Don't hold back: say it loud!

About Don't hold back: say it loud!

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.

Publisher

JacPod

Category

society & culture

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

28 Jun 2022

Latest episode

5 Nov 2025

Latest episodes

33 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   5 Nov 2025

   Marriage unfiltered: The truth behind the 'perfect' social media life

   nstagram shows us flowers, holidays, and perfect couple selfies. But what’s really happening behind those posts? In this season finale of Don’t Hold Back, Nozibele Qamngana-Mayaba sits down with her husband, Skhu Mayaba, for a real, funny, and honest conversation about what love looks like when no one’s watching. They unpack the truth behind curated couple content and explore how real relationships require growth, patience, and quiet acts of love. If you’ve ever wondered whether your relationship measures up, this one is for you. Production credits: A DW Africa vodcast created in collaboration with Jacaranda FM and East Coast Radio. Nozibele Qamngana-Mayaba – Host Wanjiku Mwaura – Lead Producer (DW) Silja Fröhlich – Lead Producer (DW) Asumpta Lattus – Executive Producer (DW) Diane Macpherson – Executive Producer (Kagiso Media Radio) Ntsikelelo Khanyile – Production Assistant (Kagiso Media Radio) Wandile Langeni – Production Assistant (Kagiso Media Radio) Thandiwe Nkoana – Lead Videographer and Editor Ronnie Nkoana – Assistant Videographer #DontHoldBackPodcast | #LoveUnfiltered | #MarriageInRealLife | #CoupleConversations | #NoFilterRelationships | #SkhuAndNozi | #SayItLoud

2. 

   22 Oct 2025

   The pain we never name: Healing the mother wound

   What happens when your first heartbreak is your mother? In this deeply personal episode, author and coach Moshitadi Lehlomela joins Nozibele Qamngana-Mayaba to talk about the quiet pain many people carry --the mother wound. Moshitadi shares how she first recognised her own wound at university, when anxiety and depression began to surface. “I realised that I had a mother wound in varsity,” she says. “I felt alone. I felt defective.” Nozi opens up with empathy and honesty, creating a safe space for a conversation about pain, forgiveness, and self-discovery. Together, they unpack how childhood wounds resurface in adulthood, how to unlearn toxic patterns, and what it means to mother yourself with compassion. “You’ve already done great work so far,” Moshitadi reminds listeners. “Maybe the coping mechanisms you developed are not healthy, but you’ve been doing your best trying to protect yourself.” This conversation is about healing, identity, and finding peace -- even when the love that shaped you also left a scar. More about Moshitadi Lehlomela Moshitadi Lehlomela is a writer, coach, and entrepreneur who helps people heal from the mother wound — the deep emotional scars left by maternal pain. She’s the author of The Girl Who Survived Her Mother and Healing the Mother Wound, and through her work she guides others toward self-love, emotional freedom, and breaking generational patterns. Core production team: Nozibele Qamngana-Mayaba – Host Wanjiku Mwaura – Lead Producer (DW) Silja Fröhlich – Lead Producer (DW) Asumpta Lattus – Executive Producer (DW) Diane Macpherson – Executive Producer (Kagiso Media Radio) Ntsikelelo Khanyile – Production Assistant (Kagiso Media Radio) Wandile Langeni – Production Assistant (Kagiso Media Radio) Thandiwe Nkoana – Lead Videographer & Editor Ronnie Nkoana – Assistant Videographer #DontHoldBack #HealingTheMotherWound #MoshitadiLehlomela #SelfLoveJourney #NozibeleQamnganaMayaba

3. 

   8 Oct 2025

   Let's talk about sex, AGAIN

   * Content warning: This episode contains adult themes and is intended for listeners aged 18 and older.* You wanted more candid conversations about sex, so here it is: Nozibele reconnects with gynaecologist and sexologist Dr Nompumelelo "Mpume" Zenda, aka Dr Gynae, for an open, no-holds-barred talk on everything from libido and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) to first-time sex experiences. They debunk myths, explore female pleasure, and discuss why honest conversations around sexuality are essential to health and happiness. This episode explores topics many shy away from: celebrating body confidence, understanding hormonal health challenges like PCOS, and affirming that your sexual journey is valid at every stage of life. Whether you're curious, confused, or ready to break free from silence, this episode offers insight, support, and truth without judgment or taboo. In this episode: 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 00:14 Guest Introduction and Popular Demand 01:00 Diving into Sex and Sexuality 02:46 First Time Sex: Expectations vs. Reality 06:10 Understanding Vaginal Tightness 08:44 Self-Pleasure and Masturbation 15:30 Contraceptives and Libido 17:22 The Importance of Lube 18:17 Postpartum Sex Drive 19:45 Intimacy and Communication 20:08 Debunking Myths About Women's Sex Drive 21:32 The Role of Romance 22:08 Initiating Intimacy 26:15 Maintaining Sexual Chemistry 30:39 Stimulating the Senses 32:55 Final Thoughts and Takeaways About Dr Nompumelelo Zenda Dr Nompumelelo Zenda is a Johannesburg-based OB-Gynae and medical sexologist, renowned for advancing sexual and reproductive health in South Africa. Founder of the innovative wellness consultancy We See You, and a Fellow of the European Committee of Sexual Medicine, Dr Zenda blends medical expertise with cultural awareness. Through her media work, advocacy, and teaching, she empowers young South Africans to take confident control over their bodies, health, and relationships. Don't forget to Like, Subscribe, and Share to keep breaking the silence. This show is a collaboration between DW and leading South African radio stations, Jacaranda FM and East Coast Radio.

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

YouTube views

85,173,813

Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025

Spotify

4.9 / 5

29 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 67 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

64

Social presence

0

YouTube

93

Engagement

82

Contact Don't hold back: say it loud!

Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.

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