa of BTSU studios (bstu.av@gmail.com). The Up/Root jingle is performed and written by my daughter, Selah.

It is an absolute honor to welcome Freweini Mebrahtu to Up/Root! Freweini is a global leader in menstrual health management and CNN's 2019 Hero of the Year for her work to eliminate the stigma associated with periods and her 15-year campaign to provide women and girls in Ethiopia equitable access to reusable pads. She started Mariam Seba Sanitary Products Factory in Mekelle, Ethiopia in 2005 and her factory is staffed by over 60 women who now produce over 1 million reusable sanitary pads annually. Freweini partners with Mekelle University and Dignity Period in her mission to restore period justice to Ethiopia and since 2009, they have reached more than 800,000 students. Research shows that schools visited by Dignity Period have a 24% increase in attendance among girls and for only $5 a year, you can support a young girl's access to the sanitary pads she needs. Please go to dignityperiod.org to read more and contribute to her extraordinary work in Ethiopia. If you want to help end period poverty in Kenya, please consider giving to Project Imagine (projectimagine.net), a student-led campaign that was established in 2015. For more information on how you can get involved in the period movement in the US, go to https://www.period.org/. Useful data on the issue in Ethiopia can be found here: http://www.pma2020.org/sites/default/files/ETR5-MHM%20brief-v1-2017-08-14_0.pdf. This episode was edited and recorded by Bukachi Akatsa of BTSU studios (bstu.av@gmail.com). The Up/Root jingle is performed and written by my daughter, Selah!

Author and professor Samual Nyanchoga joins Up/Root to talk about why Black History Month still matters, Black historical heroes and how Blackness is a universal civilization. Dr. Nyanchoga is a Dean of Faculty at the Catholic University of East Africa and Fulbright Scholar (Boston College) and is the author of seven books: Author of Aspects of African History, Contemporary Issues in Kenyan History, Citizenship, Ethnicity and Politics of Belonging in Kenya, Governance in Africa: Historical and Contemporary Perspectives, Slave Heritage and Identity at the Kenyan Coast. This episode was edited and recorded by Bukachi Akatsa of BTSU studios (bstu.av@gmail.com). The Up/Root jingle is performed and written by my daughter, Selah!

In part 2 of our conversation, some of the Too Early for Birds family, Ngartia, Abu, Mercy and Mugambi, talk more about the role gender, language and joy played in creating this three-hour epic story of one of Kenya's native sons and heroes, Tom Mboya. We talk Jay-Z, we cry, we laugh and by the end - they offer us hope for the future and clear direction on how to support the arts and make sure these stories keep getting told. Thank you TEFB for letting me fangirl for 2hours with you! This episode was edited by Janet Onyango of J Communications (https://www.jcommunications.online/) and engineered by Bukachi Akatsa of BTSU studios (bstu.av@gmail.com). The Up/Root jingle is performed and written by my daughter, Selah!

Tom Mboya is a hero of Kenyan history and in October 2019, the Too Early for Birds storytelling theatre production group told Mboya's story in the "dopest, funkiest ways you can imagine." This is the fifth show they have put on in Nairobi and their performance was so popular they had to add four more shows in November 2019. The Tom Mboya edition was transformative, electric and challenged all of us to think and act more consciously based on the lessons of history. We go deep in this conversation - so much so there are 2 episodes, an Up/Root first! Writers, actors, researchers and director - Abu, Ngartia, Mercy and Mugambi - sat down in front of a live audience to talk about Mboya's legacy, Kenyan politics, censorship, the n-word, what it was like to perform the show the day Mboya's children attended and why it is absolutely critical we know our history and we support our artists. You will be inspired! This episode was edited by Janet Onyango of J Communications (https://www.jcommunications.online/) and engineered by Bukachi Akatsa of BTSU studios (bstu.av@gmail.com). The Up/Root jingle is performed and written by my daughter, Selah!

Olympic marathon gold-medalist and world record-holder Eliud Kipchoge is a living legend and a global inspiration for his incredible feats of athletic dominance. In October, he became the first person to run a sub-2hour marathon and captured the imagination of an international audience with his endurance, tenacity and brilliant run. Kipchoge shares with Up/Root how he trains, who his heroes are, why mental agility is as important as physical strength and why he believes that sports can be an instrument of peace in our communities and world. It was a gift to interview Eliud Kipchoge and learn from one of the world's greatest long-distance runners.

Huwaida, Sam and Jason share how their identities, linked to language, religion and race, have affected their Kenyan and global lives. They answer questions about privilege, gaps that exist between generations and how they respond when someone asks, "are you really Kenyan?" Up/Root is grateful to Trademark Hotel in Village Market that sponsored this live recording on December 11, 2019. Sound recording and editing provided by Bakachi Akatsa for BSTU Nairobi (bstu.av@gmail.com). Photography courtesy of Armstrong Kiprotich (armstoo@gmail.com). The Up/Root jingle was written and performed by Selah Piper, my amazing daughter. This episode is dedicated to my friend George Wolf. We miss you, George.

When Dr. Abiy Ahmed, Prime Minister of Ethiopia, was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in October, many Ethiopians and Eritreans marked the historic moment with pride and celebration. It was also an opportunity for me to re-visit the shared and intertwined history of the two sister countries with my friend Moges. We talk, laugh and discuss our Eritrean and Ethiopian identities and examine the important moment where our histories diverge. I learned so much and was reminded that coffee will always be a shared value and perhaps the secret to peace is in the shurro. This episode is edited by Bukachi Akatsa (bstu.av@gmail.com) and the Up/Root jingle is written and performed by my wonderful daughter, Selah.

Stephen Ucembe and Ruth Wacuka grew up in "orphanages" despite having parents. Their story is true of 80-90% of children living in orphanages and children's homes: they have a living parent. Well-meaning and good-intentioned people like you and I keep children's homes and orphanages in business by volunteering there, patronizing them and contributing money and resources to their work, often rather than supporting vulnerable families. In today's show, Stephen and Ruth share what it was like to grow up in an institution and what they are doing to help end orphanage tourism - and how we can join them in their pursuit of justice for families and children. In Nairobi, you can channel your support towards the following organizations who support families: Kenya Society of Care Leavers: https://www.kesca.org/ Shining Hope for Communities: https://www.shofco.org/ Dignitas: https://dignitasproject.org/ Food 4 Education: https://food4education.org/ To learn more about the problem of orphanage tourism, you can go to: https://www.helpingnothelping.org/ https://rethinkorphanages.org/resources https://www.crs.org/our-work-overseas/program-areas/youth/changing-the-way-we-care Dan Adachi (danadachii@gmail.com)recorded and edited this episode. The Up/Root jingle was written and performed by Selah Piper.

Monica, Aluong and Andrew are South Sudanese nationals and scholarship recipients of the Student Refugee Program from World University Service of Canada. In this episode, they share insights from their past and present lives and hopes for their future - just weeks before beginning their higher education in Canada. And Up/Root was fortunate to talk to Aloung again after she arrives in Canada! She shares her first impressions, favorite foods and what she misses most about home. This episode was produced with generous support from UNICEF Kenya and is edited by Dan Adachi (danadachii@gmail.com). The Up/Root jingle was written and performed by Selah Piper. To learn more about how you can support higher education programs for refugees, please visit: World University Service of Canada: https://srp.wusc.ca/ UNICEF Kenya: https://www.unicef.org/appeals/kenya.html

Sippy Chadha is the writer, producer and director of the award-winning film Subira: Kenya's entry to the 2019 Academy Awards. Subira tells the story of a young Muslim woman who is pursuing her dreams, defying tradition and embracing love. Sippy shares with us her journey of taking Subira from being the first Kenyan short film to be screened at the Cannes Film Festival in 2008 to a feature-length film in 2019. We talk the role of tradition in modern society, the multiple identities that informed the film and even arranged marriage. Updates on Subira screenings and the film's progress in the Academy Awards can be found at: https://web.facebook.com/subirafeaturefilm/ This episode was edited by Dan Adachi (danadachii@gmail.com) and the Up/Root jingle - as always - is written and performed by my darling daughter, Selah Piper.

Four out of 5 women and girls in Kenya lack access to sanitary pads and health education. In the US, 35 states tax tampons as a luxury item while Viagra is tax-free. Project Imagine is a group of high school students in Nairobi, Kenya, led by Selah Piper and Isabella Bunkers, who are working to eliminate the shame and stigma attached to menstruation by distributing sanitary pads to poor girls who would otherwise have limited access. In addition, for the last four years, they have been visiting three schools to not only distribute pads but administer a self-empowerment and health curriculum through a peer to peer model of mentorship with over 600 girls. Listen in as they share about their work and passion to not just imagine - but create a world where every girls can finish her education and pursue her goals. You can learn more at their efforts at: projectimagine.net This episode is edited by Dan Adachi. Up/Root jingle is written and performed by Selah Piper.

Wanjira Mathai is an environmental activist and Chair of the Wangari Maathai Foundation. As the daughter of Nobel Peace Laureate Wangari Maathai and Board member of the Green Belt Movement, she is carrying forward her mother’s work and is striving to preserve and honor her legacy. Wanjira shares with us what she learned from her mother, how she "keeps at" the work of enviornmental justice and her vision for the Wangari Maathai Foundation (http://www.wangarimaathai.org/). This episode was recoreded at the Aga Kahn Graduate School of Media and Communication (https://akumedia.aku.edu/)and was edited by Dan Adachi (danadachii@gmail.com). Up/Root jingle performed and written by Selah Piper.

Get rid of your assumptions, ideas and what you think you know about refugee communities. Instead, listen with an open heart and mind to student refugees as they share about their lives, experiences and hopes for the future in this special live episode of Up/Root. In this honest and complex conversation, they offer us joy, courage, a few dope bars and the inspiring plans they have to change the world. This live episode is a collaboration between Up/Root and UNICEF Kenya in honor of World Refugee Day and was recorded live on location in Kakuma Refugee Camp. We are indebted to Lisa Kurbiel, Joyce Wanja, Mariam Abkow and Ali Omar Duale of UNICEF Kenya for making this series of upcoming podcasts possible. Dan Adachi (danadachii@gmail.com) is the sound engineer and editor and photography is courtesy of Armstrong Kiprotich (https://www.behance.net/armstrongtoo). Song courtesy of students at Angelina Jolie Primary School and Mourneau Sharpel Secondary School in Kakuma Refugee Camp).

Latanya Mapp Frett is the incoming President and CEO of the Global Fund for Women and a lifelong human rights activist who has worked in over ten countries. She is the past-President of Planned Parenthood International and in her storied and dynamic career has worked tirelessly to access power and justice for women and vulnerable communities across the globe and at critical moments in history. She is also a daughter, mother, partner and passionate feminist who believes the future is bright and that empowering women is the key to anchoring and sustaining transformative global change. Learn more about the Global Fund for Women at: globalfundforwomen.org This episode was recorded at the Aga Kahn Graduate School of Media and Communication and is edited by Dan Adachi. The Up/Root jingle is written and performed by Selah Piper.

Living mobile and global lives as members of military, diplomatic, private sector or humanitarian service families comes with many wonderful benefits. But often – it does not come with professional opportunities for one partner in the relationship due to work permits, language barriers or visa restrictions. Join Hanne, Donovan and Susanne, all members of Here We Are Kenya (a chapter of Here We Are Global) as we discuss the term no one likes and how they have navigated identity in their years as expats in Kenya. This episode was recorded at the Aga Kahn Graduate School of Media and Communications and edited by Dan Adachi. The Up/Root jingle is written and performed by the wonderful Selah Piper.

Transformational storytellers and artists Usifu Jalloh, Khanyisa Sigwanda and Alim Kamara share with Lilly how ancient, culturally-relevant and modern stories connect us to our roots and why they are essential to the future of the continent. Listen in to our conversation about about the power of stories and hear the tales of Truth, Mr. Cat and an impromptu story at the end that will "inspire greatness and preserve tradition." You can find more of our guests' work below: Usifu Jalloh at: www.usifujalloh.com Khanyisa Sigwanda: (IG) khanyisamaryann and (FB) Khanyisa Mary-Ann Sigwanda Alim Kamara: www.storiestorie.com (IG), (FB) and Twitter as: StorieStorieHQ Episode edited by Dan Adachi. Up/Root jingle composed and performed by Selah Piper. This episode was recorded at Aga Kahn Graduate School of Media and Communication.

Ruth E. Van Reken, one of the leading experts on Cross-Cultural (CCKs) and Third Culture kids (TCKs) sits down with Lilly and discusses how parents, teachers and adults can best support students who are living "among worlds." How do we help students who are the "stayers" in a transient community? What are we learning about the brain science regarding mobliity? Are we all just CCKs? This episode is edited by Dan Adachi. Up/Root jingle is composed and performed by Selah Piper. Resources referenced by Ruth: - Brain Science of Mobility (John Hattie): a. https://globallygrounded.com/2016/03/15/mobility-impacts-learning-the-bad-news-and-the-good-news/ - Safe Passages Across Networks by Dr Doug Ota (book: Safe Passages); https://spanconference.com/ - The Global Nomads Guide to University Transition and Survive and Thrive: The International Student's Guide to Succeeding in the U.S. both by Tina Quick (https://www.amazon.com/Survive-Thrive-International-Students-Succeeding/dp/1540787567) - https://www.summertimepublishing.com/

"Third culture kids" (or TCKs) are defined as children who are not growing up in either of their parent's home country or culture; they may be the children of diplomats, business people or development professionals and as such, find themselves moving often and living between cultures. Today's episode features the voices of six students: Adrian, Isaiah, Juliane, Lauren, Roman and Sahara and two adult TCKs, Alicia and Kieke, who share wise and witty insights into the lives they've lived across over 20 countries. Hear how they navigate their global lives, questions of identity and make the most of being from everywhere and nowhere. Edited by Kate Stephens. Sound Engineering by Dan Adachi. The Up/Root jingle is written and performed by my babygirl, Selah Piper.

In many African countries, 2019 has been declared the Year of Return to honor our ancestors who were stolen from the continent 400 years ago. In Kenya, a panel of African-Americans - Rebecca, Robyn, Curtis and Ben - share their experiences of coming "home" to Africa. Their stories capture the tension, the joy, the responsibility and often the duplicity that still remains for Black people worldwide. This episode was recorded at Pawa254 (pawa254.org)and is edited by Kate Stephens. Music by Selah Piper.

Do we need heroes? Is curiosity underrated? How do we hold space for those we disagree with? How are colorism and racism intertwined? How do we resist the myth of entitlement and privilege? What does the commodification of black feminism look like? What is our plan for justice? So many questions - and many complex, nuanced answers with the South African author and voice for justice, Sisonke Msimang whose writing focuses on race, gender and democracy. Her book - Always Another Country - can be found on Amazon and more about Sisonke's work is available at www.sisonkemsimang.com/. Up/Root is masterfully edited by Kate Stephens.

Where is home? If you have never lived where you were born, or your kids were born in a different country, or if you are a refugee or immigrant: where do you call home? A once simple question is tackled by four dynamic women who offer their own wisdom, humor and insights into this important question. And at the end offer a good piece of advice for all of us to consider.

Maimouna, Johnson, Ruth and Troy all live in Nairobi, Kenya but have identities rooted in multiple countries and cultures. Circumstances and choices have caused them to make decisions to leave home, opportunities or countries - often at significant cost to themselves and their families. In this episode, each of them answer the question: why did you leave? (This episode is dedicated to my friend, George Wolf. We miss you already.)