Manned Up Conversations

Send us a text"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 hidden side of abuse.  Martin Pelders launched Matrixmen, a peer support group for male survivors in Johannesburg. He continues his work and his healing, and he hopes to support the formation of support groups across his country. For help with sexual trauma and abuse visit Matrix Men:Website: MatrixMenFacebook: MatrixMenInstagram: @MatrixMenSATwitter: @MatrixMenSAOther resources:Martin Pelders experience with abuseDaily Maverick: Sexual Violence In South Africa: where are the victims? News24 article on abuse: Nearly half of South African boys rapedHope 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 showSign up for Ain't Heavy, My Brother - A Workshop in Support of Grieving Men on rituals4men@gmail.com.Donate To Our Campaign with Love Your Nuts Foundation To Raise Testicular Cancer AwarenessVisit our site to explore our work:website: www.mannedupconvos.com

Send us a textThe 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 can use his story to inspire and help others in need. We unpack his experience with experiences since joining the MKP team, what     Mervin Canham is an addictions specialist and co-leader at The Mankind Project which is an organisation aimed at changing the world one man at a time, allowing men to touch a piece of their shadow by being vulnerable with other men.Please don't forget to Subscribe to gain access to all our podcasts. If you enjoy the show please share it with friends and family to help us grow and be part of our brother's evolution as men . Thank you for your support.Join our WhatsApp group: Manned Up_ConversationsConnect with Mervin Canham:Instagram: Brother Shabazz Facebook: Mervin Canham (Brother Shabazz)LinkedIn: Mervin Canham The Mankind Project South Africa:Website: The Mankind Project South Africa Facebook: @MKPSouthAfricaSign up: New Warrior Training Adventure NWTA Weekend Articles:Ex-addict now helps othersInterviews:Street Talk Tv  Big Boys Don't Cry: Part 1 - Season 11 Episode 49Follow us & share your thoughts on the topic:Website:  Manned Up ConversationsFaceboHope 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 showSign up for Ain't Heavy, My Brother - A Workshop in Support of Grieving Men on rituals4men@gmail.com.Donate To Our Campaign with Love Your Nuts Foundation To Raise Testicular Cancer AwarenessVisit our site to explore our work:website: www.mannedupconvos.com

Send us a textIn 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 towards people who rape, abusive and commit GBV without making excuses for the perpetrators we highlight the tendency to isolate people who need our support after serving their time or punishment for such crimes.   Buntu Magqibelo  is the founder of Doda Ndoda - I Am My Brothers Keeper who are a Men’s Organization that seeks to create a platform for MEN to talk about issues affecting men. Please don't forget to Subscribe to gain access to all our podcasts. If you enjoy the show please share it with friends and family to help us grow and be part of our brother's evolution as men . Thank you for your support.Connect with DodaBrotherSA :Twitter: Doda NdodaYouTube: Doda NdodaPrograms:The Uncles ClubMen Fighting Against GBVMentorsFollow us & share your thoughts on the topic:Join our WhatsApp group: Manned Up_ConversationsWebsite:  Manned Up ConversationsFacebook:  @MannedUpConvosInstagram: @MannedUp_ConvosTwitter: @MannedUp_ConvosSupport the showSign up for Ain't Heavy, My Brother - A Workshop in Support of Grieving Men on rituals4men@gmail.com.Donate To Our Campaign with Love Your Nuts Foundation To Raise Testicular Cancer AwarenessVisit our site to explore our work:website: www.mannedupconvos.com

Send us a text"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 Fatherhood Friday movement started and unpack the importance of fathers providing foundational lessons to children before they head out to face the  real world. As a combat sport enthusiast, we look into how this form of training can be beneficial for a child's confidence, self-defense and mental health. We also explore the impact of video games and how curating those experiences for your child affects their socialization.       Then end off by highlighting how men need to empower and educate themselves before committing to relationships, marriage and children. Thabang also shares some books and mentors who've helped him in his journey of self improvement.   Thabang Mokoena is the founder and creator Fatherhood Friday. Fatherhood Friday is a movement committed to celebrating positive fatherhood and seeks to Inspire, Motivate and Celebrate fathers. Please don't forget to Subscribe to gain access to all our podcasts. If you enjoy the show please share it with friends and family to help us grow and be part of our brother's evolution as men . Thank you for your support.Fatherhood Connect :Facebook: Fatherhood FridayTwitter: FatherhoodFiveInstagram: Fatherhood FridayBook Mentioned:7 Habits of Highly Effective People The Courage To Be Disliked Follow us & share your thoughts on the topic:Website:  Manned Up ConversationsFacebook:  @MannedUpConvosInstagram: @MannedUp_ConvosTwitter: @MannedUp_ConvosSupport the showSign up for Ain't Heavy, My Brother - A Workshop in Support of Grieving Men on rituals4men@gmail.com.Donate To Our Campaign with Love Your Nuts Foundation To Raise Testicular Cancer AwarenessVisit our site to explore our work:website: www.mannedupconvos.com

Send us a textDrama 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 find their range of emotions and build emotional literacy.  We discuss the origins of this practice by highlighting some of the benefits, drawbacks and discuss how this can be an effective tool to rid our bodies of the traumas held over the years. Though effective, he states that some people find other forms like talk therapy to be limiting but the communal nature of drama therapy allows you to work through your issues in a way that goes beyond the just the physical,  it touches on spiritual aspects as well.   Sibusiso "Vonder" Fihlani is a member of the Atlantic Fellows,  his advocacy project focuses on  comprehensive sexual education where he uses storytelling to help parents talk to their children about sex.     He's currently working on a play called Omunye Phezu Komunye, which addresses the land and mapping issues affecting black, indian and coloured communities and how that links to their identity.  Please get the free tickets on the link below;Get free tickets:  Art That Matters: Inherited Histories and the Politics of Mapping:Venue: Wits Art Museum, University Corner, 19 floor, Emakhaya Theatre .Time: 16:00Date: 01/09/2022Ticket are free on this link : https://www.quicket.co.za/events/181896-art-matters-inherited-histories-and-the-politics-of-mapping/Please don't forget to Subscribe to gain access to all our podcasts. If you enjoy the show please share it with friends and family to help us grow and be part of our brother's evolution as men . Thank you for your support.Connect with Sbu "Vonder" Fihlani:Facebook: Sibusiso Vonder FihlaniTwitter: @vonde_rInstagram: Sbu.FihlaniBook Tickets:Art That MHope 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 showSign up for Ain't Heavy, My Brother - A Workshop in Support of Grieving Men on rituals4men@gmail.com.Donate To Our Campaign with Love Your Nuts Foundation To Raise Testicular Cancer AwarenessVisit our site to explore our work:website: www.mannedupconvos.com

Send us a textOn 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 affects family and close relationships.   Now 5 years sober, we also look into the stigma around addiction with users often labelled as bewitched, and how his journey brought him closer to God who ultimately proved crucial to his recovery.  Please don't forget to Subscribe to gain access to all our podcasts. If you enjoy the show please share it with friends and family to help us grow and be part of our brother's evolution as men . Thank you for your support.Connect with Ootz:Facebook: Ootz85Instagram: Ootzbeats17 Live ID: @OotzbeatsResources:Changes Addiction RehabSANCA 12 Step recovery SADAG Substance Abuse Brochures Follow us & share your thoughts on the topic:Website:  Manned Up ConversationsFacebook:  @MannedUpConvosInstagram: @MannedUp_ConvosTwitter: @MannedUp_ConvosHope 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 showSign up for Ain't Heavy, My Brother - A Workshop in Support of Grieving Men on rituals4men@gmail.com.Donate To Our Campaign with Love Your Nuts Foundation To Raise Testicular Cancer AwarenessVisit our site to explore our work:website: www.mannedupconvos.com

Send us a textIn 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 upholding the father's voice in the family. With finances or lack thereof causing a lot of conflicts and breakdowns in relationships, we unpack the barriers fathers face in providing for their children including how fathers can provide beyond finances. Lereko highlights the magical experience of becoming a father and shares some insights into "attachment theory" and how bonding with your child from an early age can benefit them and positively impact on men's mental health.We end our discussion with an overview of the six-part series launching on Sunday 17 September at 20:00 on SABC2.   My guest, Lereko Mfono started acting when he was in primary school at a drama society situated in the Vaal, called the Vereeniging Operatic and Dramatic Society. He holds an advanced diploma in applied drama from the University of the Witwatersrand, specialises in writing and acting in plays designed for children. He is now the Project Coordinator for Fathers Matter. He is a multifaceted creative, with a background in drama, writing and facilitation. He is passionate about the transformation of mindsets through story and media. Please don't forget to Subscribe to gain access to all our podcasts. If you enjoy the show please share it with friends and family to help us grow and be part of our brother's evolution as men . Thank you for your support.Connect with Heartlines:Website: Fathers Matter Facebook: FathersMatterZA Fathers Matter Film Series:https://www.heartlines.org.za/fathers-matter/filmsResources for fathers:https://www.heartlines.org.za/fathers-matter/resourcesHope 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 showSign up for Ain't Heavy, My Brother - A Workshop in Support of Grieving Men on rituals4men@gmail.com.Donate To Our Campaign with Love Your Nuts Foundation To Raise Testicular Cancer AwarenessVisit our site to explore our work:website: www.mannedupconvos.com

Send us a textThe 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 a good person despite their income or position in society. My guest also shares how he supports and empowers his daughter to take up space and not let past narratives stunt her growth. My guest, Siphiwe Moyo is a sought-after and highly-rated International Keynote Speaker, Facilitator & Author based in South Africa. He is an Adjunct Faculty member at GIBS, Wits Business School, Henley Business School and the Johannesburg Business School. He is a doctoral student in Leadership and Organisational Behaviour. A seasoned HR practitioner and Organisational Behaviour specialist, he studies and teaches human behaviour within a workplace context.Please don't forget to Subscribe to gain access to all our podcasts. If you enjoy the show please share it with friends and family to help us grow and be part of our brother's evolution as men . Thank you for your support.Connect with my guest:Website: Siphiwe MoyoTwitter: @SiphiweMoyoFacebook: Siphiwe MoyoInstagram: @SiphiweMoyoFollow us & share your thoughts on the topic:Website:  Manned Up ConversationsFacebook:  @MannedUpConvosInstagram: @MannedUp_ConvosTwitter: @MannedUp_ConvosHope 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 showSign up for Ain't Heavy, My Brother - A Workshop in Support of Grieving Men on rituals4men@gmail.com.Donate To Our Campaign with Love Your Nuts Foundation To Raise Testicular Cancer AwarenessVisit our site to explore our work:website: www.mannedupconvos.com

Send us a textBullying 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 a motivational speaker, founder & chairman of MSM Training and Development,  facilitator of group effectiveness processes, energetic emcee for all your activation events and conferences and also designs and runs innovative youth development solutions for both schools and the South African youth market. Shakes also facilitates weekend teacher development workshops to assist teachers to reignite their passion for their profession.Please don't forget to Subscribe to gain access to all our podcasts. If you enjoy the show please share it with friends and family to help us grow and be part of our brother's evolution as men . Thank you for your support.Connect with my guest:Website: ShakesDlutu.comTwitter: @ShakesDlutuFacebook: Shakes DlutuInstagram: @ShakesDlutuFollow us & share your thoughts on the topic:Website:  Manned Up ConversationsFacebook:  @MannedUpConvosInstagram: @MannedUp_ConvosTwitter: @MannedUp_ConvosSupport the showSign up for Ain't Heavy, My Brother - A Workshop in Support of Grieving Men on rituals4men@gmail.com.Donate To Our Campaign with Love Your Nuts Foundation To Raise Testicular Cancer AwarenessVisit our site to explore our work:website: www.mannedupconvos.com

Send us a textWhat is it about those thoughts that never seem to leave us? Good or bad, we all have hundreds if not thousands of thoughts running through our minds at the same time, so we need to be mindful of the thoughts that we entertain.My guests KC Dinoke considers himself a student of the mind and believes that if we can sustain thought long enough our mind has the power to turn the invisible into the visible, therefore affecting our reality. We highlight some themes from his book "The power of a sustained thought" along with how the media reports over the COVID lockdown period caused men to develop an unhealthy mental diet.    KC Dinoke is an author, motivational speaker and recording artist who has spent years researching and writing books on self improvement through the power of the mind.Please don't forget to Subscribe to gain access to all our podcasts. If you enjoy the show please share it with friends and family to help us grow and be part of our brother's evolution as men . Thank you for your support.Connect with my guest:Instagram: @KCDinokeFacebook: King KC Dinoke Motivations Follow us & share your thoughts on the topic:Website:  Manned Up ConversationsFacebook:  @MannedUpConvosInstagram: @MannedUp_ConvosTwitter: @MannedUp_ConvosPlease don't forget to Subscribe to gain access to all our podcasts. If you enjoy the show please share it with friends and family to help us grow and be part of our brother's evolution as men . Thank you for your support.Connect with my guest:Instagram: @KCDinokeFacebook: King KC Dinoke Motivations Follow us & share your thoughts on the topic:Website:  Manned Up ConversationsFacebook:  @MannedUpConvosInstagram: @MannedUp_ConvosTwitter: @MannedUp_ConvosSupport the showSign up for Ain't Heavy, My Brother - A Workshop in Support of Grieving Men on rituals4men@gmail.com.Donate To Our Campaign with Love Your Nuts Foundation To Raise Testicular Cancer AwarenessVisit our site to explore our work:website: www.mannedupconvos.com