Former Miss South Africa 2020 and mental health advocate Shudufhadzo Musida is stepping into a new chapter with the launch of her very own podcast called Mindful Mondays with Shudu. The podcast will officially debut on 4 August 2025, and it’s clear this project holds deep personal meaning for her.
Taking to Instagram, Shudufhadzo revealed the emotional journey behind the podcast’s creation. “This is more than a podcast cover. It’s a love letter to the journey,” she wrote.
She explained that Mindful Mondays has been in the works for nearly four years — a long process filled with doubts and fears. “What if I don’t get it right? What if I fail? What if no one listens?” she admitted. But over time, she learned that perfection was never the goal. “Presence was. And sometimes the most powerful thing you can do is just start.”
The name of the first episode holds a special place in her heart, too. “One of my favorite words in Tshivenda is ‘Thomani’ — it means to begin. And this is me, beginning again.”
Shudufhadzo says this podcast is different from what people may expect when they hear the words mental health. Rather than focusing only on definitions or technical talk, she wants to explore the everyday side of mental health. “The quiet battles, the breakthroughs, the honest conversations we have with ourselves and others.”
Episodes were recorded in Johannesburg, Cape Town, and New York, and Shudufhadzo is thankful for every guest who contributed their stories. She also recorded solo episodes, sharing her heart directly with listeners. “Just me, my mic, and what’s on my heart,” she said.
Although more details will be revealed this coming Sunday, with the possibility of a live Q&A, Shudufhadzo has already made one thing clear: Mindful Mondays is a labor of love. “Thank you for walking with me. We start on August 4th. Let’s grow together, one story at a time, and one mindful Monday at a time.”
In another post, she added, “I’ve never done this before and I’m really excited because Mindful Mondays started as a concept where I wanted to reach people where they are and not where I wanted them to be.”
With her honest approach and passion for mental wellness, Shudufhadzo Musida’s podcast promises to be a safe space for reflection, healing, and hope.
