BeUPod
BEUPod is hosted by Anya & Dr. Tiamo, two ambitious African women navigating life, identity, and mental health while chasing the American dream. The podcast shares unfiltered stories from their own lives and honest conversations with guests from around the world, including creatives, professionals, healers, and everyday people. Topics cover burnout, identity, resilience, and protecting your peace while pursuing your goals. Expect laughs, reflections, and practical tools for mind and heart, all under the theme of Black Excellence Unfiltered.
Episodes
Bonus Episode: The Polygamist #Unfiltered
Is The Polygamist really about polygamy - or is it a deeper story about cheating, betrayal, manipulation, and power?
In this episode, Anya and Dr. Tiamo unpack the viral series that has sparked conversations across Africa and the diaspora. They explore why stories of love, betrayal, and complicated relationships resonate so deeply, and examine the difference between consensual non-monogamy and rel
S2.E5 “Healing Through Humanity": Tamanda Namangale on Turning Shame into Purpose
What does it mean to fight for others… without losing yourself?
As part of Mental Health Awareness Month, we’re proud to share this deeply honest conversation with Tamanda Namangale, pre-law student, community organizer, and writer.
From growing up as a Malawian military kid - shaped by movement, discipline, and community to becoming a young leader in politics and immigrant advocacy, Tamanda’s jou
S2.E4 “I Call It African Excellence”: Joe Ekue Kinvi on Identity, Investment & Building Without Borders
What does Black excellence look like when rooted in an African perspective?
In this episode, Anya and Dr Tiamo sit down with Joe Ekue Kinvi, a Togolese-born, Pan-African entrepreneur building the future of investment and innovation across Africa and its diaspora.
From arriving in Ireland at 15 without speaking English, to leading roles at Stripe and Paystack, to now founding Borderless, Joe’s jour
S2.E3 "Being the best I can be": Pendo O'Donohoe on Resilience, Identity & Leadership
In this episode, Anya and Dr. Tiamo sit down with Pendo O’Donohoe, Director of Sales for EMEA Emerging Markets Google Ireland, to explore resilience, leadership, and what it means to navigate identity in spaces where representation is limited.
With nearly 20 years at Google and a career spanning continents, Pendo reflects on the experiences that shaped her journey; from growing up in a Zimbabwean
S2.E2: "Learning to Be Kind to Myself": Caroline Nganga-Anderau on Balance, Healing & Delight
In this episode, we sit down with Caroline, a quantitative UX researcher, global citizen, and storyteller at heart.
Caroline takes us through her journey from an early love of math to a career rooted in using data to influence business strategy and tell stories at Google. Having lived and worked across Kenya, the United States, Ireland, and Switzerland, she reflects on how constant movement shaped
S2.E1: "Believing in Myself & Finding Balance": Eddie Mullon on his Journey from Barefoot Dreamer to Fashion Innovator
In this Season 2 episode of Black Excellence, Unfiltered, hosts Dr. Tiamo and Anya sit down with serial entrepreneur, investor, and fashion-tech pioneer Eddie Mullon for a deeply reflective conversation on ambition, identity, and balance.
Born in Malawi and raised in the UK, Eddie shares how his early experiences; including navigating racism and displacement; shaped his drive to build, innovate, a
Episode 9: "We're still building": A Season of Community, Resillience, and Black Excellence
Season One was a ride - and yes, we were absolutely building the plane while flying it.
In this season finale of Black Excellence Unfiltered, Dr Tiamo and Anya sit down to unpack the lessons, surprises, and behind-the-scenes chaos that shaped their very first season. From the podcast’s humble origins to the unfiltered stories that moved them (and you), the hosts reflect on how Black excellence sho
Bonus Episode: Meet Anya Mhone "Kintsugi: Finding Beauty in Brokenness"
In this bonus episode, Dr. Tiamo sits down with Anya Mhone, global business leader, creator, and co-host of @beupodcast, for a raw and deeply moving conversation about resilience, identity, and the art of healing.
From her roots in Malawi and the loss of her parents at a young age, to her upbringing in the UK, life in New York, and her decade-plus journey at Google; Anya opens up about the experie
Episode 8: "If You Become Your Greatest Self, You'll Set the World on Fire" Nthanda Manduwi on resillience, courage & purpose
In this episode of Black Excellence Unfiltered, hosts Anya and Dr. Tiamo sit down with Nthanda Manduwi (@nthandamanduwi), a Malawian storyteller, techie, entrepreneur, and fearless advocate for youth empowerment and mental health.
Nthanda’s journey from Malawi to New York is anything but ordinary. Along the way, she’s led digital innovation hubs that have impacted over half a million young African
Episode 7: “It's In the Most Vulnerable Moment That You Can Actually Find Strength” Felix Gondwe
In this episode of Black Excellence Unfiltered, co-hosts Anya and Dr. Tiamo sit down with Felix, a Software Engineer at Bloomberg, marathon runner, and coffee and beer enthusiast originally from Malawi.
Felix’s journey has taken him from Malawi the “warm heart of Africa” to the US where he contributed to genetics research for medicine discovery and later worked in California engineering electric v
Episode 6: "I Am My Ancestors’ Wildest Dreams": Tamara Grossett on Purpose, Community & Authenticity
Trigger warning: This episode includes thoughtful discussion of suicide and grief.
In this profoundly moving episode of BEUPOD, we welcome Tamara Grossett—minister, life coach, and intuitive connector—whose story is one of faith, healing, and radical transformation. A woman of quiet strength and deep wisdom, Tamara invites us into her journey across identities, continents, and callings.
Tamara spe
Episode 5: “This is My True Black, African, Malawian Self”: Victor Kamwendo on resilience, passion & representation
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
Episode 4: "Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway": Tetlanyo Lekalake on Identity, Ambition & Courage
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 Bl
Bonus Episode: "When We Say the Struggle's Real, the Numbers Back It Up" - Black Women dating #Unfiltered
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-
Bonus Episode:"How Is Your Heart?" - A Deep Dive into Mental Health
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
Episode 3:"You Have to Be Good Enough So You Cannot Be Ignored": Dumi Kapanga on Intentionality, Vulnerability & Grace
In this episode of Black Excellence Unfiltered, co-hosts Anya and Dr. Tiamo sit down with Dumisani Kapanga to explore his remarkable journey from Malawi to the UK, and ultimately to New York. Dumisani shares how his evolving identity has shaped his experiences in life and career, navigating the challenges of being underestimated, adapting to new environments, and maintaining resilience under press
Bonus Episode: Meet Dr Tiamo Tamale "Make a positive impact on somebody's life"
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,
Episode 2: "Be the Best Version of Yourself": Heather Katsonga - Woodward on living authentically
In this episode, Heather Katsonga Woodward (@TheFinancialPlannerUK) shares her authentic journey, exploring her career path in banking, civil service, and entrepreneurship. Heather discusses her complex identity, the pursuit of financial independence, and the importance of not being boxed into societal labels. She emphasizes the value of social, time, and financial wealth and stresses the importan
Trailer
Highlights from our first episode
Episode 1: "Building the plane while flying"
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 spect
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