Wisdom & Wellness with Mpoomy Ledwaba

This week on Wisdom & Wellness, Mpoomy sits down with powerhouse talent manager and entrepreneur Ntando Zikalala for a deeply honest and layered conversation about identity, motherhood, and what it really takes to build a life you’re proud of.

From growing up in the shadow of a well-known mother, to navigating insecurity, becoming a teenage mom, and building a career from the ground up—Ntando shares her journey with vulnerability, humor, and truth.

This episode unpacks the tension between ambition and motherhood, the weight of expectations, and the ongoing work of becoming a present parent without losing yourself in the process.

If you’ve ever questioned your path, your pace, or your purpose—this conversation will meet you right where you are.

⏱️ Timestamps

00:00 – 01:08
Pop culture roots, early influences & defining success

01:08 – 02:21
Motherhood fears: disciplining children without losing them

02:24 – 03:38
Wisdom & Wellness membership invitation

03:38 – 04:45
Introduction to Ntando Zikalala & setting the tone

04:45 – 07:04
Vulnerability, safe spaces & protecting people’s stories

07:17 – 09:30
Icebreakers: daily rituals, personality & lifestyle

10:32 – 11:04
Perception vs reality: the truth behind the “put together” woman

11:04 – 12:24
Childhood, being a teacher’s pet & early personality traits

12:25 – 13:56
Growing up with a famous mother & identity struggles

14:29 – 16:12
Children, social media & parenting in the public eye

16:58 – 18:20
Teenage years, insecurity & early work in entertainment

18:20 – 21:00
First exposure to the industry & discovering purpose

21:49 – 23:11
Motherhood: raising teenage daughters as a single mom

23:11 – 24:25
Emotional growth & learning to feel instead of survive

24:30 – 25:47
Teenage pregnancy: shock, trauma & family dynamics

25:47 – 27:27
Navigating pregnancy, support from her grandmother

28:21 – 31:10
Rebuilding life after becoming a young mom

31:10 – 32:08
Identity, limitations & redefining “being okay”

32:09 – 36:07
Entering the workforce & building from opportunity

36:07 – 47:00+
Career growth, entrepreneurship & building “To The Max”

Learning to wait gracefully 
How Did We Get Here? is Mpoomy Ledwaba's best-selling coming-of-age story. Looking back on her upbringing, major milestones and the challenges she’s faced, Mpoomy takes us on her journey of self-discovery. Order your copy here👉: https://a.co/d/08QQzYtq
Sign up for the Wisdom & Wellness Private Membership: https://sales.wisdomwellness.co.za/signup
Unlimited WalkFest Durban is on the way! Join us on 2nd May at Durban’s Ocean’s Mall, grab your ticket here: https://www.howler.co.za/unlimitedwalkfest2026
…
This week, Mpoomy Ledwaba sits down with Talama Matsepe for a deeply reflective and heartfelt conversation about the true meaning of presence, what it looks like, why it matters, and how it shapes the way we live, love, and lead.
In a world that constantly pulls us into distraction, performance, and survival mode, Talama shares her perspective as a therapist, wife, and mother on the power of slowing down and becoming fully present. Together, they explore how presence goes beyond physical proximity, inviting emotional availability, intentional living, and conscious connection in every season of life.
Through personal stories, honest reflections, and moments of vulnerability, this conversation gently challenges us to examine where we may be absent in our own lives, and how choosing presence can restore connection, purpose, and peace.
This episode is an invitation to return to yourself, to your relationships, and to the life unfolding right in front of you. If you’ve been feeling stretched, disconnected, or overwhelmed, this conversation will remind you of the power of being fully here..
Timestamps
00:02:10 - Opening Reflections on Presence 
00:06:45 - The Cost of Distraction 
00:11:20 - Learning to Slow Down 
00:16:05 - Emotional Availability vs Physical Presence 
00:21:30 - Navigating Busyness and Identity 
00:27:15 - Being Present in Relationships 
00:33:40 - Internal Awareness and Self-Reflection 
00:39:55 - The Impact of Presence on Purpose 
00:45:10 - Choosing Stillness in a Noisy World 
00:51:25 - Practical Ways to Cultivate Presence 
00:57:00 - Final Thoughts and Reflections
Follow Mpoomy:
Instagram: https://www.tiktok.com/@mpoomyledwaba?lang=en
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mpoomyledwaba?lang=en
Follow Wisdom & Wellness:
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Website: www.wisdomwellness.co.za
Sign up for Mpoomy’s newsletter: https://sales.wisdomwellness.co.za/sunday-nuggets-opt-in
 
Listen to Wisdom & Wellness Podcast 🎧 New episodes drop Tuesday!
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Like, subscribe, and share with someone who needs this conversation.

How Did We Get Here? is Mpoomy Ledwaba's best-selling coming-of-age story. Looking back on her upbringing, major milestones and the challenges she’s faced, Mpoomy takes us on her journey of self-discovery. Order your copy here👉: https://a.co/d/08QQzYtq
Sign up for the Wisdom & Wellness Private Membership: https://sales.wisdomwellness.co.za/signup
Unlimited WalkFest Durban is on the way! Join us on 2nd May at Durban’s Ocean’s Mall, grab your ticket here: https://www.howler.co.za/unlimitedwalkfest2026
…
This week, Mpoomy sits down with Themba Tom Ntuli for a heartfelt conversation about raising emotionally healthy boys, showing up fully in marriage, and building a legacy of love and intentional leadership.
From growing up in challenging circumstances, to discovering faith and purpose, to navigating fatherhood and marriage with honesty and courage, Themba shares how vulnerability, mentorship, and intentionality have shaped his journey.
This episode is an invitation to reflect on how we raise the next generation of men, show up as fathers and husbands, and live lives that are rooted in love, faith, and emotional wellness. If you’ve ever wondered how to nurture boys into kind, accountable men, or how to strengthen your marriage while growing personally, this conversation is for you.
Timestamps
3:30 - Ice Breakers
8:30 - Childhood and Early Lessons: How early experiences shaped his understanding of love and fatherhood.
12:50 - Growing Up in a Shack: Lessons from hardship and how it shapes the man he is today.
15:20 - Encounter with Christ: How faith reshaped his vision and future.
17:35 - The Power of Proximity: Why who you surround yourself with matters.
18:05 - Parental Influence: The role of his parents and the transformation through faith.
27:30 - Navigating Absence: Reflecting on not growing up with both parents and overcoming abandonment feelings.
29:40 - Destiny Helpers and University Journey: The support that guided him to varsity.
34:44 - Raising the Boy Child: Intentional parenting and guidance for the next generation.
39:08 - Affirming Emotions: Why boy children need to feel safe and validated.
41:30 - Biggest Challenge for Boys: The key obstacles young men face today.
42:19 - Creating Space: Allowing boys to explore identity and purpose.
47:07 - Jericho Walls Analogy: How past hurt can block growth and openness.
49:10 - Boys in the Digital Era: Concerns about screen time vs. outdoor play.
52:10 - A Moment of Softness: Learning tenderness through raising a girl child.
53:47 - Mentorship Matters: The critical role men play in guiding boys.
57:45 - Marriage and “The Trying Husband”: The story behind the name and lessons in partnership.
1:01:00 - 3 P’s of a Trying Husband: Provide, Protect, Performance.
1:02:29 - Performance and Masculinity.
1:08:00 - Reflection from Mpoomy’s Book.
1:10:18 - Greatest Lesson from Marriage: What his wife and partnership have taught him.
Follow Mpoomy:
Instagram: https://www.tiktok.com/@mpoomyledwaba?lang=en
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mpoomyledwaba?lang=en
Follow Wisdom & Wellness:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wisdomwellness_/
Facebook: Wisdom & Wellness
Website: www.wisdomwellness.co.za
Sign up for Mpoomy’s newsletter: https://sales.wisdomwellness.co.za/sunday-nuggets-opt-in
 
Listen to Wisdom & Wellness Podcast 🎧 New episodes drop Tuesday!
Spotify
Apple Podcasts
Like, subscribe, and share with someone who needs this conversation.

How Did We Get Here? is Mpoomy Ledwaba's best-selling coming-of-age story. Looking back on her upbringing, major milestones and the challenges she’s faced, Mpoomy takes us on her journey of self-discovery. Order your copy here👉: https://a.co/d/08QQzYtq
Unlimited WalkFest Durban is on the way! Join us on 2nd May at Durban’s Ocean’s Mall, grab your ticket here: https://www.howler.co.za/unlimitedwalkfest2026
…
This week, Mpoomy sits down with Tinyiko Mokale for a heartfelt conversation about aligning career, life, and personal values for sustainable success.
From navigating grief after losing her mother, to building a meaningful career in communications, to showing up fully as a wife, mom, leader, and woman of faith, Tinyiko shares how openness and self-worth have shaped her journey.
This episode is an invitation to design a life that reflects who you truly are, without sacrificing wellness, joy, or faith. If you’ve ever felt lost in your career, stretched across too many roles, or unsure how to pursue ambition without burnout, this conversation is for you.
Timestamps
5:02 - Ice Breakers
7:30 - Losing Her MomTinyiko opens up about grief, loss, and how that season changed her perspective on life and faith.
10:35 - Childhood and Family RootsA look into Tinyiko’s upbringing and the foundation that shaped her identity.
13:07 - Family Dynamics and ValuesHow she was raised, the dynamics at home, and the values that still anchor her today.
15:00 - When Grief Draws You Closer to GodGrief can distance many from faith, for Tinyiko, it deepened her relationship with God.
16:26 - How the Family Grieved Differently
19:02 - Middle Child ChroniclesThe unseen middle child experience, feeling overlooked, learning independence, and finding your voice.
22:11 - Choosing Communications in a Family of Technical MindsWhile siblings pursued medicine and numbers-driven careers, Tinyiko followed storytelling.
25:52 - Securing an Internship Before GraduationThe power of initiative. She didn’t wait, she pursued opportunity.
27:00 - Losing the Internship and Returning HomeA humbling season. What going back home taught her about identity and resilience.
29:13 - Meeting Her Husband
36:45 - Dating for 3 Years Before MarriageIntentional courtship and building a solid foundation.
39:40 - The Birth of Working Women WednesdayWhy she created a platform for career reflections and encouragement.
44:56 - Balancing Corporate Growth and Social Media PresenceNavigating vulnerability at work while growing online.
47:55 - Purpose and CareerIs your job your purpose? A powerful distinction.
54:12 - What Is Purpose, Really?
54:50 - Showing Up in Multiple RolesMom. Wife. Leader. Sister. Friend. 
59:37 - Identity Is Her Greatest WeaponKnowing who you are changes how you move.
1:01:40 - Identity Cannot Be Found Outside God
1:02:05 - For Women Feeling Lost in Their CareersOne practical step you can take today to realign your work with your values.
1:04:10 - Ambition, Rest and Fun Can CoexistHow to pursue excellence without neglecting joy and wellness.
1:06:50 - Habits That Built Clarity and Confidence
1:09:06 - Habits of Growth
1:10:45 - Reflection on Year of YesLessons from Year of Yes by Shonda Rhimes and how bold decisions reshape identity.
1:16:17 - Reflection from Mpoomy’s Book
1:17:59 - Honouring Her Mother’s LegacyHow Tinyiko keeps her mom’s memory alive within her family and daily life.
Follow Mpoomy:
Instagram: https://www.tiktok.com/@mpoomyledwaba?lang=en
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mpoomyledwaba?lang=en
Follow Wisdom & Wellness:
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Website: www.wisdomwellness.co.za
Sign up for Mpoomy’s newsletter: https://sales.wisdomwellness.co.za/sunday-nuggets-opt-in
 
Listen to Wisdom & Wellness Podcast 🎧 New episodes drop Tuesday!
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Like, subscribe, and share with someone who needs this conversation.

How Did We Get Here? is Mpoomy Ledwaba's best-selling coming-of-age story. Looking back on her upbringing, major milestones and the challenges she’s faced, Mpoomy takes us on her journey of self-discovery. Order your copy here👉:https://www.amazon.co.za/How-Did-We-G...
Sign up for the Wisdom & Wellness Private Membership: https://sales.wisdomwellness.co.za/si…
Unlimited WalkFest Durban is on the way! Join us on 2nd May at Durban’s Ocean’s Mall, grab your ticket here: https://www.howler.co.za/events/unlimited-walkfest-durban-e2c4
…
This week on the podcast, Mpoomy is joined by Buli Makhubo, Architectural Technologist, Digital Creator, and host of the Refine podcast. Together, they dive into the honest, unspoken conversations women often avoid, from friendships and life seasons to personal growth and self-reflection.
Buli brings her signature blend of intention, versatility, and faith, sharing real-life lessons that are aspirational yet relatable. They explore what it really means to show up for friends, navigate societal pressures, maintain authenticity, and honor the sacredness of female bonds.
This episode is for women at any life stage, whether you’re nurturing friendships, navigating transitions, seeking personal growth, or simply craving deeper understanding and honest conversations. It creates space for reflection, clarity, and inspiration, because the conversations we don’t have can shape the relationships we treasure most.
Timestamps
5:00 - Ice BreakersGetting to know Buli, The Woman. The Muse. The Voice.
9:28 - Friendships in the Social Media EraWhy meaningful relationships matter more than likes, follows, and online façades.
12:01 - Who Is Buli, Really?Foundations, values, and how she shows up for people.
18:28 - Honesty as a Core ValueWhy truth is essential in friendships.
23:11 - There Is No Pride in Friendship
27:25 - The 7 Year Ich (Marriage)Lessons from love, growth, and seasons.
29:01 - The Covenant of FriendshipExploring the special promises we make to those closest to us.
35:50 - Lessons from Jesus’ Disciples and 40 days FastingRelationships, access, and trust.
39:57 - Being a Woman TodayReflections on feminism, faith, and the modern female experience.
42:49 - Women in GodModeling godly womanhood in everyday life.
46:34 - Single and ThrivingMaintaining femininity and purpose when society says “be content.”
52:20 - Milestones in FriendshipHandling envy, comparison, and growth when friends seem ahead in life.
58:42 - Early 20s Friendship LessonsBuli and Mpoomy reflect on formative friendship years and key takeaways.
1:02:25 - Comparing Lives and PacesThe dangers of measuring your journey against others.
1:04:44 - Influence and Societal PressureNavigating expectations, judgment, and norms as a creator.
1:08:12 - Boundaries vs Stewardship
1:18:00 - Reflections from Mpoomy’s Book
1:19:58 - Wall of Wisdom
Follow Mpoomy:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mpoomy_ledw...
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mpoomyledwaba...
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Website: www.wisdomwellness.co.za
Sign up for Mpoomy’s newsletter: https://sales.wisdomwellness.co.za/sunday-nuggets-opt-in
 
Listen to Wisdom & Wellness Podcast 🎧 New episodes drop Tuesday!
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Like, subscribe, and share with someone who needs this conversation.