On the Couch – Rachel Kolisi on her new memoir Falling Forward

In this intimate and powerful episode of *Lunch with Pippa Hudson*, Rachel Kolisi and co-author Zibu Sitole discuss *Falling Forward*, Rachel’s deeply personal memoir that chronicles her journey through identity loss, divorce, mental health struggles, and the courageous act of rebuilding herself after life-altering upheavals. The conversation unfolds with raw honesty, exploring how Rachel redefined herself beyond the labels of 'first lady of South African rugby' or 'wife,' embracing the idea that identity is fluid and that resilience means staying present, not pushing through pain. The book, co-written with Zibu Sitole, emerged from a demanding but transformative process of early-morning conversations, emotional vulnerability, and mutual trust. Rachel shares her mental health journey, including a suicide attempt at 15, and her decision to disclose past experiences with gender-based violence—not for shock value, but as a tool for healing and advocacy. Both women emphasize the importance of privacy, honoring others even in pain, and the power of storytelling to help others feel less alone. The episode also reflects on the tension between public visibility and personal boundaries, with Rachel balancing her platform with the need to protect her family and herself. Key takeaways include: identity is not fixed and can be rebuilt intentionally; vulnerability is a form of strength; mental health conversations must be normalized; healing from trauma is possible and worth sharing; and setting boundaries is essential for emotional survival. The episode concludes with a profound message: falling forward—moving forward even when unready—is not about perfection, but about progress. The overall tone is deeply empathetic, courageous, and uplifting, celebrating the quiet power of resilience and self-reclamation.