What does it take to turn a childhood love for music into a global career in film and TV composition?

In this episode of the Gen C Podcast, we sit down with Mikhaila Alyssa Smith — a New York-based composer, pianist, and self-proclaimed “hybrid” creative blending classical training with cinematic storytelling.

From being inspired by the iconic Pirates of the Caribbean soundtrack at just 11 years old, to studying at University of Cape Town, and eventually stepping into the global stage of film and TV music — Mikhaila shares her full journey.

We dive into:

🎼 What it really means to be a film & TV composer

🌆 Life and creative energy in New York City

🧠 Building routines as a music writer, orchestrator & pianist

🎧 Her debut album NOIR and artistic identity

🏃‍♀️ Running the New York Marathon & balancing life beyond music

🍵 Her unexpected love for matcha

Plus, fun moments with the Gen C crew:

🎤 A surprise GAME from Gabby

💬 A powerful conversation on purpose and finding your “why”

❤️ A message of hope inspired by “Story Run with Nkosi”

This episode is a blend of inspiration, education, and pure creative energy — whether you're an artist, creative, or just chasing your passion — This one's for YOU!!

👉 Don’t forget to LIKE, COMMENT & SUBSCRIBE for more real conversations.

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FOLLOW MIKHAILA ON:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikhailacomposer/

Website: https://www.mikhailasmith.com/

00:00 Intro and Welcome

02:22 Who is Mikhaila Smith

04:52 What is Your Art

12:50 Music in Film making

16:00 Skills Needed

22:43 Musical Terms Trivia

29:08 Mystical Part of Music

32:39 Working for Netflix

33:59 How do YOU consume Music

38:14 Living in New York

42:54 Day in the Life

44:46 Solo Album

53:25 Surprise Game

01:00:30 Message of Hope

01:02:35 Say Ma Now

01:09:17 Plug and Younger Self

01:12:47 Question for the Hosts

01:18:22 Outro

🚨 Application link for ZAIO institute of Technology courses:

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👉🏽 0NKG39M1 get R1000 off any course of your choosing Ts an Cs apply

For Business inquiries and Topics contact📧: [email protected]

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‼️DISCLAIMER‼️: The information provided by the speakers/presenters on this Platform is for General Information purposes only

What Happens When You WALK AWAY From the Life You Thought You Were Meant to Live?

In this powerful, quirky and deeply honest episode, we sit down with Julia Daniels — a former medical student and School teacher turned actress, improv performer, and facilitator..

This is a story about reinventing yourself, embracing failure, and finding purpose when life doesn’t go according to plan.

🎭 In this episode, we explore:

Julia’s unexpected journey into acting and improv

Her award-winning experience at the Cape Town 48 Hour Film Festival

The life-changing principle of “Yes, And...”Acting vs Improv vs Clowning — and how these art forms unlock vulnerability

The therapeutic power of creative expression

💡 Julia also dives into her work with The Difference Institute, where she’s on a mission to empower educators with trauma-informed approaches — highlighting how violence and trauma directly impact a child’s ability to learn.

🌍 From facilitating workshops in Europe with World of Beautiful Business to hosting “Lekker Chats” that create safe, meaningful spaces — Julia is committed to helping people reconnect, reflect, and grow.

✨ Plus in this episode:

JP shares a powerful message of hope. We play our iconic “Say Ma Now” segment.

The Empower Our Family segment powered by ZAIO Institute of Technology.

A thought-provoking discussion: Is AI a boon or a bane in today’s world?

🎧 Whether you’re feeling stuck, questioning your path, or searching for purpose — this conversation will inspire you to embrace the uncertainty and trust your journey.

00:00 - Intro and Welcome

02:02 - Who is Julia Daniels

06:46 - Who I am VS Who I wanted to be

11:57 - Giving the Answers or Continuing the Journey

19:06 - Julia in Theater

34:14 - Theater = Therapy

38:19 - The Difference Institute

55:30 - What's Next

01:06:43 - Message of Hope

01:08:37 - Say Ma Now

01:17:05 - Empower My Family

01:22:35 - Spicy Question

01:29:45 - Younger Self and Plug

01:31:19 - Question to the Hosts

01:36:05 - Outro

👉 Don’t forget to LIKE, COMMENT & SUBSCRIBE for more real conversations and powerful stories.

Instagram 👉🏽 https://www.instagram.com/genc_pod/

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🚨 Application link for ZAIO institute of Technology courses:

👉🏽 https://applications.zaio.io/?referral=0NKG39M1

🚨 Unique GENC promo code:

👉🏽 0NKG39M1 get R1000 off any course of your choosing Ts an Cs apply

For Business inquiries and Topics contact📧: [email protected]

For Podcast Production and Studio Bookings contact 👉🏽[email protected]

‼️DISCLAIMER‼️: The information provided by the speakers/presenters on this Platform is for General Information purposes only

From humble beginnings to one of Cape Town’s biggest platforms — this is the journey of Mitch Matyana.

In this episode, Mitch breaks down: How radio came naturally from his school days at Parklands College. His early grind at ONE FM (including interviewing Mi Casa). The unexpected moment he got his shot at KFM 94.5. Why consistency and showing up is EVERYTHING for Cape Town creators..

We also get into: “Appointment viewing” vs binge culture. His LOVE and Admiration for Leanne Manas And of course…

Chaos: Football debates, SAY MA NOW madness, and Rizaan refusing to wear shorts 😭The season's first QUIZZLER and why the BOMPIE should be South Africa's national snack

🎧 If you’re a creative trying to make it — this episode is for you.

👍 Like, Subscribe & Comment your favourite moments

00:00 Preview, Mitch Welcomes the Gen C

01:45 Dream boys saved my life

03:45 Mitch Gives Flowers to the Boys

06:25 Life at Parklands College and building of confidence

13:53 Mitch shares how life was since losing both his parents

27:20 LEANNE MANAS THE GOAT

34:21 From ONE FM to .... unexpectedly KFM

47:16 Appointment viewing vs binging is there too much content?

52:22 KEEP 3 CUT 5 "streets will never forget"

1:01:00 The QUIZZLER

1:05:30 Say Ma Now with Mitch

1:18:20 Message to Young Mitch

1:20:10 Advice to Cape Town Creatives

🚨Connect with us:

👉🏽 https://www.instagram.com/genc_pod/

👉🏽 https://www.tiktok.com/@genc_pod/

🚨 Application link for ZAIO institute of Technology courses

👉🏽 https://applications.zaio.io/?referral=0NKG39M1 Unique GENC promo code

👉🏽 0NKG39M1 get R1000 off any course of your choosing Ts an Cs apply

For Business inquiries and Topics contact📧: [email protected]

For Podcast Production and Studio Bookings contact 👉🏽[email protected]

‼️DISCLAIMER‼️: The information provided by the speakers/presenters on this Platform is for General Information purposes only

A Doctor's Journey.. What It’s REALLY Like Being a Doctor on Cruise Ships.. The Truth About Aesthetic Medicine, GLP-1 Weight loss Trends & Modern Beauty Standards..

This week we sit down with the INCREDIBLE Dr Hilla—a true example of resilience, passion, and purpose.

From a challenging schooling experience to working in trauma units in Johannesburg, Dr Hilla shares how she went on to spend 10 years as a doctor at sea, travelling the world while treating patients in some of the most unique environments imaginable.

But her story doesn’t stop there.

We dive into her transition into aesthetic medicine, where science meets art — and unpack her powerful philosophy:

“The best injectable should be undetectable.”

Plus, things get personal as we explore: Running a medical practice as a business owner.. How art became therapy during lockdown.. The meaning behind the semicolon tattoo.. A message Dr Hilla would give her younger self ❤️And a surprising question about relationships and love. We wrap it all up with our fan-favourite game: “Say Ma Now?”

👉 This episode is for anyone chasing purpose, navigating change, or curious about the future of medicine and wellbeing.

👍 Like, Subscribe & Comment your favourite moments

🚨📹VIDEO PODCAST 👉🏽 https://www.youtube.com/@UCBeTbPTYaATI72aGC3xtIRQ =

🚨Connect with us:

Instagram 👉🏽 https://www.instagram.com/genc_pod/

TikTok: https 👉🏽 https://www.tiktok.com/@genc_pod/

00:00 – Intro and Welcome

01:10 – Meet Dr Hilla (“Kaal Voet Kind”)

05:30 – Growing Up in Oudtshoorn

09:15 – Why Medicine

15:50 – Working Trauma in Johannesburg

20:30 – Life as a Doctor at Sea 🚢

30:00 – Why She Left & Changed Direction

33:45 – Entering Aesthetic Medicine 💉

38:30 – Science vs Art Debate

43:00 – Wellbeing & Patient Psychology

50:30 – “Best Injectable Should Be Undetectable”

54:30 – GLP-1 & Weight Loss Trends Explained

1:01:00 – Running a Medical Business

1:07:30 – How Art Helped During Lockdown 🎨

1:10:00 – Say Ma Now? (Fan Favourite Game)

1:18:30 – Semicolon Tattoo Meaning

1:21:30 – Message to Her Younger Self ❤️

1:24:00 – Relationship Question for the Boys

🚨 Application link for ZAIO institute of Technology courses 👉🏽 https://applications.zaio.io/?referral=0NKG39M1 Unique GENC promo code 👉🏽 0NKG39M1 get R1000 off any course of your choosing Ts an Cs apply

For Business inquiries and Topics contact📧: [email protected]

For Podcast Production and Studio Bookings contact 👉🏽[email protected]

‼️DISCLAIMER‼️: The information provided by the speakers/presenters on this Platform is for General Information purposes only

Season 5 is here and… we might already be losing control.

We are back with a brand new season, upgraded podcast setup, same old shenanigans.

In this episode we look ahead to some of the biggest events coming in 2026, including major movies, sporting events, and the huge J Cole concert coming to Johannesburg. But as usual… the conversation goes completely off the rails.Things get especially interesting when Rizaan channels his inner Bridgerton and somehow turns Google Maps into one of the funniest moments of the episode.

We’re also introducing two brand new segments this season:

🔹 Empower My Family – powered by ZAIO Institute

🔹 Message of Hope – celebrating the incredible work of Art In Manenberg (AIM)

Expect laughs, random moments, and a look at what’s coming in the year ahead.

👍 Like, Subscribe & Comment your favourite moment.

Welcome to Season 5.

🚨Connect with us:

Instgram: https://www.instagram.com/genc_pod/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@genc_pod/

00:00 Intro & Welcome

03:33 New Studio Upgrades

06:15 Check in

12:00 Work - Life... Balance?

15:00 What are you looking forward to?

19:10 Top 5 most anticipated films for 2026

24:40 Other things coming in 2026

27:00 Bridgerton Bars!

33:35 Empower My Family

38:10 Message of Hope

41:15 NOT a "Say Ma now"

46:55 Grateful thoughts

50:20 Wild to OUTRO

🚨Application link for ZAIO institute of Technology courses 👉🏽 https://applications.zaio.io/?referral=0NKG39M1 Unique GENC promo code 👉🏽 0NKG39M1 get R1000 off any course of your choosing Ts an Cs apply

For Business inquiries and Topics contact📧: [email protected]

For Podcast Production and Studio Bookings contact 👉🏽[email protected]

‼️DISCLAIMER‼️: The information provided by the speakers/presenters on this Platform is for General Information purposes only

In this Final Episode of the Year, we navigate through our own GenC 2025 "Wrapped".. We look back to EVERYTHING we did this year.. Highlight some of our "STAND OUT" moments.. Self-reflect on how we GREW and then Have FUN with our Favourite COMMENTS OF THE YEAR... We also have a small TEASER for what's to come NEXT YEAR.. And Rizaan makes us BLIND RANK the top FESTIVE ACTIVITIES in South Africa..

📹VIDEO PODCAST 👉🏽 https://www.youtube.com/@UCBeTbPTYaATI72aGC3xtIRQ

00:00 Intro and Welcome

08:32 Podcast Wrapped 2025

24:17 Comments of the YEAR

38:23 TEASER

44:33 Blind Rank Festive Edition

49:31 Say Ma Now..

53:07 Grateful thought & Looking Forward

For Business inquiries and Topics contact📧: [email protected]

For Podcast Production and Studio Bookings contact 👉🏽[email protected]

‼️DISCLAIMER‼️: The information provided by the speakers/presenters on this Platform is for General Information purposes only.

This week Clayton Morar completely blows our minds with his life story.. From humble beginnings in Gqeberha to interviewing Oprah.. From collecting autographs in Highschool to interacting with Celebrities on the Red Carpet.. We chat about getting RESPECT.. Having your STARS align.. Nick Canon taking a picture of himself and Mariah.. The different elements of FAME.. Understanding publicists and agents.. Concert do's and don'ts.. Evolving with the time.. and having a reference point to look up to.. It's a JOURNEY.. BUCKLE UP..

📹VIDEO PODCAST 👉🏽 https://www.youtube.com/@UCBeTbPTYaATI72aGC3xtIRQ

Follow Clayton on📝: 👉🏽https://www.instagram.com/claytonmorar_media/00:00 Intro and Welcome02:27 Who is Clayton09:21 First Autograph16:38 Getting the respect23:09 When Stars Align26:34 The Mariah Story36:52 Fame40:49 Publicist vs Agent49:15 Solidifying the Path59:19 The Queen Bee01:03:45 Concerts Do’s & Don’ts01:06:17 Moving to PR01:14:15 Evolving with the times01:20:09 Having a reference point01:27:04 Message and Plug01:36:32 Ask the Hosts

For Business inquiries and Topics contact📧: [email protected]

For Podcast Production and Studio Bookings contact 👉🏽[email protected]

‼️DISCLAIMER‼️: The information provided by the speakers/presenters on this Platform is for General Information purposes only.

Thabiet Amardien AKA "thabs_theconnect" gives us INSIGHTS into what makes a GREAT MANAGER.. We chat about MANIFESTING and the Neuroscience behind SPEAKING things into existence.. Dreaming BIG.. Navigating the transition from Traditional Media to New Age Media.. What YOU need to become a Manager.. Running a Festival on WhatsApp.. and MORE......

📹VIDEO PODCAST

👉🏽https://www.youtube.com/@UCBeTbPTYaATI72aGC3xtIRQ

Follow Thabiet Amardien on📝:

👉🏽https://www.instagram.com/thabs_theconnect/

👉🏽https://www.tiktok.com/@thabs_theconnect

00:00 Intro and Welcome

02:54 The Start of the Journey

11:16 Speaking it into Existence

17:14 Traditional Media to New Age Media

23:26 Wearing Multiple Hats

28:55 Managing Famous People

34:54 Working with Friends

37:56 Personality Traits to be a Manager

44:11 Festival Run of WhatsApp

49:21 “Can-do-er”

58:10 Say Ma Now..

01:03:52 Message and Plug

01:07:20 Question to the Hosts

For Business inquiries and Topics contact📧: [email protected]

For Podcast Production and Studio Bookings contact 👉🏽[email protected]

‼️DISCLAIMER‼️: The information provided by the speakers/presenters on this Platform is for General Information purposes only.

Dalin Oliver's STORY takes us on a Taxi ride of a Journey.. Multiple Stops.. Even More Detours.. Different Routes.. A lot of Screaming.. Not Always Safe.. But gets us to a Destination.. We Hope You all Enjoy the Ride..

📹VIDEO PODCAST

👉🏽 https://www.youtube.com/@UCBeTbPTYaATI72aGC3xtIRQ

Follow Dalin Oliver on📝:

👉🏽https://www.instagram.com/dalinoliver/

👉🏽https://www.tiktok.com/@dalinoliver

👉🏽https://dalinoliver.com/

00:00 Intro and Welcome

02:09 Former Teacher

09:37 Two Different Worlds

29:05 Comedy Debut

45:28 Growth Journey with the Audience

01:07:38 Culture

01:18:12 Comedy in Cape Town

01:25:22 Question of the Week

01:34:36 Say Ma Now..

01:44:01 Message and Plug

01:51:51 Question for the Hosts

For Business inquiries and Topics contact📧:

[email protected]

For Podcast Production and Studio Bookings contact

👉🏽[email protected]

‼️DISCLAIMER‼️: The information provided by the speakers/presenters on this Platform is for General Information purposes only.

Stuart Taylor joins us on the Podcast! He shares his journey from studying MAGIC to becoming a COMEDIAN to now balancing it ALL with LEARNING to be a HUSABND and a FATHER.. We get some CRAZY insight into the HISTORY of Comedy in Cape Town.. Gatekeeping and Collaboration.. We go through YOUR answers to this weeks Question and Have some FUN with our games..

📹VIDEO PODCAST

👉🏽https://www.youtube.com/@UCBeTbPTYaATI72aGC3xtIRQ

Follow Stuart Taylor on📝:

👉🏽https://www.instagram.com/stuart_taylor_comic/

👉🏽https://stuarttaylor.co.za/

👉🏽https://www.youtube.com/@stuarttaylor-comedian9207

👉🏽https://www.webtickets.co.za/v2/event.aspx?itemid=1572249447

00:00 Intro and Welcome

04:00 Who is Stuart Taylor

06:09 Magic School

11:15 Finding Comedy

24:58 Comedy and Social Media

34:04 Gatekeeping and Collaboration

39:10 Growing with Your Audience

58:57 Question of the Week

01:08:38 Quizler

01:13:56 Say Ma Now..

01:22:57 Message and Plug

01:25:50 Question for the Hosts

For Business inquiries and Topics contact📧:

[email protected]

For Podcast Production and Studio Bookings contact

👉🏽[email protected]

‼️DISCLAIMER‼️: The information provided by the speakers/presenters on this Platform is for General Information purposes only.