The Uprooted Life Podcast: Recent Episodes
Mwai Yeboah
The Uprooted Life Podcast is an African Lifestyle podcast with a twist. Hosted by Zambian native and London transplant, Mwai Yeboah, it’s for those with a penchant for and curiosity about Africa. You’ll hear from everyday expats, natives, entrepreneurs and travelers who are taken with Africa as they share what it means to live their uprooted life.
Lonah Shawa - aka Shawaa is Exalt Africas everything champion. She is my good friend, event specialist, founder, partner and former model. Lonah’s resume is loaded with on-air appearances, modeling distinction, event success and planning prowess. She is the true definition of beauty and she has the intelligence to do anything she sets her heart on. Family and friends are two forces that give her life meaning and purpose. She is caring and creative; introspective and social. Join us to find out more about her experiences in the event industry, her mentors and her future plans.
Tanya Fooks - A dear friend and founder of Inspire Zambia Magazine, Tanya Fook joins us to unpack the profound power that comes from empowering others. My personal cheerleader and go-to person for connecting me with the right people, I can’t wait for you to hear her wise advice. She’s the guru, the sage, the mentor we all need. And this conversation is full of laughter and life insights that we can live by. We talk about everything from facing our fears to living our best life to keeping our culture alive and more. Find out where Tanya came up with the idea for Inspire Zambia magazine and how she’s settled into her identity and lives between Zambia and the UK. We examine the power an idea can have in your life and how one seemingly small thing can change your entire trajectory. Dive in and hit play for the wisdom and insight your day needs.
Lulu Wood - In this episode, entrepreneur and Chef Lulu Wood reveals how running a business with her husband has helped with their communication and how working and cooking together has served their marriage well. The couple has dubbed themselves “home cooks who love to have fun together,” and as you listen, you’ll see why.
Lulu busts the myth that you can’t have two cooks in the kitchen and shares the key ingredient to having a strong and beautiful marriage. You’ll love this lively chat that’s filled to the brim with positivity, warmth, and depth.
Selected by Meta (formerly Facebook) as one of the top businesses creating community and global change, you’ll find Lulu’s message a rare treat and inspiration. And if you wonder whether she or her husband is the best cook–you’ll find out! A few Zambian words are sprinkled into this episode, and you’ll even hear Lulu share a special recipe in the local language. Tune in and listen, especially if building a strong marriage and resilience is a goal you have.
Moshoodat - Join us as we sit down with a world-renowned makeup artist and costume designer who is one of the most creative visionaries in the industry. In a spiritual conversation that will uplift your soul, Moshoodat shares her mission to change how the world looks at women of color. From bold body art and makeup to lavish costumes, Moshoodat is a trailblazer and mentor for the next generation of creatives.
In this episode, we dive into the journey of business and motherhood and how the concept of “birthing” encompasses both spheres. From birthing babies to creative ideas, we’re often pushed to the brink, and the strength, beauty, and innovation that emerge can be life-changing.
Find out where Mooshoodat gets her creative vision, how Africa influences her art, and how her journey to becoming a world-renowned makeup artist and costume designer began. Hit play to listen in.
MOGAU Seshoene - Bestselling cookbook author, South African chef, Forbes Africa 30 under 30 honoree, and media personality Mogau Seshoene joins us to talk all things food, family, and the future. These topics create the perfect ingredient list for one of the most fun and fulfilling podcast episodes to date.
Tune in as we discuss preserving African culture one recipe at a time, how Mogau became known as The Lazy Makoti, her journey from corporate to culinary school, and how her love for cooking started in her mum’s kitchen. An influential force, she’ll inspire you to live out your dreams, pursue your passion, and pull on your cooking apron. Hit play for a rich conversation and peek into Lazy Makoti’s journey to the top.
Micaela Erlanger - Named one of the "most powerful stylists," celebrity stylist, entrepreneur, author, and influencer Micaela Erlanger joins us today as we unpack how she became a powerhouse in the world of fashion and so much more. She's been featured in The Hollywood Reporter, Vogue, Vanity Fair, and Harper’s Bazaar, and in this episode, Micaela gives us an inside scoop on how she styles her clients to communicate the right message and the most invaluable advice on following your dreams. Find out fun details like what it was like to have Lupita as a bridesmaid, how she landed her very first client, and what her favorite African country is. Plus--find out what Micaela recommends EVERY woman should have in her wardrobe. You don't want to miss this fun and fabulous conversation. Hit play to listen.
Melanie Bala is one of South Africa's entertainment icons who has graced television screens since 1992. She got her start on Bop TV, a program that covered a wide variety of entertainment and current affairs. In today's episode, she opens up about listening to your inner voice, redefining your purpose, and finding your dreams. Pour yourself a cup of tea and prepare to listen in on one of the most soothing conversations and calming voices you may have ever heard. Melanie shares what it was like to grow up in South Africa in the heart of apartheid, get her first TV break at 17, how she uses her voice to talk about uncomfortable topics, what it's like to meet notable people like Former President Thabo Mbeki, and how she remains humble amidst it all. We talk about everything from juggling motherhood and career to remaining grounded so hit play for some incredible takeaways and inspiration.
Aphia Sakyi designs African wearable art jewelry and accessories that’s been worn by the likes of Janet Jackson, featured on fashion runways across Africa, and now dominates the Coming to America 2 film. Despite her incredible success, this Ghanian-born creative remains humble and devoted to her roots. Aphia is like a sister to me. In today’s short but mighty interview we talk about how she started her brand and went from working for a school uniform designer to becoming an internationally renowned brand that connects people to the heartbeat of Africa through her designs. You’ll also learn how she’s using her brand to equip underprivileged girls, give back to the community, and tell Africa’s story through the lens of her craft. You’ll be truly inspired by her story. Click to listen.
Gillian Griffith - A big challenge many female entrepreneurs face is how to find their voice and share their story in a way that connects to their audience and grows their business. Gillian Griffith is an incredibly talented and important copywriter who uses her love of language to help brand-building women and spirited creatives cultivate the future they desire by using their words and copy effectively. In this episode, we also talk about how to stay true to your authentic self even when you’re feeling uprooted across many areas in your life. You’ll love her incredible story, how she discovered her Italian heritage, and her passion for writing. If you want to find your true authentic voice and believe in yourself and the content you produce, click play to join our conversation.
Zoe Folbigg - Everyone’s business journey begins somewhere and even if we’re stuck or confused, we must find our way to that next mile. Zoe Folbigg, one of my all-time favorite human beings, joins us to talk about everything from writing a book to traveling to never giving up on your goals to the importance of being accessible to others who need mentorship (regardless of your status).
She helps us process the disappointment of hearing “no” and how to keep moving forward in the face of setbacks.
Find out what sets her apart as a writer, which author she looks up to, and how you, too, can live a set apart life. Whether you’re at mile marker 5 or 500, you’ll be encouraged, refreshed, and ready to go after your dreams. Click play to listen in on our powerful conversation.
Laurie Burr, General Manager of the remarkable Anantara brand’s Royal Livingstone Hotel dishes about all things culture, food, and fun at the doorstep of the seventh wonder of the world.
Journey with us through the grounds of the Royal Livingstone Hotel and his own story of his life in London and transition to Africa.
You’ll discover what makes the Royal Livingstone’s African hospitality and its ethos of ubuntu so unique plus why leaving a legacy for a generation shouldn’t just be a personal but a business goal as well.
If you work with clients, provide a service, or are a traveler or foodie at heart, you’ll love the powerful lessons gleaned from this episode. Click play to join us on a perspective-changing, soul-nurturing journey to the seventh wonder of the world and beyond.
Joy Proctor - Travel changes us and sometimes we don’t realize the imprint it’s left until we begin to see evidence of that change within our work. In this episode, highly sought after wedding designer, Joy Proctor, shares how the spirit of Ubuntu is at the heart of her design ethos and process.
Find out what her name means in Africa and why she believes this enchanted continent is a dream destination for weddings.
You’ll learn what inspires Joy, and hear the behind-the-scenes of how the heart, mind, and soul of this award-winning wedding designer comes together to create the breathtaking artistry and innovative design she’s known for.
Chilu Lemba - In his coming of age book, Finding My Voice, Zambian native Chilu Lemba gives us an inside look at Zambia in the 80s and 90s and how he became one of the most celebrated voice over artists in Africa. In this episode, we have a raw conversation about his humble beginnings, goals, entrepreneurship, fatherhood, growing up in a blended family, and some of his biggest influences. Find out how to have confidence that the decisions you make are the right ones for your future and what he would advise 10-year-old Chilu today.
If you’ve ever felt like your past mistakes define you or wondered how to use the lessons you’ve learned to catapult you closer to your purpose and calling, this interview is for you.
Jose Villa - Prepare to laugh and marvel as award-winning wedding photographer Jose Villa spills the tea on everything from photographing Justin Bebier’s wedding to drinking Dom Perignon with Martha Stewart to navigating to the top of his field over the last 20 years. Named a top wedding photographer by Martha Stewart Weddings, Harpers Bazaar and Vogue, we skim the surface with some laughs and dive deeper into how his cultural roots shape his photography today. You’ll discover who Jose is behind the camera, including his favorite country and dream childhood character. His inspirational humility and humor is on full display so come find out what sets Jose apart and how he has the life and career he does today.
Elizabeth Solaru is a wedding cake designer who has created cakes for some of the world’s most prestigious events( including royalty!).
She joins us on today’s podcast to dive into the layers of her life that have led to the success she has today. Born and raised in the UK through most of primary school, Elizabeth was uprooted and taken back to her homeland of Nigeria, where getting adjusted wasn’t easy.
After completing multiple degrees and educational qualifications that were the pride of her African family but had nothing to do with baking, she reminisces about where her passion began and how she found her way back to it.
From baking in her mom’s pots to returning to the UK to a cold call that led to working with the Queen’s Cousin Lady Elizabeth, you’ll love her brave journey, fresh insight, and advice.