The Relebogile Mabotja Podcast

I sit down with award-winning musician, television and culinary personality J’Something. Best known as the frontman of Mi Casa, he reflects on the experiences, relationships, and defining moments that have shaped his journey.J’Something takes us back to his childhood and his upbringing in a family rooted in hospitality. He shares his first experience at church and the encounter that helped guide his path. Years later, a chance meeting led to the formation of Mi Casa and the group’s rapid rise to success.We explore his journey into food, from sharing a passion for cooking and food online to working alongside Michelin-starred chefs and building his own food platform.Beyond music and food, he opens up about the loss of his father and the impact of receiving the news just before stepping on stage. He also gets personal about his marriage, their love story, and a solo project dedicated to their relationship, which has still not been released. He reflects on fatherhood, the lessons it has taught him, and the legacy he hopes to leave behind.This is a purpose-filled conversation that will leave you feeling inspired and grateful.#RelebogileMabotjaPodcast #RelebogileMabotjaPod #JSomething #MiCasa

Brenda Mtambo has experienced the highs and challenges that come with building a life and career in the public eye. Known for her powerful voice and contribution to South African music, she joins Relebogile Mabotja to reflect on the experiences behind the woman audiences know today.Brenda takes us back to her childhood, growing up in a house marked by trauma, and shares how some of those early experiences stayed with her into adulthood. She also speaks about navigating the loss of both her grandmother and her mother, and finding her way through her relationship with her father.She reflects on love, marriage, and motherhood, including the choices she made while trying to hold onto a relationship and what it took to eventually choose a different path for herself and her children.The conversation also explores Brenda’s relationship with faith and mental health, and a moment when her struggle became public in an unexpected way.This is an emotional conversation filled with moments of vulnerability, reflection, and self-discovery.#RelebogilePod

Known for his work in branding, behavioural psychology and neuroscience, Timothy Maurice Webster has built a career exploring what drives human behaviour and how we understand ourselves and others. From his work as an author and researcher to his role as the host of Brands and Brains, Timothy has spent years unpacking the psychology behind influence, identity and human connection.In this episode, I speak to Timothy about some of the beliefs and behaviours that shape how we relate to one another. We explore the psychology behind men and women, sex and attraction, how we date, and what influences the way we see ourselves and others. He also shares his perspective on genetics and identity, including the ongoing conversation around Tyla’s self-description as “Coloured”.Timothy also reflects on his own journey, from growing up as a pastor’s kid in North Carolina to building a life and career in South Africa. He speaks about his relationship with faith, culture and identity, as well as his experiences of marriage, personal growth and the lessons he has learnt along the way.From neuroscience and branding to the complexities of human connection, this conversation goes beyond how we present ourselves to explore why we think, feel and behave the way we do — and what that reveals about us.#RelebogilePod #RelebogileMabotjaPod #RelebogileMabotjaPodcast #TimothyMauriceWebster

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic neurological condition that affects people in very different ways, yet many of its symptoms are not immediately visible. In this episode, I speak to specialist neurologist Dr Taniel Townsend about understanding MS, from what happens in the central nervous system to the early signs people may overlook.We explore the importance of recognising symptoms such as persistent pins and needles, changes in vision, and more. We also unpack some of the common misconceptions around MS, while exploring what it means to live with an illness that is not always visible and the importance of having the right support system.This is a conversation about understanding what we cannot always see, listening to our bodies, and recognising that while MS may be part of someone's journey, it does not define who they are.#RelebogileMabotjaPodcast #RelebogileMabotjaPod #MultipleSclerosis #MSAwareness#RelebogilePod

*THIS EPISODE CONTAINS DISCUSSIONS OF ILLEGAL SUBSTANCES, CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE, AND ADDICTION IN THE CONTEXT OF LIVED EXPERIENCES. THESE CONVERSATIONS ARE INTENDED TO INFORM AND RAISE AWARENESS, AND DO NOT ENCOURAGE OR PROMOTE ILLEGAL DRUG USE.*Known for making audiences laugh, comedian and actor Trevor Gumbi sits with me to tell his story of addiction, loss, choices, and rebuilding. We speak about how his experiences have influenced him personally and professionally, and the journey of finding his way through some of life’s most difficult moments.As someone who has spoken openly about his addiction, we delve into the realities and roots of addiction as Trevor unpacks what recovery looks like for him. Trevor reflects on the experiences he faced as a child, the role they have played in his journey, and his ongoing path towards healing, using what he has learnt along the way to help others navigate their own journeys.Trevor also reflects on his first marriage, fatherhood and the conversations he has had with his children.As his work continues to capture audiences, we chat about some of his most loved characters and the stories behind the man who brings them to life.Trevor’s story is ultimately one of starting over, finding a new sense of purpose, and learning how to move forward. It’s a conversation about accountability, growth, and what it means to rebuild your life — a story we can all learn and grow from.Watch 'Sober Companions' here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KJa-7cBFzosClick here for more information on Trevor's 'Boys To Men' Foundation: https://todaysfuture.org#RelebogileMabotjaPodcast #RelebogileMabotjaPod #RelebogilePod #TrevorGumbi

In this episode, I am joined by Palesa Nomthandazo Phumlele Modiga, better known as Zoë Modiga.Born in Durban and raised in Pietermaritzburg, this National School of the Arts alumna has carved out a distinctive space for herself in music and the creative world, taking her artistry from South Africa to the world.Zoë takes us back to the beginning of her journey, including the moment she reached out to a jazz musician for guidance as she found her way in the industry. She reflects on the experiences and people that have shaped her sound, creative process and the artist she has become.Describing herself as a hopeless romantic, Zoë opens up about love, relationships and the key lessons she has learnt from her parents, whose love, openness and support have helped shape the woman and artist she wants to become.Her creativity extends beyond music, with her distinctive fashion sense becoming an extension of her artistry and personal brand. She speaks about drawing inspiration from the people around her and how those influences find their way into her work, while navigating how others have interpreted and framed her words and creative expression.A conversation with a creative who continues to define herself on her own terms.#RelebogilePod

For the first episode of #RelebogilePod Season 3, I sit down with presenter, podcaster, and professional electrical engineer, Lungelo KM.Best known as the host of the popular podcast Engineer Your Life, Lungelo steps into the guest seat to reflect on his journey. He shares how being raised by a single mother, a dedicated teacher who encouraged him to pursue his goals, shaped his path, and explains how early exposure to representation in the field proved to him that his dreams were valid.Bringing his technical expertise to the conversation, Lungelo offers a candid perspective on South Africa's ongoing electricity crisis. He discusses the systemic and administrative challenges within the sector, explaining why he views the country's power struggles as a man-made issue rather than a lack of physical resources or engineering capability.In a raw and deeply personal segment, Lungelo opens up about the sudden loss of his mother during his third year of university. He reflects on the painful way he received the news, the insensitivity often found in modern social media culture around grief, and his long journey toward healing. He also discusses his intentional decision to rebuild his relationship with his father over the last five years, offering a thoughtful perspective on what it truly means to raise healthy children.Lungelo traces the rapid rise of Engineer Your Life, which he launched from his garden in 2022 with zero subscribers and built into a respected platform. With his characteristic warmth, intellect, and self-awareness, Lungelo’s story is a compelling testament to the power of resilience, consistency, and staying anchored to one's foundation.#RelebogilePod