Season One was a ride - and yes, we were absolutely building the plane while flying it.

In this season finale of Black Excellence Unfiltered, Dr Tiamo and Anya sit down to unpack the lessons, surprises, and behind-the-scenes chaos that shaped their very first season. From the podcast’s humble origins to the unfiltered stories that moved them (and you), the hosts reflect on how Black excellence showed up in expected and wildly unexpected ways.

They revisit the moments that made them laugh, cry, rethink everything, and hit pause. They talk about the immigration stories that shook them, the guests who changed the room, and the recurring themes of resilience, intentionality, identity, and community connection that kept surfacing episode after episode.

You’ll hear: ✨ The feedback that stopped them in their tracks ✨ The stories they never saw coming ✨ The logistical chaos (time zones! audio fails! back-alley recording sessions!) that somehow made the journey richer ✨ The impact listeners shared from Lilongwe to New York ✨ What Season 2 is about to unlock

This episode is a love letter to everyone who joined the journey and a promise that we’re still building. If Season One was about finding their voice, Season Two is about amplifying it.

Tap in, reflect with us, and get ready. The best is yet to come.

In this bonus episode, Dr. Tiamo sits down with Anya Mhone, global business leader, creator, and co-host of @beupodcast, for a raw and deeply moving conversation about resilience, identity, and the art of healing.

From her roots in Malawi and the loss of her parents at a young age, to her upbringing in the UK, life in New York, and her decade-plus journey at Google; Anya opens up about the experiences that shaped her empathy, ambition, and strength. She reflects on navigating bias and belonging in corporate spaces, the quiet courage it takes to rebuild, and the intentional joy that anchors her through life’s transitions.

Anya believes that Black excellence is about embracing joy as a form of rebellion, and that our brokenness, like in the Japanese art of Kintsugi, adds to our beauty, rather than diminishing it. This candid conversation explores what it means to hold power and tenderness in equal measure, to lead with authenticity, and to find purpose in imperfection.

Join us for a conversation that reminds us that transformation isn’t about being flawless, it’s about finding gold in life’s cracks.

In this episode of Black Excellence Unfiltered, hosts Anya and Dr. Tiamo sit down with Nthanda Manduwi (@nthandamanduwi), a Malawian storyteller, techie, entrepreneur, and fearless advocate for youth empowerment and mental health.

Nthanda’s journey from Malawi to New York is anything but ordinary. Along the way, she’s led digital innovation hubs that have impacted over half a million young Africans, shaped global initiatives at the United Nations and Microsoft, and authored books that continue to empower women and youth to embrace their own brilliance.

But behind the accolades lies a story of resilience, courage, and purpose. In this conversation, Nthanda shares what it really takes to navigate professional spaces as a Black woman, how cultural bias has shaped her journey, and why storytelling remains one of the most powerful tools for change. She also reveals the practices of community and self-care that keep her grounded while holding such a bold vision for Africa’s future.

This is more than just a career story, it’s a call to action. Whether you’re an immigrant forging your own path, a creative searching for your voice, or simply someone who believes in the power of possibility, Nthanda’s words will challenge you to step into your highest self and, as she says, “set the world on fire.”

✨ Special Giveaway ✨ Nthanda is giving away 50 free copies of her book "Traversing my terrible twenties" to 50 lucky listeners! To enter:

a) Leave a comment on any of our social media or podcast pages b) Share Nthanda’s episode on your social media and tag us c) Subscribe to our podcast on your favorite platform

The first 50 people we see will receive a copy! All book proceeds will be donated to Ntha Foundation.

📚 Nthanda’s Books

• By the End of Your Teens (2018)
• Traversing Your Terrible Twenties (2025)
• Upcoming titles: Feminine Silence (2025), Lady at the Helm (2026), Lessons (2026), Balance (2027), and more.

🌍 Organizations & Programs

• Ntha Foundation – U.S. 501(c)(3) non-profit empowering youth across Africa
• Kwathu Kollective – Youth innovation hub driving digital transformation
• Bien Corporation Africa – Creative & media company channeling Africa’s digital economy
• Q2 Corporation – Bridging AgTech and Gaming to build Africa’s future

📩 Connect with Nthanda

• Email: nthanda@q2corporation.com | nthanda@biencorp.com | nthanda@kwathu.org | nthanda@nthafoundation.org

In this episode of Black Excellence Unfiltered, co-hosts Anya and Dr. Tiamo sit down with Felix, a Software Engineer at Bloomberg, marathon runner, and coffee and beer enthusiast originally from Malawi.

Felix’s journey has taken him from Malawi the “warm heart of Africa” where he contributed to genetics research for medicine discovery and later worked in California engineering electric vehicle platforms. He now lives in London, building reliable systems that keep global finance running. Beyond work, he is chasing the world’s six major marathons, with London already checked off, and diving deep into the science behind life’s simple pleasures, from a well-brewed cup of coffee to a perfectly poured draft beer.

In this conversation, Felix opens up about cultural differences, racial anxiety, and the pressure of living up to the term Black Excellence. He reflects on caring for his aging father while navigating work demands and visa challenges, and highlights the importance of vulnerability, self-care, and strong social support systems. As he shares, “It’s in the most vulnerable moment that you can actually find strength,” a philosophy that has guided him through both personal and professional challenges.

On Black Excellence, Felix sees it as both a celebration and a contradiction: a pride in truth and achievements, yet a reminder of the unfair weight of needing to be “twice as good” just to be seen. For him, it is a dialogue still unfolding, much like the yeast in beer, the intricacies of a coffee bean, or the races he runs: complex, personal, and worth every step.

Follow us on social media @beupodcast, subscribe for new episodes, and reach out to us at beunfilteredpod@gmail.com, we’d love to hear from you!

Trigger warning: This episode includes thoughtful discussion of suicide and grief.

In this profoundly moving episode of BEUPOD, we welcome Tamara Grossett—minister, life coach, and intuitive connector—whose story is one of faith, healing, and radical transformation. A woman of quiet strength and deep wisdom, Tamara invites us into her journey across identities, continents, and callings.

Tamara speaks candidly about navigating cultural assumptions, embracing her spiritual calling, and discovering her passion for coaching. With degrees from Princeton, the University of Pennsylvania, and Carnegie Mellon, her voice carries both intellectual rigour and soulful depth.

Reflecting on her personal mission to help others become who they were uniquely designed to be, Tamara shares how the devastating loss of her son to suicide reshaped her life. Prayer, community, and spiritual rhythms became her lifelines. Through vulnerability and grace, she offers wisdom on reclaiming purpose, building connection, and leading with authenticity.

At the heart of this episode is Tamara’s declaration: “I am my ancestors’ wildest dreams.” We explore how she lives that truth—honoring her ancestors’ strength, resilience, and creativity while paving a path for generations to come.

If you're seeking grounding, healing, or a reminder that transformation is possible even in the face of deep loss, this conversation will stay with you long after it ends.

To learn more or work with Tamara as a coach, you can reach her at tamara.grossett@gmail.com.

If this episode brings up feelings of grief, depression, or thoughts of self-harm, know that you're not alone. Here are trusted resources you can tap into:

• In crisis or feeling suicidal? Call or text 988 for 24/7 confidential support via the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (cdc.gov)

• For text-based support in the U.S., text HOME to 741741 to reach the Crisis Text Line (crisistextline.org)

• More resources from trusted organizations:

  • NAMI HelpLine (info & emotional support): 1-800-950-NAMI or visit nami.org

  • SAMHSA Disaster Distress Helpline: Call 1‑800‑985‑5990 or text TalkWithUs to 66746 (mhanational.org)

  • To Write Love on Her Arms (TWLOHA): Hope & support for those struggling with depression, self-harm, addiction, and suicide (twloha.com)

  • HeadsUpGuys: Tools and support for men’s mental health and suicide prevention (headsupguys.org)

  • Active Minds: Peer-to-peer mental health advocacy for young adults and students (activeminds.org)

Outside the U.S.? Visit findahelpline.com for local, confidential support wherever you are.

In this episode of Black Excellence Unfiltered we welcome Webby winning & Emmy nominated Victor Kamwendo (@Zulu_Warrior), a young Malawian filmmaker, producer, and actor. Victor shares his inspiring journey from Malawi to the United States, revealing the pivotal moments that shaped his path in the entertainment industry. From his transformative college experience guided by a guest director to moving to Los Angeles without knowing anyone in the industry, Victor's story is one of resilience and passion. Hear about his struggles, triumphs, and deep-rooted commitment to representing Malawian artists on the global stage. Victor also talks about his commitment to mental health, fitness, and the importance of having a supportive network. Don't miss his insights on how to break into the entertainment industry, the essence of Black Excellence, and his upcoming projects, including a hit Netflix documentary and a new podcast. Subscribe on your favourite Podcast platform to be the first to listen to more inspirational stories from outstanding individuals like Victor Kamwendo.

#BlackExcellence #EntertainmentIndustry #Inspiration

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In this episode, Anya and Dr. Tiamo sit down with Teti Lekalake—a marketer at Meta, INSEAD MBA graduate, and founder of the Career Queens podcast. Originally from Botswana and now based in New York, Teti opens up about her journey across continents, navigating the tech industry.

Teti reflects on the power of representation, the impact of her family’s values, and the challenges she's faced as a Black woman in tech. Through moments of vulnerability, she shares how she’s cultivated resilience, redefined success, and continues to build spaces for community and mentorship.

This episode is a celebration of identity, ambition, and the courage it takes to feel the fear and do it anyway.

In this episode of Black Excellence Unfiltered, co-hosts Anya, and Dr. Tiamo, tackle the complexities of dating for Black women. The conversation provides insight into societal pressures, mental health impacts, and the evolving narrative around relationships. They delve into statistical data on marriage rates, discuss the significance of the ‘soft life’ trend, and emphasize the importance of self-awareness, healing, and adjusting expectations. Through personal anecdotes and practical advice, Anya and Dr. Tiamo encourage Black women to know themselves, set priorities, and enjoy the dating journey while being open to authentic connections.