Vlogging gives Laelo a voice, platform
Radio presenter and BA student in international relations, political science and media at Wits, Laelo Mahlo is the new kid on the block when it comes to vlogging.
Now that she has included vlogging into her daily schedule, Laelo’s YouTube channel is called Controversial Conversations with Laelo Mahlo.
“This conversation was supposed to be a radio show because that’s the field I’m already in. I wasn’t able to pitch the concept to radio stations because the radio stations had no vacancies due to Covid-19. I then decided to turn it into a YouTube podcast instead. The concept had been drafted since 2017,” she said.
She told Polokwane Observer that with the podcasts she wants to begin the journey of highlighting controversial issues and creating a platform that would allow for every individual, particularly the youth, to take part in the retrospective and prospective analysis of these issues.
“Having formed part of progressive panels with ground-breaking young men and women who were determined to talk about the problems they face each day within the educational system and the society at large at the Nelson Mandela children’s parliament, I figured it was only fair for me to share my knowledge and be an ambassador of change,” Laelo said.
All her podcasts are pre-recorded and later uploaded onto her channel. “I already have episodes lined up in advance, this will help me focus on school,” she said.
On the podcasts Laelo talks about various topics. “The goal is to find comfort in discomfort. We talk all things from childhood traumas, vision boards, self love and period talk to abortion and dealing with grief,” she said.
She added that parents and children are invited to subscribe and watch her channel. “For example, childhood trauma may affect parents and young people equally. It’s educational, therefore no one can ever be too old or too young for education,” she said.
The other challenge Laelo highlights is that her YouTube podcast is entirely self-funded and said equipment is expensive.
“Luckily Royalskinny Studios is assisting with some of their services,” she said.
With most of the conversations, Laelo said they are based on her personal experiences. “I’m healing through the channel and I hope I get people to also begin self and societal introspection. I hope I get them talking, educated and healing too. I’m really excited to have finally gathered the strength to begin this journey. I hope and believe everyone will grow with me,” she concluded.
The audience may engage with Laelo on the comments section on her podcast or via her Instagram and Facebook accounts: @ Laelo_M and Laelo Mahlo.
The goal is to find comfort in discomfort. We talk all things from childhood traumas to self love.