Don't Hold Back: say it loud! cover art

Don't Hold Back: say it loud!

Don't Hold Back: say it loud!

By: JacPod
Listen for free

About this listen

 Money, sex, identity, mental health, relationships, culture and more -- nothing is off-limits in “Don’t Hold Back”, the award-winning video podcast hosted by Nozibele Qamngana-Mayaba. Imagine if there were a place where everyone could speak honestly about the things we often keep quiet. That’s what Don’t Hold Back is all about! South Africans under 35 talk about everything from navigating identity, social pressures, and mental health, to dealing with toxic relationships, finances and family expectations. Life feels lighter when you can listen and learn from other people’s stories. Nozibele Qamngana-Mayaba is a South African content creator, bestselling author and HIV activist. Join her as she chats — and shares a snack — with a different guest in each episode. Don’t Hold Back has received international and local recognition, including: - Bronze Winner – 2023 Anthem Awards (Education, Art & Culture / Podcast or Audio) - Finalist – 2023 New York Festivals Radio Awards - Shortlisted – 2023 Publisher Podcast Awards (Best Health & Wellbeing Podcast) - Finalist – 2023 AIB Awards (Presenter of the Year: Nozibele Qamngana-Mayaba) - Spotlight of the Year (Podcast) – 2023 African Podcast and Voice Awards - Gold Winner – 2024 South African Podcasting Awards (Wellness & Relationships) This podcast is a collaboration between DW, Jacaranda FM and East Coast Radio.JacPod Social Sciences
Episodes
  • Five simple habits to a healthier you

    Five simple habits to a healthier you
    Sep 10 2025
    What does “healthy” really mean? In this episode of Don’t Hold Back, Nozibele Qamngana-Mayaba talks to fitness coach Kopano Mokhele, who deliberately gained 25 kilos — and is now losing it again — to better understand what his clients face.
    Kopano shares honest lessons about food cravings, mental health, and why BMI doesn’t always apply to African body types. He also reveals five simple steps anyone can take to start a healthier lifestyle - from moving in ways you enjoy, to making one food change, to tracking progress and staying motivated.
    Authentic, funny, and packed with practical advice, this is your reminder that health is a journey, not a deadline. Catch up with our host Nozibele · More information about this podcast · The 77 Percent (DW Africa)
    Show More Show Less
    31 mins
  • 5 Things You Need to Know Before You Turn 35

    5 Things You Need to Know Before You Turn 35
    Aug 27 2025
    When Nozibele Qamngana-Mayaba revealed on the podcast that she’s turning 35 later this year, she admitted she was struggling with questions many women ask themselves: Have I achieved enough? Am I where I should be at this age?
    It was the perfect moment to bring in a mentor figure. Sitting across from her was Elana Afrika-Bredenkamp – a household name on radio and TV, an author, leadership coach, and mother – who knows about navigating milestones and expectations. Elana’s message? Stop panicking. Whether you’re in your twenties, thirties, or beyond, this episode is packed with practical wisdom and empowering reminders that it’s never too late to reset, grow, and thrive.

    This show is a collaboration between DW and leading South African radio stations, Jacaranda FM and East Coast Radio. Catch up with our host Nozibele · More information about this podcast · The 77 Percent (DW Africa)
    Show More Show Less
    38 mins
  • Living Proudly: Black, Gay, HIV-Positive in 2025

    Living Proudly: Black, Gay, HIV-Positive in 2025
    Aug 13 2025
    How do you live proudly when the world still carries stigma? In this episode of Don’t Hold Back, Nozibele Qamngana-Mayaba sits down with Phenyo Moletsane - a proud Black, gay man living openly with HIV in 2025 - for a powerful conversation that goes beyond labels, fear, and silence.

    From navigating HIV stigma in South Africa to redefining what it means to love and live openly as a Black queer man, Phenyo shares the realities many never see. He talks about the micro-moments where visibility feels like both liberation and risk, the ongoing mental health journey, and the changing nature of relationships.

    This episode breaks down misconceptions around HIV, embraces identity with power and pride, and explores the courage it takes to challenge social norms. Phenyo also speaks candidly about the joys and challenges of dating while living openly with HIV, and the vital support LGBTQIA+ youth need beyond the usual “be yourself” message.

    Whether you’re living with HIV, part of the queer community, or an ally ready to support without shame or saviourism, this conversation is real, raw, and full of heart.

    In this episode:
    00:34 Welcome to Don't Hold Back
    00:50 Introducing Today's Guest
    01:19 Catching Up After Years
    02:07 The Snack Tradition - a Teaser
    02:43 Living Positively with HIV
    03:10 The Impact of Sharing My Story
    05:24 Challenges of Public Disclosure
    05:53 Personal Relationships and HIV
    07:52 The Journey to Healing
    10:03 Advocating for the Next Generation
    13:04 Navigating Conversations About Safe Sex
    15:35 Coming Out to Family
    16:18 Navigating Safe Conversations
    17:34 Seeking Help and Counseling
    19:11 Finding Love and Disclosure
    24:49 Rapid Fire Question Section
    25:52 Addressing Stigma and Discrimination
    30:04 Message to Young People and Parents
    33:11 Final Thoughts and Farewell

    #DontHoldBackPodcast | #LivingPositively | #PhenyoMoletsane | #HIVAwareness | #LGBTQIAPlusSA | #BreakTheSilence | #DifferentFacesOfHIV Catch up with our host Nozibele · More information about this podcast · The 77 Percent (DW Africa)
    Show More Show Less
    34 mins
No reviews yet
In the spirit of reconciliation, Audible acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.