Keywords

thriving, surviving, mental health, spirituality, inner child, racism, screenwriting, personal growth, self-kindness, fear, media representation, historical roots, white supremacy, storytelling, social justice, personal experiences, self-healing, emotional well-being, self-reflection, trauma, compassion, inner peace, empowerment

Summary

In this episode of Thriving Not Surviving, host Helen Valentino welcomes Thandi Lubimbi—a barrister, award-winning screenwriter, and shamanic practitioner. Together, they explore Thandi’s deeply personal journey through mental health struggles, spiritual awakening, and the fight against racism in both the military and the entertainment industry.

Thandi shares how spiritual connection, self-kindness, and embracing her inner child have supported her through life’s darkest moments. She speaks with tenderness and honesty about the strength required to remain gentle in a world that often rewards hardness.

The conversation explores the realities of racism within media and military spaces. Thandi reflects on the challenges of writing about race, the backlash that often follows, and the critical role of authentic storytelling in social justice. Her insights reveal how systemic oppression—rooted in colonialism and white supremacy—still permeates modern institutions, from film sets to healthcare systems.

Thandi also emphasizes the power of personal growth, urging listeners to “tend their own gardens” as a metaphor for healing. By focusing on internal work, we begin to shift our relationships and ripple change outward. Through stories, metaphors, and deeply lived wisdom, Thandi and Helen remind us that small acts of self-reflection and compassion can help us move from survival to thriving.

Takeaways

• Human beings are a Holy Trinity of mind, body, and soul • Spiritual connection can offer strength during hard times • Visualizing the inner child supports deep healing

• Self-kindness is vital for mental health and self-worth • True strength lies in gentleness • Racism in the entertainment industry remains widespread • Self-kindness helps reframe negative self-talk • Facing fears fuels personal transformation • Writing is a powerful tool for storytelling and healing • Racial abuse in the military is often dismissed • White privilege often silences Black experiences • Harmful stereotypes persist in media portrayals • Racism has roots in slavery and colonialism • Racism operates like a pyramid, benefiting the few • Healthcare systems carry legacies of racial injustice • Honest storytelling can shift public perception • We must commit to dismantling racism • Healing ourselves allows us to better support others • Bitterness and hate corrode the soul • Self-reflection fuels personal evolution • Every person has a sacred and unique purpose • Prioritizing self-care strengthens our impact • Healing is a lifelong, courageous process • Compassion for ourselves fosters compassion for others

🎧 For full transcription, contact: [email protected] 🎵 Music: Pixabay – “Upbeat Acoustic” by Stockaudios 🎨 Cover art: Dave Champagne

📖 Referenced reading:

• Book – Race & Entertainment: Reflections on Racism in Film, TV & The Media by Thandi Lubimbi

• Radio play – Barred written by Thandi Lubimbi & Richard Kurti – BBC Radio 4 – 6th November 2021 – winner of best digital drama at the 2022 New York Festival

• Audible story – The Effect – episode 6 – The series won best podcast at the 2022 New York Festival

• Screenplay – Ghosts of War – Finalist at the 2025 Scriptwriters & Co International Festival

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