The Nitpicker Podcast
The Nitpicker Podcast shares stories of interesting people doing interesting things. It is hosted by Carol Musyoka and features conversations with guests about their lives, work, and experiences. Each episode aims to offer personal insights through relaxed, in-depth discussion. The show is produced by A Ficus Tree Production.
Episodes
I Think I Am The Permanent Secretary | Prof Bitange Ndemo's First Day on the Job, And Other Short Stories
Professor Bitange Ndemo reflects on a life he says was shaped more by curiosity and “fortunate accidents” than planning: from a disciplined, polygamous upbringing in West Kitutu and a mother who pushed reading despite never schooling, to studying in Minnesota and working at Medtronic on early digitisation systems. He recounts being abruptly appointed Permanent Secretary for Communications in 2005,
He Had 27 Missed Calls From the President | Joe Mucheru Thought It Was a Scam Caller.
What does it take to wire a nation? One man's father started as a caddie carrying someone else's golf clubs. That man went on to put Google on African soil, became Kenya's tech minister, and has now moved $11 billion into the pockets of people banks forgot about. This is the story of Joe Mucheru — the invisible architect behind the internet you're using right now.He pitched Google to buy WhatsApp
The Only Emergency is a C-Section! | Mbuvi Ngunze on Fires, Boardrooms, and Why He's Not Done Yet
Mbuvi Ngunze has sat in both seats: the one that makes the call, and the one that knows when to challenge it. In this episode of The Nitpicker Podcast, he walks us through the August 2013 JKIA fire — the crisis that tested every muscle of preparedness he'd built — and then takes us inside the boardroom: the CEO-Chair relationship, the characters around a board table, and why the only emergency in
Me, I Love Money! | Cris Njoki Stands On Business - And It Shows.
Cris Njoki, founder and CEO of IKOJN (yes, the J is silent — you'll learn), joins Carol on the Nitpicker Podcast for one of the most refreshingly honest conversations we've had about building a business in Kenya from the ground up. From waking up at 4 AM to dig through bales at Gikomba, to getting scammed on her very first China order, to watching her first physical store pay itself back times ten
"If I Don't Do It Now, I Never Will" - Ritesh Doshi Bet On Himself And It Keeps Paying Off!
Ritesh Doshi didn't plan to build a coffee empire. After investment banking across three continents and running Nairobi's first food delivery startup (Naked Pizza, later sold to Pizza Hut), he took nearly two years off to figure out what he wanted and ended up buying his local neighbourhood coffee shop.Spring Valley Coffee now has 10 cafes in Nairobi, one in London, and over 250 hospitality partn
Primitive or Powerful? A Journey from Colonial Names to African Roots!
"The more British we become, the more we deny who we are."In this episode of The Nitpicker Podcast, we sit down with the incredible Dr Wanjiru Kamau—a counselling psychologist, socio-activist, and "granary of wisdom" who, at 85 years old, is still eating sugarcane with her own teeth and challenging everything we thought we knew about being "civilised".Dr Wanjiru takes us through her fascinating li
You Can Know the Law and Still Be Surprised | Chacha Odera on Why the Law Is Never the Whole Story
"Maternity is a fact. Paternity is faith." That's how Chacha Odera opened. And it only got deeper from there. With nearly four decades in practice, Chacha Odera has sat across the table from people at their worst — fighting over children, estates, and identities. He's watched families unravel in courtrooms. He's seen laws lag behind the very lives they're meant to govern. In this conversation, w
Captain CB Kariuki on Coups, Cockpits, and Not Complicating Life
Captain CB reflects on what really qualifies someone for the captain’s seat: progression through a strict seniority system, consistent conduct and performance, and the opportunities created (or limited) by fleet growth. He recounts his unlikely entry into flying via Air Force recruitment, jet training abroad, and how the 1982 coup attempt reshaped both careers and culture in the service through fe
Teddy Muthusi | Why Am I THAT Guy Who Blessings Keep Chasing?
Teddy Muthusi on Creativity, Chaos, and Choosing HelpTeddy Muthusi, forever the guy who reads “KEEP OFF THE GRASS” and immediately tests the lawn, traces how a rebellious, theatre-leaning kid grew into a celebrated creative and radio personality, then how the same wired-differently energy slid into partying, substances, burnout, paranoia, and the hard reality of bipolar disorder (and later an ADHD
On paper, you’re doing great. So why doesn’t it feel like it? | With Abhay Adhikari
The first episode of 2026 explores the importance of shifting perspectives on intentional living, personal growth, and the value of mindfulness. Through an engaging dialogue, Abhay Adhikari delves into how societal norms shape masculinity and emotional expression, the pitfalls of setting goals without actionable plans, and the concept of borrowing joy from the future. The conversation further expl
If You're Broke, You're Broke - Why Should Your Ego Be Bruised? John Ngumi On Risk and Resilience
In this episode, we dive into the compelling life journey of John Ngumi, a Kenyan investment banker who navigated the highs and lows of career success and personal struggles. John shares his unique experiences from reading at Oxford to co-founding the first black-owned investment bank in Sub-Saharan Africa, Loita Capital. With candidness and wit, he discusses the social pressures of failure, the c
With Strings Attached: How Moses Nderitu Rigged a String to Shift Gears with a Broken Ankle!
From Toilets to Electric Buses: Moses Nderitu's Entrepreneurial AdventuresMoses Nderitu, a serial entrepreneur, shares his diverse journey on the Nitpicker podcast. Starting with an innovative idea for mobile toilets, he navigated through various business ventures, including cyber cafes, TV production, and quick-build housing. Now, Moses is at the forefront of Kenya’s e-mobility shift, introducing
He Lost Everything, Then Built It Back Again | The Untold Story of Peter Wachira
In this episode of The Nitpicker Podcast, Peter Wachira shares his compelling journey from growing up in the Dandora neighbourhood of Nairobi to becoming a successful entrepreneur. Facing immense hardships, including family conflicts, financial instability, and personal struggles, Peter demonstrates how grit and resilience can transform adversity into triumph. The conversation delves into his vari
Woven From Many Worlds: Seema Dhanani-deSouza on Life, Loss & Purpose
In this emotionally rich episode of The Nitpicker Podcast, Carol welcomes Seema Dhanani-deSouza.Seema shares a deeply personal and compelling narrative about her life's journey from growing up in a large, loving joint-family household in Kenya to the profound loss of her mother and several family members, which significantly altered her relationship with religion. She opens up about her transition
Jimmy Rugami: The Real Vinyl Guru - How Far Would He Go To Get A Record?
Join us on The Nitpicker Podcast as we dive into the fascinating world of vinyl records with Jimmy Rugami, The Real Vinyl Guru.Jimmy shares his fascinating journey from being a DJ to becoming a renowned collector and seller of vinyl records. He discusses his passion for authentic vinyl records, his disdain for piracy, and his adventures travelling far and wide, even to Namibia, in search of rare r
She Was Doing Airbnb…Before Airbnb 🏠 | Heather Boustead's Unscripted Life in Kenya
Join us in an inspiring episode as we hear Heather Boustead's incredible journey from England to Kenya. Heather narrates her multifaceted life story, starting with her decision to leave nursing and move to Kenya, where she established flourishing businesses and built a legacy. The episode covers her professional triumphs, personal life filled with love and loss, and the daring spirit that made
If Your Password is P@ssword123, We Need To Talk! Mugambi Laibuta Tells Us Why!
Understanding DataPrivacy and Protection with Advocate Mugambi LaibutaIn this episode of The Nitpicker Podcast, host Carol Musyoka engages with Advocate Mugambi Laibuta, an expert in data privacy and protection.Mugambi delves into the importance of the Private Security Regulation Act, the challenges around data verification, and the implications of the Data Protection Act. He emphasises the necess
A Kibra Boy’s Triumph | Gamaliel Hassan on A Mother’s Fight, A Father’s Dream and A Stranger’s Gift
In this episode of the Nitpicker podcast, Hassan shares his inspirational journey, from growing up in Kibra to becoming a successful figure. Hassan discusses the communal sense of equality in his neighbourhood and how a trip to Yaya Centre made him realise the family’s financial struggles. He reflects on pivotal influences in his life, including his resilient mother, who founded the Kenya Anti-Rap
Fahima Zein Left the Life She Built for a Dream She Could Taste!
From Boardrooms to Bakeries: Fahima Zein's Journey from CIO to Pastry Chef ExtraordinaireJoin us as we dive into the inspiring story of Fahima, a former Chief Investment Officer turned French-trained pastry chef. In this episode, Carol sits down with Fahima to discuss her incredible pivot from the high-stakes world of finance to the delicate art of pastry making. Learn about Fahima's journey of se
You Think You're Married? The Law Might Disagree! Find out why with Rose Mbanya
In this enlightening episode, Rose Mbanya joins us to discuss the intricate world of family law. With a deep dive into topics such as the distinction between corporate and family law, legal marriage definitions, and the importance of registration under the Marriage Act of 2014, Rose sheds light on the emotional and legal facets involved. She explains the implications of customary vs. monogamous ma
He Upgraded to Business to Pitch a CEO | Frank Molla on Mastering Executive Life
What happens when you upgrade a plane ticket just to sit next to a CEO? In this episode, Frank Molla shares the bold move that changed his career—and the deep truths behind authentic executive leadership. From founding Executive Connect to negotiating his way into boardrooms, Frank’s story is raw, inspiring, and packed with real strategy. 🔍We cover:- The true cost of risk-taking in leadership- How
Kimanzi, King of Content, Ruler of Creativity, Champion for the Next Generation
Get ready for a fun and eye-opening conversation with Kimanzi! We’re diving into the world of content creation—what it takes to stand out, the struggles of navigating a restrictive environment, and how Kenya’s digital landscape has evolved.Kimanzi unpacks the rise of influencers, the impact of COVID-19 on social media, and how platforms like TikTok have changed the game—making fame more accessible
The Mountain Slayer - How Wandia Maina Conquers Mountain Peaks AND Life!
Wandia Maina shares her remarkable journey as the Mountain Slayer in this episode of The Nitpicker Podcast. She discusses the origin of her unique moniker, the evolution of her hiking community, and her personal balance between a full-time hiking guide and psychologist. Wandia reflects on how growing up in an active family and experiencing her father's Alzheimer's influenced her career path and pa
The Unexpected $1,000 That Kept Me Going – Wawira Njiru on Belief, Generosity & Impact
In this episode of The Nitpicker Podcast, Wawira Njiru, a pioneering social entrepreneur and founder of Food For Education, tells of her transformative journey. Beginning in 2010 with a dream to feed 25 children in Ruiru, to building Food 4 Education which now serves 450,000 kids daily in 2024. Wawira discusses the challenges of starting the program while studying in Australia, the innovative use
Eric Latiff: How A Journey of Shooting His Shot Got Him Interviewing the President
In this episode of The Nitpicker Podcast, host Carol Musyoka sits down with renowned journalist Eric Latiff to explore his inspiring journey into the world of broadcast journalism. Eric shares his early inspirations, including his admiration for Fred Machoka's Sunday radio show. He reveals how the fire in his belly caused him to take leaps, go that extra mile and position himself in the right plac
From Nigeria to France to Kenya: Nche Wadike weaves finds a life of meaning feeding Africans fish
In this episodeof the Nitpicker podcast, Carol interviews Nche Wadike, the Franco-Nigerian CEOof Victory Farms, one of the largest tilapia producers globally. Nche shareshis eclectic career path from finance and logistics to becoming a proteinevangelist, passionate about sustainable agriculture. He recounts his globalupbringing, education, and professional experiences in various countries,includin
Kibby Kariithi: Wealth Transitions- Building the Next Generation
From leading the Nairobi Stock Exchange to being a founder of Baraka Africa Fund, Kibby Kariithi's journey is a masterclass in mergers, investments, capital markets and the sucess of family businesses.Listen in for insights from one of Kenya's first trailblazers!
From working in London to Nairobi's Industrial Area. Sagar Malde - Trufoods Limited
What does it take for a family business to pass the torch from one generation to the next? This week on the Nitpicker Podcast we had the pleasure of welcoming Sagar Malde to tackle that exact question. He is the Chief Executive Officer of TruFoods, a well established family business and a Kenyan staple that has delivered beloved brands such as Zesta Jam, Kenylon canned foods and many more. Like, S
We launched Vivo Fashion from my living room: Wandia Gichuru's story of starting a fashion brand
Did you know that a 100% homegrown Kenyan fashion brand opened a brick-and-mortar store in Atlanta, USA? Find out how this major achievement happened as Wandia Gichuru joined Carol Musyoka for the second episode of the Nitpicker podcast to discuss this and so much more!! Like, Share, Comment and Subscribe to join THE NITPICKER as she will be having illuminating conversations with interesting peopl
Yi Li took a cab to Marikiti at 4:00 am to learn about local markets! | CEO of Farmworks Africa
On our first episode, we are starting off with Yi Li, an interesting and passionate consultant turned agriculture aggregator and positive change entrepreneur. We discuss how she got to Kenya, and how she started her business Farmworks Africa, and what it is all about. Please like, share, comment and subscribe. This is the first of many conversations we will be having with interesting guests tellin
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