Rod Suskin is an internationally renowned astrologer, sangoma, teacher, author, academic, and TV and media personality based in Cape Town, South Africa. In this episode of Awakening Doctor, Rod shares his personal story of becoming a traditional healer and offers unique insights into the interplay between destiny, purpose, and the cosmic forces that shape our lives.

We talk about the divination tools given to him by his European ancestors, the unconventional way in which his calling and initiation as a sangoma unfolded, and his interest in the history of medicine and the cosmology of African spirituality. We also delve into the realm of astrological birth charts and learn how an understanding of astrological cycles helped him to make sense of a significant personal loss.

With a perspective that is both grounded in the wisdom of ancient traditions and contextualised for today's world, this conversation with Rod covers a range of fascinating topics: Why did King James I of England choose to set aside his concerns about the evils of tobacco in the 16th century? Who was Nicholas Culpeper? How do you differentiate between a calling and a mental illness? What is a Saturn return? How can astrology help you to navigate difficult transitions? Join us for answers to all these questions and more.  

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If you enjoyed this conversation and would like to support this work, please consider donating to our podcast fund using the link above. Your contribution helps us cover production costs and keep bringing you great content. No amount is too small, and your support means the world to us. Thank you for listening!

Host:
Dr Maria Christodoulou

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Dr Sheron Forgus is a specialist family physician, budding novelist, dedicated wife and mother, and passionate advocate for coaching and mentoring as a means to personal and professional wellbeing.

In this episode of Awakening Doctor, Sheron talks to us about her experiences as a senior clinician at a community clinic in Cape Town and gives a candid account of the personal circumstances that eventually led her to resign from the position with severe burnout. Her story reveals a striking parallel between her own life and the core principles of her chosen specialty, Family Medicine, which aims to care for individuals within the context of their family and community.

As we delve into the many ways in which familial and societal expectations influenced her choice of career and reflect on the interplay between her overdeveloped sense of personal responsibility and a demanding professional environment, it becomes apparent just how interconnected the health of an individual and their community can be - not only for patients but also for their doctors.

Sheron’s inspiring story of recovery and the unexpected and transformative patient encounter that enabled her to reclaim an integral part of herself is testimony to the power of empathy, reciprocity, and human connection on the path to health and wholeness. Join us for a heartfelt and insightful insider’s perspective on the medical profession.

Send us Fan Mail

Support the show

If you enjoyed this conversation and would like to support this work, please consider donating to our podcast fund using the link above. Your contribution helps us cover production costs and keep bringing you great content. No amount is too small, and your support means the world to us. Thank you for listening!

Host:
Dr Maria Christodoulou

Follow us on Social Media:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/awakeningdoctor/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AwakeningDoctor

Website: https://www.awakeningdoctor.com/podcast

Dr. Liana Roodt is a breast, endocrine and general surgeon based in South Africa. In this episode of Awakening Doctor, Liana shares with us her personal story of pursuing a career in a traditionally male-dominated field.

We explore her motivation for specialising in breast cancer surgery, her commitment to “surgery with soul”, and the inspiration that led her to found Project Flamingo, a non-profit organisation that provides equitable, inclusive and compassionate care to cancer patients in public sector hospitals. We also delve into some of the obstacles she has had to overcome and the positive changes she observes in the academic culture of medicine today. 

Whether it’s the impact of grappling with issues of life and death, the cost of balancing personal relationships with a demanding career, or the struggle to command respect and authority whilst defying conventional stereotypes of the profession, Dr. Roodt’s honest and vulnerable account of her journey offers a rare glimpse into the heart of a surgeon that may surprise, inspire and challenge you all at the same time.

Send us Fan Mail

Support the show

If you enjoyed this conversation and would like to support this work, please consider donating to our podcast fund using the link above. Your contribution helps us cover production costs and keep bringing you great content. No amount is too small, and your support means the world to us. Thank you for listening!

Host:
Dr Maria Christodoulou

Follow us on Social Media:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/awakeningdoctor/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AwakeningDoctor

Website: https://www.awakeningdoctor.com/podcast

From his humble beginnings in Cape Town’s District Six to his appointment as Head of the Western Cape Government’s Department of Health in 2020, Dr Keith Cloete shares his unique perspective on leadership as “a son of the Western Cape” and reveals how core values instilled by his parents have helped him to make meaning of his purpose and destiny.

In this inaugural episode of the Awakening Doctor podcast, we discuss his experiences at medical school during apartheid, the intersectionality of privilege and oppression in his personal story, his deep commitment to social justice, as well as key milestones on his leadership journey and the challenges of leading the department through the Covid pandemic.

Join us for an inspiring and thought-provoking conversation with one of South Africa’s foremost leaders in healthcare, and discover the power of optimism and self-determination in the pursuit of a brighter tomorrow.

Send us Fan Mail

Support the show

If you enjoyed this conversation and would like to support this work, please consider donating to our podcast fund using the link above. Your contribution helps us cover production costs and keep bringing you great content. No amount is too small, and your support means the world to us. Thank you for listening!

Host:
Dr Maria Christodoulou

Follow us on Social Media:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/awakeningdoctor/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AwakeningDoctor

Website: https://www.awakeningdoctor.com/podcast