By Pauline Luba
In today’s world of social media, increasingly, there is evidence of the reality being filtered or purposefully misrepresented. And that casts doubt on if we are truly living the truth or merely consuming digital illusions. That is one of the issues that Joel Atuhaire and Joanna Akunda dissected recently when they hosted their guests – Shallom & Leighton Barungi – for a 52-minute podcast.

In this episode of the We’re Gonna Talk About It podcast, the conversation starts by exploring how social media misrepresents reality, rewriting both self-perception and the understanding of other people. This, therefore, begs the question: How far will the world go with the carefully constructed narratives that are fed to the people, sometimes as the ultimate truth?

This podcast, posted on March 14, is one of the many that Atuhaire and Akunda have hosted, in an attempt to explore the true meaning of purpose, faith and love. 

According to an online blurb about the podcast, “through engaging conversations and personal stories, the podcast delves into the transformative potential of reprogramming the subconscious mind, and the intricacies of building meaningful relationships” and bringing societal transformation.

For Atuhaire, podcasting was not a career choice he stumbled upon — it was a calling. He says the idea of hosting a podcast began with deep conversations with his close friends – Mark Trevor Kamukama and Leyton Barungi – at the university. Atuhaire is a final-year student of Bachelor of Laws at Uganda Christian University (UCU).

“I wanted to create something that could guide people, helping them navigate life with clarity, resilience, and faith,” Atuhaire says, as he explained the reason behind starting the podcast. 

“Our generation is often taught to shy away from responsibility, but I believe it is through responsibility that we find purpose. If everyone gets access to the right kind of guidance, they can face the world in a way formidable enough to make a difference.”

Atuhaire’s upbringing seems to have played a significant role in shaping his values and work ethic. As the eldest of four children, he grew up with a strong sense of responsibility instilled in him by his parents. His father, Henry Nyesigye, emphasized the importance of accountability, while his mother, Kyobutungi Christine, ingrained in him the value of hard work. 

Atuhaire’s academic journey took him through diverse educational institutions, each playing a role in his personal and intellectual growth. Kibuli Secondary School in Kampala exposed him to a broad spectrum of cultural perspectives. It was here that he discovered his love for literature, even as his parents initially pushed him toward science-related courses. 

St. Mary’s SS Kitende, near Kampala, where he completed his A’level, cemented his belief in the power of relationships and the importance of personal growth. These formative years shaped his ability to engage in deep, analytical conversations — a skill that would become instrumental in his podcasting journey.

Balancing his undergraduate studies with podcasting has not been without challenges. The logistical demands of traveling from Mukono to Kampala to record the podcast, coupled with tight academic deadlines, have tested his time management skills. Yet, he remains committed. “It’s all about sacrifice and planning. There are moments when tough decisions have to be made, but structured scheduling has helped me stay on track.”

Atuhaire believes that many of life’s greatest mistakes stem from what people choose to ignore — what he calls “sins of omission.” From personal relationships to historical atrocities, he emphasizes the importance of addressing issues head-on. 

“People often avoid discussing small matters in relationships or society, thinking they don’t matter. But over time, these ignored issues accumulate, leading to major breakdowns. That’s why we named the podcast We’re Gonna Talk About It — because no topic is too small or insignificant.”

One of the biggest hurdles in podcasting has been financial sustainability. Studio sessions are costly, and without personal income, Atuhaire and his team have had to rely on pocket money and occasional support from well-wishers. Editing, social media management, and content creation were initially unfamiliar territories. However, through teamwork and dedication, they have navigated the challenges. His co-host, Akunda, took up graphic design responsibilities, while fellow law student Samora Tumushabe volunteered to manage their Instagram page.

Despite obstacles met, the impact of the podcast has been deeply fulfilling. Messages from listeners expressing how the show has inspired personal growth affirm the importance of their work. 

“Seeing a simple idea grow into a fully-fledged podcast with a dedicated community has been incredibly rewarding. It’s a reminder that purpose-driven work, no matter how small it starts, can have a lasting impact,” Atuhaire notes, indicating that he wants the platform to be more than just a podcast, but a movement that inspires change.

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