So This Is Love

Among many benefits, friendships offer us the opportunity to belong, love, grow and find a sense of identity. In this episode, we meet Kaz who admits that unlike many people, she has always placed a greater value on friendships than romantic relationships. At an age where she thinks it is difficult to make new genuine friends, Kaz stumbles upon one of  those once in a lifetime connections with Her. And thus begins the journey of adventure, excitement, betrayal and finally, acceptance.

In this episode, Rainbow takes us through a harrowing narration of love, loss, and abuse experienced in an era that for many are the golden years of young adult life. Grey, a man she describes as the first person she truly ever loved, is from the onset a deeply troubled soul who despite his lukewarm affection is able to lure Rainbow into a 6-year toxic entanglement that leaves us desperately yearning for her liberation. If you or someone you know is in an unsafe environment of abuse, please reach out to these hotlines for support: 911 -police, 112- police, 1195 National GBV hotline, ‎+254 800 730 999 - Police GBV hotline, 116 - Childline Kenya or report to the nearest police station/ chiefs camp. You can support us here: Mpesa Till Number 9095819 or PayPal - juliagaitho@gmail.com.

For most of her life, Alison could not foster strong, solid friendships, and her mother's death in secondary school only isolated her further from people she would have wanted to connect with. But in university, everything changed. Alison takes us through her story of loss and redemption as her experiences in friendship and sisterhood teach her how to intentionally keep those she loves in her life, and this time, on her own terms. You can support us here: Mpesa Till Number 9095819 or PayPal - juliagaitho@gmail.com.

Welcome to Season 2! In this episode, Wanja meets George and despite caution from her friends, falls head over heels in that all-too-familiar, typical, teenage romance kind of way. In an effort to solidify the relationship, Wanja compromises on a number of her morals and boundaries. Her love for George stands unshaken even after a lack of clear commitment and thereafter discovering she is pregnant. We cannot help but empathize with Wanja as she fights hard not to repeat what seems to be a generational misfortune when the issue of paternity arises. Listen on Spotify or wherever you find your podcasts. You can support us here: Mpesa Till Number 9095819 or PayPal - juliagaitho@gmail.com.

In this episode, Waithera* narrates a story of friendship, deeply interwoven with a tale of love and romance that spins over a fifteen-year period with a man she fondly refers to as J.P*. Elation is quickly replaced by anguish as the relationship evolves and Waithera, frustrated by the lack of clarity in this friendship-come relationship, finds herself in a place where J.P's approval which once held a considerable significance to her identity slowly starts to be replaced by something else; self-love. You can support this podcast here: M-PESA till : 9095819

In today’s episode, Amy takes us back to her early twenties when she relocates to America and soon after falls in love with a charming and young Greg. In her pursuit of a college degree, stable career and fulfilling relationship, Amy is faced with a series of problems that challenge her sense of reality, personal worth, identity, and confidence. Amy takes us through a journey where she loses her voice, where her desire for love is scorned, and one where in the end, she refuses to stay subdued.

In today’s episode, Roxy takes us through her journey of love and loss while taking ownership of her own actions around infidelity and lack of self-love that ultimately led to the end of a romantic relationship. From this story, we see a young, naive, sweet, and endearing Roxy slowly transform into a more self-aware, self-loving, and mature woman. She continues to fight for her voice, mental wellness, and happiness and we cannot help but root for her.

Today, Kevin transports us from Nairobi, Botswana, New York, Abidjan, and back to Kenya as he narrates a beautiful love story that fought to stand the test of time, distance, and culture. Through this story, we are forced to reflect on our personal journeys with self-love, resilience, and acceptance. Kevin is a writer, activist, and podcaster.  You can find the book he co-edited here https://taboommedia.com/2022/08/02/taboom-and-gala-launch-courage-to-share-vol-2-in-our-queer-activism-in-africa-anthology-series/

In today's episode, Shelly finds a one-of-a-kind love; the kind of love she never thought possible for her, only to discover that the man she for the first time her life saw a future with, was married. Shelly takes us through a harrowing narration of heartbreak, loss, addiction, and self-love.

Today, Cynthia takes us through her whirlwind romance with Jenny; a relationship she describes as one that made her feel for the first time in her life 'understood'.  Through her calm and soothing delivery, we are taken through a powerful narration of attraction, love, and the search for identity in a world that is still coming to the understanding of who we chose to call our own.

In this episode, an eloquent, matter-of-fact and undeniably free-spirited Wanjeri takes us through her cyclic romantic journey with The Bull. She opens our minds to unorthodox possibilities in relationships while circling back to the inevitable everyday realities she faced and continues to face with the man she describes as someone that allowed her to color outside the line. Wanjeri's enchanting way of storytelling is captivating and one cannot help but imagine what it would be like to just maybe, once in a while, take a big bite out of life. 

Today, soft-spoken but witty Steven opens up about the challenges in a former long-term relationship that ultimately led to its end. We are taken on a journey through his narration that touches on issues around personal growth, co-dependency, and a regular taboo subject - money and wage gaps in traditional male and female roles within a relationship.

In this episode, Roland* discusses the importance of self-awareness against societal expectations when embarking on a relationship with someone. He takes us on a journey of love, marriage, and divorce while every so often taking a moment to reflect on personal growth and how this impacts who you become as a man.

Welcome to episode one of So This is Love. In this episode, Melody* takes us through a whirlwind teenage romance that ends in anguish, depression, and violence well into her twenties. In the end, Melody finds her voice and is able to love herself again after years of mental and physical abuse. Due to the nature of this episode, we encourage those who can be triggered by depictions of this nature, to sit this one out. We will be back in two weeks and you can catch up with us then!  Lots of Love, Jules. Follow us in Instagram @sothisislove_podcast

Do you ever wonder if the good guys finish last? From teenage infatuation to the allure of adventure, Sasha's quest for excitement leads her down unexpected roads. But amidst heartbreak and fleeting romances, one constant remains: Joseph, the steadfast friend always by her side. Join us as we unravel Sasha's winding path, filled with highs and lows, as she navigates the complexities of life, love, relationships and spirituality.  You can support this podcast via our mpesa till number 9095819 or PayPal ⁠sothisislovepodcastke@gmail.com⁠

In this episode, we are taken on a ride through Bella's story with unrequited love and self-discovery. Join us as Bella recounts her tumultuous journey with Jamey, navigating the complexities of love, self-worth, and the pursuit of happiness in the face of unreciprocated affection. Listen in as she shares the poignant lessons learned from her youthful heartbreak, shedding light on the transformative power of resilience and self-love. You can support this podcast via our mpesa till number 9095819 or PayPal ⁠sothisislovepodcastke@gmail.com⁠

How long should you hold on to an issue before speaking up for yourself? What do you do when your partner completely changes for the worse as soon as you choose to go all in? How much should people know about what is going on in your relationship when looking for support? These are some of the questions that Jane asked herself when her relationship with the man she was about to marry quickly began to fall apart. As things slowly turn from bright to dark, Jane is forced to decide if it is more valuable to save face or choose herself in a situation that eventually threatens her safety. You can support this podcast via our mpesa till number 9095819 or PayPal ⁠sothisislovepodcastke@gmail.com⁠

When we fall in love, it is automatic that we desire safety and security in our relationships. In the heteronormative context, women generally celebrate a partner that offers emotional, physical, and financial security and this is exactly what Silver promises Ray when they meet - right at the moment that Ray finds herself in a tight spot and is, in her words, in need of rescue. Join us as we listen to a young woman who loses and then finds her confidence in a situation where hopeless surrender is at first an easier option. You can support this podcast via our mpesa till number 9095819 or PayPal sothisislovepodcastke@gmail.com

There are a couple of things that we are optimistic, if not sure of,  in our youth; the future and love. However, for many of us, our twenties are overwhelmingly crammed with challenges that are designed to set us up for a more stable adulthood - if we pay heed to the lessons. From Young Love to Self-Love, join us as Jane shares her journey of navigating a 7-year relationship, from the highs of love and motherhood to the lows of betrayal and heartbreak. Tune in as she reflects on lessons learned and the power of self-worth in her personal growth. You can support this podcast via our mpesa till number 9095819 or PayPal sothisislovepodcastke@gmail.com

As children, we idolize our parents often holding them to impossible standards. As little girls, this admiration is magnified towards our fathers, our first ‘supermen’’. That is until we grow up. Until innocence gives way to awareness and we slowly realize that our parents are not superheroes. Not only that,  but that they are deeply flawed; unsure, anxious and not always right. This runs especially true for Grace whose father’s unfortunate addiction finds her and her family in a constant state of dire straits. Listen to hear how Grace, who so much loves her father, finds her drive to keep her family alive, together and afloat. You can support this podcast via our mpesa till number 9095819 or PayPal sothisislovepodcastke@gmail.com