Coffee Charged Conversations

Why do so many relationships fall apart, and what can we actually do to change that? In this episode, dating coach and trauma facilitator Milé van Vuren joins me to unpack why most relationships fail and the simple shifts that can make them last. From communication and conflict to love languages and emotional triggers, we explore what it really takes to build a healthy connection that stands the t...

She started baking cookies in her garage and turned it into a full-time cookie business, Baked by Bree. But behind the success came 20-hour workdays, burnout, perfectionism, and doubt. In this episode, Sabrina Bibby opens up about: -Why she reinvests every cent she makes into her business and doesn’t take a paycheck -The extreme effects that stress and long hours took on her health -How perfection...

In this episode, Caitlin Gevers opens up about a life-shifting year: the tragedy that struck her family, her own paralysing injury, and the decade-long path to a correct diagnosis. We talk trauma, grief, independence, addiction, and how she found renewed purpose in a goal like the 94.7 cycle race. Her story is proof that even in the darkest chapters, it’s possible to rise again.

In this episode, I sit down with Themba Hadebe, co-host of The Posties Podcast, entrepreneur, events manager, and poet. We spoke about the lessons podcasting has taught us, why consistency is so hard yet so valuable, and the role networking plays in creating opportunities both in business and in life. Themba opens up about what it means to show up even when you don’t feel ready, how confidence is...

What does it really mean to understand money? In this episode, I sit down with Dillon Bassani, CEO of Bassani’s Auction House – once the smallest in South Africa, now the largest numismatics house in Africa. Dillon shares the dramatic story of his father being shot and declared dead in a helicopter, a moment that shaped his outlook on life. Alongside that, we dive into coins, investing, and why we...

At 25 years old, Guy Imbert’s life changed forever after a motorbike accident led to years of pain and, eventually, the decision to amputate his left leg. This is his story of life after amputation, overcoming trauma, and finding purpose through cycling. Far from slowing him down, the amputation gave Guy a renewed sense of purpose. Today, he’s training for The Munga, one of the longest and toughes...

At one point, Christopher de Klerk was homeless, jobless, and deep in addiction. Today, he’s a successful entrepreneur running multiple businesses — proof that even the darkest chapters can lead to powerful comebacks. In this raw and inspiring episode, Christopher shares his journey of losing everything and finding the strength to rebuild. From living out of his car to facing his demons head-on, h...

From casino tables to company boardrooms – Rob Green’s journey is proof that mindset can change everything. In this episode of Coffee Charged Conversations, I sit down with Rob Green – CEO of Real Promotions – who shares how he went from being a shy, introverted kid to working as a blackjack dealer in casinos for nearly 10 years, and eventually building a national sales company with over 300 peopl...

After 10 years of life in the sky, Daniella Milani made the bold decision to trade in her flight attendant uniform for the uncertainty of running her own business — and she’s never looked back. This episode is for anyone who feels stuck in their comfort zone and needs that final push to take a leap. Whether it’s moving overseas, starting something new, or simply doing things on your own — Daniella...

John Luis is the CEO and founder of IVA Global Online School — South Africa’s first 3D virtual school and the winner of Global Online School of the Year in 2022, 2023, and 2024. With a background that includes serving as Head of Academics at AdvTech Schools and Deputy Head at the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls, John brings a wealth of experience and a bold vision for the future of educ...

Kutlwano Yika went viral for singing at the traffic lights in Johannesburg — but his story runs much deeper than a viral moment. In this episode, we sit down to talk about the raw beginnings of his busking journey, the passion that drives him to perform for strangers, and why he believes going viral isn’t the dream everyone thinks it is. Kutlwano opens up about writing music from a place of truth,...

James Deacon is a singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist whose music has made waves across South African radio — with chart-topping hits like “Not Givin’ Up” and performances alongside international icons like A-ha. But behind the success is a story of struggle, identity, and transformation. In this episode, James opens up about who he was before the music — a teenager grappling with insecu...

Brandon Muir has lived through more than most — losing his father, grandfather, and uncle to suicide, and stepping into the role of “man of the house” before he was even a teenager. In this powerful and deeply personal episode, Brandon opens up about his journey through grief, trauma, and healing. We explore why men often suffer in silence, how childhood wounds shape our adult relationships, and w...

In this episode of Coffee Charged Conversations, I sit down with Greg Risely, the founder of Rise Wellness, to talk about the power of cold therapy and why doing difficult things can change your life. \We dive into the mental and physical benefits of stepping into discomfort, and how the simple act of getting into an ice bath can help you build consistency, discipline, and a stronger mind. We cove...

In this episode, I’m joined by Kelly Eyre, Pedagogy Lead for Dibber International South Africa, an expert in both education and mental health. Kelly, who is autistic and a mother to a child on the autism spectrum, brings invaluable insights from both a personal and professional perspective. With her background in counselling psychology and education, Kelly shares her expertise on childhood trauma,...

One of my favourite episodes so far! In this episode, I chat to Jo-Anne Sudbury—She EO and Founder of Upstage Productions and San Quentin Events at Prison Break Market. With over 30 years in the entertainment industry and as a former Business Woman of the Year, Jo-Anne shares how to turn dreams into reality and offers invaluable insights on successful entrepreneurship. Our discussion gets personal...

Discipline, balance, and health—three key pillars of personal growth. In this episode, I sit down with Cameron Timm, a boxer, ex-bodybuilder, and former online fitness coach, to break down what it really takes to build a strong body and mind. Cameron shares his journey of extreme physical transformation, revealing how he once looked his best but felt his worst. He opens up about the reality of fit...

What does it really take to stand out and make an impact in today’s world? In this episode, Sam de Fonseca, creator of TheCarScene, South Africa’s biggest car page, shares his journey of building something from the ground up. But this conversation isn’t just about cars—it’s about authenticity, creativity, and pushing through challenges to create something meaningful. We cover: -How to be real in a...

What happens when your path doesn’t go as planned? This week, I sit down with my good friend Sebastian de Oliveira, a cricketer for the Lions, to talk about his journey—both on and off the pitch. Fresh off a season of club cricket in Ireland, Sebastian shares what it was like living and playing in a new country, how he’s learned to navigate setbacks like injuries and selection disappointments, and...

In this incredibly inspiring episode of Coffee Charged Conversations, I sit down with Kelvin van Baalen, whose life was forever changed after a horrific paragliding accident in 2018. Kelvin flew into power lines while attempting to land, which resulted in him catching on fire. Two-thirds of his body sustained third and fourth-degree burns, and he spent 413 days in ICU, with doctors telling him he’...

Want to win at work and life, even when things don’t go as planned? This week, we’re diving into success strategies with Nikki Bush—a multi-award-winning speaker, 5x best-selling author, and expert on navigating life’s toughest challenges. Known for her actionable advice on dealing with change, Nikki helps individuals and teams “dance with disruption” and turn uncertainty into success. In this tra...

What a beautiful year we had at Coffee Charged Conversations in 2024. It’s been a dream come true to work with such an amazing team and to have the opportunity to have honest, authentic conversations with people from completely different walks of life. Here are 5 clips to kick off 2025: Clip 1 - Dan Pieterse on quitting alcohol and how that’s improved his life Clip 2 - Cameron Joubert on his remar...

Perhaps we’re all addicted to something? In this powerful episode, Braidon Roppa shares his journey from the depths of addiction to a life transformed through sobriety. Braidon opens up about: -The dangers of addiction and its impact on daily life -How to effectively support someone struggling with addiction -The misconceptions surrounding rehabilitation and recovery -How getting sober has reshape...

In this episode of Coffee Charged Conversations, I sit down with Chevan Naidu, also known as Mr. Fantastic. A seasoned sales coach and eternal optimist, Chevan has taught me the power of being more positive and grateful in everyday life. He believes that everything happens for a reason—at the right place and the right time. We discuss: -How to shift your mindset to focus on positivity and gratitud...

Step into the high-stakes world of MasterChef SA with Sims Kubeka! In this episode, Sims shares what it’s really like to cook under pressure on national TV, revealing the intense challenges, the creativity required, and the lessons he’s learned about staying calm and thinking on his feet. After MasterChef, Sims continued his culinary journey, training under a Michelin-starred chef in France, where...