A Few Things

This episode was recorded on May 7th, 2024. I had just started A Few Things and as any podcaster would, I asked one of my friends to join me for an episode. Two years later, it is the episode I need in 2026. If you are contemplating stepping out on faith to walk in obedience, this episode is for you.  Amber Majors is an art director who walked away from a senior role in obedience to what she feels is a call by God to use art to build community and restore creative joy in adults, beyond working on creative projects for a myriad of clients. She walks us through the decision of abandoning comfort to embrace the wonder of a faith journey.   Contact Amber Majors You can find Amber Majors on her website - https://amberlatricecreative.com/about   Social Media Follow me on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/medrinenyambura/  Listen Academic Asylum - https://open.spotify.com/show/05lTnkxEgCHNHtNn6tkCm4 Read Check out my professional website - https://medrinenyambura.com/

All immigrants are not perceived the same. Black Immigrants have to interrogate their identity in the face of the racial and class hierarchies in America. In navigating work, academic and social spaces, a Black Immigrant has to learn another language of how their blackness and ethnicity moves in these rooms. In this episode we look at how to navigate spaces as a Black Immigrant. Are you a black immigrant? I’d love to hear from you. - What has been your experience in navigating spaces as a black person and/or someone of your ethnicity?  Send me your story on [email protected]    Social Media Follow me on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/medrinenyambura/  Listen Academic Asylum - https://open.spotify.com/show/05lTnkxEgCHNHtNn6tkCm4 Read Check out my professional website - https://medrinenyambura.com/

I am not sure about you, but the world feels very dark right now and if you struggle with dark thoughts, each day probably feels like a mental minefield.  In this episode, I share insights from my own personal experiences with dark thoughts, researchers who have linked child verbal abuse to adults who struggle with addiction, anxiety and self-harm tendencies. This episode shares how we can address the root of dark thoughts and practical ways to rewire our brains. There is a world where we have a healthy dialogue with our inner voice. To share your comments, feedback or personal experiences please send an email to [email protected]  Sources Neuropsychology Coach Iveta Harris founder of Neuropsychology Coaching, who has a Master’s degree in Neuroscience, and is completing her PhD in Neuropsychology, specializing in the connection between the mind, body, and healing - http://neuropsychologycoach.com/  As a neuroscientist, I’ve seen the impact of harsh words on children’s brains. We need to prevent childhood verbal abuse. https://theconversation.com/as-a-neuroscientist-ive-seen-the-impact-of-harsh-words-on-childrens-brains-we-need-to-prevent-childhood-verbal-abuse-255533 Verbal Abuse: Definition, Signs, Examples, & What to Do https://www.choosingtherapy.com/verbal-abuse/ The Neuroscience of Journaling: How Expressive Writing Transforms the Mind and Body - https://neuropsychologycoach.com/neuropsychology-coaching-blog/the-neuroscience-of-journaling-how-expressive-writing-transforms-the-mind-and-body   Social Media Follow me on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/medrinenyambura/  Follow me on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/medrinehnyambura  Listen Academic Asylum - https://open.spotify.com/show/05lTnkxEgCHNHtNn6tkCm4 Read Check out my professional website - https://medrinenyambura.com/

This episode focuses on fatherhood based on the book, Father Yourself First: Everything You Need to Become the Father Your Family Deserves by Glen Henry. My goal was to offer a resource with positive guidelines to fatherhood after the previous episode. I speak on this topic as someone who is constantly looking for positive parenting examples to share with you so we can all have a chance at positive parenting experiences. Disclaimer: I am not a parent (yet 😊) so take everything I say with a tiny bit of salt. Sources Jackie Hill Perry Instagram post referenced on the episode - https://www.instagram.com/p/DVUWdE4kTHa/?img_index=1   Book  Father Yourself First: Everything You Need to Become the Father Your Family Deserves by Glen Henry Christian Connection - https://www.christianconnection.biz/product/9781400252558 Thriftbooks - https://www.thriftbooks.com/w/father-yourself-first-everything-you-need-to-become-the-father-your-family-deserves/55138159/#edition=75322784&idiq=88502600 Christianbook - https://www.christianbook.com/father-yourself-everything-become-family-deserves/9781400253982/pd/132782EB Watermark Christian Store - https://watermarkchristianstore.com/product/father-yourself-first/ Social Media Follow me on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/medrinenyambura/  Listen Academic Asylum - https://open.spotify.com/show/05lTnkxEgCHNHtNn6tkCm4 Read Check out my professional website - https://medrinenyambura.com/

As I was editing this episode, I heard myself physically trying to catch my breath. Parents are held in reverence and to question anything they do is considered a taboo. The book, ' Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents; How to Heal from Distant, Rejecting, or Self-Involved Parents', gives credence to the reality that emotionally immature parents impact their children in ways that will require repair work well into adulthood. Step into the murk with me as we do the repair work of being emotionally mature adults. Sources Oprah Explores the Rising Trend of Going No Contact with Your Family- https://youtu.be/cK7EJgILMIk?si=xUmmghbX0G2loF7D  How Egocentric Parents Impact Their Kids with Dr. Lindsay Gibson NYT - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hhHLLtI4Taw  Book  Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents; How to Heal from Distant, Rejecting, or Self-Involved Parents Barnes & Noble - https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/adult-children-of-emotionally-immature-parents-lindsay-c-gibson-psyd/1121368782  Thrift Books - https://www.thriftbooks.com/w/adult-children-of-emotionally-immature-parents-how-to-heal-from-distant-rejecting-or-self-involved-parents_lindsay-c-gibson/9845889/#edition=9288362&idiq=12128827  New Harbinger Publications - https://www.newharbinger.com/9781626251700/adult-children-of-emotionally-immature-parents/ Social Media Follow me on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/medrinenyambura/  Follow me on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/medrinehnyambura  Listen Academic Asylum - https://open.spotify.com/show/05lTnkxEgCHNHtNn6tkCm4 Read Check out my professional website - https://medrinenyambura.com/  

My do I have a story for you. Many years ago, I listened to an episode of Jesus and Jollof hosted by Yvonne Orji and Luvvie Ajayi as they shared how they followed their dreams. As children as immigrants, they made dreams feel accessible. This episode is a love letter to you who is contemplating taking a chance at an idea, a move or a transition.  You will hear what inspired me to apply for school, the rough adjustment as a new immigrant, post-graduation blues, working on Shark Tank for 3 seconds and the state of academia.    Social Media Follow me on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/medrinenyambura/  Follow me on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/medrinehnyambura  Listen Academic Asylum - https://open.spotify.com/show/05lTnkxEgCHNHtNn6tkCm4 Read Check out my professional website - https://medrinenyambura.com/  

Finding a church as an immigrant has been arduous process. Existing in the limbo of a home left behind and not quite settled down in the new home bleeds into finding a faith community. After years of searching, I share how to expand your community beyond church.    Social Media Follow me on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/medrinenyambura/  Follow me on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/medrinehnyambura  Listen Academic Asylum - https://open.spotify.com/show/05lTnkxEgCHNHtNn6tkCm4 Read My personal website with my information - https://medrinenyambura.com/

A recent visit back home revealed a few cracks in political landscape that has been deteriorating. In this episode, I share my view on the role of Christians in political decisions and advocacy for the people who Jesus fought for during his time. There is also a return to Africa which begs the questions as to whether Kenya and Africa is ready to be an immigrant destination.    Social Media Follow me on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/medrinenyambura/  Follow me on TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@therecoveringcreative  Follow me on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/medrinehnyambura    Listen Academic Asylum - https://open.spotify.com/show/05lTnkxEgCHNHtNn6tkCm4   Read My personal website with my information - https://medrinenyambura.com/

The world feels like a minefield and trying to keep the creative juices flowing feels harder. History shows that the arts have always saved the day. Artists help us makes sense of the world. This is the time to keep creating, tell our stories and have agency over how they are told. in this episode I share some tips that I am implementing to stay creative.    Social Media Follow me on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/medrinenyambura/  Follow me on TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@therecoveringcreative  Follow me on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/medrinehnyambura    Listen Academic Asylum - https://open.spotify.com/show/05lTnkxEgCHNHtNn6tkCm4   Read My personal website with my information - https://medrinenyambura.com/ My blog where I write stories of international students - https://medrinenyambura.com/blog/  

On this episode my husband joins me to chat about the past 13 months. It has been one hell of a ride but there were more good things than challenging ones. This episode was recorded after a scrumptious dinner, so we might have been in a food coma 😂😂😂 Academic Asylum - https://open.spotify.com/show/05lTnkxEgCHNHtNn6tkCm4 My personal website with my information - https://medrinenyambura.com/ My blog where I write stories of international students - https://medrinenyambura.com/blog/ A peek into my brain - https://substack.com/@therecoveringcreative? Follow me on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/medrinenyambura/  Follow me on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/medrinehnyambura 

On this episode, I share my journey of trying to figure out a creative career. There are a lot of starts and stops with some lulls in between. A journey that started at 10 years old has been a steep learning curve that has led me back to the beginning, the basic joy of creating. By listening to this episode, you will learn a few things on what might be feeding the non-starter pattern and tips I am using to stay true to the craft.   Where to find me: I produced a podcast telling the stories of international female graduate students in the U.S. Academic Asylum - https://open.spotify.com/show/05lTnkxEgCHNHtNn6tkCm4 My personal website with my information - https://medrinenyambura.com/ Follow me on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/medrinenyambura/  Follow me on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/medrinehnyambura 

Adult swimming classes is the most adulting I have done so far yet one of the most rewarding things I have done. If you are thinking of taking swimming classes, here is one inspiration for you!  Academic Asylum - https://open.spotify.com/show/05lTnkxEgCHNHtNn6tkCm4 My personal website with my information - https://medrinenyambura.com/ My blog where I write stories of international students - https://medrinenyambura.com/blog/ A peek into my brain - https://substack.com/@therecoveringcreative? Follow me on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/medrinenyambura/  Follow me on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/medrinehnyambura 

I was 8 months into my immigration journey when the pandemic hit. That was followed by the 2020 election and what felt like chaos for a couple of years. Barely made it out with my head straight but I have a few tips on how we can (maybe) survive this time around. Academic Asylum - https://open.spotify.com/show/05lTnkxEgCHNHtNn6tkCm4 My personal website with my information - https://medrinenyambura.com/ My blog where I write stories of international students - https://medrinenyambura.com/blog/ A peek into my brain - https://substack.com/@therecoveringcreative? Follow me on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/medrinenyambura/  Follow me on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/medrinehnyambura 

Being a creative while trying not to be a starving artist has led to some interesting detours. How does one create when they are no longer worrying about the basics? Do I have a story if it is not a cry for help? I am on a journey to find out and I am taking you with me.  Academic Asylum - https://open.spotify.com/show/05lTnkxEgCHNHtNn6tkCm4 My personal website with my information - https://medrinenyambura.com/ My blog where I write stories of international students - https://medrinenyambura.com/blog/ A peek into my brain - https://substack.com/@therecoveringcreative? Follow me on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/medrinenyambura/  Follow me on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/medrinehnyambura 

The last time I published an episode was June 12, 2024. Since then I have published a research podcast telling the story of female international graduate students, turned 33 and got married. So much life in so little time!  Academic Asylum - https://open.spotify.com/show/05lTnkxEgCHNHtNn6tkCm4 My personal website with my information - https://medrinenyambura.com/ My blog where I write stories of international students - https://medrinenyambura.com/blog/ A peek into my brain - https://substack.com/@therecoveringcreative? Follow me on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/medrinenyambura/  Follow me on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/medrinehnyambura     

It's been one year since I became a professor. It's my first big girl job! Did I topple and fall off the chair during class?  My thoughts on the academia Exodus

On this episode, we recap my chat with Tresselle from the previous episode. My thoughts on moving abroad and whether it's worth it. My review on the Bob Marley movie.

In this episode you get to eavesdrop a conversation between me and my younger cousin-sister as she walks us through the journey of living in 3 countries and learning how to navigate those cultures. Through the lens of her lived experience, we will learn about colorism and her view of being a black girl in tech.  Follow me on Instagram - @medrinenyambura Follow the podcast on Instagram - @afewthingspodcast

Picking up on our previous episode, how do you stay faithful a job you don't like or feel like you are not graced for? I share life experiences and resources that have helped me navigate jobs that were really hard.  References  He Saw That It Was Good: Reimagining Your Creative Life to Repair A Broken World. Plastic Symphony   Follow me on Instagram - @medrinenyambura Follow the podcast on Instagram - @afewthingspodcast

One of the lessons we all learn at some point is that trusting God is getting comfortable with uncertainity. Alyssa McCutchan, Next Step's director at Jubilee Church (STL location), walks us through her journey of being okay with not knowing. Follow her on IG: @AlyssaMcCutchan For feedback on the podcast reach out to us on: @afewthingspodcast Thank you for listening!

Thank you for listening to this episode.  If you are an international student and would like to submit your graduate school experience for collection you could: Email: [email protected] DM on instagram: @afewthingspodcast OR @medrinenyambura 

There's a joke, if you don't know what to do in life, go to graduate school. Before you do, listen to someone who did 10 years of higher education including graduate school. Dr. Charnell Peters is a joy to listen to and work with. Enjoy this episode!   Follow us on Instagram Medrine Nyambura - https://www.instagram.com/medrinenyambura/ A Few Things Podcast - https://www.instagram.com/afewthingspodcast/

On this episode, I offer some reflection on the Koki Oyuke episode plus a few more things for your listening pleasure! Instagram  Medrine Nyambura - https://www.instagram.com/medrinenyambura/ A Few Things Podcast - https://www.instagram.com/afewthingspodcast/

Koki Oyuke Episode Koki Oyuke is a brilliant mind, beautiful woman with the kindest soul. She is the owner of Kizuri Books, a publishing company where she has worked with writers across Africa. Her debut book ‘Chosen Not Cheated’, explores the vulnerability of longing for things that we desperately think will make our lives better. So how do we keep trusting a good God father when he will not give us that which we perceive as good thing?   To support Koki’s literary work, you can buy her books on Amazon: Chosen Not Cheated - https://shorturl.at/tIL07 A Piece of the Sky (Children’s Book) - https://shorturl.at/ahjP6 Safe to Grieve - https://shorturl.at/bjEP0   Instagram  Kizuri Books - https://www.instagram.com/kizuribooks/ Koki Oyuke - https://www.instagram.com/koki.oyuke/ Medrine Nyambura - https://www.instagram.com/medrinenyambura/ A Few Things Podcast - https://www.instagram.com/afewthingspodcast/  

A story on losing and finding faith.  Some of us have a clean cut coming to Jesus story and others (like me) are more like wanderers who found their way home. May you be encouraged by God's wondrous love.  You can find this podcast on Instragram:  AFewThingsPodcast - https://www.instagram.com/afewthingspodcast/ Medrine Nyambura - https://www.instagram.com/medrinenyambura/  

Welcome to A Few Things! A Few Things is a podcast produced and hosted by me, Medrine Nyambura. I am an educator and storyteller.  I have really good conversations with people around me and this podcast is me inviting you to some of the awesome people I have had the pleasure of interacting with. We will talk about creativity, doing life with christ and learning a few things here and there. I'm glad you are here.  For any questions, comments or feedback, we are on Instagram on the handles below: AFewThingsPodcast - https://www.instagram.com/afewthingspodcast/ Medrine Nyambura - https://www.instagram.com/medrinenyambura/ AFewThingsPodcast - https://www.instagram.com/afewthingspodcast/ Medrine Nyambura - https://www.instagram.com/medrinenyambura/