This episode of ‘Circling the Rabbit Hole’ podcast, hosted by Dr. Claire, features guests Muthoni and Rix, for candid conversation on an increasingly popular yet still controversial lifestyle choice ie. opting to be child-free.

Today’s discussion aims to destigmatise this choice, moving away from negative connotations associated with "childlessness" or “being barren”. We contextualise this lifestyle choice to our society and culture here in Kenya, as Muthoni and Rix share their personal experiences, highlighting the combative reactions women often face compared to men when making this choice.

Muthoni, having never envisioned herself as a parent, talks us through how she arrived at her decision and what action she has taken to ensure she lives a life true to herself, her beliefs and passions. At the same time, Rix reveals that his decision stemmed from just how much "parenting" he had already done for his family and himself. His realisation that parenthood is a demanding vocation very few are truly prepared for.

The episode also explores the medical aspects of contraception, with Muthoni recounting being denied a tubal ligation at age 23 due to her age and societal expectations that denied her body autonomy, while Rix discusses the cultural resistance men face regarding the vasectomy procedure, despite it being a simpler procedure for couples looking to prevent pregnancy, having completed their family size. The conversation concludes with advice to "choose your hard" and not to have a child for someone else, emphasising that the decision should be a personal and well-reasoned one.

Connect with my guests today:

Onyango Otieno @rixpoet is a mental health activist, SRHR storyteller, podcast host, and all-around troublemaker, who is committed to using his voice to speak up against toxic masculinity and SGBV.

Muthoni Gitau @iammuthonigitau is a content creator, YouTuber, podcaster, DIY queen, and proud cat mom, who uses art and creativity to create a safe space for young people navigating everyday life and its challenges in modern-day Kenya.

Related episodes:

Creating awareness on suicide prevention

https://youtu.be/O5Rv8a6ZA48?si=trApYodrXB09ON8-

Gen Z & Maandamano: Safeguarding your mental

health https://youtu.be/TeceokYGJOc?si=AwIn2hEPA0Mx8M_bCTRH podcast

Location partner:

@ashleyfurniturekenya

@fairdealfurniture

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WebsiteDrclairekinuthia.com

#livingchildfree #childfreelifestyle #buildingcommunity #contraception #vasectomy #tuballigation #healthymalefriendships #endingstigmaagainstwomen #conversationstarter #dybunkingmyths #Edutainment #CTRHPodcast

In today’s episode, I’m joined by a pair of amazing exerts in their respective fields of fitness and nutrition.

What do experts really mean by lifestyle modification? What should we be eating? Are supplements safe & what ones should you be prioritizing? Do we all need to be in the gym in order to be fit? Where do we start if we want to prioritize a healthy lifestyle? How do I make appropriate adjustments for life in my 30s & 40s?

Join us as we deep dive into this and much more.

Connect with my guests today:

Schola Muchiri a strength coach, fitness & personal trainer who helps Women & Men over 30 yrs get strong and build muscle through lifting weights & lose fat through mindful eating. @schola.muchiri on Instagram

Jemimah Saru is a fitness coach and nutritionist who specializes in fat loss and strength training for busy corporate women above age 30. @jemysaru on Instagram

Related episodes:

Our introductory episode on Menopause

https://youtu.be/hl7ZnkVj6CE?si=YMuym_yagKzDtVC5

CTRH podcast Location partner:

@ashleyfurniturekenya

@fairdealfurniture

How can you support this podcast?

Subscribe & Rate this episode, Share & leave a comment.

Let’s continue the conversation on:

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/ctrh_podcast/

TikTok

https://www.tiktok.com/@dr.claire.kinuthia

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/dr.claire.kinuthia?mibextid=LQQJ4d

#lifestylemodification #endstigmaoonaging #fitness #nutrition #wellnessmadeeasy #menopausesupportke #conversationstarter #dybunkingmyths #Edutainment #CTRHPodcast

Today we share an episode shot in front of our first Live audience at our ‘Myths from Below Yonder’ event. I’m joined by a panel of amazing experts for a holistic discussion on Menopause and Andropause, set in our African context.

Menopause is currently a hot topic globally, more-so as many Millenials enter this season of transition in their lives. We are quickly realising just how little those who went through it before us actually understood or were able to share with us. In addition, and with the aim of inclusion, we also take a deep dive into Andropause, often loosely referred to as “the male menopause”.

We delve into hormones and their effect on the signs and symptoms you may be experiencing; into nutrition and fitness, specifically the important role of strength training during this challenging time, and finally, everyone’s favourite segment; plastics and aesthetic surgery. We discuss everything you need to know about procedures especially relevant to this age group, What is available locally and how to best and safely find your most suitable option and providers.

Connect with my guests today:

Dr. Dorcus Muchiri IG: @drdorcusmuchiri is a Consultant OBGYN, Thought Leader, Educator & Women's Health Public Speaker.

Schola Muchiri a strength coach, fitness & personal trainer who helps Women & Men over 30 yrs get strong and build muscle through lifting weights & lose fat through mindful eating. @schola.muchiri on Instagram

Dr. Muriu Kinuthia IG: @dr.muriu.kinuthia is a Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeon & Associate Editor, @prsglobalopen

Related episodes:

Our introductory episode on Menopause

https://youtu.be/hl7ZnkVj6CE?si=YMuym_yagKzDtVC5

CTRH podcast Location partner:

@ashleyfurniturekenya

@fairdealfurniture

How can you support this podcast?

Subscribe & Rate this episode, Share & leave a comment.

Let’s continue the conversation on:

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/ctrh_podcast/

TikTok

https://www.tiktok.com/@dr.claire.kinuthia

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/dr.claire.kinuthia?mibextid=LQQJ4d

#menopause #andropause #thegreattransition #endstigmaoonaging #debunkinghormones #menopausesupportke #conversationstarter #dybunkingmyths #Edutainment #CTRHPodcast

Today, a woman is killed every 18 hours in Kenya, with most reported cases being a murder committed by someone she knows, lives with and loves. Yet in Kenya, Femicide is not recognised as a crime and more often than not, perpetrators of sexual, gender based violence (SGBV) and intimate partner violence get away with their crimes, despite being known to their victims and in their communities.

These statistics are grim and sadly not unique to Kenya. Femicide is an increasingly worsening issue globally. The question is, why do we remain silent? Why are we not doing more to protect our girls and women?

Today, the brilliant trio of @boxpodpodcast hosts join me for a thought-provoking conversation as we explore the nuances that seem to influence our current culture and attitude towards SGBV. We also discuss possible first steps we should consider taking to effectively change the narrative and address the crisis.

Connect with my guests today:

Catch their podcast BoxPod TV on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Box-PodTV

Sheila Kwamboka (@Kwambox on Instagram) is a popular broadcaster, podcaster & communicator in Kenya.

Joyce Maina is a renowned actor, podcaster & our unhinged bestie on Instagram @joycemaina

Kerry is an internationally acclaimed artist, podcaster & our resident minister of enjoyment on Instagram @MrKerryMartin

Related episodes:

Our spotlight episode on Usikimye with Njeri Migwe:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F49DqMUOXNI&t=571s

“Stop killing us!” A conversation with young feminists in Kenya

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FxX6h13lcng&t=1s

CTRH podcast Location partner:

@ashleyfurniturekenya

@fairdealfurniture

How can you support this podcast?

Subscribe & Rate this episode, Share & leave a comment.

Let’s continue the conversation on:

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/ctrh_podcast/

TikTok

https://www.tiktok.com/@dr.claire.kinuthia

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/dr.claire.kinuthia?mibextid=LQQJ4d

#FemicideInKenya #womenslivesmatter #makefemicideacrimeinkenya #endSGBV #SGBV #IPV #conversationstarter #dybunkingmyths #Edutainment #CTRHPodcast

In today’s episode of Circling The Rabbit Hole Podcast, we revisit a crucial topic: Youth and Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR) – but with a fresh perspective. Do teens and young adults have the right access to accurate information about their sexual health and reproductive rights? If so, what can we do to ensure they do? And how do we protect them from the dangers of misinformation in an era where digital platforms are flooded with unreliable content? To answer these pressing questions, I am joined by two extraordinary women who are at the forefront of advocating for SRHR. Lucy Minayo, co-CEO of Amplify Girls, and Judy Amina, Executive Director of SRHR Alliance, bring their wealth of knowledge, passion, and experience working to advance SRHR across diverse communities. Together, we examine the pressing need to promote, protect, and advance the SRHR of adolescent girls, boys, young people, and marginalized groups. As Judy aptly puts it: “These conversations need to start at the household level and then expand to the national level. This is the only way we can begin to see real change.” Judy Amina is a young Kenyan woman passionate about the Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) of young people, women and marginalized groups. She has been pivotal in steering SRHR projects targeting the youth, women, and vulnerable populations in Kenya for close to 10 years. Currently, Judy is the Executive Director for the Kenya Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights Alliance (SRHR Alliance) in Kenya which works to ensure the fulfillment of SRHR for all with a specific focus on young people, women and vulnerable groups. Connect with Judy Amina on social media @Judy Amina Connect with SRHR Alliance on social media @kenyasrhr Lucy Minayo is a lawyer and pan-African feminist. She’s been working in human rights for close to two decades and has gained invaluable experience in Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR). She has been with numerous national and international NGOs, including FIDA Kenya, Kenya National Human Rights Commission, IPAS, and the Center for Reproductive Health Rights. Currently, Lucy is the co-CEO of Amplify Girls, a youth-focused organization dedicated to promoting and advancing the sexual and reproductive health rights (SRHR) of adolescent girls, boys, and young people in Africa. Connect with Lucy Minayo on social media @ Lucy Minayo Connect with Amplify Girls on social media @amplifygirls How can you support this podcast? Subscribe & Rate this episode, Share & leave a comment. Find the episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.claire.kinuthia-CTRH Continue the conversation with me on: Instagram https://instagram.com/dr.claire.kinuthia?igshid=NzZlODBkYWE4Ng== TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@dr.claire.kinuthia?_t=8fV6A1bom0c&_r=1 Facebook https://www.facebook.com/dr.claire.kinuthia?mibextid=LQQJ4d

In today’s climate, mental health conversations are becoming more and more common. However, there is still one aspect that is still often overlooked — men’s mental health and wellness. Society still expects men to remain stoic, despite relentless life, relationship and financial pressures. A significant stigma still persists often shaming any form of vulnerability, which pushes many men into emotional isolation, addiction, abusive tendancies and silence. This lack of acknowledgment of their struggles not only harms men but also often leads to devastating effects in their families and communities. On this episode of Circling The Rabbit Hole, I am joined by Kelvin Mutiso, Co-Founder/CEO of OYE Kenya, and Chris Lyimo, a counseling psychologist and interventionist, to confront the systemic neglect of men’s mental health. While Kelvin discusses how financial instability and toxic masculinity can affect men’s emotional well-being, Chris offers a psychological perspective on how unspoken trauma and societal pressure exacerbate addiction and significant mental illnesses. Together, we examine how addressing men’s mental health is not only crucial for their survival but also vital in creating safer and healthier communities—an issue tied directly to the Femicide Marches we had last year in Kenya due to the ongoing Femicide pandemic. As Kelvin says in the episode, “It is time we examine what the original sin was; to ask ourselves: when was the moment we missed the boat in addressing these issues and now the boat is far out in the sea and we are struggling to catch it?” Join us as we unpack the stigma and explore possible solutions. Chris Lyimo is a believer that everyone deserves a second chance. He advocates for us to think through and communicate issues affecting people and aids in providing the clarity necessary for their transformation process, e.g., addiction treatment and recovery, mending relationships. As the lead therapist and interventionist at Creative Insights, Chris is inspired by the possibility of exploring who people truly are, at their core. He considers conversations and storytelling as an important way to access intimacy, freedom, healing, understanding and right action. Connect with Chris on social media @lyimo.chris on Instagram and @Chris Lyimo on Facebook Kelvin Mutiso is a Kenyan entrepreneur and financial innovator who co-founded OYE Kenya (Organized Youth Empowerment Kenya). OYE Kenya focuses on providing accessible financial solutions for underserved communities such as Boda Boda riders, particularly through innovative lending and credit products. Kelvin is also known for advocating for mental health awareness, especially concerning how financial pressures impact emotional well-being, particularly among men. His insights often highlight the intersection of financial challenges, societal expectations, and mental wellness, making him a key voice in conversations around financial literacy and emotional resilience. Connect with Kelvin on social media @kelvinmutiso How can you support this podcast? Subscribe & Rate this episode, Share & leave a comment. Find the episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.claire.kinuthia-CTRH Continue the conversation with me on: Instagram https://instagram.com/dr.claire.kinuthia?igshid=NzZlODBkYWE4Ng== TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@dr.claire.kinuthia?_t=8fV6A1bom0c&_r=1 Facebook https://www.facebook.com/dr.claire.kinuthia?mibextid=LQQJ4d

For context, Kenya still criminalizes same-sex relationships under the penal code sections 162, 163 and 165. In 2023, the family protection bill introduced by MP George Kaluma attempted to penalize homosexuality further with the death penalty. This bill was however ruled against on 12.09.2023. The law as it stands leads to various violations against the human rights of LGBTQ+ individuals, including hindering their access to comprehensive SRHR and Mental health services in the country.

Today, my guest Kivenzi Muange and I address the unique issues that the LGBTQ+ community in Kenya faces, specifically when it comes to SRHR, mental health wellness, intimate partner violence, and access to tailored healthcare, in addition to the weight of social stigma.

In our conversation, we share invaluable insights into initiatives driving change, including policy advocacy, efforts to train healthcare providers on inclusive care, and creating community support networks that empower individuals and foster resilience. We also unpack the urgent need for systemic reforms and cultural shifts to ensure equitable access to healthcare and the upholding of basic human rights for LGBTQ+ Kenyans.

This episode is a call to action for allyship and a deeper understanding of the ongoing fight for equality. Make sure to watch/listen and join the conversation.

Kivenzi Muange (Kim) is a dedicated human rights defender passionately advocating for the rights of trans and queer Kenyans. Kim's work revolves around highlighting the issues that affect these communities, from facing eviction and violence to broader social injustices. Through organizing community engagements, Kim aims to provide holistic healing and foster communal knowledge, creating safe and supportive environments for all. Currently, Kim works at GALCK+ as the Assistant Operations Officer.

GALCK+ is a coalition of LGBTQ+ organizations in Kenya that champions the human rights, inclusion, and dignity of sexual and gender minorities. It serves as a central advocacy body, striving to create a safe, equitable, and inclusive society for LGBTQ+ individuals by addressing systemic discrimination and providing platforms for visibility and empowerment.

Connect with Kim on social media @fkatwinkss

Connect with GALCK+ on social media @galck_ke

How can you support this podcast?

Subscribe & Rate this episode, Share & leave a comment.

Find the episode on YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/@dr.claire.kinuthia-CTRH

Continue the conversation with me on:

Instagram

https://instagram.com/dr.claire.kinuthia?igshid=NzZlODBkYWE4Ng==

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https://www.tiktok.com/@dr.claire.kinuthia?_t=8fV6A1bom0c&_r=1

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https://www.facebook.com/dr.claire.kinuthia?mibextid=LQQJ4d

#LGBTQRights #SRHRForAll #GenderEquality #InclusiveHealthcare #HumanRights #EndSGBV #SRHRKenya #LGBTQKenya #AdvocacyMatters #EqualityForAll #StopGenderViolence #HealthcareAccess #QueerVoices #BreakingBarriers #EndDiscrimination #StigmaFreeHealthcare #PolicyChangeNow #GBVPrevention #CTRHPodcast #GALCK+

Mothers are the pillars of society; quite literally, we would not exist without them. Unfortunately, across the world, in both high and low-income countries, maternal morbidity and mortality rates are still unacceptably high. Why are we still struggling to ensure that every woman going through pregnancy, labour and delivery and postpartum recovery comes out the other end safe and sound? My guest on today’s episode is the visionary Dr. Jemimah Kariuki, a practicing OB/GYN and founder and CEO of Wheels for Life, an initiative dedicated to improving maternal health by providing essential resources and support to expectant mothers, particularly those in underserved and low-resource settings. Dr. Jemimah is also a wonderful mother of 2, beautifully balancing motherhood with her career in Medicine. She joins me for a compelling discussion on the critical importance of maternal health, offering both her personal and professional insights. In our conversation, we dive deep into the essential aspects of mother and child health, including prenatal, delivery, and postnatal care, and the role of community support in keeping mothers and newborns safe. We also offer practical advice on pregnancy wellness, emotional health, and managing the challenges of motherhood, as well as professional perspectives on financial preparedness for the journey towards motherhood. We also touch on the notion of a decent work-life balance for mothers who are also building careers. This is a necessary discussion, not only for new and expectant mothers but also for their partners, family and friends. Tune in to understand why maternal health a crucial pillar for healthy societies and learn how even small, informed actions can make a significant difference. Dr. Jemimah Kariuki Gichuhi is an Obstetrician/Gynaecologist and the Founder & CEO Wheels for Life, which is a healthcare initiative that provides pregnant women in underserved communities with emergency transportation and access to essential maternal care. During the COVID19 pandemic she organised an ambulance service which enabled pregnant women to safely access maternity care. Her hard work and massive impact through this initiative led her to being listed as one of the BBC's 100 Women in 2020. Connect with Dr. Jemimah Kariuki on social media @drjemimah_kariuki Connect with Wheels for Life on social media @wheelsforlifebydrjemimah How can you support this podcast? Subscribe & Rate this episode, Share & leave a comment. Find the episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.claire.kinuthia-CTRH Continue the conversation with me on: Instagram https://instagram.com/dr.claire.kinuthia?igshid=NzZlODBkYWE4Ng== TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@dr.claire.kinuthia?_t=8fV6A1bom0c&_r=1 Facebook https://www.facebook.com/dr.claire.kinuthia?mibextid=LQQJ4d