What if your pain wasn’t “just period cramps”? In this episode our host Selma Ndasilohenda Iyambo sits down with Menethe Nawes, a sport nutritionist, Namibia Hockey Development Coordinator, and Vice Chairman of the Namibian Rugby Women’s Committee to unpack her journey living with endometriosis which started at the age of 14. 

From crippling leg pain, fatigue, and brain fog to weight fluctuations, emotional breakdowns, and spiritual questioning, Menethe shares the unfiltered truth about navigating life with a misunderstood condition that affects 1 in 10 people with uteruses globally.

Together, they explore:

Whether you’ve heard of endometriosis or not, this episode will help you understand period pain, chronic illness, and the symptoms of endometriosis. 

This episode is recorded at the #BeFree Youth Campus in Katutura, powered by #BeFree Studios and the One Economy Foundation

As we wrap up Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month, this episode asks a question we don’t ask nearly enough: Who holds men? In a world where men are expected to be strong, and always in control, we’re joined by clinical psychologist Gregorious Amadhila from the One Economy Foundation to explore what it means to create safe spaces for men to heal and grow.

Gregory shares his personal journey of seeking help after a breakup and reflects on how supportive networks, friends, family, and loved ones can be a lifeline during mental health crises. From the burden of societal expectations to the role of faith and community, this episode delves into the emotional lives of men. It challenges the norms that keep many suffering in silence.

Recorded live at the #BeFree Youth Campus in Katutura, this conversation is part of our mission to normalise honest, judgment-free conversations about sexual and mental health.

Tune in to hear:

Why men struggle to ask for help

Which safe spaces work

How brotherhood circles and spirituality shape healing

What men wish others understood about their mental health

And how we can all help create spaces where men feel seen, heard, and supported

Trigger Warning: This conversation covers sensitive topics that may be distressing to some listeners. If you need psychological or reproductive health support, please contact the @BeFreeYouth Campus for free care and assistance at 083 372 6550.

What does it mean to “man up,” and at what cost? In this episode, our host Selma Ndasilohenda Iyambo is joined by motivational speaker and life coach Lloyd Sikeba to explore the silent crisis surrounding men’s mental health in honour of Men's Mental Health Awareness Month.Recorded live at the #BeFree Youth Campus in Katutura, this conversation delves into the stigma that prevents many men from speaking out, as well as the cultural and social conditioning that teaches boys to suppress their emotions. They discuss the long-term effects of untreated mental health issues such as depression and anxiety.Lloyd shares his journey of seeking counseling and the inner struggle he faced in letting go of pride to ask for help. He reflects on how societal expectations of masculinity often discourage men from being vulnerable, which can lead to dire consequences.Together, they emphasize the importance of supporting boys, debunking harmful stereotypes, and creating safe spaces for men and boys to express themselves without fear or shame. This episode serves as a heartfelt call to action during Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month; true strength lies not in silence, but in seeking support.

Ever heard someone say a vagina should smell like roses? Or that eating pineapple can change its taste & scent?

Let’s set the record straight.

In our upcoming episode, we’re joined by Cara Dunaski, a senior scientist from the Namibia Institute of Pathology , who debunks myths about vaginal odor.

She also highlights the importance of vaginal odor & why it should be maintained.

The episode drops today at 18:00 on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

In this episode of the Sex Talks Podcast, recorded live at the #BeFree Youth Campus in Katutura, our host Selma Ndasilohenda Iyambo is joined by Dr. Cara Dunaiski, Senior Research Scientist at the Namibia Institute of Pathology. Togehter, they explore everything you didn’t know you needed to know about vaginal discharge.

The discussion covers what "normal" discharge looks, feels, and smells like, as well as how to recognize changes that may indicate issues like yeast infections, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), or bacterial imbalances. This conversation is filled with essential information.

Dr. Dunaiski explains the important role vaginal discharge plays in keeping the vagina clean and healthy. She also discusses why over-the-counter treatments like clotrimazole can sometimes be ineffective and emphasizes the importance of lab testing before starting any medication. Additionally, the episode addresses the risks associated with using douching products and perfumed soaps.

Selma and Dr. Dunaiski also debunk viral myths from social media, share practical tips for maintaining vaginal health, and conclude the episode with a quick-fire segment that busts myths and offers empowering truths and advice.

Your body isn’t dirty, and your questions aren’t shameful. Remember, discharge is normal, and knowledge is power. Tune in now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

In this emotionally charged episode of the Sex Talks Podcast, host Selma Ndasilohenda Iyambo sits down with Dr. Veronica Theron, a social worker and the Director of Health and Wellness at the #BeFree Youth Campus. Together, they address the urgent and heartbreaking issue of sexual violence against children in Namibia, a national crisis that often goes unheard and unspoken. 

Trigger Warning: This episode discusses child sexual abuse, which some listeners may find distressing. Please listen in a safe space, take breaks if needed, and seek support if necessary. For assistance, contact Lifeline/Childline Namibia at 116 or reach out to the #BeFree Youth Campus.

Dr. Theron provides insight into the current trends and harsh realities surrounding child sexual abuse. She reveals the painful truth that in most cases, the perpetrators are not strangers but trusted individuals within the child's environment. The conversation explores the complexities of disclosure and justice, as well as how silence, stigma, and systemic failures continue to harm survivors.

The episode also highlights the importance of education, supportive families, and community accountability. Pefimbo Shipunda, a Senior Social Worker at the One Economy Foundation, introduces the “Don’t Touch Me, I Will Report You” campaign launched by the foundation. This initiative empowers children to speak up and assert their right to safety in their own vernacular language and context.

While this is not an easy conversation, it is a necessary one. By shedding light on the issue and offering tools for prevention and support, this episode calls on all of us to listen, believe survivors, and take action to protect every child.

⚠️ Trigger Warning: This conversation includes discussions on sexual violence. If you feel overwhelmed, take a break or reach out for support. Mental health services are available through the #BeFree Youth Campus and other trusted resources listed in the episode.

In this essential episode of Sex Talks Podcast, our host Selma Ndasilohenda Iyambo sits down with Elize Viall, a Senior Social worker at the One Economy Foundation, to unpack the legal and emotional realities of rape, consent, and survivor rights under Namibian law.

Together, they explore what legally constitutes rape including coercive circumstances and emphasize that consent can be withdrawn at any time, even in marriage or committed relationships. The episode also dives into what survivors can do immediately after an assault, how the criminal justice process works, and what support services are available.

From challenging harmful myths to acknowledging the realities male survivors face, this episode aims to empower listeners with knowledge, compassion, and actionable support.

Join Elize Viall, Senior Social Worker One Economy Foundation, as she unpacks what the age of consent is under the Namibian law and three different instances of rape under the Combating of the Immoral Practices Act .🎙️

TW: This conversation addresses sensitive topics that may be distressing for some listeners. If you need psychosocial or reproductive health services, please contact the @BeFreeYouth Youth Campus for free support and care at 083 372 6550.

The episode drops tomorrow at 18:00 on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, our website, and wherever you get your podcasts. 🎧📍

Stay tuned!

In the second episode our host, Selma Ndasilohenda Iyambo speaks with Munukayumbwa Ellis-Mwiya, Secretary General of the Zambezi Girl Child Foundation.

They discuss the stigma surrounding menstruation and harmful cultural practices in the Zambezi Region, such as Sikenge, labia elongation, and dry sex. These traditions can have serious emotional and physical impacts on young girls, including trauma and health risks.

Munukayumbwa highlights the transformative work of the Zambezi Girl Child Foundation in educating communities and advocating for menstrual dignity while respecting cultural heritage.

The episode highlights the importance of breaking the silence around these issues and encourages listeners to question harmful norms.

The episode is now available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and other streaming platforms, "Blood, Shame & Tradition" is essential for anyone interested in gender justice and the future of young girls in Namibia.

Dive into another open and honest discussion on condoms, consent, and unprotected sexual intercourse. In this episode, our host Selma Ndasilohenda Iyambo is joined by two passionate youth leaders, Alina Daniel and Mathews Kambuze. 

Together, they challenge societal taboos surrounding condoms and consent while sharing personal stories and insights about condoms, first experiences, different sizes, and everything in between. This episode covers it all.

Join us as we explore the shared responsibility of condom use, the pressure surrounding sexual relationships, and how to navigate tricky situations with confidence and clarity. 

Whether you’re a first-time listener or a returning member of our community, prepare to expand your understanding and engage in this conversation. 

Tune in to laugh, learn, unlearn, and relate to the stories of other young people! Catch us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major streaming platforms. Don’t forget to share this episode with someone who needs to hear it!

Join us for the compelling season 2 finale of Sex Talks Podcast, featuring Lisa Matomola—an inspiring author, job-finding coach, and HR expert. In this episode, Lisa bravely shares her journey of living with fibroids, diagnosed at just 26. Her story includes multiple surgeries and the physical, emotional, and sexual health challenges that accompany this condition.

Lisa openely discusses her experiences with painful symptoms, menstrual complications, and the life-saving role of blood transfusions. Her insights into how fibroids have affected her relationships, intimacy, and fertility offer hope and guidance for listeners facing similar issues.

Together, we debunk the myths surrounding fibroids, emphasize the vital importance of self-advocacy in healthcare, and explore how women can reclaim their confidence in the face of medical challenges. In our signature Quick Fire segment, Lisa empowers listeners by sharing valuable lessons, dispelling misconceptions, and offering practical advice on navigating intimacy while living with fibroids.

This episode is essential for anyone who has dealt with reproductive health issues, knows someone who has, or simply wants to be better informed about fibroids. Tune in for a candid, inspiring, and uplifting conversation that reinforces the power of resilience.

Thank you for being part of Sex Talks Podcast Season 2 and for accompanying us on this journey. Until next time, prioritize your health, keep the dialogue alive, and remember—your body, your future, and AMIGOS ADIOS!

In this episode our host Selma Ndasilohenda Iyambo is joined by Dr. David Emvula, a specialist obstetrician and gynecologist. They discuss family planning, infertility, and the myths surrounding contraception in men and women. 

Dr. Emvula shares his expertise on infertility—what it is, how it’s diagnosed, and how contraception may or may not affect fertility. The conversation also debunks common misconceptions about family planning, addressing the cultural factors and misinformation that often surround these topics. 

You will learn how to choose the right contraceptive method, avoid common mistakes, and get expert advice on starting a family planning journey or managing infertility. Additionally, Dr. Emvula participates in a Quick Fire segment, where he shares surprising insights about contraception practices in Namibia and essential information about infertility. 

This episode empowers you with valuable information, helping them navigate family planning and reproductive health with confidence. Tune in to discover the truth about contraception and how to make informed decisions about your body and future.

For more information, connect with us on social media or listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or Google Podcasts. Your body, your future—stay informed and stay empowered!

Welcome back to the Sex Talks Podcast! We hope you had a refreshing holiday season and are ready to kick off the new year with fresh energy and knowledge. A special thank you to our returning listeners for being part of the journey, and if you’re new here, welcome to the family! We’re excited to have you with us as we dive into a new year of empowering conversations about sexual health.

In this episode, our host Selma Ndasilohenda Iyambo is joined by healthcare expert Rosalia Nekongo to discuss two vital tools that can assist you in taking charge of your sexual health in 2025: PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) and PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis). Whether you're hearing about them for the first time or need a refresher, this episode will equip you with everything you need to know about these life-changing options. Rosalia shares her expertise on how PrEP and PEP can help protect your sexual health, who should consider them, and how to access these services in Namibia.

As we step into this new year, now is the perfect time to prioritize your sexual health and make informed choices. We hope this conversation helps you start the year off right, with the knowledge and tools to stay safe and empowered. Stay tuned and let’s make 2025 a year of health, growth, and informed decisions!

In this episode, our host, Selma Ndasilohenda Iyambo, sits down with Tuwilika Elias, a trailblazing public policy analyst, HIV and gender-based violence advocate, survivor, and Fulbright alumna. In commemoration of World AIDS Day, Tuwilika shares her journey of resilience and triumph as a young woman living with HIV.

Tuwilika recounts the moment she thought her dreams and life had ended after being diagnosed with HIV in high school. She takes us through her experience of denial, refusing medication, eventually starting treatment, and the profound impact it had on her mental health. She also details how she began her advocacy journey to support others facing similar challenges and celebrates her personal and professional milestones.

Her story is one of hope and empowerment. Together, they explore common misconceptions about HIV, strategies for building supportive communities, and advice for living a fulfilling life beyond an HIV diagnosis or experiences of abuse. Tuwilika highlights the importance of disclosing one’s status to trusted friends and loved ones to build a support system—something she wishes she had in her early years as she struggled to navigate societal expectations and personal fears alone.

Tune in for an eye-opening and uplifting conversation that illuminates what it means to live a life filled with purpose, love, and fulfillment despite the challenges.

In this episode, host Selma Ndasilohenda Iyambo sits down with two remarkable young parents, Trovic Shipoh and Vannesa Harases, to share their journeys of unplanned parenthood. Together, they delve into the emotional, financial, and relational challenges of becoming parents at a young age, offering candid insights and practical advice for others on a similar path.

This conversation offers an honest and inspiring look at the unexpected realities of early parenthood, highlighting the strength and resilience required to navigate such a life-changing experience. Whether you're a young parent yourself or simply curious about the challenges and triumphs of this journey, this episode is a must-listen.

Join us for an open, heartfelt discussion that reminds us that we're never alone in this journey.

Join host Selma Ndasilohenda Iyambo as she honors Breast Cancer Awareness Month this October, focusing on the theme "No One Should Face Breast Cancer Alone," with guest Dr. Gersoline Hoxobes-Uiseb. A double-board certified medical doctor from the People's Friendship University of Russia, Dr. Hoxobes-Uiseb currently serves as a Medical Officer in Obstetrics and Gynaecology, driven by her dedication to women's health and empowerment. Outside of her medical career, she is a devoted Christian, mother, and wife who enjoys baking, swimming, and tennis.

In this episode, they discuss breast cancer, its impact on men and women, and the symptoms to watch for. They also explore the current cancer landscape in Namibia and emphasize the importance of supporting cancer survivors. Dr. Hoxobes-Uiseb highlights the significance of early diagnosis and how to perform monthly self-assessments to detect changes in the body, along with guidance on seeking further help if needed.

Tune in as they unpack this vital conversation on breast cancer, learn how to conduct self-examinations, and discover how we can support our communities and loved ones facing cancer. Happy listening!

Join our host, Selma Ndasilohenda Iyambo as she explores the conversation around unplanned parenthood with the brilliant Dr. Tlaleng Mofekeng, a medical doctor, globally renowned lecturer, broadcaster, best-selling author, and the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the right to everyone to the highest attainable standard. Dr. Mofokeng, known as Dr. T, dives deep into the impact of unplanned pregnancies, particularly on young people.

This episode highlights the global landscape of unplanned pregnancies and dismantles the myth that unplanned pregnancy only affects "poor black girls in Africa." She emphasizes how it's a universal challenge faced by young people globally, with varying contexts and reasons. 

She further noted the need to shift the paradigm beyond blaming young girls and address the root causes like the lack of Comprehensive Sexuality Education, access to contraceptives, and societal support systems. And highlights the importance of acknowledging sexual violence and trauma that often precede unplanned pregnancies. 

Join our host and Dr. T for an enlightening and thought-provoking conversation that challenges societal norms and advocates for a more empowered future for young people.

Welcome back to the Sex Talks Podcast! In the third episode of Season 2, titled “Your Body, Your Future: Navigating Parenthood,” host Selma Ndasilohenda Iyambo explores the world of contraceptives with expert Dr. Trianus Pohamba.

Together, they debunk myths and misconceptions surrounding contraception, referencing real-life stories from our previous episode, where a young person shares their experiences with various methods, including injections, implants, and the “pull-out and pray” approach.

Join us as we discuss key considerations for choosing contraceptives and the inspiration behind Dr. Pohamba’s involvement with the One Economy Foundation, where he positively impacts the lives of young people.

With over 11 years of medical experience, Dr. Pohamba offers invaluable insights and advice, making this episode a must-listen for anyone seeking to make informed choices about reproductive health. He also emphasizes the significance of parent-child conversations about contraceptive use, providing essential guidance for families.

Tune in for an empowering discussion that aims to educate and promote open dialogue about sexual health. Whether you’re a first-time listener or a returning member of our community, we’re excited to have you with us!

Don’t forget to follow us for more enlightening discussions and personal stories. Your body, your future—let’s navigate it together!

Our host, Selma Ndasilohenda Iyambo, sits down with Karlien Burger, an Occupational Therapist and lecturer from the University of Namibia, in honor of Suicide Prevention Month. This episode highlights the importance of reducing stigma and encouraging open conversations to prevent suicide.

During the conversation, Karlien delves into cognitive distortions, the impact of suicide on friends and family, and the contributing factors to high suicide rates among men. She also emphasizes the importance of seeking help, where assistance can be found, and the cost of psychological support in Namibia.

Karlien shares alarming statistics: 1,542 Namibians took their own lives between April 2020 and March 31, 2023. During this period, Namibia was ranked with the highest suicide rates in Africa. On average, the country recorded over one suicide per day, with about 82% of the victims being men. According to the Namibian Police, in July, The Namibian reported that 679 suicides occurred in Namibia between January 2021 and May 2022, involving 559 men, 91 women, and 29 children.

Tune in to learn how we can contribute to suicide prevention and understand the factors behind these alarming statistics. Let’s make mental health a priority. Happy listening!

Our host, Selma Ndasilohenda Iyambo, sits down with a guest in our second episode of season 2 to discuss their journey in finding the perfect contraceptive method. From injections to implants, pull-out and pray, and back to implants, they share their experiences and insights.

During the conversation, the guest highlights factors they considered when choosing a contraceptive method, the challenges of an expired implant that required surgical removal, and their experience with an unplanned pregnancy after taking a break from contraceptives.

Tune in for an insightful conversation about their journey, the financial and mental health implications, and everything in between.

Happy listening!