Former Miss South Africa 2020, author, and mental health advocate Shudufhadzo Musida is embarking on a powerful new journey with the launch of her podcast, Mindful Mondays with Shudu, set to debut on August 4, 2025.
Taking to Instagram, Shudufhadzo shared the emotional inspiration behind the project, describing it as “a love letter to the journey.” She revealed that the podcast has been nearly four years in the making, shaped by doubt, fear, and personal growth.
“What if I don’t get it right? What if I fail? What if no one listens?” she wrote. “But presence was the goal — not perfection. And sometimes, the most powerful thing you can do is just start.”
A Personal Beginning: “Thomani”
The title of the very first episode, “Thomani” — which means “to begin” in Tshivenda — reflects Shudufhadzo’s decision to start anew. It’s a theme that runs deeply through the entire project.
“This is me, beginning again,” she said.
A New Kind of Mental Health Conversation
Unlike many traditional mental health platforms, Mindful Mondays with Shudu aims to bring real, relatable conversations to the forefront — focusing on the quiet battles, personal breakthroughs, and everyday emotions that often go unspoken.
“It’s not just about definitions and diagnoses. It’s about the honest conversations we have with ourselves and each other,” she explained.
Episodes Across Three Cities — and the Heart
Episodes of the podcast were recorded across Johannesburg, Cape Town, and New York, with a mix of guest interviews and solo episodes featuring Shudufhadzo speaking from the heart.
“Just me, my mic, and what’s on my heart,” she said of the solo episodes, which are expected to offer listeners an intimate and vulnerable glimpse into her journey.
More to Come
While full details about upcoming episodes will be revealed this Sunday, including a potential live Q&A, Shudufhadzo has already made one thing clear: Mindful Mondays is a labor of love and a space for growth, healing, and connection.
“I’ve never done this before, and I’m really excited because Mindful Mondays started as a concept where I wanted to reach people where they are — not where I wanted them to be,” she added.
With her candid storytelling and deep commitment to mental wellness, Shudufhadzo Musida’s new podcast promises to be a powerful platform for reflection, community, and hope — one mindful Monday at a time.
