Sjuut Podcast is co-hosted by sisters/besties Diodi & Ilona who love discussing a whole range of topics relating to women in their mid 20’s to mid 30’s. They discuss topics like body positivity, female empowerment, busting myths that society still wants us to believe, periods, and SO much more! Sjuut started as a way for Diodi and Ilona to still have their sister chats once Ilona moved to the US.   Spoiler Alert: She ended up not moving, but Sjuut remained.  

Diodi is a single mom and 100% all about empowering other women (especially other moms) to be self sufficient powerhouses. Ilona is a body positivity activist and self love cheerleader. Both are both fiercely independent feminists. “But like… we’re also not dicks about it, ya know?” – Ilona

“We decided to share these chats and discussions in podcast form to share our thoughts and opinions with other ladies and build a whole community of sister/besties. Because sometimes we just need someone to talk about uncomfortable things.”

For example – their latest episode featured orgasms, and how some women can’t experience them. Why do more women not know about this?

Q: I love the bold and “daring” topics and conversations on the podcast, it is really like two best friends or sisters just chatting. Do you think our society is ready for honest conversations about hush-hush topics? 

Diodi: Whether society is ready or not, these conversations should happen. We’re not the first, we’re just adding our voice to the women who are already speaking up for women. A lot of our topics are ‘taboo’ and shouldn’t be, that’s why we’re hoping that putting our voices out there normalizes these topics.
Ilona: Honest conversations about hush-hush topics are LONG overdue, whether society is ready for it or not. Especially topics regarding women. The more we talk about these hush-hush topics and the more people join in on these conversations, the closer we are to normalizing it. Once we normalize these topics, we can really start working on issues we all face as women. Like menstruation products being “luxury items”. 

Q: Let’s talk about body image. What advice do you have for women really struggling with this? 

Diodi: Ilona is the BOPO queen between the two of us. But I’m learning that my body is mine, and I have to love it. For the women really struggling with it, unlearn what you’ve learned regarding your body! Follow BoPo accounts on your social media so that you can re-learn what is normal, beautiful, and makes you unique.
Ilona: Be kind to yourself (and your body). Whenever I’m having a bad body image day, and I’m being really hard on myself, I force myself to stop and ask “Would I say these negative things to Diodi (or any other woman I love)?” 
I really encourage women to have “mirror time” After a shower or while you’re getting dressed just look at yourself in the mirror. Instead of having negative thoughts about your body or avoiding looking at it, force yourself to say at least one nice thing about your body. “My thighs look really good today” “My bum looks good in this light” “My belly rolls are looking really cute today” 

Q: Body positivity – how does one achieve this? 

Diodi: Practice, practice, and practice. It should be a daily routine, not a set and forget mentality
Ilona: Diodi is 100% correct. It’s something you have to actively work on. It’s all about your mindset. Practice self-love, know your worth, and no one will be able to break you down (not even you) Also… Definitely be aware of what you’re exposed to on social media. There are so many amazing women out there promoting “normal” bodies.

Q: What does female empowerment mean to you? 

Diodi: Being in a position where you’re in charge of your life. We as women should support and empower other women to help them find and sustain their power.
Ilona: Female empowerment is about giving women the power to be who they want to be, and to do it on their own terms. We as women should definitely support and encourage other women, especially those who are unsure how to do it for themselves.

Q: How do you SELF CARE? 

Diodi: Not to sound cheesy, Ilona is a big part of my self-care. She’s my person and having her to talk to when I need to helps a lot. For alone time (recharging) I read and for bonding/family time we do gardening. All of that fills my cup in their respective emotional aspects
Ilona: Sometimes my self-care is bubble baths, faces masks, and wine. Other times my self-care is forcing myself to get up and take a shower, stopping my negative and abusive thoughts, or sleeping for 18 hours. I’ve learned to really listen to what my body needs. 

Join these gorgeous ladies as they share their bi-weekly conversations about love, life, sex, and everything in between…Pour a glass of wine, sit back, and enjoy!

www.sjuut.co.za | Apple & Spotify Podcasts