So This Is Love

Today, I sit down with Florence—a woman whose story is as heartbreaking as it is revealing. Raised in a turbulent home, Florence sought love in all the wrong places, leading to a relationship with Junior that teetered between desperation and dysfunction. She struggled with her mental health, self-image, and the echoes of a childhood marked by conflict. Her actions were at times harmful, but they were rooted in pain. As Florence shares her story, the lines between victim and aggressor blur, reminding us of the complexities of the human experience. Through Florence’s narration, we explore the duality of love, loss and the lingering shadows of the past all while asking ourselves this conflicting question, can someone be both wounded and responsible for wounding others? Consider supporting this podcast via our mpesa till number 9095819 or PayPal ⁠⁠sothisislovepodcastke@gmail.com⁠⁠

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

Growing up under his father’s terrifying authority, Shaka developed wounds that ran deep—wounds that followed him into adulthood, affecting his self-worth, connections, and eventually mental health. In this narration, we see how a young man’s story reminds us of the powerful impact that parental influence has on our development. We also are taken through a compelling account of a man’s journey to becoming a better man especially now when he finds himself in a familiar yet novice position, fatherhood. What is different this time is that, Shaka is on a mission to break the cycle of pain and abuse. For anyone carrying scars from the past, Shaka’s story reminds us that healing is possible. Consider supporting this podcast via our mpesa till number 9095819 or PayPal ⁠⁠sothisislovepodcastke@gmail.com⁠⁠

On this episode of So This Is Love, we delve into the emotional journey of sibling relationships and how family dynamics can shape, and sometimes shatter, the bonds we once held dear. In a detailed recounting of events, Kate opens up about the deep rift that formed between her and her older sister Ashley, a relationship that was once filled with tenderness. Through her story, we explore the painful lessons learned when family ties are tested by competition, betrayal, and parental dysfunction. Consider supporting this podcast via our mpesa till number 9095819 or PayPal ⁠sothisislovepodcastke@gmail.com⁠

When Njoki moved to the city, she was ready to chase her dreams of a university degree. Struggling to make ends meet, she thought she’d found her escape when a wealthy older man, Njue, entered her life, offering her everything she needed—financial freedom, business success, and a world of luxury. But just as her life seemed perfect, a shocking revelation changed everything.  Support this podcast via our mpesa till number 9095819 or PayPal ⁠sothisislovepodcastke@gmail.com⁠

Love, betrayal, and the road to redemption. In this episode, we dive into one man's journey of reckoning with his past, the struggles of loving without knowing how, and the painful consequences of losing the one who mattered most. Can healing truly happen after the damage is done? Listen to Mathew's raw and transformative conversation on growth and second chances as we explore the complexities of relationships, control, and healing on the path to becoming a better partner and parent. Everybody, welcome to Season 4 of So This Is Love. Consider supporting this podcast via our mpesa till number 9095819 or PayPal ⁠sothisislovepodcastke@gmail.com⁠

When the person we love has been unfaithful, we are overcome with shock, hurt and feelings of deep betrayal. In this moment, it is impossible to think of how we could have possibly contributed to our partner’s actions. The circumstances around Ruth and Nathan’s first meeting were not ideal, but the pair nonetheless fell in love. In this story, Ruth takes us on a journey of grief, complete loss of identity in motherhood and an admirable ownership of one's shortcomings in love. Everybody, welcome to So This Is Love’s Season 3 Finale. You can support this podcast via our mpesa till number 9095819 or PayPal ⁠sothisislovepodcastke@gmail.com⁠