In this episode, we reflect on what it’s been like to return home after months of travelling. We talk openly about reintegration, grief, identity, work, friendship, and rebuilding life back in the UK. This is our first episode together since April. From emotional highs to unexpected challenges, we share the honest reality of coming home changed.Timestamps:

00:00 – Intro & catching up

01:10 – Last days in India

03:10 – Reflections on our India journey

05:42 – Benji’s Bihar volunteering

07:43 – Returning to India someday

07:55 – Judah’s return home

10:58 – Surgery, grief & “soul surgery”

13:38 – Burnout & taking time off work

15:21 – Benji’s South Africa season

19:24 – Friendship, identity & coming home changed

24:01 – Leeds 2.0 & rebuilding life

26:28 – Not understanding our story yet

27:15 – Outro

Today, we're taking a deep, honest dive into quite a sensitive topic, but an important one.

Before I left South Africa, I sat down for a candid chat with my friend, Ethan, who is from Durban. I put him on the spot with a few questions, and he bravely shared his personal perspective on what it's like living in a nation still very much shaped by the legacy of Apartheid.

It's important to remember this is Ethan's unique viewpoint, and he was incredibly gracious to share it, even with some natural concerns about how it might be received back home in South Africa. But trust me, his voice is insightful, and for anyone outside South Africa, this episode will be incredibly informative and thought-provoking.

We cover everything from personal identity, family history, and the nuances of diverse racial groups, to the complexities of economic inequality and the challenges and hopes for the future.

If you're curious about South Africa beyond the headlines, this dialogue offers a truly unique and valuable lens. Tune in!

Episode Timestamps:

00:15 Ethan's Background and South African Experience

01:19 Cultural Differences and Family History

01:57 Racial Identity and Historical Context

04:47 White South African Groups and Stereotypes

07:25 Diverse Racial Groups in South Africa

13:00 Apartheid and Its Aftermath

21:16 Current Issues: White Farmers and Safety

25:02 Discussing White Farmers as Refugees

25:20 Perspectives on Immigration and Genocide

27:05 Trump's Stance on Skilled Immigrants

29:32 Life as a White South African Post-Apartheid

31:16 Affirmative Action and Economic Inequality

33:29 Challenges of BEE and Corruption

40:37 Economic Disparities in South Africa

46:34 Informal Economy and Unemployment

51:16 Hope and Resilience in South Africa

52:05 Living in South Africa: The Positives

In this solo episode, I take you on a reflective journey through India’s vast and layered history — from ancient civilisations to the British Raj, Independence, and the tragedy of Partition. Alongside key facts and stories, I share my experiences visiting some of these locations connected to Indian history. Whether you’re curious about Indian history or part of the diaspora wondering where you come from, I hope this episode is informative!

In this episode:

(00:00:00) Welcome & My Personal Connection to India's History

(00:02:38) Understanding India as a Diverse Subcontinent

(00:06:21) Ancient India: Indus Valley, Caste System & Buddhism's Rise

(00:12:03) Medieval India: Islamic Influence & the Mughal Empire

(00:15:10) The East India Company: Trade to Empire & Its Impact

(00:27:09) The 1857 Uprising & British Raj

(00:34:30) The Amritsar Massacre (1919) & Gandhi's Non-Cooperation Movement

(00:39:22) Partition: A Traumatic Divide & Lasting Legacy

(00:51:35) Modern India's Formation & Current Affairs (e.g., Kashmir)

[00:54:13] Personal Reflections: Connecting with Ancestral Heritage

Resources mentioned:

-The Golden Road by William Dalrymple

-Empire Podcast Series by William Dalrymple and Anita Anand