Friends with Benefits

About Friends with Benefits

A podcast created by two real-life best friends who are unafraid to talk about everything you’re already thinking but haven’t said out loud yet. From voice notes that became therapy to couch chats that turned into confessions, this show was born from friendship and fire - reflective, and sometimes ridiculous. We’ll drop into your ears with stories about love, work, adulting, glow-ups, heartbreak, personal growth, and all the things that happen between the big moments. “We’re not experts. We’re just real friends figuring it out with you.”

Publisher

Priyanka Nair and Yulea Roopai

Category

society & culture

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

7 Jun 2025

Latest episode

27 Aug 2026

Latest episodes

18 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   27 Aug 2026

   2026 Beauty Secrets & Makeup Bag Must-Haves

   In this episode of Friends with Benefits, we're giving you an exclusive look inside our makeup bags! From our everyday skincare routines to the makeup products we can't live without, we're sharing our favourite beauty finds, tried-and-tested hacks, and the little tips that help us look and feel our best. Whether you're a skincare enthusiast, a makeup lover, or just looking for your next holy grail product, this episode is packed with honest recommendations, beauty chat, and plenty of laughs. Grab your makeup bag and join the conversation!

2. 

   13 Aug 2026

   How to Navigate Your 20s, Overcome Fear & Find Yourself ft. Kalencia Naicker

   What does it actually mean to find yourself in your 20s? In this episode of Friends With Benefits, we sit down with Kalencia to talk about navigating your 20s, facing your fears, finding connection with your body, and how yoga can become so much more than just movement. We get real about the pressure to have your life figured out, the fears that hold us back, learning to trust yourself, and what it means to slow down and actually listen to your body. From yoga and wellness to identity, growth, fear and becoming the person you're meant to be — this is a conversation about figuring it out as you go. In this episode, we talk about: Navigating your 20s and the pressure to have it all figured out Fear and the things that hold us back Finding yourself and becoming comfortable with who you are Yoga and connecting with your body Personal growth and self-discovery Learning to trust yourself What it really means to slow down and be present If you're in your 20s and figuring life out, this one's for you. 🤍 Welcome to Friends With Benefits — a space for honest conversations about life, love, relationships, careers, wellness and everything in between. Subscribe and join the conversation. #FriendsWithBenefits #NavigatingYour20s #Yoga #SelfDiscovery #FindingYourself #Fear #SouthAfricanPodcast #Podcast

3. 

   30 Jul 2026

   Spiritual Journey Explained | Questioning God, Healing & Truth ft. 'Just another Akka' Preba Iyavoo

   In this episode of Friends With Benefits, we sit down with Preba (Just Another Akka) for a deep, honest conversation about spirituality, faith, and what it really means to find yourself. We talk about what a spiritual journey actually looks like beyond trends and aesthetics and get real about questioning God, unlearning beliefs, and navigating your own truth. We also unpack and debunk common myths around Hinduism and spirituality, exploring where these ideas come from and how they show up in modern life. This is a safe space for curiosity, doubt, growth, and self-discovery. If you’ve ever felt confused, disconnected, or like you’re searching for something deeper… this conversation is for you. ✨ Topics we cover: What is a spiritual journey? Is it okay to question God? Debunking common Hindu and spiritual myths Healing, growth, and self-discovery Finding your own truth Let us know your thoughts in the comments - do you think questioning God is part of growth? Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with someone who needs this conversation 🤍 #spiritualjourney #spirituality #questioninggod #healingjourney #selfdiscovery #hinduism #podcast

4. 

   16 Jul 2026

   Surviving Hair Loss and Postpartum Depression | Theshanya Pillay Founder of Maha Haircare

   In Episode 2, we're joined by Theshanya Pillay, the founder of Maha Haircare, for an open and inspiring conversation about the realities behind entrepreneurship and personal healing. Theshanya shares her journey of creating Maha Haircare, the inspiration behind the brand, and why hair loss is about so much more than what's visible on the surface. We also dive into the emotional realities of postpartum depression, navigating grief and loss, and finding the strength to rebuild through life's most challenging seasons. In this episode, we discuss: • Theshanya's journey to founding Maha Haircare • Hair loss and its impact on confidence and identity • Postpartum depression and maternal mental health • Grief, loss, resilience, and healing • Building a purpose-driven business Whether you're an entrepreneur, a mother, someone experiencing hair loss, or simply looking for an honest conversation about resilience, this episode offers insight, hope, and encouragement. If you enjoyed this episode, please like, comment, and subscribe to support the podcast and help us reach more listeners. Follow us for more inspiring conversations every week. #HairLoss #MahaHaircare #TheshanyaPillay #Podcast #PostpartumDepression #MentalHealth #Entrepreneurship #WomenInBusiness #Healing #Motherhood

5. 

   3 Jul 2026

   Season 2 Catch Up: ADHD, Family Drama, Football, Marriage.

   Welcome back to Season 2 of Friends with Benefits with your hosts, Yulea and Priyanka! We're so excited to be back and kicking off a brand-new season with plenty of laughs, honest banter, and a little bit of chaos. In this episode, we reveal who got engaged, unpack the realities of ADHD, dive into marriage and family drama, and even spark a heated debate about football. Grab a drink, get comfortable, and join us for another fun-filled episode of Friends with Benefits!

6. 

   16 Nov 2025

   South Africa's Women Shutdown: A Conversation We Wish We Didn’t Have to Record

   In today’s off-season car chat, we’re talking about something heavier than our usual content — because South Africa is heavy right now. On 21 November, women across the country will take part in the G20 Shutdown in solidarity with the fight against GBVF, led by Women for Change South Africa. In this episode, we unpack what gender-based violence really is (beyond what people normally assume), how deeply it affects everyday life in SA, the heartbreaking timeline of cases that pushed this movement into existence, and why this shutdown matters more than another hashtag or awareness day. We also dig into how the movement started, who’s behind Women for Change, the stories that shaped it, and what real support looks like — from men, from communities, and from each of us individually. This is an unfiltered, emotional, but necessary conversation. Because no woman should have to live like this. And no one should be silent.

7. 

   21 Oct 2025

   The One Where We Talk Diwali, Sweet Meats and The Meaning of Deepavali

   🎆 Diwali: Light, Meaning & Memory ✨ In this special episode, we dive into the glowing celebration of Diwali, the Festival of Lights — not just as a cultural tradition, but as a living memory that shaped our childhoods and continues to inspire our present. Join us as we reflect on what Diwali means to us, beyond the diyas and fireworks. We talk about the values it represents — light over darkness, good over evil, knowledge over ignorance — and how those themes show up in our lives today. From family rituals and pujas to decorating the house with rangoli and twinkling lights, we revisit the magic and meaning of how we grew up celebrating. Of course, no Diwali is complete without sweets! 🍬 So we’re also dishing out some sweet meat trivia (yes, that’s a real phrase — and we’re here for it). Ever wondered where gulab jamun really comes from? Or why kaju katli is shaped like diamonds? We’ve got some fun facts and flavorful stories around the beloved mithai that makes Diwali delicious. Whether you're lighting your first diya or your hundredth, or just curious to learn more about this radiant festival, this episode is a warm, welcoming space to connect, reflect, and celebrate. 🪔 Light a candle, grab a ladoo, and let’s talk Diwali.

8. 

   24 Sept 2025

   Ships, Sugar, and Survival | The One Where We Talk South African Heritage

   📖 Episode Description (extended, reflective) This episode is the beginning of our season finale — Part 1 of a two-part conversation where we reflect on our roots as South African Indians. We dive into the story of indentured labourers, our ancestors who came to South Africa under contracts of hardship and survival. From long ship journeys to gruelling days in the cane fields, they endured conditions that tested both body and spirit — yet they built lives that carried forward resilience, culture, and faith. We’re not historians or experts — we’re simply two women learning, piecing together what we know, what we’ve heard, and what has been passed down through family, community, and culture. This conversation is about remembering, questioning, and keeping those fragments alive so that they’re not lost to silence. Our hope is to honour the sacrifices of the generations before us, who worked tirelessly to give their children and grandchildren opportunities that were once unimaginable. We also want to spark more conversations in families and communities — to ask questions, to learn, and to share. Because while we may not have all the answers, we believe it’s important to keep the story alive. To remember that we stand on the shoulders of those who came before us — and to be proud of the roots that shaped us.

9. 

   6 Sept 2025

   Breaking up with success | the one where we rethink it all

   Success. We all chase it, but few of us ever stop to ask what it actually means. Is it the job title, the salary, the car, the relationship, the house… or is it something softer, like peace of mind, freedom, and living on your own terms? In this episode of Friends with Benefits, we sit down and get brutally honest about the myths and realities of “making it” in your 20s and 30s. We talk about: 🎓 The pressure of chasing traditional markers of success (Big 4 jobs, degrees, promotions). 💡 The messy transition from what success was sold to us as kids vs. what it looks like in adulthood. 🥂 The small wins that count more than the highlight reel — from paying rent on time to surviving toxic work culture. 🪞 How comparison to friends, family, and social media can trick you into thinking you’re behind. 🌱 Why redefining success might be the key to actually feeling fulfilled. This conversation is part laughter, part therapy session, and part wake-up call. By the end, you might just realize that success isn’t a destination — it’s the tiny everyday moments you never gave yourself credit for.

10. 

    22 Aug 2025

    Slammed Doors & Silent Treatments 🚪 | The One Where We Talk Conflict

    Conflict happens everywhere — with partners, friends, family, even coworkers. 😅 But here’s the thing: it’s not about avoiding conflict, it’s about learning how to handle it without burning bridges (or slamming doors). In this episode of Friends With Benefits, we dive into the messy, unavoidable, and sometimes hilarious world of conflict resolution in relationships of all kinds. From petty arguments over WhatsApp replies to big disagreements that shake entire friendships or families, we’re breaking down what works, what doesn’t, and why some fights leave scars while others bring you closer. 👀 What we get into: Why conflict isn’t always bad (and can actually be healthy) The difference between resolving a fight vs. “winning” one Common mistakes people make when arguments get heated How to handle silent treatments, overreactions, and miscommunication The role of ego, pride, and timing in any conflict Our personal stories of fights with partners, friends, and even coworkers (yes, it gets real) ⚡ Spoiler: conflict is inevitable, but drama is optional. The way you show up in tough conversations says more about your growth than the fight itself. 💬 Comment below: How do you handle conflict? Are you the peacemaker, the over-thinker, the ghoster, or the “let’s talk right now” person? We want to hear your survival strategies (and your funny fight stories). ✨ New episodes of Friends With Benefits drop every week — hit subscribe and tap the bell 🔔 to stay in the loop for more raw, relatable, and sometimes chaotic conversations. #ConflictResolution #Relationships #FriendsWithBenefitsPodcast

11. 

    2 Aug 2025

    What The Health??? | The One Where We Talk About What We Eat, How We Feel—and Everything We Got Wrong First

    Welcome back to Friends With Benefits! 🌿 This is Part 2 of our wellness series. In this episode, we’re getting into the heart of what health really means to us—not just physically, but mentally and emotionally too. It’s not about chasing perfection or sticking to strict rules. It’s about learning how to take care of ourselves in ways that actually feel good—and sustainable. We’re talking: ✨ How our relationship with food and health has evolved over the years ✨ The small habits (around eating, movement, and mindset) that make a big difference ✨ Why nourishment is about more than what’s on your plate ✨ Letting go of guilt, pressure, and wellness “shoulds” This isn’t a detox. It’s not a diet. It’s a real conversation about how food, self-awareness, and intentional choices can support your overall well-being—without the burnout. If you’ve ever felt confused by mixed messages around health and eating, this episode is your permission to slow down, tune into what works for you, and redefine what “healthy” really looks like in your life. Let’s get into it. 🥑💛

12. 

    26 Jul 2025

    Lettuce Turn You On… | The One Where One of Us Went Vegan

    In this deeply personal and refreshingly honest episode, the conversation dives into the evolving relationships we have with food, identity, and conscious living. What begins with a story of a vegan awakening unfolds into a much wider reflection on how what we eat connects to how we see ourselves, the world around us, and the values we choose to live by. It’s a conversation about shifts—not just in diet, but in mindset, spirituality, self-awareness, and intention. Together, we explore the “why” behind these choices: the small moments that plant the seeds, the ethical and emotional wake-up calls, and the cultural and personal reckonings that come with doing things differently. Of course, the journey isn’t always easy. We get real about the awkward conversations, the social and family pressures, the internal conflicts, and the discomfort of making conscious choices in a world that often runs on autopilot. But we also share the beauty of what’s gained: deeper self-connection, more mindful eating, unexpected clarity, and a greater sense of alignment in life. Whether you’re plant-based, curious, or simply craving a more intentional way of living—this episode is for anyone navigating the messy, meaningful middle of figuring it all out. So… lettuce turn you on to a whole new way of thinking about food, values, and what it really means to live in alignment.

13. 

    13 Jul 2025

    The One Where We Survived Our 20s

    Your 20s… the decade where you're supposed to figure it all out — but really, you’re just trying to survive with your dignity (and some savings) intact. In this episode, we reflect on the highs, lows, lessons, and late-night breakdowns that defined our 20s. From heartbreaks and career detours to finding our voice, setting boundaries, and learning what actually matters — we’re unpacking it all with raw honesty, a little humour, and a lot of hindsight. Whether you're still in the thick of it or on the other side, this episode is your reminder that you're not alone in the chaos. Growth is messy, healing isn’t linear, and honestly? We’re still figuring it out. Tune in for stories we’ve never told, lessons we wish we’d learned sooner, and the green (and red) flags we only started seeing in hindsight.

14. 

    27 Jun 2025

    The One With the Pitch, the Player & the Crush

    Whether you're pitch-side with a snack in hand or just here for the vibes—this episode is for you. ⚽🏏🏉 In this week's Friends With Benefits, we're throwing it back to our earliest memories of sport—the first games we ever watched, the energy of live stadiums, and how sports culture shaped our childhoods and friendships. Of course, it wouldn’t be us without a little twist: we’re also chatting about the sports stars who made our hearts race—from Ronaldo and the Springboks, to a certain Proteas player or two 👀. We celebrate South African sporting greatness, the joy of watching our teams become champions, and what it actually means to be a fan. This episode is a love letter to the world of sport—from the sound of a whistle to the adrenaline of a game-winning try—blended with the personal stories and pop culture chaos that make it ours. Whether you're into the game or just into the players… you’ll feel right at home.

15. 

    21 Jun 2025

    The One Where We Redefine the Flags

    We all love to throw around terms like “red flag” and “green flag”… but have we taken it too far? 👀 In this episode, we dig into where the flag language came from, how social media has distorted it, and why some so-called “red flags” might just be signs of humanity—not toxicity. We also talk about the green flags that really matter, how to spot emotional safety, and why it’s time to move past surface-level checklists. Let’s get honest about what we’re actually looking for. Episode 4 is live now on Friends With Benefits 🫶 #TheOneWhere #FriendsWithBenefitsPod #RedFlagsGreenFlags #RelationshipRealness #FWBFridays #UnfilteredConversations

16. 

    7 Jun 2025

    The One Where We Realised Sharing a Bed Isn’t the Hard Part

    Who says you need a ring to move in? In this episode, we’re getting into why we’re actually pro living together before marriage — and how sharing a space taught us more about love, boundaries, and compatibility than anything else could. We talk about: The real reasons we chose to move in with our partners What cohabiting reveals that dating doesn’t Why fighting over dishes is actually a blessing in disguise How living together early gave us clarity, not confusion Navigating the chaos, closeness, and growth — together Forget the outdated rules. This isn’t about “testing” the relationship — it’s about learning, evolving, and being brave enough to grow up alongside someone else. If you’ve ever questioned whether moving in too soon is a mistake... this one might change your mind.

17. 

    7 Jun 2025

    The One Where We Couldn’t Take It Anymore

    Let’s call it what it is — some workplaces aren’t just “challenging”… they’re toxic. In Episode 2, we’re digging into our own personal stories with workplace bullying, emotionally unsafe environments, and how hustle culture masked deep burnout for way too long. We explore: The emotional impact of narcissistic bosses and power-tripping managers How staying silent kept us stuck What burnout actually felt like (and how we missed the signs) The shame that comes with walking away Why "being strong" cost us more than we thought Whether you’ve stayed in a job that slowly crushed your spirit or felt the weight of being "resilient" for too long — this one's for you.

18. 

    7 Jun 2025

    The One Where We Had No Business Starting a Podcast

    We weren’t childhood friends. In fact, we went to the same primary school and never even spoke. Fast forward years later — we crossed paths at work, had one deep chat, and the rest was friendship fate. In this first episode of Friends With Benefits, we’re sharing the unexpected story of how our friendship started, who made the first move, and why we knew we had to start this podcast together. We get honest about what it’s like forming real adult friendships, how connection can find you at the most random times, and why we believe this space is needed now more than ever. Think of this episode as your intro to us — unfiltered, open-hearted, and just a little chaotic. Welcome to the soft launch of your new favourite podcast 🫶🏽

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Spotify

5.0 / 5

2 ratings

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Books guests

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