More Than a Provider: Reimagining Black Fatherhood with Mutle Mothibe
In this powerful and heartfelt episode, acclaimed poet and writer Mutle Mothibe, a father of three, joins us for an intimate conversation about the evolving role of Black fathers in the household. We explore the profound distinction between being a father and being a dad, and how intentional parenting can foster lifelong friendships between fathers and their children, relationships that many in previous generations never had the tools or emotional language to build. Long before “gentle parenting” became a global phenomenon, Mutle was living it and embodying a style of fatherhood that is intentional, empathetic, and revolutionary. In this episode, we celebrate the anomaly he represents in his generation and the powerful example he sets for Black dads everywhere. Mutle opens up about the inner work required to show up not just as a provider, but as a present, emotionally attuned, and nurturing figure in his children's lives. We unpack how traditional titles and expectations often limit men from fully connecting with their children, and what it means to parent without a blueprint; especially in a society where Black fatherhood has long been misrepresented or misunderstood. Mutle shares how creating emotional safety at home has empowered his children to feel secure in themselves and in the world. He offers deep insights for both men and women on how to parent from a place of emotional clarity and self-awareness, rather than reaction, and how doing so allows children to experience the best version of their parents. We also dive into the importance of seeing children as whole human beings, not just as dependents, and how dehumanizing them through dismissal or control can fracture the parent-child bond. This episode is a celebration of healing, growth, and the redefinition of what it means to be a dad in today’s world.
--------
1:23:06
--------
1:23:06
Those Who Influence Your Perspective Shape Your Experience
"Your perspective will either become your Prison or your passport; choose wisely" Who has shaped the way you see the world? How much of what you believe about yourself and your life has been unconsciously influenced by others? In this episode, I reflect on a somewhat life altering day spent with two of my high school teachers. One, a fabulous woman in her late 50s, is navigating a cancer diagnosis with grace and joy that can only be described as inspirational. The other, a widow who has endured profound loss, radiated so much wisdom and wonder, it left me in awe. Despite their challenges, both women exuded such immense gratitude and light that it shifted something deep within me. It reminded me that our perspective doesn’t just shape how we see the world; it defines how we experience it. I realised that many of our limiting beliefs and negative thought patterns are inherited, not chosen. But once we become aware, we can choose differently. This episode invites you to examine your own perspective: Is it serving you or holding you back? Who’s influencing how you see the world, and is their view worth carrying forward? Or is it time to adopt new ways of living, loving, and experiencing life? If you're ready to reclaim your mindset, elevate your thinking, and live with more clarity and purpose, this conversation is for you.
--------
53:04
--------
53:04
Building a Life You Love Before Love Finds You
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.
--------
1:09:23
--------
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.
--------
1:06:58
--------
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.
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.
South Africa