Sex Talks is an award-winning podcast that creates a judgment-free space for young people to discuss sexual health openly. It explores taboo topics that can be uncomfortable for parents and communities to address. The show shares accurate information on sexual reproductive health and rights, gender-based violence, and mental health. Through peer stories and expert insights, it aims to inform, educate, and empower youth.
Episodes
Growing Up After Losing a Parent to Violence - A conversation with Olsen Siyunda
Some stories end in a headline. But for a child who loses a parent to violence, there is no final article, only the morning after.Welcome to Season 5 of Sex Talks Podcast: Close to Home. This season focuses on conversations happening in our homes, relationships, and families. In our season opener, host Selma Ndasilohenda Iyambo sits down with Olsen Siyunda, a social work student and youth developm
Season 4 Finale | What Our Host Didn’t Tell You About Her Mental Health
Our host Selma Ndasilohenda Iyambo spent a whole season talking about mental health with nine incredible guests. She knows the signs. And she still almost missed them in herself.In this Season 4 finale, recorded on World Mental Health Day from our new home at Keen Studio in Windhoek West, Selma shares her own story: the burnout, the mask she wore with friends, the friendships she lost, and the mom
Love, Boundaries and Intimacy: What Healthy Love Really Looks Like A Conversation with Svenja Schumann
Nobody warned us that love comes with homework. But maybe it should haveIn this episode, our host Selma Ndasilohenda Iyambo sits down with Svenja Schumann, a psychological counsellor and Imago Relationship Coach in private practice, for a honest and grounding conversation. Before we can talk about what goes wrong in relationships, we need to understand what healthy love actually looks like, and mo
Episode 08: They’re Not Okay… and Neither Am I — How to Support a Friend Who’s Crashing Out - A conversation with Dr. Byron Böck
Sometimes the person who’s not okay is someone you deeply care about, and suddenly you’re the one trying to hold everything together without knowing how. In this episode our host Selma Ndasilohenda Iyambo is joined by Dr. Byron Böck, a medical doctor and public health professional, for an honest and practical conversation about what it really means to support a friend in an emotional crisis, espec
Episode 07: “Do I Need Therapy? Knowing When and How to Seek Psychological Support - A conversation with Shasheeda Mberira
Mental health challenges don’t always show up as dramatic breakdowns. Sometimes, the signs are subtle, persistent anxiety, sadness that lingers, trouble concentrating, changes in sleep or appetite, overworking, or withdrawing from social connections.In this episode, Clinical Psychologist Shasheeda Mberira, a Chevening Scholar and expert in Clinical Psychology and Counselling, guides listeners thro
Episode 06: Taking care of your mental health over the festive season - A Conversation with Dr. Suraia Schiceya
The festive season is often portrayed as a time of joy, family, and celebration, but for many young people, it can also bring stress, loneliness, grief, and emotional triggers. In this final episode of 2025, our host Selma Ndasilohenda Iyambo sits down with Dr. Suraia Schiceya, Medical Doctor, Chief Wellness Officer, and Co-Founder of PatientCare, for an honest and deeply grounding conversation ab
Episode 05: Real Talk on HIV, dating, disclosure, meds, and everything you need to know about HIV
In this World AIDS Day commemoration episode, our host Selma Ndasilohenda Iyambo welcomes back public policy analyst Tuwilika Elias for an honest conversation about what it means to live positively with HIV today. Tuwilika draws from both her lived experience and professional expertise to unpack the emotional, physical, and social realities of navigating life with HIV as a young person.Selma and T
Episode 04: Sexual harassment in the workplace: A Conversation with Yolande Engelbrecht
In this episode, Selma welcomes Yolande Engelbrecht from the Legal Assistance Centre for an honest and educational conversation about sexual harassment in the workplace. Drawing on her experience in gender justice and legal advocacy, Yolande explains what legally qualifies as harassment in Namibia, how power dynamics affect young professionals, and why many people remain silent even when they know
Episode 03: Love, Ghosting, Nudes and Online Safety - A conversation with Dr. Tuwilika Nafuka
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 Ndasilohen
Episode 02: “Silent Battles: Suicide, Self-Harm & Depression” – A Conversation with Theopoline Hofeni
“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
Episode 01: Living on Antidepressants - A Conversation with Mehafo Amunyela
"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
Episode 10: Breaking silence on sexual health, stigma & healing - A conversation with Selma Ndasilohenda Iyambo
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 una
Episode 09: “Plan B, Not Plan A” — A Talk on Emergency Contraceptives with Tuli Kamati
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 p
Episode 08: Understanding Endometriosis- A conversation with Menethe Nawes
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,
Episode 07: “Who Holds Men?” Creating Safe Spaces for Healing - A conversation with Gregory Amadhila
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 seek
Episode 06: “Man Up?”: Breaking the Silence Around Men’s Mental Health - A conversation with Lloyd Sikeba
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
Should vaginas smell like roses?
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 dro
Episode 05: Let’s Talk Discharge: Yeast, STIs, and What Your Body’s Telling You - A Conversation with Dr. Cara Dunaisk
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 smel
Episode 04: Protecting Our Children: A Conversation on Sexual Violence with Veronica Theron
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 ep
Episode 03: Understanding Rape, Consent, and Your Rights – A Conversation with Elize Viall
⚠️ 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
Episode 03 drops tomorrow at 18:00
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 @BeFreeY
Episode 02: Blood, Shame & Tradition: A Conversation with Munukayumbwa Mwiya
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
Episode 01: Condoms, Consent & Raw Conversations with Mathews Kambuze and Alina Daniel
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, a
Episode 10: Boldly Living with Fibroids: A Journey of Resilience and Healing – A Conversation with Lisa Matomola
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 experie
Episode 09: Breaking Myths: Family Planning, Infertility, and the Truth About Contraception - A conversation with Dr. David Emvula
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 mi
Episode 08: Understanding PrEP & PEP - A Conversation with Rosalia Nekongo
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 epi
Episode 07: Boldly living with HIV beyond the diagnosis- A conversation with Tuwilika Elias
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 bein
Episode 06: Facing Parenthood Early - A conversation with two young parents
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 hones
Episode 05: Understanding Breast Cancer in both Men and Women : A Conversation with Dr. Gersoline /Hoxobes - /Uiseb
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
Episode 04: A Global Perspective on Unplanned Parenthood, Mental Health, and Financial Impacts - A Conversation with Dr. Tlaleng Mofokeng
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 preg
Episode 03: Debunking Myths and Navigating Contraceptive Choices: A Conversation with Dr. Trianus Pohamba
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 exper
Special Episode: Changing the Narrative on Suicide - A Conversation with Karlien Burger
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 famil
Episode 02: Exploring Contraceptive Methods - From Implant to Pull-Out and Pray
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 o
Episode 01: HPV and Cervical Cancer - A Conversation with Job Ndeulita
Join our host, Selma Ndasilohenda Iyambo, as she introduces Season 2 of the Sex Talks Podcast titled “Your Body, Your Future: Navigating Adulthood.” She kicks off the season with Job Ndeulita, a senior registered nurse at the #BeFree Cares Clinic at the #BeFree Youth Campus.Job, who holds a postgraduate diploma in nursing education from the University of South Africa, a postgraduate diploma in com
Episode 10: Season wrap-up - Spilling the tea on listeners favorites and key takeaways - A conversation with three of our listeners
It's the Season 1 finale of Sex Talks Podcast! Join host Selma Ndasilohenda Iyambo as she chats with three dedicated listeners who've been there since episode one.
Ismael Sefanya (22), a civil engineering student at NUST with a passion for community development, shares his key takeaways and favorite moments.
Esther Gabriel (26), a training facilitator and board member at the Lidar Communit
Episode 09: Sexual Transmitted Infections and Diseases - A conversation with Helena Tangi Shigwedha
Join our host, Selma Ndasilohenda Iyambo, in our first episode of 2024! We're back with an exciting discussion on Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) and Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) in Namibia. Our guest is Helena Tangi Shigwedha, a registered nurse, midwife, and founder of the Hope Community Clinic Center.
Helena brings over five years of experience in various healthcare sectors,
Episode 08: Ending stigma through U=U - A conversation with Lazarus Ndiilenga
Our host, Selma Ndasilohenda Iyambo, engages Lazarus Ndiilenga in a conversation about the meaning and significance of U=U, its role in the HIV response, and its impact on individuals and communities.
As a Senior Namibian Adolescent Treatment Supporter in the Khomas Region under MHSS and founder of the youth-led organization "Youth Empowerment Network," Ndiilenga brings valuable insights
Episode 07: Are you in a healthy relationship?- A conversation with LIfalaza Simataa
Join our host, Selma Ndasilohenda Iyambo, as she engages Lifalaza Simataa, who holds an Honors degree in Industrial Psychology and Organizational Psychology from the University of Namibia (UNAM). Lifalaza is also a stand-up comedian, podcaster, and novice writer.
In this episode, Lifalaza discusses the basis of healthy relationships, breaks down what relationships are categorizes them into four c
Episode 06: Netflix and Chill is not consent!- A conversation with Ruele Okeyo
Join our host, Selma Ndasilohenda Iyambo, as she engages in yet another insightful conversation with Ruele Okeyo, the Director of Kenneth and Jacobs House in Kenya. This is a haven for homeless and runaway LGBTIQA+ youth in Nairobi, Kenya. He is also a gay man who is openly living with HIV and a host as well as founder of Sex-Ed by Ruele-ations.
In this episode, Ruele broke down the concept of co
Episode 05: The state of sexual health services in institutions of higher learning - A conversation with Puvinda Hengari
Join our host, Selma Ndasilohenda Iyambo, as she engages in a conversation with Puvinda Hengari. Puvinda is a political science student at the University of Namibia (UNAM), a dedicated youth activist, and the recently elected female president of AFRIYAN, holding the position of Country Representative for YouthHub. Puvi has been actively involved in the provision of essential sexual health service
Episode 04: Empowering Namibian Youth with #BeFree Youth Campus - A Conversation with Kaarina Iita
Join our host, Selma Ndasilohenda Iyambo, as she engages in a compelling conversation with Kaarina Iita, the Technical Director and Head of Programmes at the One Economy Foundation. Despite her background in agriculture with over eight years of experience, Kaarina has ventured into the vital realm of Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR), passionately empowering young people nationwide.
I
Episode 03: Contraceptive Breakdown with Dr. Julia Iiyambo, { Part 02 }
Join us for Episode 03 of our podcast as we delve into the intricacies of contraception with Dr. Julia Iyambo in the second part of this insightful discussion.
Our host, Selma Ndasilohenda Iyambo, continues her engaging conversation with Dr. Julia Iiyambo. Dr. Iiyambo is a distinguished graduate of the University of Kursk in the Russian Federation and holds a master's degree in HIV/AIDS Manag
Episode 03 : Contraceptive Breakdown with Dr. Julia Iiyambo, { Part 1}
In this series, host Selma Ndasilohenda Iyambo sits down with Dr. Julia Iiyambo, an international board-certified medical doctor and emergency care practitioner at the Windhoek Central Hospital. Dr. Iiyambo graduated from the University of Kursk in the Russian Federation and is currently pursuing a master's degree in HIV/AIDS management from the International University of Management. She is p
Episode 02: Sexual Conversations in an African Household from a Male Perspective with Ricky Howaseb
Join our host Selma Ndasilohenda Iyambo as she sits down with Ricky Howaseb, a third-year Education student at the International University of Management (IUM). Ricky is an advocate of Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR), a Comprehensive Sexuality Education Trainer (CSE), and a Social Reform and Justice Advocate whose mission is to "Actively shape the future he envisioned for a pro
Episode 01: Sexual Conversations in African Households from a Female Perspective - A conversation with Mehafo Amunyela
Episode 1 highlights sexual conversations in an African household from a female perspective In this pilot episode, our host is joined by Mehafo Amunyela who describes her sexual journey as a young girl who is raised in an African household. In her journey, she narrates when she started her menstrual cycle, her sexual journey as well as finding both menstrual products and contraceptives that work f
