The Lunch Break

#Covid19SA #ChooseLife In the midst of this Covid-19 pandemic – doctors and healthcare professionals have been working tirelessly to care for patients. Varshan Sookhun spoke to Alex Brownlee, Executive at EthiQal, about how South Africans can celebrate their own healthcare heroes – in celebration of National Doctors Day on 16th November.

Gona Pillay, a former Durbanite, made his debut with the school choir at the age of 7 with no formal training. Today, he remains one of the most passionate musical artists around - one who certainly has stood the test of time. Varshan spoke to Gona Pillay about his musical journey and highlights.

#Covid19SA #ChooseLife Mental health issues such as depression, anxiety and stress, have been heightened for many by the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. A survey has revealed the effects that lockdown has had on pets and their owners. Varshan spoke about the survey and the positive mental health benefits of having a pet, with Dr. Liza le Roux, Technical Manager for the Companion Animal Team at Zo...

Commemorating the anniversary of the arrival of the 1860 Indian Indentured Labourers, the 160 Year Mobile Museum has successfully been launched in Phoenix and is all set to travel around the country exhibiting the uniqueness and early history of the indentured Indian. Varshan Sookhun, spoke to Krineshen Reddy, one of the convenors of the exhibition.

#Covid19SA #ChooseLife With the threat of a second wave of the Coronavirus looming in South Africa and when you have to catch a flight – you may wonder just how safe is it to fly during this Covid-19 pandemic? Varshan spoke about how to fly safe, with Burt Rodrigues, a qualified lab technician and CEO of Biodx, which harnesses the power of biotechnology.

The stylish baker Faaiza Omar loves exploring confectionary delights around the world. Her passion for baking was sparked by perfecting the art of macaron making. Varshan spoke to Faaiza about her debut recipe book, packed with decadent sweet treats inspired by flavours from Paris to Peru.

#PrettyInPink In 2016, Durban-based Alison Tucker was diagnosed with breast cancer. She decided to take ownership of the disease with a positive mindset & has written a book detailing her personal experiences of dealing with breast cancer. She spoke to Varshan about her powerful book & the valuable life lessons her breast cancer journey has taught her.

A multi-skilled young musician, Brendan Nagan is skilled at playing the guitar and piano. He joined Varshan for a chat about his music and rising popularity.

Life Coach and Entrepreneur Brett Shuttleworth chatted to Varshan about why he feels self-awareness is key in dealing with mental health.

Gauteng based singer, Bhushan Dass has been a popular favourite at stage shows and community events for many years. Varshan caught up with the talented star to chat about his musical journey.

Interview with KZN based singer, song writer and guitar maestro, Creagen Naidoo.

#Covid19 #ChooseLife Interview with Dr. Yaseen Khan, CEO of EMGuidance, about a recent survey which revealed that the past few months have taken a deep emotional and mental toll on health professionals during the Covid-19 pandemic.

October is National Wills Month. Varshan chatted to Shafeeka Anthony, Campaign & Content Manager for JustMoney, about the importance of having an updated will.

#Covid19 #ChooseLife International Organization of Standardisation ISO may be a saving grace for South African businesses and government navigating the Covid-19 pandemic. ISO can address corruption, better governance & assist SMEs to deal with liquidity and cash flow challenges. Varshan found more about the benefits of ISO by chatting to Muhammad Ali, managing director of World Wide Industrial & S...

October is Cyber Security Awareness Month. Varshan chatted to Shaun Phakade, a cybersecurity specialist at ESET SA, SA, about how we can protect our WhatsApp and cellphones from being hacked into. Find out how possible it is for someone to take control of your WhatsApp account just by knowing your phone number & get some great advice on how to safeguard your WhatsApp and cellphone from online atta...

Brenda Kali, is a trail blazer in the various fields of work she has pursued in her decades-long career. The once-upon-a-time Head of Programming at SABC1, is the Founder of the Conscious Leadership Academy. Varshan caught up with Brenda Kali to chat about the release of her new book, which highlights the theme of conscious leadership and which includes insights from Motivational leaders like the...

Mark Banks is one of the most respected comedians of our time. He has been in the comedy business for over 25 years and his witty liners or political satire has been a hit with audiences, wherever he goes in South Africa. Varshan had the pleasure of chatting with the comedy legend about his new show and about his experiences of the Covid-19 lockdown.

8th October marked World Sight Day to encourage people to be aware of eye care. 75% of the world’s vision impairment is avoidable, so the focus globally is to encourage people to take an eye test. Varshan spoke to Fatima Hoosen, who is the Director of Eye Care at St John SA about the importance of having eye tests and how we can better care for our eyesight.

Hearing loss is a common condition and help is available. Treatment depends on both the cause and severity of the deafness. Varshan chatted to Audiologist Mandy Pillay about assessing and treating hearing loss.

Ahead of World Heart Day on 29th September, Varshan spoke to Dr. David Jankelow, about Angina, often a sign of a more serious cardiovascular disease, and which commonly goes under-recognised and under-treated.

Lotus FM’s Religious producer Sagren Naidoo chatted to Varshan about his meeting with acclaimed Indian singer SP Balasubrahmanyam, who passed away on September 25 in Chennai following coronavirus complications. Sagren recalled fond memories of the music legend and sang a few lines of SPB’s most popular songs in tribute.

#UnitedInDiversity This year, the Kumari Ambigay Dance Institute turns 50. Kumari Ambigay - a doyen of the arts has been practicing dance and music for most of her life. Varshan caught up with the legendary performer to chat about her passion for the arts.

According to research - there is alot that parents can do to provide much-needed support that will help their teen manage the stresses of writing matric in 2020. Varshan spoke to Jogini Packery, Registered Counselling Psychologist and SACAP Head of Campus (JHB), about a free webinar, on 26 September, to provide guidance and support for parents of matric students.

#Covid19 #ChooseLife Varshan Sookhun, spoke with Crisis Parent Joanne Teunissen, about the challenges the Baby Home has faced during the Covid-19 pandemic and the amazing work that has been done over the past decade in saving the lives of more than 800 babies.

The Reserve Bank recently reported that the household debt to income ratio stood at 73.7% for the first quarter of this year. It suggests three quarters of an individual's income goes towards paying debt. Varshan chatted to Jazeign Kesari – Procurement Manager at Teljoy, about how we can break the curse of debt and attain more financial security.