Yes Girls Podcast | Do, Be, Learn Something New

We've all done it. Add to cart, checkout, close the app. And then… we wait. But we rarely stop to ask what actually happens behind the scenes.For Season 9, the Yes Girls are going back to basics, looking at how the systems we rely on actually work. For this episode, they're saying yes to something most of us take for granted: healthy eating on the go.So they partnered with Greenspoon to test something bold: can you really get fresh, healthy food delivered to your door in under 45 minutes… without something breaking behind the scenes?To find out, they went straight to the source.Akumu and Claire visited the Greenspoon fulfilment centre to see what really happens after you click "order" - and what they found wasn't robots, sci-fi automation, or even magic. They found people - dozens of people moving fast, thinking faster, and working in sync. So whether yours is a standard order or a GreenspoonGo order, an entire system springs into action the moment you press that button on the app or website.What this episode reveals is the human coordination, care, and intensity behind that beautiful thing we call "convenience." And somewhere along the way, the question shifts. It's no longer just: "How does delivery work?" but: "What does this kind of convenience actually require from other people?"To answer that, Akumu and Claire are joined in the studio (weeks after visiting the fulfillment centre) by Nira Nyangweso, Creative Lead at Greenspoon.____Timestamps to Specific Segments(0:00) Intro(2:59) Meet Nira Nyangweso & the mission behind Greenspoon's take on healthy convenience(5:19) What "convenience" really means behind the scenes at Greenspoon(7:08) The Yes Challenge: how it unfolded(9:21) What actually happens the moment you click "order"(16:03) Where "healthy" really shows up even when convenience is the goal(20:14) The live test: Did our GreenspoonGo order arrive within 45 minutes?(22:03) What happens on the tech side when an order comes in(22:42) Did the Yes Girls succeed with this Yes Challenge?(24:37) Where Greenspoon fits alongside supermarkets, organic markets, and growing your own food(29:37) How 45-minute delivery became possible, and what it depends on(34:59) What's next for Greenspoon(38:55) Common misconceptions about Greenspoon(41:17) What genuinely surprised Akumu and Claire at the fulfilment centre(45:14) Simple ways to start saying yes to healthier eating on the go(49:52) What Nira has recently said yes to(50:21) Outro____Find photos and videos from this Yes Challenge and Yespisode across all social media platforms: @yesgirlspodcastThis episode is proudly brought to you by Greenspoon:Greenspoon is a Nairobi-based online marketplace built on a simple idea: food should be good for you, and good for the world.As a certified B Corp, they're held to high standards of social and environmental responsibility, working closely with local farmers and producers to prioritise transparency, fair partnerships, and responsible sourcing.Their approach is about more than convenience - it's about helping people understand where their food comes from, who made it, and how it gets to them, while making it easier to access fresh, healthy, and high-quality products.Important links:Order on Greenspoon:https://greenspoon.co.keFollow Nira here: https://ke.linkedin.com/in/nira-nyangweso-1132061aa_______If you enjoy the podcast, we love you! And we'd like to ask you to rate us on Spotify - it will only take a couple of seconds, we promise! If you listen to us on Apple Podcasts, please take a moment to leave a brief review. We promise it will take less than a minute unless, of course, you have more to say. In any case, we appreciate you!Thanks in advance!_____________________For video logs, visit https://www.youtube.com/@yesgirlspodcast For blogs, visit https://yesgirlspodcast.com/ Feel free to follow us across these platforms:INSTAGRAM TWITTERLINKEDINTIKTOK

Everyone has an opinion about Gen Z. But what if the real story is what Millennials & everyone else keep getting wrong about them?This Yesticle is a journey back into the Yes Girls archives.Across eight seasons of conversations, a surprising pattern kept appearing: Gen Z. Sometimes as guests, sometimes as the subject of debate, and sometimes defended fiercely by the people we interviewed.But this isn't a Gen Z debate episode, but more like a listening one.It's a carefully curated highlight reel of Claire and Akumu revisiting moments from past Yes Girls conversations that reveal deeper truths about this youthful, complex generation.You'll hear thoughts about:Gen Z self-awarenessYouth civic engagementGenerational identity shiftsEmotional intelligenceExpression through fashion and cultureWhat Millennials are still learningAlong the way, the Yes Girls ask each other the much bigger questions: What have Millennials misunderstood about Gen Z? And what are they forcing older generations to unlearn?This Yesticle features clips from:Episode 46 – Da BoizEpisode 57 – Mantalk with Eli Mwenda and Oscar KoomeEpisode 63 – Adelle OnyangoEpisode 65 – Geoffrey MboyaEpisode 83 – Kavata_______Timestamps to Specific Segments:(0:00) Intro(1:56) Does Gen Z need advice?(4:14) Gen Z being superhuman: civic awareness and engagement(5:25) A prediction that Gen Z might actually save the world(6:14) Gen Z fashion, identity, and "main character energy"(7:46) Gen Z being in touch with their feelings and emotions(10:06) What have Millennials misunderstood about Gen Z?(11:06) What is Gen Z forcing older generations to unlearn?(12:11) Outro___If this episode made you think differently about generational change, share it with someone who should hear it.Follow us everywhere: @yesgirlspodcastAnd tell us: What do you think older generations still misunderstand about Gen Z?___If you enjoy the podcast, we love you! And we'd like to ask you to rate us on Spotify - it will only take a couple of seconds, we promise! If you listen to us on Apple Podcasts, please take a moment to leave a brief review. We promise it will take less than a minute unless, of course, you have more to say. In any case, we appreciate you!Thanks in advance!_____________________For video logs, visit https://www.youtube.com/@yesgirlspodcast For blogs, visit https://yesgirlspodcast.com/ Feel free to follow us across these platforms:INSTAGRAM TWITTERLINKEDINTIKTOK

Leadership isn't something you're born into. Most of the time, it's something you grow into, quietly, incrementally, and often without realising that the weight has already shifted onto your shoulders.In this Yesticle, Akumu and Claire sit down (for the second time) with Kenyan business leader and board executive Dr. Laila Macharia to talk about what becoming a CEO really asks of a person: not the aesthetic version of leadership, and certainly not the motivational quote version, but the lived kind - the one shaped by responsibility, range, and consequence.Laila's path was not a straight line toward a corner office. She moved through law, real estate, entrepreneurship, angel investing, and digital education before leadership became the thread tying it all together.Beyond being Vice-Chair of Centum, and having sat on the board of ABSA Kenya, among others, she now leads Imaginable Futures in the region. But none of those titles tell the full story. What matters more is how each chapter required her to stretch into a different version of herself.In this episode, we explore:The biggest misconception about becoming a CEOThe invisible emotional weight of leadershipWhat women in Kenyan corporate spaces navigate quietlyThe difference between founders and "ship steerers"The boring but powerful habits board-level leaders shareAnd one small, reversible step anyone can take toward leadership this yearThis conversation is for anyone curious about becoming a CEO, navigating leadership as a woman, or understanding what executive responsibility actually feels like.Whether you are building something from scratch or growing inside an existing institution, the question underneath it all remains the same:Who are you becoming as your responsibility grows?Because the title is only the surface.The real transformation happens underneath.________Timestamps to Specific Segments:(0:00) Intro(02:00) Meet Dr. Laila Macharia: board leader, female CEO, and corporate executive(04:13) Starting from the bottom: how her leadership journey actually began(06:53) Do you need to "get your hands dirty" to become a leader?(07:53) The biggest myths about becoming a CEO or senior leader(10:50) The invisible challenges and advantages of being a female CEO(12:38) Seeing the forest and the trees: strategic thinking vs operational leadership(16:41) Breaking the glass ceiling: practical advice for women in leadership(19:54) The "boring" habits of successful CEOs and board-level leaders(24:08) Founder DNA vs CEO DNA: what type of leader is needed (and when)?(29:52) Stepping into a new leadership role: her move to Imaginable Futures(33:25) One small, reversible step toward leadership this year(39:54) What Laila has recently said yes to(40:27) Outro____________________Follow Laila Machari on LinkedIn:https://ke.linkedin.com/in/laila-machariaLearn more about her:https://imaginablefutures.com/team-member/laila-macharia/Listen to the other episode we've done with Dr. Laila Macharia:Episode 64: Saying yes to Critical Thinking (or scroll up or down right now in this pod feed to find it)____________________If you enjoy the podcast, we love you! And we'd like to ask you to rate us on Spotify - it will only take a couple of seconds, we promise! If you listen to us on Apple Podcasts, please take a moment to leave a brief review. We promise it will take less than a minute unless, of course, you have more to say. In any case, we appreciate you!Thanks in advance!_____________________For video logs, visit https://www.youtube.com/@yesgirlspodcast For blogs, visit https://yesgirlspodcast.com/ Feel free to follow us across these platforms:INSTAGRAM TWITTERLINKEDINTIKTOK

They said yes to curiosity. This Gen Z said yes to dressing them accordingly.For this yesticle, Akumu and Claire flip the generational script and invite a real Gen Z voice into the studio, not just to talk, but to style them, challenge them, and help them rethink what identity, fashion, and power look like today in the teenage and young adult world.Introducing the youngest guest expert, thus far, Annet Kavata. Kavata is a medical student at Aga Khan University, Founding President of Girl Up AKU, and a climate justice innovator working at the intersection of youth leadership, sustainability, and social change in Kenya.What starts as a playful Millennial-to-Gen Z makeover quickly becomes a deeper conversation about:what Gen Z fashion actually representshow young people use style as identity, armour, and expressionthe pressure of being labelled "Gen Z"generational stereotypes and power dynamicsyouth activism, climate justice, and leadership in AfricaThis isn't a generational showdown. It's a conversation, curious, slightly chaotic, and surprisingly insightful, about what we miss when we reduce whole generations to memes. It's about putting us in the same room, handing over the reins, and seeing what we learn when we stop judging each other and start paying closer attention.Expect humour, chaos, cultural commentary, and a few unexpected realisations...all styled in one very Gen Z-approved outfit.____Timestamps to Specific Segments:(0:00) Intro(02:04) Meet Kavata: Gen Z, And Make It Accomplished(04:38) What Is Gen Z Style Anyway?(06:00) The Millennial → Dress Like a Gen Z Challenge/Game(16:38) Mic Off, Cameras Off: The Gen Z Makeover Explained(20:48) What Gen Z Fashion Says About Identity & Power(22:24) Being Labelled "Gen Z": Empowering or Limiting?(23:51) Fashion & Mood; Gender & 'My Dress My Choice'(25:35) Zooming Out: Style, Age, Visibility, Sexuality & Femininity(29:11) Beyond the Outfit: Kavata's Work With Climate Action & Beyond(31:37) Final Thoughts: Saying Yes To Gen Z Fashion Or Something New(33:40) What Kavata Has Recently Said Yes To(34:53) Outro_____Important Links:The Dress Like a Gen Z Yes Challenge:https://drive.google.com/file/d/13XA-TlWVyJODfxvLrnFtrf_tt-fuP4GG/view?usp=sharingFollow Kavata:https://www.linkedin.com/in/annet-kavata-a3014b260https://www.instagram.com/missk.avata/____________________If you enjoy the podcast, we love you! And we'd like to ask you to rate us on Spotify - it will only take a couple of seconds, we promise! If you listen to us on Apple Podcasts, please take a moment to leave a brief review. We promise it will take less than a minute unless, of course, you have more to say. In any case, we appreciate you!Thanks in advance!_____________________For video logs, visit https://www.youtube.com/@yesgirlspodcast For blogs, visit https://yesgirlspodcast.com/ Feel free to follow us across these platforms:INSTAGRAM TWITTERLINKEDINTIKTOK

Thinking about starting a podcast? Or maybe you've been overthinking it for three years? This Yesticle is the sign you didn't know you were waiting for.In this delightfully meta episode, Akumu and Claire sit down with two titans of podcasting, i.e., the Podfathers: Dan Aceda, founder of SemaBox and creative powerhouse, and Kevin Y. Brown, Head of Strategy at Afripods and producer of over 1,000 podcast episodes.Together, they unpack the questions people always ask: Why start a podcast? | What makes a podcast good (not just popular)? | How do you even begin? | Is video really taking over the industry? | Where is podcasting headed in Kenya and across Africa?So whether you're an aspiring podcaster or simply curious about the audio-verse, this conversation is equal parts humour, wisdom, and insanely practical insights.Key takeaways:1. Why people fall in love with podcastsAuthenticity, trust, intimacy, community... everything mainstream media struggles with.2. How to know if podcasting is for youYour purpose, your voice, and your willingness to show up consistently.3. The #1 beginner mistakeNot knowing your why. Listen to Dan and Kevin's take on the how-to of why.4. The myth of "success = big numbers"Engagement, longevity, and connection consistently outperform vanity metrics.5. Video vs. audio?Welcome to reality: video is huge. Can audio-first creators handle it?6. African creators are just getting startedLocal stories, diverse perspectives, and closely-knit communities are driving change.________Timestamps for Specific Segments:(0:00) Intro(2:05) Meet the guests: Dan & Kevin(7:13) Why podcasting is special(10:22) Podcasting vs traditional media(21:17) Tips for new podcasters(25:00) What truly measures podcast success(35:38) Audio-first vs video-first(41:28) Types of podcasts + Africa's unique landscape(47:06) Podcasts Dan + Kevin love(54:06) What they've recently said YES to(58:19) Outro_______After listening, you'll either say:"YES, I'm starting a podcast tomorrow,"or"Ah. Maybe podcasting isn't my ministry... and that's fine."Both outcomes? Iconic.And if you know someone who's been saying "I want to start a podcast" since 2019 and still hasn't recorded a single trailer… send this to them.This might finally be the nudge (or slap) they need to say "YES."________Important links:Learn more about Dan Aceda:https://top40.businessdailyafrica.com/candidates/dan-aceda/https://youtu.be/_isin6agLYc?si=K77s2q2bpoTCNhV6https://open.spotify.com/artist/5ebuGfmupgyNhfYvfj3txkFollow Dan Aceda:https://www.instagram.com/danaceda/Learn more about SemaBox:https://semabox.africa/Learn more about Kevin Y. Brown:https://kevinybrown.com/Follow Kevin Y. Brown:https://www.instagram.com/kevinybrown/Learn more about Afripods:https://www.afripods.africaList of podcasts mentioned in this episode:The RetrievalsAfriWetuSolar Maverick PodcastLegally CluelessFor Mannerless WomenSo this is loveJoy Ride3 truths, no liesDOACThe AI daily briefChooseFiEarn Your LeisureTropical MBA________If you enjoy the podcast, we love you! And we'd like to ask you to rate us on Spotify - it will only take a couple of seconds, we promise! If you listen to us on Apple Podcasts, please take a moment to leave a brief review. We promise it will take less than a minute unless, of course, you have more to say. In any case, we appreciate you!Thanks in advance!_____________________For video logs, visit https://www.youtube.com/@yesgirlspodcast For blogs, visit https://yesgirlspodcast.com/ Feel free to follow us across these platforms:INSTAGRAM TWITTERLINKEDINTIKTOK

For this Yesticle, the Yes Girls take a more serious turn. No yesing, no games - just a deeply important conversation that too many women, couples, and families struggle with in silence.This mini episode explores infertility, IVF, surrogacy, egg and sperm donation, and the evolving legal frameworks around Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) in Kenya.Akumu and Claire sit down with Sandra Opiyo, founder of Nina Misaro Associates Advocates, an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya, and one of the country's most passionate voices in ART Law, to unpack the rights, risks, realities, and emotional toll of navigating fertility challenges today.Whether you're considering fertility treatment, supporting someone, or simply curious about how law and reproductive health intersect, this episode gives you clarity, grounding, and crucial information._____Timestamps to Specific Segments:(0:00) Intro(1:59) Meet Sandra Opiyo - lawyer and specialist in Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) law(2:53) Explaining the terms: What is Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART)? (+ IUI and IVF?)(5:38) Where and why must the law intervene, and what are the consequences of unregulated reproduction?(9:42) How the law is evolving around ART & reproductive rights in Kenya(11:55) Countries with forward-thinking and comprehensive legal frameworks governing reproductive health and ART(14:13) Legal protections for intended parents and surrogates(15:45) Topics gaining attention in the ART space: robot surrogacy, designer babies, reproductive autonomy, egg/embryo freezing & fertility preservation, posthumous sperm extraction, sperm donor limits and regulations (e.g., the Jonathan Jacob Meijer case - The Man With 1000 Kids)(33:25) Sandra's advice for anyone seeking ART services: what to do when you can't get pregnant & what to know before starting any ART process(35:50) The stigma surrounding fertility struggles, infertility, and reproductive autonomy in Africa(42:41) What Sandra has recently said yes to(44:09) Outro______If you've ever wondered about infertility, IVF, surrogacy, or reproductive rights in Kenya, this conversation will give you clarity you didn't even realise you were missing.Once you've listened, pass it on.Infertility is more common and emotionally complex than people think. Women deserve informed consent, protection, and support — and families deserve empathy, not pressure. Sharing this episode might help someone finally feel seen.____________________If you enjoy the podcast, we love you! And we'd like to ask you to rate us on Spotify - it will only take a couple of seconds, we promise! If you listen to us on Apple Podcasts, please take a moment to leave a brief review. We promise it will take less than a minute unless, of course, you have more to say. In any case, we appreciate you!Thanks in advance!_____________________For video logs, visit https://www.youtube.com/@yesgirlspodcast For blogs, visit https://yesgirlspodcast.com/ Feel free to follow us across these platforms:INSTAGRAM TWITTERLINKEDINTIKTOK

We're letting the internet guide our love lives. Which is obviously a terrible idea - so we said "Yes" and proceeded to hit record.This one's a Yesticle (our naughty, short, and sweet mini-episode) and for it, we're saying yes to chaos by diving headfirst into the spiciest, pettiest, and most painfully relatable relationship videos on TikTok. "Relatable" depending on whether you are asking Akumu or Claire.So join in as they react to viral dating hot takes, sex confessions, and moments of pure emotional damage... but cute. Or not?!We know it's not our usual deep dive, but this season, we're not just saying yes to new experiences; we're saying yes to sex, romance, red flags, and delulu dreams.Basically, it's giving scroll foreplay.___Timestamps for Specific Segments(0:00) Intro(2:39) Video 1: Should we announce our body counts?!?(9:02) Video 2: Should we decenter men and get money from them?!?(14:09) Video 3: Should we avoid falling in love too fast and trick men into revealing their bad sides early on?!?(22:35) Did they learn anything from the videos?(23:37) Outro___Here are the videos we reacted to:Video 1: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1xQcCs5rXXQaCL9kaElDXz9JB3hpVztwT/view?usp=sharingVideo 2: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Xc8LbfV5VTw2AVThHeBZ0rWt83RRizuk/view?usp=sharing Video 3: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1hP8_KzR9e5P4ZIJ0ZOFxJ8MaquTIj0ak/view?usp=sharing ________Tune in to hear how or whether the Yes Girls apply the internet lessons from a curious scroller's intent to better understand (and judge) what's trending, why they are trending, or if they should.The focus? Sex and relationships.So whether you're married, in a situationship, or still ghosted by that guy from 2002, this one's for you.Trust us, you're gonna want to hear and argue about what we found.Don't just lurk - drop a comment, say yes, hit follow, and get weird with us!Keep saying Yes!_______If you enjoy the podcast, we love you! And we'd like to ask you to rate us on Spotify - it will only take a couple of seconds, we promise! If you listen to us on Apple Podcasts, please take a moment to leave a brief review. We promise it will take less than a minute unless, of course, you have more to say. In any case, we appreciate you!Thanks in advance!_____________________For video logs, visit https://www.youtube.com/@yesgirlspodcast For blogs, visit https://yesgirlspodcast.com/ Feel free to follow us across these platforms:INSTAGRAM TWITTERLINKEDINTIKTOK

Time to revisit the best and strangest moments from some gr-8 challenges! Join Claire and Akumu as they guide you through the Yeses, Guesses, Messes, and Successes of Season 8.They recap six odd yet profound Yes Challenges they stumbled into and share invaluable lessons and timeless wisdom gleaned from the six incredible guest experts.Timestamps(0:00) Introduction(2:32) Which Season 8 Yes challenge(s) would Akumu and Claire do again?(4:09) Let's play a game: Who's most likely to…..?(9:16) Which Season 8 challenge(s) excited them the most?(11:05) Why wellness and wellbeing are so important to Akumu(12:44) Why did "sex" join the Yes Girls' list of challenges after seven seasons?(14:01) What was the biggest Season 8 surprise?(15:10) What from Season 8 will stay with them the most?(18:23) OutroIn reverse chronological order, this Yesticle touches on the following Season 8 Yespisodes:Episode 78: Saying yes to travelling like a millennial w/ Magunga WilliamsEpisode 77: Saying yes to hobbying like a gamer w/ Queen ArrowEpisode 76: Saying yes to knowing your body like an older woman w/ Maurice MathekaEpisode 75: Saying yes to being sexually awakened like a traditionalist w/ Harriet Chebet Ng'ok & Harriet's BotanicalsEpisode 74: Saying yes to finding fulfilment like a Gen X w/ Sieka GatabakiEpisode 73: Saying yes to living like you're plant-based w/ Leah NduatiThis quick mini-episode is your definitive reminder: stepping outside your comfort zone is always worth it! Listen for some tangible advantages of saying YES and trying new experiences.Got a thought, a challenge, or feedback? Don't just listen—DM the Yes Girls on Instagram, X, LinkedIn or TikTok, or drop a comment below. We can't wait to hear from you.Keep saying YES!_______If you enjoy the podcast, we love you! And we'd like to ask you to rate us on Spotify - it will only take a couple of seconds, we promise! If you listen to us on Apple Podcasts, please take a moment to leave a brief review. We promise it will take less than a minute unless, of course, you have more to say. In any case, we appreciate you!Thanks in advance!_____________________For video logs, visit https://www.youtube.com/@yesgirlspodcast For blogs, visit https://yesgirlspodcast.com/ Feel free to follow us across these platforms:INSTAGRAM TWITTERLINKEDINTIKTOK

Are you an Akumu, Claire or Magunga type of traveller? Well, you'll find out soon enough. And whether you are a millennial or not, you've come to the right place.In this Yespisode, Akumu says yes to a challenge that many of us are intimately familiar with: dreaming about a dream destination and planning for it, even before your wallet is on board!With Claire listening in and learning alongside you, the Yes Girls explore the world of DIY travel planning, solo sojourns, and the ever-elusive dream travel lifestyle. This episode is packed with wanderlust wishes, stories, lessons, and travel hacks to help you cure your wanderlust, millennial-style.To help them navigate the modern traveller's landscape, they're joined by Magunga Williams (@themagunga), a renowned photographer, writer, and traveller. He'll share his expert advice on everything from finding authentic experiences and moving beyond the bucket list to why you might want to skip the out-of-continent trip and get to the real heart of a closer destination. For Magunga, travel isn't about ticking off items on a list; it's about seeing the world and documenting every unique moment.___Timestamps for Specific Segments:(0:00) Intro(6:05) Meet Magunga Williams & What Travel Means to Him(8:07) The Travel Planning Yes Challenge Set for Akumu (a Former Digital Nomad)(9:13) Akumu Describes Her Dream Escape Destination: Salvador(15:25) Akumu Talks About Her Delulu Dream Escape Pinterest Board(16:19) Are You a "Museum Person" When Travelling?(17:52) Group Travel Rule Number 1: Be an Independent Human(21:29) Decoding Millennial Travel: 3 Non-Negotiable Things You'd Pack(26:10) Being Pessimistic When Planning or Packing + Important Travel Hacks(30:14) Foodie Travel / Culinary Tourism: Are You a Foodie? (33:23) Stomach Issues, Food Poisoning & Being Food Adventurous?!(36:52) What is Your Definition of Adventure Travel?(39:32) To Really Know Someone, Travel/Hike With Them!(41:23) Layovers: Wait in The Airport or Leave The Airport?(45:07) Top Budget Travel Tips, i.e. Thinking Out of The Box(52:15) Magunga Rates Akumu's Delulu Dream Escape Efforts Out of 10(54:40) What Other Generations Can Learn From Millennials & Millennial Travel(57:44) Documentation (Taking Photos & Videos) vs. Being Completely Present (1:05:07) What is on Magunga's Bucket List & Why?(1:07:16) Decoding Millennial Travel: Final Rapid Fire Questions(1:11:13) Key Takeaways(1:13:35) What Magunga Has Recently Said Yes to(1:14:11) Season Bye-Byes & Outro___Whether you're a seasoned backpacker or just dreaming of your next getaway, this episode is packed with personal stories, honest advice, and varied insights into adventure travel and culinary tourism. Akumu even shares her "delulu itinerary" for a trip to Brazil, a journey filled with vibrant cultural immersion and rich cultural experiences.Tune in for a bold, healing, and radically honest conversation that reminds us all: you don't just deserve to travel. You were built to explore.____Important Links:Akumu's Dream Escape Pinterest Board for this Yes Challenge:https://pin.it/6cUnU3QQpFollow Magunga online:https://www.magunga.com/https://www.instagram.com/themagunga/Learn more about Salvador:https://visitbrasil.com/en/location/salvador-en/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=53qpaG8Q2OA&pp=0gcJCdgAo7VqN5tD____________________If you enjoy the podcast, we love you! And we'd like to ask you to rate us on Spotify - it will only take a couple of seconds, we promise! If you listen to us on Apple Podcasts, please take a moment to leave a brief review. We promise it will take less than a minute unless, of course, you have more to say. In any case, we appreciate you!Thanks in advance!_____________________For video logs, visit https://www.youtube.com/@yesgirlspodcast For blogs, visit https://yesgirlspodcast.com/ Feel free to follow us across these platforms:INSTAGRAM TWITTERLINKEDINTIKTOK

Here's what happens when a complete newbie with zero hand-eye coordination says yes to Tekken 8 with the help of Kenya's top esports queen. One crazy Yes challenge, some wild combos, and an eye-opening Yespisode.For this one, Claire picked up a controller and threw herself into the high-speed, high-stakes world of fighting games, with Akumu spectating and silently (okay, loudly) judging from the sidelines. It was her first time doing a combo challenge: the kind where timing, strategy, and lightning reflexes are the name of the game.And guiding her through it all was Sylvia Gathoni Wahome, better known as QueenArrow (@thequeenarrow98) - a trailblazing Kenyan Tekken pro, content creator, Kenya's first Red Bull athlete, and Forbes Africa 30 Under 30 honouree.In this episode, Sylvia breaks down what it really takes to make it in esports, shares how she balances law school with pro gaming (yes, she's doing both), and offers advice to anyone thinking of entering the gaming scene.Along the way, this conversation weaves through the evolution of gaming to the vibrant global communities you can now join right from your console. It also touches on the challenges of being a young female in a male-dominated industry that wasn't built with Africa in mind, as Sylvia points out.Make no mistake: there's more to modern gaming than just flashy graphics.Today, it comes with real discipline and real money. Whether it's through livestreaming, influencing, or climbing the ranks in esports competitions, gaming today is serious business.___Timestamps for Specific Segments:(0:00) Intro(4:19) Meet Sylvia Gathoni Wahome aka QueenArrow(6:33) The Tekken Yes Challenge Sylvia Set for Claire(7:37) What Exactly is a Combo?(9:13) Claire's Experience With Video Games(11:24) Claire's Experience Doing This Yes Challenge(18:26) Do You Need a Coach as a Pro Gamer?(21:16) Are the Yes Girls Cut Out For Pro Gaming?(23:55) Sylvia Rates Claire's Efforts(26:05) Sylvia's Journey From Hobbyist to Pro Gamer(29:15) A Day in the Life of a Pro Gamer(31:29) What's the Hardest Thing About Pro Gaming?(33:51) On Sylvia Balancing Both Law and Pro Gaming(35:12) The Challenges of Being Both African and Female in Gaming(40:43) Sylvia's Advice for Anyone Who Wants to Get Started(43:09) Key Takeaways(45:22) What Sylvia Has Recently Said Yes to(45:59) Outro___Fun fact: The biggest entertainment industry in the world isn't big screen productions, music, or even TV. It's gaming - pulling in over $200 billion a year as of 2025. That's more than film and music combined.So if you're still thinking gaming is just for teens/tweens in basements, this episode might just change your mind. Claire gave it a shot. Sylvia rated her performance. And now it's your turn to press play.Important ResourcesFollow & learn more about Sylvia:https://www.instagram.com/thequeenarrow98https://www.tiktok.com/@thequeenarrow98https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/QueenArrowGaming Industry stats:https://www.mordorintelligence.com/industry-reports/global-gaming-marketTekken 8:https://en.bandainamcoent.eu/tekken/tekken-8Steam:https://store.steampowered.com/about/Video game genres:https://www.hp.com/us-en/shop/tech-takes/video-game-genres*******If you enjoy the podcast, we love you! And we'd like to ask you to rate us on Spotify - it will only take a couple of seconds, we promise! If you listen to us on Apple Podcasts, please take a moment to leave a brief review. We promise it will take less than a minute unless, of course, you have more to say. In any case, we appreciate you!Thanks in advance!_____________________For video logs, visit https://www.youtube.com/@yesgirlspodcast For blogs, visit https://yesgirlspodcast.com/ Feel free to follow us across these platforms:INSTAGRAM TWITTERLINKEDINTIKTOK

What happens when a woman over 30 decides it's time to truly know her body, not just anatomically, but sensually, emotionally, and unapologetically? In this Yespisode, Akumu says yes to one of the most intimate challenges yet: reclaiming her body (and her pleasure) - without shame.With Claire listening in and learning alongside you, the Yes Girls dive into the world of sexual intelligence, somatic awareness, and body literacy — led by none other than Maurice Matheka, a certified sex therapist since 2002 and your go-to guru for turning awkward moans into toe-curling yes moments.Whether he's untangling relationship knots or helping couples (and singles) hit the right rhythm, Maurice is all about ditching shame and mastering the fine art of satisfaction. For him, great sex isn't just chemistry, it's communication, confidence, and knowing exactly what hits the spot (yes, THAT spot)… then asking for it, out loud._____Timestamps for Specific Segments:(0:00) Intro(4:51) Introducing Maurice Matheka and the Yes Challenge(8:09) Akumu shares her experience(10:42) Kegels during sex?! Do they work?(13:07) Are men simply semen dispensers?(14:58) Setting sexual expectations & having such conversations(17:50) The conditioning necessary for a woman to have an orgasm(20:42) Sexual pleasure vs. romance or romantic notions?!(26:19) Women encouraging their husbands or long-term partners(30:46) Is women's sexual peak connected to maturity or vulva changes?(32:15) Long-term relationships & obligational sex(33:52) Penis girth & vagina depth/alignment - do they matter?(35:04) Body shape changes and penis shrinkage?!(36:41) The challenges of trying to spice things up in the bedroom(39:38) A man's diet & how it can affect his erection(42:28) Maurice rates Akumu's efforts in this Yes Challenge(49:11) Societal shame vs. self pleasure & women being taught to hate their body(52:00) If you're a woman who's never had an orgasm, where do you even start?!(53:50) Long-term relationship tips, rekindling the sexual spark & the importance of out-of-town role playing for sexual pleasure(1:01:58) A small thing anyone can start doing today for a better sex life(1:06:40) What Maurice has recently said "yes" to(1:08:36) Outro_____Together, Maurice and Akumu unpack what it means to be intimate with yourself before anyone else, and the rest of the discussion explores everything from pleasure as self-care and feminine embodiment to the long process of unlearning sexual shame. This episode isn't about being provocative or clickbait-y; it's about being present, curious, and empowered in your skin.If you've ever felt disconnected from your partner or your body, confused about what you enjoy, or silenced by outdated beliefs around sex and sensuality, this one's for you.Tune in for a bold, healing, and radically honest conversation that reminds us all: you don't just deserve pleasure. You were built for it._______Important resources:Find Maurice online:https://mauricetherapy.comFollow him:https://www.facebook.com/maurice.mathekamakauhttps://www.tiktok.com/@maurice_therapy254https://www.instagram.com/mauricemathekahttps://x.com/mauricetherapyWhat is an akashic record:https://www.britannica.com/topic/Akashic-record____________________If you enjoy the podcast, we love you! And we'd like to ask you to rate us on Spotify - it will only take a couple of seconds, we promise! If you listen to us on Apple Podcasts, please take a moment to leave a brief review. We promise it will take less than a minute unless, of course, you have more to say. In any case, we appreciate you!Thanks in advance!_____________________For video logs, visit https://www.youtube.com/@yesgirlspodcast For blogs, visit https://yesgirlspodcast.com/ Feel free to follow us across these platforms:INSTAGRAM TWITTERLINKEDINTIKTOK

Ever found yourself side-eyeing modern medical interventions and reaching for that mysterious bottle of herbal tonic your aunt swears by? You're not alone.In this Yespisode, the Yes Girls explore how traditional medicine and herbal remedies aren't just about wellness, they're about feeling more connected, confident, and even sexually awakened. From ancestral concoctions to holistic care practices, they explore how these interventions are helping people, especially women, reclaim their health, sensuality, and sense of self.This episode is brought to you by Harriet's Botanicals (@harrietsbotanicals): they offer trusted reproductive, digestive, and wellness products sourced directly from traditional herbal practitioners, reconnecting urban customers with the wisdom of their roots. They work hand in hand with communities in Kenya's Southern Rift Valley to sustainably cultivate indigenous herbs and protect ancestral knowledge, thereby restoring a relationship among people, plants, and place.Timestamps for Specific Segments(0:00) Intro(3:55) Meet Harriet Chebet Ng'ok(7:22) More about Harriet's Botanicals(8:21) What was the exact Yes Challenge Akumu and Claire said "yes" to(12:02) Describing the visit to Harriet's Botanicals factory(13:03) History of the company: the first five years(17:09) How the COVID-19 pandemic affected the business(18:59) On women's reproductive health, not getting enough attention or positive interventions(24:59) Link between women's reproductive health and sexual wellbeing(26:46) Harriet's thoughts on libido and the sexual wellness revolution(27:43) Harriet rates the Yes Girl's efforts with the Yes Challenge(28:44) The range of products and their unique names(31:38) The types of women who seek out plant-based healing & herbal remedies - urban & rural women(34:17) Overlapping modern science with traditional medicine/allopathic medicine/homoeopathic remedies(42:22) Harriet's thoughts on perimenopause and menopause(48:03) Harriet's definition of sexual awakening(52:45) Advice for anyone who wants to get started with herbal remedies & plant-based healing(55:27) Key takeaways from the entire conversation(57:33) What Harriet has recently said "yes" to(58:13) Outro__________The guest expert of this episode is Harriet Chebet Ng'ok, founder of Harriet's Botanicals. Before embracing her calling as a "miti-shamba-ress" or a traditional healing practitioner, Harriet led a high-powered career in global finance and investment.For this one, Harriet guided Claire and Akumu through a bold Yes Challenge rooted in traditional herbal medicine and botanical healing, helping them explore plant-based solutions for vitality, energy, and, yes, even libido. Yes, the Girls tested the power of phytotherapy in under a day.But please note: this episode isn't about rejecting modern medicine; it's about expanding the conversation. So whether you're sceptical, curious, or already have a stash of herbal remedies in your kitchen cabinet, this one's for you.Important resourcesFollow Harriethttps://www.linkedin.com/in/harriet-ng-ok-237ab32Learn about Harriet's Botanicalshttps://harrietsbotanicals.co.ke/Women's health myths and factshttps://www.morelandobgyn.com/blog/gynecology-mythsGender bias vs. women's healthhttps://magazine.hms.harvard.edu/articles/how-gender-bias-medicine-has-shaped-womens-health___________If you enjoy the podcast, we love you! And we'd like to ask you to rate us on Spotify - it will only take a few seconds, we promise! If you listen to us on Apple Podcasts, please take a moment to leave a brief review. We promise it will take less than a minute unless, of course, you have more to say. In any case, we appreciate you!Thanks in advance!_____________________For video logs, visit https://www.youtube.com/@yesgirlspodcast For blogs, visit https://yesgirlspodcast.com/ Feel free to follow us across these platforms:INSTAGRAM TWITTERLINKEDINTIKTOK

Ever feel stretched thin by career pressure, constant notifications, and the creeping sense of burnout? In this Yespisode, the Yes Girls explore the overwhelming world of screen time, tech-life balance, and the need for self-reflection and intentional living - all through the empowering Yes Challenge of a digital detox.To help unpack it all, they turn to those who've weathered waves of technological and cultural shifts - our Gen Xers. This episode's guest expert is Sieka Gatabaki, Program Director for Mercy Corps AgriFin. With over 16 years of experience in digital innovation and business strategy — including leadership roles at Airtel Africa and Airtel Kenya, as well as advisory work with IFC - Sieka brings deep insight into navigating life and ambition in this digital age.He helps Claire face the challenge of unplugging - not just by reducing screen time, but by practising mindfulness, confronting digital dependence, and learning how to reconnect with herself in the process. Together, they explore self-care strategies that go beyond just me-time; from practical tech management hacks to life-altering shifts in how we define productivity.Timestamps for Specific Segments(0:00) Intro(2:08) The effects of excessive screen time(3:30) Meet the guest expert, Sieka Gatabaki(5:19) The exact digital detox challenges that Claire said "yes" to(6:38) Claire's experience trying to achieve tech-life balance(10:38) Adding the no-screen-time rule to your morning routine(15:43) The importance of boredom, quiet time, and stillness(18:51) Turning off phone notifications for less stress/anxiety(21:00) The beauty and satisfaction of being fully present with people(25:51) Which one's more fulfilling and more difficult: the long or the short "digital detox"?(29:10) Consuming versus creating on social media(30:00) Sieka rates Claire's efforts with the Yes Challenge(32:22) Allowing or not allowing screen time with kids as parents(34:09) The importance of a digital detox for self-reflection & intentional living(37:22) How to recognise and find "fulfilment"(46:25) Do introverts find it easier to unplug?(49:44) Simple steps you can take towards reducing unnecessary screen time(54:51) Key takeaways from the entire conversation(57:10) What Sieka has recently said "yes" to(58:01) Outro____________This conversation is more than just a trend check — it's a reflection on how mental health, wellness, and true fulfilment can emerge when we intentionally choose to pause. Whether you're a Gen X veteran, Millennial multitasker, or Gen Z scroller, you'll walk away with tools to reclaim your attention, reduce burnout, and create space for what truly matters.Tune in for a powerful wellness journey — one that invites you to log off, live on, and build a life that nourishes you from the inside out.Important Resources:Effects of excessive screen time:https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11469-019-00182-2https://longevity.stanford.edu/lifestyle/2024/05/30/what-excessive-screen-time-does-to-the-adult-brain/https://lifestylemedicine.stanford.edu/screen-time-and-sleep-its-different-for-adults/_________If you enjoy the podcast, we love you! And we'd like to ask you to rate us on Spotify - it will only take a few seconds, we promise!If you listen to us on Apple Podcasts, please take a moment to leave a brief review. We promise it will take less than a minute unless, of course, you have more to say.In any case, we appreciate you!Thanks in advance!For video logs, visit https://www.youtube.com/@yesgirlspodcastFor blogs, visit https://yesgirlspodcast.com/Feel free to follow us across these platforms:INSTAGRAMTWITTERLINKEDINTIKTOK

How often do you crave vibrant energy and a renewed connection with your food? How often do you wonder if there's a way to nourish your body with the purest ingredients nature has to offer.For this first episode of Season 8 and a sequel to the first ever episode, the Yes Girls dive headfirst into the world of raw veganism with guest expert and certified Yes Girl, the radiant Leah Nduati (@rawveganprincess_), founder of Yoga Experiences Africa (@yogaexperiencesafrica), a health and wellness thought leader and entrepreneur, and a seasoned raw vegan explorer.Timestamps to Specific Segments:(0:00) Intro(1:54) Things you should know about vegan/plant-based/meat-free diets(3:34) Meet Leah Nduati, self-made plant-based guest expert(4:42) The actual raw plant-based yes challenge that was set for Akumu(6:45) How Akumu said yes to this challenge(9:32) Challenges and effects of being on a raw plant-based diet(19:18) Leah gives Akumu her rating for her 2.5-day raw plant-based challenge(22:12) Factors that would have made the challenge much harder for Akumu(24:03) Factors that make this lifestyle more complicated for Leah(25:52) Rules/concessions that you can create when trying this lifestyle(27:23) Raw plant-based diets versus different climates and seasons(29:21) Leah's journey towards a vegetarian, then vegan, then raw vegan lifestyle(35:30) On toxins leaving the body when you're on a raw vegan diet(36:32) Can you still enjoy food and enjoy what you are eating as a vegan?(38:04) Leah's most important consideration when making lifestyle choices(40:19) Does Leah judge other people's lifestyles or subscribe to the "to each their own" philosophy? (44:17) A beginner's guide to getting started with a raw vegan lifestyle(51:27) Where you can find Leah and what she has recently said yes to(53:32) Outro__________Join us as Akumu embarks on a personal raw vegan diet challenge, meaning she gets to navigate the exciting journey of going raw vegan as a beginner. Leah shares her invaluable insights on what it means to go raw vegan, offering practical tips for anyone curious about this lifestyle, whether you're aiming for a short-term cleanse or considering becoming a raw vegan for life.We unpack everything from crafting a delicious raw vegan meal plan to understanding the potential benefits and addressing common challenges as well as questions surrounding a raw vegan lifestyle. Get ready to discover the incredible world of raw vegan food and learn how to embrace a vibrant, plant-powered existence.So, whether you're considering a raw vegan diet or simply curious about the experience, tune in for a candid discussion that may inspire you to take your own leap into the unknown.Important resourcesThe raw vegan yes challenge meal plan Akumu had to follow:https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-iMFxLrFfyaoErWEAmCK0V-9IGQK7PrO/view?usp=sharingFollow Leah Nduati and her raw vegan lifestyle here:https://www.instagram.com/rawveganprincess_Gillian Berry: the raw vegan thought leader Leah mentioned: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJqC8Y95CBmUTSh32IngDRAThe 70-year-old woman who looks 30-something Leah mentioned:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O6oJA_xhTa8The Wheel of Life self-assessment tool that Leah mentioned:https://www.betterup.com/blog/wheel-of-lifeYespisodes related to this one:Episode 1: Saying yes to being veganEpisode 26: Saying to being yoga enthusiasts________If you enjoy the podcast, we love you! And we'd like to ask you to rate us on Spotify - it will only take a few seconds, we promise!If you listen to us on Apple Podcasts, please take a moment to leave a brief review. We promise it will take less than a minute unless, of course, you have more to say.In any case, we appreciate you!Thanks in advance!For video logs, visit https://www.youtube.com/@yesgirlspodcastFor blogs, visit https://yesgirlspodcast.com/Feel free to follow us across these platforms:INSTAGRAMTWITTERLINKEDINTIKTOK

We're turning back the clock and looking forward at the same time. It's the Yesticle where we catch up with past experts and ourselves to see how the seeds of change have blossomed or whether they have blossomed.Here are the questions in your minds and ours too. What happened after some Yespisodes? Where are our former guest experts? Did they keep saying "yes"? Where are they now? Did we keep saying "yes"? Where are we now?Let's journey through time. Press play and let's go past tense together._________Timestamps to Specific Segments:(0:00) Introduction(3:34) Where is he now? Boniface Mwangi, guest expert when we said "yes" to doing activism: still heavy on activism(4:57) Are we still saying "yes" to activism?(6:15) Where are they now? Livelihoods Kenya since Akumu said "yes" to learning about clean energy: merged with Solar Sister, Inc(7:45) Where is she now? Esther Kazungu, guest expert when Claire said "yes" to being an influencer: now a momfluencer(8:45) Is Claire still saying "yes" to being an influencer?(10:53) Where are they now? HeyGo since Akumu said "yes" to being an online tour guide: it shut down(13:26) Where are they now? Hisa & Kenyan Wallstreet's Erick Asuma, guest expert when we said "yes" to learning about crypto: Hisa was acquired by Rise(14:21) Are we still saying "yes" to crypto investing?(15:41) Outro_______________________Important resources:Previous Yespisodes that are featured in this Past Forward yesticle:https://afripods.africa/episode/19-activism-where-being-woke-mea/b3fb905d-78e9-43b6-990a-1e3b2d525ccbhttps://afripods.africa/episode/11-best-believe-i-clean-up-nice/4a4ad3fe-0827-43e1-9807-e394f32d2778https://afripods.africa/episode/43-influenza-like-sick-nope-infl/cbc1092d-01a0-4b78-a773-87775f22be16https://afripods.africa/episode/10-not-lost-just-giving-my-peopl/0fe82281-58b9-44a0-9c88-5ff6758f93f6https://afripods.africa/episode/29-that-crypto-investment-was-a/83f577da-5c0b-4002-b041-cabea6d38c4d ____________________If you enjoy the podcast, we love you so much! And we'd like to ask you to rate us on Spotify - it will only take a couple of seconds, we promise! If you listen to us via Apple podcasts, please take some time to leave a short review. We promise it will take less than a minute unless, of course, you have more to say. In any case, we appreciate you!Thanks in advance!_____________________For video logs, visit https://www.youtube.com/@yesgirlspodcast For blogs, visit https://yesgirlspodcast.com/ Feel free to follow us across these platforms:INSTAGRAM TWITTERLINKEDINTIKTOK

For this Yesticle, the Yes Girls explore their experiences in the exhilarating world of entrepreneurship: How they did it and continue doing it, or are they?They share their own "yes" moments – from that initial spark of a business idea to the sometimes messy, always exciting reality of building something from the ground up. So it's all real talk about leaping, facing your fears, validating your business idea, navigating entrepreneurial challenges, getting the necessary support, and celebrating small wins (as well as the big ones!).This episode is sponsored by Rexe Roofing: a Kenyan-owned company that specialises in Stone Coated Roofing Tiles, Roofing Shingles, Waterproofing, Roof Gutters, Roofing Boards and other Roofing Accessories. They also provide Roof Installation services, Re-roofing and Roofing consultation.Timestamps for Specific Segments:(0:00) Introduction(2:39) What pushed Akumu and Claire into entrepreneurship?(4:38) Do they consider themselves "entrepreneurs"?(5:56) Biggest win for Akumu in business(6:34) Biggest win for Claire in business(7:47) Facing challenges and then having to pivot(9:59) Inspiration from other episodes with entrepreneurs(11:06) Advice for aspiring entrepreneurs(14:06) Advice for aspiring female entrepreneurs(14:21) Getting a mentor or mentors(15:55) Outro___________Akumu and Claire are swapping stories, dishing out advice on how to start a business, and maybe even inspiring you to say "yes" to your own entrepreneurial dreams. This is part of the entrepreneurship series in Season 7, following the conversation with Nyambura Gichohi, CEO of Ikigai and the capital-raising episode about how to fund your startup, which was brought to you by ISBI at Strathmore Business School, featuring entrepreneurs: Irene Wanjiku, CEO of REXE roofing; Diana Kanyi, Group CEO of Lerruat Hotels (both ISBI alums) and Olive Kirigo Kibe, Business Development Lead at ISBI.Fair Warning: Even though the Yes Girls consider themselves "toddlers" when it comes to navigating the entrepreneurial world, this conversation might just ignite your inner boss man/boss babe and have you brainstorming your next big idea.____________________If you enjoy the podcast, we love you so much! And we'd like to ask you to rate us on Spotify - it will only take a couple of seconds, we promise! If you listen to us via Apple Podcasts, please take some time to leave a short review. We promise it will take less than a minute unless, of course, you have more to say. In any case, we appreciate you!Thanks in advance!_____________________For video logs, visit https://www.youtube.com/@yesgirlspodcast For blogs, visit https://yesgirlspodcast.com/ Feel free to follow us across these platforms:INSTAGRAM TWITTERLINKEDINTIKTOK

As part of the entrepreneurship series, the Yes Girls sit down with incredible women entrepreneurs to discuss the secrets of successful capital raising. This conversation features Diana Kanyi, Group CEO of Lerruat Hotels, Irene Wanjiku, CEO of Rexe Roofing Products, both ISBI alumni, alongside Olive Kirigo, Business Development Lead of ISBI.Sponsored by:Institute for Small Business Initiatives (ISBI) at Strathmore Business School, dedicated to igniting the potential of every entrepreneur in Kenya, from micro-preneurs to seasoned captains of industry. Tune in for details on how to get discount codes for upcoming programs (Limited-time offer).Timestamps for Specific Segments:(0:00) Introduction(2:21) Meet Olive (ISBI), Diana (Lerruat Hotels), & Irene (Rexe Roofing Products)(5:54) What is the meaning of capital raising?(6:25) Irene shares her experience with capital raising(7:31) Diana shares her experience with capital raising(9:57) The Yes Challenge: ways a company can raise capital(11:11) Akumu and Claire take on the challenge in a role-play format(16:17) Olive gives feedback for the girls' capital-raising process(18:31) Before family & friends: pre-orders by existing clients(20:25) Olive gives a score for the Yes Challenge(21:09) A critical step in capital raising: business finances(22:28) How much should you put into your own business?(24:47) The importance of getting things on paper via actual contracts(26:33) Does every business need to raise capital?(27:33) Reasons for raising capital vs. reasons for growing organically(33:26) Top tips for new and aspiring entrepreneurs(37:46) Venture capital & private equity options for Kenyan entrepreneurs(40:55) Learning opportunities at ISBI focused on capital raising(43:41) More information about ISBI at Strathmore Business School(45:38) Connect with ISBI, Rexe Roofing, and Lerruat online(46:59) What Olive, Diana, Irene, Claire, and Akumu have recently said "yes" toLearn from these inspiring women as they share their valuable insights and experiences on securing funding for their businesses, when or if the time is right to raise capital, plus other top tips on how to stay afloat and successful as a business owner.Join the conversation and get inspired to turn your entrepreneurial dreams into reality!About ISBI:ISBI offers innovative business programs designed to empower entrepreneurs. Their programs focus on practical skills and industry best practices, using real-life Kenyan examples to guide learning.They emphasise immediate value for participants and foster a strong network among entrepreneurs. Their experienced faculty, with a deep understanding of the SME landscape, delivers interactive instruction that provides a competitive edge.Important resources:Learn more about ISBI:https://isbi.or.ke/Follow Olive Kirigo on Linkedin:https://www.linkedin.com/in/olive-kirigo-67676111b/Learn more about Lerruat Hotels:https://www.lerruathotels.co.ke/Follow Diana Kanyi on Linkedin:https://ke.linkedin.com/in/diana-kanyiLearn more about Rexe Roofing Products:https://www.rexeroofing.com/Follow Irene Wanjiku on Linkedin:https://www.linkedin.com/in/irene-wanjiku-34a88461/If you enjoy the podcast, we love you so much! And we'd like to ask you to rate us on Spotify - it will only take a couple of seconds, we promise!If you listen to us via Apple Podcasts, please take some time to leave a short review. We promise it will take less than a minute unless, of course, you have more to say. In any case, we appreciate you!Thanks in advance!For video logs, visit https://www.youtube.com/@yesgirlspodcastFor blogs, visit https://yesgirlspodcast.com/Feel free to follow us across these platforms:INSTAGRAMTWITTERLINKEDINTIKTOK

This is part 2: a cringefest of a Yesticle that is proudly sponsored by a lockable A6 diary from decades past. Yes, the era when the Spice Girls showed us how to spice up our lives and Christina Aguilera confirmed that we were all beautiful.Seat belts on, because the Yes Girls are exploring a past iteration of Claire - a version almost certainly unknown to you.Timestamps for Specific Segments:(0:00) Introduction(1:59) What does keeping a diary mean to Claire?(4:49) Has Claire changed since she last wrote in this particular diary?(7:18) Claire reads some noteworthy diary entries(17:06) The beauty of keeping a diary for introspection(19:51) Outro_____It goes like this:Claire reads out a couple of entries from her almost fossilised diary, and with Akumu as her laughingly supportive cohost, they psychoanalyse the teenage musings.From a mad hair competition to becoming a magazine editor to falling in love?!? It's epic.So, grab some snacks and let's dive into the crazy rollercoaster that is the life of a millennial teenager._______________________Important links: Episode 58: Dear Diary Part 1Complementary Yesticles to listen to on Afripods or everywhere else you get your audio podcasts:Episode 14: Get to know the Yes GirlsEpisode 21: Season 3 recapEpisode 34: Inspiring Yes People in Africa and beyond____________________If you enjoy the podcast, we love you so much! And we'd like to ask you to rate us on Spotify - it will only take a couple of seconds, we promise! If you listen to us via Apple Podcasts, please take some time to leave a short review. We promise it will take less than a minute unless, of course, you have more to say. In any case, we appreciate you!Thanks in advance!_____________________For video logs, visit https://www.youtube.com/@yesgirlspodcast For blogs, visit https://yesgirlspodcast.com/ Feel free to follow us across these platforms:INSTAGRAM TWITTERLINKEDINTIKTOK

After AI-generated scripting comes AI-generated voices. Is this the end of human podcasting? Is using AI for podcasting now a thing? Will AI steal our jobs? Are we scared? We stay ready, Yes People!Timestamps for Specific Segments:(0:00) Introduction(1:39) Meet John and Anne - AI cohosts, courtesy of NotebookLM(3:59) Let's get rid of the word "woke", perhaps?(4:50) Thoughts on human versus AI cohosts(6:05) Wokeism through the lens of veganism (Amanda Scoville)(10:36) Wokeism through the lens of clean energy & climate action (Claire Baker)(14:46) Wokeism through the lens of comedy (Brian Onjoro)(17:31) Wokeism through the lens of activism (Boniface Mwangi & Geoffrey Mboya)(21:54) Wokeism through the lens of standing for something (Adelle Onyango)(24:44) Key takeaways from this human vs. AI deep dive(27:44) Outro______What is the meaning of "woke" or "wokeism"? Well, that's the topic of this mashup - our first-ever themed mashup release.We are revisiting AI podcasting in this Yesticle as a sequel to the AI-scripted one (Episode 45). That means in this one, we feature some pretty epic AI summarisation by AI-generated podcast voices "John" and "Anne" plucked straight out of Google's exciting (and a tad scary) AI technology called NotebookLM.NotebookLM is a cutting-edge AI research tool and possibly one of the best podcasting tools out there.It transforms your collected links and documents into a personalised knowledge base. Training on your specific content makes it an expert on your chosen topic. NotebookLM's unique feature is its ability to generate informative podcasts, turning complex research into engaging audio conversations.That's where this yesticle came in. To "edu-tain" you while experimenting.We fed Notebook LM links and papers on the topic of wokeism, what it means to be woke, and why it matters. We mashed that up with Akumu and Claire's conversation on what previous guest experts have said on the topic, and behold, a human-AI podcast episode that is woke as hell.Tune in to understand the various definitions of "being woke", to figure out whether the word "woke" is positive or negative, how to respond to it, why it became toxic, what the woke movement is about, and how you can say "yes" to approaching the term on your own terms.Important Resources:Definition of "being woke": https://theconversation.com/heres-what-woke-means-and-how-to-respond-to-it-219588Learn more about Google's Notebook LM: https://blog.google/technology/ai/notebooklm-audio-overviews/ The entire AI audio-generated podcast conversation of "John" and "Anne" on wokeism: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1egDaA4xx9k-LwbUhDRs3cfexfwN-0zAG/viewPrevious Yespisodes that are featured in this Woke yesticle:Episode 1: Saying yes to being vegans ft. Amanda ScovilleEpisode 11: Saying yes to learning about clean energy ft. Laura OmbokEpisode 15: Saying yes to doing standup comedy ft. Brian OnjoroEpisode 19: Saying yes to being activists ft. Boniface MwangiEpisode 65: Saying yes to being changemakers ft. Geoffrey MboyaEpisode 63: Saying yes to learning emotional intelligence ft. Adelle Onyango____________________If you enjoy the podcast, we love you so much! And we'd like to ask you to rate us on Spotify - it will only take a couple of seconds, we promise! If you listen to us via Apple Podcasts, please take some time to leave a short review. We promise it will take less than a minute unless, of course, you have more to say. In any case, we appreciate you!Thanks in advance!_____________________For video logs, visit https://www.youtube.com/@yesgirlspodcast For blogs, visit https://yesgirlspodcast.com/ Feel free to follow us across these platforms:INSTAGRAM TWITTERLINKEDINTIKTOK

For this Season 7-esque Yesticle, the Yes Girls, Claire and Akumu, discuss the key takeaways, lifelong lessons, and timeless wisdom related to the six fantastic Yes challenges they completed live in the studio alongside six exceptional guest experts.Warning: this conversation will probably get you listening to more episodes, especially the ones they discuss.Timestamps for Specific Segments:(0:00) Introduction(2:28) A rundown of the six topics and their guest experts(3:17) Did the improv/role-playing in-studio format work?(4:59) Biggest takeaways and lessons learnt(11:45) The most surprising topic, Yespisode or guest expert(13:06) The powerful effects of immersive role-playing on learning(15:43) What they could have done differently for Season 7(17:51) Would these 21st-century skills have been as relevant years ago?(21:15) What they've said "yes" to because of Season 7(24:27) Season 7 Yesticle teasers & the outro______In chronological order, this Yesticle touches on the Season 7 Yespisodes:Episode 60: Saying yes to doing time management with Chris KirwaEpisode 61: Saying yes to learning digital literacy with Dr. Bright GameliEpisode 62: Saying yes to being male feminists with Jeff DindiEpisode 63: Saying yes to learning emotional intelligence with Adelle OnyangoEpisode 64: Saying yes to doing critical thinking with Dr. Laila MachariaEpisode 65: Saying yes to being changemakers with Geoffrey MboyaThis is yet another mini-episode to remind you of the advantages of trying new things and the value of stepping outside your comfort zone.If you are happy to explore that with Claire and Akumu, tune in.And why not comment below this episode or DM the Yes Girls on Instagram, X, or TikTok with your feedback? We'd love to hear from you.Otherwise, keep saying YES!_____________________If you enjoy the podcast, we love you so much! And we'd like to ask you to rate us on Spotify - it will only take a couple of seconds, we promise! If you listen to us via Apple Podcasts, please take some time to leave a short review. We promise it will take less than a minute unless, of course, you have more to say. In any case, we appreciate you!Thanks in advance!_____________________For video episodes and video logs, visit https://www.youtube.com/@yesgirlspodcast For blogs, visit https://yesgirlspodcast.com/ Feel free to follow us across these platforms:INSTAGRAM TWITTERLINKEDINTIKTOK

For this one, Akumu and Claire sit down with Nyambura Gichohi, one of the visionaries behind Ikigai (@ikigai). As a mother, entrepreneur, and design extraordinaire, Nyambura has redefined the concept of coworking and workspaces in Kenya. Her passion for bringing people together led to the creation of stunning, wellness-focused spaces that inspire creativity and productivity.This episode was filmed and recorded at Ikigai Brookside and is brought to you by Ikigai: beautifully designed coworking spaces that cater to your every need. Their workspaces are designed to boost productivity and creativity while fostering a sense of community. You can watch this episode on our YouTube channel, HERE.Timestamps for Specific Segments(0:00) Introduction(1:32) Introduction to Ikigai Brookside in Piano Building, Westlands(2:40) How Nyambura Gichohi is connected to Ikigai(3:11) Biophilic connection: the natural human connection to biophilia(4:34) Who Nyambura Gichohi is beyond Ikigai(5:10) Motherhood as a new part of her identity and learning from her daughter(6:23) Parents not owning their children / not over-controlling them(7:04) Balancing her identity as an entrepreneur vs. a mother(8:49) The importance of "space"- where we spend a third of our lives(10:05) Harvard Study about longevity and how humans crave connection(10:58) How Ikigai thinks about space and the perfect coworking environment(13:11) Architecting interaction as suggested by Stephanie Akkaoui Hughes(15:02) The meaning of the Japanese concept of 'ikigai"(15:58) Nyambura finding her ikigai: building Ikigai Nairobi(17:16) Did she read the Ikigai book before or after naming the company?(18:08) Have Akumu and Claire found their ikigais?(19:07) The five-minute Yes Challenge that Nyambura sets for Akumu and Claire(30:32) Nyambura rates the girls for the completed Yes Challenge(31:53) How to design spaces for introverts vs. extroverts(37:03) How to interact with Ikigai Nairobi - whether you are a member or not(39:16) Her career trajectory: Had she always pictured herself as an entrepreneur?(42:58) How she finally got started with entrepreneurship: listening to that calling(45:34) Unrelenting support from the people in her life and the Ikigai team(48:21) Are entrepreneurs born or made?(49:39) Parents nurturing the right skills and opportunities with their children(51:17) Focus on purpose and growth over perfection: trust the process(53:03) The importance of value alignment and purpose(57:05) What Nyambura has recently said "yes" to______Important resources:Follow Nyambura Gichohi:https://ke.linkedin.com/in/nyamburagichohi Learn more about Ikigai and book a tour:https://ikigai.co.ke/ Books mentioned by Nyambura:Ikigai by Héctor García, Francesc MirallesArchitecting Interaction: How to Innovate through Interactions by Stephanie Akkaoui Hughes Related episodes about entrepreneurship that you should explore next:Episode 70: Capital raising for entrepreneurs with ISBI KenyaEpisode 71: Making boss moves in the entrepreneurial world____________________If you enjoy the podcast, we love you so much! And we'd like to ask you to rate us on Spotify - it will only take a couple of seconds, we promise! If you listen to us via Apple Podcasts, please take some time to leave a short review. We promise it will take less than a minute unless, of course, you have more to say. In any case, we appreciate you!Thanks in advance!_____________________For this video episode and others, watch and subscribe here: https://www.youtube.com/@yesgirlspodcast For blogs, visit https://yesgirlspodcast.com/ Feel free to follow us across these platforms:INSTAGRAM TWITTERLINKEDINTIKTOK

In light of what's been happening around us, many people are asking themselves, "Can I really make a difference?" "Does my voice even matter?" "Isn't it better to just stay out of it?" These are common questions that can hold each one of us back from taking action or speaking up. However, according to this episode's expert, inaction is not an option. Especially with what's happening right now in the world and, more specifically, in Kenya. We have no option but to do what we can to be part of the solution.So, for this one, the Yes Girls are exploring how to say yes to being changemakers with live studio guest, activist, community organiser, humanitarian, youth advisor, and sustainability advocate, Geoffrey Mboya (@resilient_mboya). ____________________Timestamps for specific segments(0:00) Introduction(3:24) Geoffrey Mboya's introduction and the Kenya Finance Bill Protests(9:45) The Yes Challenge that Geoffrey sets(12:08) Mention of the related activism episode with Boniface Mwangi(12:33) The actual Yes Challenge(19:47) Article in the constitution about informing the police when organising a public protest in Kenya(23:52) Activism as a fad or trend for today's radicals(27:30) Boniface Mwangi's activism(28:11) The book, Foundations of Democracy(30:45) Review and rating of the Yes Challenge(31:57) Keyboard activism/ Slacktivism/ Slacktivists(32:42) Definition of change-making(38:04) The sacrifices that activists make due to their commitment(40:33) The challenges faced by activists/ downsides of activism(42:54) What is holding people back?(44:11) Staying silent is being complicit in the crime(45:37) Why you need to get educated and informed about what is happening(48:03) Speak truth to power and step up boldly(49:21) How anyone, even you, can get started with activism(55:27) What Geoffrey has recently said yes to______________________Geoffrey was and still is on the front lines of the wave that began Kenya's nationwide protests against the Finance Bill, also dubbed the Gen-Z protests (and he is a Gen Z-er himself). He is actively engaged in community organising around health, the environment, and politics, and is certainly wise beyond his years.As an ode to Season 7, Akumu and Claire do the Yes challenge in the studio. They explore activism and community engagement first with the challenge that Geoffrey sets for them, and then they discuss why activism is so necessary for today's Kenya and today's world and how even you can get started._______________________Important resources:Follow Geoffrey Mboya:https://www.instagram.com/resilient_mboya/https://ke.linkedin.com/in/geoffreymboyaListen to the first activism episode everywhere you get your podcasts:Episode 19: Saying yes to being activists with Boniface Mwangi________If you enjoy the podcast, we love you so much! And we'd like to ask you to rate us on Spotify - it will only take a few seconds, we promise! If you listen to us via Apple Podcasts, please take some time to leave a short review. We promise it will take less than a minute unless, of course, you have more to say. In any case, we appreciate you!Thanks in advance!________For video logs, visit https://www.youtube.com/@yesgirlspodcast For blogs, visit https://yesgirlspodcast.com/ Feel free to follow us across these platforms:INSTAGRAM TWITTERLINKEDINTIKTOK

How often do you think twice beyond your initial assumptions? How often do you think actively, rather than passively, when absorbing information as it's presented to you?Yes, for this one, the Yes Girls are exploring the power of doubt and the art of questioning situations in order to make better decisions with live studio guest, angel investor, entrepreneur, lawyer by training, and international business expert - Dr. Laila Macharia (@lailamacharia), who is the founding director of Aspen Initiative Africa and Co-founder and Chair of the Africa Digital Media Institute (ADMI).Timestamps for Specific Segments(0:00) Introduction(2:59) Meet Dr. Laila Macharia(4:59) The Yes Challenge - a moral dilemma: the Overcrowded Lifeboat(7:19) Akumu and Claire put their critical thinking & analytical skills to the test(17:43) Dr. Laila lays out how the Yes Girls used their higher-order thinking skills and the cognitive biases that hindered the process(21:37) Being aware of cognitive frames and whether they are imposed on you(22:34) The Anchoring Effect - a common cognitive bias during negotiation(23:50) Dr. Laila rates Akumu and Claire's efforts in the challenge(26:07) Problem-solving using the Six Thinking Hats by the DeBono Group(27:37) Why critical thinking skills are so important in the 21st century(30:36) Proper decision-making in action using the DeBono Thinking Hats(32:23) The buck stops with you as a leader during decision-making(34:46) The usefulness of critical thinking beyond your professional life(38:09) Being suspicious of your thinking and its foundations(39:13) Being aware of your own cognitive biases, heuristics and stereotypes(40:22) "Getting off the dance floor and onto the balcony" for better clarity(41:29) Seeking diverse opinions & viewpoints to get out of your echo chamber(46:28) Are we born with these skills or can they be acquired?(48:04) Critical thinking skills for agility in the current political climate(54:07) Useful resources by the Aspen Initiative Africa for self-development(56:06) What Dr. Laila Macharia has recently said "yes" to___________Dr. Laila pulls out all the stops to ensure the girls have practical tips, tricks, and resources to enable them to think more critically.Listen in to gain valuable insights into what critical thinking is, why it is such an important 21st-century skill, examples of how you can start thinking more critically, how critical thinking affects decision-making, why diverse teams make better decisions, and simple tips to make you a more discerning, deliberate and disciplined thinker starting today.Important resources:Learn more about Laila Macharia:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laila_MachariaLearn more about Aspen Initiative Africa:https://aspeninitiative.africa/Learn more about ADMI:https://admi.africa/Overcrowded Lifeboat:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lifeboat_ethicsSix Thinking Hats:https://www.debonogroup.com/services/core-programs/six-thinking-hats/Black Swan Theory:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_swan_theoryGetting on the balcony:https://hbr.org/2002/06/a-survival-guide-for-leadersRelated episodes worth listening to after this:Episode 74: Saying yes to finding fulfilment by unplugging with Sieka GatabakiEpisode 42: Saying yes to being happy with Jason Phillips & Faith NyoikeEpisode 17: Saying yes to being organised with Toni Crow______________If you enjoy the podcast, we love you so much! And we'd like to ask you to rate us on Spotify - it will only take a couple of seconds, we promise! If you listen to us via Apple Podcasts, please take some time to leave a short review. We promise it will take less than a minute unless, of course, you have more to say. In any case, we appreciate you!Thanks in advance!_____________________For video logs, visit https://www.youtube.com/@yesgirlspodcast For blogs, visit https://yesgirlspodcast.com/ Feel free to follow us across these platforms:INSTAGRAM TWITTERLINKEDINTIKTOK

What's your Emotional Quotient (EQ)? Yes, for this one, the Yes Girls explore this topic with Adelle Onyango, a media personality, author, social activist, speaker, poet, podcaster, entrepreneur, and honorary Yes Girl (@adelleonyango), and the mighty force behind @legallycluelessafrica.This Season 7 Yespisode explores EI or EQ firstly through in-studio role-playing as the quintessential Yes Challenge. And who better to do this with the girls than Adelle?! She embodies personal development, self-awareness, and emotional healing, all of which are evident beyond her obvious badassery. She sits in as the judge, challenger, and all-seeing, all-knowing guest expert.Timestamps for Specific Segments:(0:00) Intro(2:35) Meet Adelle Onyango(8:10) Role-play challenge: navigating disagreement in relationships(23:25) Reflections about the "Amy and Jerome" role play(25:05) Importance of self-expression during arguments: using "I feel" statements(26:50) Importance of understanding your partner's attachment style(30:54) How to make sure you and your partner feel seen, respected & loved in the relationship(33:15) Progressive arguments - how to get better at solving issues(35:55) The importance of understanding your personality & attachment styles(42:08) Importance of taking responsibility for your personal issues/challenges in romantic/platonic/professional relationships(48:00) Importance of staying true to ourselves when handling conflict in any relationship(48:40) Importance of handling the root cause of our personal issues as opposed to the actions of the person that triggered the reaction(50:00) How compromise works when handling conflict(52:00) Adelle rating Akumu's and Claire's role-play efforts(54:10) Key takeaways from the first part of the episode(56:00) Adelle's personal reflection on the concept of emotional intelligence(1:03:00) The importance of taking time to process your emotions(1:07:50) Are we going too far when communicating how we feel?(1:11:00) Discussing cancel culture(1:19:32) Where to find Adelle online(1:20:43) What Adelle has recently said "yes" to(1:22:59) Outro_________This Yespisode will provide you with valuable insights into how to enhance your emotional intelligence, particularly in relationships and the workplace, the benefits of doing so, the importance of empathy, social awareness, and effective communication, as well as the ultimate goal of being self-aware before anything else.So tune in as Adelle and the Yes Girls explore how to move from handling emotional baggage obliviously to being captains and proper caretakers of our emotional ships._______________________Important resources:Emotional intelligence: How we perceive, evaluate, express, and control emotions: https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-emotional-intelligence-2795423 Emotional intelligence assessment or test:https://globalleadershipfoundation.com/geit/eitest.html Find out more about Adelle Onyango here:https://www.adelleonyango.com/ Learn more about Legally Clueless (Kenya's first syndicated podcast) here:https://www.adelleonyango.com/legallycluelessafrica https://www.legallycluelessafrica.com/ ____________________If you enjoy the podcast, we love you so much! And we'd like to ask you to rate us on Spotify - it will only take a couple of seconds, we promise! If you listen to us on Apple Podcasts, please take a moment to leave a brief review. We promise it will take less than a minute unless, of course, you have more to say. In any case, we appreciate you!Thanks in advance!_____________________For video logs, visit https://www.youtube.com/@yesgirlspodcast For blogs, visit https://yesgirlspodcast.com/ Feel free to follow us across these platforms:INSTAGRAM TWITTERLINKEDINTIKTOK

Yes, this conversation explores how gender roles quietly shape the way men show up - as partners, fathers, sons, brothers, and leaders. We talk about the expectations placed on men, where those expectations come from, and how they play out in relationships, parenting, and emotional life.Rather than debating labels, this episode examines everyday realities.The Yes Girls explore this with live studio guest Jeff Dindi, the dynamic force behind @PresentFatherhood.Timestamps for Specific Segments(00:00) Intro(01:50) Meet Jeff Dindi(06:21) Role play challenge: Egalitarian parenting practices(22:05) The fear men have of appearing "feminine" outside the home(23:50) Upbringing and its impact on one's view of egalitarianism(25:00) The battle between societal norms and male feminism(27:25) Parents should be able to take full child care responsibility, whether one partner is present or not(27:40) The battle between couples having guests over - who cooks and who entertains the guests?(29:43) People's reactions to Jeff being in the kitchen?(34:00) Fathers should look at child care as a moment to bond with their kids(36:20) Societal norms are artificial constructs(37:55) Jeff rating Akumu and Claire's efforts in role play(39:47) Does Jeff care what people think about him being a male feminist?(42:30) Is Jeff different from the other men around him? Why should men care about feminism?(45:20) Jeff paints a picture of the multiple roles women play, both at the village and in urban settings(48:55) Jeff reflects on the time he was the primary caregiver while his wife went to the office(50:10) Claire explains the emotional impact of having a present partner in the parenting journey(51:05) Women's role in turning men into great male feminists(55:47) The role of sisters in nurturing male feminism in their brothers(56:30) The idea of blending traditional roles with male feminism(1:05:40) The role of open communication in discussing gender roles and expectations between couples(1:06:50) Has Rachel, Jeff's wife, impacted his view and approach to male feminism?(1:07:40) Why it's important to clearly communicate your personal expectations right from the start (of dating)(1:08:20) The role of Jeff's upbringing on his expectations in a relationship(1:11:32) Where you can find Jeff online(1:12:29) What Jeff has recently said "yes" to(1:14:56) Outro___This episode also reveals Jeff's personal journey and the misconceptions surrounding the feminist movement, particularly in the African and Kenyan contexts. Tune in to gain valuable insights into how men can actively participate as champions of feminism and gender equality, redefine masculinity in relation to gender roles, explore the benefits of a more feminist society, and understand the importance of men as feminist allies._______________________Important resources:The history of feminism in Kenya:http://www.nawey.net/wp-content/uploads/downloads/2012/05/History-of-Feminism-in-Kenya.pdfFollow Jeff:https://www.instagram.com/presentfatherhood/Follow Kweli Coffee:https://www.instagram.com/kwelicoffee/Related episodes:Episode 48: Feminism with Doris OnyangoEpisode 57: Gender debate with Oscar Koome & Eli MwendaEpisode 59: Motherhood & the parenting journey with Sally Kuria of Mama Tales Podcast____________________If you enjoy the podcast, we love you so much! And we'd like to ask you to rate us on Spotify - it will only take a couple of seconds, we promise! If you listen to us on Apple Podcasts, please take a moment to leave a brief review. We promise it will take less than a minute unless, of course, you have more to say. In any case, we appreciate you!Thanks in advance!_____________________For video logs, visit https://www.youtube.com/@yesgirlspodcast For blogs, visit https://yesgirlspodcast.com/ Feel free to follow us across these platforms:INSTAGRAM TWITTERLINKEDINTIKTOK

From recognising red flags in suspicious messages to utilising tools for fact-checking, this episode is packed with actionable insights for navigating the digital realm safely and effectively. Joining them is the incredible Bright Gameli, PhD (@brightgameli), a cybersecurity engineer and co-founder of AfricaHackOn. Dr. Bright shares his passion for building communities and empowering individuals with the knowledge to discern fact from fiction in our information-saturated society. Together, they tackle the pressing issue of misinformation, especially in the wake of recent events in Kenya, and offer practical tips on how to verify online information.Timestamps for Specific Segments(00:00) Intro(02:30) Meet Bright Gameli, PhD(04:48) Dr. Bright Gameli presents the 15-minute role-play challenge(09:45) Tips on verifying news articles/information seen/read online(13:14) What is social engineering?(14:09) How the older generation promotes the spread of fake news/misinformation(16:50) How hackers get your credit card details via fake petition forms(18:00) How to verify links received via email/WhatsApp from unknown sources(20:30) Dr. Bright narrates a time someone tried to scam him(29:25) How hackers have moved from M-Pesa to banks(31:25) A case of the grey area in data privacy(32:22) The case of insider threats in banking institutions(33:03) How does sextortion happen?(40:31) The importance of having friends who keep you accountable(48:02) How to verify news you have read/seen online about a local company(49:30) How hackers have started using the unsubscribe button in emails(50:05) What should you do when you suspect you have been hacked?(52:13) How to verify the legitimacy of a link(53:25) How to identify a malicious WhatsApp forward(54:25) How to conduct a reverse image search(56:03) Why you need to secure your email address and how to do it(58:30) How to recover your social media account(s) when hacked(1:01:54) What does the future possibly look like?(1:04:59) Where can you find Dr. Bright online?(1:07:07) What Dr. Bright has recently said "yes" to(1:08:11) Outro_________In this information-packed episode, you'll learn essential tips for staying safe and secure online, plus how to become a responsible digital citizen. Think of this episode as your ultimate cheat sheet for navigating the digital world with confidence.Tune in and level up your digital skills today!_______________________Important resources: Learn more about Dr. Bright Gameli: https://www.brightzeed.com/https://ke.linkedin.com/in/bright-gameli-mawudor-phd-4324b238Check URLs and attachments: https://www.virustotal.com/Reverse image search:https://pimeyes.com/Geo-estimation and location prediction:https://geospy.ai/ Meaning of "clear cache":https://it.wisc.edu/news/tech-tips-what-does-it-mean-to-clear-your-cache/ How to turn on 2-step verification on Gmail: https://support.google.com/accounts/answer/185839____________________If you enjoy the podcast, we love you so much! And we'd like to ask you to rate us on Spotify - it will only take a couple of seconds, we promise! If you listen to us via Apple Podcasts, please take some time to leave a short review. We promise it will take less than a minute unless, of course, you have more to say. In any case, we appreciate you!Thanks in advance!_____________________For video logs, visit https://www.youtube.com/@yesgirlspodcast For blogs, visit https://yesgirlspodcast.com/ Feel free to follow us across these platforms:INSTAGRAM TWITTERLINKEDINTIKTOK

In this Yespisode, the Yes Girls are all about beating the clock. They are saying yes to showing you how to conquer anything, yes-tifiably, even if you're strapped for time. And speaking of time, let's introduce the expert himself: Chris Kirwa (Instagram: @chriskirwa)Chris is an event planning guru with 20 years of experience. Safety and security are his middle name. He's the founder and COO of CateChris Limited, your one-stop shop for corporate, government, and basically any event you can imagine, plus other PR-related services.______Timestamps for Specific Segments(0:00) Introduction(2:49) Meet Chris Kirwa(4:19) Why time management is crucial(7:02) Chris introduces the Yes Challenge he's setting for the Yes Girls(11:11) Akumu & Claire test their crisis management skills(24:54) True story of the actual reggae concert crisis, Chris and his team managed(35:13) Crisis management back then vs. today, in the age of social media(36:20) Chris rates Akumu and Claire's efforts in "managing the crisis"(37:56) The connection between time management and crisis management(41:14) A top skill for time and event management: worst-case scenario planning(44:44) Improving your level of professionalism means managing time better(48:39) Procrastination and the dopamine hit of being short on time(49:22) The chain reaction of bad time management(51:12) Is "being bad with time" a genuine human flaw or an excuse?(53:03) Top tip for personal growth: hang out with people who are 10 times ahead(55:09) Where you can find Chris online(56:54) What Chris Kirwa has recently said "yes" to_____Buckle up, Yes People. You're about to get productive!Here's a sneak peek:The Yes Girls' challenge: Can they tackle a time management task with Chris as their judge, jury, and executioner (well, kinda)?Chris gets real: Chris shares his pro tips (plus some Yes Girls' only exclusives) for mastering your minutes and why time management is your new superpower (no matter your profession).Timeless philosophy: The girls are getting down and dirty with Chris' best time management beliefs.Are you doomed forever? Chris spills the tea on whether some people are just destined to be late or if they're making excuses. (Spoiler alert: there's hope for everyone!)BEWARE: This time management episode includes crisis management examples that will help you prioritise your tasks like a boss, inspire you to be more productive, and offer productivity hacks and time management tips & techniques even if you are the busiest of people.Bombaclat! That's enough procrastinating over here.Time for you to hit play and start getting sh*t done!________________________Important links:Follow Chris Kirwa here: https://www.instagram.com/chriskirwa/Check out CateChris Limited here: https://catechris.co.ke/Read about his journey here: https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/entertainment/features/article/2000112050/chris-kirwa-the-showbiz-icon____________________If you enjoy the podcast, we love you so much! And we'd like to ask you to rate us on Spotify - it will only take a few seconds, we promise! If you listen to us via Apple Podcasts, please take some time to leave a short review. We promise it will take less than a minute unless, of course, you have more to say. In any case, we appreciate you!Thanks in advance!_____________________For video logs, visit https://www.youtube.com/@yesgirlspodcast For blogs, visit https://yesgirlspodcast.com/ Feel free to follow us across these platforms:INSTAGRAM TWITTERLINKEDINTIKTOK

Parenting is an extreme sport and the adventure of a lifetime. Are you game? Will you say yes when the time comes? Or have you already? For the Yes Girls, it's about time—at least for one of them.Claire Baker was indeed baking a human being by the time this Yesticle was due for recording, so it made perfect sense to bring in a friend of the podcast to participate in this huge conversation and offer some much-needed advice for a first-time Yes Girl boy-mom.So, joining the girls in the studio is a Yes Girl in her own right, the founder of Hadithi Collective, producer, and host of Mama Tales Podcast (Instagram: @mamatales), and, as the girls like to call her, a certified "motherhood expert": It's Sally Kuria! (Instagram: @sallymugure)______Timestamps for Specific Segments:(00:00) Intro(02:18) Sally Kuria's introduction(04:21) The importance of this podcast collaboration (between Mama Tales Podcast & Yes Girls Podcast)(06:20) How can the topic of motherhood be inclusive to everyone?(09:44) What defines the motherhood journey?(14:16) What made Sally say "yes" to motherhood?(18:23) Is motherhood the biggest challenge Sally has said yes to?(21:29) Does the parental responsibility for raising/moulding the future generation resonate with Sally and her podcast?(27:20) The reality of mum guilt & how to overcome it(30:05) Are there any other tips Sally has on raising children (whether they are biologically yours or not)?(37:56) Is raising children different in different parts of the world?(41:44) The New Contented Little Baby Book by Gina Ford and baby-led weaning tips from the West: their impact on Sally's parenting journey(45:52) How can women safeguard themselves from losing themselves in the motherhood journey? Do fathers face the same struggle?(53:33) The importance of women involving their partners in parental duty(55:10) Where to find Sally & Mama Tales Podcast(56:11) What Sally has recently said "yes" to(57:27) Outro_______Sally Kuria is here for a motherhood discussion like no other, to offer her insights and wisdom on what motherhood means/has meant for her, what it means to be a parent, how to manage stress as a new mom, how she finds time for self-care and personal interests as a busy mom, mom guilt, what it is, and how to overcome it, building community in motherhood, what it meant to return to work after maternity leave, how to involve fathers, what present fatherhood means, how to interact with kids (whether yours or not), and how to balance motherhood and relationships.The parenthood journey is a beautiful and transformative experience, but it also comes with challenges, unique experiences. and unexpected twists. Listen in to discover what this can mean for you now or in the future when you choose to be intentional about it.____________________Important resources:Find out about the Mama Tales Podcast here:https://mamatalespodcast.com/Listen to the Mama Tales Podcast here:https://open.spotify.com/show/5ppCEBc7Zw3OjPtgLiRzZa?si=a5e9f01f65014340____________________If you enjoy the podcast, we love you! And we'd like to ask you to rate us on Spotify - it will only take a couple of seconds, we promise! If you listen to us on Apple Podcasts, please take a moment to leave a brief review. We promise it will take less than a minute unless, of course, you have more to say. In any case, we appreciate you!Thanks in advance!_____________________For video logs, visit https://www.youtube.com/@yesgirlspodcast For blogs, visit https://yesgirlspodcast.com/ Feel free to follow us across these platforms:INSTAGRAM TWITTERLINKEDINTIKTOK

This cringefest of a yesticle is proudly sponsored by an NSYNC-decorated A4 notebook-turned-diary. Yes. For this one, the girls are diving headfirst into the time capsule of a version of Akumu that you probably know nothing about.It goes like this:Akumu shares two relics from the ancient diary, and with Claire as her laughingly supportive cohost, they psychoanalyse the teenage musings.The first entry is a masterpiece that'll have you squirming either in secondhand embarrassment or firsthand laughter, similar to what can be heard from Claire and the chuckling male producers in the background.You'll then be whisked away into a second reading of Shakespearean proportions. It's a diary entry so eloquent it could rival the works of a Medieval Bard.So grab your snacks and join this crazy ride through the trials and tribulations of a millennial teenager.Timestamps for Specific Segments(00:00) Intro(02:40) What does keeping a diary mean to Akumu?(03:12) The importance of journaling(04:36) What does keeping a diary mean to Claire?(05:57) Saturday, 3rd April, 2004 - 1st diary entry(12:35) 26th November, 2004 - 2nd diary entry(15:49) Different ways to journal apart from writing(16:20) How detailed should your diary entry be?(18:32) Outro_____________Important resources: The online diary and personal journal app Akumu mentioned can be found here:https://penzu.com/The gratitude practice Claire mentions is from the Being Yogini episode:https://afripods.africa/episode/i-m-not-too-good-at-yoga-some-da/73d9c04f-b8c1-4d1a-b220-421afc72ac55Complementary Yesticles to listen to next:https://afripods.africa/episode/you-think-you-know-us-until-you/23eca0d0-afd5-4bc5-b2ce-820733ceb928https://afripods.africa/episode/yes-yes-maybe-i-don-t-no-can-you/90d1f961-b239-4f31-a996-6d966f6cb386https://afripods.africa/episode/a-yes-odyssey-exploring-inspirin/3e67c5df-7eb3-49d1-9329-ccf2854f4f06____________________If you enjoy the podcast, we love you so much! And we'd like to ask you to rate us on Spotify - it will only take a couple of seconds, we promise! If you listen to us via Apple Podcasts, please take some time to leave a short review. We promise it will take less than a minute unless, of course, you have more to say. In any case, we appreciate you!Thanks in advance!_____________________For video logs, visit https://www.youtube.com/@yesgirlspodcast For blogs, visit https://yesgirlspodcast.com/ Feel free to follow us across these platforms:INSTAGRAM TWITTERLINKEDINTIKTOK

Buckle up for a gender showdown like no other! The Yes Girls are going toe-to-toe with Mantalk's Oscar Koome and Eli Mwenda in what they are calling 'The Great Gender Debate'.For this no-holds-barred conversation filled with wit, wisdom, and wild hypotheticals, the Yes Girls and the "Sweet Boyz" attempt to settle the million-dollar question: who has it tougher? Is it men or women?And yes, it goes without saying: sparks fly, facts are shared, anecdotes are told, jokes are cracked, lines are drawn, insights are examined, and tempers are stewed in this fiery yet friendly battle of the sexes. Timestamps for Specific Segments:(00:00) Intro(02:14) Meet Oscar Koome and Eli Mwenda(03:55) Ground rules for the debate(07:30) Everyone's position/mind frame at the beginning of the debate(09:00) How men and women express their invisible emotional burden(16:35) The Tools men use to deal with their emotions(21:00) Feedback Oscar and Eli receive about their vulnerable/conscious conversations(23:47) Societal stereotypes about women-led podcasts(26:50) The reproductive and parenting burden on women(29:54) The role of men in the parenting journey(31:28) The stereotypes/propaganda on family dynamics promoted by Black American films(35:30) Do men have the same parental instincts that women do?(39:48) What is patriarchy?(43:56) The impact of capitalism on gender roles(44:41) The evolution of gender equality(46:26) The growth of the incel movement(49:05) The hypersexualisation of successful men(49:54) The tall girl theory(51:11) The golden penis theory(51:50) How marriage contributes to income inequality globally(52:37) On women earning more than the men they are with(56:27) What would the world look like without the opposite gender?(1:00:00) Which team won the great gender debate?(1:02:00) Where to find Mantalk.ke, Eli Mwenda & Oscar Koome?(1:04:10) What have Oscar and Eli recently said "yes" to?(1:05:40) OutroSo tune in if you fancy men vs. women debates, beautifully worded opinions, hilarious banter, and a few surprises along the way. Time to settle the score—who will emerge victorious in this gendered clash of perspectives?________________________Important resources:Follow & subscribe to Mantalk here:https://www.youtube.com/c/ManTalkKehttps://open.spotify.com/show/1EsytM7Glx3WVZ7zUD5ZhAhttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mantalk-ke/id1541453976?uo=4Find Mantalk on Instagram here:https://www.instagram.com/mantalk.ke/Scenes from the recording of this episode at Snowball Industries:https://youtu.be/LK38gqItoSU?si=XG3phcpYOY71W5Bbhttps://www.instagram.com/reel/C0DwTrUoHS2https://www.instagram.com/reel/C40asKLopvX/https://www.instagram.com/p/C4-nVRYIg-5/Find Oscar Koome on Instagram here:https://www.instagram.com/oscar_d_koome/Find Eli Mwenda on Instagram here:https://www.instagram.com/elimwenda/______________________________If you enjoy the podcast, we love you so much! And we'd like to ask you to rate us on Spotify - it will only take a couple of seconds, we promise! If you listen to us via Apple Podcasts, please take some time to leave a short review. We promise it will take less than a minute unless, of course, you have more to say. In any case, we appreciate you!Thanks in advance!_____________________For video logs, visit https://www.youtube.com/@yesgirlspodcast For blogs, visit https://yesgirlspodcast.com/ Feel free to follow us across these platforms:INSTAGRAM TWITTERLINKEDINTIKTOK

This is yet another aimless episode you'll see from the Yes Girls, mainly because the last such yesticle (this one) proved to be way too popular. And 'if it ain't broke, why fix it', right?So in this brief under-15-minute self-deprecation, Claire and Akumu delve into the mishaps, messes, and mayhem encountered in the studio, including those experienced by their guests and producers.Yes, it may lack a clear purpose, but rest assured, it's bound to elicit a few chuckles from you.Sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride.Timestamps for Specific Segments(00:00) Intro(02:10) First blooper(02:28) Second blooper(03:34) Third blooper(05:28) Fourth blooper(06:21) Sixth blooper(06:56) Seventh blooper(07:52) Eighth blooper(08:32) Ninth blooper(09:48) Outro_________If you enjoy the podcast, we love you so much! And we'd like to ask you to rate us on Spotify - it will only take a couple of seconds, we promise! If you listen to us via Apple Podcasts, please take some time to leave a short review.We promise it will take less than a minute unless, of course, you have more to say. In any case, we appreciate you!Thanks in advance!_____________________For video logs, visit https://www.youtube.com/@yesgirlspodcast For blogs, visit https://yesgirlspodcast.com/ Feel free to follow us across these platforms:INSTAGRAM TWITTERLINKEDINTIKTOK

For this one, Akumu and Claire are recapping the crazily enlightening challenges from Season 6, where they said 'Yes!' for only a 24-hour period because why not shake things up a bit, right? So, whether they were swapping identities or braving the kitchen inferno, Season 6 was a rollercoaster of 'Yes!' moments that left them laughing, learning, and loving every minute.Timestamps for Specific Segments(00:00) Intro(03:52) Biggest takeaways from season 6 Yes Challenges(07:35) What would Akumu and Claire have done differently?(09:39) What reactions did Akumu and Claire receive as they did the challenges?(12:25) Which challenge would Akumu and Claire want to do again?(18:21) Outro______First up, imagine stepping into someone else's shoes, quite literally! They dove headfirst into the unknown by swapping roles and embracing the chaos of being each other. Let's just say it was a wild ride!And then came the culinary chaos! Saying 'Yes!' to being a chef meant facing off against their culinary fears, from flambe disasters to soufflé meltdowns (in their own heads). Gordon Ramsay would've had a field day with their kitchen anxieties!Then, things got a little more melodious as they tackled the daunting task of learning a musical instrument. Spoiler alert: they pulled some strings.Next, they embarked on a journey of inclusivity by saying 'Yes!' to learning sign language. Let's just say that communicating with their hands opened up a whole new world of expression!Oh, and who could forget their stint in the world of PR? From crafting the perfect press release to mastering the art of persuasive writing, they discovered that there's a whole lot more to PR than meets the eye. Talk about spin doctoring with style!Last but not least, they tackled the ultimate fear for most humans on this earth: public speaking. Armed with courage and a healthy dose of "ah-counter" fright, they took to the podium and embraced the power of their voices. Who knew stuttering through speeches/panels could be so empowering?Stay tuned for more adventures, more learnings, and more 'Yes!' challenges coming your way in newer episodes. Until then, keep saying 'Yes!' and keep living your most epic (mis)adventures yet!____________________If you enjoy the podcast, we love you so much! And we'd like to ask you to rate us on Spotify - it will only take a couple of seconds, we promise! If you listen to us via Apple Podcasts, please take some time to leave a short review. We promise it will take less than a minute unless, of course, you have more to say. In any case, we appreciate you!Thanks in advance!_____________________For video logs, visit https://www.youtube.com/@yesgirlspodcast For blogs, visit https://yesgirlspodcast.com/ Feel free to follow us across these platforms:INSTAGRAM TWITTERLINKEDINTIKTOK

Get ready to face your fears head-on with this one because the girls are saying yes to public speaking with the best experts in the game: Toastmasters! And all of this is because they serendipitously found themselves in the right room at the right time.Watch the VIDEO DIARY >>> on our YouTube Channel.Timestamps for Specific Segments(00:00) Intro(02:40) Background on this episode's "yes" challenge(03:17) Meet Toastmasters International(05:31) Meet Japheth Musau(06:40) Qualities of great public speakers(08:05) Tips for thriving when speaking on a panel(09:40) Toastmasters' traditions & special lingo(11:32) Claire's two-minute improv challenge(13:20) Akumu's preparation for the panel discussion(16:36) Akumu's experience on the panel(17:43) Event participant ratings(22:20) Japheth's public speaking tips for beginners(23:30) How to locate a Toastmasters club near you(28:10) Answers to: What have you recently said "yes" to?(29:40) Outro______Here's how it happened. While they were busy prepping another Yes challenge related to the public (i.e. Public Relations) at Baraza Media Lab, they stumbled upon a Toastmasters International meeting and right there, with a brilliant stroke of luck, the final piece of this challenge's puzzle fit right in.Claire and Akumu then proceeded to Yes-fully ambush the leader of that lucky and extremely talented group, none other than Japheth Musau, the District Director for East and Central Africa. Japheth was gracious enough to invite them into the meeting and offer tips for their public speaking engagements later that week at an Afripods/Baraza Media Lab event.Like all other Season six Yeses, this was meant to be a one-day challenge. But joining an unplanned club meeting on a Tuesday evening and being an actual public speaker on a Thursday evening makes up a day, right? Right!?So yes, it's your lucky day. From understanding the fear of public speaking to mastering the art of captivating an audience, this episode is packed with eye-opening revelations and practical advice. You'll get quick insights about public speaking anxiety, everything you need to know about Toastmasters International, effective communication skills & presentation skills, simple public speaking techniques, and the tricks of impromptu speaking. You'll be so ready for that next speech, we promise._______________________Important resources: Learn more about Toastmasters and find a club near you here:https://www.toastmasters.org/Find out about the official Toastmasters Club Meeting Roles here: https://www.toastmasters.org/membership/club-meeting-roles Follow Japheth Musau here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/japhethmusaudtm/Check out photos from the Afripods Panel Event at Baraza Media LabDiscover more about Baraza Media Lab here: https://barazalab.com/Learn more about Afripods - an Africa-focused podcast hosting platform, here: https://afripods.africa/Follow the official judges of this challenge, i.e. the people who rated the girls' efforts:@jessylesley, host of @techtalkafrika@cikunyaga, host of @thewheelspinpodcast@dorris_wanyagia, host of @itprickeditsarose @trixieokello, host of the Africa Dialogues podcast____________________If you enjoy the podcast, we love you so much! And we'd like to ask you to rate us on Spotify - it will only take a couple of seconds, we promise! If you listen to us via Apple Podcasts, please take some time to leave a short review. We promise it will take less than a minute unless, of course, you have more to say. In any case, we appreciate you!Thanks in advance!_____________________For video logs, visit https://www.youtube.com/@yesgirlspodcast For blogs, visit https://yesgirlspodcast.com/ Feel free to follow us across these platforms:INSTAGRAM TWITTERLINKEDINTIKTOK

It's Yestification o'clock! So grab your favourite cup of coffee, kick back, and dive in as the Yes Girls take a daring leap into the glamorous and, at times, sensationalist world of PR, i.e. Public Relations.Watch this episode's VIDEO DIARY >> on our YouTube channel.Njeri Wangarĩ (Instagram: @kenyanpoet), a seasoned poet, writer, author, creative storyteller and public relations expert, is on hand to guide them in this journey.Timestamps for Specific Segments(00:00) Intro(03:20) Meet guest expert, Njeri Wangarĩ'(04:02) Intro to this episode's Yes challenge(06:11) Njeri explains why she chose the press release challenge(08:00) What should a successful press release include?(10:10) Excerpts from the press release prepared by Akumu & Claire(11:30) Lessons learnt from the challenge(12:20) Njeri's ratings on the completed challenge(22:30) What has Rioba recently said "yes" to?(23:35) Outro_________Picture this: Akumu with her signature glasses and Claire with her infectious quips, armed with one laptop and enough determination, ready to conquer the realm of shaping the public's perception.So get ready for some giggles, gasps, and maybe a little scandal as they venture into crafting their first press release! But be warned; there's a twist – our Yes Girls are bending the truth just a tad (i.e. a lot) to spice things up.Buckle up! It's a wild ride through the glitzy world of public relations, where truth and a touch of fiction collide in the most fabulous way possible!Tune in if you are curious about the goal and importance of public relations, some examples of how it all works, what a press release is, the recommended press release format, its main parts or features, the key steps of writing an effective press release, plus what to include._______________________Important resources: Find Njeri Wangarĩ online:https://muckrack.com/njeriwangarihttps://www.linkedin.com/in/njeri-wangari-19867416/https://twitter.com/njeriwangariWhat is PR, you ask? Here's a great explainer article:https://blog.hubspot.com/marketing/public-relations-definitionCheck out the press release the girls worked on, including Njeri's comments:https://drive.google.com/file/d/1W1kiPm3un37U7a2m95WPNq9t2qBF-K8Q/view?usp=sharing____________________If you enjoy the podcast, we love you so much! And we'd like to ask you to rate us on Spotify - it will only take a couple of seconds, we promise! If you listen to us via Apple Podcasts, please take some time to leave a short review. We promise it will take less than a minute unless you have more to say. In any case, we appreciate you!Thanks in advance!_____________________For video logs, visit https://www.youtube.com/@yesgirlspodcast For blogs, visit https://yesgirlspodcast.com/ Feel free to follow us across these platforms:INSTAGRAM TWITTERLINKEDINTIKTOK

For this episode, Claire and Akumu embark on a unique Yes challenge – learning sign language with support from the incredible team at Pallet Cafe in Nairobi (Instagram: @palletcafe_ke), a trendy spot known for its amazing food and dedicated deaf staff.Watch this episode's VIDEO DIARY >> on our YouTube Channel.The adventure was slated for a Sunday morning during a scheduled sign language masterclass at Pallet Cafe's Lavington establishment.However, things took an unexpected turn when Akumu missed the alarm and her cohost's subsequent phone calls, leaving Claire to take the lead on this linguistic journey.Timestamps for Specific Segments(00:00) Intro(03:03) Intro to sign language(s) of the world(04:22) Meet Pallet Cafe(05:19) A brief about the Yes challenge(06:54) Meet guest expert, Susan, manager of Pallet Cafe(08:57) Meet guest expert, Edwin of Pallet Cafe(10:43) The different sign languages Claire has learnt over the years(13:55) Why a majority of the population doesn't get to learn sign language(17:23) Claire talks about her experience at Pallet Cafe(18:38) Claire's takeaways from the challenge(24:27) Claire shows Akumu some signs(26:06) What has Akumu recently said "yes" to?(26:48) Outro__________Claire shares her initial nerves and excitement, taking charge of the challenge while supporting Akumu in catching up with the basic signs.The question is: did the Yes Girl successfully conquer this challenge, or did her signing skills leave her and those around her lost in translation?Tune in to find out and discover what you need to know about sign language, how different or similar Kenyan sign language is to American Sign Language (ASL), what makes basic sign language so easy to learn, the challenges that the deaf community encounters in Kenya, the need for inclusivity and accessibility, why you should get started with sign language tutorials, videos and resources online, or why you should sign up for sign language classes near you.Important Resources:The learning Greek Yespisode mentioned:https://afripods.africa/episode/honestly-it-s-all-greek-to-me-ft/68b2e322-42c9-4348-a5b8-1cd307138bc2Pallet Cafe:https://palletcafe.co.ke/Documentary on deaf education in Kenya:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EqiPCFwP8SQBasic signs in Kenyan Sign Language:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3JEgEKCrdr8Kenyan Sign Language:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kenyan_Sign_LanguageAmerican Sign Language (ASL):https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/american-sign-languageBasic Sign Language Signs:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0FcwzMq4iWg____________________If you enjoy the podcast, we love you so much! And we'd like to ask you to rate us on Spotify - it will only take a couple of seconds, we promise! If you listen to us via Apple Podcasts, please take some time to leave a short review. We promise it will take less than a minute unless, of course, you have more to say. In any case, we appreciate you!Thanks in advance!_____________________For video logs, visit https://www.youtube.com/@yesgirlspodcast For blogs, visit https://yesgirlspodcast.com/ Feel free to follow us across these platforms:INSTAGRAM TWITTERLINKEDINTIKTOK

The top Yes Challenge suggestion from the Yes People has always been to learn how to play a musical instrument. So Claire and Akumu didn't just get ANY instrument - they got hold of electric guitars and learnt a thing or two from an ultra-seasoned musician eager to unravel the secrets of guitar mastery. Watch this episode's VIDEO DIARY >> on our YouTube channel.The guest expert for this episode is Ross Patel (Instagram: @rossnairobi) - a session guitarist, singer-songwriter, mix engineer, and the maestro behind Snowball Industries (Instagram: @snowballindustries): a recording and production studio serving musicians and podcasters of Nairobi. In case you didn't already know, Snowball is also the home of this very podcast. With Season Six being all about day-long or less-than-a-day challenges, the girls needed some kind of miracle to move from clueless to better than beginners, and Ross was just the guy for that. It all began with the age-old debate: electric versus acoustic. Timestamps for Specific Segments(00:00) Intro(02:30) Meet guest expert, Ross Patel(04:58) Why an electric guitar is the perfect musical instrument for this episode(05:55) Akumu narrates how the challenge went down(08:50) How Ross learnt how to play the guitar(09:44) How Ross taught Akumu and Claire the basics of playing the electric guitar(12:33) Listen to Claire and Akumu play(15:00) Claire narrates how she found the experience(16:27) Listen to Ross playing the electric guitar(19:26) Listen to the "theme song" created using the electric guitar(20:23) Ross rates Akumu and Claire's efforts as beginners(22:57) Tips for anyone thinking of learning a musical instrument(26:26) What has Ross recently said "yes" to?(27:21) Outro__________In the episode, Ross provides the lowdown on the distinct characteristics of electric guitars and why they might just be the key to unlocking your inner rockstar. He shares one of the fastest ways to learn the electric guitar and offers quick tips for anyone itching to strum those strings.His is a crash course on becoming a guitar virtuoso! From beginner guitar lessons to mastering basic chords to figuring out what to learn first, Ross has you covered with invaluable insights to kickstart your musical journey.Listen in for a dose of the infectious passion that Ross has for music and actionable tips for anyone willing to say yes to learning a musical instrument. Whether you're a seasoned musician or a curious beginner, this episode is your backstage pass to the world of electric guitars. Tune in, turn up the volume, and let the music in!__________________________________Important resources: Intro to the electric guitar:https://www.britannica.com/art/electric-guitar What guitar frets are:https://www.liveabout.com/what-guitar-frets-are-and-why-they-matter-4686563 Tablature, as mentioned by Ross:https://www.simplifyingtheory.com/how-to-read-guitar-tabs/ Meaning of "riff":https://www.guitarchalk.com/riff-definition/ Listen to Claire and Akumu playing the four notes with the backing track:https://www.instagram.com/p/CzboO1aIdQC/Related YESpisode to listen to next:https://afripods.africa/episode/no-rhyme-no-reason-no-poetic-inc/e00825c6-d968-432c-8792-7e018219923f Silas Piper, the guitar owner mentioned:https://www.instagram.com/silas.piper/____________________If you enjoy the podcast, we love you so much! And we'd like to ask you to rate us on Spotify - it will only take a couple of seconds, we promise! If you listen to us via Apple Podcasts, please take some time to leave a short review. We promise it will take less than a minute unless, of course, you have more to say. In any case, we appreciate you!Thanks in advance!_____________________For video logs, visit https://www.youtube.com/@yesgirlspodcast For blogs, visit https://yesgirlspodcast.com/ Feel free to follow us across these platforms:INSTAGRAM TWITTERLINKEDINTIKTOK

To mark their 50th episode milestone, Claire and Akumu trade microphones for chef hats to experience the pressure of a real working kitchen at Cultiva Kenya.Watch this episode's VIDEO DIARY >> on our YouTube channel.Cultiva describes itself as Nairobi's premier destination for eco-friendly, farm-to-table dining. They are not just a restaurant, but a sanctuary that transcends the ordinary, where the act of cultivating and creating takes centre stage. They consider themselves a haven where organic heirloom crops flourish, and where people's skills and talents are nurtured. "Cultiva" is Spanish for "cultivate", and the restaurant's founders hail from Ecuador.Remember that this is Season 6, meaning each challenge unfolds with a unique twist—a deep dive into a new world or skill, all within the confines of a single day. So, thanks to their grand plans of wanting to experience what it means to be a chef in a professional restaurant, Akumu and Claire had their work cut out for them. The culinary stage was set, and the Yes Girls, guided by the culinary virtuosos of Cultiva Kenya, were ready to serve up insights and inspiration.The girls stepped into the chef's shoes, or rather hats, behind the kitchen counter and learnt everything they needed to know about what it feels like to prepare, manage and serve a breakfast menu on a busy Sunday morning.Timestamps for Specific Segments(00:00) Intro(02:45) Introducing Cultiva Kenya as the guest expert(s)(03:38) Akumu briefly explains the Yes challenge(04:30) What it takes to be a head chef. Enter Chef Khalid(07:03) Claire and Akumu explain what they saw, learnt, smelt & tasted(11:00) Some quotes from the chefs at Cultiva(12:14) How did Akumu find the experience?(12:52) How did Claire find the experience?(13:35) The seamless transition from breakfast to lunch(16:15) Chef Khalid's perspective on menu creation(19:24) Meet Joy, one of the waiters at Cultiva(20:56) The challenge of cutting an onion in a pro kitchen?!(25:12) What has Claire recently said "yes" to?(25:54) What has Akumu recently said "yes" to?(26:28) Outro _________This episode peels back the layers of the culinary world. Best of all, the girls gained insights into the mysteries of an ever-changing restaurant menu, the sustainable farm-to-table concept and a professional chef's daily routine and responsibilities, particularly a head chef.Listen to the episode if you are curious about what a chef does, what duties they are in charge of, the realities of being one in a busy kitchen, the pros, cons, and common challenges of being one, the skills necessary for culinary school and for anyone that wants to work professionally as a chef, why the career might be harder than you think, the benefits of working in a busy restaurant and kitchen, and what expert advice seasoned chefs might give to anyone who wants to become one.A lot to learn and a lot to consider the next time you step into a restaurant like Cultiva Kenya! Tune in.____________Important resources:The major YESpisode mentioned:https://afripods.africa/episode/s-05-e-03-saying-yes-to-doing-ba/c6c2a32c-4ceb-441c-9bbb-677de67b8216#Cultiva Kenya website:https://cultivakenya.com/Cultiva Kenya on Instagram:https://instagram.com/cultivakenya****************If you enjoy the podcast, we love you so much! And we'd like to ask you to rate us on Spotify - it will only take a couple of seconds, we promise! If you listen to us via Apple Podcasts, please take some time to leave a short review. We promise it will take less than a minute unless, of course, you have more to say. In any case, we appreciate you!Thanks in advance!_____________________For video logs, visit https://www.youtube.com/@yesgirlspodcast For blogs, visit https://yesgirlspodcast.com/ Feel free to follow us across these platforms:INSTAGRAM TWITTERLINKEDINTIKTOK

For this one, the Yes Girls are doing the old switcheroo, i.e. stepping into each other's shoes and walking a day in them. Watch this YouTube video diary for evidence. It's called the "old" switcheroo because it has been in the YES challenge parking lot for years. PS: It's Season six, people! And this officially marked the 50th-episode milestone!Timestamps for Specific Segments(00:00) Intro(04:00) The Yes challenge is introduced(05:15) Claire talks about her experience being Akumu for a day(18:05) Lessons Claire took from the challenge(19:55) Akumu talks about her experience being Claire for a day(35:38) Akumu and Claire rate each other(40:28) Friends and family rate Akumu and Claire(47:30) What did Akumu & Claire recently say "yes" to?(49:19) Outro_____It was an easy choice as an option for this season because the wildcard for the next 5 episodes is to see what can be achieved WITHIN a single day while doing, being, and learning something new. So unlike all previous YESpisodes, Season six challenges were done in a few hours.And yes, this was the longest of this season's challenges. That's because for Claire to be Akumu and Akumu to be Claire, there was a list of guidelines to follow for an entire day, i.e. from morning to evening hours.So listen in if you're curious about doing your switcheroo challenge or empathy exercise i.e. walking a mile in someone else's shoes, building empathy, empathetic thinking, structuring your perfect day, what a perfect day means, what a normal day looks like for two very different human beings, why testing out a different kind of routine is important, and why stepping outside your comfort is always a good thing and consistently recommended for personal growth. Tune in!__________Important resources: All the YESpisodes mentioned in this one:Episode 26: Saying Yes to Being YoginisEpisode 43: Saying Yes to Being an InfluencerEpisode 28: Saying Yes to Doing CrossFit Episode 41: Saying Yes to Doing MakeupInsight timer app for affirmation and sleep meditations:https://insighttimer.com/ Creative Live for free classes:https://www.creativelive.com/ Blinkist app for summarised books:https://www.blinkist.com/ ****************If you enjoy the podcast, we love you so much! And we'd like to ask you to rate us on Spotify - it will only take a couple of seconds, we promise! If you listen to us via Apple Podcasts, please take some time to leave a short review. We promise it will take less than a minute unless, of course, you have more to say. In any case, we appreciate you!Thanks in advance!_____________________For video diaries, visit https://www.youtube.com/@yesgirlspodcast For blogs, visit https://yesgirlspodcast.com/ Feel free to follow us across these platforms:INSTAGRAM TWITTERLINKEDINTIKTOK

If you had the choice at birth… would you choose to be a woman?This particular episode, otherwise known as a Yesticle, features one of the "doulas" who helped bring this podcast to life in early 2021: Doris Onyango, who is the Production Manager at SemaBOX, Africa's largest podcast incubator.She has an engaging conversation with Akumu and Claire that delves into the world of female empowerment, feminism, and women's rights, touching on gender stereotypes, women's liberation, gender discrimination, women's movements, feminist movements, the gender pay gap, women's education, and women's representation.Timestamps for Specific Segments(00:00) Intro(01:55) Meet Doris Onyango(05:07) How does Doris define "being a woman"?(06:10) Is Doris proud to be a woman?(06:24) If given the choice at birth, would she choose to be a woman?(07:04) Thoughts on feminism and how she fits into the movement(15:12) How feminism has shifted across generations(19:00) Can women provide for the family and still "be in their feminine"?(23:55) Does growing up in different environments affect views on feminism?(31:47) Does feminine energy contribute to a podcast's success?(35:22) Info on the Dada Podcast Incubator program(40:55) Final words/thoughts by Doris(42:48) What has Doris recently said "yes" to?(43:45) Outro__________Doris shares her own experiences and insights as a woman in Kenya, shedding light on the challenges and triumphs she's encountered along the way. Akumu and Claire eventually challenge her to explore the concept of feminine energy and its significance in creating a space where women can thrive, both personally and professionally.And last but certainly not least, Doris celebrates the incredible journey of women podcasters in Kenya and shares details about the groundbreaking Dada Podcast Incubator, the world's first podcast incubator designed exclusively for women and non-binary individuals. She explains the vision behind this unique initiative, its mission to amplify diverse voices, and how it is shaping the future of podcasting in and for the Global South.So tune in as Akumu, Claire, and Doris Onyango celebrate and demonstrate the strength and resilience of women through insights, stories, opinions, and, of course, lighthearted laughter.______________Important resources: Follow Doris: @dorisonyangoFollow SemaBOX: @semabox_africaLearn more about the Dada Podcast Incubator here:https://dadaincubator.com/Learn more about SemaBOX here:https://semabox.africa/****************If you enjoy the podcast, we love you so much! And we'd like to ask you to rate us on Spotify - it will only take a couple of seconds, we promise! If you listen to us via Apple Podcasts, please take some time to leave a short review. We promise it will take less than a minute unless, of course, you have more to say. In any case, we appreciate you!Thanks in advance!_____________________For video logs, visit https://www.youtube.com/@yesgirlspodcast For blogs, visit https://yesgirlspodcast.com/ Feel free to follow us across these platforms:INSTAGRAM TWITTERLINKEDINTIKTOK

Molly Jensen's life stretches across continents: New York, Ghana, and Kenya. But when your identity spans worlds, where does belonging actually live?Molly Jensen is the Chief Executive Officer of Afripods.You might need to buckle up as we journey through her remarkable story - one that spans continents, cultures, countries, and what all of that translates to in her mission to build a bigger podcasting pie for Africa.She is a Ghanaian-American born in New York and has devoted her career to revolutionising African storytelling. As the CEO of Afripods, she's at the forefront of building the largest library of African audio stories on the planet, right from the heart of Nairobi, Kenya.Timestamps for Specific Segments(00:00) Intro(01:09) Introducing Molly Jensen(01:32) What is Afripods?(02:56) Who is Molly?(03:50) What brought Moly to Kenya and made her settle in the country?(05:00) How has her identity evolved based on how she was received by others, and how does that match/conflict with how she identifies with herself?(06:44) How has her professional experience as a young female leader in the country contributed to her growth, and what challenges has she faced?(11:00) What does Molly feel is the difference between a Black American coming to Africa and an African going to America?(17:00) Comparing Molly's sense of identity in Kenya vs. in Ghana(24:25) Molly's opinion on how Akumu and Claire's differences shape their positioning in the Kenyan podcasting space(33:53) What's next for Molly and Afripods?(35:31) Molly's final thoughts and words of wisdom(38:20) What Molly has recently said "yes" to(39:00) Outro_________Afripods, exactly where this very podcast is hosted, is a free pan-African podcast hosting platform. It is a game-changer that not only provides a platform for African creators but also amplifies their voices across the continent and within the Diaspora.Afripods' incredible capabilities include categorising content in over 50 languages and curating material from over 30 countries, including individual podcasters, radio stations, and media houses. It's truly become the home for African podcasting, and it's fostering the growth of diverse narratives and talents.Beyond being an accomplished CEO, Molly is a speaker who's graced prestigious stages worldwide. Her impressive resume includes appearances at Podcast Movement, Africa Podcast Day, Africa Media Festival, BBC Media Leaders conferences, WAN-IFRA Digital Media Africa conference, and Advertising Week Africa.She's also been featured in prominent publications such as Forbes, The Guardian, Reuters, JamLab Africa, Podcast Sessions, and Apple Podcasts, solidifying her position as a thought leader in the podcasting realm.And when she's not busy changing the African podcasting landscape, Molly enjoys exploring the world through her travels, adding to her rich tapestry of experiences.That right there makes her the perfect person to speak to about the African diaspora, diaspora identity and belonging, diaspora vs. assimilation, hyphenated identity, diaspora community support, roots and heritage, multiculturalism, the role of language, and the power of diversity.Yup! It's one of those opening-up and vulnerability kind of conversations. You have been warned.You can find:Molly on Instagram as @mj_akosua and Afripods at @afripods****************If you enjoy the podcast, we love you so much! And we'd like to ask you to rate us on Spotify - it will only take a couple of seconds, we promise! If you listen to us via Apple Podcasts, please take some time to leave a short review. We promise it will take less than a minute unless, of course, you have more to say. In any case, we appreciate you! Thanks in advance!_____________________For video logs, visit https://www.youtube.com/@yesgirlspodcast For blogs, visit https://yesgirlspodcast.com/ Feel free to follow us across these platforms:INSTAGRAM TWITTERLINKEDINTIKTOK

This is exactly what happens when the Gen Z audio engineers behind the Yes Girls Podcast finally get in front of the mics.It's the Yes Girls, Claire and Akumu, sitting down with the talented humans behind the magic of this show - our behind-the-scenes audio team - Sompisha Productions: Ernest, Rioba, and Sompisha himself.Some quick intros for you:Sompisha Productions (@__sompisha__) is an audiovisual company dedicated to crafting compelling narratives through the fusion of visuals and sound, with the overarching goal of showcasing the evolving landscape of our world.Ernest Oguna (@o.jizzo) is a producer and a recording and mixing engineer who works with various big names in the Kenyan music industry who record at Snowball Industries (@snowballindustries).Rioba Karori (@riobakarori) is an audio engineer who specialises in making sure everything sounds great. He works behind the scenes to make sure music and podcasts come out in perfect form.Sompisha Kipelian (@sompishaofficial), the eponymous creative behind the three-man crew, is a portrait photographer who loves capturing moments. Beauty, Fashion, Culture, and Music have always been an inspiration and fuel for his photography. He views his work as a catalyst for people to open up and connect with their deeper emotions in order to explore and expand their consciousness.______Timestamps for Specific Segments:(00:00) Intro(01:30) The show's guest experts, Sompisha, Ernest and Rioba, are introduced(08:00) All three talk about their personal career highlights(10:27) What do they think is the future of sound, music and podcasting in Kenya?(13:55) What is it like for them to be in the studio for every Yes Girls episode?(17:30) What is their personal favourite moment/episode of the Yes Girls podcast?(19:55) How does it feel for them as young men navigating the world and interacting with people from different generations, and is there something they would like to tell the older generation?(23:59) For the younger generation, do they tend to ask the older generation for advice or look up information online?(26:57) What have they recently said "yes" to, and what episode personally inspired them?(33:15) Parting shots(33:51) What are Claire's and Akumu's thoughts on working with "Da Boiz"?(38:58) Where to find Sompisha, Ernest and Rioba online(39:50) Outro_________In this Yesticle, we dive deep into the world of audio magic. Discover how Sompisha Productions weaves their sonic spells, crafting the auditory experience that keeps you coming back for more, fortnight after fortnight.With plenty of laughs, revelations, and perhaps a few embarrassing jokes, this mini-episode promises to be a delightful journey that'll give you a glimpse into the heart of a podcasting 'kitchen'.We cannot promise that you won't fall head over heels in love with the incredible team at Sompisha Productions. Consider yourself warned!___________If you enjoy the podcast, we love you so much! And we'd like to ask you to rate us on Spotify - it will only take a couple of seconds, we promise! If you listen to us via Apple Podcasts, please take some time to leave a short review. We promise it will take less than a minute unless, of course, you have more to say. In any case, we appreciate you!Thanks in advance!_____________________For video logs, visit https://www.youtube.com/@yesgirlspodcast For blogs, visit https://yesgirlspodcast.com/ Feel free to follow us across these platforms:INSTAGRAM TWITTERLINKEDINTIKTOK

What happens when ChatGPT tries to write a Yes Girls Podcast episode?In this Yesticle experiment, Claire and Akumu test three AI-generated scripts — and discover that artificial intelligence can be surprisingly creepy, funny… and even chaotic.>> Fair warning: If ChatGPT said YES to writing much of this episode's script, then it only makes sense to have it take over much of this description too. <<____Take it away, GPT-3.5 (+ a little human editing)!____"Yesticle Follies: Unleashing ChatGPT's Creative Chaos!"Hold onto your earbuds, folks, because this special mini episode of the Yes Girls Podcast is about to take you on a rollercoaster ride of AI-generated hilarity!Buckle up for a rollercoaster ride as Claire and Akumu put three ingenious ChatGPT scripts to the ultimate test.From sidesplitting formulaic sentences to jaw-dropping dramatic dialogues, this episode promises giggles galore and even a few eyebrow raises!So join them as they navigate through these uproarious skits with laughter & icks as their trusty co-pilot!Whether you need a midday pick-me-up or simply love to revel in the absurd, "Yesticle Follies" promises an audio escapade that will leave you grinning from ear to ear.So, curious minds--- If you're itching to explore the world of ChatGPT, dive into AI-generated Podcast Scripts, unravel the mysteries of Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and Natural Language Processing.Wrap your virtual neurons around the magic of GPT-3.5, grasp the wizardry of Language Generation, unravel the tapestry of Deep Learning and Neural Networks, and ponder over the dance of Human-AI Interaction.And why not stay in the know about AI Trends, get cosy with Conversational AI, or simply want a front-row seat to the mind-boggling AI revolution – guess what? Your audio adventure awaits right here!___Timestamps for Specific Segments:(00:00) Intro(01:32) Does ChatGPT have a sense of humour?(02:44) First prompt - Write an episode of a podcast called the Yes Girls with hosts Claire and Akumu(06:50) Second prompt - Write a mini-episode of the Yes Girls Podcast with hosts Claire and Akumu as they look back on season 6 episodes, saying yes to doing, being, or learning something new, and seeking suggestions for new episodes(11:40) Third prompt - What would the Yes Girls say?(15:35) Warm appreciation to everyone who contributed to this experiment(16:05) Outro****************>> Now back to biological human writing....<<Note: ChatGPT is an AI-powered, large language model-based chatbot developed by OpenAI and launched on November 30, 2022.****************If you enjoy the podcast, we love you too much! Believe it! And we'd like to ask you to rate us on Spotify - it will only take a couple of seconds, we promise! If you listen to us via Apple Podcasts, please take some time to leave a short review. We promise it will take less than a minute unless, of course, you have more to say. In any case, we appreciate you!Thanks in advance!_____________________For video logs, visit https://www.youtube.com/@yesgirlspodcast For the blog with the actual scripts that GPT-3.5 wrote, visit https://yesgirlspodcast.com/ Feel free to follow us across these platforms:INSTAGRAM TWITTERLINKEDINTIKTOK

After four months of saying yes to six completely different challenges, what actually changed?In this Yesticle, Claire and Akumu reflect on the biggest lessons from Season 5, from rap and baking to happiness and influence, and what stepping outside their comfort zones really taught them.The Yes Girls lay out all their learnings, lifelong lessons, and possible wishes related to the three Yes challenges each of them completed in Season 5, alongside guidance from a total of 11 fantastic guest experts.____Timestamps for Specific Segments:(00:00) Intro to the Yesticle(00:51) Season Overview & Challenges tackled by Akumu and Claire(02:31) Key takeaways from each episode (rap, barista, baking, makeup, happiness, influencing)(04:41) Reflections: Claire's major learnings(06:16) Dining Alone & Happiness(07:31) Behind the Rap: Reverse-engineering lyrics and storytelling(09:21) Makeup Confidence & Social Media Filters(10:21) Real vs. Projected Online Selves(12:01) Challenge Envy(13:41) More Experts, More Work(16:31) Most Popular Episode(18:01) Gratitude Segment(19:11) Outro______In essence, the Yes Girls reminisce about:Episode 38: Learning how to rap w/ Juliani & VendettaEpisode 39: Learning barista skills w/ Martin Makau and Ritesh DoshiEpisode 40: Doing baking w/ Beldina Kirito JEpisode 41: Doing makeup w/ Sharon Achieng and Savina MercyEpisode 42: Being happy w/ Faith Nyoike and Jason PhillipsEpisode 43: Being an influencer w/ Maeve Sheryl and Esther KazunguThey cover the high-impact episodes or challenges, what they've learnt, whether they've seen any benefits, why some were challenging for them, and why the immersive apprenticeship and interviews with the experts made such a difference.And last but not least, they touch on the overall benefits of trying new things and why stepping outside your comfort zone is always a good thing!****************If you enjoy the podcast, we love you so much! And we'd like to ask you to rate us on Spotify - it will only take a couple of seconds, we promise! If you listen to us via Apple Podcasts, please take some time to leave a short review. We promise it will take less than a minute unless, of course, you have more to say. In any case, we appreciate you!Thanks in advance!_____________________For video logs, visit https://www.youtube.com/@yesgirlspodcast For blogs, visit https://yesgirlspodcast.com/ Feel free to follow us across these platforms:INSTAGRAM TWITTERLINKEDINTIKTOK

What does it take to become a successful influencer in today's digital landscape? In this Yespisode, the Yes Girls, Claire and Akumu, dive into the vibrant world of social media influencing, exploring the highs and lows of this captivating career path.Remember that this is Season 5, which means there is only one guinea pig, one challenge, and two fantastic experts.____Timestamps for Specific Segments:(00:00) Introduction: Saying Yes to Influence(02:30) Meet the Experts: Maeve Sherryl & Esther Kazungu(05:10) Kazungu's Influencer Origin Story(10:20) The Viral Moment & Breakthrough(13:55) Quitting Her Job & Going All In(17:45) Claire's Influencer Challenge Begins(20:30) Authenticity as the Secret Sauce(23:10) Therapy, Burnout & Creative Blocks(25:00) Results of the Challenge: Metrics & Milestones(28:45) The Female Gaze: Who's Watching Who?(30:15) Should Claire Become a Full-Time Influencer?(32:00) Closing Banter & Outro_____For this one, Claire embarks on a week-long adventure, and who better to guide her through this thrilling journey than the charismatic and seasoned influencer, Maeve Sherryl? Check out the video diary of her discussion with Claire on our YouTube Channel.Maeve is one of Kenya's best-loved and admired influencers who went viral on social media because of her ability to capture the hearts, eyes and likes of Kenyans on social. Apart from being a social media influencer, she is also a lawyer, an advocate in training, a singer/songwriter, and the founder and host of Cycles Podcast.In their engaging masterclass, Claire and Maeve delve into the secrets and strategies of the influencer industry. From curating the perfect Instagram feed focus to mastering the art of storytelling through reels, Claire gets a crash course in all things influencer. And Maeve generously shares her wealth of knowledge, revealing the tricks of the trade that have brought her tremendous success.In the studio for this episode is yet another big name in the world of content creation. Esther Kazungu is a renowned Kenyan content creator who describes herself on one of her bios as 'Your not so average Kenyan girl, short with a tall personality going about her life outside the ordinary lenses of life and being silly while at it.' She rose to fame with her skits that gently mock African politicians and her comedic prowess. She continues to entertain the world with her sketches as well as her light touch and down-to-earth attitude. So listen in if you're curious about what being an influencer means, what makes them tick, the specific challenges that social media influencers face, how to become an influencer on Instagram, the ins and outs of building a personal brand and connecting with an audience authentically, how to grow and make money as an influencer, the responsibility that comes with being a social media influencer, and the intricacies of influencer marketing if you're an outsider looking in. Tune in!__________________________________Important resources: Maeve Sherryl on Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/maevesherryl Maeve's Cycles Podcasthttps://www.youtube.com/@MaeveSherrylEsther Kazungu on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/estherkazungu Check out Claire's Influencing efforts on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/halfbakedclaire ****************If you enjoy the podcast, we love you so much! And we'd like to ask you to rate us on Spotify - it will only take a couple of seconds, we promise! If you listen to us via Apple Podcasts, please take some time to leave a short review. We promise it will take less than a minute unless, of course, you have more to say. In any case, we appreciate you!Thanks in advance!_____________________For video logs, including the one with Maeve, visit https://www.youtube.com/@yesgirlspodcast For blogs, visit https://yesgirlspodcast.com/ Feel free to follow us across these platforms:INSTAGRAM TWITTERLINKEDINTIKTOK

Are you happy? What's your "Bliss Blueprint"? And are you happy with yourself? By yourself? Or in life? And how does one even know if or when they are happy? Plus, what is true happiness anyway?Remember that this is Season 5, which means there is one guinea pig, one challenge, and two experts.For this unique YES challenge, Akumu was the one to step up to the plate, alongside two amazing guest experts. This episode is an invitation to reflect on your relationship with happiness. Are you faking it, or are you truly finding joy in the little moments? Tune in for a conversation that challenges you to say yes to your own happiness journey, no matter how uncomfortable it may be._____Timestamps for Specific Segments:(00:00) Intro(02:30) Meet the Experts: Faith Nyoike & Jason Phillips(05:00) Happiness Is a Journey, Not a Destination(08:40) The 5 Happiness Tasks Akumu Had to Choose From(11:30) Why Going Out Alone Was Brutal(15:00) Forgiveness, But Make It Ugly(18:00) Therapist Reaction: Jason Weighs In(21:30) What Actually Changed for Akumu?(24:00) Tools for Your Happiness Journey(27:00) Rating Time: How Did She Do?(29:30) Final Thoughts: From Uncomfortable to Empowered(44:03) What Jason Has Recently Said Yes to(44:31) Outro_____Guiding Akumu in her pursuit of happiness is Faith Nyoike. Faith Nyoike has handled freelance individual therapy, as well as family and marital counselling. She has also conducted corporate therapy consultations and various strategic partnerships in Mombasa County, where she is based. She is currently the Founder and Lead Therapist at Shin Wellness.Faith gave Akumu the following tasks to attempt for this challenge for 1-2 weeks:Take yourself out, alone.Start an exercise regimen.Plan or purpose to let go of a grudge or someone who pissed you off.Have a week where you will purpose to get 8 hours of sleep every day.Plan to give to a cause or give your resources.In the studio to discuss this huge topic and challenge, with both Yes Girls as the second guest expert, is Jason Phillips.Jason Phillips is a licensed therapist, confidence coach, and college professor, based in the US, who advocates relentlessly for prosperity and wellness to strengthen individuals, couples, families, and communities across the globe. He has been featured in Oprah Daily, WebMD, Forbes, NBC, Cosmopolitan and many more. With over 10 years of experience in the mental health and coaching profession, he is considered an expert in evidence-based treatment and strategic goal setting. Jason is the owner of Peace & Prosperity Coaching and host of the Peace & Prosperity Podcast. He is highly recommended and sought out for his passion for mental health and personal development.So get ready to shatter conventional beliefs and embrace cutting-edge strategies that will revolutionise your pursuit of happiness. Tune in!Important resources and links:Faith on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/faith-nyoike-520926204/Faith on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nyoike.faithJason on the web: https://jasonlphillips.com/Jason on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jphillipsmswJason's Peace & Prosperity Podcast:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/peace-prosperity-podcast/id1566200301https://open.spotify.com/show/0Eh8cI2EEfd97OmcVyXxAb?si=9a61978bf2c5404dhttps://www.youtube.com/@peaceandprosperitypodcast****************If you enjoy the podcast, we love you so much! And we'd like to ask you to rate us on Spotify - it will only take a couple of seconds, we promise! If you listen to us via Apple Podcasts, please take some time to leave a short review. We promise it will take less than a minute unless, of course, you have more to say. In any case, we appreciate you!Thanks in advance!_____________________For video logs, visit https://www.youtube.com/@yesgirlspodcast For blogs, visit https://yesgirlspodcast.com/ Feel free to follow us across these platforms:INSTAGRAM TWITTERLINKEDINTIKTOK

Do you wear makeup every day or ever? That's the question that brought this challenge to life. And for this Yespisode, it's Claire saying yes to learning the ropes, mostly because she rocks a natural look beautifully and gets professional makeup done only a few times a year if necessary.PS: You can watch this VIDEO DIARY of her masterclass on our YouTube channel before or after you listen to this audio episode.Remember, this is Season 5, which means there is one guinea pig, one challenge, and two experts. Claire took an afternoon off to meet with the first expert to learn the basics of the professional trade: Sharon Achieng. Sharon is a certified makeup artist based at a beauty studio in central Nairobi but also works with clients wherever they are.In the studio for this episode is Savina Mercy. Savina is a makeup artist and fitness and nutrition influencer. But most importantly, she has actually done the girls' makeup for Season 4's video-first Yesticles that you can find on our YouTube Channel. ____Timestamps for Specific Segments:(0:00) Intro(2:15) Meet Our Experts: Sharon Achieng & Savina Mercy(4:00) What Does a Makeup Artist Do? Savina Explains(5:53) Savina's Journey: From Campus Hobby to Pro MUA(7:45) Claire's Makeup Lesson Adventure with Sharon(9:42) Blush vs Contour – Claire Learns the Basics(10:15) Makeup Trends Are Changing – Subtle is In(14:00) Skin Care as the Foundation for Good Makeup(22:52) Savina's Advice for Aspiring Makeup Artists(27:45) Ratings from the Experts and Their Top Tips – How Did Claire Do?(29:46) Sharon's Advice for Aspiring Makeup Artists(30:46) The Real Beauty is You – Skincare, Confidence & Choice(34:35) What Savina Has Recently Said Yes to(36:09) Outro______There is a lot to learn from this episode, whether you do makeup or not. Listen in if you're curious about Makeup tutorials, basic makeup steps, how to apply makeup, how to do makeup step by step for beginners, essential makeup tips, contouring techniques and tips, makeup brushes and their proper usage, exclusive makeup artist recommendations, and tips for anyone who would like to get started as a makeup artist.__________________________________Important resources: Beginner makeup tips according to experts:https://www.instyle.com/beauty/makeup/makeup-kit-beginners-products Sharon Achieng on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/makeup_by_sharon_kenya/Savina Mercy on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/_she_is_artt/Savina Mercy's Makeup Page on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/arttbeauty_/ ****************If you enjoy the podcast, we love you so much! And we'd like to ask you to rate us on Spotify - it will only take a couple of seconds, we promise! If you listen to us via Apple Podcasts, please take some time to leave a short review. We promise it will take less than a minute unless, of course, you have more to say. In any case, we appreciate you!Thanks in advance!_____________________For video logs, visit https://www.youtube.com/@yesgirlspodcast For blogs, visit https://yesgirlspodcast.com/ Feel free to follow us across these platforms:INSTAGRAM TWITTERLINKEDINTIKTOK

Only one of the cohosts is called "Baker", but it's the other one that gets to be exactly that for this episode. Yup! Akumu said YES to doing baking with one of the best in the industry.Be sure to watch the video diary on YouTube.Unlike the other Season 5 challenges, this one only required one expert, as she is a force to be reckoned with.Whether she's baking up a storm in her kitchen for Beldina's Delicacies, filming a recipe video for her YouTube channel, as a top baking YouTuber in Kenya, teaching young bakers how to do the same or showing influencers & brands how to create a storm on social media, she always does so with a smile and cupcake! It's Beldina Kirito!____Timestamps for Specific Segments:(0:00) Intro(2:13) Meet Our Baking Expert: Beldina J. Kirito(4:13) Challenge Structure & KPIs for the Cake-Off(5:00) Measuring Tips, Baking Science, etc.(7:33) Beldina on Saying Yes to the Podcast(8:17) Akumu's Experience & History of Baking Fails(10:49) What Baking Taught Akumu About Creativity(12:00) Beldina's Advice for Beginners: Follow, Then Freestyle(12:55) From English Teacher to Baking Boss: Beldina's Story(14:31) Start Small, Fail Smaller: Business Lessons(15:58) Social Media as Beldina's Secret Ingredient(17:08) Has Akumu Become a Cake Girl Now?(19:24) The Easiest Business You Can Start: Baking(22:32) Beldina Rates Akumu's Baking Attempt(23:18) The Ultimate Challenge: Croissant Time(28:28) What Beldina Has Recently said yes to(28:55) Outro____So listen in if you're curious about easy baking or cake recipes, how to bake a marble vanilla cake, essential baking tips, tricks and hacks, baking gadgets and tools, baking science and chemistry, baking for beginners, baking classes in Kenya, baking schools in Nairobi, and, in general, how to start a baking business in Kenya.But please note: this episode is not just about baking; it's about embracing challenges, learning from failures, and celebrating the sweet moments in life. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a curious novice, this episode is sure to inspire you to say yes to your own culinary adventures.Join us for a fun, insightful, and slightly chaotic journey into the world of baking, and don't forget to check out Belina's social media for more delicious inspiration!__________________________________Important resources: Beldina's viral vanilla cake recipe video:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GZrezZ_fDgA&t=100s  Beldina on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/c/BeldinasDelicacies Beldina on Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/beldina.kiritoj/Beldina on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/beldinakiritoj/ Beldina on Tiktok:https://www.tiktok.com/@beldinakiritoj Beldina on LinkedIn:https://ke.linkedin.com/in/beldina-kirito-j-41321010a ****************If you enjoy the podcast, we love you so much! And we'd like to ask you to rate us on Spotify - it will only take a couple of seconds, we promise! If you listen to us via Apple Podcasts, please take some time to leave a short review. We promise it will take less than a minute unless, of course, you have more to say. In any case, we appreciate you!Thanks in advance!_____________________For video logs, visit https://www.youtube.com/@yesgirlspodcast For blogs, visit https://yesgirlspodcast.com/ Feel free to follow us across these platforms:INSTAGRAM TWITTERLINKEDINTIKTOK

Coffee is life, right? Especially for Claire Baker, who, by the way, almost worships coffee and who is, for this episode, saying YES to learning barista skills and finding out a whole lot more about the details of this world-famous beverage.Be sure to watch the VIDEO DIARY as well!Similar to Season 2, only one of the girls is saying YES to each challenge, and uniquely, this Season features not just one but TWO experts. For this particular challenge, Claire had to learn as much as she could about the coffee-making process, but she got a couple of surprises along the way because there's a lot more that goes into making a single cup of coffee, way before it gets to the barista's to-do list.The first expert that Claire got a masterclass from is Martin the Barista, aka Martin M. Makau, from Masai Coffee. Masai Coffee is a brand of Goldrock International. They are a Kenyan-based coffee company that has also forayed into the world of tea and leather artisanal goods, but coffee is its lifeblood. Martin is both a trained barista and a barista trainer.The second expert for this episode is Ritesh Doshi. Ritesh is the owner and CEO of Spring Valley Coffee, which is fast becoming a household name in Kenya for its expertly sourced, roasted, and packaged coffee beans and ground coffee, as well as for its boutique coffee shops dotted around Nairobi. ___Timestamps for Specific Segments:(0:00) Intro(2:49) Meet the Guest Experts: Martin Makau & Ritesh Doshi(4:31) Ritesh Doshi's Journey: The Spring Valley Coffee Origin Story(7:15) The Art of Kenyan Coffee Roasting(8:11) Three Touch Points and Sustainable Sourcing From Farmers(11:53) Being a Barista: Skill or Craft?(16:21) Claire's Experience With This Yes Challenge(20:17) Important Considerations for Coffee Lovers & Newbie Baristas(24:14) The Coffee Taster's Flavour Wheel(27:16) The Price of Coffee, the Current Value Chain & Traceability(32:59) Robusta versus Arabica Coffee(36:29) Main Coffee Varieties Grown in Kenya(37:33) Coffee as a job, passion or career?!(42:38) Ritesh Rates Claire's Efforts With This Yes Challenge(44:55) Martin's Thoughts on Claire's Efforts(49:45) What Ritesh has recently said yes to(50:34) Outro_____So listen in if you're curious about what makes the best coffee shops "the best", details about coffee beans and their various types, the basics of coffee roasting, fair trade coffee, Kenyan arabica vs other countries' robusta coffee, the various coffee flavours, and the rich history of Kenyan coffee.Whether you're a casual coffee drinker or a budding barista, this episode will inspire you to appreciate your next cup in a whole new light.__________________________________Important resources: What/who is a barista?https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/what-is-barista Coffee production process - from harvest to cup:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wNh8aNyKWDg Martin M. Makau:https://www.instagram.com/martinthebarista Masai Coffee:https://www.goldrockinternational.com Ritesh Doshi:https://ke.linkedin.com/in/ritesh-doshi-578020156 Spring Valley Coffee:https://www.springvalleycoffee.com/Coffee Taster's Flavour Wheel:https://sca.coffee/research/coffee-tasters-flavor-wheel Specialty Coffee Association (SCA):https://sca.coffee/ Coffee bean varieties:https://www.homegrounds.co/coffee-bean-varieties/****************If you enjoy the podcast, we love you so much! And we'd like to ask you to rate us on Spotify - it will only take a couple of seconds, we promise! If you listen to us via Apple Podcasts, please take some time to leave a short review. We promise it will take less than a minute unless, of course, you have more to say. In any case, we appreciate you!Thanks in advance!_____________________For video logs, visit https://www.youtube.com/@yesgirlspodcast For blogs, visit https://yesgirlspodcast.com/ Feel free to follow us across these platforms:INSTAGRAM TWITTERLINKEDINTIKTOK

As the Season 5 debut, the Yes Girls say yes to learning how to rap. But actually, just one of them said YES to this challenge: Akumu.Watch the video log on YouTube after or before listening to this audio episode.Certainly the perfect way to start a season where each Yes Girl only does half of the challenges (similar to Season 2). But the unique thing this time though is that there are more experts for each challenge!You should know that Akumu went into this with no rapping experience - just a deep fear of poetry and a cult-like admiration for hip-hoppers and rappers.And for this particular challenge, unlike most others, it did not take a week or a couple of weeks to get done. All it took was an entire day (i.e. a rap boot camp) with two of the most talented hip-hop artists in Kenya: Juliani and Tonii Vendetta.Juliani is easily Kenya's rap and hip-hop godfather, an activist in his own right, and a well-known artist mentor. Tonii Vendetta, on the other hand, is a singer/songwriter, DJ, rapper, music producer, filmmaker, director, DOP, video editor, photographer, a model---- just to name a few. They both helped Akumu write and cook up the lyrics of her very first rap song as well as her final performance which you will get to listen to (within this episode) in its fully-produced glory flanked by Tonii's newly-minted beats and "hype man" sound effects: the song is titled: Season Ya "Mayoo" ("Mayoo" is a Luo exclamation).So listen in if you're curious about what it takes to write rap lyrics, how to structure a rap song, how to flow in rap, how to develop a rap style, how to find your rap voice, how to perform rap live or in the studio, and how to use metaphors and wordplay in rap.__________________________________Important resources: The number of bars in a rap song verse as Tonii mentioned:https://dailyrapfacts.com/19599/how-many-bars-are-in-a-verse/Tonii Vendetta's Spotify playlist:https://open.spotify.com/artist/2i0hJ4kfvCw4vGc4TcKVzd Tonii Vendetta's Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/tonii_vendetta/ Juliani's website:https://juliani.co.ke/ Juliani's Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/julianikenya/ Juliani's YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCL8fZ0gpTA3x21j1J2jbz7Q What is Riddim?https://www.last.fm/tag/riddim/wiki ****************If you enjoy the podcast, we love you so much! And we'd like to ask you to rate us on Spotify - it will only take a couple of seconds, we promise! If you listen to us via Apple podcasts, please take some time to leave a short review. We promise it will take less than a minute unless, of course, you have more to say. In any case, we appreciate you!Thanks in advance!_____________________For video logs, visit https://www.youtube.com/@yesgirlspodcast For blogs, visit https://yesgirlspodcast.com/ Feel free to follow us across these platforms:INSTAGRAM TWITTERLINKEDINTIKTOKAnd of course, you can listen in via:AFRIPODSSPOTIFYAPPLE PODCASTS  GOOGLE PODCASTS POCKET CASTSRADIOPUBLIC CASTBOX 

This is probably the most pointless episode you'll listen to from the Yes Girls. Apart from this other one, of course.For this under-10-minuter, Claire and Akumu say YES to exposing their studio mishaps, messes, and mayhem—and not just theirs but those of some experts, too.So yes, it's pointless, but you will definitely get a couple of laughs from it.Enjoy.****************If you enjoy the podcast, we love you so much! And we'd like to ask you to rate us on Spotify - it will only take a couple of seconds, we promise! If you listen to us via Apple podcasts, please take some time to leave a short review. We promise it will take less than a minute unless, of course, you have more to say. In any case, we appreciate you!Thanks in advance!_____________________For blogs, visit https://yesgirlspodcast.show/ Feel free to follow us across these platforms:INSTAGRAM TWITTERFACEBOOKLINKEDINYOUTUBEAnd of course, you can listen in via:AFRIPODSSPOTIFYAPPLE PODCASTS  GOOGLE PODCASTS POCKET CASTSRADIOPUBLIC CASTBOX