“This Is More Than a Podcast, It’s Love,” Says Shudufhadzo Musida About Her New Podcast

Former Miss South Africa, Shudufhadzo Musida, is back in the spotlight with a brand-new season of her podcast, Mindful Mondays with Shudu. The second season of the mental health series is set to launch on 4 August, and this time, Shudu says it’s even more personal.

The 29-year-old beauty queen, author, and mental health advocate from Ha-Masia in Limpopo shared that the podcast is close to her heart. “This is more than a podcast cover. It’s love,” she said.

Shudu explained that the idea of Mindful Mondays has been with her for a long time, nearly four years. The first season aired on Instagram, but then she took a break from social media. During that time, she was held back by doubts and fear. She wondered if she could get it right, or if anyone would care enough to listen. But now, she’s moving forward with confidence and self-belief.

“I’ve learned that perfection was never the goal. Presence was,” she said. “And sometimes, the most powerful thing you can do is just start.”

In this new season, Shudu takes a different approach. Instead of trying to explain mental health in a textbook way, she focuses on the everyday experiences people go through quiet struggles, personal growth, and honest conversations with ourselves and others.

“It’s less about definitions of mental health and more about the daily experience, the  quiet battles, breakthroughs, and conversations,” she added.

Episodes were recorded in Johannesburg, Cape Town, and New York City, and feature both solo sessions and chats with special guests. Shudu says this season is a “labour of love.”

Since being crowned Miss SA in 2020, Shudu has written a children’s book titled Shudu Finds Her Magic and is now studying for her master’s degree in International Affairs at Columbia University in New York.

With her voice, wisdom, and warmth, Shudu is using her platform to help others feel seen, heard, and less alone.