The Feminist Bar Podcast

In this episode of The Feminist Bar, host Tinatswe Mhaka is joined by Bella Matambanadzo, a Zimbabwean feminist, writer, and movement builder. Bella shares her personal journey, reflecting on the history of feminist organizing in Zimbabwe and the power of storytelling as a tool for activism. From her early experiences in media and advocacy to her role in shaping regional feminist spaces, she offers deep insights into feminist life-building, movement sustainability, and the ways storytelling connects generations of activists.
The conversation explores the challenges and victories of the Zimbabwean feminist movement, the importance of documenting feminist histories, and the transformative potential of narratives in resisting oppression and imagining new futures.
Resources Mentioned in This Episode:
Nawi – Macroeconomics 101
The Charter of Feminist Principles for African Feminists
Support & Stay Connected
Follow The Feminist Bar on Instagram and TwitterSupport the podcast on Patreon.

In this episode of The Feminist Bar, Tinatswe Mhaka and Sandra Mpanyira discuss the transformation of activism in the digital age. They explore how social media has enabled rapid mobilization and amplified marginalized voices, citing movements like the #BlackLivesMatter, and the Zimbabwe protests in 2018. However, they also address the pitfalls of performative activism, including superficial engagement and the spread of misinformation, as seen with #BlackoutTuesday and COVID-19 conspiracy theories.
The conversation shifts to influencer culture, highlighting the positive role influencers play in raising awareness while acknowledging the risks of oversimplifying complex issues. Tinatswe and Sandra also discuss how to foster nuanced, in-depth conversations online and the importance of balancing speed with substance.
Finally, they offer strategies for leveraging social media for effective activism, stressing the need for leaders on the ground and turning online energy into offline action.
Listeners are encouraged to reflect on their own social media activism and engage intentionally. Stay connected through Twitter at @thefeministbar, Instagram at @thefeministbarpodcast, and support the podcast on Patreon at The Feminist Bar Podcast.
Thanks for tuning in!

Host Tinatswe Mhaka is joined by Chido Musamirapamwe Siame and Melusi Dhlamini to discuss the evolving field of sexual pleasure medicine. Together, they unpack how this area of medicine is defined and approached, exploring its impact on personal lives, relationships, and broader societal narratives about intimacy and the body. This insightful conversation challenges stigma and highlights the importance of understanding sexual pleasure through a medical and feminist lens.
💜 Follow the podcast on Instagram: @thefeministbarpodcast🐦 Stay connected on Twitter: @thefeministbar✨ Support and join the community on Patreon: The Feminist Bar Podcast
Tune in to learn, unlearn, and rethink pleasure!

It’s our 100th episode, and what a journey it’s been! Thank you for tuning in, showing up, and being part of this growing community of feminists, thinkers, and changemakers. This isn’t just a celebration of the podcast—it’s a celebration of all of you who’ve made it possible.
In this quick 2025 update, I’m sharing some thoughts on where we’ve been, what’s coming next, and why you should come on the podcast this year! Let’s discourse, chat, and make 2025 the year of even deeper, richer, and louder conversations.
💜 Be sure to follow us on Instagram: @thefeministbarpodcast.

In this episode, host Tinatswe Mhaka sits down with Zimbabwean author Chido Muchemwa to explore stories of home, family, and belonging. They dive into the complexities of why we leave home and why we stay, reflecting on the emotional experiences of being the one who leaves—or is left behind. Through the lens of Chido’s recently published collection Who Will Bury You and Other Stories, they examine these themes in their own lives and the lives of those around them.
Chido Muchemwa is a Zimbabwean writer based in Canada and the author of Who Will Bury You and Other Stories. A 2022 recipient of the Morland African Writing Scholarship, her work has appeared in The Baltimore Review, Canthius, and Humber Literary Review. She holds a Ph.D. from the University of Toronto, where her research explored queer histories and narratives in Zimbabwe.
Follow Chido Muchemwa:
Website: www.chidomuchemwa.com
Twitter: @chidomuchemwa
Instagram: @chidomuchemwa
Follow The Feminist Bar:
Instagram: @TheFeministBarPodcast
Twitter: @TheFeministBar
 

In this episode, we’re diving into the rise of red pill content and its impact on our lives. We explore what red pill content is, how online misogyny has evolved over the years, and the way it intersects with patriarchy, feminism, and violence.
We also discuss how these dynamics play out in online spaces and what it means to navigate them as activists, feminists, and queer individuals. Join us for this critical conversation on resisting misogyny and reclaiming digital spaces. If you would like to follow or support the podcast you can follow on: 
Twitter: @TheFeministBar
Instagram: @Thefeministbarpodcast
Support Us on Patreon: The Feminist Bar

In this episode of The Feminist Bar Podcast, host Tinatswe Mhaka welcomes Thandi Gula-Ndebele to dive deep into the concept of shadow work. Together, they explore how confronting our childhood wounds and generational trauma can help us cultivate healthier relationships, both with ourselves and others. They discuss the importance of working on our inner self, healing from past pain, and breaking cycles passed down through parental relationships. For anyone curious about starting their own journey of shadow work, this episode offers guidance on the "how" and "why" of this transformative process.
For more on Thandi’s work: @phola.herbal on InstagramLearn more about shadow work: Conni’s blog on shadow workTry a shadow work journal: Download here
Follow us on Instagram: @thefeministbarpodcastSupport us on Patreon: The Feminist Bar

Let's talk about what is happening behind the scenes of the feminist bar, the host and many other things that could have been a diary entry. 

In this episode of The Feminist Bar Podcast, Tinatswe Mhaka sits down with guests from diverse spiritual backgrounds—an atheist, and an agnostic—to have an honest and engaging conversation about religion, deconstruction, and the journey toward self-discovery. They each share their personal experiences with religion and spirituality, exploring how these beliefs (or lack thereof) have shaped their understanding of self, relationships, and community. From navigating religious expectations to redefining spirituality in a more inclusive and open way, the discussion unpacks the beauty, challenges, and nuances of finding one's own path.
Tune in to hear how each speaker's unique perspective adds depth to this rich conversation on faith, doubt, and connection.
Support the podcast here.
Follow us on Instagram.
Follow us on Twitter.
 

In this episode of The Feminist Bar Podcast, Tinatswe Mhaka sits down with Min'enhle Mguni to explore how porn and exploitative sexual content have shaped society's understanding of sex and intimacy. They delve into the centering of the male gaze, the exclusion of diverse body types, races, and identities, and how these portrayals can distort our perceptions of healthy sexual relationships. The conversation also touches on how shame and unrealistic expectations have influenced people's experiences with sex, and what can be done to promote more inclusive, realistic, and healthy conversations about intimacy.
Follow us on Instagram: @thefeministbar
Support us on Patreon: The Feminist Bar