Anele Podcast: Her & Now returns for a new season of honest conversations

South African broadcaster Anele Mgudlwa is back behind the microphone as The Anele Podcast: Her & Now returns for a second season, continuing important conversations about the realities facing women in South Africa. 

The podcast, created in partnership with First for Women, builds on the findings of the latest Her & Now Report, A World Built for Someone Else. The research reveals that many women are navigating systems, services and everyday responsibilities that were not designed with their needs in mind. 

A platform for women's voices 

After the success of its debut season, the podcast will once again create space for women to share their personal experiences, challenges and lessons learned. 

For Anele, the podcast has become more than just another media project. It has provided an opportunity for meaningful reflection and deeper conversations about the pressures women face, regardless of how successful they may appear on the surface. 

The first season explored themes including family expectations, emotional wellbeing, resilience and the unseen burdens many women carry. Through open and vulnerable discussions, guests shared experiences that resonated with audiences across the country. 

Inspired by the Her & Now research 

The podcast was inspired by First for Women's annual Her & Now Report, which examines the lived experiences of South African women. 

While the inaugural report focused on a simple but powerful question, "How are you feeling?", the latest edition asks a more challenging one: if women are already carrying significant responsibilities, are the institutions, products and services around them helping to ease that load, or are they simply expecting women to keep coping? 

Drawing insights from research involving more than 6,000 South African women since 2025, the report highlights the gap between what women need and what many systems currently provide. 

Looking ahead to season two 

With one season behind her, Anele says she is approaching the next chapter with a fresh perspective. Having reflected on previous interviews, she hopes to create even more space for guests to tell their stories without interruption and allow conversations to unfold more naturally. 

The upcoming season promises deeper discussions with inspiring women who have navigated personal and professional challenges, offering listeners practical insights, encouragement and a sense of connection. 

Why these conversations matter 

The findings in A World Built for Someone Else reinforce a reality many women already know: success does not eliminate everyday pressures. From balancing work and family responsibilities to navigating services that often overlook their unique needs, women continue to carry a disproportionate share of emotional and practical labour. 

By bringing these experiences into the open, The Anele Podcast: Her & Now aims to help women feel seen, heard and understood, while encouraging broader conversations about how society can better support them. 

As the new season launches, listeners can expect honest storytelling, thought-provoking discussions and perspectives that reflect the realities of women across South Africa. 

Read the original story: Anele Mgudlwa returns with season two of The Anele Podcast: Her & Now on IOL.