JacPod Don't Hold Back: say it loud!

Unmasking men’s mental health battles (Seth Pimentel)

Loading player...
In this episode of 'Don't Hold Back', host Nozibele Qamngana-Mayaba talks with South African artist Seth Pimentel about his journey with mental health and art. Seth shares his experiences with Bipolar, which involved being misdiagnosed and taking the wrong medication in his early twenties. Seth says that art gave him a powerful outlet to express his true feelings when he felt like isolating himself. Seth also talks about the importance of dialogue about mental health among men, emphasising that it is not a sign of weakness or lack of masculinity. He underscores the importance of seeking professional help when needed. Towards the end, Seth mentions his dream project of creating an Air Max 1 with Nike and shares a personal backstory involving a favourite South African chocolate snack.

00:02 Introduction and welcome
00:57 Addressing Mental Health Issues
01:50 Seth's Journey with Mental Health
04:52 The Role of Art in Seth's Life
05:30 Turning Passion into a Career
06:23 The Impact of Social Media on Art Careers
07:48 Advice for Aspiring Artists
12:07 Rapid Fire Questions with Seth
13:56 Addressing Men's Mental Health
17:26 Seth's Dream Project and Closing Comments.
13 Feb 2024 English South Africa Society & Culture · Personal Journals

Other recent episodes

Five simple habits to a healthier you

What does “healthy” really mean? In this episode of Don’t Hold Back, Nozibele Qamngana-Mayaba talks to fitness coach Kopano Mokhele, who deliberately gained 25 kilos — and is now losing it again — to better understand what his clients face. Kopano shares honest lessons about food cravings, mental health, and…
9 Sep 31 min

5 Things You Need to Know Before You Turn 35

When Nozibele Qamngana-Mayaba revealed on the podcast that she’s turning 35 later this year, she admitted she was struggling with questions many women ask themselves: Have I achieved enough? Am I where I should be at this age? It was the perfect moment to bring in a mentor figure. Sitting…
26 Aug 38 min

Living Proudly: Black, Gay, HIV-Positive in 2025

How do you live proudly when the world still carries stigma? In this episode of Don’t Hold Back, Nozibele Qamngana-Mayaba sits down with Phenyo Moletsane - a proud Black, gay man living openly with HIV in 2025 - for a powerful conversation that goes beyond labels, fear, and silence. From…
12 Aug 33 min

Sex and Sexuality: What women wish they’d been taught

How do you talk about sex when no one ever taught you how? *Content warning: This episode contains adult themes and is intended for listeners aged 18 and older.* In this episode, Nozibele Qamngana-Mayaba is joined by Johannesburg-based gynaecologist and sexologist Dr Nompumelelo “Mpume” Zenda (AKA Dr Gynae). Together, they…
29 Jul 34 min

Breaking the Silence: Men & Mental Health

Content Warning: Sensitive Topics South African men are silently suffering. Many are dying inside, and some are taking their own lives. In this deeply personal episode of Don’t Hold Back, author, poet, and social activist Zonwabele Zola “Blackie” Tshayana opens up about his experience with depression, suicide attempts, and growing…
15 Jul 39 min
All episodes