Manned Up Conversations
83 episodes - English - Latest episode: 4 days ago - ★★★★★ - 1 ratingManned Up Conversations invites men from all backgrounds to join our growing community of open-minded individuals seeking personal growth and emotional empowerment. Together, we can embark on this journey of self-discovery, cultivate self acceptance and create a more compassionate and understanding world for men everywhere.
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Episodes
Exploring The Journey of a Conscientious Objector with Kyle Toon
July 18, 2024 12:00 - 46.1 MBSend us a Text Message. Shoutout to you if you're joining us for the first time, and thank you for coming back to listen; your support is greatly appreciated. In this episode we explore an uncommon but interesting story of a US Army conscientious objector and social work graduate student, Kyle Toon to talk about his decision to leave the army after serving for 10 years where he enrolled at 17 years old. Kyle shares how going against family lineage caused an internal conflict and mental he...
Why Silence Isn't Always Golden with Leon De Beer
July 04, 2024 06:00 - 36 MBSend us a Text Message. Shoutout to you if you're joining us for the first time, and thank you for coming back to listen; your support is greatly appreciated. We talk about men's coping mechanisms and how seeking help—or not—can lead to mental health issues and suicidal thoughts in this courageous interview with Leon De Beer, the deputy director of the South African Federation of Mental Health. After his divorce, Leon experienced suicide ideation. By sharing his story, he emphasizes the va...
Unlocking The Keys To Self Mastery with Met_a_morphosis
June 20, 2024 06:00 - 43.9 MBSend us a Text Message. Shoutout to you if you're joining us for the first time, and thank you for coming back to listen; your support is greatly appreciated. In this exciting talk with the quantum leaping physicist, we discuss knowing thyself from several of viewpoints, including history, education, and tools to aid you on your own journey. We also discuss some challenging issues regarding the representation of African culture and its impact on identity. Met_a_morphosis also discusses how...
Building Safe & Compassionate Spaces with Dr Vuyo Yokwe
May 23, 2024 11:00 - 44.9 MBSend us a Text Message. Thanks for listening if you are joining for the first time, hope you enjoy the conversation and peace and love to you for coming back to listen. Although the term "safe spaces" is frequently used in casual conversations, what does it actually mean? We explore the impportance and quality of conversations held in such spaces and highlight some essential elements of designing safe spaces, we then question if our own and others efforts in reaching and working with men ...
Creating Safe & Compassionate Spaces with Dr Vuyo Yokwe
May 23, 2024 11:00 - 44.9 MBSend us a Text Message. Thanks for listening if you are joining for the first time, hope you enjoy the conversation and peace and love to you for coming back to listen. Although the term "safe spaces" is frequently used in casual conversations, what does it actually mean? We explore the impportance and quality of conversations held in such spaces and highlight some essential elements of designing safe spaces, we then question if our own and others efforts in reaching and working with men ...
Creating Care Uptake Points For Men with Dr Vuyo Yokwe
May 23, 2024 11:00 - 44.9 MBSend us a Text Message. Thanks for listening if you are joining for the first time, hope you enjoy the conversation and peace and love to you for coming back to listen. Although the term "safe spaces" is frequently used in casual conversations, what does it actually mean? We explore the impportance and quality of conversations held in such spaces and highlight some essential elements of designing safe spaces, we then question if our own and others efforts in reaching and working with men ...
Protect Your Critical Thinking From Patriarchy with Kneo Mokgopa
May 09, 2024 15:00 - 35.4 MBSend us a Text Message. Thanks for listening if you are joining for the first time, hope you enjoy the conversation and peace and love to you for coming back to listen. Many males avoid using the word patriarchy because they perceive it as an attack on their gender. Some activists have even asserted that men of African origin are not entitled to privilege or patriarchy. Despite this, many people are still unaware of the influence of patriarchal structures. During a conference in November 2...
Exploring Men's Emotional Language with Matthew Steele
April 25, 2024 18:00 - 36.2 MBSend us a Text Message. Thanks for listening if you are joining for the first time, hope you enjoy the conversation and peace and love to you for coming back to listen. On episode 60 we explore men's emotional language with Clinical Psychologist, Matthew Steele. We discuss the impact of testosterone and men’s emotions. Looking at family as a space for teaching emotional literacy, we also discuss how parents play a part in helping boys develop emotional awareness. Matthew share some tips o...
Father Wounds & Black Male Stereotypes with Malose Langa
April 19, 2024 09:00 - 32.3 MBSend us a Text Message. Thanks for listening if you are joining for the first time, hope you enjoy the conversation and peace and love to you for coming back to listen. On episode 59 I met with Malose Langa at The University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg to discuss his insights and reflections on working with men and boys. We discuss the impact of father wounds, why many men and boys feel the pressure to perform a certain type of masculinity to either fit in or protect their masciline...
Reflections on Faith, Leadership & Relationships with Ratiba Mohale
April 11, 2024 06:00 - 45 MBSend us a Text Message. Thanks for listening if you are joining for the first time, hope you enjoy the conversation and peace and love to you for coming back to listen. On episode 58 I speak to Marketing Executive, Podcast and Radio host Ratiba Mohale about his views on faith and being a man of value, he also shares why he views family as a cornerstone of leadership and the changing role of men in family and society. We also speak about the decline in marriage and the destruction of the f...
Why Men Keep Their Emotional Pain Invisible
February 16, 2024 15:00 - 11.3 MBSend us a Text Message. Through reading his books, articles and watching Tom Golden on his YouTube channel, Men Are Good, his work opened my eyes to the misconceptions and subtle signs that go unnoticed in men’s emotional domain. I’ve reflected on how his work relates to me as a South African man and how some of the observations he shared in his books and talks still hold true, though there are some changes in society’s attitudes towards men’s emotional experiences. In this episode I shar...
The Healing Power of Music with Graeme Sacks
February 02, 2024 09:00 - 34.4 MBSend us a Text Message. Welcome to Season 4 of Manned Up Conversations. If you are new to the platform, thank you for tuning in. I invite you to listen in with an open mind, our stories and conversations give you a refreshing perspective on manhood, reflections on issues affecting men and some suggestions on what we can do to enjoy a wholistic life experience. We do not claim to have all the answers, we share out of compassion for others and pay our stories forward so they can inspire the ...
Starting Over with Anele Ndlovu
December 21, 2023 13:00 - 45.4 MBSend us a Text Message. In our latest episode, we close off with a conversation with Anele Ndlovu, a women's leadership and mental health advocate who also runs an engaging platform "The Tea with Anele Ndlovu." We catch up after several interactions since her first men's mental health event in November 2022 to learn about her journey with mental health resulting from a job loss which led to alcohol abuse and a suicide attempt. We also discuss her family's role in her recovery, raising a son...
Engaging Men and Boys in Violence Prevention with Michael Flood
December 07, 2023 07:00 - 39.3 MBSend us a Text Message. The theme for the 16 Days of Activism Campaign for 2023 is: “Accelerating actions to end gender-based violence & femicide: leaving no one behind” it is in this light that we share our first episode highlighting men's violence against women and children with Australian Professor, Michael Flood. We explore the framing of violence against women and how men interpret these messages in episode 54, as we explore his work in Engaging Men and Boys in Violence. We also look...
Dads In The Picture with Mesh Kekana
November 17, 2023 12:00 - 47 MBSend us a Text Message. In episode 53, we connect with Mesh Kekana to talk about the journey of his organization Dads In The Picture. We also explore how boys are being raised differently from girls in the home and the importance of teaching boys skills that enable them to take care of their own home and families. Mesh also questions some of the statements made about fathers involvement in their child life and how the systemic, social and cultural obstacles fathers face make it difficult fo...
The Bond Between Black Fathers and Daughters with David Miller
November 02, 2023 13:00 - 47.9 MBSend us a Text Message. In episode 52, we connect with David Miller to explore his work on the relationship between black fathers and daughters. Some of the key talking points in this conversation include the marginalization of black fathers, creating opportunities and space for bonding through various activities for fathers to get to know their daughters likes and dislikes, the impact of absent fathers on girls and women, having courageous and age appropriate conversations around topics li...
Exploring The Masculine Archetype Challenge with Ruwan Meepagala
October 19, 2023 18:00 - 39.9 MBSend us a Text Message. In episode 51, we take a deep dive into the world of the masculine archetypes with Ruwan Meepagala. We unpack his journey into coaching, navigating the seemingly saturated coaching space, his learnings as a new father and how that impacts on his coaching conversations. Ruwan also shares how he ended up in a cult and highlights the good and potential dangers of heading down that path. Then we narrow in on his 21 day masculine archetype challenge where he unpacks the...
Lessons from 50 Years of Hip Hop with Nyambz
October 05, 2023 16:00 - 54.9 MBSend us a Text Message. In episode 50, we celebrate another milestone episode in line with 50 years of Hip Hop. Joining me to reflect on lessons, experiences and how Hip Hop impacts it's participants and followers, I'm joined by legendary producer Nyambz. We discuss the collaborative approach to creating music, his decision to not partake in the drugs and supporting for a friend who is dealing with addiction and the dual nature of Hip Hop and much more. After winning the African Hip-Hop ...
Doing The Work Required To Get Better with Melusi Tshabalala
September 14, 2023 16:00 - 54.7 MBSend us a Text Message. In episode 49, we reconnect with Melusi Tshabalala for a follow up episode since we covered his book Magenge, We Need To Talk. In this episode we learn about his entrepreneurial journey with Gogo Magic Family Eatery and his vision creating culturally appropriate spaces for African people to enjoy food while gathering with family, fixing yourself before fixing others, being raised by his mother, views on co-parenting, writing children's books, mentoring the youth and...
Living The Imperfect Life with Nekisha Lupke
September 07, 2023 13:00 - 50 MBSend us a Text Message. In episode 48, we explore a life of imperfection with Mrs South Africa 2023 finalist, Nekisha Lupke. Nekisha takes us through her childhood in Durban where she witnessed violence, abuse in different forms and how this experience impacted her mental health. We talk about pretty privilege and being bullied in school because of the dark colour in comparison to the children in her neighbourhood. Then we move on to discuss her relationship with her father and how his p...
Cultivating Empowering Morning Thoughts with Zibuse L Kunene
August 17, 2023 06:00 - 50.5 MBSend us a Text Message. In episode 47 we touch base and connect with author of Monring Thoughts By Zibuse Kunene. Zibuse describes how sharing empowering words on WhatsApp and social media grew into a huge community of people who looked forward to starting their day. We talk about the value of having a morning ritual and setting your intention for the day before you get to your daily have-to's. Given his work's impact on people, we talk about how having a presence or following may aff...
Cultural Silence & Wounded Souls with Mark Tuggle
August 03, 2023 16:00 - 47 MBSend us a Text Message. In episode 46 of Manned Up Conversations we broaddcast from Atteridgeville, Pretoria to Harlem, New York with co-author and editor of Cultural Silence and Wounded Souls: Black Men Speak About Mental Health, Mark Tuggle. We explore various topics in this conversation including the importance of black men developing a language around how they feel, the culture of silence and state of mental health in black communities. We also highlight the cost of speaking the truth ...
Learning From The Artistic Expression of African Cultures with Nsamu Moonga
July 20, 2023 15:00 - 46.3 MBSend us a Text Message. In this episode I connect with music psychotherapist Nsamu Moonga to explore how we can use artistic expression to create a society we know in our heart is possible. We discuss how moving from person centered to monetary centered economies have affected our understanding of hospitality and our ability connect with others. We then highlight why it is difficult to have healthy conversations about men in the current name and shame approach that makes men feel defensi...
2 Years of Following My Bliss
July 10, 2023 19:00 - 7.04 MBSend us a Text Message. This is a bonus episode where I share how the journey of Manned Up Conversations has helped me over the past 2 years since 9 July 2021. Lots of lessons learned, people lost but most importantly has helped me find my voice and express myself without that negative self talk holding me back from sharing my story. More of these to come but I just want to thank you for all your support, encouragement and comments since I embarked on the journey of following my bliss. I...
A Holistic Approach To Healing with Oscar Motswage
July 06, 2023 07:00 - 35.8 MBSend us a Text Message. In this episode we take a holistic approach to mental wellbeing by discussing the developments made in understanding how mental health affects us emotionally, behaviourally, cognitively including the important but often overlooked spiritual or belief system particularly in African cultures. We explore how black psychologists are becoming more aware of the different African cultural aspects that impact mental health. We also talk about the need to educate each other ...
Maturing Through Faith & Family with Redmond Louw
June 15, 2023 09:00 - 40.8 MBSend us a Text Message. In this episode we discuss being baptized and reborn into a faith-based life, we unpack transitioning from working in corporate to the NGO space. My guests also shares how his view on marriage and raising his sons after a living a life caught up "in-the-world" before being saved. We also explore discipleship and mentoring young men and close off with the importance of fitness, exercise and connecting with nature and creating men’s communities within or outside of th...
Understanding Male Psychology with Angelo De Boni
June 02, 2023 06:00 - 46.6 MBSend us a Text Message. In this episode we get to grips with men's psychology by highlighting how men respond to scarcity and lack of opportunities in an unbalanced society like South Africa. We discuss how the female dominated counselling and therapy industry has somehow overlooked and misunderstood the male lived experience and how we can create space for men to connect with each other, Angelo shares an interesting idea on what leads men to go rogue and choose to isolate themselves beca...
Coping With Grief and Loss with Tichaona Chitsinde
May 18, 2023 13:00 - 36.9 MBSend us a Text Message. In this episode we share a lived experience of coping with grief and loss. My guest Tichaona Chitsinde lost his child then his wife to health complications and details how he processed and dealt with this heavy emotional experience. We discuss the support he received from friends and family, therapy and taking it one day at a time. We also explore how faith played a huge role in helping him come to terms with this loss and the change on his outlook on life. Tichaon...
The Secret That Saved My Life with Ntimbwe Mpamba
May 04, 2023 19:00 - 45 MBSend us a Text Message. In this episode we explore the lived experience of Ntimbwe Mpamba who's survived multiple medical procedures and still lives with HIV for 40 years. He shares the story of how a family secret about a condition that could've possibly ruined his life ended up saving him. Please don't forget to subscribe to gain access to all our podcasts and follow us on social media to share your comments on our work. If you enjoy the show please share it with friends and family. Th...
The Secret That Saved My Life with Ntimbe Mpamba
May 04, 2023 19:00 - 1 hour - 44.5 MBIn this episode we explore the lived experience of Ntimbwe Mpamba who's survived multiple medical procedures and still lives with HIV for 40 years. He shares the story of how a family secret about a condition that could've possibly ruin his life ended up saving him. Please don't forget to subscribe to gain access to all our podcasts and follow us on social media to share your comments on our work. If you enjoy the show please share it with friends and family. Thank you for your support. ...
Unpacking Modern Relationships with Linda Yende
April 06, 2023 15:00 - 48.4 MBSend us a Text Message. In this episode we highlight some topics covered the best selling book Wake Up Woman with the author who is affectionately known as Uncle L by scores of radio and television audiences who tune in for his insights on relationships. We begin by discussing the influences that led to the book, then unpack friendships between men and women before delving into the big question of why men cheat and why he believes it is often due to male ego. We also investigate why women...
Becoming A Universal Man with WarriorRic
March 23, 2023 13:00 - 45.6 MBSend us a Text Message. In this episode I connect with Oakland, CA native WarriorRic to detail his journey of starting life over in South Africa more than 20 years ago and unpack his experience of the country, culture and people. We discuss the importance of greeting in African culture and how he experienced Ubuntu and was embraced by South Africans upon his arrival. Then we unpack the effects of xenophobia, highlighting the difference in treatment towards Africans foreigners and interna...
Changing The Narrative Through Fine Arts with Lekgetho Makola
March 09, 2023 13:00 - 43.5 MBSend us a Text Message. In this episode we head to Javett-UP to explore how artists are using their expression to change the narrative around how men and black people are depicted in media and fine arts. To help unpack this topic I'm joined by the exceptionally talented and experienced CEO, Lekgetho Makola. We discuss his journey in fine arts and learn how his exposure to international markets sparked a growing interest in shifting the colonial culture in artistic establishments. We also...
Overcoming Limiting Beliefs with Michael Unbroken
February 24, 2023 09:00 - 38.2 MBSend us a Text Message. Do you find yourself putting off thing that you know deep down in your heart you really want to do? Well if you are like me and you keep getting in your own way when it comes to doing the things that really matter to you then this episode is for you. To explore how these so called limiting beliefs stops us from expanding and stepping into the best version of ourselves I'm joined by Michael Unbroken. Michael share his traumatic upbringing and how that led him to he...
The Power of Support Groups with Krystle Kemp
January 26, 2023 13:00 - 35.3 MBSend us a Text Message. "We all exist in so many different communities and that's empowering. Because if I'm not getting what I need in the communities I have, I might need to look elsewhere" Support groups are a great source of help for many people struggling with mental illnesses or anyone looking for a place to connect with people with similar life experiences. During SADAG's annual support group awareness week, we highlight some of the important information around support groups and un...
Sexual Discipline and Spiritual Alignment with Jakal El-Malik
January 19, 2023 14:00 - 42.2 MBSend us a Text Message. Welcome back to season 3. We highlight the importance of protecting your sexual energy and how using or misusing it can affect your spiritual wellbeing. My guest shares how going down the wrong path can lead to struggle and a hard time trying to undo the bondage you've attached to yourself through casual sexual encounters, aggressive media and having the wrong people and partners in your life. We also delve into the positive side of being disciplined from a young...
Let's Get Real About Prostate Cancer with Dr Viola Morolo
December 15, 2022 07:00 - 40.8 MBSend us a Text Message. According to studies 1 in 15 men in South Africa will develop prostate cancer in their lifetime. This affects between 1 in 4 to 1 in 6 black men compared to 1 in 8 to 1 in 9 white men in South Africa. To help us Get Real About Prostate Cancer and wrap up our series on Men's Health, my guest shares her experience in assisting men with their urological conditions. We define what exactly is the prostate, how it functions and gets infected. Known to spread through ...
How To Take Care Of Your Nuts with Torsten Koehler
December 01, 2022 16:00 - 27.6 MBSend us a Text Message. In his thirties, Torsten Koehler, the founder of Love Your Nuts Foundation, was diagnosed with testicular cancer in 1995 ironically whilst educating young teenagers about sex education at a school where he was employed as a teacher. He joins me to talk about “the shy cancer which is the most common cancer in the age group 15 to 45". We discuss his work they in educating young and older men about testicular cancer and explain why it's important for men to regularly ...
Making Mental Health A Community Conversation with Peter Teixeira
November 17, 2022 15:00 - 44.9 MBSend us a Text Message. To continue our series on Men's Month, we travel to Midvaal to meet with the Executive Mayor Peter Teixeira to have an informal but insightful chat about him fathering 3 amazing children and married to his beautiful wife whom he married at a young age. We discuss his upbringing and venture into how the pressure of his career affect his mental health and how he can utilize his position as a leader and servant of society. to create more awareness and implement strateg...
Understanding Men's Health with Dr Kabo Ijane
November 03, 2022 14:00 - 30.6 MBSend us a Text Message. To kick off Men's Health Month we took The Urology Hospital in Hatfield, Pretoria to talk to Dr K Ijane about some of the issues surrounding how men are dealing with the issues of prostate cancer and the process involved when seeking help. He explains the relationship between GPs and other doctors who are part their network in providing help and referrals to professionals who can offer specialized help when needed. We also speak about the need to spread information a...
Breaking The Silence On Male Sexual Abuse with Martin Pelders
October 20, 2022 14:00 - 49.9 MBSend us a Text Message. "44% of all boys in South Africa has suffered some form of sexual abuse by age 18." We talk to Martin Pelders to discuss his work in empowering survivors of sexual abuse. We unpack the foundations of his company MatrixMen and tackle myths surrounding sexual abuse victims. He shares insights on how abuse affects the victims outlook on life, how they deal with the trauma and some of the causes of boys and men being silent victims of this often talked about but very h...
Confronting Your Shadow Self with Mervin Canham
October 06, 2022 11:00 - 45.7 MBSend us a Text Message. The voice(s) in our head often work against us and limit our ability to live in our truth and reach our fullest potential. We hide, deny and suppress certain parts of ourselves in order to appear perfect and well put together to the world around us. My guest Mervin Canham pulled up to share how The Mankind Project South Africa helped him on his journey in healing and overcoming personal challenges by providing a space for fellowship and support among brothers so he...
I Am My Brother's Keeper with Buntu Magqibelo
September 22, 2022 13:00 - 1 hour - 47.3 MBIn this episode I talk to Buntu Magqibelo and we highlight Doda Ndoda - I Am My Brother's Keeper's work which started out as men's departments within the church and eventually became a secular organization to embrace and work with men from different walks of life . We talk about men losing interest in the church, tradition including symbolic meaning of circumcision. We also discuss family planning and why men should care about getting a vasectomy. We end off by discussing the attitude to...
I Am My Brother's Keeper with Buntu Magqibelo
September 22, 2022 13:00 - 47.3 MBSend us a Text Message. In this episode I talk to Buntu Magqibelo and we highlight Doda Ndoda - I Am My Brother's Keeper's work which started out as men's departments within the church and eventually became a secular organization to embrace and work with men from different walks of life . We talk about men losing interest in the church, tradition including symbolic meaning of circumcision. We also discuss family planning and why men should care about getting a vasectomy. We end off by d...
How Fathers Show Up For Their Child with Thabang Mokoena
September 08, 2022 14:00 - 42.9 MBSend us a Text Message. "Physical separation should not stop you from meaningfully taking part in your little one’s life. It’s much easier for mothers to build a bond with their child during pregnancy and in the early days, especially if they are breastfeeding. With dads, you have to form this bond more intentionally in other ways." In one of our previous episodes we spoke about Why Do Fathers Matter? To follow up on that conversation I'm joined by Thabang Mokoena to discuss how the Father...
Healing Through Drama Therapy with Sibusiso "Vonder" Fihlani
August 18, 2022 17:00 - 25.8 MBSend us a Text Message. Drama therapy is a form of psychotherapy. It involves using drama and theatre techniques to help people resolve conflicts and problems. It may also allow individuals to develop self-awareness, express emotions, and improve relationships. To help unpack this topic I'm joined by Wits University Drama Therapist, Sibusiso Vonder Fihlani who started out in the theatre world and transitioned into psychology to explore how these two seemingly separate worlds can help men f...
The Culture of Addiction with Ootz Tha Afronaut
August 04, 2022 14:00 - 46.1 MBSend us a Text Message. On this episode we discuss the culture of addiction. To help me unpack this topic i'm joined by legendary Hip Hop Producer, Ootz The Afronaut who was once considered and nominated Hip Hop producer of the year by South African publication Hype magazine. Ootz share his battles with alcohol and drug addiction highlighting some key moments that led to the realization that he's addicted. We discuss the relationship between the drug and the user focusing on how addiction...
Why do Fathers Matter? with Lereko Mfono
July 21, 2022 12:00 - 44.6 MBSend us a Text Message. In recent years organizations have been at the forefront of addressing fathers' absence and involvement in South African families. One of the organizations leading this cause is Heartlines through their vital and wide-reaching initiative #FathersMatterZA. Lereko Mfono joins me to discuss the impact of their work with men in various communities around the country. We discuss the importance of knowing your father's story pointing out the need for affirmation and u...
Strategies for Navigating The World of Work with Siphiwe Moyo
July 07, 2022 05:00 - 47.2 MBSend us a Text Message. The world of work has changed and its becoming increasingly important for us to adopt strategies to help us develop skills that will help us advance in our career. On today's episode we discuss careers, side hustles and strategies to consider as you prepare the path to conquer your chosen career or business. We also unpack how gender transformation affects men's career choices and the importance educating and encouraging young men on both doing good work and being ...
Bullying And Overcoming A Victim Mindset with Shakes Dlutu
June 23, 2022 16:00 - 40.1 MBSend us a Text Message. Bullying has been part of our lives from a young age, whether we were the one being bullied or witnessed someone else being bullied, and we simply wrote it off as boys being boys or kids playful nature. But rarely do we stop and think about how the person being bullied is affected, My guest Shakes Dlutu runs impactful workshops on spreading awareness about bullying in the education, government and corporate industries. Mzwethemba Dlutu, better known as “Shakes”, is...