Because We Said So
Because We Said So is a podcast by Zama Marubelela and Landzy Gama, two 20-something South African women figuring life out in real time. From navigating friendships, love, careers, and the chaos of growing up—no topic is off-limits. It’s girlhood, unfiltered. Come for the laughs, stay for the realness.
Episodes
Choosing You Without Losing Them
In this week’s episode, we unpack living for your family’s approval in your 20s. We talk about what it means to try meet family expectations, and what it can actually cost you.We also get into a quick pop culture recap, from Love Island USA, Aaliyah’s face pregnancy announcement to Andile the calculator.Of course we once again have a fun edition to our episode called Sip Happens, in partnership wi
The Polygamist, Love Island & Everything In Between
This week’s episode is all about pop culture. We’re getting into everything from South Africa’s trending series named The Polygamist to Love Island USA to the FIFA World Cup. We also unpack and some of the upcoming concerts heading to South Africa such as Kehlani and Neyo. And of course, we have our Sip Happens segment, in partnership with L’Orange Rossa by Brutal Fruit where we also share an exci
Is "Good on Paper" Good Enough?
In this week’s episode of Because We Said So, we’re talking about what happens when someone checks all the boxes on paper, but you’re still not sure if they’re the right person for you. To spice things up, we’ve also decided to play a game of This or That: Jolaring Edition Don’t forget to join us and our bwssties in Bali trip — using the link below: Link: https://luxetribes.com/trips/bwssties-in-
Dilemma Diaries
In this week’s episode of Because We Said So, we dive into the dilemmas our bwssties have been facing. From advice about family to work and relationships, there’s nothing that’s off the table. Want to join us and our bwssties in Bali? Click on the link in our bio.
How to Survive The Girl's Trip
We’re talking all things group travel—from chaotic group chats and money talks to personalities and unspoken expectations. And if you’ve been dreaming of your next girls’ trip, Bwssties in Bali is calling! Bring your bestie or come make new ones and join us. Sip Happens is back, in partnership with L’Orange Rossa by Brutal Fruit. Not for persons under 18. Please enjoy responsibly.
Should Friends Match Your Aesthetic?
From navigating whether female friendships are performative to unpacking influencer friendships and whether they are transactional, this episode explores friendships as the main conversation. Our Sip Happens segment is back again in partnership with L’Orange by Brutal Fruit, alongside our pop culture rewind covering everything from Top Billing auditions, Drake’s latest album, and the viral Kevin H
Made by Africa, Loved by The World ft. Linda Mtoba
In celebration of Africa Day and as part of Facebook’s Made by Africa, Loved by the World campaign, we sit down with award-winning actress, influencer, and entrepreneur Linda Mtoba. From Isibaya and The River to Queendom, Linda reflects on her journey in the entertainment industry, building authentic community online, and the power of African storytelling in the digital age. Sit back and enjoy bws
Made by Africa, Loved by The World ft. Nomzamo Mbatha
In this Africa Day special in collaboration with Facebook, we sit down with Nomzamo Mbatha to talk about what it means to be Made by Africa, Loved by the World. From her early journey in entertainment to starring in global productions like Coming 2 America and reconnecting with her roots through Shaka iLembe, Nomzamo opens up about identity, ambition, community, and the realities of building an in
365 days of BWSS.
Because We Said So turns ONE! In this special anniversary episode, we reflect on the highs and lows of building the podcast from scratch, introduce our new Sip Happens segment with L’Orange by Brutal Fruit, and get into some pop culture moments including the Met Gala, The Devil Wears Prada SA premiere, and the Michael Jackson movie review. Not for persons under the age of 18. Enjoy responsibly.
Is Closure A Scam?
This week on Because We Said So, we’re asking: is closure a scam or do we actually need it to move on? We talk relationships, ghosting, and why unanswered questions hit so hard. Plus, The Trials of Winnie Mandela, Metro FM Awards highlights, and Megan Thee Stallion’s breakup
Live For Now, Suffer Later.
This week, we’re talking money habits and how the “live now, suffer later” mindset is affecting our generation’s finances. We also touch on saving and how we learned to save. Plus pop culture updates from Bieberchella and more All this and more, enjoy!
"Do It, And Do It Well!" ft Nadia Nakai.
This week, we’re joined by our very first celebrity guest, The beautiful Nadia Nakai. We dive into the art of reinventing yourself as she opens up about her transition from music and reality TV into fashion, beauty, and business. Plus, our weekly dose of dilemmas and our weekly musings. Enjoy Bwssties🎙️
Is age JUST a number?
It’s Landzy’s birthday, and we’re celebrating with a conversation about age gap relationships, are they realistic, and do they actually work? We also get into this weeks pop culture, weekly musings and your dilemmas.Sit back and enjoy!
Landzy is Back!! Let's Catch Up.
Landzy is back, and we’re catching up on all things pop culture! From Latto’s pregnancy announcement to the Hannah Montana 20-year anniversary and the latest headlines, there’s a lot to unpack. Get comfortable and catch up with us!
The Busines of Being You ft. Xoli Gcabashe
For the final episode in our March features, we’re joined by a guest we know you’ll love, Xoli Gcabashe - social media content creator and business owner. This week, we dive into “the business of being you”, unpacking what it really means to build a platform in South Africa. We chat about how we got started, the highs and lows, and what the future might look like for us in this space.
Are High Achievers Made at Home?
Hey there Bwssties! This week on Because We Said So, we’re joined by a return guest, Kele Khoza and this time we’re unpacking soft parenting, what it looks like in practice, how it compares to how we were raised, and whether it can actually produce excellence in children.
The Truth About Group Friendships ft. Vanessa Padi
This week on Because We Said So, we’re talking about group friendships dynamics, the good, the complicated, and everything in between. On the pop culture side, we discuss global tensions between the US and Iran, the passing of Eric Dane, and current cultural moments including the lineup of concerts in South Africa and MaXhosa Africa’s recent Fashion Week showcase.
"My Man Is Jealous Of My Boss?" ft. Kele Khoza
This week on Because We Said So, we’re switching things up! With Landzy still recovering, we’re joined by a guest host and friend of the show, Kele Khoza, who helps us dive into some of the dilemmas you, our bwssties, have been sending in. Together, we read through your situations and offer honest advice on love, friendships, family, work, and personal growth.
Self Care as Self Love.
This week on Because We Said So, we unpack what self-care really means from how we understood it growing up to how we practice it now. We move beyond “treat yourself” culture into boundaries, discipline, and self-respect, then get into the real city makotis and the latest America’s Next Top Model documentary tea.
Are Best Friends The New Boyfriends?
Another week in love month! This week on Because We Said So, we unpack how female friendships have shaped our boundaries, standards, and expectations in love and whether our besties might actually be the blueprint. In pop culture, we get into Kim Kardashian’s new beau, the latest on Uthando Nesthembu, and drama surrounding Cardi B and Stefon Diggs.Plus our weekly musings and your dilemmas 💖
Love Is In The Little Things
This week we’re unpacking all things romance and Valentine’s Day. What it means to us, how we choose to celebrate (or not), and how female friendships have shaped the way we experience love. We also get into the Grammy highlights, from Tyla’s big win to all the timeline-worthy moments, before sharing our weekly music musings and helping our fellow Bwssties with their dilemmas.
WE'RE BACK! Let's Catch Up.
We’re SO back! For the first episode of the year, we’re catching up on all things pop culture that happened while we were away. From ‘Monster in law” first dances that shook the timeline to Trumps new number one fan, we get into all the tea. Later in the episode we get into our weekly musings and as always helping our fellow bwssties navigate their dilemmas.
And That’s All Folks! 2025 Wrapped ft. Lesedi Nkopane
For the final episode of the season, we’re joined by a highly requested guest and close friend of the podcast, Lesedi Nkopane. We reflect on our 2025 Wrapped, unpack our New Year’s resolutions, and share our peaks and pits from the year. From lessons learned and milestones achieved to navigating friendships through it all, this episode is an honest, heartfelt close to the season.
Home for The Holidays ft . Zola Joka
This week on Because We Said So, we’re joined by our friend Zola Joka for an honest festive conversation about going home for the holidays—and why heading back emakhaya isn’t always exciting for everyone. We unpack finding balance during the festive season, navigating family dynamics, and how our holiday traditions shift as we grow. We also reflect on what we’d like to do differently, and the new
It’s Time For Your Dilemma’s..
This week on Because We Said So, we’re bringing you an episode that the bwssties have been asking for, it’s finally time for the Dilemmas Episode ! We read through your dilemmas and do what we do best: unpack and offer our honest perspectives, and help you navigate real-life situations with a little clarity (and a lot of heart). But before we get into that, we kick things off with pop culture, unp
Reclaiming Your December
This week on Because We Said So, we talk about choosing rest over festive pressure and navigating December without FOMO. Plus, we recap the Cat Matlala drama, the latest on Inembe, and Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: Africa—a mix of reflection and pop-culture tea.
The Red Piling of Women?
This week, we unpack the rise of red-pill content and how ‘female red pill’ ideals are reshaping women’s views on dating and relationships. We also get into the South African Social Media Awards highlights, Normani’s unexpected SHEIN collab, and Kandi and Todd’s split after 11 years.
If Everybody Has It, I Don't Want It
This week we unpack the mindset of “if everybody has it, I don’t want it” — where it comes from, why it’s harmful, and how we can unlearn it. We also get into the Burna Boy concert drama, Gunna bringing his girlfriend on stage, Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande’s odd press tour behaviour, and the viral TikTok story “The Danish Deception.”
The Audacity To Want More
This week we talk about what it means to want more for your life as a woman, especially as a Black woman, and why ambition and abundance shouldn’t come with guilt. We also touch on Kris Jenner’s birthday, All’s Fair, and the 2025 Grammy nominations. Plus, we highlight the Women For Change G20 Women's Shutdown happening this Friday and the petition to end gender-based violence.Petition link: ht
Is Having A Boyfriend Embarrassing?
This week, we unpack Chante's viral Vogue article and the discourse around posting your partner online — when is it cute, and when is it actually embarrassing?We also get into some pop culture moments: our favourite Halloween looks, Landiwe’s catfishing incident and online safety, plus the Grace Mondlana giveaway drama and how creators can show empathy without humiliating their followers.
No More Bob The Builder
This week we’re talking about the “fixing men” era — why women feel pressured to fix men, and why it’s time to stop trying to save those who don’t want to be saved. We also chat about the Miss South Africa pageant, the upcoming Love Island South Africa, the friendship–cheating debate, and all the Inimba drama.
We're Tired of The Mean Girl Energy
This week, we’re unpacking Mean Girl Energy — from how it shows up in friendships to why it seems to follow women everywhere. We also touch on the return of the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, the Young Miami and Tyla song drama, the NoDNA and JustRSA conversations on Twitter, and the current state of Miss South Africa. Real talk, honest opinions, and a little bit of chaos — because we said so.
Pretty Privilege or Punishment?
This week, we unpack Pretty Privilege vs Pretty Punishment — is the privilege really worth the pain? We also catch up on pop culture, from Zama’s Dubai trip to Black Coffee and Enhle Mbali’s divorce, LV Sneakergate, the Matric Dress Saga, and all the concert discourse happening in South Africa. Tune in for another episode of honest, funny, and unfiltered girl chat!
Nails Done, Hair Done, Everything Did?
We’re talking beauty maintenance — the pressure to always look good, social media influence, and choosing what feels right for you. Plus, our takes on Inimba’s Thumeka going back to her ex, the bush getaway Twitter debate, and Young Thug’s comments on women and therapy.
Birthday Behaviour
This week we’re celebrating Zama’s birthday! So we’re talking all things birthday. We talk about the dynamics and discourse around birthdays. Plus our takes on the ongoing beef between Nicki Minaj & Cardi B, Lerato Nxumalo getting married! The corruption happening in our country and the latest on Married At First Sight SA.
Ageing.. Like Fine Wine! Ft. Vanessa Padi
We’re celebrating 50K with a special guest — our friend and creator Vanessa Padi! We unpack ageism, the pressures women face as they grow older, and how society treats men vs. women differently. Plus, our takes on Married at First Sight, Cardi B’s album + pregnancy announcement, and the rapture that never ended up happening.
The Groove Evolution
We’re unpacking groove culture in South Africa and how it’s shifted from our early 20s to now—from carefree nights to section and bottle culture, plus the male and female dynamics in the club space. We also dive into this week’s pop culture moments, including the Nandipha Magudumana & Tabo Bester documentary, the High Court surname ruling, Enhle Mbali’s Black hair comments, and the Charlie Kir
The Best of Times in The Worst of Times.
This week on Because We Said So, we dive into the duality of life — how the best and worst of times can collide all at once. We get real and vulnerable about some of the highs and lows we’ve faced navigating our 20s, and how those experiences have shaped us. On the pop culture side, we unpack standout moments from the VMAs, the ongoing Young Thug controversy, Miguel and Margaret Zhang’s surprising
Ok But.. We Need To Put The Tools Down
In this episode of Because We Said So, we explore hyper independence: where it comes from, how it shows up in daily life, and tips for women working through it. We also chat about Inimba, Love Is Blind UK, and the latest Alabuga scandal responses.
There's a LOT Going On..
This week on Because We Said So, we mix our topics with pop culture rewind — from the Russia-Alabuga scandal and protecting your brand, to the Love Island reunion drama and racism discourse, plus the success of the Scorpion Kings concert and why South Africans should support local talent. It’s unfiltered conversations and girl chat, because we said so.
Loving and Losing, While Still Living.
On this week on Because We Said So we kick things off with the rising wave of Ozempic customers and the heated discourse it’s been sparking on Twitter. Then, we get into Adrienne and Israel Houghton’s recent podcast revelations about their marriage that left the internet raising a collective eyebrow. Plus, by popular demand, we’re finally diving into Married at First Sight—from the dynamics betwee
Let's Talk Girl-Code & Friendship "Rules" in Our 20's.
This week we kick things off with the trending discourse around content online — why middle-class content doesn’t perform as well, and why people often glamorize either extreme luxury or poverty-stricken content. From there, we touch on Ronaldo finally proposing to Georgina and the stunning Chioma & Davido wedding, before diving into our main topic: Girl Code.We chat about how Girl Code has ev
Is Delulu *Actually* The Solulu?
This week on Because We Said So, we’re asking the question on everyone’s lips — is DELULU the SOLULU? 👀 We break down what it really means, why everyone’s talking about it, and whether a little delusion might just be the secret to success.We also dive into some of the biggest South African pop culture moments of the week — from the Mommy Club drama with Koko and her mom Nozipo, to the controversia
Is This The End of Community?
In today’s episode, we dive into the growing conversation around the deterioration of community, using the latest Twitter discourse as a jumping-off point. Why have we become so disconnected? What’s fueling the breakdown of our communal ties and more importantly, how can we start to rebuild them?We also catch up on the biggest pop culture moments this week, including the explosive Kenny and Jana b
Girl Math & Figuring Out Finances In Our 20's
In this episode of Because We Said So, we dive into the real and sometimes rocky world of managing finances in your 20s. From budgeting mishaps and money anxiety to learning how to prioritize financial wellness without losing your social life. Please note this does NOT constitute as financial advise, please seek a professional financial advisor to assist you with your finances. We kick things off
"Unbecoming, to Become." - What We've Had to Unlearn.
This week, we kick things off with a juicy pop culture rewind — from the Real Housewives of Durban reunion (yes, we’re still recovering) to our thoughts on the final Love Island dates and the post-villa podcast interviews. Spoiler: the drama definitely didn’t end in the villa.Then we shift gears and get personal. In our main topic of the week, we unpack the beliefs, habits, and narratives we’ve ha
Just Sharing or Oversharing? The Cost of Vulnerability Online.
In this week’s episode of Because We Said So, we kick things off with all the looks, slays and serves from Durban July 2025 — the girls (and the gents) did not come to play! We also catch up on the latest Love Island drama (because duh, what’s a week without it?) and then dive into the story that’s taken over South African social media, the Grace Mandlana discourse.From there, we unpack a deeper c
Real Friends.. How Many Of Us?
This week on Because We Said So, we’re getting real about friendship in your 20s — what it means to be a good friend, how to show up for the people you love, and how friendships change as we grow. Inspired by the viral Be Simone podcast moment where her best friend called her out, we unpack the emotional weight of feeling unseen, how to set boundaries, and what accountability in friendship actuall
Hookup Culture & Owning Your Sexuality
This week on Because We Said So, we’re diving headfirst into the complexities of hookup culture and what it means to explore your sexuality as a woman in your 20s. Inspired by a creators viral video questioning a woman’s worth in relation to hookup culture, we unpack the double standards, the freedom, the shame, and everything in between.Of course, it wouldn’t be a full episode without our usual d
The End of the "Cool Girl" Era
This week on Because We Said So, we’re getting into the whole “cool girl” thing — what it actually means, why we’ve all tried to be her at some point, and how to still show up as yourself while protecting your boundaries. We also chat about people pleasing and how it shows up in both personal and professional relationships (and not in a cute way).And of course, we had to get into the Love Island U
Sometimes It *IS* The Soul That Needs The Surgery
In this episode of Because We Said So, we kick things off with our thoughts on the Kelvin Momo Symphonic concert, the unexpected pairing of Teyana Taylor and Aaron Pierre, the latest Love Island drama, and why Amerie’s Tiny Desk performance has everyone talking.We then dive into a deeper conversation around body dysmorphia, cosmetic surgery, and the harmful impact of society’s obsession with one i
Should We Have It All Figured Out In Our 20's?
This week, we’re getting into that weird pressure in your 20s to have it all figured out — the job, the apartment, the relationship, the glow-up. We’re talking about the feeling of being left behind while everyone else seems ten steps ahead, and why it’s way more common than it looks online. Plus, we get into the burgundy nails debate that’s taken over South African TikTok, and the Nonku vs. Londi
Lessons About Dating in Our 20’s
In this week’s episode of Because We Said So, we’re diving into the differences between dating in our late 20s versus our early 20s—what’s changed, what we’ve learned, and why we’d never go back. We also touch on Justin Bieber’s surprise performance at Kendrick Lamar’s concert, the report that Elf Cosmetics is purchasing Hailey Bieber’s Rhode brand, and the Love Is Blind contestants who recently a
Absent Fathers, Present Wounds.
This week on Because We Said So, we’re getting real about absent fathers—how their absence can shape our views on love, trust, and independence. From hyper-independence to deep-rooted abandonment issues, we unpack the emotional weight so many women carry into adulthood and relationships.We also dive into the current conversations around men in the media, from the disturbing revelations in the Didd
“Soft Girl Era” - Empowering or A Step Backward?
In this episode of Because We Said So, we dive into the rise of the Soft Girl Era—but is it truly empowering or just another aesthetic built to box women in? We unpack the meaning behind this trending lifestyle and whether softness is a choice or a performance as well as ways we can look at the “soft girl aesthetic” that makes sense for us average girlies. We also chat about Beyoncé’s new tour and
Can Real Friendships Survive In The Public Eye?
Welcome to the very first episode of Because We Said So — your new favourite space for unfiltered girl chats, real talk, and everything in between with none other than Landzy Gama and Zama (ZeeXOnline) Marubelela. In this debut episode, we’re diving into what it’s like maintaining friendships while living in the spotlight. From handling online assumptions to protecting your peace and setting bound
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