Deep in the jungles of Uganda, wild chimpanzees are doing the unthinkable — self-medicating in ways that most of us thought impossible.
In this groundbreaking episode, Jonathan Benaiah sits down with Dr. Elodie Freymann — primatologist, science storyteller, and member of The Explorers Club — to discuss her astonishing paper on how wild apes engage in intentional, intelligent self-care.
What does this mean for our understanding of evolution, medicine, and animal cognition? Could the secrets to future cures lie in the wisdom of the forest? And how might this shape the future of conservation?
Listen in for one of the most thought-provoking conversations of the year — right here on The Jonathan Benaiah Podcast, with nuggets featuring on The Africa Safari Podcast.
Don't want to just listen but also watch this episode? Access the video version here https://bit.ly/3HuTcJe
--------------------
Links to Elodie's work and the Budongo Team:
https://bit.ly/4mW8AyE
https://bit.ly/4dPX5o1
--------------------
Connect with me
EMAIL: contact@jonathanbenaiah.com | ahabenathan@pm.me
LINK TREE: https://linktr.ee/ahajonathan
Deep in the jungles of Uganda, wild chimpanzees are doing the unthinkable — self-medicating in ways that most of us thought impossible.
In this groundbreaking episode, Jonathan Benaiah sits down with Dr. Elodie Freymann — primatologist, science storyteller, and member of The Explorers Club — to discuss her astonishing paper on how wild apes engage in intentional, intelligent self-care.
What does this mean for our understanding of evolution, medicine, and animal cognition? Could the secrets to future cures lie in the wisdom of the forest? And how might this shape the future of conservation?
Listen in for one of the most thought-provoking conversations of the year — right here on The Jonathan Benaiah Podcast, with nuggets featuring on The Africa Safari Podcast.
The Episode premieres Sunday, 8th June 2025
--------------------
Connect with me
EMAIL: contact@jonathanbenaiah.com | ahabenathan@pm.me
LINK TREE: https://linktr.ee/ahajonathan
Welcome to Episode 7 of our 7-part series on the history of the Great Kingdom of Buganda.
We are filming inside an ancient palace—now a royal tomb—the final resting place of four Great African Kings—The Kasubi Royal Tombs.
This series uncovers Buganda’s history, royalty, spirituality, conservation, and the restoration of the Kasubi Tombs.
My curiosity runs deep, and their ancestral knowledge will challenge what we think we know—while also opening up doors to the unknown.
It is going to be a long journey back in time, so you’ll want to settle right in.
In this seventh and final segment, I ask a few final questions to two of the many wives of the Great Kings living at this World Heritage Site. They share insights into the lives of the wives of the Great Kings and some wisdom for the future.
Featured Guests:
Katikkiro Nkalubo David - Prime Minister Of Kasubi Royal Tombs
Nassaza Diiro - Ssekabaka Muteesa I's Wife
Bakazikubaawo - Ssekabaka Danieri Mwanga II's Wife
ENJOY!
--------------------
Access the full series in video form with subtitles for the vernacular: https://bit.ly/43QvfoS
--------------------
Connect with me
EMAIL: contact@jonathanbenaiah.com | ahabenathan@pm.me
LINK TREE: https://linktr.ee/ahajonathan
Welcome to Episode 6 of our 7-part series on the history of the Great Kingdom of Buganda.
We are filming inside an ancient palace—now a royal tomb—the final resting place of four Great African Kings—The Kasubi Royal Tombs.
This series uncovers Buganda’s history, royalty, spirituality, conservation, and the restoration of the Kasubi Tombs.
My curiosity runs deep, and their ancestral knowledge will challenge what we think we know—while also opening up doors to the unknown.
It is going to be a long journey back in time, so you’ll want to settle right in.
In this sixth segment, we wind up our discussion onf African spirituality in the context of Buganda Kingdom and also have a chat around tourism and conservation.
Featured Guests:
Ssekibuule Elvis - Court Historian & Tour Guide
Lule Godfrey Ssemwanga - Ag. ED Buganda Heritage & Tourism Board
Prince Joseph Mulondo - Heritage & Tourism Officer and Court Historian
Katikkiro Nkalubo David - Prime Minister Of Kasubi Royal Tombs
Albert Kasozi - Tourism Consultant & ED. Emeritus Buganda Heritage & Tourism Board
ENJOY!
--------------------
Access the full series in video form with subtitles for the vernacular: https://bit.ly/43QvfoS
--------------------
Connect with me
EMAIL: contact@jonathanbenaiah.com | ahabenathan@pm.me
LINK TREE: https://linktr.ee/ahajonathan
Welcome to Episode 5 of our 7-part series on the history of the Great Kingdom of Buganda.
We are filming inside an ancient palace—now a royal tomb—the final resting place of four Great African Kings—The Kasubi Royal Tombs.
This series uncovers Buganda’s history, royalty, spirituality, conservation, and the restoration of the Kasubi Tombs.
My curiosity runs deep, and their ancestral knowledge will challenge what we think we know—while also opening up doors to the unknown.
It is going to be a long journey back in time, so you’ll want to settle right in.
In this fifth segment, we talk about the fire that burnt this sacred site to the ground, and we also introduce the first half of our conversation on African spirituality and the indigenous religion of the Baganda people before the Europeans arrived and branded it heathen.
Featured Guests:
Ssekibuule Elvis - Court Historian & Tour Guide
Lule Godfrey Ssemwanga - Ag. ED Buganda Heritage & Tourism Board
Prince Joseph Mulondo - Heritage & Tourism Officer and Court Historian
ENJOY!
--------------------
Access the full series in video form with subtitles for the vernacular: https://bit.ly/43QvfoS
--------------------
Connect with me
EMAIL: contact@jonathanbenaiah.com | ahabenathan@pm.me
LINK TREE: https://linktr.ee/ahajonathan
Welcome to Episode 4 of our 7-part series on the history of the Great Kingdom of Buganda.
We are filming inside an ancient palace—now a royal tomb—the final resting place of four Great African Kings—The Kasubi Royal Tombs.
This series uncovers Buganda’s history, royalty, spirituality, conservation, and the restoration of the Kasubi Tombs.
My curiosity runs deep, and their ancestral knowledge will challenge what we think we know—while also opening up doors to the unknown.
It is going to be a long journey back in time, so you’ll want to settle right in.
In this fourth segment, we chat about royal drums and the king's music, the origins of barkcloth making, and make sense of what it means for Kasubi Royal Tombs to be called a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Featured Guests:
Ssekibuule Elvis - Court Historian & Tour Guide
Albert Kasozi - Tourism Consultant & ED. Emeritus Buganda Heritage & Tourism Board
ENJOY!
--------------------
Access the full series in video form with subtitles for the vernacular: https://bit.ly/43QvfoS
--------------------
Connect with me
EMAIL: contact@jonathanbenaiah.com | ahabenathan@pm.me
LINK TREE: https://linktr.ee/ahajonathan
Welcome to Episode 3 of our 7-part series on the history of the Great Kingdom of Buganda.
We are filming inside an ancient palace—now a royal tomb—the final resting place of four Great African Kings—The Kasubi Royal Tombs.
This series uncovers Buganda’s history, royalty, spirituality, conservation, and the restoration of the Kasubi Tombs.
My curiosity runs deep, and their ancestral knowledge will challenge what we think we know—while also opening up doors to the unknown.
It is going to be a long journey back in time, so you’ll want to settle right in.
In this third segment, we chat about the cultural significance and symbolism of this sacred site.
Featured Guests:
Ssekibuule Elvis - Court Historian & Tour Guide
Katikkiro Nkalubo David - Prime Minister Of Kasubi Royal Tombs
ENJOY!
--------------------
Access the full series in video form with subtitles for the vernacular: https://bit.ly/43QvfoS
--------------------
Connect with meEMAIL: contact@jonathanbenaiah.com | ahabenathan@pm.meLINK TREE: https://linktr.ee/ahajonathan
Welcome to Episode 2 of our 7-part series on the history of the Great Kingdom of Buganda.
We are filming inside an ancient palace—now a royal tomb—the final resting place of four Great African Kings—The Kasubi Royal Tombs.
This series uncovers Buganda’s history, royalty, spirituality, conservation, and the restoration of the Kasubi Tombs.
My curiosity runs deep, and their ancestral knowledge will challenge what we think we know—while also opening up doors to the unknown.
It is going to be a long journey back in time, so you’ll want to settle right in.
In this second segment, I sit down with Conservation Architect Jonathan E. Nsubuga, for a chat about the 15-year restoration process of Buganda Kingdom's most sacred site.
Featured Guests:
Jonathan E. Nsubuga - Chief Architect & Project Lead for the Kasubi Tombs Restoration
ENJOY!
--------------------
Access the full series in video form with subtitles for the vernacular: https://bit.ly/43QvfoS
--------------------
Connect with meEMAIL: contact@jonathanbenaiah.com | ahabenathan@pm.meLINK TREE: https://linktr.ee/ahajonathan
Welcome to Episode 1 of our 7-part series on the history of the Great Kingdom of Buganda.
We are filming inside an ancient palace—now a royal tomb—the final resting place of four Great African Kings—The Kasubi Royal Tombs.
This series uncovers Buganda’s history, royalty, spirituality, conservation, and the restoration of the Kasubi Tombs.
My curiosity runs deep, and their ancestral knowledge will challenge what we think we know—while also opening up doors to the unknown.
It is going to be a long journey back in time, so you’ll want to settle right in.In this first segment, we chat about the history of this sacred site and the great monarch who built it
Featured Guests:
Ssekibuule Elvis - Court Historian & Tour Guide
ENJOY!
--------------------
Access the full series in video form with subtitles for the vernacular: https://bit.ly/43QvfoS
--------------------
Connect with me
EMAIL: contact@jonathanbenaiah.com | ahabenathan@pm.me
LINK TREE: https://linktr.ee/ahajonathan
Welcome to our 7-part series on the history of the Great Kingdom of Buganda.
We are filming inside an ancient palace—now a royal tomb—the final resting place of four Great African Kings—The Kasubi Royal Tombs.
This series uncovers Buganda’s history, royalty, spirituality, conservation, and the restoration of the Kasubi Tombs.
My curiosity runs deep, and their ancestral knowledge will challenge what we think we know—while also opening up doors to the unknown.
It is going to be a long journey back in time, so you’ll want to settle right in.
ENJOY!
--------------------
Access the full series in video form with subtitles for the vernacular: https://bit.ly/43QvfoS
--------------------
Connect with me
EMAIL: contact@jonathanbenaiah.com | ahabenathan@pm.me
LINK TREE: https://linktr.ee/ahajonathan
Now Available. I produce a set of interviews in form of a 7-part series on the history of the Great Kingdom of Buganda.
We’re filming inside an ancient palace—now a royal tomb—the final resting place of four Great African Kings.—The Kasubi Royal Tombs
These tapes uncover Buganda’s history, royalty, conservation, and the restoration of this sacred site.We’ll explore spirituality and the myths at the heart of one of Africa’s greatest civilizations.
The series includes the voices of the living wives of the Great Kings who governed this land over 130 years ago, as well as a dedicated segment on what African religion was like before the Europeans arrived and branded it heathen.
My curiosity runs deep, and their ancestral knowledge will challenge what we think we know—while also opening up doors to the unknown.
It’s going to be a long journey back in time, so you’ll want to settle right in.
Access the video version of the series here with subtitles for the vernacular translations https://bit.ly/43QvfoS
--------------------
Connect with me
EMAIL: contact@jonathanbenaiah.com | ahabenathan@pm.me
LINK TREE: https://linktr.ee/ahajonathan
Today, we’re recording on location across the Nile River, in the Kingdom of Busoga—home to the Basoga people, an Eastern Bantu ethnic group.
We are with the legendary Nakibembe Embaire Xylophone Group and I will be having a chat with them about the origins, style of play, and conservation of this unique form of ancient music.
Here, the music of the African log xylophone is not just played—it’s lived. And the way the Basoga play it is unlike anything you’ll find elsewhere in East Africa.
I first heard of the Embaire on a 20th-century BBC feature by Lucy Duran called World Routes. And several years later, we are here to retrace this journey.
This is music-making in its purest form and its greatest sense, it is polyrhythmic and I am going to do my best to record it for you. So please use some headphones!
--------------------
Directed & Produced By
JONATHAN BENAIAH
Lusoga Translations By
MARVIN MUBEEZI
Audio Dubbing By
MWAKA GERALD REMMY
Audio Dubbing By
JONATHAN OKWII
Featuring Interviews With
RASHID NGOBI & NASSER KINOBE
Logistical Support
TONNY SEGEMBE
SPECIAL THANKS TO THE NYEGE NYEGE TALENT AGENCY | NAKIBEMBE EMBAIRE TROUPE AND THE WONDERFUL PEOPLE OF NAKIBEMBE VILLAGE
NAKIBEMBE EMBAIRE PODCAST EPISODE | ALL RIGHTS RESERVED © THE JONATHAN BENAIAH PODCAST 2024
--------------------
Connect with me
EMAIL: contact@jonathanbenaiah.com | ahabenathan@pm.me
LINK TREE: https://linktr.ee/ahajonathan
PATREON: Join my Patreon and make a monthly pledge to support the creative work that goes into producing this show and several other content avenues https://bit.ly/3CcZTdt
In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Kia Martina for the first segment from a two-part series on the incredible work that wildlife vets do.
This special feature is recorded ahead of the International Day for Veterinary Medicine.
Dr. Kia is the resident wildlife vet at the CTC Conservation Center, whose work I have followed and really been fascinated by for a long time.
This is one of those conversations that have been long overdue and I'm sure you'll love it!
--------------------
Connect with me
EMAIL: contact@jonathanbenaiah.com | ahabenathan@pm.me
LINK TREE: https://linktr.ee/ahajonathan
PATREON: Join my Patreon and make a monthly pledge to support the creative work that goes into producing this show and several other content avenues https://bit.ly/3CcZTdt
This week on the podcast, I sit down with Dr. Kia Martina for the first segment from a two-part series on the incredible work that wildlife vets do.
This special feature is recorded ahead of the International Day for Veterinary Medicine.
Dr. Kia is the resident wildlife vet at the CTC Conservation Center, whose work I have followed and really been fascinated by for a long time.
You'll enjoy this!
--------------------
Connect with me
EMAIL: contact@jonathanbenaiah.com | ahabenathan@pm.me
LINK TREE: https://linktr.ee/ahajonathan
PATREON: Join my Patreon and make a monthly pledge to support the creative work that goes into producing this show and several other content avenues https://bit.ly/3CcZTdt
In this episode, I count down what I believe are Africa’s top 10 safari destinations for 2024.
These spots are not only breathtaking but capture the incredible diversity of wildlife, landscapes, and heartwarming experiences.
We’re not just talking about the classic savannas but also a few lesser-known gems – places that have changed a lot since my last visit. I’ll share fresh takes on what makes each destination unique and what travelers can expect in the coming year.
So whether you’re building a bucket list or just love exploring Africa’s wilderness, join me as we dive deep into the top safari spots to visit next year.
--------------------
Connect with me
EMAIL: contact@jonathanbenaiah.com | ahabenathan@pm.me
LINK TREE: https://linktr.ee/ahajonathan
PATREON: Join my Patreon and make a monthly pledge to support the creative work that goes into producing this show and several other content avenues https://bit.ly/3CcZTdt
In an all-new episode coming to the podcast this Sunday, I will count down what I believe are Africa’s top 10 safari destinations for 2024.
These spots are not only breathtaking but capture the incredible diversity of wildlife, landscapes, and heartwarming experiences.
We’re not just talking about the classic savannas but also a few lesser-known gems – places that have changed a lot since my last visit. I’ll share fresh takes on what makes each destination unique and what travelers can expect in the coming year.
So whether you’re building a bucket list or just love exploring Africa’s wilderness, join me as we dive deep into the top safari spots to visit next year.
--------------------
Connect with me
EMAIL: contact@jonathanbenaiah.com | ahabenathan@pm.me
LINK TREE: https://linktr.ee/ahajonathan
PATREON: Join my Patreon and make a monthly pledge to support the creative work that goes into producing this show and several other content avenues https://bit.ly/3CcZTdt
This week's episode is recorded on location, in Entebbe and it is a lot about us coming home.
We explore the incredible world of Mountain Gorillas and other Great Apes as well as a form of conservation that works.
I am so stocked to sit down with an amazing guest, one who understands them more than anyone I know around here; the CEO and Founder of Conservation Through Public Health (CTPH) and the deeply rich-in-taste Gorilla Conservation Coffee, Dr. Gladys Kalema Zikusoka.
It’s for this that she has gone on to win numerous accolades including the prestigious Champion of the Earth Award from the UN. She is a national geographic explorer and has had her story widely covered in both local and International press.
And in the beautiful words of UN Messenger of Peace Dr. Jane Goodall, my guest is a huge difference in conservation, and she is an inspiring example to both young and not-so-young people all around the world.
Nuggets from this conversation will also feature on The AFRICA SAFARI Podcast.
The AFRICA SAFARI Podcast is a sister show to The JONATHAN BENAIAH Podcast, and with several co-hosts from across the continent, we bring you an immersive safari experience from the comfort of wherever you are.
Like the parent podcast, this too will soon be available on all major streaming platforms including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, YouTube Music, iHeart Radio, Deezer, Castbox, Pandora, and more.
--------------------
Engage with Dr. Gladys Kalema's Work
INSTAGRAM: @gladyskalemazikusoka
TWITTER: @DoctorGladys
CONSERVATION THROUGH PUBLIC HEALTHY (CTPH): www.ctph.org
GORILLA CONSERVATION COFFEE (CTPH): www.gorillaconservationcoffee.org
--------------------
Connect with me
EMAIL: contact@jonathanbenaiah.com | ahabenathan@pm.me
LINK TREE: https://linktr.ee/ahajonathan
PATREON: Join my Patreon and make a monthly pledge to support the creative work that goes into producing this show and several other content avenues https://bit.ly/3CcZTdt
This week's episode is recorded on location, in Entebbe and it is a lot about us coming home.
We explore the incredible world of Mountain Gorillas and other Great Apes as well as a form of conservation that works.
I am so stocked to sit down with an amazing guest, one who understands them more than anyone I know around here; the CEO and Founder of Conservation Through Public Health (CTPH) and the deeply rich-in-taste Gorilla Conservation Coffee, Dr. Gladys Kalema Zikusoka.
Nuggets from this conversation will also feature on The AFRICA SAFARI Podcast.
The AFRICA SAFARI Podcast is a sister show to The JONATHAN BENAIAH Podcast, and with several co-hosts from across the continent, we bring you an immersive safari experience from the comfort of wherever you are.
Like the parent podcast, this too will soon be available on all major streaming platforms including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, YouTube Music, iHeart Radio, Deezer, Castbox, Pandora, and more.
This exclusive interview goes live this Sunday.
--------------------
Connect with me
EMAIL: contact@jonathanbenaiah.com | ahabenathan@pm.me
LINK TREE: https://linktr.ee/ahajonathan
PATREON: Join my Patreon and make a monthly pledge to support the creative work that goes into producing this show and several other content avenues https://bit.ly/3CcZTdt
In this week's episode, I chat with Fiona Tande, a wildlife filmmaker whose journey started in conservation. We will discuss the world of wildlife filmmaking on the African continent as well as the upcoming Pridelands Wildlife Film Festival.
Fiona is the director at Pridelands Wildlife Film Fest - Africa's first wildlife film festival now in its 2nd edition taking place between 26th and 29th July 2023.
Today is the deadline for the call for entries for those who'd like to submit their films, so be sure to do that quickly in case you hadn't already.
ENJOY!
--------------------
Engage with Pridelands Wildlife Film Fest
SUBMIT YOUR FILM: bit.ly/3NVjlBQ
INSTAGRAM: @pwffest & @pridelandsfilms
TWITTER: @pwffest & @pridelandsfilms
--------------------
APPLE: https://apple.co/3NFdcda
AMAZON: https://amzn.to/3NISKYM
SPOTIFY: https://spoti.fi/3NKOfwX
iHEART: https://ihr.fm/3AZFXtv
GOOGLE: https://bit.ly/3LCWXdZ
CASTBOX: https://bit.ly/3p5ooFC
The show is also available on all other major streaming platforms.
--------------------
Connect with me
EMAIL: contact@jonathanbenaiah.com | ahabenathan@pm.me
LINK TREE: https://linktr.ee/ahajonathan
PATREON: Join my Patreon and make a monthly pledge to support the creative work that goes into producing this show and several other content avenues https://bit.ly/3CcZTdt
In this episode, I am excited to speak to Dr. Alex Braczkowski, a career conservation biologist and wildlife photographer whose work has been featured on platforms like Disney Plus and National Geographic. Also joining the podcast is Bosco Atukwase and Orin Cornille who are both field coordinators currently working with large carnivores in Uganda.
We will take a long drive into the world of large carnivores and also briefly discuss the yet-to-be-launched “Uganda Large Carnivore Strategic Action Plan for the next ten years”
ENJOY!
--------------------
APPLE: https://apple.co/3NFdcda
AMAZON: https://amzn.to/3NISKYM
SPOTIFY: https://spoti.fi/3NKOfwX
iHEART: https://ihr.fm/3AZFXtv
GOOGLE: https://bit.ly/3LCWXdZ
CASTBOX: https://bit.ly/3p5ooFC
The show is also available on all other major streaming platforms.
--------------------
Connect with me
EMAIL: contact@jonathanbenaiah.com | ahabenathan@pm.me
LINK TREE: https://linktr.ee/ahajonathan
PATREON: Join my Patreon and make a monthly pledge to support the creative work that goes into producing this show and several other content avenues https://bit.ly/3CcZTdt
