If the point of my platform is to offer relief to visitors experiencing challenges like anxiety, grief, relationship concerns, health issues or exhaustion, I should take some of my own medicine, right? Time I took a break! You’re invited to keep my platform company while I opt out of work routines till January the 7th.

How about gifting someone close to your heart with an audio recording containing special memories, stories, insights, advice, good wishes or your sincere love and appreciation, packaged as a gift that keeps on giving? You can listen to an example by scrolling down.

Why do some traumatic experiences remain unprocessed? Post-traumatic growth specialist Sinta Ebersohn discusses the two components of trauma, the top 5 stressors, resilience as a set of skills and a growth process that can help us deal with whatever life throws at us.

Having a loved one diagnosed with dementia causes great distress. Social worker Welma Geldenhuys from ADASA discusses the symptoms of this progressive, incurable illness, its causes and 7 stages, and whether dementia is a normal part of ageing. She offers guidelines for communicating with individuals with dementia, creating a safe environment, and caring for the carer.

Al ooit daaraan gedink om iemand ná aan jou hart te verras met ‘n onverwagse geskenk? Luister gerus na die voorbeeld hieronder.

Is selfdood selfsugtig? Kan naasbestaandes voorkom dat iemand hul eie lewe neem? Riette Rust praat oor haar man, JD, se selfdood, die stigma wat aan selfdood kleef, die hoe en hoekoms, die rouproses - en dat dit moontlik is om weer op te staan en opreg gelukkig te wees.

What’s the difference between an inheritance and a legacy? Dr Melodie de Jager explores fostering our connection with those we cherish while we’re very much alive, since we actively grow our legacy every day. She invites Mariette to talk about her “Gift podcasts” - a way to honour loved ones, strengthen relationships, and create an extraordinary keepsake.

Relationship coach Bryan Reeves shares his personal journey from a series of failed relationships to a profound understanding of love and intimacy. Offering insights from his best-selling relationship guide, he discusses the challenges regarding freedom and connection, the sexiest 3 words a man can say to a woman, and the sexiest 3 words a woman can say to a man.

Many high-powered women yearn for marriage, but find men spurning them because of their professional status or dedication to their careers. Sociologist Dr. Sandy To discusses her research on China’s “leftover women,” the gender constraints they face, and 4 different partner choice strategies they employ.

No need to panic when your intimate relationship moves out of the fuzzy infatuation stage and unnerving differences set in. Counselling psychologist Dr Ingrid Artus explains how identifying and successfully moving through love’s 5 stages can carry a couple to lasting love. She discusses developing a growth mindset, 4 attachment styles, and causes of conflict.

Prostate cancer is one of the most daunting challenges a man can face. Elred Lawrence candidly shares his experience of the diagnosis, decision-making process, eventual prostatectomy, and living an adventurous and joyous life ever since. He highlights facing serious concerns like possible erectile dysfunction and incontinence, the importance of garnering emotional support, and finding the courage to deal with an illness jeopardising “what makes one a man”.

Watter rol speel die onsienlike in ons lewe? Raakprater Amore Bekker verduidelik hoe energie ons gesondheid, romantiese verhoudings en ouer word beïnvloed. Sy brei uit oor rigtingwysers op ons pad, respek, genot en lyfstraf, stel haar jongste boek bekend, en verduidelik hoe sy haar beskermengel “inkatrol”.

Does hyper- or hyposensitivity cause you to feel overwhelmed or under-stimulated in environments others may find normal? Psychologist Luricka Fick considers whether mental health difficulties, including depression, anxiety and risk-taking behaviour, may point to sensory integration issues. She discusses the role dopamine plays in over- and under-responsiveness, and the benefits of a sensory integration assessment.

Al meer mans en vroue besluit om nie kinders te hê nie. Wat vuur hierdie besluit aan, hoe behoort dit geneem te word, en watter gevolge kan dit hê?

Is your natural inclination visual, auditory, or kinaesthetic? How can you apply this knowledge to deepen your connection with others – and, most importantly, with yourself? Human development specialist Dr Melodie de Jager explores our sensory systems and preferences, offering practical tips on increasing our awareness, enhancing self-care, and even choosing spot-on gifts.   

In sunny South Africa the festive season is associated with candles bending in the heat, al fresco dinners, splashing about in pools and spectacular sunsets. Wherever you happen to be, you’re welcome to keep my platform company while I’m taking time off till 9 January!

Kies mense hul seksuele oriëntasie? Watter 4 fasette behels seksuele identiteit? Pastorale narratiewe terapeut dr. Marietjie van Loggerenberg belig wetenskaplike navorsing wat epigenetika insluit, seksuele vloeibaarheid en die uitsluiting van gay, transgender, interseks en ander mense - onder meer in ‘n geloofskonteks.

Palliative care nursing sister Cherry Armstrong’s “Cancer: navigating the journey” helps cancer patients and their loved ones face this challenge, from the time of diagnosis to remission or terminal stages. Cherry addresses common questions and fears, treatments, side effects, medical aids, nutrition, complementary therapies, caring for a loved one, and what to say and do. Cherry speaks from experience - and from the heart. Sponsored content.

In an intimate relationship, different viewpoints create stress and conflict. By illuminating each partner’s key motivational drive, the Enneagram provides clarity which – used mindfully – supports self-awareness and liberates one’s partner from unrealistic expectations. Transformation coach Renier Cronje explains how accepting and normalising each partner’s survival fears can strengthen a relationship and provide a gateway to love.

While we love our children deeply, parenting is definitely not for the faint-hearted. Three moms share their views of the challenges and joys of motherhood and offer practical insights, coping ideas and strategies.