In Conversation With… is a dynamic podcast where we engage in candid and thought-provoking conversations with PhD candidates, graduates, thought leaders, and experts from diverse fields. Join us as we explore a wide range of topics, including finding balance amidst academic and personal demands, navigating the mental health journey during the PhD process, uncovering the unspoken structural issues within universities, and addressing gatekeeping challenges. With each episode, we offer deep insights, practical advice, and inspiring stories to empower listeners on their own PhD journey and beyond. Whether you’re a current PhD student, a recent graduate, or simply curious about the world of academia and life post-PhD, this podcast is your go-to resource for navigating the complexities and opportunities of the academic and professional landscape
In today’s episode, I sit down with Dr. Hlengiwe Ndlovu to unpack the complex dynamics of state-society relations. We dive deep into the tension between freedom and democracy, exploring the often overlooked nuances of these concepts. Drawing from her thesis, Dr. Ndlovu shares insights from interviews with local historians in Duncan Village, who reveal that their struggle was not simply for democracy, but for something much deeper. Known for her unconventional approach, Dr. Ndlovu writes as a true labor of love, blending rigorous scholarship with heartfelt storytelling. Join us for this thought-provoking conversation.
Links to articles:
Dr Ndlovu’s PhD
https://wiredspace.wits.ac.za/items/4e6995ae-b6bb-49a9-96a2-c073f9acc021
Labor of love: Re‐membering dismembered bodies in community research
https://doi.org/10.1111/gwao.13117
Forgotten Bodies or Silenced Voices? Recasting Women’s Voices at the Bantu Square Massacre of East London, 1952
https://doi.org/10.1080/03057070.2023.2337516
Bodies that (do not) matter? Black Sunday and narratives of the death of Sister Aidan Quinlan in Duncan Village protest, 1952
https://doi.org/10.1080/10130950.2019.1690314
13 Feb 2025
Why perceptions matter: How Africans experience democracy
In this episode, the mic is turned as Keo Mbebe interviews me about my research on governance, democracy, and public perceptions in Africa. We discuss how everyday experiences shape democratic perceptions, the type of democrat emerging in Africa, and whether democracy is truly working for its people. From elections in SADC to the role of governance in shaping civic engagement, this conversation unpacks the complexities of African democracy beyond indexes and international rankings.
5 Feb 2025
Beyond the TRC: Rethinking Justice, Memory, and Healing in South Africa
I speak with Keo Mbebe about her PhD research on the TRC and its colonialist historiography. We unpack the TRC’s misplaced aims, the dangers of misusing concepts like reconciliation, and the enduring psychological and political consequences of South Africa’s unresolved history.
Links to articles |
Why impatience was a key facet of Tutu’s life story: https://www.news24.com/news24/opinion-keolebogile-mbebe-why-impatience-was-a-key-facet-of-tutus-life-story-20211229
29 Jan 2025
Migrant identities: rethinking belonging, ethnicity and citizenship
In this episode, Silindile Mlilo draws from her PhD research to shed light on unconventional forms of citizenship, the intersections of indigeneity and ethnicity, and the ways these “marginalized” groups assert agency and shape state practices. Join us as we unpack traditional notions of identity, citizenship, and nation-building.
22 Jan 2025
Rewriting Narratives: Pentecostal Women and Feminist Imaginaries
In this episode we’re joined by Tumi Mampane, a lecturer and PhD candidate whose research examines the portrayal of township femininities in South African media. We discuss how TV shows like Scandal and Gomora shape the perceptions of black and the evolving portrayals and perceptions of black township women in media and church. Tune in for a conversation on womanhood, faith, media, representation, and the power of storytelling.
Links |
Article: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/14725843.2022.2082378
Book: https://hsrcpress.ac.za/product/pentecostal-charismatic-women-constructions-of-femininity-in-alexandra-township/
15 Jan 2025
Black Female Therapists’ Experiences of Therapy with Black Female Clients
Charity Mkone explores how Black female therapists navigate complex dynamics with Black female clients, uncovering the nuances of therapy in a society where intersectionality shapes the therapeutic relationship.
26 Aug 2024
Mind, body & thesis
The PhD can be a fun and an adventurous journey of self, knowledge and the world and it also requires balance. Join Silindile, Ntokozo and I as we discuss the different waves of balance in the PhD journey.
Ps: this episode was recorded 2 months ago hence why I refer to it as episode 2
19 Aug 2024
When things don't go as planned
Today, we delve into a candid discussion on navigating the challenges when things don’t go as planned during the PhD journey
5 Aug 2024
From Masters to PhD
Today, we explore the transition ‘From Masters to PhD’, reflecting on the challenges, lessons, and personal growth experienced along the way
30 Jul 2024
Beyond doubt: Overcoming imposter syndrome in academia
Imposter syndrome in academia... let's talk about it. Imposter syndrome is something that affects all of us in some way, shape or form. Given that the PhD journey and academia is characterized by perfection and receiving criticism, chances are self-doubt becomes a common feature but it doesn't have to be our determining factor.
22 Jul 2024
In conversation with Dr. Palesa Nqambaza | I'm done with my PhD now what?!
In this episode Dr. Nqambaza takes us through her post PhD journey. After years of focusing on completing the PhD, one can forget what it is to fully live outside the PhD. From identity crisis, to toxic academic culture and navigating life after the PhD - we pretty much discuss it all.
16 Jul 2024
In conversation with Dr. Lebogang Mokwena | Lebo’s journey to book authorship
In this episode, join us as Dr. Mokwena shares her writing journey. Currently immersed in writing her debut book, Dr. Mokwena takes us through the motivations behind her decision to write, her transition into academia, and the challenges she has encountered along the way. We explore what it means to navigate traditional research frameworks within the complex context of Africa, focusing on insights drawn from her experiences in South Africa
8 Jul 2024
Welcome: In conversation with… Mmabatho Mongae
In this introductory episode of In Conversation with… Mmabatho Mongae shares a bit of background about herself, why she started In conversation with… an online platform to share candid conversations about the PhD journey and beyond; and what to expect.Thank you for listening!
5 Jul 2024
Trailer
Welcome to in conversation with… where we have candid conversations on the PhD journey and beyond. If you find yourself in a transition face, doing your PhD, thinking of doing your PhD then this podcast is for you!
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