It's Layered Podcast

Perfectionism is defined as “refusal to accept any standard short of perfection.” In philosophy it is “a doctrine holding that perfection is attainable, especially the theory that human moral or spiritual perfection should be or has been attained.” | The Oxford DictionaryIn our season finale, we are unpacking the complexities of perfectionism, its origins, the role society plays as well as our own struggle with perfectionism. Do you grapple with perfectionism? How do you manage it?Our Season Finale ShoutoutTo every one of you who has listened to our podcast, shared, submitted your comments and feedback - we truly appreciate your support throughout this milestone season. Thank you and keep the comments and reviews coming!We'd love to hear from you! Website: It’s Layered Podcast Facebook: It's Layered Podcast Instagram: @itslayered Twitter: @itslayeredpod TikTok: @itslayered Email: itslayeredpod@gmail.com

Allyship is defined by the Cambridge Dictionary as “the quality or practice of helping or supporting other people who are part of a group that is treated badly or unfairly, although you are not yourself a member of this group. One of the most important ways to practise allyship is just to listen. Allyship means using your power, position, or privilege to uplift others.” It is also an acronym for Action, Listening, Learning and Yielding (A.L.L.Y.).From #BlackLivesMatter, #StopAsianHate, #LGTBQIA+rights to the #warinGaza and the #warinUkraine, there have been numerous global incidents over the last few years that have garnered attention and highlighted the need for allies. In this episode, we discuss allyship, what it is, the challenges of it, why it is necessary, how to properly inform oneself and encourage participation in some causes. We also delve into allyship on the ground level as Zimbabweans, dissecting patriarchy and how men can be allies against it. This is truly a layered topic which evokes a myriad of emotions and questions. How can you be an ally? What should you read to be properly informed when seeking to be an ally? What is the best way to be an ally? Delve deeper with us into allyship and how complex yet necessary it is. Zim Shoutout: Stephanie TraversZimbabwean born Stephanie Travers is the deputy team principal of Louis Hamilton's Extreme E team X44 Vida Carbon Racing. Before that, she spent three years working with the Mercedes F1 team. Shoutout to her for making waves in spaces where women don’t often get a chance to shine.Keep up with StephanieInstagram: @stephanietravers (https://www.instagram.com/stephanietravers/) We'd love to hear from you! Website: It’s Layered Podcast Facebook: It's Layered Podcast Instagram: @itslayered Twitter: @itslayeredpod TikTok: @itslayered Email: itslayeredpod@gmail.com

Of course, as Barbies- we have to find our Ken! 💝This artist’s music manages to do just that- convey a deep connection and love; from hits such as “Muroora”, “Chargie”, “Premiere” and “Love Story Part 2”- Hillzy truly sings from the heart.  Earlier this year, we had the opportunity to sit down with Hilary ‘Hillzy’ Chipunza and got to know a little more about the man “in the building”. His early beginnings; what most people won’t know about him; his love for music; his musical inspiration; the journey to being the Hillzy we know today; and what makes him shy - we delve into it all! This candid conversation is a must listen to for getting to know Hillzy - a leading Contemporary Urban Music artist. Enjoy this bonus episode!Keep Up With Hilary ‘Hillzy’ ChipunzaFacebook: @hillzy911Instagram: @hillzy911  X (AKA Twitter): @hillzy911 Listen to Hillzy on SpotifyListen to Hillzy on Apple MusicWatch Hillzy’s Music Videos on YouTubeListen to Hillzy’s BBC Africa InterviewWe'd love to hear from you! Website: It’s Layered Podcast Facebook: It's Layered Podcast Instagram: @itslayered Twitter: @itslayeredpod TikTok: @itslayered Email: itslayeredpod@gmail.com

Danayi Madondo is a force to be reckoned with on the Zimbabwean and African fashion scene. Her business, ‘Haus of Stone’ uses multidisciplinary methods to tell the story of the modern age African designs. We sat down with Danayi to talk about her journey to entrepreneurship; funding her fashion business; handling the uncertainty and instability of the Zimbabwean economy as a business owner; her latest showroom at Emagumeni Cultural Centre, Helensvale; and how she wants to go down in fashion history.Her work has been seen on friend of the podcast, Gemma Griffiths, as well as Ammara Brown, Tamy Moyo and Shingai, to name a few. There’s a reason why Danayi is the go-to stylist for Zimbabwean artists - her works are exquisite, sustainably sourced and redefining Zimbabwean style.Delve deeper with us on entrepreneurship in Zimbabwe and how collaboration is going to be crucial for us to claim our place on the world stage as Zimbabweans.—Keep Up With DanayiDanayi Madondo Instagram: @danayimadondo Haus of Stone Instagram: @hausofstone Haus of Stone Showroom Instagram: @hausofstone_showroom We'd love to hear from you! Website: It’s Layered Podcast Facebook: It's Layered Podcast Instagram: @itslayered Twitter: @itslayeredpod TikTok: @itslayered Email: itslayeredpod@gmail.com

IT’S OUR 50TH EPISODE!! We are so thrilled to bring you our 5th episode of season 5 which is the 50th episode of our podcast! Did somebody say, ‘alignment’?In light of this podcast being our side hustle, we decided to delve deeper into the topic of ‘Side Hustle Culture’. What is side hustle culture? Is it for everyone? Is it sustainable? Are families and friends supposed to support your side hustle? What are the origins of this mindset and how has it evolved?We delve into this and have a blast doing it! In celebration of this being our 50th episode, we are inviting you to check out our brand new website - a platform where you can keep up with all things ‘It’s Layered Podcast’, and hear a bit more from us. Be sure to check it out: www.itslayeredpodcast.com Let us know your thoughts ;) We'd love to hear from you! Website: It’s Layered Podcast Facebook: It's Layered Podcast Instagram: @itslayered Twitter: @itslayeredpod TikTok: @itslayered Email: itslayeredpod@gmail.com

“It’s an act of revolution to tell your story.” | Dr Wadzanai Motsi-MuellerAnd a revolutionary she is. On this episode, we got to sit down with a friend of the podcast, Dr Wadzanai Motsi-Mueller to talk about dating around the world.What’s the dating scene like in Japan? Or Tanzania? We heard the men in Ghana are foine - is it true?We had a blast chatting to Wadzi, creator and host of the YouTube series, ‘Dating Around the World’. We chat to her about her inspiration behind creating the series; what she’s noticed to be a common thread, no matter the region, when it comes to dating in different parts of the world; and which countries our black sisters should consider when wanting to open up their dating pool. It was such a fun and enlightening conversation which we hope you will thoroughly enjoy.Let us know your thoughts!Keep Up With WadziInstagram: @datingaroundtheworld_wm YouTube: Dating Around The World We'd love to hear from you! Website: It’s Layered Podcast Facebook: It's Layered Podcast Instagram: @itslayered Twitter: @itslayeredpod TikTok: @itslayered Email: itslayeredpod@gmail.com

“Healthy boundaries are important, but you may be building a brick wall when a picket fence would do.” – Amy DickinsonBoundaries are all the rage in wellness speak. What exactly are they? What does it mean to ‘set boundaries’? Ummm, we’re African - how on earth do we set boundaries as black folks within a society that completely disregards personal space and autonomy? Personal boundaries can be defined as “the limits and rules we set for ourselves within relationships. A person with healthy boundaries can say “no” to others when they want to, but they are also comfortable opening themselves up to intimacy and close relationships.” | Therapist Aid, UHS BerkleyWe delve into all of this and more. How we are personally trying to set boundaries and the struggle that comes with it. We also talk about healthy boundaries and how we can allow those we trust and who honour us within our personal space.Help us out and let us know some of the ways you practise healthy boundaries. What has been the hardest part? –Zim Shoutout: Yemu PhiriAuthor of “Mighty Women of Africa”, we celebrate Yemu Phiri for representing beautiful black women and inspiring young black women on what we too can do.Grab a copy on Amazon here.Follow Yemu Phiri on IG: @yemuphiriWe'd love to hear from you! Website: It’s Layered Podcast Facebook: It's Layered Podcast Instagram: @itslayered Twitter: @itslayeredpod TikTok: @itslayered Email: itslayeredpod@gmail.com

Early this year, we got to sit down with the hilarious, uber talented actress, presenter, content creator and podcaster, Sarel ‘Coco Sarel’ Madziya. We are huge fans of her and her work as a creative in an industry that not many Zimbabweans get to be a part of. From her start in content creation to interviewing the legendary Viola Davis, we talk about it all. Sarel went viral on Tik Tok during the pandemic and her career has taken off with a one-woman show, television features, event hosting and so much more. Listen in and find out just how much an all-round dope, beautiful and brilliant woman she is. Keep Up With Sarel MadziyaInstagram: @cocosarel TikTok: @cocosarel  X (AKA Twitter): @cocosarel Podcast: Closet Confessions (Candice Brathwaite & Coco Sarel) Website: www.cocosarel.com We'd love to hear from you! Website: It’s Layered Podcast Facebook: It's Layered Podcast Instagram: @itslayered Twitter: @itslayeredpod TikTok: @itslayered Email: itslayeredpod@gmail.com

We’re baaaaaaack!! Season 5 has been a long time coming, but we are so stoked to be back! In this first episode of the season, your hosts catch-up and then delve into a listener-requested topic: “Platonic Friendships”. Defined as a “friendship between two people who could, in theory, feel attracted to each other, but without sexual or romantic feelings." (Healthline & Betterhelp)We delve deep into the complexities of platonic friendships, if platonic friends make good wingmen when on the dating circuit and the best and hardest parts of platonic friends.Do you believe that platonic friendships are possible? How have you navigated them?Hit us up and let us know ;)Zim Shoutout: Rutendo M as featured on ‘Masterchef Australia’Our shoutout goes to Rutendo who was a contestant on the recent season of Masterchef Australia. She won the sauce challenge and created a flavourful 'BarbeRue' sauce which is available across all Coles Supermarket stores in Australia.Check her out on IG: @ruetendom We'd love to hear from you! Website: It’s Layered Podcast Facebook: It's Layered Podcast Instagram: @itslayered Twitter: @itslayeredpod TikTok: @itslayered Email: itslayeredpod@gmail.com

We are back for another season!!So grateful for this one especially being a milestone season- SEASON 5!As we are firmly in our ‘Barbie era’💅🏽 - we will be chatting to beautiful, talented and witty Black Zimbabwean women! Here's a little snippet of what you can expect from our upcoming season! Our first episode drops on 25 September!Join us as we delve into it all coz….zvine maLayers!Some of the guests featured this season include Coco Sarel co-host of “Closet Confessions” podcast, “Dating around the world” host Wadzi Motsi and “Haus of Stone” designer, Danayi Madondo. Tune in for more and don’t forget to like, rate or review us and subscribe so you know when the first episodes drop ;) #ItsLayeredPodcast #ZimbabweanWomenWe'd love to hear from you! Website: It’s Layered Podcast Facebook: It's Layered Podcast Instagram: @itslayered Twitter: @itslayeredpod TikTok: @itslayered Email: itslayeredpod@gmail.com

We got to sit down with the incredible creator/writer/producer/director/editor, Christine ‘Kix’ Mwaturura, and the cast of the hit fictional podcast, ‘Private Affairs’! This romantic dramedy podcast follows Vee (Ratidzo Mambo), a Zimbabwean young, professional woman living and working in Australia; her relationship with her partner Luke (Ronn Kurtz) as well as Vee’s circle of friends which includes her cousin, Mati (Tsungirai Wachenuka), Taff and Tonde (Garikai Jani).In this very candid, fun and inspiring conversation, we talk to Christine about the origins of ‘Private Affairs’ as well as her creative process. Tsungi, Ronn and Garikai share their experience working on the project, their love for the arts and share some insights on how to pursue your creative passion.   This show is a global hit and rightfully so! Don’t believe us? Check it out here for yourself and find out!‘Private Affairs’ website: https://www.privateaffairspod.com/ ‘Private Affairs’ platforms:https://linktr.ee/privateaffairspod ‘Private Affairs’ donations: https://www.privateaffairspod.com/donate ‘Private Affairs’ merch: https://shop.privateaffairspod.com/ ‘Private Affairs’ social media Instagram: @privateaffairspod  Twitter: @privateaffairspFacebook: Private Affairs Podcast  ‘Private Affairs’ cover art:Illustrator: Maanya DharInstagram: @maanya_dharTwitter: @DharmaanyaFacebook: @maanyart  ‘Private Affairs’ original music and sound design by Jerry Agbinya. We'd love to hear from you! Website: It’s Layered Podcast Facebook: It's Layered Podcast Instagram: @itslayered Twitter: @itslayeredpod TikTok: @itslayered Email: itslayeredpod@gmail.com

You asked, we answered! The Season 4 Finale is here and we’re answering your burning questions! From Season 2 all the way to Season 4, we get into the different questions we’ve received from our different episodes and delve a little deeper into the conversations that we’ve had with some of our listeners. It was such a treat going down memory lane - from friendships to classism, domestic violence to colonialism - we delve deeper!Thank you for rocking with us for yet another season! What a ride it’s been and we can’t wait to bring you more!Zim ShoutOut:Chozen FoundationFacebook: Chozen FoundationPayPal: Chozen FoundationInstagram: Chozen FoundationWe'd love to hear from you! Website: It’s Layered Podcast Facebook: It's Layered Podcast Instagram: @itslayered Twitter: @itslayeredpod TikTok: @itslayered Email: itslayeredpod@gmail.com

Marriage. Some get it. Some don’t. Some will. Some won’t.The topic of marriage is a never ending discussion that seems to be ever complex with no single answer. On this episode, we speak to Kudzai Kanyangarara - a media professional who’s been married for almost 9 years. We seek to understand the male perspective on marriage and proceed to explore the many questions that aren’t always brought up at kitchen teas and bachelor parties. From cultural pressures to Jeff Bezos, is marriage losing its original hold on society? Why do we continue to get married? What are the implications of choosing marriage? What are the hardest and best parts of the institution?Delve deeper into this and more.Keep up with Kudzai KanyangararaInstagram: @kudzaikLinkedIn: Kudzai Kanyangarara We'd love to hear from you! Website: It’s Layered Podcast Facebook: It's Layered Podcast Instagram: @itslayered Twitter: @itslayeredpod TikTok: @itslayered Email: itslayeredpod@gmail.com

“It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men." | Frederick DouglassMotherhood is a hood not all get to permanently reside in, but all have to pass through on their journey to adulthood. In this episode, we speak with Skhoe, a mother of over 21 years who has been mothering her two children in the diaspora. From Thailand to Swaziland, Washington D.C. to Switzerland. We try to glean from Skhoe the many lessons she has learnt on her motherhood journey; discuss the questions one has when parenting or thinking of parenting; and take a moment to reflect on what success as a parent looks like. As African women in the diaspora, we recognise that the community and support typical of raising children in Zimbabwe is not afforded to us as easily, whilst also recognising that parenting needs to be done a little differently in order to survive.What are some of your lessons from mothering or being mothered?Keep up with SkhoeInstagram: @skhoemaphosaTwitter: @skhoe1  We'd love to hear from you! Website: It’s Layered Podcast Facebook: It's Layered Podcast Instagram: @itslayered Twitter: @itslayeredpod TikTok: @itslayered Email: itslayeredpod@gmail.com

"Umuntu ngumuntu ngabantu" | Zulu Proverb“The central tenet of the so-called ubuntu philosophy, umuntu ngumuntu ngabantu, literally translates to "a person is a person through persons."” Jennifer L. BeightGiven the communal and interconnectedness that this African proverb highlights, it is no surprise that this connectedness seeps into financial areas. With the economic and financial disparities that Africans face, the need to support one another becomes even more prevalent. In this episode, we delve deeper into ‘black tax’, defined by Investec as “A term for financial support that a professional or entrepreneur of colour is obliged to provide to their family on a continuous basis outside of their own living expenses. Sometimes it is taken on subconsciously, as a kind of payback for sacrifices made by previous generations or family members.” How do you feel about black tax? Is generational wealth a myth for historically oppressed communities? How do you manage expectations with reality?Zim Shoutout: Mazviona MadzimaInstagram: @mazviona__ Tik Tok: @mazmadzima We'd love to hear from you! Website: It’s Layered Podcast Facebook: It's Layered Podcast Instagram: @itslayered Twitter: @itslayeredpod TikTok: @itslayered Email: itslayeredpod@gmail.com

Gemma Griffiths is an Afro-fusion, award-winning star, proudly hailing from Harare, Zimbabwe. In this episode, we got to sit down with this multifaceted artist on what it means to be 'A Girl From Harare', as per the title of her latest album. We also speak to her about her love for Zimbabwe; what driving across Africa to make her album was like; how she acknowledges her privilege of being white whilst navigating predominantly black spaces; the curation of the Live version of her album; her backstory and what lies ahead for her.Keep Up With GemmaInstagram: @gemmamusic_ Twitter: @gemmamusic_ Facebook: Gemma Griffiths Zim Watch ‘A Girl From Harare’ The Live Album Recorded at the National Gallery here.Watch ‘A Girl From Harare’ | The Documentary here.About GemmaGemma Griffiths, a household name in Zimbabwe with 4 x ZIMA’s (Zimbabwe Music Award) under her belt, she also counts another two awards from Star FM and a string of nominations for the prestigious MAMA’s (MTV Africa) and Afrimma Awards.Gemma grew up in Zimbabwe and continued her education in the USA, on a trumpet scholarship.  She then moved to Cape Town to begin her career and shared the stage with some of South Africa’s finest, like - Freshly Ground, Goodluck, Majozi, and Matthew Mole. A personal career highlight was sharing the stage with the late great Dr Oliver Mtukudzi at Artscape Theatre.It was Gemma’s love of Zim-Dancehall,  that inspired a rendition of ‘Musarova Bigman’, a track by her favourite artist – Winky D also a Godfather of the scene. Gemma’s version showcased her distinctive vocals accompanied by the piano, singing in both English and Shona. Thanks to social media, her version gained notoriety across Zimbabwe, catapulting her into the dancehall space as an artist as well as putting her directly in front of the man himself…and in 2019, her life changed forever. By 2020, Gemma independently released her debut EP ‘Pamwe’ via The Orchard.  The second instalment, ‘A Girl From Harare’, was released in February 2022 alongside a mini documentary of the same name.Gemma’s joint first love with travel is playing live and this has seen her take her brand across the continent and beyond. 2022 unveiled a nationwide tour of 11 shows across Zimbabwe, with an artist community of friends such as Nutty O,  DJ Tamuka, rapper Holy Ten and  DJ King Her. She also toured Dubai and Australia alongside Sungura legend, Alick Macheso.Whilst Gemma is regarded a national treasure to many, she continues to carve out an international trajectory with music – carrying her beloved home country with her. She says, “I owe so much of my journey to Zimbabwean music culture and to Zim dancehall. I’m grateful for my upbringing, for my parents and my country, as before anything else, I am a Zimbabwean.”.We'd love to hear from you! Website: It’s Layered Podcast Facebook: It's Layered Podcast Instagram: @itslayered Twitter: @itslayeredpod TikTok: @itslayered Email: itslayeredpod@gmail.com

“Religion is a prison but truth sets us freeHelps us believeThat the world we're in now is not the world that will be..” | Kirk Franklin (Losing My Religion)Religion is an all-encompassing umbrella that has and continues to dictate the ins and outs of many lives. What is religion? Why is it so controversial and polarising? How come Africans have taken religion and run with it? Why do we need it? Why is religion so problematic?In this episode, we go in on all these questions. We’re curious, though, what are your thoughts?  —Zim Shoutout: Makho NdlovuInstagram: @makhondlovu Twitter: @makhondlovuWe'd love to hear from you! Website: It’s Layered Podcast Facebook: It's Layered Podcast Instagram: @itslayered Twitter: @itslayeredpod TikTok: @itslayered Email: itslayeredpod@gmail.com

“If you educate a man you educate one individual, but if you educate a woman you educate a family. " | African ProverbThe place and spaces that women and men 'belong' is a conversation that has been ongoing for decades... and we still have a long way to go.Why are gender roles so controversial, especially within an African context? Why can't Africans let gender roles go? Why do we still have to explain what 'equality' looks like and defend ourselves as women?On this episode, we go all in from defining which gender roles are typically attributed to women, the pressure of it, our thoughts on gender neutrality and unpacking the reasons why we feel gender roles will continue to be a hot topic in African society.---Zim Shoutout: Shungudzo KuyimbaInstagram: @shungudzoTwitter: @shungudzoWe'd love to hear from you! Website: It’s Layered Podcast Facebook: It's Layered Podcast Instagram: @itslayered Twitter: @itslayeredpod TikTok: @itslayered Email: itslayeredpod@gmail.com

“Mwana asingachemi anofira mumbereko.” | “A baby that never cries soon dies on its mother’s back.” – Shona proverbGrowing up African and more specifically, growing up Zimbabwean, there are certain commonalities we can all relate to. From the discipline, respect for elders and family, high expectations to the communal upbringing. We delve into all the nuances of African parenting that have shaped us - good, bad and interesting. What would you say is the typical upbringing for an African child and what did it look like for you if you were raised in an African household?Zim Shoutout: Steven ChikosiInstagram: @stevenchikosi Twitter: @stevenchikosi We'd love to hear from you! Website: It’s Layered Podcast Facebook: It's Layered Podcast Instagram: @itslayered Twitter: @itslayeredpod TikTok: @itslayered Email: itslayeredpod@gmail.com

*TRIGGER/CONTENT WARNING*In this episode, we deal with the triggering topic of domestic violence.Domestic violence is a phenomenon that has plagued the world - African households included. Zimbabwean society seems to normalise domestic violence & abuse. We delve into the chokehold that domestic violence has, unpacking the layers that have maintained this status quo & offering tips on supporting those experiencing abuse and violence. Useful resourcesFor those experiencing or who know someone experiencing domestic violence, please see below our non-exhaustive list of useful resources:1800 Respect (Australia)Acorus (Czech Republic) Beyond Blue (Australia)Bily Kruh Bezpeci (Czech Republic) Bright Sky Vodafone Mobile App (Czech Republic)Childline (Zimbabwe)Domestic Violence Helpline (Czech Republic): 2 5151 1313 via English Radio CZFriendship Bench ZimbabweLegal Resources Foundation ZimbabweLifeline (Australia) Men’s Referral Services (Australia)MensLine (Australia) Musasa Project (Zimbabwe)No More (Czech Republic)Padare / Enkundleni / Men’s Forum on Gender (Zimbabwe)Profem (Czech Republic)Reach Out (Australia) - Directory of Support ServicesRosa Centrum (Czech Republic) Volunteer Service Overseas | Speak It Loud (Zimbabwe)Women in Law Southern Africa (Zimbabwe)White Ribbon (Australia) - Directory of Support ServicesZimbabwe OCD Trust*Thank you, Kim Harrisberg (@KimHarrisberg) & Expats.cz for the useful resources.We'd love to hear from you! Website: It’s Layered Podcast Facebook: It's Layered Podcast Instagram: @itslayered Twitter: @itslayeredpod TikTok: @itslayered Email: itslayeredpod@gmail.com