Health Matters SA

What starts as curiosity can quickly become a habit. A borrowed vape from a friend, a sweet flavour, or a social media trend—and before long, vaping can become part of everyday life. But behind the colourful devices and flavoured clouds lies a growing health concern that many teens and parents don't fully understand. In this episode of Health Matters, we speak to a leading university researche...

Are you sleeping enough — or just surviving on too little sleep? In this episode of Health Matters, Dr Michael Mol explores why sleep is far more than rest. Discover what happens to your brain, metabolism, immune system and emotional health when you consistently sacrifice sleep. You'll learn: ✔️ Why 6 hours of sleep isn't enough for most people ✔️ How your brain literally cleans itself whi...

How much does your gut health really affect your overall well-being? In this episode of Health Matters, Dr. Michael Mol and dietitian Abigail da Cruz explore the vital role of the gut microbiome and why it's central to your health. The gut influences far more than most people realize. They discuss how modern lifestyles—including processed foods, chronic stress, poor sleep, and other everyday h...

If you’re constantly tired — even after a full night’s sleep — this episode will change how you understand your energy. In this solo episode of Health Matters, Dr Michael Mol breaks down the real biology behind fatigue, unpacking the hidden drivers of chronic exhaustion — something many people experience, but few truly understand. This isn’t about needing more sleep or just “being stressed.” It’s...

Gerda Steyn didn’t start running until she was 24. Today, she’s one of the greatest ultra‑distance runners in South Africa . In this episode of Health Matters , Dr Michael Mol speaks with Gerda about what truly drives elite performance — and why the most important gains don’t come from pushing harder, but from recovering better. They explore: • Why recovery is where adaptation actually happens • H...

In this powerful Mind Matters episode of Health Matters, we’re joined by Christophe Fauconnier, co-author of  The Human Growth Code , to explore what it truly means to unlock human potential in today’s high-pressure world. From cognitive resilience and emotional regulation to breaking through limiting beliefs, Christophe unpacks the science behind mental performance and sustainable growth. We dive...

What if transforming your mental wellbeing was less about drastic life changes and more about a simple shift in perspective? In this powerful Health Matters conversation, we explore the science-backed benefits of gratitude and awe with Andreea Vanacker, uncovering how these two practices can positively reshape your brain, mindset, and daily experiences. We dive into the neuroscience behind gratitu...

What if the future of healthcare isn’t about treating illness — but preventing it altogether? In this powerful episode, Dr Kamlen Pillay breaks down his WellCare™ approach — a proactive healthcare model focused on early detection, lifestyle medicine, and whole-person wellbeing. We explore:Why preventative healthcare is the futureHow early intervention protects both mental and physical healthWhat “...

What separates high performers from those who quietly burn out? In this episode of Mind Matters, we’re joined by Kevin Bailey, Mental Performance Coach, to explore the mental skills that shape performance, confidence, and long-term success. Kevin breaks down the most common mental blocks holding driven people back and explains how mental performance techniques used by athletes can be applied to ev...

What if your brain fog, low energy, and lack of focus have nothing to do with motivation — and everything to do with how much you sit? In this episode of Health Matters, Dr Michael Mol reveals how prolonged sitting is quietly damaging your brain, creativity, and mood — and why movement is a daily biological need, not a gym goal. No fitness fads. No extreme workouts. Just simple ways to move more,...

Most of us are accidentally extending our lifespan while slowly shortening our healthspan. In Part 2 of Health Matters, host Ryan O’Connor sits down with Dr Michael Mol to unpack what it really takes to live a longer, healthier life — without quitting your job, overhauling your entire diet, or chasing the latest health trend. This episode is for anyone who knows what to do for their health… but st...

What’s the point of living to 90 if the last 30 years are spent sick, fragile, and dependent? In this episode of  Health Matters ,   Ryan O’Connor  sits down with longevity physician and TV presenter  Dr Michael Mol  to unpack the real goal of modern health:  healthspan , not just lifespan. Dr Mol breaks down: The crucial difference between  living longer  vs  living well The  4 Pillars of Healths...

In this episode, we are joined by  Thalita Kotze , a breathwork facilitator known for guiding people through curated, transformational experiences rooted in conscious connected breathing. Breathwork is one of the oldest healing practices on the planet, yet today many of us move through life with  disconnected, shallow, and habitual breathing patterns  that affect our energy, resilience, and emotio...

What really happens during a seizure — and how do you know when it’s an emergency? In this episode of  Health Matters , brought to you by  Cipla , host  Ryan O’Connor  sits down with Cape Town neurologist  Dr James Butler , a leading expert in epilepsy and seizure disorders with over 25 years of clinical and academic experience. Together, they unpack: The difference between typical and emergency s...

In this episode of Health Matters SA, we sit down with world-renowned neuroscientist, medical doctor, leadership advisor, and bestselling author Dr. Tara Swart. Known for her groundbreaking work on neuroplasticity, mindset, and peak performance, Dr. Swart unpacks how understanding the brain can transform the way we think, feel, and live. We explore the science behind:• Neuroplasticity and how the...

In this episode of Health Matters SA, host Ryan O’Connor sits down with Dr. Nompumelelo Zenda (Dr. Gynae) — Johannesburg-based OB-Gynae, Sexologist, and founder of We See You. As a Fellow of the European Committee of Sexual Medicine, Dr. Zenda brings expert insight into women’s reproductive and sexual health. We unpack some of the most common and often misunderstood women’s health issues, includin...

In this uplifting episode of Mind Matters Summit 2025: We sit down with Sharni Quinn — International Speaker, Best-selling Author, certified Life Coach, Founder of The Wellness Agency • Africa, and the official Wellness Tourism Ambassador of Cape Town. Sharni opens up about the pivotal moment she realised burnout was no longer something she could push through, but something she needed to heal from...

In this powerful episode of Health Matters , we sit down with award-winning singer, mental health advocate, and stroke survivor Lira to talk about her remarkable journey of recovery and resilience. Three years after a life-changing stroke, Lira opens up about what it took to rebuild her voice, her career, and her confidence — one day at a time. She shares how mindset played a crucial role in her h...

At the Mind Matters Summit in Cape Town, Tatjana Smith, world-class swimmer and elite athlete, sits down with our host for an eye-opening conversation on performance, resilience, and the mental habits that make champions. Tatjana shares insights from her journey on the global stage — how she prepares her mind when everything is on the line, stays motivated after the spotlight fades, and uses lesso...

What’s the difference between perimenopause and menopause? How do you know when it’s starting — and what can you do about the symptoms? In this episode of Health Matters SA, brought to you by Cipla, host Ryan O’Connor speaks with Dr. Nompumelelo Zenda (Dr. Gynae) about everything you need to know during this important stage of life. They discuss:-The real signs and symptoms of menopause- The pros...

At the Mind Matters Summit in Cape Town, Dr. Chanell Marthinussen sits down with Mo Gawdat, author of Solve for Happy and former Chief Business Officer at Google [X], for an eye-opening conversation on happiness, resilience, andthe art of emotional balance. Mo shares his renowned “equation for happiness”—a simple yet powerful framework for finding calm when life feels overwhelming. Together, they...

At the  Mind Matters Summit in Cape Town , Dr. Darren Green sits down with  Paul Miller, CEO of Cipla Africa , for a powerful conversation on  mental health, resilience, and redefining how we connect with ourselves and others. From the groundbreaking idea of asking  “How’s the weather inside you?”  to normalize mental health check-ins, to the importance of  destigmatizing conversations around anxi...

Looking for the best birth control option? In this episode of Health Matters SA, Ryan O’Connor is joined by Dr. Nompumelelo Zenda to break down the pill, IUD, injection, and patch — how they work, side effects, pros and cons, and common myths. What we cover:How each method works (pill, IUD, injection, patch)Effectiveness & side effects explainedBusting myths about weight gain, fertility &...

In this episode of Health Matters SA, host Ryan O’Connor sits down with the phenomenal Dr. Nompumelelo Zenda. Together, they unpack two of the most misunderstood women’s health conditions: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and Endometriosis. Although both can impact fertility and cause chronic symptoms, their causes, diagnosis, and treatments are very different. From hormonal imbalances to painful...

In this episode of Health Matters , host Ryan O’Connor sits down with South African long-distance running champion Gerda Steyn . From record-breaking Comrades wins to daily discipline, Gerda shares what it really takes to stay at the top — physically and mentally. We dive into her training routines, nutrition strategies, recovery tips, and the mental tools she uses to push through pressure and fat...