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 cover:

•The mental and physical benefits of cold therapy

•Why doing difficult things daily builds a stronger mindset

•The ideal time and temperature for an ice bath

•How cold exposure helps boost dopamine and combat depression

•Breathing techniques to stay calm in high-stress situation

•Why Greg entered The Comrades Ultramarathon

•Why consistency is key—in cold therapy and in life

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, autism, and mental health.

Here’s what we cover:

1. Childhood Trauma:

• How childhood trauma shows up in our adult lives

• Effective ways to heal from childhood trauma

• The long-lasting impact of childhood experiences on who we become

• Kelly’s own journey with childhood trauma

2. Autism & Neurodiversity:

• Is everyone on the spectrum?

• What it’s really like being autistic

• The struggles and challenges of growing up with autism

• Why autism can be a superpower

• The connection between autism and self-harm

• Recognizing symptoms of ADHD

3. Mental Health:

• The stigma surrounding mental health

• Practical ways to stop negative thinking patterns

• The life-changing benefits of therapy

• How to manage and respond to criticism

This episode is packed with wisdom for anyone wanting to understand the lasting effects of childhood trauma, the complexities of autism and ADHD, and how to break free from mental health stigma. Kelly’s expertise and personal story will leave you feeling empowered to take control of your mental well-being and approach life with a new perspective.

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 as we talk about her son, Kyle—one of my close high school friends who passed away in Grade 10—and the profound impact his life has had on both of us.

In this episode, we cover:

-Turning a dream into reality

-Building a team that truly supports your vision

-The importance of taking risks-The mindset needed to be a successful entrepreneur

-Navigating loss and heartfelt advice for those going through it

This episode is inspiring, honest, and by far one of the most emotional on Coffee Charged Conversations.

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 fitness beyond aesthetics, the importance of mental and emotional well-being, and how he’s had to shift his priorities after becoming a father.

We cover

:-The power of discipline and how to stay consistent

-Finding balance in fitness, health, and life-Shifting priorities after becoming a parent

-Looking good vs. feeling good and why appearance isn’t everything

-The dangers of steroids and their long

-term effects-Doing it for yourself instead of seeking validation

Whether you’re on a fitness journey, striving for better mental health, or just looking to become more disciplined, this episode is packed with valuable insights to help you become the best version of yourself.

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 world of AI and automation

-The key to becoming a better content creator

-How challenges shape us and help us grow

-How he built the biggest car page in SA

-Why it’s important to use your platform to help others

Even if you’re not into cars, this episode will leave you feeling inspired to think bigger, create with purpose, and stay true to what matters most.

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 why trusting the timing of life is so important.

We also dive into the power of gratitude in sport and in life.

I then reflect on my own experience running the Cape Town Marathon—pushing through injuries and mental barriers to cross the finish line.

This episode is all about resilience, mindset, and embracing the journey, no matter what obstacles come your way.

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’d never walk again.

Against all odds, Kelvin’s positive mindset helped him push through unimaginable pain and adversity. Not only did he regain his ability to walk, but he’s also now a scratch golfer and mentors disabled kids, using his experience to inspire others.

Kelvin’s story proves that with the right mindset, any obstacle - no matter how overwhelming - can be overcome. If you’re facing your own challenges, this episode will remind you that strength, resilience, and the power of positivity can lead to personal transformation.

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 transformative episode, Nikki shares:

-How to win at work and life by mastering resilience and adaptability.

-Why embracing change is the key to success in today’s world.

-The secret to building your personal Brand of One and standing out.

-When it’s time to move on in your career and when to stay and learn.

-How to turn disruption into opportunities for growth and fulfillment.

If you’re ready to redefine how you work, live, and deal with change, this episode is packed with inspiration and actionable takeaways to help you thrive no matter what life throws your way.