At one point, Christopher de Klerk was homeless, jobless, and deep in addiction. Today, he’s a successful entrepreneur running multiple businesses — proof that even the darkest chapters can lead to powerful comebacks.

In this raw and inspiring episode, Christopher shares his journey of losing everything and finding the strength to rebuild. From living out of his car to facing his demons head-on, his story is one of grit, faith, and transformation.

We cover:

•What it was like being homeless and without purpose

•The dangerous spiral of addiction and how he got sober

•How his dog saved his life in a moment of crisis

•The power of faith, discipline, and hard truths

•Why the people around you shape who you become

•The crisis of masculinity — and how men can reclaim their purpose

This episode is a reminder that even when your back is against the wall, you can turn your life around.

From casino tables to company boardrooms – Rob Green’s journey is proof that mindset can change everything.

In this episode of Coffee Charged Conversations, I sit down with Rob Green – CEO of Real Promotions – who shares how he went from being a shy, introverted kid to working as a blackjack dealer in casinos for nearly 10 years, and eventually building a national sales company with over 300 people across South Africa.

Rob opens up about:

-Why entrepreneurship isn’t for everyone

-The importance of winning your daily goals

-How to improve your relationship with money

-The life-changing benefits of practicing gratitude

-The power of visualisation and living as if you’ve already arrived

-How to separate work and personal life

-The danger of negative people and how to choose your circle

This is a real, honest conversation about what it actually takes to build something from the ground up – and why success starts in the small, consistent choices you make every day.

After 10 years of life in the sky, Daniella Milani made the bold decision to trade in her flight attendant uniform for the uncertainty of running her own business — and she’s never looked back.

This episode is for anyone who feels stuck in their comfort zone and needs that final push to take a leap. Whether it’s moving overseas, starting something new, or simply doing things on your own — Daniella’s story proves that growth often starts the moment we get uncomfortable.

In this episode, we dive into:

-Wild moments with passengers and the truth behind airline life

-How travel helped her grow, become more independent, and navigate loneliness

-The challenge of maintaining close relationships while always on the move

-Lessons in staying calm under pressure and not taking things personally

-The leap from comfort zone to entrepreneurship

-Why people connect with meaning more than products

-And why quality time — with yourself and others — matters more than ever

If you’ve ever asked yourself “should I move?” or “is now the right time to make a change?” — this one’s for you.

John Luis is the CEO and founder of IVA Global Online School — South Africa’s first 3D virtual school and the winner of Global Online School of the Year in 2022, 2023, and 2024. With a background that includes serving as Head of Academics at AdvTech Schools and Deputy Head at the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls, John brings a wealth of experience and a bold vision for the future of education.

In this episode, we dive into:

* Why the traditional education system is falling short in a rapidly changing world

* How IVA Global is using cutting-edge technology without losing the human connection

* The importance of curiosity, critical thinking, and mental health in modern learning

* Why students today need life skills, not just academic results

* How AI is transforming the way we learn and teach

If you’re a parent, teacher, or simply curious about the future of education, this conversation will open your eyes to what’s possible when we rethink how we prepare the next generation.

Kutlwano Yika went viral for singing at the traffic lights in Johannesburg — but his story runs much deeper than a viral moment.

In this episode, we sit down to talk about the raw beginnings of his busking journey, the passion that drives him to perform for strangers, and why he believes going viral isn’t the dream everyone thinks it is. Kutlwano opens up about writing music from a place of truth, handling criticism, staying authentic in a world chasing clout, and why performing at the robots brings him more joy than most gigs ever could.

We also unpack:

•What busking really is

•Why passion should come before profit

•The downside of overnight fame

•How to market yourself on social media

•Why instant gratification is ruining creativity

•The struggle many artists face after shows like Idols

•And why showing up on camera is crucial in 2025

This is a conversation about doing what you love, no matter who’s watching — or how many are.

James Deacon is a singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist whose music has made waves across South African radio — with chart-topping hits like “Not Givin’ Up” and performances alongside international icons like A-ha. But behind the success is a story of struggle, identity, and transformation.

In this episode, James opens up about who he was before the music — a teenager grappling with insecurity, feeling like an outsider, and turning to alcohol and drugs to cope. He shares what it was like to chase a “badass” image while quietly losing himself, and the powerful moment when he realized he didn’t need substances to feel worthy.

Now 7 years sober, James talks about what helped him take back control of his life, how he found purpose beyond addiction, and why we don’t benefit from numbing ourselves or trying to escape reality. We also explore the role that love, music, and self-awareness played in turning his life around.

If you’ve ever struggled with identity, addiction, or feeling like you don’t belong — this is a must-listen conversation about growth, courage, and what it really means to start over.

Brandon Muir has lived through more than most — losing his father, grandfather, and uncle to suicide, and stepping into the role of “man of the house” before he was even a teenager. In this powerful and deeply personal episode, Brandon opens up about his journey through grief, trauma, and healing.

We explore why men often suffer in silence, how childhood wounds shape our adult relationships, and why taking full responsibility for your life can be the first step toward freedom.

From navigating societal pressure to managing expectations and understanding that no one really has it all figured out — this episode is a heartfelt reminder that empathy, vulnerability, and ownership can change everything.

If you’ve ever struggled with loss, identity, or the pressure to “have it all together,” this conversation is for you.

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.