Xpect Performance

In this episode, Caitlin Venniker shares her compelling story of shifting careers from veterinarian to author, the challenges of publishing, and what animals have taught her about presence, trust, and resilience. Her insights reveal the profound human-animal bond and the importance of humor and compassion in emotionally charged professions. Main topics: The personal journey from vet to author amid...

In this episode, highly respected golf coach and broadcaster Mark Immelman shares a wealth of knowledge on the nuances of elite golf, the evolution of teaching, and how technology is shaping the game. Whether you're a coach, player, or enthusiast, you'll gain new insights on how top professionals think, adapt, and perform under pressure. Key topics include: The journey of the "Mark Immelman" podca...

In this episode, Kelly Edmondson shares her journey of transforming profound grief into meaningful impact through her organization, Timely Presence. Her story highlights the importance of presence, resilience, and community support in healing from trauma and loss, offering powerful insights for anyone navigating dark times. Key Topics: The vital role of presence and empathy in healthcare and grief...

In this episode, Clinton Shum explores five landmark studies in social psychology that reveal how easily our perceptions, morals, and actions are influenced by unseen forces. Understanding these insights can profoundly impact how we navigate group dynamics, moral choices, and leadership in both personal and organizational settings. Key Topics The mechanisms and implications of conformity highlight...

The Evolution of Sports Science and Strength & Conditioning with Dave Clark. In this episode, we explore the remarkable journey of sports science, from its origins in the late 80s to today’s diverse applications across Olympic, professional, and recreational sports. Dave Clark shares his extensive experience working with elite athletes, Olympic programs, and the importance of applying foundati...

The conversation covers the podcast journey, challenges of finding guests, the business of podcasting, the impact of episode length and structure on audience engagement, podcast performance and audience perception, and podcasting as a business, including the use of AI and the red team, blue team approach. The conversation covers the journey to podcasting, discovering the world of podcasting, encou...

In this episode, we explore how emotional presence, trauma, and playful engagement shape both health and human connection. Nadia, a pediatrician and mother, shares profound insights on balancing professional dedication with personal life, emphasizing how mindfulness and intentionality can transform our approach to children, ourselves, and our work. In this episode: How reflecting on meaningful pat...

Effective communication is more crucial than ever in our interconnected world. In this episode, Ruth Mtembu, communication expert and founder of tactfully.co , explores how mastering tact and emotional intelligence can transform your personal and professional relationships. Get ready to rethink how you listen, respond, and build genuine connections. Key Topics: The impact of rapid task switching o...

In this episode, Erik Kruger and Clinton Shum dive into the core principles that drive personal and professional transformation. From the importance of self-awareness to making powerful, disruptive moves, they explore how small, deliberate actions can create profound shifts over time. Key topics: The role of self-awareness and how it impacts goal achievement and personal growth The concept of "pow...

In this episode, I sit down with paediatrician Dr Nadia Khan for a powerful and honest conversation about modern healthcare, parenting, and the hidden factors shaping our children’s wellbeing. We unpack the growing concern around the overprescription of medication, and why true health often lies beyond the script pad. Dr Khan shares her perspective on how simple lifestyle changes like movement, nu...

In this episode, Kirsten Alexander unpacks the complex nature of narcissism, distinguishing it from mere arrogance, explaining how it develops, and revealing its impact on relationships and society. Whether you're questioning a loved one's behavior or seeking to understand your own tendencies, this discussion offers clarity backed by psychological insights. Key Takeaways: Narcissism involves a par...

In this insightful episode, Craig Wilkinson discusses the true essence of masculinity, its misconceptions, and the vital role of fathers and male role models in shaping healthy men. Whether you're a dad, a young man, or someone interested in understanding gender roles, this conversation offers profound lessons on strength, responsibility, and emotional intelligence. Takeaway: The societal demoniza...

Summary In this engaging conversation, Brent Lindeque, known as the Good Things Guy, shares his journey of positivity, authenticity, and the importance of gratitude. He reflects on his experiences with technology, travel, and the duality of his online persona. Brent discusses the challenges of maintaining authenticity in the digital age, the significance of vulnerability, and the lessons learned f...

In this episode, Rich Mulholland shares his insights on redefining purpose and potential, emphasizing the importance of living a purposeful life rather than having a singular purpose. He discusses the societal pressures of having a defined purpose and how it can lead to stress and anxiety. Rich also explores the concept of potential, arguing that success should be measured against one's intent rat...

Michael Hollick’s career is proof that progress in professional sport is rarely linear. Turning professional in 2011, Michael spent more than a decade grinding on the Sunshine Tour before finally earning his DP World Tour card for the first time — a milestone that almost never came. In this conversation, Michael opens up about the season where everything nearly fell apart, how close he came to los...

In this episode, I welcome Ben Herring to discuss the intricacies of coaching culture. They explore the concept of culture as an environment suitable for growth, drawing parallels between team dynamics and biological cultures in a petri dish. The conversation delves into the importance of psychological safety within teams, emphasizing how it fosters open communication and growth. Ben shares insigh...

In this episode of the Xpect Performance Podcast , I sit down with South African comedy icon Barry Hilton for a conversation that goes far beyond the punchlines. Barry reflects on living intentionally, the role humour plays in coping with life’s challenges, and the unseen craft behind crowd work and connection. We unpack the reality of dealing with negative feedback, the pressure of maintaining an...

This episode with Simon Grainger explores how brand strategy and personal growth follow the same path: clarity, alignment, and evolution. Simon breaks down what a brand really is and how staying true to your values builds both trust and momentum. We look at the importance of understanding what you stand for both as an individual and as a company, how to spot the gap between who you are and what yo...

Introducing Prof Susan Goldstein , a public health specialist, health economist, and Division Director of PRICELESS SA at Wits University. Susan’s work sits at the intersection of health, economics, and policy — helping South Africa make smarter, fairer decisions about which health interventions truly save lives, reduce inequality, and offer the greatest long-term impact. The conversation explores...

In this episode, I sit down with Zanele Njapha , widely known as The UnLearning Lady , to explore the art of letting go — of habits, beliefs, and assumptions that no longer serve us.  We unpack why unlearning is often harder than learning, how leaders can support change without forcing it, and what it truly takes to evolve as individuals and teams. From reframing failure to monitoring your default...

Have you ever felt worse after scrolling through social media — even when nothing in your life actually changed? In this episode of The Xpect Performance Podcast , I unpack one of the biggest modern happiness traps: comparison . From the biology behind why we compare, to how social media distorts our self-worth, this episode explores how to stop measuring your life by someone else’s ruler — and st...

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Kris Goodwin from Intrinsic Pathways to explore the emerging practice of ketamine infusions for chronic mental illnesses. We cover the science, the experience, and the broader implications for mental health treatment. Timestamps & Key Topics: 00:00 – Intro – Welcome and overview of the episode. 07:30 – How does Ketamine work? – The science behind ketamine’...

Tired of being a part of someone else's dream? Overwhelmed at the thought of being on the helpless hamster wheel with no end in sight? If you answered yes to either of these questions, you should give this episode your attention.  Adele Benvie is an entrepreneur, public speaker and founder of The Success Company. In this episode we discuss: - Collaboration vs Competition - How to allow your busine...

Becoming parents is one of life’s biggest transitions — and it can put even the strongest relationships to the test. In this episode, I sit down with psychologist Rakhi Beekrum to unpack the emotional, mental, and relational shifts couples experience when they welcome a new baby. From changing identities and intimacy challenges to communication breakdowns and rebuilding connection, we explore prac...

What does it really take to go from rock bottom to 19-time world record holder?  That is a question that only Lil Bianchi knows the answer to.  In this episode, I sit down with Lil, now a strength and conditioning specialist, business owner and online educator.  What you'll learn in this episode: - How Lil transitioned from a brick-and-mortar gym to the online world of coaching.  - The truth about...