Dear Daughter

All Episodes (35)

From new to old

From new to old From old to new

1. 

   1. Bonus: The Documentary

   Other people’s children. The mothers who leave their own families behind to care for someone else’s. This special episode, from The Documentary, is hosted by Dear Daughter’s Namulanta Kombo. She speaks to women from around the world who are in the so-called “global care chain”. The Documentary, from the BBC World Service, is the home of original storytelling – bringing the globe to your ears. News about season 3 of Dear Daughter will be coming here soon.

   Nov 09,2023 50:14
2. 

   2. Holding on to love: Dear Daughter live

   Disastrous dates and how to make a relationship last. It's our second live show in Nairobi, Kenya. We hear a tale of a truly disastrous date and find out about the tough dating scene in Nairobi. Plus, advice on how to make a relationship last, while holding on to your own identity.Letter writers: Stand-up comedian Maina Murumba and public commentator Daisy Maritim Maina.This is the final episode in season 2.Please send Namulanta your letter. Go to www.bbcworldservice.com/deardaughter and click o

   Jun 18,2023 28:26
3. 

   3. Finding love: Dear Daughter live in Nairobi

   How to approach dating. Tips and laughs, as we explore relationships and the highs and lows of dating, in our first ever live show. Hear from our guests and audience in Nairobi, Kenya. Our letter writers tell their daughters that they need to set boundaries, have mutual respect and not to settle for less than they deserve.Letter writers: Tatiana Karanja and Peter Nduati.Please send Namulanta your letter. Go to www.bbcworldservice.com/deardaughter and click on “Send us your letters”.#DearDaughter

   Jun 11,2023 27:57
4. 

   4. Dear son

   “Fly the plane”, volunteer and keep asking why. Andy is an airline pilot from Northern Ireland. He tells his son to avoid being thrown off course by life’s many distractions, volunteer for everything, and keep asking questions. The final golden rule? Always stand up to inappropriate locker room banter. Plus, Namulanta has a letter for her son too.Letter writer: AndyPlease send Namulanta your letter. Go to www.bbcworldservice.com/deardaughter and click on Send us your letters.#DearDaughter

   Jun 04,2023 27:27
5. 

   5. You are wanted

   It’s a girl! Bucking the trend of wanting a son. Shakti was keen to have a daughter, but explains that in India there’s a lot of cultural pressure to have a son. When she was growing up, people were always asking her parents if they were going to try for a boy - making her feel unwanted. Now, Shakti writes to her daughter explaining just how much she is loved.Letter writer: ShaktiPlease send Namulanta your letter. Go to www.bbcworldservice.com/deardaughter and click on “Send us your letters”.#De

   May 28,2023 22:11
6. 

   6. Trying to conceive

   A letter to a daughter who doesn’t exist yet. Lucia has been trying to get pregnant for three years. She tells Namulanta that she was inspired to be “less discreet” about what she’s been going through after listening to a past episode of Dear Daughter – and that since she started talking about it, she’s discovered a whole world of other people going through similar experiences. Plus, the one thing you should never say to someone struggling with infertility.Letter writer: LuciaPlease send Namulan

   May 21,2023 23:44
7. 

   7. Keep growing, always change

   Celebrating how kids change as they grow. Claire thinks that nostalgia for babies and small children shouldn’t stop you from embracing the next stages in their development. She and her wife have twin daughters who were born prematurely. In those early weeks, they found it hard to see the future. Now the twins are seven, Claire is able to celebrate the different stages of their lives. But she’s still learning how best to parent them, and their four-year-old sister, as they continue growing.Letter

   May 14,2023 20:46
8. 

   8. On apples and trees

   Turning into your mother can be a joy and a trial. When Jacinta in Johannesburg became a parent, she found that her perspective on her own mother changed completely. She reads a letter to her young daughters about what they can learn from older generations after realising “the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree”. Plus, how to avoid telling your children that they’ll only understand things when they get older.Letter writer: JacintaPlease send Namulanta your letter. Go to www.bbcworldservice.com

   May 07,2023 24:56
9. 

   9. Making friends

   The Scummy Mummies on friendship, bullying and embracing the chaos of parenting. Comedians Helen Thorn and Ellie Gibson met when their children were little and started a podcast called the Scummy Mummies. Ten years, a sell-out UK comedy tour and more than 250 episodes later, they join Namulanta to talk about friendship – from getting through the awkward teen years to making friends as an adult.Letter writers: Helen Thorn and Ellie GibsonPlease send Namulanta your letter. Go to www.bbcworldservic

   Apr 30,2023 21:18
10. 

    10. Generation gap

    How to give advice people will actually listen to. When Anna in Switzerland was younger, her grandmothers used to give her advice – but she dismissed it. She thought they were old-fashioned and didn’t understand her life. Now she’s a grandmother herself, and when she looks at her granddaughter she can’t imagine what the world she will live in will be like. How can she pass on what she’s learned about life? Anna and Namulanta discuss how to connect across the generational divide.Letter writer: An

    Apr 23,2023 22:49
11. 

    11. Without mum

    The challenges of parenting as a widower. When Ani’s daughter was just two years old, his wife was diagnosed with cancer. Her illness dominated their daughter’s early years, and she died when the child was six. Ani explains how he’s trying to teach his daughter what her mother was like before she became ill. Plus, how a Joe Wicks workout helped the family manage their grief.Letter writer: AniPlease send Namulanta your letter. Go to www.bbcworldservice.com/deardaughter and click on “Send us your

    Apr 16,2023 26:30
12. 

    12. Grandma’s gift

    Follow your dreams - but remember your roots! Instead of hearing from a letter writer, Namulanta talks to Alejandra about what it meant to receive letters of advice from her grandmother. Her grandma gave her blessing and guidance on moving abroad for a new life. Letter writer: Alejandra’s grandmother MariaPlease send Namulanta your letter. Go to www.bbcworldservice.com/deardaughter and click on “Send us your letters”.#DearDaughter

    Apr 09,2023 27:18
13. 

    13. Spend some, save some

    Talking to children about money can be awkward, but it’s important to start young. Davinia Tomlinson has written a book of money advice for girls called Cash Is Queen. She explains how she talks to her own daughters about money and how the skills she learned in the British financial services industry enabled her to plan a new life closer to her Caribbean roots. Plus, Davinia shares some inspirational advice from her own grandmother.Letter writer: Davinia TomlinsonPlease send Namulanta your lette

    Apr 02,2023 23:44
14. 

    14. I’m not fine

    Why are women expected to endure pain in silence? Meera grew up in India and has battled multiple illnesses for most of her life. They’ve impacted her relationships with her mother, her husband and her kids - especially her young daughter. She says: “As a girl I was taught that a woman’s strength came from her ability to endure great pain and suffering.” But in a letter to her daughter, Meera insists women shouldn’t say “I’m fine” if they’re not.Letter writer: MeeraPlease send Namulanta your let

    Mar 26,2023 24:19
15. 

    15. Kindness: My superpower

    The generosity of others helped Monique rebuild her life. She’s gone through more trauma than most, having fled genocide in Rwanda, lived in refugee camps and lost everything in a fire in the US. And yet at every stage she’s had the help of strangers.Letter writer: MoniquePlease send Namulanta your letter. Go to www.bbcworldservice.com/deardaughter and click on “Send us your letters”.#DearDaughterAudio for this episode was updated on 22nd March 2023.

    Mar 20,2023 26:14
16. 

    16. Kids? No pressure

    You don’t need to give me a grandchild. Simone promises having children will be up to her daughter. She says in her letter: “Make your own decision.” Simone is from Mozambique and tells Namulanta that society puts a lot of pressure on women to have a baby.Letter writer: SimonePlease send Namulanta your letter. Go to www.bbcworldservice.com/deardaughter and click on “Send us your letters”.#DearDaughter

    Mar 13,2023 25:42
17. 

    17. Healing letters

    The 'Queen of Letters', Isabel Allende, on writing, processing grief and a full garage. The best-selling author wrote to her late daughter, Paula, when she was in a coma. She then turned the letters into a book. She says writing “allowed me to understand what had happened and deal with it”. Isabel has a garage full of her daily correspondence with her own mother. Her novels include The House of the Spirits, City of the Beasts and Eva Luna. Letter writer: Isabel AllendeIsabel is reading an extrac

    Mar 06,2023 27:12
18. 

    18. Your dad, my dad

    Marian’s dad left when she was little. Now, she’s giving her daughter “the most special gift”. She looks at her husband and daughter playing together and it means so much to her. That is the inspiration for her letter. Season two of Dear Daughter begins with a story of two fathers and two daughters, which starts during the collapse of the Soviet Union.Letter writer: MarianPlease send Namulanta your letter. Go to www.bbcworldservice.com/deardaughter and click on “Send us your letters”. #DearDaugh

    Feb 27,2023 27:14
19. 

    19. Coming soon: Season 2

    We’re back! Join us weekly from 27 February for the second season of Dear Daughter, winner of Podcast of the Year at the 2022 British Podcast Awards.Namulanta Kombo is collecting more of your letters – funny, moving, thoughtful advice and words of wisdom for daughters everywhere. Namulanta started by writing letters to her own daughter Koko, then asked her friends and family to write to Koko too. Then she won the BBC’s first International Podcast Competition, and started collecting letters of ad

    Feb 14,2023 03:53
20. 20. Growing pains

    Teenage conflict, pushing boundaries and the unexpected letter. “You won't understand why I seem to like being mean.”Angie writes to her daughter Kira about being the bad cop and not trying to win the nicest mummy competition.Episode 15 letter writer: AngieThis is the final episode of the first season of #DearDaughterWe hope you have been inspired to write your own letters. Please send them to us and we might be able to include them in future episodes.Go to bbcworldservice.com/deardaughter and c

    Mar 21,2022 22:32
21. 21. I left for you

    Raquel left her children to work abroad, so she could give them a better life. “I still remember the pain.” Her daughter Alyssa shares her feelings about their years apart. Episode 14 letter writer: RaquelPlease send Namulanta your letter. Go to bbcworldservice/deardaughter and click on “Send us your letter”.#DearDaughter

    Mar 14,2022 25:43
22. 22. Birds and bees

    “Nothing is off limits.” Daisy on how she will talk to her daughter about sex: smashing taboos and overcoming old-fashioned attitudes.Episode 13 letter writer: DaisyPlease send Namulanta your letter. Go to www.bbcworldservice/deardaughter and click on “Send us your letter”.#DearDaughter

    Mar 07,2022 23:16
23. 23. Empty arms

    Deborah writes letters to her daughter Sibby, who was stillborn at 40 weeks.“We were delighted to meet her, even though my heart was broken into a million pieces”.Please be aware that this episode discusses baby loss. If you have been affected by the issues in this episode, there are support charities in many countries or it may help to speak to a medical professional or someone you trust.Episode 12 letter writer: DeborahSend Namulanta your letter. Go to www.bbcworldservice.com/deardaughter and

    Feb 28,2022 30:09
24. 24. The confidence of a cockroach

    “Jump off the dumpster of doubt!” Comedian Tumi Morake on challenging her fear of failure, what her daughter can learn from a cockroach, and why she should never feel too afraid to “jump, my baby, jump”. Tumi was the first African woman to have her own Netflix special, and the first woman to present Comedy Central Presents in Africa. She explains why overcoming self-doubt can lead to rewards and adventures.Episode 11 letter writer: TumiPlease send Namulanta your letter. Go to www.bbcworldservice

    Feb 21,2022 26:08
25. 25. Fly bird, fly

    “Learn something bigger.” Nkule wants her daughter to discover life beyond her home town.It’s a story of two cultures colliding and stereotypes crumbling. Nkule’s message to her daughter is to meet new people, try new foods and see the world.Episode 10 letter writer: NkulePlease send Namulanta your letter. Go to www.bbcworldservice.com/deardaughter and click on “Send us your letter”.#DearDaughter

    Feb 14,2022 23:24
26. 26. Seize the day

    “I never want to disappoint someone”. The pitfalls of people-pleasing and not taking risks. Tatiana reflects on the fear of disappointing her parents and the downsides of following the crowd. She hopes her future daughter will be brave enough to take more risks in life.Episode 9 letter writer: TatianaPlease send Namulanta your letter. Go to www.bbcworldservice.com/deardaughter and click on “Send us your letter”.#DearDaughter

    Feb 07,2022 23:56
27. 27. Faith in you

    The best of both worlds? One new baby and two religions. Mum and dad are trying to figure it out. How will they bring up their daughter?Episode 8 letter writer: JoePlease send Namulanta your letter. Go to www.bbcworldservice.com/deardaughter and click on “Send us your letter”.#DearDaughter

    Jan 31,2022 24:57
28. 28. Perfect match

    Matchmakers, a fake engagement ring and love; welcome to the marriage game. “They’ll wonder, are you good enough for their son? The question is, are they good enough for you?”Episode 7 letter writer: NashraPlease send us your letter. Go to www.bbcworldservice.com/deardaughter and click on “Send us your letter”.#DearDaughter

    Jan 24,2022 23:36
29. 

    29. Just ask mum

    My mum’s letter to me! Namulanta’s own mum, Dorcas, is back on the show with a letter to share. She talks with her daughter about self-preservation, mum-guilt and life in colonial, pre-independent Kenya.Episode 6 letter writer: DorcasInspired by Dorcas? Please send us your letter. Go to bbcworldservice.com/deardaughter and click on “Send us your letters”.#DearDaughter

    Jan 17,2022 25:05
30. 

    30. Pah Pah and Ma Ma

    An escape by boat, pirates, prejudice and a “strength that lies within”. Charlene’s family was among the Vietnamese “boat people”, fleeing in search of a “better life”. Charlene fears her daughter might encounter similar racism to what she faced. She hopes she’ll be inspired by the stories of the strong women in her family, like Pah Pah and Ma Ma.Episode 5 letter writer: CharlenePlease send us your letter. Go to bbcworldservice.com/deardaughter and click on 'Send us your letters'.#DearDaughter

    Jan 10,2022 23:39
31. 

    31. Self-defence guy

    Robin tries out blue acrylic fingernails. He advises his daughter to “always trust your instincts” and to “be prepared for anything”. He makes self-defence videos for women using skills he learnt in the military.Episode 4 letter writer: Robin.Please send us your letter. Go to bbcworldservice.com/deardaughter and click on 'Send us your letters'. #DearDaughter

    Jan 03,2022 22:48
32. 

    32. 'Wife material'

    Under pressure to tie the knot? Elle says, “Everyone is praying for me to get married.” She grew up thinking marriage was essential, but as she’s grown older, she’s changed her mind.Episode 3 letter writer: Elle.Please send us your letter. Go to bbcworldservice.com/deardaughter and click on 'Send us your letters'. #DearDaughter

    Dec 27,2021 25:21
33. 

    33. Thongs and eyebrows

    Underwear, razors and teenage angst. The perils of trying to fit in and be noticed. It’s a tale of accidental wedgies, stealing (sort of) from dad and attempting to impress the boys.Episode 2 letter writers: Naliaka and Emma. Please send us your letter. Go to bbcworldservice.com/deardaughter and click on “Send us your letters”.#DearDaughter

    Dec 20,2021 22:47
34. 

    34. For Koko

    Three mums, new and old letters - the beginning of a handbook to life. “When I go, my memory is going to go with me”, so it’s time to start writing. Episode 1 letter writers: Namulanta and Lisa. Plus, meet Dorcas.This podcast needs you and your letters. Go to bbcworldservice.com/deardaughter and click on “Send us your letters”.#DearDaughter

    Dec 10,2021 24:11
35. 

    35. Introducing: Dear Daughter

    Funny, heart-breaking, insightful and ultimately honest – help Namulanta create a handbook to life. She won the BBC’s International Podcast Competition 2021 and wants to hear your letters.Get in touch at www.bbcworldservice.com/deardaughterBegins on 10 December 2021#DearDaughter

    Nov 25,2021 03:16