Carly's Couch On the Couch with Carly

The art of fatherhood: Justice Mukheli on redefining masculinity

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In this powerful episode, I sit down with artist, filmmaker and photographer Justice Mukheli, who I've followed for over 12 years. Known for his groundbreaking project "I See A Different You" which beautifully reshapes African narratives, Justice shares his transformative journey into fatherhood with his seven-month-old daughter. We explore how this experience has fundamentally changed him as a man and artist, challenging traditional ideas of masculinity and caregiving.

Justice opens up about the reality behind the fantasy of parenthood - from the humbling experience of watching his wife's pregnancy to the intense mental load of caring for a newborn. He offers candid insights about the privilege of being a man in parenting, the challenges of balancing work with being present, and how his relationship with his daughter has influenced his creative work. His powerful perspective: "Do what feels right for you. Nothing is wrong."

Follow Justice Mukheli:
Website: https://www.justicemukheli.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/justicemukheli/?hl=en
Enquiries: info@chilliartprojects.com / mukheli.justice@gmail.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/10155915628663643

Follow Carly on:
Website: https://onthecouchwithcarly.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfBi56xQookfRGL3zvWVzCg
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/onthecouchwithcarly/?hl=en
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/onthecouchwithcarly/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@onthecouchwithcarly
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/za/podcast/on-the-couch-with-carly/id1497585376
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3t7A2FMnISQ2fz9D5p0Xuw
Chapters
  • 00:14 Introduction of guest Justice Mukheli, artist and filmmaker
  • 01:34 Discussion of parenthood and fatherhood as podcast themes
  • 02:36 Justice's background and artistic career
  • 02:58 Justice on becoming a father to his seven-month-old daughter
  • 04:08 Justice discussing his early dreams and fantasies of parenthood
  • 06:02 Reflections on watching pregnancy transform his wife's body
  • 07:01 Justice on the strength of women and challenging gender equality
  • 09:21 The reality of bringing a newborn home and parental anxiety
  • 12:12 Discussion of what parenthood actually feels like versus expectations
  • 16:47 Justice on not being able to let his daughter cry during sleep training
  • 19:19 Reflections on changing parenting strategies across generations
  • 22:32 Justice's personal bond with his daughter and daily routine
  • 26:55 The sacrifices and challenges of becoming a parent
  • 31:33 Mental load and invisible burdens of parenthood
  • 34:35 How experiencing fatherhood has changed Justice as an artist
  • 39:06 Justice on how fatherhood has made him more sensitive
  • 41:55 Reflections on commercial filmmaking about father-daughter relationships
  • 43:25 Justice discussing plans to explore fatherhood in his art
  • 44:04 Friend's comment about modern men trying to be mothers
  • 47:20 Discussion of expanded definitions of masculinity
  • 48:56 Closing thoughts on fatherhood and changing perspectives
14 May English Explicit South Africa Self-Improvement · Relationships

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