Manned Up Conversations

Kgaugelo Habyane

Manned Up Conversations is a dynamic platform committed to fostering open, honest, and transformative discussions among men from all walks of life. Our mission is to challenge outdated notions of masculinity and provide a safe space where men can freely explore their emotions, experiences, and struggles without fear of judgment. Through insightful content and interactive dialogue, Manned Up Conversations encourages personal growth, emotional intelligence, and meaningful change in the lives of men across Africa and beyond. We envision a world where men break free from societal expectations, embracing vulnerability and emotional well-being as strengths rather than weaknesses. By promoting open conversations and a culture of mutual support, we empower men to lead more authentic, fulfilling lives—positively impacting their communities, relationships, and future generations.

  1. Managing Bipolar Mood Disorder Through Poetry with Delile Ndumo

    10/15/2025

    Managing Bipolar Mood Disorder Through Poetry with Delile Ndumo

    Send us a text 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 Sign 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 Awareness Visit our site to explore our work: website: www.mannedupconvos.com

    1h 6m
  2. Navigating Identity and Connection in Men's Conversations

    06/04/2025

    Navigating Identity and Connection in Men's Conversations

    Send us a text 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 Sign 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 Awareness Visit our site to explore our work: website: www.mannedupconvos.com

    16 min
  3. Beyond Talk Therapy: A Journey of Trauma, Healing & Psychedelics with Alex Abraham

    05/14/2025

    Beyond Talk Therapy: A Journey of Trauma, Healing & Psychedelics with Alex Abraham

    Send us a text 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: alex@traumaandecstacy.com 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 Sign 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 Awareness Visit our site to explore our work: website: www.mannedupconvos.com

    36 min
  4. Suffering in Silence - A Story of Trauma & Recovery with Captain Adam Meyers

    04/30/2025

    Suffering in Silence - A Story of Trauma & Recovery with Captain Adam Meyers

    Send us a text 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 Sign 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 Awareness Visit our site to explore our work: website: www.mannedupconvos.com

    1h 1m
  5. Exploring Positive Masculinity for Gender Equity with Chelepe Mocwana

    04/16/2025

    Exploring Positive Masculinity for Gender Equity with Chelepe Mocwana

    Send us a text 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 Sign 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 Awareness Visit our site to explore our work: website: www.mannedupconvos.com

    1h 17m
  6. Designing Meaningful Moments of Pause with Charles Achampong

    03/30/2025

    Designing Meaningful Moments of Pause with Charles Achampong

    Send us a text 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 Sign 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 Awareness Visit our site to explore our work: website: www.mannedupconvos.com

    49 min
  7. Shifting From Debate To Dialogue with Rooken Podesta

    03/20/2025

    Shifting From Debate To Dialogue with Rooken Podesta

    Send us a text "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 Sign 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 Awareness Visit our site to explore our work: website: www.mannedupconvos.com

    46 min
  8. Reclaiming Communal Love Among Men

    02/20/2025

    Reclaiming Communal Love Among Men

    Send us a text 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 Sign 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 Awareness Visit our site to explore our work: website: www.mannedupconvos.com

    21 min
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About

Manned Up Conversations is a dynamic platform committed to fostering open, honest, and transformative discussions among men from all walks of life. Our mission is to challenge outdated notions of masculinity and provide a safe space where men can freely explore their emotions, experiences, and struggles without fear of judgment. Through insightful content and interactive dialogue, Manned Up Conversations encourages personal growth, emotional intelligence, and meaningful change in the lives of men across Africa and beyond. We envision a world where men break free from societal expectations, embracing vulnerability and emotional well-being as strengths rather than weaknesses. By promoting open conversations and a culture of mutual support, we empower men to lead more authentic, fulfilling lives—positively impacting their communities, relationships, and future generations.

Information

  • Creator
    Kgaugelo Habyane
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2025
  • Episodes
    79
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Manned Up Foundation
  • Show Website
    Manned Up Conversations