Surprise!!! On this very special bonus episode, we are excited to be coming to you live from Portimão, Portugal where we got to experience the 3-day Afro Nation Festival! What an experience! We delve into the process of organising ourselves for the festival, where to stay for the Afro Nation Festival, what to expect, what surprised us, what we were…

Don’t miss Find and Tell, the search for the next generation of Australian storytellers. Think of it like one of those TV talent shows... but for podcasting! You'll hear from four Australians as they go head-to-head to Find and Tell unique and interesting stories from around the country, based on a new theme each episode. Follow along each Wednesda…

We have to celebrate all we are as black people and all we have to offer. In this episode we talk about the Beauty in our Blackness. You know you're black when? What makes us so special? What do we love the most about being black? We'd love to hear from you! Website: It’s Layered Podcast Facebook: It's Layered Podcast Instagram: @itslayered Twitter…

Welcome to The Special Series! We know, we know! You’ve gotten to know us before and we’re doing it again! Here’s the thing, we last did a ‘Delve Deeper On Us’ as our very first episode - a whole 4 years ago. A couple of things have changed since then - and we’d like to think we’ve grown a little too. In this episode, we talk about our green flags,…

Privilege is a complex thing. Those who have it often don't realise how much it makes life easier for them. Those who don't understand all too well how much the lack of that privilege affects their lives. In this episode, we go a little deeper and unpack the complexities of knowing you have privilege and what you can do with it to help others. We'd…

Earlier this year, we got to sit down with Zimbabwean-born artist, Kye and talk all things music and how spreading joy is at the core of her musical expression. We had a blast talking about her musical influences, going down nostalgic memory lane and speaking about representation matters. Get into our interview with Kye and let us know your thought…

Trailer: 'It's Layered Special' We're coming in hot with the our special where we finally had the chance to sit down together - in studio - and crack the mics! Sign up on our website: www.itslayeredpodcast.com to find out when it drops and to catch all the episodes! Videography & Editing: Beth Watkins Sound Mixing & Engineering: Phil Threlfall Reco…

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 Dictionary In our season finale, we are unpacking the complexities of perfectionism, its…

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 privil…

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 …

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 …

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 famil…

“It’s an act of revolution to tell your story.” | Dr Wadzanai Motsi-Mueller And 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 blas…

“Healthy boundaries are important, but you may be building a brick wall when a picket fence would do.” – Amy Dickinson Boundaries 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 persona…

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 ab…

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 feel…

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…

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…

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 -…

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…

“It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men." | Frederick Douglass Motherhood 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 Swazi…

"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. Beight Given the communal and interconnectedness that this African proverb highlights, it is no surprise that this connectedness seeps into financial …

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; ho…

“Religion is a prison but truth sets us free Helps us believe That 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…

“If you educate a man you educate one individual, but if you educate a woman you educate a family. " | African Proverb The 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 Afri…

“Mwana asingachemi anofira mumbereko.” | “A baby that never cries soon dies on its mother’s back.” – Shona proverb Growing 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 …

*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 maintai…

“The most powerful weapon in the hands of the oppressor is the mind of the oppressed.” | Steve Bantu Biko Colonialism is "the the policy or practice of acquiring full or partial political control over another country, occupying it with settlers, and exploiting it economically." On this episode, we speak very candidly on a topic that is integral to …

"Change is inevitable... why hold onto what you have to let go of?" | Jhene Aiko We're baaaaaaaack!! This year has been monumental for us! We've stepped into new titles and roles which include motherhood and marriage, navigating these and other milestones as black Zimbabwean women in the modern world! Needless to say, IT'S LAYERED! For our 1st epis…

What do you get when two friends of over 20 years, who live on opposite ends of the globe, start a podcast where no topic is off limits? Welcome to 'It's Layered'! Join Amanda and Rumbi, two Zimbabwean ladies living in Australia and the Czech Republic respectively. They'll be delving deeper into life, love and everything under the sun; debunking so…

Our Season 3 Finale is here and it's a special one! Not only did we get to record in person for our first ever in-person episode together, we were also on home soil in Harare for Rumbi's roora celebrations! A rite of passage for so many young, Southern Africans, especially Zimbabweans, roora AKA lobola is the epitome of layered! What is it? Why do …

Foooooood, glorious FOOOOOOD!! One thing about us, we love us some food and appreciate cuisines from all around the world! In this episode, we salivate over our fave cuisines, share foods that we aren’t huge fans of and discuss the impact of our culture on our outlook on food! Delve deeper on ‘Cuisine’ with us because, just like trifle, zvine malay…

The fascination, questioning, prejudice and intrigue around interracial relationships is ongoing in spite of the increasing number of interracial relationships. On this episode, we delve into the nuances one has to navigate when in an interracial relationships, sharing our experiences and thoughts on why these relationships are treated this way. We…

Is being a global citizen just another buzzword going around? What exactly is a ‘third culture kid’ and how can we be one when we are no longer… kids? On this episode, we got to sit down with gorgeous, award-winning Zimbabwean actress and host of the Zim Excellence Podcast, Vongai Shava. We discuss what it means when no physical place feels like ho…

Blame it on colonialism. Blame it on racism. Blame it on inferiority complex or whatever you may. Colourism is a very real part of our lives. On today's episode, we take it there! From our childhoods and how external voices reinforced stereotypes about complexion to how it affected our dating lives. We leave no stone unturned! Tune in and let us kn…

To be an African child is to know that - in your community's eye - you will never measure up. There will always be that auntie or uncle, mom or dad, cousin or distant relative who feels the need to point out how you fall short compared to your counterparts. In this episode, we delve into the hard knock life of never living up to expectations and be…

Being a human is hard, and what makes it more complex is the fact that we have to coexist with other humans. Add to that communication issues; misused authority; awkwardness and a host of other things, it can get down right tricky to navigate. On this episode, we go in deep, talking about complicated relationships - small houses and toxic work envi…

For this episode of 'It's Layered', we are joined by the hilarious Dan & Phil of '2 Broke Twimbos' who managed to have us in stitches whilst dishing some very wise gems on Mental Wellness! We talk about all things from handling stigma, when to divulge mental health struggles to a potential partner and the resources available for our mental wellbein…

Welcome to SEASON 3!! We are so stoked to be here, and what better way than to talk about a seemingly elusive topic these days... TRAVEL!! We share what we've been getting up to, experiences with travel and hopes for this year! Tune in and let us know how you have been handling travel in this panorama (like, for real, we need all the tips please)! …

In the final episode of this special, we were joined by some gents to get male and female perspectives on the #greatexpectations in relationships! We had to get bAw founder, Sonia Dube, to moderate while Kuzi and Dhabi came through with a guy's angle. Once again, a huge thank you to The black African woman Network for having us! I T S L A Y E R E D…

In today's episode of the bAw Special, we take a moment to reflect on what makes a person beautiful. We share our own personal experiences with not feeling enough and how we are working on embracing our unique beauty. We hope you enjoy this conversation, but more importantly, we hope it opens you up to how you see yourself. Be sure to leave your qu…

We continue our chats around dating in this episode of Layered Expectations hosted for The black African woman Network! On this episode, we are joined by 3 gorgeous ladies who share their personal experiences with dating in their 30's. Paida, Didi and Kix don't hold back as they talk about the shift in the dating sphere at this age. Take a listen a…

Welcome to the special we recorded for The black African woman (bAw) Network- Layered Expectations!! In this episode, we tackle some common questions that we receive from #blackAfricanwomen around relationships, dating and friendship. Take a listen and weigh in with your thoughts from the questions we received from some exasperated ladies! B L A C …

A “LOVE LETTER” to the arts! For our season 2 finale episode, we sat down with NAMA Award winning actor, Munya Chidzonga, to talk about the arts industry in Zimbabwe. What does it mean to pursue an unconventional path in the performing arts? How do you navigate the opinions of others when you don't subscribe to the 'safe' career paths we grow up le…

Fashion! Fashaaaawn! Lewks! Drip! Style! We're here talking about ALL of it!! From growing up with limited access to fashion trends to our evolving style, this is a fun episode in which we delve deeper into a topic we absolutely LOVE!! What role does fashion play in your life? Has it evolved? Who are some fashion icons that you look up to? We'd lov…

Money, money, money! When it comes to managing your personal finances, is it something you talk about with your friends, partners, family or peers? More often than not, money talk is kept on the low and not enough of us know how to manage our finances. On this episode, we delve real deep into the topic of money - how our upbringing shapes our under…

We had the pleasure of catching up with award-winning actress and star of "Cook Off" - Zimbabwe's first film to make it onto Netflix - Tendaiishe Chitima! It was such an honest and inspiring conversation in which Tendai shared her journey to discovering acting whilst coming from a conservative background; and how honouring her journey is what has b…

"If only you loved studying as much as you love watching TV!" - A common utterance from our African parents. Film & TV undeniably impacted us growing up and opened our minds beyond borders. On this episode of It's Layered, we explore the many genres we enjoy, actors and actresses who inspire us and what we don't feel so much! Listen in for a fun ep…

What visa are you on? How did you manage the process? How difficult is the adjustment to diaspora life? Questions so many of us have but few are willing to divulge on. Living in the diaspora can seem like a bed of roses when looking from afar. On this episode, we debunk some of the myths associated with living in the diaspora, tackle the many hurdl…

Classism! A very real but often unmentioned part of Zimbabwean lifestyle, we're going all the way there on this episode of #ItsLayered! From privilege, to elitism, guilt to insecurities bred as a result of this prejudice that rules our society, we share our thoughts, experiences and concerns about the way in which our society is set up. How have yo…