Hi! We’re Han & Cheraé, two friends constantly swapping stories on the journey of our careers. As we looked for inspiration, guidance, and community we realized we weren’t reflected anywhere, so we started sharing. Each episode starts with a moment where sh*t got real. We unpack it, ask the questions you rarely do in public, and share our hot takes on what’s happening in the world. We uncover the gems so you can take them into your own lives and work. Subscribe and join the fam!
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Lonely No More
Gavi Singh Chera, Olivia Vinall, Edita Sllamniku, Bhasker Patel, Joe Thomas, Gwyneth Keyworth, Matthew Gravelle, Aimee Ffion Edwards, Patrick Kennedy
The incredible eight-part full-cast audio drama written and created by Sebastian Baczkiewicz and directed by Jessica Dromgoole. It’s just a message, right? Daubed on walls, trending on socials, appearing in every language in every country all over the world and always reading the same. Nobody knows where it originated, only that it can’t be ignored. And then – in the blink of an eye – everything changes. Activated alien DNA, long buried within each and every one of us, transforms the majorit ...
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A cultural food, travel and lifestyle podcast sharing everyday conversations about Food, Culture and Social Impact in Africa - MADE IN SOUTH AFRICA. Come catch a buzz with me; You'll leave with the munchies.....Promise!! I'm Yolanda Busbee!
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Life takes a shocking turn when a seemingly normal day on the M4 is disrupted by a series of inexplicable events. As Nina and Nikesh navigate a chaotic motorway pile-up, they witness a chilling phenomenon that defies all logic—a man falling from the sky with no clear explanation. But that’s just the beginning. Strange symptoms, mysterious figures, …
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As the world reels from the mysterious events on the M4, Nikesh struggles to make sense of what’s happening while grappling with Nina’s sudden absence. A fire alarm forces him and his colleagues onto the street, where unsettling questions about Lucette’s disappearance arise. Meanwhile, cryptic connections between global incidents begin to surface—a…
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Lonely No More: Episode 3: “The Mountain”
25:53
25:53
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25:53In Tokyo, Nikesh finds himself navigating the opulence and mystery surrounding Tucker Lane King’s enigmatic business empire. After witnessing the shocking crash at Haneda Airport, questions about the Lonely No More phenomenon deepen when Tucker reveals chilling cockpit footage of the missing flight crew—and an unsettling sound that defies explanati…
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Lonely No More: Episode 4: “The Shape of Things”
25:42
25:42
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25:42As Nikesh returns from Tokyo, unsettling discoveries await on all fronts. Nina is grappling with secrets from her harrowing work in A&E, while cryptic structures appear near the motorway crash site, drawing crowds and whispers of a global transformation. Haroun introduces Nikesh to Xavi Anderson, whose unsettling theories about Lonely No More and i…
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Lonely No More: Episode 5: “The Gathering”
25:35
25:35
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25:35With Nikesh and Nina’s wedding drawing closer, tension and uncertainty ripple through every corner of their lives. Lucette’s cryptic return sparks more questions than answers, while unsettling structures continue to appear across the countryside. At Heathrow, Nikesh faces a mysterious transformation in his father, Syed, whose miraculous recovery de…
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As the wedding day unfolds, tensions between personal and global chaos reach a breaking point. Nina and Nikesh try to navigate their future together amidst ominous signs that the world around them is fracturing. Unsettling events at the reception—including unexpected guests and shocking revelations—disrupt their hopes for a peaceful union. Meanwhil…
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As chaos spreads, Nina and Nikesh navigate a shattered Brighton in search of safety. The haunting reality of the transformed population becomes impossible to ignore, as they encounter eerie crowds gathering in silence along the shoreline. Desperation mounts when their escape is thwarted by relentless violence, forcing them to seek refuge in an aban…
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Lonely No More: Episode 8: “The Reckoning”
30:10
30:10
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30:10At Fortress Gatwick, tensions boil over as Nina and Nikesh face the grim realities of the evolving world. With Xavi’s control tightening and shocking revelations about the Lonely No More phenomenon coming to light, the cracks in their sanctuary widen. Haroun, still reeling from Demelza’s transformation, grapples with his own devastating decisions, …
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What does it mean to design your life? In this episode, Denisha Kuhlor, founder and CEO of Stan, shares her journey of embracing uncertainty, taking risks, and redefining her path. Through introspection and experimentation, she discovers the importance of pausing to reflect on one's true desires and the confidence that comes from learning through t…
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Shyvonne lands in Bali, and things immediately get Very Real. With various challenges and unexpected situations, Shyvonne shares how she chose to embrace the moment and make the most of it: shifting from what was going wrong to embracing the abundance of life and living each day to the fullest. We talk trusting ourselves, what it means to take a ca…
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On this episode, Snigdha Sur, founder of The Juggernaut, discusses the decision to raise prices and the challenges faced in a tough funding environment. As a community-driven platform focused on people largely underrepresented in the media space, this was a challenging balancing act. How do you focus on representation while leaving space for critiq…
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In this episode, Cheraé shares a vulnerable moment at a team dinner that could’ve went entirely left. The tension between her current role in venture capital and her previous work building her startup were at a fever pitch and spilled over in a way she did not anticipate. After being gathered by a couple of her closest friends and confidantes, her …
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In this episode, Mallory Contois, Head of Community at Mercury and Founder of The Old Girls Club, shares her journey of navigating the challenges and pressures of being a woman in tech, from raising a $25 million Series A round for a gaming startup to grappling with the immense responsibility and isolation that came with her role as COO. The conver…
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From sleeping in gym clothes to the profound impact of spiritual journey’s, this episode with Sugar Living CEO Fatima Choice, is a testament to the resilience required to succeed in the startup world. Her transition from Jetpack to Sugar, a community-enhancing tech platform, illustrates the importance of community and connection in both business an…
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In this conversation, Cat Middleton, General Partner at The Venture Collective, shares a vulnerable moment when she questions her place in venture capital. She discusses her motivation to make a difference and create a more inclusive environment. While charing her unlikely journey to VC, she addresses imposter syndrome, the fear of failure and succ…
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Let’s talk navigating career transitions! Han shares her post-acquisition story from where we left off in the last season when her company was acquired. We cover fitting into boxes (or not), taking advice (or not), and going from being a generalist to a specialist in a career transition. We also talk about the importance of approaching learning wit…
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Whether intentional or not, shifts are a constant. JZ is a master of the career pivot, and is here to tell us all about it, how she’s (impressively) navigated them to here current role as COO at Charm. But this is It Just Got Real, and so of course, we’re gonna get into it :) We also talk regretful decisions, missed opportunities, the complex exper…
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9 lives isn’t even the beginning of what Karina has lived in her impressive career. From the military to banking to tech to coaching and so much more, throughout it all Karina Cares About The Humans. In this show we get into what it really means to be a “leader”? And how do you unleash potential in others as a manager? Karina brings the goods, smas…
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If you identify as: “A ______ and an Artist” – or want to, this show is for you. In this (hilarious) episode we talk to Danielle, someone who isn’t only a tech founder in the Silicon Valley, but also a prolific and extremely funny artist. Highly aware of the unique (and sometimes bizarre) culture of the Bay Area, she’s consistently pranking it with…
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With Manushka Magloire. Whether you’re a community builder or appreciate being in community, Manushka's story is one you don’t want to miss. Amidst a loss-of-identity moment, the former Global Director of Social Impact and Community for AFROPUNK takes us through her journey of self-discovery and growth to leaning into her superpowers as a soul-led …
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With Geneviève Patterson. In this episode, we bring on our first (!) guest, Dr. Geneviève Patterson, Han’s co-founder at Trash. Geneviève is an accomplished scientist specializing in computer vision and artificial intelligence. We talk to her about her current (surprising) project and what it’s been like to be on the forefront of inventing a techno…
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We're back for season 2! In today's new episode, Cheraé talks about continuing to be a founder, even when you're no longer running a company. She describes the winding road for Tastemakers Africa, how the pandemic impacted the business, and navigating changes in her identity since then. Learn about how to support the Fearless Fund.…
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"It Just Got Real" returns next Thursday! Join us for Season 2 of It Just Got Real, a podcast for creative women in business who are carving out their own path in work and life. Join us every Thursday for the realness! Coming soon, wherever you listen to podcasts and now on YouTube.By Hannah Donovan and Cheraé Robinson
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Finally!! South Africa’s dropped to its lowest lockdown level during the global Covid pandemic. Everything and everyone’s in bloom… Amazing to consider what we’ve weathered during the Winter months while in hibernation. What’s been taken away from us, has sprouted again, like the trees, flowers, seeds and bees, we’re baaaaack! That’s one perspectiv…
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The realest moment of the season goes down in the finale - Han announces she's sold her company TRASH to VSCO. The two unpack the ins and outs of getting acquired in the rona before going into a run-down of some of the biggest record scratches and culture moments of an insane 2020.By Hannah Donovan and Cherae Robinson
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Episode 29: Do What Gets The People Going
34:28
34:28
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34:28Cherae realizes she's been so busy with making things sound right that she's stopped following her instincts. Han jumps in and they unpack everything from transparency, to the creative process, to just putting shit out there. In culture we discover Colors on YouTube and new music and we even make our way to discussing Mike Tyson now on Triller (bbm…
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Cherae realizes she needs more than a "work/life balance break" and unpacks what it's like to reprogram the way you get things done. Han chimes in with some thoughts on her own shifts before getting real about the state of COVID-19 in Los Angeles and what's really going on with pandemic Thanksgiving gatherings. The two close it out with Cherae step…
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Han gets asked a question that makes her confront the realities of building, and the not so glamorous parts of getting the job done. Cheraé chimes in with some thoughts on where our need for "veneer" comes from and the two of them have some record scratch moments from everyday life. In culture Han drops two new tracks (by other people, she has not …
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With election results in - Han and Cherae dive into what this all means and are generally elated about the outcomes. In the real moment, Cherae chats moving into a new apartment in Brooklyn, what that means for her state of mind as a founder, and the tradeoffs female founders make unnecessarily in their journeys. In culture Soulection shows up agai…
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Cherae and Han jump into the thing everyone is laser focused on: the US election. Recorded as the results were in the air, the two discuss what this means for America and for themselves. Han also gets pretty personal with her moment - you'll have to tune in to see how.By Hannah Donovan and Cherae Robinson
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Episode 24: Creative Blocks Aren't A Thing
36:58
36:58
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36:58In another live episode from Mexico, Cheraé shares the moment where Han, over the most delicious of Portuguese dinners, blew up the idea of "creative blocks" and got to the nuts and bolts of how creative output (when it's what you do for a living) actually works. The record scratch dives into things white women are doing in 2020, including becoming…
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Han and Cheraé take the pod to Mexico and deal with the realness of travel during COVID-19 and what makes something "essential essential". Han chats through the emotions and logistics of the entire decision and Cheraé's record scratch reveals that leaving the US doesn't always mean leaving its problematic ways. In culture or what could be called th…
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Cheraé's week gets real when she has to hit pause and give herself time to get to leader level vision. Han chimes in with some lessons and cautions around the murky middle of being in the thick of a founder journey at the least celebrated stage. They both share tips for breaking through before jumping into the Record Scratch moment, which per norma…
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Han's moment is a bit of a founder's groundhog's day and tackles the idea of focus. Probably the single most repeated advice given to founders, Cheraé and Han tackle whether focus is really the key to the game. You'll have to listen in to see where they land. On the record scratch they chat Trump's COVID-19 diagnosis and Roblox's IPO (which Cheraé …
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Cheraé shares one of the hardest parts of being a founder and some pro tips for how to make the pill easier (in the long run). Han chimes in with some tried and true methods and some tangible ways to build better. The record scratch centers on the Breonna Taylor ruling, pulling in some lessons from Germany on dealing with America's ongoing race pro…
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Han reveals a huge product accomplishment that was years in the making and shares the mindset and practice required to have the conviction to tackle the hard things that don't come easily. The record scratch is the one we all felt - the passing of RBG and the subsequent foolery that has commenced in America. In culture Han and Cheraé talk TikTok – …
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Cheraé shares the tension between founder ambitions vs. practical life choices. Han chimes in and shares that "Plan B" is not a thing. The two then talk about vision, conviction, and what that all really means - especially for founders trying to adult, have impact, and/or leave a legacy beyond their companies (if this is a thing). The record scratc…
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Han's life gets real when she learns just how intense getting a rescue dog can be. She re-evaluates this move, which is proving to be an exercise in patience. That's a muscle we should all be flexing during COVID-19, as we inch towards the sort of "normalcy" that existed before. You can't avoid including one Donald Trump moment during the record sc…
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Cheraé reflects on the passing of Chadwick Boseman and his choice to keep his battle with cancer private. Han chimes in and they both reflect on whether sharing your struggle is always the right (or necessary) way forward. Jacob Blake and the NBA strike make this week's record scratch (in what feels like an ongoing one for the US), and Han closes u…
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Han shares an update on what has been a pretty intense fundraising season with a critical mindset shift that's unlocking her superpowers. We also dive into Kamala Harris securing the VP nomination, and what it means for women, badassery, and the US moving forward.By Hannah Donovan and Cherae Robinson
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Creating Better Futures. Made in Zimbabwe with love; Mawuyu, Ice Cream & Wine.
47:20
47:20
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47:20Leaving home always feels good, when you know you’re going to return. But what about those of us, who don’t? In this episode, I chat with three Zimbabweans who’ve left home, returning with ancestral lineage gifts of cradle to gravel worldwide favourites; Ice Cream, Wine, good Health and Wellness. Come. Catch a buzz with me chatting with @TapiTapi G…
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Cherae shares an intense moment in her personal life that required a flight and some serious big girl panties. She also meets a fine fellow and realizes the rona pounds must go. Han discovers new music, including some very raunchy hip-hop, and dabbles into her own motivational Spotify lists. Cherae and Han discuss being transient, closing out the s…
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Han shares an epiphany moment related to that constant drum of stress any "slightly" ambitious person always feels. While chatting through all the ways stating "I'm stressed out" is not productive, Cheraé and Han both share the sentiment that WAP is actually the reliever of these things. Digging deeper into the culture moment, Han talks radio while…
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Cheraé has a BLACK IS KING moment when she does an impromptu popup for her member community seemingly throwing caution to the wind in an effort to deliver for her audience. Han chimes in with some advice for founder balancing intuitive understanding and a data/process driven approach to building a consumer company. We discuss the ridiculous chatter…
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Han, a recovering perfectionist, makes a new portfolio website. This is usually an extremely painful task of selecting and sharing the right work. Today is a different story. She shares her tips and tricks on this week's episode. Plus, why your company comms matter, from racist chicken wings to COVID tests.…
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White is Right, when it comes to Kenyan Coffee & Barista Pros
30:55
30:55
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30:55Like you, I’ve grown tired and out of patience while waiting for this Covid 19 drama to die down. And yet here on the Continent, we’re told, most countries haven’t even yet seen the peak rise in cases. Well I don’t know about you, but I’m tired! In need of coffee to make the most basic of decisions on a daily basis. Yeah, usually only one.Continent…
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Cheraé gets real about being pushed as a founder and needing to broaden her circle of confidants to get the learnings she needs to take things to the next level. Han shares the realities of getting to done and they both find themselves looking for a really good guide to dating post the rona.By Hannah Donovan and Cherae Robinson
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Han has an "aha" moment and realizes she was doing "launch" all wrong after seeing what success looks like. Boat Flags become the new "hot campaign swag" in the most unfortunate way, Instagram's algorithm is the flipping worst, and Cherae is a latecomer to Drag Race.By Hannah Donovan and Cherae Robinson
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Cherae talks about getting called out for not being vocal about a major issue in her community, unpacking how trauma and the past can stifle your voice, and what to do about it. Han shares her own experiences with moving past this and also a pretty epic internet moment this week with the Eye Mouth Eye stunt from Twitter. The show closes out with so…
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Han has had enough of the rona and shares how balancing it all alone is next to impossible. Cherae shares a seemingly never ending list of record scratch moments and Sherman's Showcase and Teyana Taylor's new album enter the cultural lexicon of the pod #addsomekente.By Hannah Donovan and Cherae Robinson
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