How much of our health is actually within our control?

THE LIFE WE SHARE What shapes the lives we share? Hosted by Bandile Mndebele & Thandi Magwai, The Life We Share explores the people, relationships, cultures and systems that shape how we live together. From health and belonging to identity, power, technology and everyday life, Bandile and Thandi ask better questions about the things we experience — and the systems we don’t always see. No easy answers. Just thoughtful conversations. What connects us? What gets between us? What could we change? ⸻ 01 — HEALTHY LITERACY How much of our health is actually within our control? Bandile and Thandi unpack why health is more than individual choice. Beginning with Thandi’s journey into epidemiology and public health, the conversation explores health literacy, prevention, social determinants of health and why access to reliable information can shape health outcomes. The discussion moves from COVID-19 and vaccine confidence to the unequal distribution of health resources, research and innovation, particularly across Africa. At its heart, the episode asks whether knowing more can give people greater agency over their health, even when the systems around them remain difficult to navigate. We explore: Health literacy and prevention Epidemiology and public health COVID-19 and trust Health inequality and access Africa’s role in health research Turning knowledge into agency Takeaway: When you know better, you can ask better questions — and make better decisions. ⸻ KEEP THE CONVERSATION GOING If something made you think, question, disagree or see something differently, share it. Listen. Think. Talk. Share. The conversation doesn’t have to end when the episode does. STAY CONNECTED Follow The Life We Share through the channels associated with the collaboration and its creators. Bandile Mndebele Website: https://bandilem.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bandile-mndebele/ Podcast: https://addideas.transistor.fm/ Thandi Magwai LinkedIn: https://za.linkedin.com/in/thandi-magwai If you enjoyed the series, follow the show, share an episode and leave a review wherever you listen. It helps other people find the conversation. ⸻ WORK WITH US Interested in collaborating, sponsoring an episode, supporting the series or bringing these conversations into your organisation? The Life We Share welcomes thoughtful collaborations with organisations, institutions, researchers, creators and partners working across: health · equity · inclusion · accessibility · innovation · technology · culture · sustainability · human connection · better systems. For collaboration and commercial enquiries: Bandile M Ventures [email protected] https://bandilem.com/ ⸻ A NOTE ON THE CONVERSATION The Life We Share is a space for thoughtful conversation. Views, experiences and opinions expressed by the hosts or contributors are their own and should not automatically be interpreted as representing their employers, organisations, institutions or professional affiliations. Where professional, scientific, research or public-health topics are discussed, the conversation is intended for general information and discussion rather than individual medical, legal, financial or professional advice. Listeners should consult relevant primary sources and appropriately qualified professionals where appropriate. ⸻ MEET THE HOSTS Bandile Mndebele Strategist, creator and inclusion practitioner exploring belonging, equity, leadership, technology and human-centred systems. Creator and host of The ADD IDEAS Podcast. Thandi Magwai Public-health and research professional focused on translating health and research into accessible, understandable conversations. Creator of The Breakdown Project, where she explores public health, research and health literacy. The Breakdown Project: YouTube — The Breakdown Project⁠ ⸻ MORE FROM THE HOSTS The ADD IDEAS Podcast Ideas for a world that works better for more people. Explore conversations around equity, inclusion, leadership, technology, sustainability, AI and human-centred innovation. The Breakdown Project Making public health and research easier to understand. ⸻ THE LIFE WE SHARE Hosted by Bandile Mndebele & Thandi Magwai A limited-series collaboration between Bandile M Ventures and The Breakdown Project. Health. Belonging. Power. People. Systems. © 2026 Bandile M Ventures (Pty) Ltd & Thandi Magwai. All rights reserved. If this conversation stayed with you, pass it on. Someone else might need to hear it.