Dating today is more digital than ever before. Young people are building connections in DMs, WhatsApp chats, and dating apps, but with these new opportunities come new risks. Ghosting, sexting, leaked nudes, online harassment, and catfishing have become an unavoidable part of modern relationships, shaping the way young Namibians navigate love and intimacy.
In this episode, our host Selma Ndasilohenda Iyambo is joined by Dr. Tuwilika Nafuka, a medical doctor, digital health innovator, and social justice advocate, to explore what it really means to date in 2025. Dr. Nafuka draws from her extensive work in health and policy, including her role in championing Namibia’s Sex Offenders Register, to shed light on how technology is reshaping relationships and what young people need to know to stay safe.
Together, Selma and Dr. Nafuka tackle some of the most pressing issues facing youth today: why ghosting has become so normalized and how it affects mental health; how catfishing and blackmail trap unsuspecting people online; what digital consent truly looks like in the age of sexting and intimate image sharing; and how we can shift the stigma from survivors of leaked nudes toward accountability for perpetrators. They also dive into the realities of youth engaging with global platforms like OnlyFans, discussing the balance between safety, stigma, and choice.
This conversation is not only about challenges but also about empowerment. Dr. Nafuka offers practical advice for recognizing red flags, protecting your digital safety, and building healthier online relationships. The episode closes with quick-fire insights every young listener can take with them, including three essential tips for safer online dating.
“My earliest memory of violence was in Grade 5. One moment, we were seated with my parents, and the next, my father hit my mother. I ran to the kitchen, trying to stop the bleeding while she cried on the floor.” These are the words of Theopoline Hofeni, a lawyer and mental health advocate whose story forms the heart of this deeply emotional episode of Sex Talks Podcast.
In a conversation,Theopoline sits down with host Selma Ndasilohenda Iyambo to share her journey of growing up in a home marked by dysfunction and abuse, and how those experiences shaped her mental health. She recalls her first encounters with depression and the ways self-harm became part of her life, shedding light on what is so often misunderstood about the coping mechanisms young people turn to when they are overwhelmed by pain.
Theopoline speaks openly about surviving suicide attempts and about how sexual assault deepened her silent battles. She reflects on the difficulties of healing, reminding us that recovery is not a straight line but a process of both crushing setbacks and freeing breakthroughs. At its core, her story is one of survival, courage, and resilience, and through it, she offers a message of hope to any young person who feels like they are drowning in silence.
This episode is more than a conversation; it is a call to break the silence surrounding mental health, to acknowledge the battles fought behind closed doors, and to remind us that no one has to face this alone.
"Medication saved my life, because it did." These are the words of Mehafo Amunyela, a young Namibian media professional who joins our host, Selma Ndasilohenda Iyambo, to open Season 4 of the podcast.
In this episode, Mehafo shares her journey of living with antidepressants since 2021, a journey marked by the pain of grief, the challenge of finding the right treatment, and the courage to seek support in a society where mental health is still heavily stigmatised. She speaks openly about how skipping her medication once felt like her body was “glitching,” the difficult balance between school, work, and mental health, and the myths and stereotypes she has had to challenge along the way.
Through this conversation, listeners are reminded that mental illness is not a sign of weakness and that taking medication or seeking help can be an act of survival and strength. As we mark World Suicide Prevention Day and Suicide Prevention Month, Mehafo’s voice becomes both a testimony of resilience and a message of solidarity to anyone struggling: you are not alone, and your story matters.
In this season finale, the tables turn as award-winning journalist Mercy Karuuombe takes the mic to interview our very own host and founder, Selma Ndasilohenda Iyambo.
Selma opens up about her personal sexual and reproductive health journey, from her very first period, to experiencing a three-month break she kept to herself, to navigating contraception, and even contracting an STI. This raw and unapologetic conversation unpacks the stigma, self-doubt, and silence many young people face, while celebrating the lessons and resilience that come from owning one’s story.
More than just a personal reflection, this episode is an invitation: to speak openly, to challenge stigma, and to create safe spaces for young people to share their truths without fear or shame. The episode offers listeners the opportunity to get to know the woman behind the mic and the brains behind Sex Talks Podcast.
If you’ve ever felt silenced, judged, or afraid to speak about your body and health, this episode is for you.
Stream the Season 3 finale of Sex Talks Podcast now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you listen.
In this episode our host Selma Ndasilohenda Iyambo is joined by medical trainee and reproductive justice advocate Tuli Kamati for an open conversation about what the morning-after pill is, how it works, and why it’s important to separate fact from myths.
Recorded live at the #BeFree Youth Campus in Katutura, this episode tackles common misconceptions, from the belief that the pill is an abortion pill to fears about how many times it can be safely taken. Tuli offers clear, accessible explanations about the science behind emergency contraception, when it’s most effective, possible side effects, and the importance of using it as a backup rather than a primary method of birth control. She also shares practical advice on where to find it in Namibia, what to expect when accessing it, and why following up with a pregnancy test a week later is crucial.
This is an episode about empowerment, knowledge, and taking charge of your reproductive health without shame. Whether you’ve had a contraceptive mishap or simply want to be informed, this conversation will equip you with the facts you need.
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:
(1) How symptoms were dismissed and misdiagnosed for years
(2) The mental health toll of chronic pain
(3) The shame and stigma surrounding endo belly and fertility fears
(4) The pressure to make life-altering decisions while still healing
(4) The importance of listening to your body and being kinder to yourself
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.
