Selam & Hello

In one of our most popular episodes of 2023, in honor of International Day of Education, Lilly speaks to 'educators for liberation,' Sagda Khalil and Amin Hussain. They explore their journeys to becoming educators both on the continent and abroad and their approach to education as social justice. They share the ways they are celebrating the wisdom and brilliance of every child and decentering the...

In 2022, Food4Education served its 10 millionth meal. Since we first aired this episode in January - they have passed the 15 million mark! Wawira Njiru, the Founder and Executive Director of Food4Education joins us to share the journey and incredible impact that the organization has had in Kenya since they began their work a decade ago. Wawira and Lilly discuss how to tell dignified stories about...

In this episode, Lilly talks to East Africa correspondent for the New York Times, Abdi Latif Dahir. They explore the nuanced experience and incredible responsibility of writing about Africa as a child of the continent who has an international platform. Abdi discusses how his personal ties and experiences in the region inform his role as a journalist and the challenges he and other reporters face w...

In this special edition, join Lilly and the live audience as she has a soul-stirring conversation with Jean, a loving father, dedicated husband, and a resilient citizen of Centrafrique. Jean introduces us to his "happiest place on earth", a country populated with warm people whose focus is on the present, not the past.  Jean, born and raised amidst the decades-long civil war in Centrafrique, revea...

Friends - this week, the best way to enjoy this episode is on YouTube ! Watch as Lilly and Dennis chop up his first Ethiopian meal - the classic dish, tibs! The recipe is below and you can enjoy the full experience on YouTub e as they prep the meal from start to 'done!' A special twist at the end where Lilly makes ugali for the first time…enjoy!    Follow Dennis Ombachi: Instagram Twitter TikTok Y...

This week on our show, Lilly delves into the intriguing life of Olympian, chef, international rugby player and winner of TikTok's Top Creator Africa in 2022 - Dennis Ombachi. They explore his multifaceted career path, personal life, and his journey from a young rugby prodigy to a content creator. Dennis also touches on significant milestones such as missing a second Olympic opportunity, and father...

In this week's riveting episode, Lilly converses with Baba the Storyteller, a master griot who has spent three decades spinning tales of wonder and wisdom for global audiences. Inspired by history and a pursuit of self-knowledge, Baba narrates his journey from his roots in Compton, California to Senegal - and ultimately, across the world.  Lilly and Baba journey together through tales of his herit...

In this episode, Lilly engages in conversation with Irene Muchemi-Ndiritu, author of one of the hottest books of the year - " Lucky Girl ." Irene's journey is as compelling as her debut novel, taking her from a career in journalism, through media and communications, and finally leading her to her true passion – writing. Together, Lilly and Irene explore the making of "Lucky Girl," a book that expl...

My mother was my first country, the first place I ever lived. - Nayyirah Waheed  This last week of May - we are celebrating mothers and people who mother around the world. In this (belated) Mother's Day episode, Lilly, sits down with her wonderful daughters, Saron and Selah, as they peel back the layers of their shared life experiences. Join them as they delve into the richness of their unique sib...

In this episode, Lilly delves into the ongoing conflict in Sudan that has caused heart-wrenching loss, displacement, and turmoil. In the face of this dire situation, where over 1000 people have lost their lives since April 15th and countless more have been forced to leave their homes, Lilly invites three Sudanese nationals to lead us into the heart of Sudan, its vibrant culture, diverse people, an...

In this episode, Lilly takes us on a journey through the lives of three Ethiopian and Eritrean students - Sophia, Daniel, and Mekides - from Blair High School in Maryland, USA. Their compelling discussion centers on the unique experience of being young diaspora members in 2023, an identity marked by cultural exploration, shared struggles, and a profound connection to their roots. They discuss thei...

This week, we pick up where we left off last week with a continuation of our conversation with Gen Z! In part two of this eye-opening interview, Lilly dives deep with Nairobi's creative trailblazers Philo, Silas, Rick, and Thomas. They candidly share their perspectives on politics, mental health, and their aspirations for the future. Discover how and who influences their lives in different circums...

According to the UN , Gen Z, the generation born between 1997 and 2011 and aged approximately between 12 to 26 years, is the most populous generation in the world. They are the first generation to grow up with the internet, a declining climate, war and terrorism as the norm and social media. As a result - they are different. In a recent Selam & Hello survey, our listeners said they wanted to hear...

This week Lilly sits down to share her thoughts one on one with listeners. As we watch the conflict in Sudan, the attack on Black lives in the US and the conflict and tension across the world, she echoes the question of writer Nanjala Nyabola : when the world is on fire, what do we owe each other? While there are no easy answers, could we all consider creating more justice and more joy as one way...

*This episode contains (limited) mature content at 34:30-50, 51:19-51:39, and 52:00-52:45 Selam and Ha Ha Hello, everyone! In this episode, join Lilly as she participates in inappropriate, necessary, African laughter with Nairobi's Punchline comedians, Eric and Shazz. Lilly, Eric, and Shazz explore Eric's and Shazz's journey into comedy and talk about the experiences that brought them into this fu...

Warning: This episode contains mention of suicide from 14:30-15:40.   In this episode Lilly talks to writer, journalist, podcaster, and queer activist, Kevin Mwachiro. Kevin shares his journey of being an active member in the church, traveling to the UK for his masters, spending years of his career at the BBC - all while finding his voice and eventually - becoming a human rights activist. Now age...

Warning: This episode contains themes of sex, sex work, and trafficking In Nairobi alone - over 40,000 women are engaged in transactional sex work. In this episode, Lilly engages in a powerful conversation with Eunice Mathu, the founder of the Rejesha Project. Discover how Eunice's an experience on the Kenyan coast made her aware of the sex work and trafficking industry in Kenya which led her to l...

72% of Kenya's population and over half of Africa' s population live in rural areas. Join Lilly as she sits down with Nelly Cheboi, the inspiring CEO of TechLit Africa , a Forbes 30 Under 30 , and CNN's 2022 Hero of the Year to hear how Nelly is on a mission to empower rural, African children with the digital skills they need to access opportunities anywhere in the world. TechLit Africa is engagin...

Trigger Warning : This episode features discussion of suicide and includes use of explicit language.  Join us as we continue our celebration of Women's History Month with this conversation between Lilly and Christine Yohannes, a gifted writer, poet, and playwright. Through their powerful exchange, they explore the profound impact of words and poetry, which have left an indelible mark on cultures a...

In a continuation of our celebration of Women's History Month - Lilly talks to Samba Yonga - award-winning journalist, cultural curator, and co-founder of the Women's History Museum of Zambia . Samba co-founded the digital museum in 2017 with Mulenga Kapwepwe to 'research and restore African indigenous narratives, knowledge, and living histories' - entirely focused on women. Samba walks Lilly thro...

In this episode, Lilly talks to Navalayo Osembo-Ombati - CEO and Co-Founder of Enda Athletic, Inc. Navalayo takes Lilly along her journey of founding the first running shoes and athletic brand to come from the continent. Navalyo shares her experience conceptualizing Enda and the innovation inspired by traditional Kenyan arts and culture that led to creating the brand, a story, and ultimately - a w...

Selam Emiru, the founder of Glisen, guides Lilly on a hair care - and hair love - journey in this week's episode. Selam shares how her own journey of learning to care for her hair led her to use her background in tech to create Glisen - a free platform that offers women resources to help them understand, nurture, and love their hair. With the Black hair care industry set to reach the trillion-doll...

In this episode, we get to know Lilly a little better as she brings you a mashup of the personal and the professional. Lilly speaks to Dr. Benjamin Piper - Director, Global Education at Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation - and her husband of 24 years. They talk about their journey of coming back to the continent to both raise a family and pursue careers in development as a blended Black American and...

Happy Valentine's Day! Today Lilly speaks to psychosexual therapist Julie Githiru-Goko about all things sex and relationships. Julie and Lilly tackle questions from some of our listeners on issues they have been curious about. They explore how to have deeper, more meaningful communication for better connection and ultimately - better sex. Julie gives us some tips and tricks on how to navigate sex...

Did you know that elephants snore? In this episode, Lilly talks to elephant expert, conservationist, Rolex National Geographic Explorer of the Year and CEO of WildlifeDirect - Dr. Paula Kahumbu. Dr. Kahumbu is a Princeton-trained elephant ecologist who shares the vital importance of conserving wildlife in order to conserve the planet. Dr. Kahumbu explores how she continues to learn from the elepha...