Sisterhood of the Travelling Mgowo

Episode

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  Episode 27: What Is The Internet Doing To Us? 14.09.2026 57mnt

  There’s a lot to unpack this week. From South African music and the importance of creating spaces to really engage with local artists, to parenting, online misogyny and the way we’re raising the next generation.We chat about Mamakashaka and Friends’ “Track by Track” initiative, what gentle parenting actually looks like beyond the internet discourse, and why we need to be careful about how quickly we turn tragedy into an excuse for violence or harsher parenting.We also get into the “pink pill” pipeline and how seemingly harmless content can quietly reinforce some pretty harmful ideas about women.A little bit of music, parenting, social media!
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  Episode 26: Are We Pro-Choice or PROjecting Onto Women & Mothers? 07.09.2026 1j 16mnt

  Let’s talk about what happens on South African social media when women announce pregnancies and the moral judgements they’re subject to when they do. We consider and challenge perceived societal expectations, conditioning and patriarchal biological timelines. In this episode, we dive deep into the recent online uproar sparked by two popular influencers announcing their pregnancies in their 30s. Exploring the stark differences in how the public reacted to both announcements based on relationship dynamics. Sinesipho reflects on her own lived experience, interrogating why marriage and relationship status are continually placed on a moral pedestal.Tune in for a raw conversation on safeguarding our shared humanity, learning to stop performing care online, and shifting our politics toward building an intentional community that truly protects and nurtures vulnerable populations.
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  Episode 25: Learning How to Feel My Feelings 31.08.2026 1j 9mnt

  In this week’s episode, we’re getting honest about what it actually looks like to do the work on yourself.With one of the hosts approaching 32, the conversation gets into therapy, emotional regulation, ADHD, loneliness and the uncomfortable process of learning how to actually sit with your feelings instead of running from them or trying to analyse everything to death.They talk about what changed after an ADHD diagnosis, learning to understand and name their own needs, and the strange vulnerability of letting people into spaces you’ve spent years protecting. There’s also a conversation about not taking every bad interaction personally and learning when something has nothing to do with you, and when it’s simply time to protect yourself and move on.Most importantly, this isn’t about becoming a “better” person than everyone else. It’s about doing the work because you want to be here for your own life.And looking back at their 20s, they get into the things they wish they had known sooner, trusting your intuition, holding onto your individuality, enjoying where you are and letting yourself both give and receive love.
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  Episode 24: How Much Are You Carrying? 24.08.2026 1j 11mnt

  In this week’s episode, we’re talking about overextending ourselves and why so many of us have become the people who will just “handle it,” no matter how tired we are. This week, we’re joined by a friend of the pod, Kabelo Mabaso, for a conversation about where this habit comes from, how it shows up in our relationships and work, and what happens when constantly being the one who comes through starts to take a toll.We get into where that habit comes from, especially when you grow up watching the women around you constantly do for everyone else. Before you know it, you’re the one filling every gap at work, helping everyone in your family, showing up for your friends and somehow still feeling like you could be doing more.We also talk about burnout, codependency and that resentment that creeps in when you’re always the one giving. Because sometimes you’re doing so much for people that they don’t even realise you’re struggling, and sometimes they didn’t ask you to do half the things you’re now frustrated about.At the heart of it, we’re asking what healthier, more reciprocal relationships actually look like - where you can support people without completely running yourself into the ground.
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  Episode 23: The Economy Is in the Group Chat 17.08.2026 1j 4mnt

  In this week's episode, we’re talking about money, friendship, and the awkward reality of trying to have a social life when everything is getting more expensive.The cost of living is making a lot of things feel out of reach, and we get into why there shouldn’t be any shame in saying, “I actually can’t afford that.” Socialising and community are important, so how do we make space for each other without anyone feeling left out or financially stretched?We also talk about the pressure to keep up appearances online, from going out to fitness, beauty and all the other ways we quietly signal that we’re doing well. Sometimes you have to ask yourself whether you actually want something, or whether you've just been convinced that you should want it.And then there’s friendship: knowing when to give, when to receive, when to speak up about money, and how to make sure nobody is quietly keeping score.
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  Episode 22: What Are We Actually Doing? 10.08.2026 1j 11mnt

  We had a lot to get off our chests this episode.From the emotional toll of the recession and the guilt that comes with spending money, to friendships that feel one-sided and people who want to know everything about your life while telling you nothing about theirs.We also get into deadbeat parents, accountability, confrontation, forgiveness and why keeping the peace isn't always worth it. Sometimes you have to say what needs to be said, set the boundary and move on.We talk about Women's Day, what it actually means to show up for the people around you, and why everything doesn't need to happen online. We also get into how much we're consuming versus how much we're actually reading, learning, making and thinking for ourselves.
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  Episode 21: Women's Month | What Are We Standing For? 03.08.2026 1j 10mnt

  There are some conversations that come around every Women's Month, and then there are the ones we don't spend enough time sitting with.In this episode, we unpack what it means to be a woman in South Africa today, from the everyday weight of navigating patriarchy to the frustration of watching the same cycles of abuse, silence, and performative accountability play out time and time again. We talk about why so many conversations online feel disconnected from history, why it's important to understand the systems we're trying to challenge, and why reading, learning, and asking better questions still matter.We also reflect on the role of community, the importance of standing by your values, and what it looks like to hold people accountable—not only when it's convenient, but when it counts.
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  Episode 20: Who Is Women's Month Really For? 27.07.2026 48mnt

  Every August, we're reminded to celebrate women. But somewhere along the way, it's easy for the real meaning of Women's Month to get lost behind campaigns, discounts, and social media posts.In this episode, we're asking what Women's Month should actually look like in South Africa today. We reflect on the legacy of the 1956 Women's March, unpack the issues that continue to affect women across the country, and have an honest conversation about everything from gender-based violence and economic inequality to the rise of online gambling and its impact on young women.We also talk about the role we all have to play beyond posting online. What does it mean to show up for our communities? How do we become more engaged in the places we live? And what does meaningful support actually look like once Women's Month is over?
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  Episode 19: Boundaries in the Digital Age 20.07.2026 1j 8mnt

  Have you ever felt like you really knew someone from the internet?This week, we're joined by Yolanda and Yaya as we unpack parasocial relationships and what it's like to have thousands of people feel connected to you after watching your life unfold on national television.From their time on Big Brother to navigating life as public figures, we talk about fan culture, setting boundaries online, and the fine line between being relatable and being accessible. We also reflect on the pressure of living in the public eye, staying true to yourself, and what it means to build a community without losing yourself in the process.
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  Episode 18: Aging With Intention 13.07.2026 44mnt

  Birthdays have a way of making you take stock.One minute you're making birthday wish lists, and the next you're wondering if you're where you thought you'd be by now. In this episode, we talk about everything birthdays bring up - from the pressure to celebrate, social media expectations, and the cost of getting everyone together, to the excitement of getting older and becoming more comfortable in who you are.We also reflect on what we're carrying into this next chapter: setting better boundaries, being clearer about what we need, and choosing to celebrate growth over perfection.
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  Episode 17: The Cost of Saying Goodbye 06.07.2026 39mnt

  Death is never an easy topic to talk about, but it's one of the most important conversations we can have.In this episode, we unpack the emotional and financial realities of funerals in South Africa, the burden that often falls on families when there isn't a plan in place, and why having honest conversations about death can be one of the greatest acts of care for the people we leave behind.We also explore how cultural expectations can add pressure during an already difficult time, and what it really means to prepare for the inevitable with dignity and intention.This episode is brought to you in partnership with Metropolitan. We take a look at the Metropolitan No Lapse Funeral Growth Plan, a flexible funeral solution designed for people with irregular incomes, including freelancers and those in the gig economy, and discuss how products like these can help ease the financial burden on loved ones when it matters most.You can use out refferal codes when signing up: NGC2 or MAT13
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  Episode 16: Pivot or Persevere? 29.06.2026 59mnt

  In this episode, we unpack the realities of navigating a career pivot and the impact it can have on your mental health. From the uncertainty of starting over to the financial pressures that often come with choosing a different path, we explore what it means to prioritise yourself while managing the practical realities of adulthood.We also discuss the challenges of freelancing, dealing with debt and payment obligations during difficult seasons, and why honest communication is one of the most important tools you can have when you're in a tight spot. Whether it's speaking to clients, loved ones, or financial institutions, asking for help and communicating your circumstances can make all the difference.
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  Episode 15: We Need To Talk About South Africa 22.06.2026 51mnt

  In this episode, we dive into some of the difficult conversations happening in South Africa right now - from xenophobia and Afrophobia to identity, belonging, and the realities many young people are facing.We reflect on the pressure of navigating adulthood, the importance of giving ourselves grace, and what it means to take care of ourselves while trying to survive in a challenging environment.We also unpack some of the myths around migration, public services, and inequality, while having an honest conversation about where frustration is directed and how we can move forward as a country.A thoughtful conversation about pride, pain, responsibility, and the South Africa we all share.
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  Episode 14: The Distance, The Growth, The Sisterhood 15.06.2026 47mnt

  In this episode, we're joined by Sinesipho's younger sister Nicky for a conversation about what sisterhood has looked like throughout the different stages of our lives.We chat about the realities of being the oldest versus the youngest sibling, how birth order can shape the roles we take on in our families, and the ways those roles have influenced who we are today. From childhood misunderstandings and sibling disagreements to learning how to support one another as adults, we reflect on the journey of growing up together.
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  Episode 13: I’m Not Okay, and That’s Okay | A Mid-Year Reality Check 08.06.2026 52mnt

  In this mid-year check-in, we’re getting honest about what it feels like to be in the "thick of failure". From navigating the weight of an ADHD diagnosis to rejecting the pressure of burnout culture, we discuss what happens when high agency meets low motivation. Whether you're "busy resting" or struggling to model agency when you’ve lost interest, this episode is a reminder to anchor your self-worth in who you are, not what you achieve.
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  Episode 12: Skincare 101 | Understanding Adult Acne 01.06.2026 53mnt

  In this episode, skincare influencer and Nelo Skin founder Luna Nqiwa joins the show to demystify adult acne and foundational skincare. Breaking down the common triggers (from hormones and hygiene to diet and environmental pollution) the discussion reframes acne as a chronic condition to be managed rather than a war to be won. Luna provides an essential roadmap for building an effective routine, explaining the necessity of tailored cleansers, hydrators, and the non-negotiable use of broad-spectrum sunscreen.
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  Episode 11: Winter Bae: Cold In the Streets, Suspicious in the Sheets 25.05.2026 1j

  In this episode of we are joined by our guest, Mbuso, for a candid conversation about navigating the "streets" of Johannesburg during the winter. The discussion moves from reflections on city identity and the creative scene to a deep dive into modern dating dynamics and emotional survival.
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  Episode 10: The "Going Under" Checklist: Identifying Your Mental Red Flags 18.05.2026 44mnt

  As the weather shifts and the days get shorter, many of us start to feel a familiar heaviness. In this episode, we’re having a real conversation about navigating "the funk", from identifying the early warning signs of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) to managing the overwhelming weight of overstimulation.
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  Episode 9: Seasons come to pass V2 11.05.2026 58mnt

  In this week’s episode, we revisit a conversation we had seven years ago and reflect on just how much life has changed since then. From our mid-twenties to our early thirties, we talk about the personal and professional shifts that shaped us — motherhood, navigating deep loss, and learning to move away from loud, half-formed opinions toward a life that feels more grounded, intentional, and private. We also share why having a strong community matters, and how we’ve come to value the humanity and effort behind the journey, not just the outcome
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  Episode 8: Waiting for a Miracle & Confronting Passivity in Our Lives 04.05.2026 57mnt

  In this episode of Sisterhood of the Traveling Mgowo, we delve into the concept of the "passive woman" and the impact of passivity on personal development and community. We explore how societal structures, specifically patriarchal conditioning, often encourage women to remain passive to be considered "good" or desirable