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Send us Fan Mail Father is a verb. In this first episode of a three-part series, a collaboration between Manned Up Conversations and the Jesuit Institute South Africa growing out of the Living Theology workshops, Kgaugelo Habyane sits down with Jesuit scripture scholar Fr. David Neuhaus SJ to ask what it means to be a father when the word itself is complicated. For many men, addressing God as "Father" in the Our Father is complicated by a father who was absent, cold, or wounding. We explore that sacred friction and reread the Genesis creation stories, where, Fr. David points out, there is no primacy of male over female. Instead of the nouns and titles we argue over, they look at what God actually does: creating, forming, breathing into, feeding, waiting, running, and pouring oil on wounds. Along the way we relfect on Rembrandt's painting of the compassionate father and the two hands resting on the returning son. We explore the Greek word for compassion, which points to the gut, and at Abraham as a giant of faith and a deeply flawed father. We conclude with Saint Joseph, the father who isn't a biological father, as the model of fatherhood as a vocation and a mission rather than a biological fact. Fathering is something you answer and practise, and men without a father or a family can still receive it and give it. A conversation for fathers, stepfathers, mentors, and any man wondering what it means to step in. Episode highlights Introduction & The Meaning of 'David' The "Our Father" Crisis & Broken Families in Scripture Masculine Language & Verbs Over Nouns Rembrandt’s Painting & The Compassionate Father Abraham & Embracing Biblical Complexity Gut Compassion ( Splanknizomai ) & The Good Samaritan Genesis Creation Reframed: 'Adam' & Relational Equality  Saint Joseph & Fatherhood as a Sacred Vocation RESOURCES & LINKS Jesuit Institute South Africa: jesuitinstitute.org.za Workshop Information: To learn more about bringing the Living Theology: Our Father? Shadow of the father workshops to your parish or community, contact the Jesuit Institute South Africa here [email protected] Hope you are enjoying the conversation so far. Remember to take note of things that stand out to you while listening and take a moment to reflect in your own time or discuss this with some friends over some drinks, a meal or relaxing activity of your choice. Thank you for tuning into Manned Up Conversations. Please subscribe to help grow the platform, you can also find us on YouTube if you prefer video and don't forget to share your comments, insights or questions. Support the show Signup:  Substack blog: https://substack.com/@mannedupconversations Feedspot Listing: We've been selected by FeedSpot as one of the Top 70 Role Models Podcasts, Top 70 South Africa Men's Podcasts and Top 14 Men Psychology Podcasts on the web. Checkout the lists below; https://podcast.feedspot.com/role_models_podcasts/ https://podcast.feedspot.com/south_africa_mens_podcasts/ https://podcast.feedspot.com/men_psychology_podcasts/ Donate To Our Campai...

Send us Fan Mail In this profound episode I sits down with activist, coach, and disruptor Nishani Ford. Nishani’s name, meaning Gift of Significance, serves as the foundation for a conversation about what it means to live an unfragmented life. From her miraculous birth to navigating her son’s ten-year journey through addiction, Nishani explains how her lived experiences have informed her unique approach to leadership and healing. The discussion challenges the corporate sea of black suits and the injustice of being forced to fit into cubicles that strip away our human essence. Nishani introduces the powerful concepts of professional justice and compassionate dislodgement arguing that we don't have to wait for a crisis to transform our lives. Whether discussing the need for men to do the brave work of internal healing or the African way of healing in relationship, this episode is a call to move from mere existence to a vibrant, wholehearted life. Call to Action: Are you living or just existing? Nishani challenges us to find the gold within ourselves and others. To support the show, share this episode with someone who needs a compassionate dislodgement today. About Nishani Ford:  CEO, coach, author, speaker, HR and Safeguarding specialist, investigator, Mom and Gogo. ·  CEO of Working with Purpose – leading the consultancy since 2012. ·  Global HR & Safeguarding experience – extensive experience working internationally across HR, Safeguarding, leadership, organisational development and change. ·  Safeguarding Specialist & Investigator – experienced in safeguarding practice, investigations, accountability and creating safer organisational environments. ·  Award-winning author – author of three books, using storytelling and lived experience to inspire and equip others. ·  Global Keynote Speaker – speaks on leadership, change, resilience, purpose, healing and people. ·  Internationally accredited ICF Coach – bringing 14 years of coaching experience to her work with leaders and organisations. ·  Mom & Gogo – two of her most treasured hats, grounding her professional journey in family, legacy and purpose. Hope you are enjoying the conversation so far. Remember to take note of things that stand out to you while listening and take a moment to reflect in your own time or discuss this with some friends over some drinks, a meal or relaxing activity of your choice. Thank you for tuning into Manned Up Conversations. Please subscribe to help grow the platform, you can also find us on YouTube if you prefer video and don't forget to share your comments, insights or questions. Support the show Signup:  Substack blog: https://substack.com/@mannedupconversations Feedspot Listing: We've been selected by FeedSpot as one of the Top 70 Role Models Podcasts, Top 70 South Africa Men's Podcasts and Top 14 Men Psychology Podcasts on the web. Checkout the lists below; https://podcast.feedspot.com/role_models_podcasts/ https://podcast.feedspot.com/south_africa_mens_podcasts/ https://podcast.feedspot.com/men_psychology_podcasts/ Donate To Our Campai...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode I reunite with Tree of Mental Health founder, Given Ndlela—a mental health counsellor, Pastor, and a collaborator from the Masiviwe - Gents Let's Talk campaign. After many delays, we finally sit down at the Jesuit Institute of South Africa to discuss the void many men feel despite their outward achievements. Given explores the profound spiritual significance of names and why men often end up as public successes but private failures. From the streets of Diepsloot to the two halves of life, this conversation challenges men to stop self-medicating their hidden injuries and instead embrace the hard work of introspection. Whether discussing the spoon and hand analogy of surrendering to a higher power or the courage needed to lead a household by first being led, Given offers powerful insights on living a purposeful, examined life. Hope you are enjoying the conversation so far. Remember to take note of things that stand out to you while listening and take a moment to reflect in your own time or discuss this with some friends over some drinks, a meal or relaxing activity of your choice. Thank you for tuning into Manned Up Conversations. Please subscribe to help grow the platform, you can also find us on YouTube if you prefer video and don't forget to share your comments, insights or questions. Support the show Signup:  Substack blog: https://substack.com/@mannedupconversations Feedspot Listing: We've been selected by FeedSpot as one of the Top 70 Role Models Podcasts, Top 70 South Africa Men's Podcasts and Top 14 Men Psychology Podcasts on the web. Checkout the lists below; https://podcast.feedspot.com/role_models_podcasts/ https://podcast.feedspot.com/south_africa_mens_podcasts/ https://podcast.feedspot.com/men_psychology_podcasts/ Donate To Our Campai...

Send us Fan Mail In this raw and deeply personal episode of Manned Up Conversations, I link up with Joe Fleming, a US Army Infantry veteran turned South African community leader. Recorded just moments after Joe finished a therapy session, the dialogue dives straight into the meat of men's mental health, vulnerability, and the long journey back from rock bottom. Joe opens up about his battle with bipolar disorder and a suicide attempt that ultimately became the catalyst for his life-saving initiative, Recharge Walks. Through his "love letter" to South Africa, Joe explains why isolation is a man's greatest danger and why building a village through simple, weekly walks is the key to reclaiming wellness. Whether you are fighting a silent battle or looking for a community of brothers, this episode offers a roadmap for getting back up after life punches you in the mouth. In This Episode, We Discuss: The Fighter’s Mindset: Why the true victory isn’t avoiding the punch, but the act of getting back up. The US Army & "The Suck": Lessons in discipline, structure, and camaraderie from Joe’s time in the infantry. A Leap of Faith: Moving halfway across the world for love and finding a permanent home in the spirit of Ubuntu. The Reality of Divorce: How the end of a marriage can be a courageous turning point for growth and self-awareness. The "Dangerous" Isolated Man: Why men need a village and healthy connections to survive the dark nights of the soul. Recharge Walks: The story behind Joe’s Friday and Saturday walks and how they serve as a "saving grace" for men in Johannesburg. The Mission to Stay: Joe’s current challenge with his visa and his unwavering commitment to continue his work in South Africa. The Practical Takeaway "Go for a walk.". Joe emphasizes that wellness doesn't have to be complicated. Success starts with the simple act of lacing up your boots and getting out of your headspace. Movement is medicine, and breathing fresh air in nature is often the first step toward healing. Resources & Connections Mentioned Recharge Walks: Join Joe every Friday and Saturday for a walk and talk. Contact Joe via Instagram to join the WhatsApp group. Suits and Sneakers  Holding Spaces Circles: Men’s circles @ Vice in Craighall, Johannesburg. Hope you are enjoying the conversation so far. Remember to take note of things that stand out to you while listening and take a moment to reflect in your own time or discuss this with some friends over some drinks, a meal or relaxing activity of your choice. Thank you for tuning into Manned Up Conversations. Please subscribe to help grow the platform, you can also find us on YouTube if you prefer video and don't forget to share your comments, insights or questions. Support the show Signup:  Substack blog: https://substack.com/@mannedupconversations Feedspot Listing: We've been selected by FeedSpot as one of the Top 70 Role Models Podcasts, Top 70 South Africa Men's Podcasts and Top 14 Men Psychology Podcasts on the web. Checkout the lists below; https://podcast.feedspot.com/role_models_podcasts/ https://podcast.feedspot.com/south_africa_mens_podcasts/ https://podcast.feedspot.com/men_psychology_podcasts/ Donate To Our Campai...

Send us Fan Mail This Mental Health Awareness Month, we welcome long-time supporter Delile Ndumo to share his powerful story of life following his 2012 diagnosis with Bipolar Mood Disorder. Delile's struggles were awakened by the suppressed grief following his father's passing in 2009. He details the challenging journey of finding the right combination of medication and ultimately experiencing a profound "rebirth". The true catalyst for his healing, documented in his book Raw Feelings, was poetic expression. Delile shares how writing provided a constructive channel to pour his intense energy into, rather than resorting to destructive measures like drugs or alcohol. We hear the moving lines from his pivotal poem, "It was Friday the 18th," which recounts the day he released years of pain and realized: "But a man is allowed to cry. A man is allowed to cry". Delile’s journey serves as a powerful reminder that writing is a "powerful thing". He encourages listeners to seek holistic healing and see that even after the darkest struggles, you can emerge "victorious" because "there is light at the end of the tunnel". Key Focus Points for Listeners: The connection between suppressed grief and mental health triggers.How writing can be used as a constructive, healing tool.The importance of challenging healthcare norms and seeking holistic care.Delile’s message of hope: "Look at me. I managed to turn myself around and also turn my life around".Hope you are enjoying the conversation so far. Remember to take note of things that stand out to you while listening and take a moment to reflect in your own time or discuss this with some friends over some drinks, a meal or relaxing activity of your choice. Thank you for tuning into Manned Up Conversations. Please subscribe to help grow the platform, you can also find us on YouTube if you prefer video and don't forget to share your comments, insights or questions. Support the show Signup:  Substack blog: https://substack.com/@mannedupconversations Feedspot Listing: We've been selected by FeedSpot as one of the Top 70 Role Models Podcasts, Top 70 South Africa Men's Podcasts and Top 14 Men Psychology Podcasts on the web. Checkout the lists below; https://podcast.feedspot.com/role_models_podcasts/ https://podcast.feedspot.com/south_africa_mens_podcasts/ https://podcast.feedspot.com/men_psychology_podcasts/ Donate To Our Campai...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, I reflect on a key tension in men's healing work: empathy vs. judgment, and whether my voice as an African man should only be directed toward African men. While firmly committed to centering African stories, I explores what it means to be a bridge—not an apologist—by creating space for honest conversations with men from all backgrounds. From mental health and father wounds to shame and invisibility, these struggles don’t ask for skin tone or nationality. I had to pause and reflect around featuring a white U.S. police officer, Captain Adam Meyers, and how that moment forced me to reexamine the purpose of the platform. This episode is a call to hold complexity—to uplift Black pain without essentializing it, and to recognize that healing insight can come from unexpected voices.  Support the show Signup:  Substack blog: https://substack.com/@mannedupconversations Feedspot Listing: We've been selected by FeedSpot as one of the Top 70 Role Models Podcasts, Top 70 South Africa Men's Podcasts and Top 14 Men Psychology Podcasts on the web. Checkout the lists below; https://podcast.feedspot.com/role_models_podcasts/ https://podcast.feedspot.com/south_africa_mens_podcasts/ https://podcast.feedspot.com/men_psychology_podcasts/ Donate To Our Campai...

Send us Fan Mail Tune into this deeply personal conversation with Alex Abraham, author of Trauma and Ecstasy.  Alex shares his deeply personal journey through repressed childhood trauma, including sexual abuse and its physical manifestations. He candidly discusses the limitations of traditional healing methods like talk therapy in addressing deep-seated issues and how guided experiences with psychedelics (MDMA and psilocybin) facilitated the uncovering of memories and a profound path toward healing and growth.  This episode explores the untold aspects of men's pain and the search for effective healing from Alex's lived experience.  Please note: this episode features discussion of psychedelics for therapeutic use but does not promote drug use Instead, it offers an honest and vulnerable account of personal transformation against the backdrop of a complex and evolving conversation around men's wellness and alternative therapies. Connect with Alex Abraham: Instagram: Alex.l.abraham Website: www.traumaandecstacy.com Mail: [email protected] Buy:  Trauma & Ecstacy: How Psychedelics Made My Life Worth Living Resources: Beyond The High: Exploring Psychedelics as Theraputic Tools South African Depression and Anxiety Group South African Federation For Mental Health Psychedelic Society South Africa South African National Counsil on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence. Hope you are enjoying the conversation so far. Remember to take note of things that stand out to you while listening and take a moment to reflect in your own time or discuss this with some friends over some drinks, a meal or relaxing activity of your choice. Thank you for tuning into Manned Up Conversations. Please subscribe to help grow the platform, you can also find us on YouTube if you prefer video and don't forget to share your comments, insights or questions. Support the show Signup:  Substack blog: https://substack.com/@mannedupconversations Feedspot Listing: We've been selected by FeedSpot as one of the Top 70 Role Models Podcasts, Top 70 South Africa Men's Podcasts and Top 14 Men Psychology Podcasts on the web. Checkout the lists below; https://podcast.feedspot.com/role_models_podcasts/ https://podcast.feedspot.com/south_africa_mens_podcasts/ https://podcast.feedspot.com/men_psychology_podcasts/ Donate To Our Campai...

Send us Fan Mail In this deeply personal interview, Police Captain, Adam Meyers bravely shares his journey following a critical shooting incident in 2016, the subsequent struggles with trauma, depression, and unhealthy coping mechanisms, and his eventual path to recovery and mental health advocacy. This powerful conversation cuts through the often stoic exterior of law enforcement to reveal the emotional and psychological toll that high-stress professions can take. Captain Meyers opens up about the silence and stigma surrounding mental health, particularly within the police force, and the challenges he faced in seeking help. He candidly discusses his experiences with substance abuse, self-harm, and even suicidal thoughts, highlighting the desperate measures he took while suffering in silence. Tune in to hear Captain Meyers's inspiring journey and his call to action for men, particularly those in uniform, to be honest with themselves and reach out for help when needed. This episode offers valuable insights into the human cost of trauma and the transformative power of s peaking openly about mental health. Connect with Adam Meyers: website: www.stopthethreatstopthestigma.org Facebook: Stop The Threat Stop The Stigma Hope you are enjoying the conversation so far. Remember to take note of things that stand out to you while listening and take a moment to reflect in your own time or discuss this with some friends over some drinks, a meal or relaxing activity of your choice. Thank you for tuning into Manned Up Conversations. Please subscribe to help grow the platform, you can also find us on YouTube if you prefer video and don't forget to share your comments, insights or questions. Support the show Signup:  Substack blog: https://substack.com/@mannedupconversations Feedspot Listing: We've been selected by FeedSpot as one of the Top 70 Role Models Podcasts, Top 70 South Africa Men's Podcasts and Top 14 Men Psychology Podcasts on the web. Checkout the lists below; https://podcast.feedspot.com/role_models_podcasts/ https://podcast.feedspot.com/south_africa_mens_podcasts/ https://podcast.feedspot.com/men_psychology_podcasts/ Donate To Our Campai...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode Kgaugelo Habyane engages in an insightful discussion with Chelepe Mocwana. We explore the complexities of positive masculinities as a vital tool for achieving gender equity. Chelepe shares his experiences and perspectives on redefining masculinity beyond patriarchal norms, emphasising the importance of empathy, self-awareness, and accountability for men. Our conversation tackles challenging issues such as gender-based violence, consent, the impact of societal expectations on men and boys, and the need for a community-wide approach to foster healthier relationships and a more equitable society. This episode offers a refreshing and crucial perspective on evolving manhood in the pursuit of gender equality. Chelepe Mocwana is a qualified lawyer and Senior Officer at the University of the Free State’s Gender Equality and Anti-Discrimination Office, within the Unit for Institutional Change and Social Justice. With a strong foundation in human rights and labour law, he focuses on feminist strategies to combat gender-based violence, promote gender equity, and challenge heteronormative and patriarchal norms. Chelepe has collaborated with grassroots organisations across South Africa, advocating for inclusive health and social justice programmes. His work also involves queering feminist approaches to address homophobia and gender discrimination, aiming to foster healthier masculinities and more equitable communities. Mentioned in the episode: Engaging Men and Boys in Violence Prevention HRSC GBV Report Employment Equity Act Hope you are enjoying the conversation so far. Remember to take note of things that stand out to you while listening and take a moment to reflect in your own time or discuss this with some friends over some drinks, a meal or relaxing activity of your choice. Thank you for tuning into Manned Up Conversations. Please subscribe to help grow the platform, you can also find us on YouTube if you prefer video and don't forget to share your comments, insights or questions. Support the show Signup:  Substack blog: https://substack.com/@mannedupconversations Feedspot Listing: We've been selected by FeedSpot as one of the Top 70 Role Models Podcasts, Top 70 South Africa Men's Podcasts and Top 14 Men Psychology Podcasts on the web. Checkout the lists below; https://podcast.feedspot.com/role_models_podcasts/ https://podcast.feedspot.com/south_africa_mens_podcasts/ https://podcast.feedspot.com/men_psychology_podcasts/ Donate To Our Campai...

Send us Fan Mail Join Kgaugelo Habyane in this insightful conversation with Charles Achampong as they explore the importance of family time, the transformative power of travel, and the necessity of creating moments of pause in our busy lives. Charles shares his experiences from taking a year-long trip around the world with his family and the profound lessons he learned about presence, intentionality, and redefining success beyond traditional societal norms. Discover practical steps towards designing a more meaningful life and why pausing is not a reward but a crucial necessity for well-being. Charles Achampong is a speaker, author, and leadership expert with over two decades of experience across multiple industries.  He is the author of Around the World in Family Days: What We Learned When We Left It All Behind and Travelled the Globe, a powerful memoir about the lessons gained from stepping away from routine and embracing adventure, connection, and self-discovery. Charles’ work inspires individuals and families to rethink their priorities, challenge societal norms, and design a life of meaning. Key Points Discussed: The significance of family time and shared experiences.How exploring different cultures expands worldviews.Pushing beyond comfort zones and embracing uncertainty.Charles's inspiration for the family trip.Strategic planning for long-term travel and financial considerations.The impact of cultural immersion on children.Redefining success beyond career milestones and financial compensation.The societal pressures on men to constantly be productive.The importance of pausing, reflecting, and realigning.Practical ways to incorporate moments of pause into daily life.The need to balance focus on the outer and inner self.Financial independence as the freedom to make choices.The biggest takeaway from the round-the-world trip: You don't need a passport to pause.Reach out to Charles Achampong here: Website: https://www.charlesachampong.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlesachampong Buy: Around The World in Family Days Hope you are enjoying the conversation so far. Remember to take note of things that stand out to you while listening and take a moment to reflect in your own time or discuss this with some friends over some drinks, a meal or relaxing activity of your choice. Thank you for tuning into Manned Up Conversations. Please subscribe to help grow the platform, you can also find us on YouTube if you prefer video and don't forget to share your comments, insights or questions. Support the show Signup:  Substack blog: https://substack.com/@mannedupconversations Feedspot Listing: We've been selected by FeedSpot as one of the Top 70 Role Models Podcasts, Top 70 South Africa Men's Podcasts and Top 14 Men Psychology Podcasts on the web. Checkout the lists below; https://podcast.feedspot.com/role_models_podcasts/ https://podcast.feedspot.com/south_africa_mens_podcasts/ https://podcast.feedspot.com/men_psychology_podcasts/ Donate To Our Campai...

Send us Fan Mail "What are you trying to take care of?" – a simple yet powerful question that shifts the way we engage in conversations. In a world where men are often told to suppress emotions, solve problems alone, and dominate rather than dialog, how do we create space for deeper, more meaningful connections? Rooken Podesta is the perfect man to explore this question. A facilitator and expert in generative dialog, Rooken helps individuals and organizations transform the way they communicate. His work centers on psychological safety, emotional literacy, and relational intelligence—all crucial for navigating leadership, relationships, and personal growth. In this episode, we unpack: Why men struggle with emotional expression and connectionThe impact of rugged individualism and how it isolates usHow Ubuntu and the I-Thou relationship can heal dividesThe power of language, nature, and safe dialogic spaces in reshaping how men relate to themselves and othersNow, more than ever, men need to listen, not just react. This episode is a call to step beyond surface-level conversations and into a new way of being, listening, and leading. Tune in for a conversation that challenges the way we think, speak, and engage with the world. Follow Rooken Podesta's work: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rookenpodesta/ Substack: https://rooken.substack.com/ website: https://thrivewiththefield.com/ Articles mentioned:  Building bridges of understanding: embracing the power of the legitimate other, i-thou and positive regard for transformative relationships From control to connection: The leadership connection we need to thrive together Hope you are enjoying the conversation so far. Remember to take note of things that stand out to you while listening and take a moment to reflect in your own time or discuss this with some friends over some drinks, a meal or relaxing activity of your choice. Thank you for tuning into Manned Up Conversations. Please subscribe to help grow the platform, you can also find us on YouTube if you prefer video and don't forget to share your comments, insights or questions. Support the show Signup:  Substack blog: https://substack.com/@mannedupconversations Feedspot Listing: We've been selected by FeedSpot as one of the Top 70 Role Models Podcasts, Top 70 South Africa Men's Podcasts and Top 14 Men Psychology Podcasts on the web. Checkout the lists below; https://podcast.feedspot.com/role_models_podcasts/ https://podcast.feedspot.com/south_africa_mens_podcasts/ https://podcast.feedspot.com/men_psychology_podcasts/ Donate To Our Campai...

Send us Fan Mail In a world where violence, disconnection, and individualism seem to overshadow compassion, we ask: Where’s the love? In this episode of Manned Up Conversations, we explore the concept of communal love a love that affirms, nurtures, and holds space for men to express care, support, and connection. We dive into African philosophies like Botho/Ubuntu, insights from thought leaders like Prof. Mogobe Ramose, Nyasha Mboti, and Kopano Ratele, and the realities that shape men’s ability to give and receive love. Why do so many men struggle with affection? How do societal norms shape how men express or suppress love? And most importantly, how do we rebuild a culture of love and belonging? This is a conversation about healing, interconnectedness, and embracing love as a radical act of transformation. Tune in and let’s explore how we can lead with love. Support the show Signup:  Substack blog: https://substack.com/@mannedupconversations Feedspot Listing: We've been selected by FeedSpot as one of the Top 70 Role Models Podcasts, Top 70 South Africa Men's Podcasts and Top 14 Men Psychology Podcasts on the web. Checkout the lists below; https://podcast.feedspot.com/role_models_podcasts/ https://podcast.feedspot.com/south_africa_mens_podcasts/ https://podcast.feedspot.com/men_psychology_podcasts/ Donate To Our Campai...

Send us Fan Mail 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. The first episode for 2025 is inspired by Ms Lauryn Hill's Motives and Thoughts, The Trial of Socrates and some of Carl Jung's shadow work. As we go into this transition period (our last pefect square year was 89 years ago in 1939) with a sense of newness about ourselves and the world around us, it's important to check in with ourselves and explore through personal reflection and conversation with others whether our ways of being are still relevant and aligned to the people we are becoming.      Socrates once said "the unexamined life is not worth living" which to me also translates to the well known saying "the road to hell is paved with good intentions" while i'm not encouraging anyone to abandon their comfortable life or spend days on end analysing every detail of their life, I do however share this as a call to action to remind myself and those on the journey that as we grow and our work and influence in the world grows we have to be mindful of our motives and live an authentic, generative and undivided life.  Peace and love... If you enjoyed this conversation, please subscribe and share with someone who might need to hear it. Mentioned in this episode: The Trial of Socrates Ms Lauryn Hill - Motives and Thoughts   The Essential Guide To Shadow Work Support the show Signup:  Substack blog: https://substack.com/@mannedupconversations Feedspot Listing: We've been selected by FeedSpot as one of the Top 70 Role Models Podcasts, Top 70 South Africa Men's Podcasts and Top 14 Men Psychology Podcasts on the web. Checkout the lists below; https://podcast.feedspot.com/role_models_podcasts/ https://podcast.feedspot.com/south_africa_mens_podcasts/ https://podcast.feedspot.com/men_psychology_podcasts/ Donate To Our Campai...

Send us Fan Mail 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, I speak former 6x boxing champ Cassius Hitman Baloyi about his glory days in the ring. The name named after Muhammad Ali by his father after the classic, Rumble in Jumgle fight between George Foreman and Muhammad Ali shares stories of his upbringing in Manamulele, Limpopo in South Africa. We talk about his father's influence on his life, the passing of his mother and struggles of growing up with her sister. We talk about the many setbacks he endured during and after his fighting career and how believing in God and being faithful are the reasons he rose to the level of world champion and lives a happy life surrounded by caring friends who cook for him and he can reach out to in times of need. He talks about the difficulty of not being with his two daughters after his wife left him and some financial irregularities with Boxing South Africa,   Cassius also talks about how running, training people and punching a bag in the gym helps him copes with the loneliness of living lonely. If you enjoyed this conversation, please subscribe and share. Peace and Love. Connect: Boxing Classes  Cassius Baloyi Boxing Academy - 147 Webber Street, Sandown, Sandton. Socials: Facebook: Cassius "The Hitman" Baloyi  Hope you are enjoying the conversation so far. Remember to take note of things that stand out to you while listening and take a moment to reflect in your own time or discuss this with some friends over some drinks, a meal or relaxing activity of your choice. Thank you for tuning into Manned Up Conversations. Please subscribe to help grow the platform, you can also find us on YouTube if you prefer video and don't forget to share your comments, insights or questions. Support the show Signup:  Substack blog: https://substack.com/@mannedupconversations Feedspot Listing: We've been selected by FeedSpot as one of the Top 70 Role Models Podcasts, Top 70 South Africa Men's Podcasts and Top 14 Men Psychology Podcasts on the web. Checkout the lists below; https://podcast.feedspot.com/role_models_podcasts/ https://podcast.feedspot.com/south_africa_mens_podcasts/ https://podcast.feedspot.com/men_psychology_podcasts/ Donate To Our Campai...

Send us Fan Mail 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, I speak with artist extraordinaire Batsile "BOY Wonder" Ramasodi on his artistic path and growth as a man. We talk about growing up in Atteridgeville, Pretoria, and how he pursued his creative talents and developed them into numerous careers. As a father of four, we also discuss his perspectives on fatherhood. and the complexities of co-parenting. Batsile also discusses the impact of shifting social attitudes on boys and reflects on the void left by his father's passing on. We close by exploring his mental health, experiencing with impostor syndrome, writing for his recent album Omega, and some thoughts about what guys could try for themselves to be well. If you enjoyed this conversation, please subscribe and share. Peace and Love. Connect: Website: www.boywonder.co.za Socials: Insta: @B.O.YWonder Facebook: Batsile Ramasodi  Hope you are enjoying the conversation so far. Remember to take note of things that stand out to you while listening and take a moment to reflect in your own time or discuss this with some friends over some drinks, a meal or relaxing activity of your choice. Thank you for tuning into Manned Up Conversations. Please subscribe to help grow the platform, you can also find us on YouTube if you prefer video and don't forget to share your comments, insights or questions. Support the show Signup:  Substack blog: https://substack.com/@mannedupconversations Feedspot Listing: We've been selected by FeedSpot as one of the Top 70 Role Models Podcasts, Top 70 South Africa Men's Podcasts and Top 14 Men Psychology Podcasts on the web. Checkout the lists below; https://podcast.feedspot.com/role_models_podcasts/ https://podcast.feedspot.com/south_africa_mens_podcasts/ https://podcast.feedspot.com/men_psychology_podcasts/ Donate To Our Campai...