S5E23: 7 YEARS OF WILDERNESS: HOW I DISCOVERED MY PURPOSE AFTER HITTING ROCK BOTTOM | MATU KIHATO

Meet Matu Kihato – a man of deep conviction, a son of God, the son of two late parents, a brother, a husband, a father, and a mentor, including to the podcast host. He is the Founder and CEO of Providence Africa Group (PAG), an organization on a mission to build a Kingdom-minded conglomerate that reflects God’s reign here on Earth.

In this raw and vulnerable episode, Matu opens up like never before. From losing both parents at different yet defining moments in his life, to the powerful influence of his grandfather, Matu shares the events that shaped his character and faith. He speaks candidly about enduring 7 Years of Wilderness, marked by brokenness, having a child outside wedlock, not being present to raise them, battling suicidal thoughts, and confronting his own mental health.

He discusses:

1. The healing power of therapy

2. Why strong male friendships are critical

3. The role of absent fathers in society

4. His spiritual journey through business

5. Why prayer and trust in God are non-negotiablesThis is a conversation about faith, manhood, failure, fatherhood, redemption, and purpose.

⏱️ Timestamps

00:00 – Intro

04:08 – Who Is Matu Today?

05:57 – Childhood & Early Influences

09:47 – Lessons from Growing Up Around Muslims

12:01 – How My Passion for Business Began

18:38 – Discovering My Calling

23:35 – The Power of Faith in My Life

25:25 – Life Without Faith: A Cautionary Tale

29:57 – The 7-Year Wilderness: Brokenness, Fatherhood & Identity

49:41 – Learning Through Trial & Error

58:16 – The First Step Toward Healing: Therapy

1:00:47 – Being a Firstborn: Lessons & Responsibility

1:01:45 – The Impact of Not Having a Present Father

1:02:50 – Why I’ve Never Drunk Alcohol

1:05:43 – Understanding Love Languages & Emotional Intelligence

1:06:44 – What’s Really Happening to the Boy Child?

1:18:35 – Kick It Section: What Would You Tell 13-Year-Old Matu?

1:19:21 – Kick It Section: Book or Podcast Everyone Should Experience

1:19:54 – Kick It Section: How Matu Stays Mentally Fit

1:21:38 – Final Thoughts & Outro