Petra Sittig

In this interview, Terry Hyde, a former professional dancer turned psychotherapist, shares his invaluable perspective on the intersection of dance and mental health. As a counselor for dancers, Terry is leading a movement to bring essential mental health support to the dance community, addressing the unique challenges dancers face in both their training and professional careers. Having experienced...

In this interview, Nasiphi Zwane takes us behind the scenes of his podcast, Sludge Underground, which he founded in Durban, South Africa in September 2016. Nasiphi shares his journey of creating the podcast with the goal of shining a spotlight on local alternative bands that were being overlooked by mainstream radio. He delves into the challenges he faced, such as navigating the niche music scene,...

Dumisani Mchunu is an art student based in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, with a deep passion for storytelling through his artwork. Hailing from a rural area near Durban, Dumisani is eager to further his education by studying art at the university level. His work is a reflection of his community and heritage, as he seeks to capture and share the stories of his upbringing. Dumisani views art as a uni...

In this interview with Debra Rapoport, a New York-based designer, we explore her innovative approach to fashion and design. Debra is renowned for transforming everyday, discarded objects into extraordinary hats, jewelry, and accessories. Her creative genius lies in the ability to take items most people would overlook or throw away, such as toilet roll cardboard, and reimagine them as one-of-a-kind...

n this interview, I talk with Elena del Mar, an innovative underwater dancer and free diver, about her unique art form. Elena shares her deep love for the ocean, which began in her youth and inspired her journey into free diving, eventually leading to her exploration of underwater dance. She reveals how she discovered a new side of herself beneath the water's surface, where she feels a profound se...

In this interview, I speak with Kgali Mhlaba, a talented student of Architecture and an emerging artist from Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Kgali shares her journey into the world of art, beginning with a spark of creativity and a strong sense of encouragement from her family, especially her father. With their support, she was motivated to explore painting more deeply and pursue it as a mean...

In this insightful interview with renowned French-Israeli painter Alec Borenstein, we explore his remarkable artistic journey that began at an exceptionally young age. Borenstein, who was already exhibiting his work at the Tel Aviv Museum at just ten years old, reflects on his early life as a child prodigy. He shares how his career evolved and the development of his unique artistic approach, which...

In this interview with Swedish jazz sensation Gunhild Carling, we explore her incredible musical journey that began at a young age performing alongside her family. Gunhild shares how, even as a child, she developed a deep understanding of connecting with audiences through music and how that connection can transport the audience into the heart of the performance. She explains that when she truly fe...

In this interview with John Vlismas, a South African comedian turned corporate consultant, we explore the profound role of comedy in society. John opens up about how comedy serves as a mirror to society, often highlighting uncomfortable truths, challenging norms, and allowing us to laugh through the most difficult topics. But beyond just making people laugh, John explores how comedy can be a tool...

In this interview, I talk with Joanna Gemma Auguri, musician, songwriter, and actress, about her latest album Hiraeth. Her music blends influences from folk, ambient, and avant-garde sounds, offering a unique and deeply personal musical journey. Joanna talks about the concept of Hiraeth, a Welsh word that captures a feeling of longing for a home, place, or time that no longer exists—or never exist...

In this interview, I talk with Elena Fedorenko, a Ukrainian-born pianist and composer whose music speaks directly to the soul. Elena’s journey with the piano started in Ukraine, where she grew up, and led her to classical training that would shape her into the artist she is today. In 2018, she moved to London to study at the Royal Academy of Music under the guidance of Professor Andrew West, a lif...

In this interview, UK singer-songwriter Luke Potter reflects on the unique path that led him to become a passionate and authentic artist. Growing up in a musical household, Luke was surrounded by the sounds of the industry from an early age, as his father was a member of the band “The Affair,” which was signed by none other than Simon Cowell. With such an influential figure in his life, it’s no su...

In this interview the Irish composer Gav Moran, talks about his creative process and the inspirations behind his music. Gav shares how the weather in Ireland, with its constant rain and cold, shapes the melancholic tone of his compositions, which he describes as the perfect soundtrack for walking in the rain and embracing the darkness. He explains how he channels these elements of nature into his...

In this interview, I talk with David Wurczel, a talented guitarist, composer, and sound designer whose journey into the world of video game music is as captivating as his craft. David’s musical roots began early, when he picked up the guitar and honed his skills as a classical guitarist. With a deep love for both music and video games, David's dream of creating music for cinema evolved into a focu...

In this interview with renowned saxophonist Tobias Meinhart, we dive deep into his fascinating journey from Germany to the heart of the jazz world in New York City. Tobias shares how his grandfather played a pivotal role in nurturing his love for jazz, which ultimately inspired him to pick up the saxophone. Growing up in Germany, far from jazz’s origins, Tobias’s early exposure to the genre throug...

In this interview, I talk with Mitja Obed, an exceptional Slovenian flamenco dancer whose artistic journey began as a Latin–American dancer. His introduction to flamenco came in 2007, guided by the renowned Ana Pandur in Ljubljana. Since then, Mitja has immersed himself in the flamenco world, collaborating with legendary dancers in Madrid and Sevilla. In our conversation, Mitja delves into his art...

Join me for an engaging conversation with Jonathan van der Walt, a talented visual artist and sculptor from Nelson Mandela Bay, South Africa. Jonathan’s passion lies in merging traditional and modern sculptural techniques, seamlessly combining lost-wax bronze casting with digital modeling and 3D printing. His work captures the power of form, space, and contour, creating pieces that range from natu...

In this interview, Cas Wepener, Professor of Practical Theology at Stellenbosch University, shares his diverse work and creative passions. Cas provides a heartfelt exploration of a thought-provoking Advent calendar project he collaborated on, which features artwork by Wessel van Dyk and his own written reflections. This unique calendar takes a fresh approach to the Advent tradition by highlighting...

Join me for a conversation with Paul Wuensche, a London-based figurative artist celebrated for his vibrant and captivating work. Paul's art has been showcased at prestigious exhibitions like the BP Portrait Awards, The Discerning Eye, and the Royal Society of Portrait Painters. He has also held solo shows at the Assembly Rooms Gallery and 9 Langton Street. Paul’s artistic journey began at the age...

Join me as I talk with Wessel van Dyk, an inspiring architect and urban designer based in Stellenbosch, South Africa. From a young age, Wessel dreamed of becoming an architect, sketching designs in the pages of old telephone books. His passion and determination carried him through the challenges he faced on his journey to realize this dream. In this interview, Wessel shares the influence of an ear...

In this interview, British singer-songwriter Amaree talks about her journey as an artist, her creative songwriting process, and how she’s forging her own path in the music industry. Known for her gritty, soulful voice and genre-defying sound, Amaree seamlessly blends timeless soul, melodic indie rock, acoustic vibes, and retro R&B into a body of work that feels both classic and fresh. Born and...

Join me in this inspiring interview with Joseph Raina, a talented animator from Kenya who turned his childhood dreams into a thriving career. Joseph shares his incredible journey, beginning with humble sketches in a small notebook. By flipping the pages, he created his very first animations—simple yet magical beginnings that would spark a passion for storytelling through art. Despite facing challe...

Join me for an lovely conversation with Isabelle Kašník, a multi-genre violinist with Czech and Angolan roots, as she shares her incredible musical journey and vision for the future of violin music. Isabelle's classical training at the Janáček Conservatory in Ostrava and the Academy of Performing Arts in Bratislava laid the foundation for her versatile career. She has performed in orchestras, cham...

In this interview, I talk with Marcia Lopez, a talented actress based in New York City, to discuss her unique career journey—from her early days as a flight attendant to becoming an accomplished actress. Marcia reflects on how her experiences in the airline industry equipped her with transferable skills that have proven invaluable in the world of acting. Known for her roles in theatre, commercials...

In this interview, I talk with renowned composer Nimrod Borenstein, whose works have been commissioned, recorded, and premiered at some of the most prestigious venues around the world. From London's Royal Festival Hall and Royal Opera House to Carnegie Hall in New York, Salle Gaveau in Paris, and Hong Kong City Hall, his music continues to captivate audiences globally. With performances across Eur...