Lebo Mashile Part I: Reclaiming Your Body and Power in a World That Wants to Silence You

From Body Shaming to Reclaiming Her Voice: Lebo Mashile on Turning Pain Into PowerLebo Mashile was publicly shamed for her pregnant body. Instead of shrinking, she turned her fury into a groundbreaking play about Saartjie Baartman — and a five-year excavation of how the exploitation of Black women's bodies shapes our world today.In this raw, two-part conversation, the iconic South African poet and playwright breaks down:Why Black women's bodies are still treated as public property — and how to reclaim yoursHow Saartjie Baartman's story is a portal to understanding the dehumanization of Black womenWhy your body is still a battleground — and how to defend your boundaries in a world that wants to bulldoze themWhat happens when you stop asking for a seat at the table and start becoming the whole houseHow to know when a risky creative vision is yours to pursue — even when the world says you're not readyPlus: Why politeness is poison when someone disrespects your body, your dreams, or your destiny.TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 — Why Lebo sat down to interview herself this season 04:56 — How a gossip column about her pregnant belly became a groundbreaking play 12:11 — Saartjie Baartman: the woman whose body was exploited in a freak show for centuries 18:02 — Why the public still feels entitled to Black women's bodies today 23:26 — The internal test that tells you when a creative risk is yours to take 32:29 — Why body shaming is never about your body — and how to stop backing downCONNECT WITH LEBO: Website: lebomashile.comInstagram: @lebomashile Twitter: @lebomashileMENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: 🎭 Lebo's play Saartjie vs Venus at the Market Theatre: markettheatre.co.za/shows/watch/saartjie-vs-venus📧 JOIN -  Expect fresh newsletters every week or so, where I share bare truths, storytelling tips and plenty of F-bombs.Ready to turn your ideas into influence? APPLY for 1:1 coaching to transform your voice into your greatest asset.