In this episode of An Extraordinary Take, I’m joined by my good friend Kuda as we unpack the often-overlooked beauty of singlehood. We challenge the notion that being single is to be endured as a waiting cell before the desired destination of marriage. Kuda reflects on his own journey of navigating singleness as a black man and the responsibility that comes with being seen as an eligible bachelor. We explore how embracing singleness with joy, adventure, and self-awareness can lay the foundation for deeper, healthier relationships in the future. We also discuss the risks of rushing into marriage out of fear or cultural/religious pressure, and how clarity in your single years can shape the kind of partnership you choose in the future . This episode is a celebration of singlehood as a space for growth, joy, and radical self-love. Whether you’re already married, seeking, or navigating the complexities of being single, this conversation offers a fresh lens on how to live fully in the now, whatever it looks like for you.
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1:09:23
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1:09:23
What traveling reveals about oneself and the world
And we’re back! After a 3 week break, An Extraordinary Take returns with its 10th episode. In today’s episode, we dive deep into the transformative power of travel. More than just a leisure activity, travel is a gateway to expanding your worldview, challenging your assumptions, and connecting with the broader human experience. We unpack the myths and misconceptions that often hold people back, like the idea that you need a partner or a group of friends to travel, or that your life must be perfectly in order (complete with a house and car) before you can explore the world. We challenge these limiting beliefs and invite you to consider travel as an act of courage, curiosity, and self-discovery. We also explore how travel opens your heart, not just to the beauty and joy of other cultures, but also to their pain and struggles. We reflect on the importance of empathy and how being present to the suffering of others, like the ongoing genocide in Gaza, can profoundly shape how we choose to show up in the world. This is not just an episode about destinations, it’s about awakening. It’s about seeing yourself and others more clearly, and embracing the responsibility that comes with that awareness. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or someone dreaming of your first trip, this episode will inspire you to move beyond fear, beyond comfort, and into a life of deeper connection and purpose.
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1:06:58
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1:06:58
The Trap of “More and Better”: Escaping the Endless Chase
In a world where luxury is celebrated and progress is often measured by possessions, many of us find ourselves caught in a loop, waiting for the next big thing, the next breakthrough, the next season of abundance, before we allow ourselves to truly live. But what if this constant pursuit of “more” is quietly robbing us of the richness of the present moment? This episode invites listeners to pause and reflect: Are we living in a state of perpetual waiting, believing that fulfillment lies just beyond the next achievement or acquisition? With influencer culture on the rise and comparison more accessible than ever; the pressure to measure up can make contentment feel like a distant dream. We also explore the subtle dangers of romanticising the future while resenting the present, and ask: What does it mean to be truly content with life as it is, even if we believe it could be better? Can we create joy, meaning, and memories with what we have now, instead of postponing our “best life” for a future that may never arrive? Join us we unpack what it really means “to arrive.” Is there ever a point where we feel we have enough? Or are we chasing a moving target, forever stuck in a cycle of wanting and striving for more ? This episode of An Extraordinary Take challenges the narrative of endless pursuit and invites you to consider the possibility that the present moment, unfiltered and unembellished, might already be enough.
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48:08
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48:08
Could you be the problem ? Spotting Toxic Traits in Yourself at Work
In this episode we dive into the complex world of workplace dynamics with HR Specialist Thobeka Msweli. Together, we explore what really goes on behind the office doors, from the subtle signs of a toxic work culture to the often-unspoken reasons why internal promotions are passed over in favor of external hires. Thobeka brings her expert lens to help us understand how to recognise if you might be the toxic colleague and what it takes to change for the better. We also unpack practical strategies for increasing your visibility at work, positioning yourself for growth, and navigating career transitions. Whether you're a young graduate trying to break into the job market or a seasoned professional feeling stuck, this episode offers honest insights, actionable advice, and a fresh perspective on how to thrive in today’s challenging workplace landscape. Tune in for a bold and extraordinary take on the realities of work and how to make it work for you.
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1:18:48
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1:18:48
Ukukotiza: Sacred Tradition or Subtle Oppression?
This week, I’m joined by Producer, Pastor, and Podcaster Blaq Nubon who is the creator and host of That Husband Podcast, the only podcast on the continent dedicated to husbands under the powerful theme: “Husbands who know better, do better.” Together, we dive deep into the institution of marriage and the many dynamics that shape it. From ukukotiza, (a traditional Zulu practice where a new wife (makoti) lives with her in-laws to learn domestic skills and adapt to her new role as caregiver for her husband and extended family) to the ways men communicate in relationships as well as how cultural customs continue to influence modern unions. We also ask the big questions: Do age-old practices like ukotiza still have a place in today’s world? How can couples create their own relationship dynamics in a society where everyone seems to have an opinion on how marriage should work? Whether you're married, considering marriage, or simply curious about how relationships evolve within the African context, this episode offers honest insights, cultural reflection, and practical wisdom. Let us know what you think by rating this episode or leaving a comment on our social media platforms.
Welcome to An Extraordinary Take! I'm Sibonisile Ngubane Cossa—a Public Relations Specialist, former Journalist, Poet, and Public Speaker—driven by a passion for uncovering the extraordinary within the ordinary.
This podcast celebrates the courage to stand out in a world that often rewards blending in. Together, we'll explore stories that reignite our unique flames, showcasing how embracing what makes us different can leave a lasting, unreplicable mark on the world.
Join me in discovering the extraordinary within all of us—where being different isn’t just welcomed but celebrated for its potential to spark change.
Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share. Let’s journey together toward embracing and expressing the magic that makes us extraordinary.
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