https://solidgold.co.za The Power Within. A podcast about the questions we all face as we navigate life, love, work, purpose, and the absurdity of middle life. Together, we’ll laugh, learn, and dig deep into what it means to face this season with courage, grace, and authenticity. Let’s unlock the power that’s already within us. Society & Culture en Wed, 12 Feb 2025 18:58:34 +0200 Sun, 26 Oct 2025 05:45:00 +0200 30 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss iono.fm 2.5.2.0 Solid Gold Podcasts #BeHeard no Yearly feeds@iono.fm (Feed Manager) https://cdn.iono.fm/files/p1036/logo_9152_20250905_210204_1400.jpeg https://solidgold.co.za The Power Within. Solid Gold Podcasts #BeHeard episodic Solid Gold Podcasts #BeHeard info@solidgold.co.za false ZA https://iono.fm/e/1600175 https://iono.fm/e/1600175
In this series finale of Friends of Amandla, join Mpeo Nkosi in a profound conversation with Lebo Mbethe, a resilient entrepreneur and a true "spirit animal." Lebo shares her inspiring journey of overcoming adversity, building a successful business, and intentionally designing a life that aligns with her values.

Key Highlights:
- Entrepreneurial Resilience (Entrepreneurship, Resilience, Overcoming Obstacles)
- Time Management Mastery (Time Management, Productivity, Work-Life Balance)
- Parenting Teenagers (Parenting, Teenagers, Communication)
- The Power of Travel (Travel, Culture, Perspective)
- Navigating Professional Spaces as a Black Woman (Black Women, Career, Leadership)
- Living Intentionally (Mindfulness, Purpose, Intentional Living) ]]> Society & Culture Sun, 26 Oct 2025 06:00:00 +0200 0 0 DON'T WASTE YOUR LIMITED TIME WITH LEBO MBETHE 0 0 Solid Gold Podcasts #BeHeard full 1:08:05 Amandla with Mpeo https://iono.fm/e/1600170 https://iono.fm/e/1600170
In this powerful and deeply personal episode of Friends of Amandla, Mpeo Nkosi sits down with Thato Cassuto, a multifaceted woman who embodies resilience and reinvention. Thato shares her incredible journey of self-discovery, navigating life's unexpected twists and turns with grace, humour, and unwavering determination.

What You'll Discover:
- Interracial Marriage in South Africa
- Parenting Different Personalities
- Career Challenges & Retrenchment
- Health Crisis & Identity Loss
- The Power of Self-Discovery
- Reinvention as Survival ]]> Society & Culture Sun, 19 Oct 2025 06:00:00 +0200 0 0 REINVENTION IS SURVIVAL WITH THATO CASSUTO 0 0 Solid Gold Podcasts #BeHeard full 1:23:11 Amandla with Mpeo https://iono.fm/e/1600167 https://iono.fm/e/1600167
In this heartfelt and insightful episode of Friends of Amandla, Mpeo Nkosi sits down with her dear friend, Yolandi Michaels, co-CEO of Living Masks' experiential agency, for a raw and honest conversation about life's complexities. Prepare to be moved as they explore Yolandi's journey through motherhood, navigating business struggles during COVID-19, and the profound impact of grief, all while highlighting the importance of intentionality in relationships and self-discovery.

Key Discussion Points:
- Motherhood Manifesto
- Family and Intentional Parenting
- Navigating Business Struggles During COVID
- Understanding Grief and Honouring Memory
- The Depth and Value of True Friendship
- Creative Power in Times of Flux ]]> Society & Culture Sun, 12 Oct 2025 06:00:00 +0200 0 0 BE INTENTIONAL WITH YOLANDI MICHAELS 0 0 Solid Gold Podcasts #BeHeard full 46:46 Amandla with Mpeo https://iono.fm/e/1600157 https://iono.fm/e/1600157
Premiere episode of the 4 Part Special "Friends of Amandla The Power Within," host Mpeo Nkosi sits down with Lebo Motswenyane, CEO of Lucky No 8 Events, to explore themes of courage, gratitude, vulnerability, and making brave decisions. Lebo shares her incredible journey, from growing up in Khuma township to building a successful events company that has worked with high-profile clients like President Obama and Oprah Winfrey.

Discover how Lebo navigated challenges like learning English as a pre-teen, starting her own business at 35, adopting her daughter Pelo, and coping with grief and loss. Lebo and Mpeo discuss the importance of supportive partners, modelling vulnerability, and the realities of "adulting" while caring for both children and ageing parents.

This episode is a powerful reminder to embrace life's uncertainties, choose your tribe wisely, and to "do it afraid."

Key Discussion Points:
- Lebo's Journey from Township to Success
- Starting a Business and Building a Career
- The Obama Event and Challenges of the Events Industry
- Lebo's Adoption Journey
- Family Support and Raising an Adopted Child
- Grief and Losing Parents
- Navigating Adulthood and Caring for Aging Parents
- The Importance of Supportive Partners and Modeling Behavior
- Turning 50 and Looking to the Future
- The Power of Community
- Embracing a Brave Future ]]> Society & Culture Sun, 05 Oct 2025 06:00:00 +0200 0 0 DO IT AFRAID WITH LEBO MOTSWENYANE 0 0 Solid Gold Podcasts #BeHeard full 1:03:31 Amandla with Mpeo https://iono.fm/e/1585182 https://iono.fm/e/1585182
Are you a strong, capable leader who's faced pushback and undermining in the workplace? Do you feel like your competence is seen as a threat rather than an asset?

In Part 2 of this empowering conversation with Executive Coach Alicia Pieterse, we expose the hidden dynamics that can sabotage your confidence and competence. Discover how to navigate cultural nuances, address conflict with grace, and reclaim your power in any professional setting.

Alicia and Mpeo dive into:
• The "Strong Black Woman" Paradox: Unpack the frustrating reality that competent, confident Black women often face in the workplace, where their strengths are both sought after and rejected.
• Navigating Cultural Minefields: Learn how cultural practices (like familial terms of address) can create unhealthy power dynamics
• Decoding Power Trips: Recognise the signs of stonewalling, gaslighting, and undermining from those in positions of authority
• Owning Your Worth: Discover how to establish yourself as an adult, rather than approaching leadership with fear
• Breaking the "Yes Men" Cycle: Understand how a lack of honest feedback and political savviness can lead to organisational dysfunction.
• Setting Boundaries with Cultural Respect: Find the balance between honouring cultural norms and maintaining professional boundaries
• Conflict Resolution as a Superpower: Discover why conflict management is a crucial skill for thriving in any workplace
• The Art of Active Listening: Master the underrated skill of truly listening to others, suspending your own opinions, and creating a safe space for open dialogue.
• Turning Wounds into Wisdom: Process your emotions, find support, and transform toxic workplace experiences into opportunities for growth
• Taking Action and Mobilising Change: Move beyond complaining and trauma bonding ]]> Society & Culture Sun, 17 Aug 2025 06:15:00 +0200 0 0 COMPETENT & CONFIDENT 0 0 Solid Gold Podcasts #BeHeard full 34:52 Amandla with Mpeo https://iono.fm/e/1585159 https://iono.fm/e/1585159
Is your workplace a breeding ground for drama and frustration? Do you dream of leading with confidence and building strong, authentic relationships with your colleagues?

In Part 1 of this game-changing conversation with Executive Coach Alicia Pieterse, we expose the secrets to becoming a mature leader and transforming your workplace into a thriving environment. Get ready to ditch the office politics and unlock your true leadership potential!

Alicia and Mpeo crack the code on:
• Taming the Workplace Jungle: Discover how to spot the telltale signs of a toxic work environment
• Your Emotional First Aid Kit: Equip yourself with practical, actionable techniques for managing your emotions in the heat of the moment.
• The Inner Child Decoder: Learn how to identify and manage your "inner child's" knee-jerk reactions in professional settings.
• The COIN Method: Your Secret Weapon for Feedback: Master the art of giving and receiving feedback with the COIN model (Context, Observable behaviour, Impact, Next steps).
• Navigating the People Maze: Get practical strategies for building bridges with colleagues you dislike.
• Demystifying Power Dynamics: Understand the impact of power dynamics in different organisations
• Brave Conversations, Bold Results: Discover how to prepare for and initiate "brave conversations" that address tough issues head-on. ]]> Society & Culture Sun, 17 Aug 2025 06:00:00 +0200 0 0 WE NEED MORE MATURE LEADERS 0 0 Solid Gold Podcasts #BeHeard full 50:05 Amandla with Mpeo https://iono.fm/e/1569158 https://iono.fm/e/1569158
In this episode, Mpeo Nkosi dives deep into the often-dreaded world of office politics with guest Niven Postma, a strategy and leadership consultant and author of "If You Don't Do Politics, Politics Will Do You."

Niven and Mpeo dismantle common myths surrounding workplace dynamics, revealing that political intelligence isn't about manipulation, but rather about understanding the unspoken rules, building relationships, and ethically wielding influence to achieve your goals and support your team.

Key Discussion Points:
• Defining Office Politics
• The Inevitability of Politics
• The Five Myths of Office Politics
• Ethical Influence
• Understanding Your "Otherness"
• The Power of Visibility
• Avoiding Political Suicide
• Toxic Work Environments
• The Problem with "Empowerment" and "Authenticity"
• Mistaking Activity for Achievement ]]> Society & Culture Sun, 27 Jul 2025 06:00:00 +0200 0 0 OFFICE POLITICS: THE GAME YOU CAN'T AFFORD TO IGNORE 0 0 Solid Gold Podcasts #BeHeard full 1:07:33 Amandla with Mpeo https://iono.fm/e/1560376 https://iono.fm/e/1560376
Are you feeling lost in the confusing world of perimenopause? Hot flashes, mood swings, sleep troubles... where do you even begin?

Join Mpeo Nkosi as she sits down with South African menopause advocate Xoli Madlala, author of The Perimenopausal Globetrotter, to unravel the mysteries of this significant life transition. In this candid conversation, they dive into the 34 symptoms of perimenopause, discuss how to advocate for yourself with your doctor, and share practical tips for thriving through this often-challenging time. Learn about healthy lifestyle changes, the importance of partner support, and how to navigate the cultural and religious perspectives surrounding menopause.

If you're ready to take control of your health and embrace this new chapter, this episode is for you!

You can follow Xoli Madlala on @maskoffwithxoli on Instagram to order her book. ]]> Society & Culture Sun, 22 Jun 2025 06:00:00 +0200 0 0 DECODING PERIMENOPAUSE 0 0 Solid Gold Podcasts #BeHeard full 1:27:42 Amandla with Mpeo https://iono.fm/e/1560084 https://iono.fm/e/1560084
In this powerful episode, Mpeo Nkosi and Coach Tumi Sibanda dive deep into the vital practice of self-forgiveness. If you've ever struggled with letting go of past decisions, this episode is for you.

Coach Tumi Sibanda is a recalibration catalyst, author, and coach who helps professionals and entrepreneurs align their lives with their authentic selves. She is the author of "You Are Enough" and owns SAHNO (Sahno.africa), a company focused on personal and professional development.

Key Discussion Points:
• Understanding the difference between shame and guilt, and how shame can hinder self-acceptance.
• The importance of recognising human evolution and change in the context of personal growth.
• A practical four-step process for moving forward from past mistakes: acknowledgment, personal responsibility, emotional processing, and forgiveness.
• The power of daily rituals, including a mirror session, to reinforce self-forgiveness and commitment.
• How idealistic notions and societal pressures can drive decisions that aren't aligned with your true values.
• The role of self-awareness in making deliberate life decisions and aligning your choices with your authentic self.
• How to make new choices
• How to give yourself some grace Tumi Sibanda's website]]> Society & Culture Sun, 08 Jun 2025 06:00:00 +0200 0 0 THE ART OF SELF-FORGIVENESS 0 0 Solid Gold Podcasts #BeHeard full 48:48 Amandla with Mpeo https://iono.fm/e/1552826 https://iono.fm/e/1552826
In this episode, Mpeo Nkosi welcomes Thandi Domingo, a leading coach specialising in single parenting, co-parenting strategies, and the unique dynamics of blended families. She is the author of "To Single Moms with Love" and co-author of "The Blended and the Beautiful." Thandi shares her transformative personal journey from navigating the challenges of single motherhood to successfully co-parenting and building a thriving blended family.

Thandi dives into key topics such as:
• The "Single Mom" Label: Understanding its impact and redefining motherhood beyond marital status.
• Co-Parenting Evolution: From parallel parenting to effective communication and a functional co-parenting relationship.
• Mediation in Co-Parenting: How mediation can regulate emotions, establish structure, and create court-ordered parenting plans that prioritise children's needs.
• Dating as a Single Parent: Guidance on timing, introducing new partners, and navigating the complexities of dating while parenting.
• Blended Family Dynamics: The importance of pre-marital counselling, communication, and understanding in blended family situations.
• Restoring the Black Family: Thandi's vision for empowering women and encouraging men to embrace their roles in nurturing children. Thandi and Lunga's episode on The Conversation Capital with Ursula Mariani · Co-Parenting WorkBook and Resource]]> Society & Culture Sun, 25 May 2025 06:00:00 +0200 0 0 CO-PARENTING TRUTH: DON'T WEAPONISE YOUR CHILDREN 0 0 Solid Gold Podcasts #BeHeard full 1:37:14 Amandla with Mpeo https://iono.fm/e/1554599 https://iono.fm/e/1554599
Welcome back to "Go Deeper," the segment where host Mpeo Nkosi and Coach Alicia Pieterse dive into the questions that linger after thought-provoking guest interviews. This week, they unpack the concept of "fragile peace" and its impact on individuals and communities.

Inspired by a conversation with Lesedi Molefi, author of Patient 12A, on the episode “The Cost of Fragile Peace” Mpeo and Coach Alicia explore the idea of "fragile peace" and how we prioritise silence over truth to maintain appearances. We discuss how this dynamic manifests in black and brown communities, the generational impact of suppressing emotions, and the steps individuals can take to break free from these harmful cycles.

Key Discussion Points:
• Defining "fragile peace" and its prevalence in certain cultural contexts.
• The roots of fragile peace in working-class families and the pressure to maintain appearances.
• The generational impact of fragile peace: how trauma and coping mechanisms are passed down.
• The cost of suppression and pretence: depression, substance abuse, and numbing behaviours.
• The importance of breaking the cycle of silence and finding the courage to speak truth.
• The difference between loyalty and complicity.
• Practical steps for breaking free from fragile peace: self-reflection, honest conversations, and seeking professional help.
• The power of finding your voice and creating safety for authentic expression.
• The importance of starting with small changes in your immediate environment. ]]> Society & Culture Sun, 11 May 2025 10:30:00 +0200 0 0 WHAT WILL THE NEIGHBOURS SAY? 0 0 Solid Gold Podcasts #BeHeard full 30:35 Amandla with Mpeo https://iono.fm/e/1545985 https://iono.fm/e/1545985
Mpeo Nkosi continues her powerful conversation with Lesedi Molefi, author of Patient 12A, exploring the profound impact of systemic issues on mental health in South Africa. Lesedi shares his experiences navigating poverty, confronting suppressed anger, and overcoming the stigma surrounding mental health within his community. He challenges the notion of “fragile peace,” highlighting the need for authentic emotional expression and systemic change. This essential episode tackles complex issues of race, trauma, and societal structures, offering valuable insights into mental health and well-being.

Key Discussion Points:
- Emotional Suppression & Depression: Lesedi explains how societal pressures and personal experiences led to the suppression of emotions.
- Anger and Trauma: The various ways suppressed anger can manifest, the importance of healthy anger expression.
- Privilege and Poverty: Lesedi's unique experiences navigating both privilege and poverty and how it shaped his life.
- Workplace Dynamics & Trauma: The challenges faced by Black professionals in corporate environments, the rewards of high-functioning depression, and the suppression of authentic emotions.
- Mental Health Stigma: The stigma surrounding mental health in Black communities, historical factors contributing to this stigma.
- The Cost of Fragile Peace: A critical examination of the detrimental effects of maintaining a façade of peace over addressing family issues. Purchase this powerful memoir here]]> Society & Culture Sun, 27 Apr 2025 06:15:00 +0200 0 0 THE COST OF FRAGILE PEACE 0 0 Solid Gold Podcasts #BeHeard full 36:05 Amandla with Mpeo https://iono.fm/e/1545613 https://iono.fm/e/1545613
Join Mpeo Nkosi for a powerful and moving conversation with Lesedi Molefi, author of the acclaimed South African memoir, Patient 12A. In this first part, Lesedi bravely confronts his past, exploring themes of family dysfunction, the stigma surrounding mental illness, and the power of self-discovery. Lesedi shares his personal journey through mental health treatment, the complexities of his family relationships, and the immense challenges of writing a memoir about his traumatic childhood. This episode offers raw honesty and valuable insight into the healing power of storytelling.

Key Discussion Points:
- Childhood Trauma & Family Dynamics: Lesedi discusses his complex family relationships and the lasting effects of early trauma.
- Mental Health Treatment: A candid account of Lesedi's experiences in a psychiatric hospital and his path to recovery.
- The Memoir Writing Process: The emotional and logistical hurdles of writing a personal account of trauma and healing.
- The Power of Storytelling: Lesedi's insights into the importance of sharing one's story for healing and connection. Purchase this powerful memoir here]]> Society & Culture Sun, 27 Apr 2025 06:00:00 +0200 0 0 THIS IS NOT A BOOK, THIS IS MY LIFE 0 0 Solid Gold Podcasts #BeHeard full 1:03:31 Amandla with Mpeo https://iono.fm/e/1545493 https://iono.fm/e/1545493
Welcome to Amandla - The Power Within's brand new segment: "Go Deeper"! In this series, host Mpeo Nkosi teams up with Coach Alicia Pieterse of Nurturing Growth Trading to explore the burning questions that arise after guest interviews. Get ready for actionable insights, practical tools, and authentic conversations that will empower you to live a more intentional and fulfilling life.

In this inaugural "Go Deeper" episode, Mpeo and Coach Alicia tackle the question: "At what point do we start living a values-driven life, and does it even matter?" Inspired by a conversation with Melusi Tshabalala on the episode “Magenge we need to talk”, Mpeo reflects on the importance of integrity and the challenges of aligning actions with core values. Coach Alicia shares her expertise, offering practical tools like the "Wheel of Life" to help listeners identify, prioritise, and evolve their values.

Key Discussion Points:
• The concept of living a values-driven life and its significance.
• How survival mode can overshadow awareness of personal values.
• Using the "Wheel of Life" tool to prioritise values across different life aspects (financial, family, spiritual, health).
• The challenges of narrowing down values and the influence of socialisation and conditioning.
• How values evolve with life stages and the importance of flexibility.
• The power of understanding what you don't want as a starting point for self-discovery.
• Navigating value clashes, especially within family dynamics.
• The difference between "what" you want to achieve and "how" you want to achieve it.
• The importance of aligning your actions with your values for a more fulfilling life. Nurturing Growth Condensed Enneagram Personality Test · Nurturing Growth article on values and Wheel of Life Tool · Nurturing Growth Trading Coaching Circles · Alternative Wheel of Life resource · Alternative Enneagram personality test resource]]> Society & Culture Sun, 13 Apr 2025 06:00:00 +0200 0 0 DOES A VALUES-DRIVEN LIFE EVEN MATTER? 0 0 Solid Gold Podcasts #BeHeard full 33:23 Amandla with Mpeo https://iono.fm/e/1540839 https://iono.fm/e/1540839
In this insightful and funny conversation, Mpeo and Melusi Tshabalala (Author of 'Magenge We Need to Talk' and 'Melusi's Everyday Zulu') explore the complexities of male identity in middle age. Melusi candidly shares his journey from the chaotic energy of his younger years to a place of self-acceptance and reflection. They discuss the challenges men face in expressing vulnerability, the importance of open communication in relationships, and the unique pressures of modern marriage and fatherhood.

This episode is a must-listen for men seeking personal growth and deeper connection. Learn how to embrace vulnerability, strengthen relationships, and achieve self-acceptance.

Key Discussion Points:
From Fun to Seriousness: Melusi's transition from a care-free youth to confronting anxiety and life choices in his 30s.
Male Vulnerability and Communication: The societal pressures that prevent men from openly discussing struggles.
Marriage and Relationships: Melusi's perspective on the importance of treating marriage as a partnership.
Parenting and Fatherhood: The challenges and rewards of raising children.
Self-Acceptance and Personal Growth: Melusi's journey to self-acceptance, including his experience with alcohol and other habits.
Seeking Professional Help: The importance of seeking professional support over relying solely on friends. Follow Melusi's hilarious daily anecdotes and learn isiZulu while at it · Purchase 'Magenge We Need to Talk'. Read, enjoy, laugh, and learn. ]]> Society & Culture Sun, 30 Mar 2025 06:00:00 +0200 0 0 MAGENGE WE NEED TO TALK 0 0 Solid Gold Podcasts #BeHeard full 1:21:06 Amandla with Mpeo https://iono.fm/e/1529048 https://iono.fm/e/1529048
In the inaugural episode of Amandla with Mpeo, host Mpeo Nkosi invites guest Alicia Pieterse, an executive coach with over 20 years of experience, to discuss transformative coaching and personal growth. Mpeo shares her journey of transformation through coaching, detailing the profound impact it has had on both her professional and personal life.

This episode dives deep into various coaching modalities, exploring themes of self-limiting beliefs and the inner critic, and how to get unstuck.

Key Highlights:
- Mpeo’s personal transformation and the journey that led her to start the podcast.
- Discussion of coaching modalities: meta coaching, Enneagram coaching, mind-body coaching.
- The impact of self-limiting beliefs on professional and personal development.
- Insightful dialogue on the inner critic and how to nurture self-compassion.
- Differentiating coaching from therapy and understanding their respective focuses. ]]> Society & Culture Sun, 02 Mar 2025 15:00:00 +0200 0 0 I GOT UNSTUCK AND QUIT MY JOB 0 0 Solid Gold Podcasts #BeHeard full 58:43 Amandla with Mpeo https://iono.fm/e/1527373 https://iono.fm/e/1527373
I have so many questions about the insanity that is middle life and why no one talks about it!

I realise I’m not alone in this search - in these questions about life, love, work, and purpose that just feel different now. I am truly grateful for long, vulnerable conversations with friends and the therapy that is great music on full blast to help me navigate my journey to this point. In all of it, real connection has made the difference and being curious is helping me face my life head on. And that’s how Amandla (The Power Within) was born.

In this podcast, I invite you to journey with me. Join me as I engage in raw, honest conversations with thinkers, authors, creators and many others who have asked the same tough questions and dared to dig deeper. Together, we’ll explore what it really means to find strength within ourselves and live intentionally.

So, let’s go there. Let us discover more about ourselves and our world and unlock the power that’s waiting inside each of us. Because it’s already there — it’s just waiting to be awakened. ]]> Society & Culture Wed, 12 Feb 2025 17:00:00 +0200 0 0 Welcome to Amandla with Mpeo 0 0 Solid Gold Podcasts #BeHeard full 2:16 Amandla with Mpeo