An Extraordinary Take

The holiday season often brings us back into the heart of family but what happens when those spaces are no longer safe, supportive, or aligned with the healing work we've begun? In this powerful conversation with psychologist Dr. NkululekoMhlongo (Dr. Better), we unpack the realities of mental health in Black communities during the festive season. From navigating triggers and setting boundaries, to the rise of younger generations choosing therapy and even estrangement, this episode asks the tough questions: What does family really mean for us today? Are old habits and traditions serving the future we're trying to build? We also explore the stigma around depression, the generational shifts in therapy access, and how breaking cycles of silence and trauma can reshape what family looks like for generations to come. This episode is not just about surviving the holidays, it's about reimagining family, breaking generational curses, and creating space for healthier, more authentic connections.   

South Africa is often called the rape capital of the world, and the numbers are devastating: 15 women are murdered every day, and 117 rapes are reported daily; with thousands more going unreported. Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) is not just a crisis; it's a national emergency. In this episode of An Extraordinary Take, host Sibonisile Cossa sits down with Cameron Kasambala, spokesperson for Women For Change, the organisation behind the G20 Women's Shutdown campaign. This bold movement calls for GBVF to be declared a national disaster, unlocking urgent government intervention and systemic change. Together, we unpack: The cultural norms and belief systems that fuel GBVF, including the dangerous idea that men and women are not equal. How abuse is learned as early as age 7, perpetuating cycles of violence across generations. Why the G20 Women's Shutdown is a critical moment for South Africa—and how ordinary citizens can take action. This conversation is raw, urgent, and deeply human. It's not just for women, it's for men who want to listen, learn, and grow their empathy, and discover practical ways to support survivors and dismantle harmful norms. Trigger Warning: This episode discusses sexual violence, femicide, and trauma. Please take care of yourself while listening, and be kind to yourself if any part of the conversation feels triggering. Tune in, reflect, and join the movement to end GBVF.

This week's episode is more of a story time where we journey through the miraculous and the mysterious, these are moments where faith met the supernatural and the impossible became reality. You know those moments where every plan you had has gone out the window and you have nothing new up your sleeve; but how just when you were about to lose hope, things come together and work out even better than you had hoped or expected. I call these moments in my life my Faith Chronicles, the moments where I knew for certain that God really exists and is For Me. It's my faith chronicles that allowed my younger self to be more daring, to go for opportunities that seemed way above me, while trusting that the impossible was in fact, possible and that a miracle could just be on the other side of my daring to try.  As we grow older, the fearless parts of ourselves often get buried beneath the need for structure, certainty, and control. But this episode is a gentle, powerful reminder that we are never too old for childlike faith. It's a call to remember the magic that once moved us, the daring leaps we took without knowing the full story, and the grace that met us mid-air. Whether you're in a season of doubt or simply longing to reconnect with the wonder of trusting in the unseen, this episode will reignite your spirit. It's an invitation to believe again, to expect miracles, and to live with the quiet confidence that we are always looked after by a loving God.  You have your own Faith Chronicles too. Let this episode help you remember them so you can trust again.

Did you know that research shows people often prefer complainers over those who speak positively about their lives? It's a surprising truth that reveals how deeply our culture discourages self-celebration, especially for women. In this episode, we challenge the idea that humility means shrinking yourself. We explore how being too humble might actually be holding you back from the success, joy, and opportunities you deserve. If you've ever downplayed your achievements to seem more relatable or avoid being labeled as "braggy," this conversation is for you. We dive into: Why redefining bragging is a radical act of self-love How celebrating your wins can attract more abundance The power of betting on yourself and believing you could be the exception Minimizing your accomplishments doesn't serve you or the world. It's time to learn how to brag in a way that builds you up, inspires others, and honors the greatness within you.  If you're ready to shift how you see yourself, speak about your goals, and step into your power unapologetically—tune in. This might just be the mindset shift that unlocks your dream life.

Remember that episode about family members who only call when they need something? Well, Part 2 is here, and it's deeper, bolder, and more necessary than ever. This time, we're joined by Phumza Chuene, a Black Tax Coach and author of The Black Tax Survival Guide, a powerful guide that's helping Black professionals across South Africa and beyond reclaim their financial and emotional autonomy. In this episode, Phumza unpacks the cultural weight of Black Tax, the silent guilt that often accompanies success, and the emotional toll of being the "go-to" in your family. But this isn't just a conversation, it's a toolkit. Phumza shares practical strategies for setting boundaries, saying "No" without shame, and redefining what support looks like in a way that honors both heritage and personal well-being. If you've ever felt torn between love and obligation, or struggled to balance generosity with self-preservation, this episode is for you. It's raw, real, and radically empowering.