So This Is Love
So This Is Love is a podcast that explores love, heartbreak, and self-discovery through personal stories. Host Julia Gaitho shares narratives about how past relationships shape our identity and teach us about ourselves. The show delves into the universal question of whether it is better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all.
Episodes
Brian & Charity (Re-Upload for NON-SPOTIFY users) - S7 | E5
Everyone in their corner of Kisumu knew Brian's name. Tall, sharp-tongued, and effortlessly charming, he had girls lining up, and never seemed to slow down long enough to choose just one.Then came Charity. Cool, composed, and completely unmoved by his lure, she was the one girl who didn't fall in line, and that, more than anything, is what pulled Brian in.What follows is a story about what
Brian & Charity - S7 | E5
Everyone in their corner of Kisumu knew Brian's name. Tall, sharp-tongued, and effortlessly charming, he had girls lining up, and never seemed to slow down long enough to choose just one.Then came Charity. Cool, composed, and completely unmoved by his lure, she was the one girl who didn't fall in line, and that, more than anything, is what pulled Brian in. What follows is a story about what happen
Loise & Clark - S7 | E4
She used to run towards the wrong kind of fire, you know, the kind that burns fast and leaves you cold. Loise knew this pattern well. Handsome trouble, charming exits, a heart she kept handing to partners who kept dropping it. And sometimes, she did the same. Especially to the good ones.Then came a heartbreak that forced her to ask herself the harder question: not "why do they fail me,"
Eva & Captain - S7 | E3
A father-daughter relationship is one of the most important bonds a girl can have. It is often where she first learns her own worth. Eva didn't get that early on. She grew up the odd one out in her own home with a mother who saved her warmth for her two brothers and a stepfather who filled a space but never quite stepped into the role. Then, in walks Captain; calm, confident and even a little
Athens & London - S7 | E2
Athens and London found each other in that classic boy-meets-girl love story, one many of us wish for. Their connection was almost inevitable, unhurried and felt certain.They said "I do", ready to start their lives anew, eager and optimistic with their faith, love for one another and ambition steering the ship. What they didn't know yet was how one word would touch every part of thei
Candice & Henry - S7 | E1
( ( ( And we are back, baby!!! 📣 ) ) ) After years of talking to people on the other side of relationship breakdowns, this season, we’re doing something different. We are going in search of the ones who made it, those who are still together and continually choose each other. Relationships that have stood the test of time. Kicking things off, we have Candice, who met Henry at work while deep in her
Smurf & Bill - S6 | E10
Season 6 Finale!At 17, when Smurf meets Bill, she thinks she has found true love and a way out of poverty. Guided by a mother who should have protected her, Smurf is led down a path that forces her to make desperate decisions to survive.Years later, an unexpected connection shows Smurf something she has never truly felt before: love.But what happens when you finally discover your worth after buil
Wangari & Raymond - S6 | E9
Wangari & RaymondWangari and Raymond met young. The kind of young where love feels like forever, and questions about marriage and children don’t feel premature. He was her first love, and for a long time, he felt like her safe place.But somewhere between growing up and getting closer, Wangari slowly started disappearing.What begins as a tender high school romance unfolds into a deeply layered
Biggie, Maria & then, Clara - S6 | E8
Biggie’s story is a journey through love, chaos, and self-discovery.From one relationship to the next, he finds himself caught between extremes, intensity and softness, control and freedom. But no matter where he goes or who he is with, something within him remains unsettled.What unfolds is not just a story about the women he loved, but about the parts of himself he kept running from.This is a sto
Wanjiru & Bett - S6 | E7
In this episode, Wanjiru shares the deeply personal story of her relationship with Bett. This love unfolds not as a dramatic coming-of-age queer tale, but as something quieter and more profound: the journey of finding yourself through another person.What begins as an unexpected connection slowly evolves into a relationship that challenges assumptions about identity, belonging, and what love is sup
Basma & Omaya - S6 | E6
This week on So This Is Love, Basma shares a story that will challenge what you think you know about Muslim girls and choice. Basma grew up in a home where love felt distant, and approval, especially from her mother, Omaya, felt earned. A strong-willed daughter with a voice of her own, she often found herself shut down instead of seen. As the pressures of marriage and conformity started to build,
Faraja & Nanga - S6 | E5
Faraja and Nanga is a deeply personal story about faith, love and the quiet courage it takes to choose your own path. Faraja grew up cherished by her father, Nanga, and was the apple of his eye. She was raised in what she remembers as a happy and stable home after her mother’s sudden absence. When her family later became Jehovah’s Witnesses, life shifted in subtle but significant ways. Faraja foll
Jerry & Liam - S6 | E4
We have a man in the house! In this powerful episode of So This Is Love, Jerry shares his journey through childhood trauma, abandonment, and growing up in violent and emotionally unsafe spaces. With honesty and grace, Jerry speaks about healing and finding purpose after years of pain. He also shares about his upcoming book, Of Pain and Grace. This is a rare and moving conversation about resilience
Amari & Rose - S6 | E3
Today’s episode is about two sisters raised by survival. One stepped in where a mother fell away, the other learned to run instead of stay. Through Amari’s emotional recollection, we observe how, through her eyes, love becomes duty, sacrifice becomes expectation, and resentment quietly takes root. This is a story about sisterhood, choice, and the kind of wounds that time alone doesn’t heal.Conside
Peaches & Paul - S6 | E2
Consider supporting this podcast via our mpesa till number 9095819 or PayPal sothisislovepodcastke@gmail.comIf you or someone you know is affected by domestic or sexual violence, find support here: https://www.instagram.com/s/aGlnaGxpZ2h0OjE3ODUzNDUyODYyMzIwNDA3?igsh=eXkyNWRmZW1lenh5
Makena & David - S6 | E1
Welcome to Season 6 In this episode, Makena looks back at a marriage she rushed into at a very vulnerable time in her life. What seemed right on paper quickly revealed bigger differences in values, expectations, and the reasons they both chose each other. As real life set in, so did the quiet tensions that slowly reshaped their relationship.This episode is an honest conversation about escaping, aw
Gathoni (Louisa) & Kevo - *Bonus Episode*
In this episode, we meet Gathoni (her real name, but going as Louisa in this episode), once full of promise, now caught in the quiet unravelling of a love that previously felt like home. As success shifts the balance of her marriage, admiration turns to control, and affection to fear. This is the story of a woman learning to recognize her worth again, a journey through naivety, power and the coura
Valerie & Mama T - S5 | E10
Valerie’s mother grew up carrying the weight of a broken and unstable childhood, a stolen innocence and wounds that never found rest. In her longing to be loved, she searched for it in all the wrong places, leaving traces of that ache in her daughter’s life.In trying to outrun her mother’s story, Valerie found herself caught in its reflection, until grace met her where pain once lived.A story of i
Wendo & Mwezi - S5 | E9
In today’s episode, a young, headstrong, and rooted-in-faith Wendo steps into what she believes is the relationship she has been praying for: a love grounded in her beliefs, intentionality, and shared Christian values. What begins as romance slowly unravels into a story of control and manipulation, where religion becomes a weapon and obedience is demanded at any cost. As Wendo struggles to hold on
Sylvia & Peter - S5 | E8
A word from our sponsorsEyaly Skin: On So This Is Love, we always come back to self-love & self-care and for me, that now means investing in my skin. I’m starting a glow journey with Eyaly Skin, trying out treatments like HIFU, RF microneedling & wellness IV drips - so can you! Find them at Alta Towers, 3rd floor or call 0710203565 to book your consultation. I’ll be sharing the whole proce
Anne, Meg & Jez - S5 | E7
A word from our sponsorsEyaly SkinOn So This Is Love, we always come back to self-love & self-care and for me, that now means investing in my skin. I’m starting a glow journey with Eyaly, trying out treatments like HIFU, RF microneedling & wellness IV drips - so can you! Find them at Alta Towers, 3rd floor or call 0710203565 to book your consultation. I’ll be sharing the whole process on I
Olivia & Ethan - S5 | E6
Our sponsor for this episode is Tuwork. Whether you're a consultant, entrepreneur, or just tired of pretending your dining table is an office (where is the lie?) TuWork offers flexible packages, beautiful garden spaces, private offices, communal workspaces, meeting rooms, and even a terrace bar! Try a day pass for only two thousand shillings by using my code tuworklove20 for a 20% discount. Call t
Angie & Amanda - S5 | E5
Our sponsor for this episode is Tuwork. Whether you're a consultant, entrepreneur, or just tired of pretending your dining table is an office (where is the lie?) TuWork offers flexible packages, beautiful garden spaces, private offices, communal workspaces, meeting rooms, and even a terrace bar! Try a day pass for only two thousand shillings by using my code tuworklove20 for a 20% discount. Ca
Sheila & Jackie - S5 | E4
Our sponsor for this episode is Tuwork. Whether you're a consultant, entrepreneur, or just tired of pretending your dining table is an office (where is the lie?) TuWork offers flexible packages, beautiful garden spaces, private offices, communal workspaces, meeting rooms, and even a terrace bar! Try a day pass for only two thousand shillings by using my code tuworklove20 for a 20% discount. Call t
Zuri & Jabali - S5 | E3
Zuri thought she’d met the man of her dreams in a chance encounter at an immigration office. He was a gentle giant, strong, masculine and towered over her in that way that Zuri always wanted a man to do so to make her feel protected. And he spoke to her directly, with intent, in that way that made Zuri feel chosen. Their love moved fast, but to Zuri, it felt like destiny. What followed was a quiet
Jalia & Kiza - S5 | E2
Consider supporting this podcast via our mpesa till number 9095819 or PayPal sothisislovepodcastke@gmail.comIf you or someone you know is affected by domestic or sexual violence, find support here: https://www.instagram.com/s/aGlnaGxpZ2h0OjE3ODUzNDUyODYyMzIwNDA3?igsh=eXkyNWRmZW1lenh5
Ella & Makaburi - S5 | E1
She was the typical fresh-faced, doe-eyed high school graduate eager to embark on a new chapter after completing school. He was a man of God.Right off the bat, Ella is enthusiastic to make herself fully useful in the church. She is swept up in the glow of youthful faith and the promise of a community that feels like home. But when Makaburi, the charismatic leader everyone reveres, draws her closer
Barrack & Zack - S4 | Bonus Episode *Special*!
Love & Money Festival Tickets: https://www.ticketsasa.com/events/love-and-money-festivalMarch 29th, Jain Bhavan
Natasha & James - S4 | E10
Welcome to the season 4 finale! Thank you for listening.Consider supporting this podcast via our mpesa till number 9095819 or PayPal sothisislovepodcastke@gmail.comIf you or someone you know is affected by domestic or sexual violence, find support here:https://www.instagram.com/s/aGlnaGxpZ2h0OjE3ODUzNDUyODYyMzIwNDA3?igsh=eXkyNWRmZW1lenh5
Amara & Aleeya - S4 | E9
Amara’s mother was vibrant, beautiful, and free-spirited—a woman who spoke with an enviable confidence and carried herself with effortless charm. But behind the poise was a crippling addiction, an absence that shaped Amara’s childhood and forced her to step into shoes far too big, far too soon. This is a story of survival, resilience, search for identity and of the quiet grief that comes with lovi
Luna & Nova - S4 | E8
Consider supporting this podcast via our mpesa till number 9095819 or PayPal sothisislovepodcastke@gmail.com
If you or someone you know is affected by domestic or sexual violence, find support here: https://www.instagram.com/s/aGlnaGxpZ2h0OjE3ODUzNDUyODYyMzIwNDA3?igsh=eXkyNWRmZW1lenh5
Sophia & Bumpy - S4 | E7
If you or someone you know is affected by domestic or sexual violence, find support here: https://www.instagram.com/s/aGlnaGxpZ2h0OjE3ODUzNDUyODYyMzIwNDA3?igsh=eXkyNWRmZW1lenh5
Consider supporting this podcast via our mpesa till number 9095819 or PayPal sothisislovepodcastke@gmail.com
Grace & Malcolm -S4| E6
He swept her off her feet with charm, a chivalry that was deeply unfamiliar, and a love that intoxicated beyond reason. But behind closed doors, the relationship unravelled into heartbreak, infidelity, and a battle with addiction. This week on So This Is Love, Grace shares her raw, unfiltered journey of falling for a complicated man, losing herself, and finding the courage to walk away. It's a sto
Florence & Juniour - S4 | E5
Today, I sit down with Florence—a woman whose story is as heartbreaking as it is revealing. Raised in a turbulent home, Florence sought love in all the wrong places, leading to a relationship with Junior that teetered between desperation and dysfunction. She struggled with her mental health, self-image, and the echoes of a childhood marked by conflict. Her actions were at times harmful, but they w
Shaka & Bogad - S4 | E4
Growing up under his father’s terrifying authority, Shaka developed wounds that ran deep—wounds that followed him into adulthood, affecting his self-worth, connections, and eventually mental health. In this narration, we see how a young man’s story reminds us of the powerful impact that parental influence has on our development. We also are taken through a compelling account of a man’s journey to
Kate & Ashley - S4 | E3
On this episode of So This Is Love, we delve into the emotional journey of sibling relationships and how family dynamics can shape, and sometimes shatter, the bonds we once held dear. In a detailed recounting of events, Kate opens up about the deep rift that formed between her and her older sister Ashley, a relationship that was once filled with tenderness. Through her story, we explore the painfu
Njoki & Njue - S4 | E2
When Njoki moved to the city, she was ready to chase her dreams of a university degree. Struggling to make ends meet, she thought she’d found her escape when a wealthy older man, Njue, entered her life, offering her everything she needed—financial freedom, business success, and a world of luxury. But just as her life seemed perfect, a shocking revelation changed everything.
Support this podcast v
Mathew & Scarlet - S4 | E1
Love, betrayal, and the road to redemption. In this episode, we dive into one man's journey of reckoning with his past, the struggles of loving without knowing how, and the painful consequences of losing the one who mattered most. Can healing truly happen after the damage is done? Listen to Mathew's raw and transformative conversation on growth and second chances as we explore the complexi
Ruth & Nathan - S3 | E10 - SEASON FINALE
When the person we love has been unfaithful, we are overcome with shock, hurt and feelings of deep betrayal. In this moment, it is impossible to think of how we could have possibly contributed to our partner’s actions. The circumstances around Ruth and Nathan’s first meeting were not ideal, but the pair nonetheless fell in love. In this story, Ruth takes us on a journey of grief, complete loss of
Abscondita & Abednego - S3 | E9
There is a saying that goes something like, ‘A father’s love is his daughter’s first love’. So then what happens to the girl when a father’s love is inconsistent, unstable or altogether unavailable? What is it about being human that makes us recreate traumatic relationships from childhood to adulthood instead of redesigning an opposite experience for a better life? In this story, Absocondita takes
Zoe & Tim - S3 | E8
In this story, Zoe leaves everything she knows behind to start a new life with Tim in a new country. In slow unfolding anticipation we hear how Zoe navigates through the highs of young romance, the lows of broken promises, and the triumphant return to self-emporement. Tune in to explore the complexities of relationships, the resilience of the human spirit, and the transformative power of finding o
Sasha & Joseph - S3 | E7
Do you ever wonder if the good guys finish last? From teenage infatuation to the allure of adventure, Sasha's quest for excitement leads her down unexpected roads. But amidst heartbreak and fleeting romances, one constant remains: Joseph, the steadfast friend always by her side. Join us as we unravel Sasha's winding path, filled with highs and lows, as she navigates the complexities of lif
Bella & Jamey - S3 | E6
In this episode, we are taken on a ride through Bella's story with unrequited love and self-discovery. Join us as Bella recounts her tumultuous journey with Jamey, navigating the complexities of love, self-worth, and the pursuit of happiness in the face of unreciprocated affection. Listen in as she shares the poignant lessons learned from her youthful heartbreak, shedding light on the transfor
Jane & Adam - S3 | E5
How long should you hold on to an issue before speaking up for yourself? What do you do when your partner completely changes for the worse as soon as you choose to go all in? How much should people know about what is going on in your relationship when looking for support? These are some of the questions that Jane asked herself when her relationship with the man she was about to marry quickly began
Ray and Silver - S3 | E4
When we fall in love, it is automatic that we desire safety and security in our relationships. In the heteronormative context, women generally celebrate a partner that offers emotional, physical, and financial security and this is exactly what Silver promises Ray when they meet - right at the moment that Ray finds herself in a tight spot and is, in her words, in need of rescue. Join us as we liste
Jane & Daniel - S3 | E3
There are a couple of things that we are optimistic, if not sure of, in our youth; the future and love. However, for many of us, our twenties are overwhelmingly crammed with challenges that are designed to set us up for a more stable adulthood - if we pay heed to the lessons. From Young Love to Self-Love, join us as Jane shares her journey of navigating a 7-year relationship, from the highs of lo
Grace and Will - S3 | E2
As children, we idolize our parents often holding them to impossible standards. As little girls, this admiration is magnified towards our fathers, our first ‘supermen’’. That is until we grow up. Until innocence gives way to awareness and we slowly realize that our parents are not superheroes. Not only that, but that they are deeply flawed; unsure, anxious and not always right. This runs especial
Tawi & Harvey - S3 | E1
Acceptance is a feeling longed for by all, man and beast, and is at the heart of all our desires. It’s also something that we tend to hold on to even when a connection is falling apart because we fear that we may not find it with someone else. Now imagine living a life where you have a stigmatized health condition that makes acceptance not only scarce but diminishes your hopes of ever finding a li
Julia & Black - *Bonus Episode*
Surprise!
A long story. Julia's Story.
I dedicate this episode to my younger self; know that you are loved.
Thank you Lydia KM.
Jules.
Mumbi & Theo - S2 | E10 - Season Finale
University life was an adventure to anticipate as Mumbi began her studies for the first time in a mixed boy-girl school environment. When she met Theo, it was nothing to write home about - at first. In fact, Mumbi ghosted Theo. That changed however when a romance developed between the two and Mumbi was enchanted by the charm, charisma and confidence of the man she in the end painfully loved beyond
Phoebe & Pete -S2 | E9
Growing up as a pastor’s child, Phoebe lived a relatively sheltered life albeit a life that was good. However, as time went on and she developed into adulthood, she yearned for love, a relationship, one that would soothe the loneliness that plagued the quiet corners of her life. When Pete appeared, Phoebe was at first reluctant but soon fell in love with a man who was different from her in many bu
Jill & Jack - S2 | E8
As children, we idolize our parents. We place them on pedestals of all-knowing and all-having until one day, we realize who they really are. In this episode, Jill tells us of her struggle with this newfound awareness that came all too soon for her upon discovering that her father is an alcoholic. It takes just one event to question her entire childhood interactions with a man she describes when yo
Rose & Seb - S2 | E7
It’s not news anymore that during and after the lockdowns caused by the pandemic, we saw an increase in divorce, breakups, and even domestic violence across the globe. Rose and Seb were not exempt from this. After being together for over 10 years, in just a couple of months, Rose saw a shift in her relationship that brought into focus issues that were probably always bubbling under but easily mask
Jay & Belinda - S2 | E6
There is a quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson that says, ‘Men are what their mothers made them,’ a statement that rings true for all of us because of the role the mother-child relationship plays in all of our lives. Today, Jay speaks to us about that relationship. Through his narration, we see just how powerful mothers are in how we see the world, what we believe about it, how move around it, and ultima
Zara & Greg - S2 | E5
For many of us today, we cannot imagine being in a romantic relationship where sexual intimacy is consensually not part of the package. In this episode, Zara takes us through a journey of intense love and loss experienced within the context of her religion. We are reminded of the many, mostly invisible parts of human connection that take us up and down the roller coaster of falling in love. You ca
Kaz & Her - S2 | E4
Among many benefits, friendships offer us the opportunity to belong, love, grow and find a sense of identity. In this episode, we meet Kaz who admits that unlike many people, she has always placed a greater value on friendships than romantic relationships. At an age where she thinks it is difficult to make new genuine friends, Kaz stumbles upon one of those once in a lifetime connections with Her
Rainbow & Grey - S2 | E3
In this episode, Rainbow takes us through a harrowing narration of love, loss, and abuse experienced in an era that for many are the golden years of young adult life. Grey, a man she describes as the first person she truly ever loved, is from the onset a deeply troubled soul who despite his lukewarm affection is able to lure Rainbow into a 6-year toxic entanglement that leaves us desperately yearn
Alison, Maggie, Linda and Ruth - S2 | E2
For most of her life, Alison could not foster strong, solid friendships, and her mother's death in secondary school only isolated her further from people she would have wanted to connect with. But in university, everything changed. Alison takes us through her story of loss and redemption as her experiences in friendship and sisterhood teach her how to intentionally keep those she loves in her
Wanja & George- S2 | E1
Welcome to Season 2!
In this episode, Wanja meets George and despite caution from her friends, falls head over heels in that all-too-familiar, typical, teenage romance kind of way. In an effort to solidify the relationship, Wanja compromises on a number of her morals and boundaries. Her love for George stands unshaken even after a lack of clear commitment and thereafter discovering she is pregnant
Waithera & J.P - Ep 10
In this episode, Waithera* narrates a story of friendship, deeply interwoven with a tale of love and romance that spins over a fifteen-year period with a man she fondly refers to as J.P*. Elation is quickly replaced by anguish as the relationship evolves and Waithera, frustrated by the lack of clarity in this friendship-come relationship, finds herself in a place where J.P's approval which once he
Amy & Greg Ep. 9
In today’s episode, Amy takes us back to her early twenties when she relocates to America and soon after falls in love with a charming and young Greg. In her pursuit of a college degree, stable career and fulfilling relationship, Amy is faced with a series of problems that challenge her sense of reality, personal worth, identity, and confidence. Amy takes us through a journey where she loses her v
Roxy & The Doctor - Ep. 8
In today’s episode, Roxy takes us through her journey of love and loss while taking ownership of her own actions around infidelity and lack of self-love that ultimately led to the end of a romantic relationship. From this story, we see a young, naive, sweet, and endearing Roxy slowly transform into a more self-aware, self-loving, and mature woman. She continues to fight for her voice, mental welln
Kevin & Carlos - Ep. 7
Today, Kevin transports us from Nairobi, Botswana, New York, Abidjan, and back to Kenya as he narrates a beautiful love story that fought to stand the test of time, distance, and culture. Through this story, we are forced to reflect on our personal journeys with self-love, resilience, and acceptance. Kevin is a writer, activist, and podcaster.
You can find the book he co-edited here https://
Shelly & Curtis - Ep. 6
In today's episode, Shelly finds a one-of-a-kind love; the kind of love she never thought possible for her, only to discover that the man she for the first time her life saw a future with, was married. Shelly takes us through a harrowing narration of heartbreak, loss, addiction, and self-love.
Cynthia & Jenny - Ep. 5
Today, Cynthia takes us through her whirlwind romance with Jenny; a relationship she describes as one that made her feel for the first time in her life 'understood'. Through her calm and soothing delivery, we are taken through a powerful narration of attraction, love, and the search for identity in a world that is still coming to the understanding of who we chose to call our own.
Wanjeri & The Bull - Ep. 4
In this episode, an eloquent, matter-of-fact and undeniably free-spirited Wanjeri takes us through her cyclic romantic journey with The Bull. She opens our minds to unorthodox possibilities in relationships while circling back to the inevitable everyday realities she faced and continues to face with the man she describes as someone that allowed her to color outside the line. Wanjeri's enchanting w
Steven & Sandra Ep. 3
Today, soft-spoken but witty Steven opens up about the challenges in a former long-term relationship that ultimately led to its end. We are taken on a journey through his narration that touches on issues around personal growth, co-dependency, and a regular taboo subject - money and wage gaps in traditional male and female roles within a relationship.
Roland & Deborah Ep. 2
In this episode, Roland* discusses the importance of self-awareness against societal expectations when embarking on a relationship with someone. He takes us on a journey of love, marriage, and divorce while every so often taking a moment to reflect on personal growth and how this impacts who you become as a man.
Melody & Kevin - Ep. 1
Welcome to episode one of So This is Love. In this episode, Melody* takes us through a whirlwind teenage romance that ends in anguish, depression, and violence well into her twenties. In the end, Melody finds her voice and is able to love herself again after years of mental and physical abuse. Due to the nature of this episode, we encourage those who can be triggered by depictions of this nature,
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