Diary 101 Podcast

In this episode of the Diary 101 Podcast, Akakandelwa Kandepwe sits down with Solomon Valor Mulanda — nuclear power engineer, future legal counsel, public speaker, and co-founder of Valas Training Institute — for a conversation about communication, identity, and the discipline of becoming. Solomon reflects on his journey from engineering into law and communication training, sharing how he learned...

In this episode of the Diary 101 Podcast, Akakandelwa Kandepwe sits down with Irene Chikatula, social justice advocate and feminist leader, to explore her work empowering women and girls in rural Zambia. They discuss the realities of leadership in underserved communities, the misconceptions around feminism, and her decision to run for council chairperson. At its core, this episode is a reminder th...

In this episode of the Diary 101 Podcast, Akakandelwa Kandepwe sits down with Brandon Gift Siagumpa, entrepreneur and educator, to explore leadership, education, and self-awareness. Brandon shares insights on Zambia’s evolving education system, the opportunities within the new curriculum, and the challenges young leaders face — especially emotional burnout and understanding their own character. At...

In this episode of the Diary 101 Podcast, Akakandelwa Kandepwe sits down with Matthew Lungu, youth advocate and founder of the Visionary Students Initiative (VSI), for a conversation that goes beyond advocacy and into purpose, leadership, and responsibility. Matthew shares his journey from a values-driven upbringing to building VSI from a university club into a national platform, highlighting the...

In this episode of the Diary 101 Podcast, Akakandelwa Kandepwe sits down with Cosmas Mulenga, sports journalist and media personality, to explore his journey into storytelling and media. From childhood passions in art, music, and football to stepping into the spotlight through the Diamond TV presenter search, Cosmas shares the discipline, growth, and alignment behind his success. At its core, this...

In this episode of the Diary 101 Podcast , Akakandelwa Kandepwe sits down with Sandy Simagwali , HR professional and founder of Graft AI, to explore how young people can better position themselves for opportunities. Sandy shares his journey into career development and breaks down common CV mistakes, the value of volunteering, and how to use AI effectively in job applications. The conversation also...

In this special 100th episode of the Diary 101 Podcast, Akakandelwa Kandepwe pauses to reflect on the journey — the growth, the lessons, and the person she’s becoming along the way. Through her newsletter A Little Bit of Everything, she shares five meaningful touchpoints: a reminder on commitment, reflections from The Art of Spending Money, thoughts on AI and the future of work, simple productivit...

In this episode of the Diary 101 Podcast, Akakandelwa Kandepwe sits down with Pendo, Data Specialist at Zanaco Plc and Co-founder of Ubuntu AI, to explore the future of artificial intelligence in Zambia and across Africa. Pendo shares her journey from software engineering to data science, the realities women face in STEM, and why resilience and community matter in tech. The conversation dives into...

In this episode of the Diary 101 Podcast , Akakandelwa Kandepwe sits down with Beliya Bukuru , digital strategist, entrepreneur, and co-founder of Yellow Ray, to explore a decade-long journey of building purpose-driven businesses and communities. Beliya shares her path from social media intern to agency founder, the power of faith-led entrepreneurship, and why self-awareness is critical when choos...

In this episode of the Diary 101 Podcast, Akakandelwa Kandepwe sits down with Dr. Dora Siliya, former Cabinet Minister, lawyer, and author, to discuss her journey in public service and leadership. Dr. Siliya reflects on breaking barriers as a young woman in Zambian politics and diplomacy, sharing lessons on preparation, confidence, and the discipline required to succeed in demanding leadership rol...

In this episode of the Diary 101 Podcast , Akakandelwa sits down with Patience Chisanga -Mayer to explore the power of authentic communication, resilience, and intentional personal growth. Patience shares her journey from studying at the University of Zambia to delivering a TEDx talk inspired by the principle of loving yourself enough to communicate honestly without harming others. They discuss th...

In this episode of the Diary 101 Podcast , Akakandelwa Kandepwe sits down with Julius Luwaya, founder of Peza Foods, to unpack his journey from aspiring NGO professional to food entrepreneur. Julius shares how rejection in 2021 became the catalyst for launching Peza Foods — now a growing retailer of traditional and forest foods, including legally sourced game meat. The conversation explores the re...

This week, Akakandelwa Kandepwe celebrates the 2-year anniversary of the Diary 101 Podcast — a platform built on raw, honest conversations designed to inspire young people to invest in their potential. Over the past two years, the journey has included:✨ Consistent weekly releases (even through technical glitches)💰 Navigating budget constraints and limited resources❌ Facing guest rejections and...

In this Diary 101 Podcast episode, I speak with Dr. Ibrahim Batalingaya , a medical doctor and health equity advocate from Tanzania, about reimagining healthcare access in Africa. We discuss: 💡 How personal experience inspired CareLink, a real-time patient monitoring platform 📊 Using simple tech (USSD & smartphones) to improve chronic care 🤍 RHCI and the power of crowdfunding to fund life-s...

In this episode of the Diary 101 Podcast , host Akakandelwa Kandepwe speaks with Choolwe Luwamya , Community Engagement Officer at the Wildlife Producers Association of Zambia, about building a purpose-driven career in conservation. Choolwe shares her journey into community-led conservation, the role of mentorship and networking in shaping her career, and why emotional intelligence, communication,...

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In this episode of the Diary 101 Podcast , host Akakandelwa Kandepwe sits down with Dr. Daniel Kabani , pharmacist, educator, and author, to explore the art of networking, leadership, and personal growth. Dr. Kabani shares practical strategies for effective networking — from crafting a strong elevator pitch to understanding etiquette when engaging high-profile individuals. The conversation expands...

In this New Year episode of the Diary 101 Podcast , host Akakandelwa Kandepwe reflects on 2025 as a year of survival, freedom, and deep personal growth. She shares how securing a role with flexible terms reshaped her outlook on work and life, allowing her to travel, reconnect with her roots, and embrace a simpler way of living despite financial and health challenges. As she looks ahead to 2026, Ak...

In this episode of the Diary 101 Podcast, host Akakandelwa Kandepwe sits down with international product leader and author Radhika Dutt to explore the philosophy behind Radical Product Thinking and the power of vision-driven innovation. Radhika shares how her upbringing in apartheid South Africa, her engineering education at MIT, and her global career shaped her systematic approach to building pro...

In this heartfelt end-of-year episode of the Diary 101 Podcast , host Akakandelwa Kandepwe sits down with Faren to reflect on the year’s wins, lessons, and quiet milestones. The conversation weaves through favorite Christmas traditions, global friendships formed through shared experiences abroad, and the beauty of community across cultures. Together, they explore themes of self-discovery, grief, g...

In this episode of the Diary 101 Podcast , host Akakandelwa Kandepwe sits down with Vera Mlia - Sheriff , a creative artist and YALI alumna, to discuss how art, education, and innovation can drive social change. Vera shares her journey from finding validation through the YALI Fellowship and being recognized by Trevor Noah , to embracing self-worth, collaboration, and the power of consistency. Toge...

In this episode of the Diary 101 Podcast , host Akakandelwa Kandepwe sits down with Dr. Daniel Kabani , pharmacist, educator, and author, to explore the art of networking, leadership, and personal growth. Dr. Kabani shares practical strategies for effective networking — from crafting a strong elevator pitch to understanding etiquette when engaging high-profile individuals. The conversation expands...

In this episode of the Diary 101 Podcast , host Akakandelwa Kandepwe speaks with Kuzipa Makwaza Nantanga — environmental health advocate, author of Little Dreamer , and youth leader — about balancing multiple roles and finding purpose. They dive into the realities of managing school, advocacy, and leadership responsibilities while maintaining personal growth and joy in youth. Kuzipa shares lessons...

In this episode of the Diary 101 Podcast , host Akakandelwa Kandepwe sits down with Marshal Mulanda , economist, public speaker, and branding strategist, to explore youth empowerment, leadership, and personal growth. Marshal shares his journey through the YALI Public Management and Governance Program , his work with the Zambia National STEM Foundation , and his mission to equip students with indus...

In this episode of the Diary 101 Podcast , host Akakandelwa Kandepwe sits down with Mwiche , founder of Green Giraffe , to explore her inspiring journey from banking to entrepreneurship. Mwiche shares how she built Green Giraffe into a climate-conscious snack brand empowering Zambian farmers through innovation and sustainability. The two discuss financial literacy, personal development, and bridgi...