What happens when a city in crisis sparks a movement of connection instead of fear?

In this episode we sit down with Durban entrepreneur Callum Oberholzer, founder of Black Box, OpenSeat, and the Durban Crisis Map. We explore how his team built a tool in 36 hours during the 2022 floods, and how that effort has grown into the Community Resilience Map.

We also look at how food, technology, and AI can help rebuild social connection in a world that often feels disconnected.

A powerful conversation for anyone passionate about community, resilience, and purpose driven entrepreneurship.

Reach out to Callum:

Websites:

• Black Box: https://black-box.io
• OpenSeat: https://openseat.co.za
• Community Resilience Map: https://communityresiliencemap.com

LinkedInCallum Oberholzer: https://www.linkedin.com/in/callum-oberholzer-4502a943/

Shortform content might get attention, but longform builds relationships. And relationships are what grow businesses.

In this episode, Luke Holden, Founder of Kythe Creative, sits down with Mawanda Maphumulo, founder of Creative Replay and host of The Creator Concept, to unpack why longform content is the most powerful branding tool small businesses are ignoring and how to start using it today.

Whether you are a small business owner, entrepreneur, coach, or professional trying to stand out online, this conversation gives you a clear, practical roadmap for building authority, trust, and discoverability through longform content.

In this episode we touch on:

• Why longform content outperforms shortform
• How to start a podcast or longform format with zero budget
• Why your story is your strongest branding asset
• How to repurpose one longform piece into weeks of content
• Why authenticity matters more than production quality
• How small businesses can use content to become discoverable
• The mindset shifts needed to start creating consistently

If you are tired of chasing trends, battling algorithms, or overthinking what to post, this episode will give you clarity and direction.

About Mawanda:

Mawanda helps coaches, entrepreneurs, and professionals build strong personal brands through identity-driven content.

Contact Mawanda:

• Instagram
• LinkedIn

The Podcast is Produced by Kythe Creative

High-end video and podcast production that helps brands make meaningful content.

Get in Contact:

Website: ⁠⁠⁠kythecreative.co.za⁠⁠⁠

Socials: ⁠⁠⁠YouTube ⁠⁠⁠and ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠

In partnership with Tim.Africa

Podcast publishing and performance marketing studio. Together, we offer a full end-to-end podcast solution — from strategy to launch.

Learn more: ⁠⁠⁠tim.africa⁠⁠⁠

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Support Durban Small Business:

If you found value in this conversation, please like, share, and subscribe — it helps us reach more people building meaningful businesses in Durban and beyond.

Follow us on social media:

⁠⁠⁠Instagram ⁠⁠⁠and ⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠

Trust is the foundation of every great team — but it starts with you.
In this episode, leadership coach Katherine Bekker-Smith breaks down how conscious leadership, self-awareness, and understanding your strengths can transform the way you lead and the way your team works together.

A practical, human conversation for any business owner ready to grow from the inside out.

In this episode we touch on:- Why trust is the foundation of every great team- Conscious leadership and the “inner game” of leading others- How to use CliftonStrengths to build team cohesion- Understanding your strengths and blind spots- Creating psychologically safe spaces in your business- The importance of self-awareness in leadership- How breathwork, grounding, and simple practices regulate your leadership- Practical tools to transform how your team works togetherAbout Katherine Bekker-SmithKatherine is a StrengthsFinder coach, team facilitator, and founder of Soul Centre. With a background in organisational culture, transformation, NLP, and conscious leadership, she helps individuals and teams unlock their potential through self-awareness, trust, and human connection.Her work blends behavioural science, Gallup CliftonStrengths, the Time to Think™ framework, and deep inner work to help teams thrive from the inside out.

Contact Katherine:

Website⁠

Linked In

⁠Instagram⁠

⁠Facebook⁠

The Podcast is Produced by Kythe Creative

High-end video and podcast production that helps brands make meaningful content.

Get in Contact:

Website: ⁠⁠kythecreative.co.za⁠⁠

Socials: ⁠⁠YouTube ⁠⁠and ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠

In partnership with Tim.Africa

Podcast publishing and performance marketing studio. Together, we offer a full end-to-end podcast solution — from strategy to launch.

Learn more: ⁠⁠tim.africa⁠⁠

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Support Durban Small Business:

If you found value in this conversation, please like, share, and subscribe — it helps us reach more people building meaningful businesses in Durban and beyond.

Follow us on social media:

⁠⁠Instagram ⁠⁠and ⁠⁠Facebook⁠

How do you build a business rooted in healing, purpose, and real human connection?

In this episode, I sit down with Luke Visser, co-founder of Live Smart Nutrition, to explore how personal loss and a passion for helping others inspired one of Durban’s most impactful wellness brands.

Luke opens up about his journey from struggle and uncertainty to building Live Smart — a business designed to help people take back control of their health, habits, and lives.

We talk about transformation, small steps that lead to lasting change, and what it means to turn pain into purpose through meaningful work.

In this episode we touch on:

Finding purpose through personal challenges

Building a wellness business that puts people first

What it means to truly take back control

The role of mentorship and lessons learned along the way

Why real transformation starts with small, consistent actions

Time Stamps:00:00 Who is Luke Visser?04:32 From Struggle to Starting LiveSmart09:15 Building a Business That Heals14:48 Lessons in Mentorship and Growth20:02 Small Steps, Real Change25:16 Turning Pain Into Purpose30:04 Helping Others Take Back Control35:20 Advice for Durban Entrepreneurs39:12 Be Your Own Hero

About Live Smart NutritionLive Smart Nutrition helps individuals take back control of their health through sustainable, habit-based coaching. Co-founded by Luke Visser, in Durban, Live Smart empowers people to make small, consistent changes that lead to lasting transformation.

Learn more:

Live Smart Nutrition Website

Live Smart Instagram

Live Smart Facebook

Luke's Instagram

The Podcast is Produced by Kythe Creative

High-end video and podcast production that helps brands make meaningful content.

Learn more:

Website: ⁠kythecreative.co.za⁠

Socials: ⁠YouTube ⁠and ⁠Instagram⁠

In partnership with Tim.Africa

Podcast publishing and performance marketing studio. Together, we offer a full end-to-end podcast solution — from strategy to launch.

Learn more: ⁠tim.africa⁠

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Support Durban Small Business:

If you found value in this conversation, please like, share, and subscribe — it helps us reach more people building meaningful businesses in Durban and beyond.

Follow us on social media:

⁠Instagram ⁠and ⁠Facebook

What happens when leadership starts with people first?

Founder Richard Talbot shares how a care‑centered approach, integrity, and culture built GoFourIT into a resilient IT company. We explore leading by example, turning hardship into growth, empowering teams, and removing tech anxiety so businesses can focus on what matters. Hosted by Luke Holden.

Time Stamps:

• 00:00 Who is Richard Talbot?
• 05:24 The Weight of Leadership
• 07:00 "Passion, Problems, Empowering Teams"
• 10:48 "Lessons in Partnership and Leadership"
• 14:06 Persistence Through Life's Challenges
• 18:47 Mentors, Leadership, Departure, New Venture
• 20:22 "Fixing Problems with Good Advice"
• 25:43 "Human-Centered Leadership Goals"
• 28:20 Removing IT Anxiety for Businesses
• 31:48 "Human-Centered Small Business Power"
• 36:30 Balancing Worth and Performance
• 38:06 "Advice for Durban Entrepreneurs"

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About GoFourIT

GoFourIT partners with businesses to remove tech anxiety, scale their business and provide IT solutions that empower people.

Learn more: https://gofourit.co.za

Produced by Kythe Creative

High-end video and podcast production that helps brands make meaningful content.

Learn more:

Website: kythecreative.co.za

Socials:

YouTube and Instagram

📈 In partnership with Tim.Africa

Podcast publishing and performance marketing studio. Together, we offer a full end-to-end podcast solution — from strategy to launch.

Learn more: tim.africa

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Support Durban Small Business:

If you found value in this conversation, please like, share, and subscribe — it helps us reach more people building meaningful businesses in Durban and beyond.

Follow us on social media:

Instagram and Facebook

Meet Dillon and Prinola Murugan In this latest episode of "The Durban Small Business Podcast" as we delve into the inspiring journey of Dillon and Prinola Murugan, a dynamic husband-and-wife duo who are making waves in the worlds of education, personal training, and digital storytelling.

Hosted by Luke Holden, this episode shines a spotlight on their incredible story, showcasing the passion, dedication, and innovation that define their work. Dillon, known for his thought-provoking "After The Bell Podcast," is dedicated to unraveling the untold stories of individuals. And guess what? He recently featured our very own Luke Holden on his show! Watch Luke's Interview now.

Prinola, on the other hand, is the creative genius behind "Travel Diaries," a captivating digital realm spanning YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok. Through captivating visuals and engaging narratives, she invites you to explore the world's wonders alongside her.

In this super fun conversation, we uncover the 'why' behind their recent journey leaving employment in the education system, we explore the motivations that drive them, and you get an exclusive peek into their unfolding plan building these vibrant platforms. Discover how they're making an impact on the South African education system by infusing cutting-edge technology and artificial intelligence, ensuring a brighter future for both students and teachers.

Prepare to be inspired and enlightened as we uncover the heart and soul of this remarkable couple. Join us in celebrating Dillon and Prinola Murugan, the humans behind Durban's up and coming creators and influencers.

👂 Tune in for a heart warming and insightful episode of The Durban Small Business Podcast, now live on YouTube!

Follow Prinola's Travel Diaries on Instagram and check out her LinkTree where you can find out more.

Discover Dillon's world in Instagram and check out his Linktree for more.

🎙️ Discover the Heart of Marketing and Empowerment with Charlene Udal as we dive into the world of marketing and community empowerment with Charlene Udal, one of South Africa's first Certified StoryBrand Guides and the Founder & Owner of BrandHeart Marketing.

SUBSCRIBE for more Stories from our local Durban Brands.

Follow us on⁠ Instagram ⁠and ⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

This Podcast is produced by Kythe Creative:

YouTube - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@kythecreative⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Instagram - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/kythecreativemedia⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

📚 Helen recently published a book titled "Your Pain Playbook," aimed at helping people living with persistent pain manage it on a daily basis. She shares her motivation behind writing the book and how it ties into her commitment to improving the lives of those dealing with chronic pain.

🌱 Tune in to gain valuable insights into occupational therapy, chronic pain management, and the intricate interplay of physical and psychological factors in healthcare. Helen Roome's dedication to her clients and her passion for making a difference shine through in this insightful episode.

📖 To learn more about Helen Roome and her book, visit her website or check out "Your Pain Playbook" on Amazon

You can connect with Helen on the following platforms

SUBSCRIBE for more Stories from our local Durban Brands.

Follow us on Instagram and Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

This Podcast is produced by Kythe Creative:

YouTube - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@kythecreative⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Instagram - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/kythecreativemedia⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

🎙️ Join us in an inspiring episode of the Durban Small Business Podcast as host, Luke Holden, sits down with the remarkable Dylan Cairns, the driving force behind Suitable Focus, all the way from Cape Town to our Durban viewers!

SUBSCRIBE for more Stories from our local Durban Brands.

Follow us on Instagram - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/durbansmallbusiness⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

and Facebook - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/durbansmallbusiness⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

This Podcast is produced by Kythe Creative:

YouTube - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@kythecreative⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Instagram - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/kythecreativemedia⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

We have an inspiring episode for you as we sit down with DeafKidz International's CEO, Debra Clelland. After two decades in corporate work, Debra found her true calling in this meaningful role. As a mother of three girls, including one deaf daughter, she is driven by a passion for connection and empowering Deaf children worldwide. DeafKidz International International operates in low-resource settings across Africa, India, and Pakistan, where Debra's understanding of culture and context is paramount in their safeguarding efforts.

Debra shares her remarkable journey to becoming CEO, including her background in finance and her decision to return to South Africa after her daughter's they discovered that their middle daughter is deaf. Discover how every experience, even the most challenging, has shaped her purpose and impact that she is having today.

We delve into the impactful work of DeafKidz International and the Deaf Kids Defenders program that was piloted, right here in Durban. Debra discusses the challenges of teaching Deaf children, the importance of trust, and the development of a unique program designed specifically for Deaf kids. DeafKidz Defenders, their flagship program, not only empowers Deaf children but also imparts fundamental human truths that every child should know.

Debra's approach to running a non-profit like a business is commendable, as she emphasizes the significance of transparency, measurable impact, and continuous learning. DeafKidz International is changing the culture of safeguarding, aiming to provide every Deaf child with the protection and support they deserve.

Debra is not only involved in DeafKidz International but is also committed to Thrive South Africa, an organization that champions parents of Deaf children through developing strong parental support. This a must-watch episode!

Don't forget to explore the powerful initiatives of DeafKidz International and The Thrive Project by visiting their websites and watching the short documentary of the Pilot Project, DeafKidz Defenders.

DeafKidz International: www.deafkidsinternational.org

DeafKidz Defenders Pilot Project Documentary: Watch here

Thrive Project: www.thrivesa.org.za

This Epic Episode was filmed at Ocean Driven Media Podcast Studio in Durban, get yours done here too: odmedia.co.za/durban-podcast-studio