Nia Conversations with Siya Ben

On this episode I speak about why I'm not a fan of being labelled as a Strong Black Woman. I've noticed that the term is often used to glamourise black women’s trauma or is always somehow attached to how much pain you can endure as a black woman.  While being strong can be seen as a positive trait, I think the Strong Black Woman stereotype sometimes encourages black women to not show weakness or t...

Does prayer heal depression? This is the question I intend to answer in today’s conversation, based on my personal experiences. While I believe I. God and the power of prayer, I also believe in seeking professional help. I hope you’re able to receive message and listen with an open heart.

This episode deals with one of my favourite topics: kindness. One thing I know for sure about me is that I can be too hard on myself. I've realised that I never give myself a break or even give myself the same understanding and compassion that I give to my loved ones when they're faced with tough situations.  We really need to be kinder and gentler with ourselves because we’re not finished product...

I'm sure no one likes to go through pain, but I think it's very important to sometimes see it as a gift because it often comes with so many eye-opening and life-changing moments. Today I want to share some of the lessons I've learned through my painful season(s).

Today I speak about who the Nia Conversations Podcast is aimed at. Who did I have in mind when I created this platform? That’s what I’ll be sharing on and I hope this inspires you to find or define “the one” in whatever you’re doing.

Today’s episode is about some of the key lessons I’ve learned along the way. I’d like to share them with you and I do hope that you’re in a place to receive what I have to say.

*Trigger warning* This episode deals with the shame that comes after a sexual assault. I get candid about my own experience and the shame that came after I was sexually assaulted. I also touch on why shame might be one of the reasons why some people choose not to come forward after being violated. Each person’s journey and story is different and it’s not up to us to decide when or how a person sho...

Happy New Year! This first episode for 2021 is all about reflecting on the previous year — the lessons learned, people lost and goals that still need to be achieved. I also talk about the importance of giving from a healthy/good place and living your fullest and most authentic self. Enjoy!

Today I was reminded of God’s love for me. This came unexpectedly while I was listening to one of my favourite gospel songs, Kirk Franklin’s “Hold Me Now”. It took me back to a very dark, painful and difficult season and was a reminder of how faithful and loving God. It might now look like it when you’re going through dark times, but God’s hand is always upon your life. He has promised to never le...

It’s been a rather challenging time. A lot has changed in the world in the last couple of months. Here, I share some of the things I’ve been doing to keep myself afloat.

Keeping a gratitude journal has truly changed my life. Practicing gratitude has shown me that I have so much to be grateful for, every single day, and that I already have everything I need.

You are enough, just as you are. There’s this misconception that worldly success somehow increases your value as a person. But that couldn’t be further from the truth. Nothing can ever take away from the fact that you are enough, and your value as a person should never be attached to external factors.

It’s 2020 and I cannot believe that there are people who still blame and shame victims after they share their stories. There are many reasons why people who’ve been sexually violated decide not to report their experiences, and this episode will discuss a few of those reasons.

This is a reminder that healing is not a linear process. Sometimes you’re okay, and other times you’re not okay. And that’s perfectly normal.

Have you ever been so broken that it felt like your whole world was ending? I’ve been there and I know how painful and confusing that season can be. I’ve learned, though, that God always meets us right in our brokenness. So, even if your world is falling apart, trust and believe that God is with you and that He will see you through whatever you’re facing.

This episode talks about the importance of pouring into yourself first, before giving to others. You can only give to others what you give (or have given) to yourself.

It’s amazing what God can do with our pain. Over the years, I’ve come to truly know Him as a healer. This episode details on my experience with God’s healing power and how He has, and continues to make me whole.

I really do believe that hurt people hurt people. It’s taken me a few years to understand this and to be able to forgive the person who raped me, and release him. It hasn’t been easy, but it has helped me to move forward in my healing journey. Forgiveness is a gift that you give to yourself.

I think we can all agree that we’ve experienced at least one thing that has left us with scars. We’ve been through things, whether from childhood or adulthood, that have negatively impacted the people we are. Today I speak about unhealed trauma and the importance of confronting it. I used to be called all sorts of names when I was younger and they really affected my self image. I had to unlearn ce...

Have you noticed how we’re not allowed to talk about things that are deemed as “shameful”? This is a sad reality for many of us and we end up having g to carry the weight (or shame) of things we didn’t choose. We carry the pain and burden for years because, “no, you can’t talk about that.” I do, however, believe that you can’t experience your highest and most authentic self without dealing with th...

They say you can’t give from an empty cup. I totally agree with this statement! This week, I chat about what I do when I find myself in a place where I can no longer give to others (and myself). For me, when I get to that place, it’s all about working on filling my own cup first, before I can be anything else to other people.

Are you in a good space? A lot is happening in the world right now and I’m going through all kinds of emotions. On this episode I share my current mental space and the things that are coming up in terms of my healing. I’ve been presented with yet another layer of healing and I won’t lie, it’s taking me to a very vulnerable space.

When your loved one has been diagnosed with depression, a lot of things probably go through your head. On this episode I share a few ways in which you can support your loved one. I also reached out to LifeLine Western Cape and one of their counsellors, Glynis Depper shared a few tips.

I believe that therapy is one of the most beautiful gifts you can give yourself. On this episode I speak about what made me go to a therapist. I share my experience and unpack some of the things I’ve learned so far. The journey hasn’t been an easy one, but it has certainly been worth it.

This time I talk about how a bible scripture became my theme in 2018. It was all about Isaiah 61:1-3. God proved to me that He was listening to my prayers — He sent people and resources my way in order to not only confirm and fulfill His word, but to also heal and restore me.