Namulanta Kombo: “I feel more connected to a world full of dissonance”

In every issue of the Pod Bible magazine, we ask a podcast disciple five questions about their love form podcasts and podcasting. For International Women’s Day 2023, we wanted to take the opportunity to revisit our fitting interview with Namulanta Kombo from Issue #022. Namulanta is the host of Dear Daughter, winner of Best Family Podcast and the overall Podcast of the Year at the British Podcast Awards 2022. The show is a beautiful example of intimate conversations only podcasts can provide, and if you haven’t listened yet today is a great chance to start.

WHY DO YOU LOVE PODCASTS?

So many reasons! Listening to a podcast, I definitely feel more connected to a world full of dissonance. We don’t all have to get along or agree but podcasts have opened me up to different perspectives and I realise we are not all that different. Ultimately though, I love the intimacy of listening to my favourite podcast. It always feels like you are wrapped up in a blanket talking to a friend about life.

WHAT WAS THE FIRST POD YOU EVER LISTENED TO?

The Moth. It was my introduction to podcasts and helped me realise what I prefer when listening to one. I loved how the personal stories were shared covering topics that were important to different people. I enjoy hearing people share their stories from their own point of view and in their own words. It helped me empathise as I heard more about the human experience and actually helped set me on the path I’m on today.

WHICH POD MAKES YOU LAUGH THE MOST?

Jesus & Jollof. Its two successful Nigerian women talking about their life interjected with lots of humour and honesty. It feels like you are listening to your sister circle give you encouraging and inspiring words to do better and be great. I am able to relate to so much of their conversation as an African woman and aspire to be just as fiery, fabulous and funny!

WHICH PODCAST HAS EDUCATED YOU THE MOST?

My own podcast, Dear Daughter! In hosting and co-producing the podcast, I have learnt to have more grace with others and myself. Listening to other people share their stories and trying to understand their perspectives is a step closer to me being more patient, forgiving and gentle with myself. It has been so enlightening to discover how many people experience life in a similar way and I have discovered a virtual support system in listening to others share their stories, it has been cathartic and quite honestly a life-changer.

CAN YOU RECOMMEND A SHOW OUR READERS MAY NOT HAVE HEARD OF YET?

Mantalk.ke. It’s a refreshing and candid take on the world around us. It’s hosted by two men so the commentary is from the male perspective but includes female guests to offer insight. They talk about everything from holding each other accountable to self-expression and I love the elevating conversation especially now that I am mother to a son.

Season Two of Dear Daughter is out now. Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, BBC Sounds and other popular podcast apps >>