CO-HOST OF ’WHEN CHANGE HAPPENS’ PODCAST, RUDA LANDMAN

By Ml. Luqman Skink, INX Prime News and Current Affairs Editor

Ruda Landman is a veteran journalist and a household name on South African TV. She is best known as the face of the wildly successful Carte Blanche investigative current affairs show. She co-anchored the show for 19 years with the late Dereck Watts between 1988 and 2007, when the show beamed through millions of South African homes every Sunday evening at 19:00.

Since her retirement from television in 2007, she has authored a book, earned an honorary doctorate from Stellenbosch University, and worked with the NGO StudyTrust, helping to support university students. Landman is also a member of the Media 24 board of directors.

But it is her newest project that brought her to our studios in Houghton. We were keen to find out more about the 'When Change Happens' podcast she co-hosts with change and personal resilience expert, Dr. Frank Magwegwe.

'When Change Happens' Podcast

Speaking to INX Prime’s Nazia Wadee, Landman said the idea for the podcast was born out of conversations she had with Black Rock, the company behind the www.changeexchange.co.za website that explores the science of change and offers courses to help people prepare for life-changing experiences.

She explained that she and Dr. Frank had previously completed the 'Change in One Generation' podcast series, which looked at case studies of people who had been the first in their families to go to university. Now, with the 'When Change Happens' podcast, they focus on more varied case studies of change.

Landman shared stories from the new series: a woman working on her PhD who became pregnant with twins, a man in a high-powered corporate job who had a heart attack at 41, and many others who faced life-altering situations. The podcast explores their experiences and the science of navigating change.

'With Change Comes Loss'

Landman explained that with every significant change, there comes a sense of loss. The sooner people acknowledge their loss, the sooner they can adapt and thrive despite the challenges. The podcast sheds light on this aspect of personal resilience.

Dealing with Retirement

Landman highlighted the emotional challenges many face when retiring, as many people identify strongly with their work. Retirement can evoke feelings of sadness and loss, but the podcast offers insights on how to better manage this transition.

Making Difficult Changes Easier

One key takeaway Landman hopes listeners will gain from the podcast is understanding that change is a universal experience. Though difficult, there are steps to make the process easier. "It's not easy, but it can be done," she said.

To learn more about the podcast and listen to episodes, visit www.changepodcastsco.za.