Monde Shange launches own podcast for men
Monde Shange is stepping into the podcasting world with a heartfelt mission, to offer men a space where vulnerability isn’t seen as weakness.
The former husband of Gogo Skhotheni recently announced his new podcast Ring Us, inspired by a deeply personal experience that changed how he views masculinity and emotional expression.
Speaking during an interview with Piano Pulse host Thakgi, Shange opened up about the powerful moment that led to the creation of his podcast.
He recalled witnessing a man openly crying in a restaurant while having a serious conversation with his partner — an image that struck him and stayed with him.
“I was at the restaurant and I saw this guy who was crying, while having a deep conversation with his wife. I could tell that it was intense,” Shange explained.
“I said, ‘Let me go and hug him.’ It was a man with muscles.”
He admitted the moment felt unusual at first — not because the man was emotional, but because society rarely encourages men to be seen that way.
“When it is a lady, you understand. But it was awkward to see a man crying in public. Why should we as men cry in hiding?” he asked.
Shange decided to approach the man and offer comfort.
“I greeted them. I told them, ‘I don’t know what’s happening, but can I give you a hug?’ He gave me the [biggest hug]… you could tell that this man was going through a lot,” he shared.
The emotional encounter lingered in his mind and ultimately sparked the idea behind Ring Us. His goal? To challenge long-standing narratives that discourage men from expressing their emotions and to provide a platform where those silent struggles can be shared.
“We have made it normal to say men should not cry or you cannot have certain conversations in public,” he said.
While the podcast will tackle serious topics such as grief, relationships, and emotional health, Shange also plans to explore other areas of men’s lives, including business and personal growth.
At its core, the podcast carries the powerful message encapsulated in its slogan: Give silence a voice.
