Unstoppable With Sean Loots: Recent Episodes
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Inspired by my daughter with special needs, this podcast is obsessed with going where the remarkably brave, live. Join me for free-wheeling conversations with some of South Africa's most tenacious people.
Zola Nene shares her journey of leaving law to pursue a career in the culinary arts, overcoming imposter syndrome, and finding joy in her work.
She discusses the impact of her parents on her mindset and the inspirations that shaped her. Zola also reflects on her experiences with Gordon Ramsay and the significance of her cookbooks. Tune in for a heartfelt reflection on the significance of personal satisfaction and evolution in one's life path.
Quotes from Zola:
"I've taken opportunities and made the best of them"
"Seeing somebody who genuinely loved what they did, I understood what that meant, and I grew up knowing that that was possible.
"I want to leave a legacy behind. Even long after I'm gone, the books and the recipes exist, being passed down through generations."
https://www.zolanene.com
https://somethingshifted.co.za
https://somethingshifted.beehiiv.com/subscribe
CHAPTERS
Imposter Syndrome (00:00:59) Zola Nene discusses her experience with imposter syndrome and how she overcame it.
Decision to Quit Law (00:02:30) Zola Nene reflects on her decision to quit law school and pursue a career in the culinary arts.
Influences and Inspirations (00:03:38) Zola Nene talks about the inspirations that have shaped her, including her parents' work ethic and their support for her career change.
Interest in Culinary Arts (00:05:27) Zola Nene shares her shift from studying law to her interest in food and cooking, leading to her decision to pursue a career in culinary arts.
First Job in the UK (00:08:31) Zola Nene describes her first job as a commis chef in the UK and how it prepared her for her career in the culinary industry.
On Set with Gordon Ramsay (00:10:47) Zola Nene talks about her experience working with Gordon Ramsay on Uncharted, sharing her culture and the positive connection they formed.
Cooking with Gordon Ramsay (00:14:18) Zola Nene shares her experience of cooking with Gordon Ramsay in front of a hippo, including the potential danger and the dramatic moments on set.
Managing Future Commitments (00:17:10) Zola Nene and Sean Loots discuss making decisions based on how they will feel in the future, and the pressure of declining social and work invitations.
Pride in Cookbook Awards (00:22:01) Zola Nene expresses her pride in winning cookbook awards and the significance of leaving a food legacy through her recipes.
Watching Kids Open Gifts (00:23:53) Zola Nene shares the joy of watching her niece and nephew open gifts at Christmas. Youtube · Instagram · Website
Do you think your co-workers have high or low emotional intelligence? What can we learn about EQ from someone that grew up in a communal home?
Theran Knighton-Fitt grew up in a home filled with love, support and more people than the average preschool class.
Theran's formative years clearly impacted how he leads his life and the work he does at Mygrow, an online employee wellness platform that drives personal growth.
In this episode of Something Shifted, Theran explains that emotional intelligence is a set of skills that helps manage oneself and interactions with others effectively. EQ involves self-management, relationships with others, decision-making, and stress handling. Core beliefs, values and personal narratives can play a significant role in the development of emotional intelligence.
Theran also shares his view on engaging with AI.
Quotes from Theran Knighton-Fitt:
"It was a complex and complicated childhood that has formed me in so many different ways."
"Emotional intelligence is so much broader than the average understanding."
"So much of the work we do at Mygrow is restorative, it is rehabilitation work to try and undermine some of the self-beliefs and narratives that we have of ourselves."
https://mygrow.me
Growing Up in a Communal Home (00:00:43) Theran's childhood experiences in a communal home in South Africa and the family's relocation plans.
Influence of Childhood on Emotional Intelligence (00:02:12) The impact of Theran's upbringing on his life and work in emotional intelligence.
Understanding Emotional Intelligence (00:05:06) Theran's explanation of emotional intelligence, its definition, and the broad involvement of emotions in various life areas.
Core Beliefs and Emotional Intelligence (00:09:43) The role of core beliefs in the development of emotional intelligence and their impact on identity and narratives.
Neuroscience and Emotional Response (00:13:25) Theran's explanation of the amygdala's role in associating past experiences with present situations and its impact on emotional responses.
The Importance of Belief and Support (00:16:25) Theran's perspective on the importance of having someone who believes in us, as seen through the lens of being a parent.
Restorative Work (00:20:16) Theran explains how the work at Mygrow is restorative and rehabilitative, aiming to address self-beliefs and identities developed in childhood.
Engaging with AI (00:21:39) Theran shares his approach to engaging with artificial intelligence and emphasizes the importance of maintaining human values and behaviors.
Emotional Sensitivity (00:24:19) Theran reflects on how exhaustion increases emotional sensitivity and the impact it has on feeling offended or misunderstood.
Recording Songs for Children (00:26:42) Theran expresses his desire to record the songs he wrote for his children, explaining the sentimental significance and meaning behind them. Youtube · Instagram · Website
Bonus Episode: In this episode of "Something Shifted," Sean talks with Noa Belling, a psychotherapist and author of "Stress Less: Managing Anxiety in a Modern World."
Noa shares her expertise on stress management, particularly the benefits of writing as a tool to alleviate stress. She explains how jotting down thoughts and to-do lists can help clear the mind and address underlying emotions.
The episode serves as a practical guide for listeners to manage stress and improve mental clarity, with an invitation to explore more of Noa's stress relief strategies in her book and on the podcast.
Noa Belling's book Stress Less is available online and in all good bookstores.
https://noabelling.com Youtube · Instagram · Website
Bonus Episode: In this episode of "Something Shifted," Sean welcomes Noa Belling, a psychotherapist and author of "Stress Less: Managing Anxiety in a Modern World."
Noa discusses the brain's negativity bias and offers strategies to counteract it, such as focusing on positive aspects of our lives and engaging in acts of kindness. She suggests practical exercises like soaking up positive experiences and placing hands on the chest to foster positivity.
The episode aims to provide listeners with tools to manage stress. Noa Belling's book Stress Less is available online and in all good bookstores.
https://noabelling.com Youtube · Instagram · Website
Bonus Episode: Listen to Noa Belling, a psychotherapist and author of "Stress Less: Managing Anxiety in a Modern World" take you from anxious to calm.
Noa shares a quick stress relief exercise focusing on present-moment awareness by engaging the senses and adjusting posture. She explains how this practice can enhance mental clarity and resourcefulness by tapping into the brain's prefrontal cortex.
Find Noa Belling's book Stress Less online and in all good bookstores now.
https://noabelling.com Youtube · Instagram · Website
Bonus Episode: Noa Belling, a psychotherapist and corporate consultant, discusses the link between posture and mental state, offering a tool from her book Stress Less that uses posture change to alleviate stress and anxiety. She suggests that adjusting one's posture can improve emotional well-being and clarity of thought, even if it doesn't eliminate the stressor. The episode serves as a resource for practical stress management techniques.
Noa Belling's book Stress Less is available online and in all good bookstores.
https://noabelling.com Youtube · Instagram · Website
Are you aware of how stress physically shapes your life?
Sean Loots sits down with award-winning, bestselling author, psychotherapist and corporate consultant, Noa Belling to discuss her latest book, Stress Less: Managing anxiety in a modern world.
In this episode, Noa shares the physiological impacts of stress and the transformative power of body awareness.
For example, have you ever caught yourself holding your breath while checking emails?
Noa Belling talks us through "email apnea," a stress-induced freeze response triggered by our digital habits.
Discover the array of stress responses—fight, flight, freeze, and the cell danger response—and learn how to shift into a state of relaxation with simple techniques.
Don't miss the valuable insights on cultivating a relaxation response to enhance your overall well-being as Noa shares practical tips and exercises to combat anxiety and depression, highlighting the crucial role of mindfulness and the body-mind connection.
Quotes from Noa:
"When you feel like it's tipping over and you can't cope, that's when you know you're on the slippery slide into too much stress."
"When you are in that kind of a frozen response, you've been sitting really still, unnaturally so."
This episode was originally published by Pagecast and is followed by a short series of guided Stress Less practices exclusively for Something Shifted listeners, led by Noa Belling.
https://noabelling.com
https://somethingshifted.co.za
Chapters:
[00:00] Introduction
[00:40] Introduction to Stress Less
[03:02] Practical Tools for Stress Management
[04:23] The Purpose of Stress
[05:47] Differentiating Good and Bad Stress
[06:41] Identifying Constant Grinding Stress
[07:39] Recognizing When Stress Becomes Overwhelming
[08:07] The Inspiration Behind Stress Less
[09:33] The Body-Mind Connection
[10:23] Living in a More Intuitive and In-Touch Way
[11:46] Managing Social Stress
[12:44] Practicing Presence and Mindfulness
[13:41] The Importance of Breathing and Body Awareness
[16:29] The Concept of Email Apnea
[18:24] The Cell Danger Response
[19:43] Bringing Awareness to Stress Responses
[21:31] Spotting Chronic Stress
[23:26] The Importance of Slow and Gentle Breathing
[25:26] Differentiating Stress and Relaxation Responses
[27:45] Growing the Relaxation Response
[28:44] Practical Exercises for Stress Management
[32:59] The Prevalence of Stress in Today's World
[35:25] Using Stress-Less Tools Before a Crisis
[37:47] The Value of Stress-Less for Everyone
[38:43] Conclusion Youtube · Instagram · Website
Are you ready to discover how challenges can fuel personal growth?
In this inspiring episode of "Something Shifted," Sean dives into a heartfelt conversation with Erin Drayton, a mother of two with a story that will move you.
Together, they delve into Erin's academic pursuits, the nuances of raising a child with down syndrome, and the transformative power of therapy.
Listen as Erin shares her family's influence, her battle with anxiety, and the resilience she's built along the way.
Don't miss this deep dive into the role of therapy in overcoming life's hurdles and fostering self-development.
Quotes from Erin:
"Michael is the complete antithesis of that; he threw my whole plan for my life, my whole thought of life, completely off its axis, and for that, I am actually truly grateful."
"He's given me experiences that have truly pushed me to be a better version of myself. He's shown me the enormous gratitude for small things, for small progress, for small achievements."
Find Erin Drayton on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/erin_drayton
www.somethingshifted.co.za
CHAPTERS
[00:00] Introduction
[00:21] Background and Media Experiences
[03:19] The Weight of Intelligence
[04:40] Adaptability and Building a Career
[05:09] Influence of Grandparents
[06:11] The Journey to Therapy
[08:02] The Impact of Unemployment and Therapy
[09:26] Turning 40 and Healing
[10:49] Therapy for Children and Strengthening Relationships
[12:46] Being a Parent to a Child with Down Syndrome
[13:14] Navigating Public Perception
[15:09] Treating and Responding to Michael
[18:55] Achievements and Redefining Success
[24:39] Pride in Personal Growth and Relationships
[28:31] Conclusion Youtube · Instagram · Website
Ever wondered how folding paper could change your life? In this episode of "Something Shifted," Sean Loots sits down with Ross Symons, who swapped web development for the ancient art of origami and the captivating world of stop motion animation.
Discover how a simple 365-day origami challenge catapulted Ross into the spotlight, earning him projects with high-end brands like Christian Dior and Disney.
Ross opens up about overcoming skepticism, the power of self-motivation, and the significance of showcasing one's creative journey, all while reimagining the true meaning of success.
www.white-onrice.com
www.somethingshifted.co.za
CHAPTERS
[00:00] Introduction
[00:45] Embracing Change
[03:53] Influences from Parents
[04:51] Childhood and Computer
[06:16] Choosing a Career Path
[07:41] Origami Project
[08:34] Transition to White on Rice
[09:32] Pseudonym: Calvin Rockstar
[10:02] Unfolding Ross Simmons
[11:28] Collaboration with Christian Dior
[13:17] Defining Success
[14:13] Overcoming Self-Sabotage
[15:37] The Importance of Taking Action
[18:58] Embracing Imperfection
[20:49] Defining Success and Having Time
[26:32] Overcoming Self-Limitations
[28:02] Failure and Adaptation
[29:05] Conclusion White On Rice · White On Rice instagram · Youtube · Instagram · Website
In this episode, South African born, champion dancer and Strictly Come Dancing professional, Johannes Radebe opens up about the adversity's he has faced throughout his life.
From growing up in Zamdela, a township in South Africa to becoming the first male dancer to perform in heels in UK Strictly Come Dancing history!
Jojo's incredible rise to stardom has afforded him experiences he never thought possible and he is sharing his story of setbacks (and comebacks) with world.
Johannes Radebe is Finally Home.
Photograph of Jojo credit: Elliot Wilcox
Book: Jojo: Finally Home Connect with Jojo on Instagram · Youtube · Instagram · Website
This is an excerpt of a previously published full length episode.
I have lucked out on my fair share of sleep in my lifetime. I've also had my sleep cycles interrupted far too many times.
Having a young child with epilepsy means I never really switch off, simply because a seizure can happen without warning.
Dr. Els van der Helm is a sleep neuroscientist and joins me on this episode from her home office in Switzerland. Els is focused on helping us improve our day to day performance by improving the sleep of business leaders and their teams. Arianna Huffington’s Thrive Global named Dr. van der Helm one of the top 5 sleep experts in the world. Listen to the full episode: The power of sleep and the downside of alarms · Dr Els van Der Helm on LinkedIn · Connect with Dr Els van Der Helm on Instagram · Visit Dr. Els van der Helm's website for more information · Youtube · Instagram · Website
This episode is A Slice of Some Assembly Required.
I have lucked out on my fair share of sleep in my lifetime. I've also had my sleep cycles interrupted far too many times.
Having a young child with epilepsy means I never really switch off, simply because a seizure can happen without warning.
Dr. Els van der Helm is a sleep neuroscientist and joins me on this episode from her home office in Switzerland. Els is focused on helping us improve our day to day performance by improving the sleep of business leaders and their teams. Arianna Huffington’s Thrive Global named Dr. van der Helm one of the top 5 sleep experts in the world.
Listen to the full episode: The power of sleep and the downside of alarms
Connect with Dr Els van Der Helm on LinkedIn + Instagram or visit Dr. Els van der Helm's website for more information.
Connect with the host, Sean Loots on Instagram and Linkedin
Some Assembly Required on Youtube
Some Assembly Required on Instagram
Some Assembly Required on TikTok
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode, Sean Loots is in conversation with Nikki Kemp, an adaptive athlete, teacher, and motivator.
They cover various topics related to disability awareness, overcoming challenges, embracing personal growth, and setting goals.
Nikki's experiences with cerebral palsy, her journey into adaptive athletics, and her insights into handling disappointments and judgments provide valuable lessons for all of us. The discussion emphasizes empathy, understanding, and the importance of personal resilience.
For more information and to connect with Nikki Kemp:
- Instagram: @kemp.nikki
Additional Resources and Organizations:
- The Chaeli Campaign
- Warrior on Wheels
- The Enable Center
If you enjoyed this episode, consider subscribing to the podcast, leaving a review, and sharing it with others to spread awareness and inspiration.
Your support is greatly appreciated.
Connect with the host on Instagram and Linkedin
Some Assembly Required on Youtube
Some Assembly Required on Instagram
Some Assembly Required on TikTok
Newsletter: Unstuck
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
This episode is A Slice of Some Assembly Required.
The full episode is titled "Working on my nerves with Shaun Brooking."
_____________________________________
Website: https://shaunbrookingcoaching.co.uk/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shaun_brooking/
If, like me, you have aches and pains that come and go, you may have tried a few different methods of alleviating your ailments.
I’ve tried physiotherapy, chiropractors, body stress release, TRE and even Rolfing.
Rolfing is when a practitioner massages the muscles and fascia not only where you're feeling pain, but all over your body with the goal of fixing your body's posture so that it corrects any lingering imbalances that are causing the pain.
Sometimes we can identify the reason for the pain we are feeling. I walk into a countertop and bruise my hip or I lift a weight from a position of instability and I pull muscle of pinch a nerve.
But what if the origin of the pain you feel in your body isn’t as obvious to identify. This is where I started to explore the world of somatic therapy.
Somatics is described as "any practice that uses the mind-body connection to help you survey your internal self and listen to signals your body sends about areas of pain, discomfort, or imbalance".
These practices - and there are many of them - allow you to access more information about the ways your body might hold on to your experiences.
My guest on this episode is Shaun Brooking.
Shaun earned an Honours degree in Human Performance in 2007, after completing his degree in Sports and Exercise Science. at Stellenbosch University.
Since then, Shaun has added depth to his academic knowledge through personal experience and further education, developing himself into a somatic coach and educator.
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If you’re anything like me - and I think you are - you may have healthy debates with friends about how the schooling system has developed our way of thinking.
Programed us to believe that a holiday is when you slow down.
Groomed us even, into believing that we don’t deserve a physical or mental break unless our calendar is clear, our email inbox is empty and our to-do list is all wrapped up.
These debates often arrive at the conclusion that while elements of this may be true, ultimately we have less and less capacity.
In this episode, I speak with Ronen Aires about the importance of taking control of one's busy schedule and finding ways to add capacity to our lives.
We delve into a concept Ronen calls "The Chooseday Experiment," and he shares his personal journey of dedicating Tuesdays to doing things that bring him joy, fulfillment, and creative inspiration. By intentionally creating space for activities that resonate with his passions and well-being, Ronen has found a way to avoid burnout and recharge his creative energy.
Key Takeaways and Insights:
- The Chooseday Experiment: Dedicate a day or specific time each week to engage in activities that bring joy, fulfillment, and creativity.
- Prioritize Self-Care: Create boundaries and make space for activities that recharge your energy and well-being.
- Microdose December: Regularly replenish your creative energy to avoid burnout and maintain productivity.
- Shift from Urgent to Important: Reevaluate priorities and focus on what truly serves your highest interests.
- Embrace Agency: Take control of your schedule and find your own pace to experience flow and inspiration.
Resources Mentioned:
Dr. Andrew Huberman - Using Light for Health
The Huberman Lab Podcast
Some Assembly Required YouTube Channel
The Chooseday Experiment
More about my guest:Youth marketing expert, dynamic public speaker and thought-provoking author – Ronen Aires has always been fascinated with the human condition. He’s trained globally with the best teachers in the art and science of human performance. In this role, he has helped many leaders around the world find their A-Game. He strongly advocates for the importance of living a full and holistic lifestyle, encouraging others to accelerate their potential by embracing ancient wisdom and science backed tools.
As the renowned co-founder and CEO of Student Village, South Africa’s most prominent student marketing specialists, Ronen has dedicated much of his career to supporting youth and guiding them to greatness. Whether its speaking on podcasts and being featured in the media, or mentoring, writing articles and a book, Ronen utilizes all available platforms to highlight the genius of today’s young adults.
Ronen is a husband, father, advocate, entrepreneur, facilitator, coach and investor among other things. His preferred title? Young Elder.
Website
LinkedIn
Instagram
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Sean Loots speaks with author and relationship coach, Shelley Lewin.
Shelley is a certified SACAP counselor, international coach federation member, and accredited professional certified coach.
She found her career after her fiancé left her.
When Shelley realized that almost all of her relationships were unfulfilling, she came to conclusion that she was the common denominator.
Today Shelly councils couples and colleagues to healthy, rewarding relationships through "art, science and practice."
We discuss her book Uncomplicated Love, the ongoing process of self-worth and self-acceptance and its impact on building healthy relationships, and Shelley reveals Sean's Attachment Style Survey results.
Main Topics Discussed Include:
Developing a Healthy Relationship with Ourselves
Understanding Different Types of Relationships
Power Dynamics and Empowerment in Relationships
The Foundation of a Good Relationship
Unraveling Perspectives and Changing Behaviors
Compatibility, Attachment Styles, and Partnership in Relationships
The Influence of Core Beliefs on Attachment Styles
Challenging Common Narratives in Relationships
The Importance of Vulnerability in Intimacy
Understanding and Shifting Attachment Styles
* Building Awareness, Making Choices, and Practicing for Mastery
Resources:
Shelley Lewin (The Relationship Architect Coaching and Education)
Website: https://tracoaching.com/
Attachment Styles and Close Relationship Survey:
http://www.web-research-design.net/cgi-bin/crq/crq.pl
Book Orders:
Uncomplicated Love in South Africa:
https://tracoaching.com/product/uncomplicated-love/
Uncomplicated Love internationally:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Uncomplicated-Love-step-step-relationship/dp/1991220510/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1689240030&sr=8-1
Some Assembly Required on Youtube
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While training for a gymnastics competition, 16-year-old Brandon Beack had a life-changing accident. A poorly timed dismount saw him miss the safety mat and land on the only square metre of uncovered concrete.
Brandon broke his neck and was instantly paralysed from his shoulders down.
Through sheer determination and hard work, he has regained far more mobility than many thought possible.
Today, Brandon heads up the Walking With Brandon Foundation, a non-profit organization that offers outpatient rehabilitation at an affordable rate to people with disabilities. He also has his sights set on a new athletic goal, to compete at the The Paris 2024 Paralymic Games.
Main Topics Discussed:
- Brandon Beack's Dreams and Goals
- The Shift to Being a Para Athlete
- Overcoming Challenges and Regaining Independence
- The Importance of Therapy and Consistency
- Celebrating Small Achievements
- Finding Love
- Interacting with People of Determination
Resources:Follow Brandon Beack on Instagram
Walking with Brandon
Therapy And Beyond
You can help me tell more stories of vulnerability with perfectly weird, messy little humans just like me, by giving the podcast a 5 star review on your favourite listening platform.
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Ayanda Dlamini is a fellow parent, a dear friend and a former radio colleague.
With a devoted husband and 3 children in tow wherever she goes, there is a level of measured of chaos that Aya is accustomed to. The thing that has always struck me about Ayanda is something scientific literature refers to as hedonia. This terms refers to the "presence of positive emotions and the absence of negative emotions."
I cannot recall ever seeing or hearing Ayanda express negative emotions.
So I asked her about that, her upbringing in a single parent home and what she is most proud of herself for.
Key topics include:
- Maintaining Emotional Boundaries
- Ayanda's Public Recognition
- Life Experiences and The Stories We Tell Ourselves
- Lessons from the Media Industry and Parenting
- "The more you praise and celebrate your life, the more there is in life to celebrate" - Oprah Winfrey
You can help me tell more stories of vulnerability with perfectly weird, messy little humans just like me, by giving the podcast a 5 star review on your favourite listening platform.
If you are looking for ways to incrementally build a healthier, more authentic life, subscribe to Something Shifted for free.
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In this episode, Sean speaks with Terence Mentor, who shares his personal journey and experiences with ADHD. Terence opens up about the challenges he faced before understanding his condition and how speaking openly about it has helped him feel less alone. They discuss the internal chaos and struggles of living with ADHD, as well as the moments of hyper-focus and clarity that bring excitement and fulfillment. Terence also shares his process of getting diagnosed and the relief that came with understanding his brain works differently.
Terence speaks about:
- Living, working and parenting with ADHD,
- The process of getting a diagnosis,
- Reducing the feeling of operating from a deficit,
- And how the world is not designed for people who are neurodivergent.
The international symbol for Mental Health Awareness is a green ribbon. Reason being that green signifies new life, new growth, and new beginnings, so I thought I would drop an "Easter Egg" in this episode. A green heart.
Please share a 💚 green heart emoticon in an Instagram story and tag me, Sean Loots in it. You don’t need to say anything else. It’ll be our thing.
You can help me continue telling stories of vulnerability with messy, perfectly weird little humans just like me, by giving the podcast a 5 star review on your favourite listening platform. Oh and, if you are looking for ways to incrementally build a healthier life, subscribe to Something Shifted for free.
Please complete this short survey and help me make this podcast even better.
Listen to Terence on Have You Asked Your Dad? and follow the AfroDaddy story.
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Some Assembly Required is about matters of the heart and the head, and this episode is extra special for me. One, because Danny Painter has agreed to share openly about her journey to therapy and I think her story may just help break some stigmas.
And two because I get to express my gratitude to Danny for helping me get out of my own way. If it weren’t for that chance conversion at an event in 2022, this podcast might not exist.
Danny has been through many colourful, life altering experiences. In this episode Danny shares
- her deepest fears,
- her experiences as a children's television presenter,
- growing up in culturally diverse family, (Jewish + Zulu)
- and how she considered ending her own life.
The international symbol for Mental Health Awareness is a green ribbon. Reason being that green signifies new life, new growth, and new beginnings, so I thought I would drop an "Easter Egg" in this episode. A green heart.
Please share a 💚 green heart emoticon in an Instagram story and tag me, Sean Loots in it. You don’t need to say anything else. It’ll be our thing.
You can help me continue telling stories of vulnerability with messy, perfectly weird little humans just like me, by giving the podcast a 5 star review on your favourite listening platform. Oh and, if you are looking for ways to incrementally build a healthier life, subscribe to the podcast companion newsletter, Something Shifted for free.
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New format. Same great storytelling.
Early in our marriage we spoke about having more than one child. And from time to time we revisit that conversation - each time with a refreshed perspective.
I've never asked Ruenda what it is like being a mom or if she has always wanted to mother a child. So that is what I did in this episode.
Long time listeners of this podcast know that our daughter has a complicated medical history. Expect raw responses to questions like "How do you prefer to tell strangers about Zoe?" and "How has your concept of motherhood changed?"
We also unpack;
- a word to describe each year with Zoe,
- the aspect of being a mom Rue would like more of,
- and her thoughts on how can we best support moms everywhere.
To help me continue telling stories of vulnerability with beautifully messy, perfectly weird little humans, just like me, please subscribe to the podcast companion newsletter Something Shifted.
To celebrate the tenth episode of Some Assembly Required my friends at Stardust Adventure Coffee are offering you a 25% discount when you make an online purchase. Great coffee for a great journey.
Simply use the unique code SAR10 at checkout.
Happy Mother's Day.
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Rachel Goh is a clinical psychologist and former Australian swimmer.
In this episode we look back at Rachel's dream to swim at the 2012 London Summer Olympic Games and the effort it would take to make the Australian National team.
Rachel talks us through how it felt to not achieve her childhood dream and the difficulty of accepting that something you have aspired to is not achievable.
But this is not the only disappointment of 2012. In fact, things get much worse when Rachel sustains a concussion, followed by a brain bruise and a fractured skull followed by Bell's Palsy.
Rachel's recovery is a remarkable story of grit and determination as she regains her physical strength. Leaning on her background in psychology, Rachel shares how her occupation has helped her deal with her injury and guide others on their path towards mental health.
National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)
The Ethos Psychology Centre where Rachel works.
Rachel Goh on Instagram
Help me share these stories of resilience and bring hope to the lives of others.
You can now also find Some Assembly Required on YouTube.
Thank you for listening.
Original music by Josh Prinsloo.
Production by Sean Loots.
Jonno Proudfoot openly shares his difficult childhood, marked by his parents' divorce and a lack of support.
He coped by turning to alcohol and drugs, starting at a very young age, but eventually found his drive to succeed through the need to feel significant.
As the co-author of the book Real Meal Revolution, Jonno experienced both incredible success and a downward spiral. Through it all, he learned that failure is just another word for learning, and that resilience is the key to bouncing back from difficulties.
He also discusses the impact that placing second in a South African reality TV show had on his life, as well as setting a world record for an extreme swim from Mozambique to Madagascar.
Listen to his inspiring story of perseverance and how he overcame his childhood trauma.
Jonno on Instagram
Jonno on LinkedIn
Jonno on Twitter
Original music by Josh Prinsloo.
Production by Sean Loots.
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Using a dynamic mix of human psychology, quantum science, business strategy and futurism, John Sanei creates talks, writes books, delivers masterclasses and sits on boards to help guide future-forward leaders who are ready to lean into uncertainty, overcome doubt, and rise with courage, clarity and power.
But it has taken some serious deep work to get there.
In this episode of Some Assembly Required, the 5x best-selling author talks openly about losing everything he had worked for, overcoming adversity and following his curiosity as well as meditation and how it has helped him get to where he is now.
John mentions Dr Joe Dispenza and his teachings.
We also refer to American neuroscientist, Dr Andrew Huberman and his research.
John Sanei is a globally acclaimed keynote speaker, futures strategist, 5 times bestselling author, Singularity University and Duke CE faculty member, Associate Partner at the Copenhagen Institute for Future Studies, Chief of Tomorrow Board Member and a podcaster.
You are welcome to use any of these platforms to contact my guest.
John Sanei website
John Sanei Instagram
John Sanei Linkedin
Listen to John Sanei and Erik Kruger on The Expansive podcast
Original music by Josh Prinsloo.
Production by Sean Loots.
Send me a voice message with Speakpipe.com by clicking here
Did you know there is a waste management system for your brain? Essentially it is responsible for carrying fresh fluids into and waste fluids out of your brain. This happens mostly during sleep. So, what then if you don't get enough sleep?
While I do not have the answer to that question, I can tell you how I feel when I don't get good quality sleep. And I'm sure your story would be similar. Groggy. Lethargic. Foggy. Irritable. You know the drill.
I have lucked out on my fair share of sleep in my lifetime. I've also had my sleep cycles interrupted far too many times. Having a young child with epilepsy means I never really switch off, simply because a seizure can happen without warning.
I’ve slept in hospital passages, on the floor in hospital rooms, and prior to Zoe being born, I even slept in back up studios between radio shows. This sleep I speak of was never restorative. And I know now how much of an impact this added to my burnout.
Dr. Els van der Helm is a sleep neuroscientist and joins me on this episode from her home office in Switzerland. Arianna Huffington’s Thrive Global named Dr. van der Helm one of the top 5 sleep experts in the world. Els, she said I can call her by her first name, is very much focused on helping us improve our day to day performance by improving the sleep of business leaders and their teams.
Because keeping it together is so much harder than we ever thought it would be, I really hope this episode of Some Assembly Required gives you insight into how your brain works when you're not thinking about it.
Get in touch with my guest by connecting on social media - LinkedIn + Instagram
Or visit Dr. Els van der Helm's website for more information.
Original music by Josh Prinsloo.
Production by Sean Loots.
We're often told that dealing with daily situations is simply a case of mind over matter, but very seldom are we taught skills to implement this.
Dr Kirsten Van Heerden is one of only a handful of people in South Africa to have both represented her country as an athlete and hold a PhD in the area of sport psychology. She has guided many Olympians, World Champions and South African sports teams over there mental barriers.
In this episode we discuss so much. From how to pick yourself up after receiving negative feedback to toxic positivity, how high performers' tend to attach their sense of self worth to their ability to execute skills and how mental toughness can be mixed up with mental health, which is not great for your well-being.
Remember to subscribe to Some Assembly Required on your favourite podcast listening app.
Dr Kirsten Van Heerden can be contacted through the Newton Sports Agency website www.newtonagency.co.za or directly on Instagram: @drkirstenvanheerden
Listen to Kirsten's podcast "Behind The Dream"
Find out more about the Girls Only Project
Original music by Josh Prinsloo.
Production by Sean Loots.
This is a bonus episode that involves a body based practice led by Shaun Brooking, designed to re-invigorate the nervous system and restore balance.
If you haven’t listened to the previous episode "Working on your nerves" yet, Shaun and I discuss a range of subjects including some of his athletic journey and we scratch the surface of neuroscience, nerve tension, stress management and how the body stores pressures and even trauma.
If you have listened to the previous episode, you may already have done a check in and established if you are in a red, amber or green zone.
www.shaunbrookingcoaching.co.uk
Original music by Josh Prinsloo.
Production by Sean Loots.
If, like me, you have aches and pains that come and go, you may have tried a few different methods of alleviating your ailments.
I’ve tried physiotherapy, chiropractors, body stress release, TRE and even Rolfing.
Rolfing is when a practitioner massages the muscles and fascia not only where you're feeling pain, but all over your body with the goal of fixing your body's posture so that it corrects any lingering imbalances that are causing the pain.
Sometimes we can identify the reason for the pain we are feeling. I walk into a countertop and bruise my hip or I lift a weight from a position of instability and I pull muscle of pinch a nerve.
But what if the origin of the pain you feel in your body isn’t as obvious to identify. This is where I started to explore the world of somatic therapy.
Somatics is described as "any practice that uses the mind-body connection to help you survey your internal self and listen to signals your body sends about areas of pain, discomfort, or imbalance".These practices - and there are many of them - allow you to access more information about the ways your body might hold on to your experiences.
My guest on this episode is Shaun Brooking.
Shaun earned an Honours degree in Human Performance in 2007, after completing his degree in Sports and Exercise Science. at Stellenbosch University. Since then, Shaun has added depth to his academic knowledge through personal experience and further education, developing himself into a somatic coach and educator.
Website: https://shaunbrookingcoaching.co.uk/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shaun_brooking/
Original music by Josh Prinsloo.
Production by Sean Loots.
I was recently in conversation with someone and we got to talking about how I am not qualified to speak about trauma. You see, I wanted to create this podcast but felt like an imposter and unequipped. I do not have a tertiary education and therefore I am not qualified to speak about burnout or mindset, let alone about capacity building or mental health in any form. I am not a psychologist. I’m not a psychiatrist. I’m not a counselor, nor do I claim to be a therapist of any kind. I am just a dad. And I’m just a dad to one child. Yes, that 6 year old child - Zoe is her name by the way - has intractable epilepsy, and follows a restrictive ketogenic diet, takes three different anticonvulsants every single day, and consumes all her liquids in jelly form because she has yet to master controlling fast moving liquids. That jelly is made of a *fucking expensive formula milk, an emulsified MCT oil and gelatin - which I weigh out - to the gram - twice a week. Yes, my little girl is developmentally delayed, and has seen a physiotherapist, an occupational therapist and a speech therapist every single week of her life. Well, excluding the weeks she was hospitalized, obviously. Yes, Zoe is non-verbal, and unable to feed herself, wash herself, dress herself and non-ambulant. Her neurologist used that word in a letter to the medical aid this week so I’m trying to work it into my vocabulary. It means - people who are unable to move without assistance, for example a person confined to bed. Yes, my daughter has an ICD10 code, and a god-awful mucus suction machine. She also has a wheelchair, a feeding chair, a standing frame, a bed with rails and she wears orthotics on her legs to try and correct biomechanical issues around her feet. Oh and there was that one time when I gave Zoe mouth-to-mouth and resuscitated her limp body. Yes… I am just a dad. A dad that has been there every step of the way. Often it feels like one step forward, two steps back, half a step sideways before taking another step forward again. I’m very fortunate to have done this dance of life with my superhuman wife. ( Rue says “hi” ) She has a PhD by the way. And while I am not qualified in a cap and gown ceremony, certificate on the wall, kind of way, my credentials are lived. Every. Single. Day. When I remind myself of all of this, I think I have skin in the game. And then I remind myself that I have worked through burnout. With the help of therapy and antidepressants. Guys, I hosted radio shows, entertaining hundreds of thousands of people with banter and jokes while my wife sat next to Zoe in the hospital, counting the number of times Zoe had a seizure so that she could relay the info to the doctors. To this very day I get anxious about leaving them, and overwhelmed by bustling environments. I have lived the most bizarre secondary trauma and it creeps up on me when I don’t get enough sleep, sunshine or exercise… which is too often than I care to admit. And that is why this podcast exists. Because being human is hard. I know this. You know this. Because keeping it together is harder than it looks, and it’s made even harder when we do it alone. So, this is an invitation for you to join me. Subscribe to Some Assembly Required wherever you like to listen to podcasts and together we can breakdown and reassemble again. I’m going to release three different formats for you; some episodes will be interviews with experts about everything from sleep to psychology and nutrition; some episodes will be like this one, just me sharing and others will be stories told by you and me together. Let’s reassemble the way we think, feel and respond to our friends and family. Just one more thing, I suddenly have lyrics of a song in my head; it’s a song I’ve heard hundreds and hundreds of times. It’s on a CD that lived in my car and would play to and from doctors visits. In fact, Zoe listens to this song quite regularly too… the lyrics go - Find me grate
Born out of "Unstoppable with Sean Loots" comes a brand new show. Taking the last 6 years into account "Some Assembly Required" is about building resilience, processing trauma and equipping yourself with the skills and tools to keep on growing. New episodes are released every 2nd Tuesday.
( PART 2 ) I chat with Brandon Beack, who at 16 years old had everything he could have wanted. He was a promising gymnast, has a loving family, and lived near the beach - life was in some respects, idyllic. Until an accident changed his life forever.
That was roughly 8 years ago and a lot has happened in Brandon’s life since then.
He is now a full-time athlete, a business owner and Brandon runs the first of its kind rehab centre in South Africa. Brandon inspires me and gives me strength, to keep on keeping on. I’m sure his story will do the same for you. Doctors may have told us that Zoe is not a plane we can fix, and while I’m not here to fix her – I am here to believe that she gets to decide what her limitations are and nobody else.
I hope you enjoy this 2 part finale to Season One of Unstoppable.
Brandon Beack on Instagram
Walking With Brandon on Instagram
The Therapy & Beyond Centre / The Walking With Brandon Foundation
Website: www.walkingwithbrandon.org
E-mail: admin@walkingwithbrandon.org
Phone: +(27) 21 879 2280
Music by Eric Williams and Epidemic Sound
Produced by Uncover Extraordinary Media and overseen by executive producer, Ruenda Loots
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/sean-loots/message
(PART1) I chat with Brandon Beack, who at 16 years old had everything he could have wanted. He was a promising gymnast, has a loving family, and lived near the beach - life was in some respects, idyllic. Until an accident changed his life forever.
That was roughly 8 years ago and a lot has happened in Brandon’s life since then.
He is now a full-time athlete, a business owner and Brandon runs the first of its kind rehab centre in South Africa. Brandon inspires me and gives me the strength, to keep on keeping on. I’m sure his story will do the same for you. Doctors may have told us that Zoe is not a plane we can fix, and while I’m not here to fix her – I am here to believe that she gets to decide what her limitations are and nobody else.
I hope you enjoy this 2 part finale to Season One of Unstoppable.
Brandon Beack on Instagram
Walking With Brandon on Instagram
The Therapy & Beyond Centre / The Walking With Brandon Foundation
Website: www.walkingwithbrandon.org
E-mail: admin@walkingwithbrandon.org
Phone: +(27) 21 879 2280
Music by Eric Williams and Epidemic Sound
Produced by Uncover Extraordinary Media and overseen by executive producer, Ruenda Loots
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/sean-loots/message
In this episode of Unstoppable, I chat with Tracey Lange – who is no stranger to the camera. Legend has it – if you point a camera in her direction, Tracey will immediately strike a pose and flash her warm smile across her face. And it’s that warm smile you can hear through her voice on the radio. Tracey is no stranger to television either – from Bravo, to Dancing with the Stars SA and the female panel Afrikaans talk show, Tussen Ons. We chat about her authenticity, who guides her through tough times and what she wanted to do with her life – the answer is guaranteed to make you chuckle!
I hope you enjoy this episode. From Uncover Extraordinary Media – this is Unstoppable: let the journey begin
More about Tracey here
Tracey Lange on Instagram
Music by Eric Williams and Epidemic Sound
Produced by Uncover Extraordinary Media and overseen by executive producer, Ruenda Loots
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/sean-loots/message
In this episode, I chat with Elma Smit. We first met in 2006 when she was a contestant in Ms Matieland and I was the shows choregrapher. We later worked together on air at MFM 92.6 in Stellenbosch. Elma received a Law degree from Stellenbosch University and later, enrolled for a post-graduate degree in Journalism at the University of the Witwatersrand. Elma has accomplished so much in the male-dominated sports media space since then, including coverage of the Rugby World Cup and the Cricket World Cup in 2019.
But how did she get there? We chat about various aspects of her jampacked career – both in front of and behind the microphone, the dangers of comparison, and of course – building your self-confidence.
I hope you enjoy this episode. From Uncover Extraordinary Media – this is Unstoppable: let the journey begin
More about Elma here
Elma Smit on Instagram
Music by Eric Williams and Epidemic Sound
Produced by Uncover Extraordinary Media and overseen by executive producer, Ruenda Loots
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/sean-loots/message
In this episode, I speak with a Zola Nene, the most generous chef, author, TV personality, food stylist and friend you’ll ever meet. With two award-winning cookbooks to her name, Zola has appeared on many TV shows and hosted her own. I met Zola during her time on the Expresso Morning Show, and she became a regular guest on my radio show discussing all things food. It was during this time that Zoe was first diagnosed and spent 50 days in Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital. Without skipping a beat, Zola prepared dinner for me and Rue. And not just once. Zola also the person I turned to when Zoe had several food intolerances and I needed advice on where to find a gluten-free, sugar-free, egg-free and dairy-free, birthday cake. Zola baked the most generous three-layered, cholate orange cake you have ever seen. I am very proud to say that the recipe for that scrumptious cake made it into Zola’s second cookbook, Simply Zola.
In this podcast, we chat about fear, overcoming fears, how to make career decisions and the importance of authenticity. Just a quick note to say we did the recording using a different platform to previous episodes and the audio quality dips here and there. I hope you enjoy this episode.
From Uncover Extraordinary Media – this is Unstoppable. Let the journey begin.
Zola's books - Simply Delicious and Simply Zola
Find Zola Nene on Instagram
Produced by Uncover Extraordinary Media
Music by Eric Williams and Epidemic Sounds
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/sean-loots/message
In this episode, I speak with a Sivuyile Ngesi, known by many South Africans simply as Siv. We were cast in a small stage production and spent many hours rehearsing and playing the fool. Since then, Siv has come into his own as an actor, landing roles in Clint Eastwood’s Invictus and acting alongside Edris Elba in Long Walk To Freedom. His television credits include League of Glory, Interrogation Room, Still Breathing and the hit American TV series, 24, with Keifer Sutherland. Siv is an outspoken activist, a sharp-witted comedian, and well known in media circles. Some have said about Siv that he is too loud, and should stay in his own lane. Siv, however, is not someone that will ever be contained.
In this podcast, we chat about mindset, the power of self-belief, setting goals, and making people proud.
I hope you enjoy this episode.
Follow Siv Ngesi on Instagram
Produced by Uncover Extraordinary Media
Music Don't Feel Right by Eric Williams - Epidemic Sounds
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/sean-loots/message
Grant Hinds has tried his hand at many things - from music to illustration, television to radio presenting - and acquired a variety of skills along the way. It comes as no surprise then that Grant Hinds believes life is what you make of it. A strong believer of the "one-year plan", Grant shares his experiences of shifting focus from traditional media to becoming a digital entertainer through his passion for video games; being bullied for living his dreams, and how he has carved out his space in the world. Grant describes himself as "made in South Africa, raised by my Playstation, 90s hip-hop and affordable comic books” I describe Grant as creative, enthusiastic, tenacious, and Unstoppable.
Follow Grant Hinds on Instagram
Produced by Uncover Extraordinary
Music Don't Feel Right by Eric Williams - Epidemic Sounds
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/sean-loots/message
Here is what you can expect from this podcast
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/sean-loots/message