Tzaneen podcaster gives voice to real twenties struggles
Fernanda Camila, a 20-year-old Cuban communications graduate shares honest stories of early adulthood through her podcast Figuring Life Out.
TZANEEN – Fernanda Camila, a 20-year-old communications graduate from Cuba, is the voice behind the podcast Figuring Life Out.
Now based in Tzaneen, Camila moved to South Africa and joined her family in Tzaneen in search of new opportunities in media
“Back home, there weren’t many chances to grow in the media industry,” she said. “So I decided to explore what the world had to offer.”
Driven by a passion for storytelling and a sense of social responsibility, Camila pursued studies in communications and the film industry. Her podcast began in 2023 as part of a research paper but was briefly paused due to time constraints.
“I restarted it in October last year. It’s been challenging, but the best decision I’ve made,” she said.
Figuring Life Out now has 20 episodes, with new releases switching from Wednesdays to Fridays. The podcast is available in video on YouTube and in audio format on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Castbox.
Aimed at young adults navigating their twenties, the podcast offers a candid look at the often-overlooked struggles of early adulthood.
“I wanted to speak to people who don’t live glamorous lives, who have regular jobs, who feel lonely or like they’re falling behind,” Camila explained.
Her inspiration came from personal experience. “I went through a rough patch and felt very alone in my early twenties. I figured others must feel the same. I wanted to create something that made them feel seen and understood.”
Balancing podcast production with a full-time job is no small feat. Camila films content on weekends and edits during the weeknights. She also plans and schedules content on Sundays or Mondays, depending on her workload and available footage.
“Having a supportive boss helps a lot,” she said. “Some days I feel creatively stuck, but I remind myself there’s still so much to talk about.
I draw inspiration from trends, conversations with friends, or revisit old topics with a fresh perspective.”
Her advice to young people?
“It doesn’t matter where you start; gaining experience is key. Don’t wait for perfect conditions; just start. You’ll get better with time.”
She adds: “If you’re struggling, let yourself feel it, cry, rest, whatever you need. But the next day, get up and try again.”
