The go-to podcast for Kenyan creatives turning passion into profit. Hosted by Ayan Karanja (create with ayan) and Francis Mungai (Muma Pix), we dive into the journeys of local filmmakers, photographers, and creators, sharing real stories, strategies, and insights on making it in the creative industry. With inspiring guests and actionable advice, this is your space to learn, grow, and stay motivated. Because you were made to make.
Exposure Doesn’t Pay Bills! Ayan & Frank on Toxic Clients | MADE TO MAKE KE | Episode 007
Freelancers and creatives, this one’s for you! In this unfiltered rant, Ayan and Frank unpack their biggest client pet peeves, from "We’ll pay you in exposure" to last-minute scope creep, awkward food policies, and the "Can I just get one photo?" crowd. With equal parts humor and frustration, they share war stories, red flags, and hard-earned lessons on setting boundaries—because no, you shouldn’t work for free.
Whether you’re a seasoned creative or just starting out, this episode is a cathartic reminder: you’re not alone in the struggle. Got your own horror story? Tag us—we feel your pain!
🔹 Follow Made to Make Podcast:
🔸 MADE TO MAKE KE: https://instagram.com/madetomake.ke (https://instagram.com/madetomake.ke)
🔸 Ayan Karanja: https://instagram.com/createwithayan (https://instagram.com/createwithayan)
🔸 Francis Mungai: https://instagram.com/muma_pix (https://instagram.com/muma_pix)
30 Apr 2025
Foi Wambui: Leaving Law for Acting & Changing Kenya's Film Industry | MADE TO MAKE KE | Ep 006
Kenyan actor and media personality Foi Wambui sits down for a raw conversation about her unconventional journey—from nearly becoming a lawyer to commanding screens in Salem, Shanga, and beyond. She breaks down:
🔥 Why she walked away from law school – and how strikes led her to creative work
🎭 The brutal transition from theater to screen – including the director’s note that changed everything
🇰🇪 Kenya’s creative industry struggles – "We’re loud when we hate, silent when we love our own content"
🌍 Her global ambitions – "I want to be Kenya’s Lupita, but I’m coming back to build here"
Featured Quotes:
"If you want my naked truth on screen, pay me like it’s the truth."
"Nollywood grew because Nigerians screamed about their films. When will we?"
Where to Find Foi:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/foi_wambui_/ (https://instagram.com/foiwambui)
Subscribe for more conversations with Kenya’s most unapologetic creators.
New episodes every Wednesday
#MadeToMakeKE #KenyanPodcast #AfricanCinema #ActorLife
23 Apr 2025
Avril on Beating Broken Systems, Real Artistry & Building Legacy Beyond Algorithms | MADE TO MAKE KE | Episode 005
Kenyan superstar Avril opens up about:
15+ years dominating charts and screens
Why she walked away from toxic industry deals
Building her My Everything beauty empire
Raising a CEO son while staying #1 on playlists
🔥 Key Moments:
00:00 "I was just a chess piece in their game"
12:30 Why she’ll never do on-screen nudity
22:10 Her advice to young artists: "Own your craft"
💬 Engage with Avril:
👉 Instagram: instagram.com/theavrilway
👉 Brand: instagram.com/my_everything_by_avril
👉 Comment your favorite Avril song! #AvrilOnMTM
🔗 Follow MADE TO MAKE KE:
📸 IG: instagram.com/madetomake.ke
🎬 YouTube: youtube.com/@madetomakeke
#KenyanMusic #WomenInMusic #CreativeEntrepreneur
16 Apr 2025
Why Most Creative Businesses FAIL (We Almost Did Too) 😱 | Made to Make Ep. 4
🎙️ New episodes every Wednesday
Nairobi-based photographer Francis Mungai (@_francismungai) and videographer Ayan Karanja (@ayan_karanja) deliver unfiltered truths about:
• Transforming creative skills into profitable businesses
• Surviving Kenya's competitive creative industry
• Learning from their biggest failures and wins
This Episode Includes:
Ayan's shocking career pivot from medicine to videography
Their hilarious "forgot to record" professional blunder
Why your social media presence makes or breaks opportunities
The gear vs. skill debate every creative needs to hear
Real talk about pricing, clients, and industry challenges
🔗 Connect:
Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/madetomake.ke/ (https://www.instagram.com/madetomake.ke/)
Francis: https://www.instagram.com/_francismungai/ (https://www.instagram.com/_francismungai/)
Ayan: https://www.instagram.com/ayan_karanja/ (https://www.instagram.com/ayan_karanja/)
#CreativeBusiness #KenyanEntrepreneurs #PhotographyTips #Videography #NairobiCreatives
2 Apr 2025
From 20 Bob to Big Budgets: The Kenyan Filmmaker’s Journey 🎬 with Victor Maina and Zul Talaksi | MADE TO MAKE KE | Episode 003
🎙️ EPISODE 003: "The Real Cost of Being a Creative in Kenya"
In this unfiltered conversation, Victor Maina (Visual Masters) and Zul Talaksi (ByTalaksi) sit down to unpack the real struggles and wins of Kenya's creative industry. From clients ghosting payments to losing footage mid-shoot, they share raw stories, hard lessons, and the hustle behind turning passion into profit.
Topics Covered:
✅ "Why are Kenyan creatives underpaid?" - The pricing debate.
✅ Client horror stories (and how to avoid them).
✅ Collaboration vs. solo work - What actually works?
✅ "We charged 20 bob for photos..." - Their humble beginnings.
✅ The future of filmmaking in Kenya - Can creatives thrive?
Whether you're a filmmaker, photographer, or just love behind-the-scenes drama, this episode is for you.
Drop a comment with your biggest creative struggle! ⬇️
🔹 CONNECT WITH US:
🔸 MADE TO MAKE KE: https://instagram.com/madetomake.ke
🔸 Victor Maina: https://www.instagram.com/viktamaina_
🔸 Zul Talaksi: https://www.instagram.com/bytalaksi
🔸 Visual Masters: https://www.instagram.com/visualmasters_ke
🔸 Ayan Karanja: https://instagram.com/createwithayan
🔸 Francis Mungai: https://instagram.com/muma_pix
#MadeToMakeKE
#KenyanCreatives #FilmmakingInKenya #CreativeHustle #Podcast
25 Mar 2025
Kate the Actress on Reinvention, Content Creation & Saying No to Millions | MADE TO MAKE KE | Episode 002
In this episode of Made to Make KE, we sit down with Kate the Actress—award-winning actress, producer, and digital content creator. 🎭✨
Kate shares:
✅ How she reinvented herself from journalism to acting to content creation 📺
✅ The secret to staying relevant in entertainment for over a decade 🎬
✅ Why she turned down huge brand deals that didn’t align with her values 💰
✅ The business of creativity—making money without losing authenticity 💡
✅ How she handles social media, trolls, and online boundaries 🚫📲
Kate brings raw insights, humor, and wisdom in this conversation. If you're a creative or content creator looking to build a sustainable career, this episode is for you!
🎧 Listen now and let us know: What’s one lesson you’ve learned from Kate? ⬇️
👥 Follow Us:
🔹 Instagram: https://instagram.com/madetomake.ke (https://instagram.com/madetomake.ke)
🔹 Kate the Actress: https://www.instagram.com/kate_actress/ (https://www.instagram.com/kate_actress/)
🔹 Ayan Karanja: https://instagram.com/createwithayan (https://instagram.com/createwithayan)
🔹 Francis Mungai: https://instagram.com/muma_pix (https://instagram.com/muma_pix)
19 Mar 2025
Two Creatives Walk Into a Podcast… 🎙️ | Made to Make KE Ep 1
🎙️ Welcome to the first episode of Made to Make KE! In this episode, we (Ayan Karanja & Francis Mungai) dive into our journeys as creatives in Kenya—how we started, the challenges we’ve faced, and what keeps us going. From working behind the camera to navigating the ever-changing creative industry, this is a raw and honest conversation about what it really takes to make it.
🔹 How we got into filmmaking & photography
🔹 The struggles of structuring creativity
🔹 The evolution of Kenya’s content creation space
🔹 Why "just fix it in post" is a trap 😅
This is just the beginning! We’ll be having more deep dives, guest interviews, and real talk about Kenya’s creative industry.
💬 Let’s talk! What’s been your biggest challenge as a creative? Drop a comment below!
🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes.
📲 Follow us on Instagram:
🎙️ Podcast - https://www.instagram.com/madetomake.ke/ (https://www.instagram.com/madetomake.ke/)
🎬 Ayan - https://www.instagram.com/createwithayan/ (https://www.instagram.com/createwithayan/)
📷 Francis - https://www.instagram.com/muma_pix/ (https://www.instagram.com/muma_pix/)
#MadeToMakeKE #CreativeIndustry #KenyanCreatives #Filmmaking #Photography #Podcast
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
YouTube views
9,958
Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025
Podcast Authority Score: 39 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
49
Social presence
0
YouTube
74
Engagement
0
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