On Tuesday, 5 May 2026, 1st for Women officially announced the launch of The Anele Podcast – Her and Now, a new eight-part podcast series hosted by the broadcaster and produced in partnership with the insurer, where she also serves as a brand ambassador.
But this is not another celebrity-led podcast built around viral moments or entertainment headlines. Instead, the series positions itself as a deeply personal platform centred on women’s lived experiences, emotional wellbeing, resilience, and healing.
A podcast rooted in real conversations
According to 1st for Women, the podcast draws inspiration from its Her and Now: Insights into the Women of South Africa 2025 report, unpacking the realities many women face daily through intimate conversations with influential guests from across the country.
Ahead of the premiere, the company teased the project on Instagram with the caption:
“It’s more than a podcast. It’s a reflection of real lives, real voices, and real truths.”
The first episode premiered on 6 May and immediately resonated with audiences online.
Lynn Forbes opens up about grief and loss
The debut episode featured Lynn Forbes and Pilani Bubu, who joined Anele Mdoda for a vulnerable discussion around grief, healing, and navigating major life changes.
Lynn Forbes, mother of the late rapper AKA, reflected candidly on processing loss after her son’s passing, while also touching on themes like emotional recovery and coping with job loss.
Rather than dominating the conversation, Anele’s interviewing style stood out for its restraint and emotional intelligence. Viewers praised her ability to create space for guests to speak openly without interruption or sensationalism — something many felt is increasingly rare in today’s content landscape.
South Africans connect with the emotional honesty
Social media reactions poured in shortly after the episode aired, with many viewers saying the conversations felt authentic, relatable, and necessary. Others commended the podcast for tackling difficult but important topics often overlooked in mainstream media, particularly around grief, emotional wellness, and the pressures women quietly carry.
Several users also applauded 1st for Women for backing a platform focused on meaningful storytelling rather than surface-level influencer content.
In a digital space crowded with fast content and manufactured moments, The Anele Podcast – Her and Now appears to be positioning itself differently: slower, more intentional, and emotionally grounded. And for many South Africans, that seems to be exactly what they needed.
Read more about Anele Mdoda.
