Ben and Duran de Villiers discuss the success and creativity of entrepreneurs.

Vaping addiction is slowly become a norm for teenagers throughout the world.

What happened during World War 2 was one of the greatest tragedies in recent human history. 

During this episode Ben sits down with102 year old Auschwitz survivor Ella Blumenthal. World War 2 broke out when Ella was about 18 years old and despite all the turmoil and evil done to her she survive 3 concentration camps: Majdanke, Auschwitz and Bergen-Belsen. 

In October 1940, she was put into the Warsaw Ghetto along with her family. In the Warsaw Ghetto, Blumenthal helped an underground Jewish organization publish and distribute leaflets. 

During this, Blumenthal’s family members kept being taken and put onto transports to concentration and death camps. By the time of the Warsaw Ghetto uprising, Blumenthal had only two family members left, her father and her eldest niece, Roma Rothstein. 

In 1943, Ella, Roma and Ella’s father were taken to Majdanke where her father was sent to the gas chambers. Ella and Roma were also sent to the gas chambers with 700 other women. However, in a turn of fate the gas chamber could only accommodate 500 women. So along with 200 other women Ella and Roma were sent back to the labour camp.

Soon after, Blumenthal and Rothenstein were moved to Auschwitz. While there, Rothstein contracted typhus and was moved to a hospital. On the third day of her being there, the doctor warned her that all remaining patients would be gassed. Rothstein crawled out of the hospital and survived. Blumenthal also contracted typhus, too afraid to the hospital she hid in the block house and toilets. At one point, Rothstein asked Blumenthal if she would commit suicide, Blumenthal refused, as she still wished to live.

In November 1944, Blumenthal and Rothstein were moved to the Bergen-Belsen concentration camp. They remained here until the British Army liberated the camp on April 15, 1945.

After the war, Blumenthal went to Warsaw with the hope of finding her remaining family members. Blumenthal was able to make contact with Rothstein's father. He had survived by leaving the Warsaw Ghetto and moving to Tel Aviv. He managed to get Blumenthal sent to Paris, where she lived until 1947, when the Rothsteins got a visa for her to join them in Tel Aviv. In Tel Aviv, Blumenthal met her future husband. Out of twenty-three immediate family members, she and the Rothsteins were the only survivors of the Holocaust.

In 2021, she was the subject of the documentary, I am Here, which documented her life in the Warsaw Ghetto and the Concentration camps. Blumenthal currently lives in Cape Town and has four children, eleven grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

Graded Links: 

Website: https://gradedpodcast.com 

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1Iw2csFu4olRiKFUzFQm3O

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Twitter: @GradedPodcast 

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Time Codes: 

(00:00) Intro

(00:13) Childhood before the holocaust

(01:21) When did you realise your life was going change?

(02:13) How did WW2 change your life?

(02:52) How did you not loose hope?

(03:14) Were there moments of unexpected kindness?

(06:39) How has your experiences helped you understand gratitude?

(08:00) How do you view the world today?

(09:09) How can you still see the best in people?

(09:52) The importance of family

(10:54) Moments that bring you joy

(11:44) Why did you want to share your experiences?

(13:12) A message for the younger generation

(14:03) How did you remain positive?

(15:54) What was it like visiting Auschwitz again?

(17:27) Is there anything specific that you are grateful for?

(18:26 Is there a principal that has helped you?

(19:26) What would you say to your 16-year old self?

(20:21) Outro

Millie Thomas and Ben discuss eating disorders and how the voice in the back of your mind can be misleading. 

Millie Thomas is the founder of HealED, and an eating disorder coach that specilises in neurolinguistic programming. After battling with Anorexia Nervosa for over 15 years and almost losing her life because of it. 

Despite the enormous doubt from professional treatment practitioners, Millie made a miracle recovery from her illness. This spurred on a whole career dedicated to helping others overcome their eating disorders, where she found an enormous amount of success. 

You can connect with Millie further through her website:

www.healed.net.au

Graded Links: 

Website: https://gradedpodcast.com 

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1Iw2csFu4olRiKFUzFQm3O

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/graded-podcast/id1679740607

Google Podcasts:https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy9kZGM0ZWE2OC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw

Instagram: https://instagram.com/graded.podcast?igshid=MmIzYWVlNDQ5Yg==

TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@graded.podcast

Threads: https://threads.net/@graded.podcast

Twitter: @GradedPodcast 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GradedPodcast

Time Codes: 

(00:00) Intro

(00:15) Millie Thomas’s journey 

(11:12) How do girls’ school encourages eating disorders?

(12:37) How can we break stereotypes?

(13:51) What does an eating disorder feel like?

(17:11) How can you break away from the eating disorder?

(19:34) Advice for people struggling with eating disorders

(22:06) Strategies for managing your eating disorder

(25:42) Speak to your loved ones

(28:05) How do you approach loved ones with your eating disorder?

(29:03) The difference between guys and girls

(30:12) How has social media influenced eating disorders?

(32:53) What have you found success means to you?

(35:04) Outro

The worlds most influential historian, David Christian and Ben discuss the history of the world, and why it’s so important to study history before moving into the future. 

With an impressive amount of educational degrees behind his back, David Christian originally focused in on Russian history and then moved over to human history writ. He takes a big picture look at history and sees how human history, astrology, anthropology, biology and cosmology all fit into the picture of human society. 

Recently he has started a project, funded by Bill Gates, that teaches high school students throughout the United States and Australia to examine human history through an anthropological and biological lens.

Ben and David discuss why seeing the bigger picture is important and how history can show us our mistakes moving forward. 

Sometimes you need to take a look back to take a step forward. 

Graded Links: 

Website: https://gradedpodcast.com 

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1Iw2csFu4olRiKFUzFQm3O

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/graded-podcast/id1679740607

Google Podcasts:https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy9kZGM0ZWE2OC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw

Instagram: https://instagram.com/graded.podcast?igshid=MmIzYWVlNDQ5Yg==

TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@graded.podcast

Threads: https://threads.net/@graded.podcast

Twitter: @GradedPodcast 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GradedPodcast

Time Codes: 

(00:00) Intro

(00:11) Why young people should see the bigger picture in history?

(02:37) Strategies from the past

(04:10) How has our understanding of Earths development changed?

(06:30) When will the Earths decay happen?

(08:52) How do we solve these problems of destructions?

(11:15) What is the most impressive connection between different eras?

(12:45) How can history help us understand life?

(15:09) How do we maintain optimism in the face of adversity?

(18:20) How greed is leading to our demise

(20:47) Key lessons for young people in history

(22:06) What movements help inspire positive change?

(24:55) How has your personal life encouraged studying history?

(29:14) A historical event that can inspire people to deal with adversity

(31:40) What would you say to your 16-year old self?

(33:23) Outro

Gidon Novick and Ben discuss the incredible world of entrepreneurship and how working together with the uniqueness of people can fast-track your road to success. 

As the Co-CEO of Comair for 13 years and the founder of Kulula, Gidon gives a unique perspective to entrepreneurship. Focused on building socially minded businesses, Gidon brings a human persecutive to creating large scale, innovative, high impact businesses to South Africa. 

His most recent endeavour is a NGO that he joined five months before lockdown that focuses on the redistribution of food going to waste in South Africa (https://saharvest.org). 

Ben and Gidon discuss how our uniqueness is what can set us on the path of success as well as some of the hard lesson you learn as an entrepreneur and how to get up when you’ve been knocked down. There is a new generation of entrepreneurs coming into South Africa and the opportunities are endless in this modern world. 

SA Harvest: 

https://saharvest.org

Graded Links:

Website: https://gradedpodcast.com 

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1Iw2csFu4olRiKFUzFQm3O

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/graded-podcast/id1679740607

Google Podcasts:https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy9kZGM0ZWE2OC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw

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TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@graded.podcast

Threads: https://threads.net/@graded.podcast

Twitter: @GradedPodcast 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GradedPodcast

Time Codes:

(00:00) Intro

(00:12) How did you get started in the world of entrepreneurship?

(00:58) How have failures taught lessons and put you on the path of success?

(02:24) Is there a benefit to starting earlier in a certain workspace?

(03:17) What new opportunities have come up in modern times?

(05:17) What kind of people should we surround ourselves with in order to achieve success?

(06:50) How does ego stop us from achieving success?

(08:11) How can we balance manifesting in your head and having too big of an ego?

(09:40) When you were a teenager how did you think your life would play out?

(10:46) How crucial are marks in achieving success?

(12:23) What fundamentals do you need in your personality to achieve success?

(14:55) The things that make us different are the things that make us successful

(16:14) What leadership do you find most effective?

(18:22) What are some essential skills to develop to become an entrepreneur?

(19:41) What advice would you give to people who have failed and are losing hope?

(21:40) What is your personal definition of success?

(25:05) Looking back, what is an accomplishment you are most proud of?

(26:40) What are some common principles in building impactful businesses?

(28:11) Is it possible to achieve success without a plan?

(29:27) What is some advice you would give to teenagers we are aspiring to become entrepreneurs?

(32:06) If you could say one thing to your 16-year old self, what would it be?

(32:22) Outro

Mark Emmerich and Ben discuss porn addiction amongst teenagers and what are the steps to overcome it. 

Just like any addiction, porn addiction can leave you feeling helpless and lost. It can directly influence your relationships, your personal life and self-motivation. However, overcoming it is oftentimes a challenge in itself. 

After struggle with addiction himself, Mark Emmerich embarked ons his recovery journey in 1996 which he continues to this day. This gives him a unique approach on how to help his clients and gear each person with the skills to overcome addiction. 

Having completed his masters degree in psychology and social work, as well as devoted family man, Mark shares with Ben the importance of relationships in developing the self. 

But the question remains, how do you identify porn addiction and how do you overcome it? 

You can find out more about Mark and his incredible work here: 

http://markemmerich.co.za

Graded Links: 

Website: https://gradedpodcast.com 

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1Iw2csFu4olRiKFUzFQm3O

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/graded-podcast/id1679740607

Google Podcasts:https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy9kZGM0ZWE2OC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw

Instagram: https://instagram.com/graded.podcast?igshid=MmIzYWVlNDQ5Yg==

TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@graded.podcast

Threads: https://threads.net/@graded.podcast

Twitter: @GradedPodcast 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GradedPodcast

Time Codes: 

(00:00) Intro

(00:13) How do you know you are addicted to porn?

(03:08) Why is it important for someone to quit their pornography addiction?

(07:38) How can porn addiction affect your personal sexual life?

(16:10) Hypothetical: How would you help someone quit?

(20:55) If someone has been addicted, and can quit - can they get over the physical consequences of the addiction?

(28:28) How can educational institutes help students quit this addiction?

(31:24) Is It worse for boys or girls?

(32:48) Overcoming this addiction can help you live a successful life

(34:05) What is your personal definition of success?

(36:22) If you could say one thing to your 16-year old self?

It’s ok to speak up

Roshni Parbhoo-Seetha and Ben discuss mental health and suicide amongst teens and adults. 

Mental illness is a growing problem around the world and its stigma in South Africa prevents thousands of individuals from getting the help that they need. Roshni works with the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) to help spread awareness, education and destigmatise mental health. 

They have a powerful team of Psychiatrists, Psychologists and General practitioners that can give people the life line they are looking for. 

In this conversation Ben and Roshni open up the world of mental health, why people don’t speak up and how speaking up about your mental health can improve your well being. 

If you are struggling with anxiety, depression or suicidal ideation, they have hotlines and people on call who can help you 24/7: 

https://www.sadag.org/

Website:  https://gradedpodcast.com 

Spotify:  https://open.spotify.com/show/1Iw2csFu4olRiKFUzFQm3O

Apple Podcasts:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/graded-podcast/id1679740607

Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy9kZGM0ZWE2OC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw

Instagram: https://instagram.com/graded.podcast?igshid=MmIzYWVlNDQ5Yg==

TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@graded.podcast

Threads: https://threads.net/@graded.podcast

Twitter: @GradedPodcast 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GradedPodcast

Time Codes: 

(00:00) Intro

(00:14) How can someone sitting with suicidal ideation deal with it?

(01:50) What are the signs of depression?

(05:05) what are the differences between teens and adults when it comes to suicide and suicidal thoughts?

(06:30) How can friends or those close to someone dealing with suicidal ideation help them?

(09:17) What are some solutions for people who are too shy to come out about the way they are feeling?

(12:44) Is medication one of the only ways to get out of depression?

(14:29) If you are struggling with mental health, how can you seek help with close ones?

(15:43) Is there a difference between men and women when it come to mental health?

(18:48) How does social media impact mental health?

(21:54) Advice to those who are hurting others because they are hurting

(24:32) How can schools help individuals dealing with mental health?

(26:53) Is a routine helpful in overcoming depression?

(29:15) How can people get away from unhealthy homes or environments?

(32:13) How can addiction influence mental health and if they turn to drugs how can they get themselves out of it?

(34:35) What advice would you give tour 16-year old self?

(36:08) Outro 

Do you need to fail to succeed?

Graded Podcast discusses entrepreneurship, building successful businesses and the grit it takes to become truly successful with Steven Schapera. Steven has more than 30 years of experience in founding and building businesses across the agricultural and cosmetics industries. He is regarded as an expert in the global cosmetics industry, having co-founded BECCA Cosmetics in 2001 and joined Estée Lauder in 2016.

Building businesses and being a strong leader is tough, especially in a fast developing and changing world. However, Steven sets down the fundamentals of owning businesses and building them up. He shows what it takes to be a successful leader and to navigate teams. 

Together he and Ben also discuss the darker sides of running a business. What does it meant o fail? How do you know when to give up? Walking the line between playing it safe and taking a risk.

Follow our other channels: 

Website: https://gradedpodcast.com

Time Codes: 

(00:00) Intro 

(03:20) How does your environment influence your drive to become successful? 

(06:00) Does curiosity lead you to create more? 

(06:55) What are some vital traits that entrepreneurs need? 

(09:34) How is failure critical in achieving success? 

(13:48) What lessons have you learnt through failure? 

(18:05) Have you ever questioned giving up? 

(21:13) Where is the middle line between playing it safe and taking a risk? 

(23:49) How to know when to stop or quit? 

(26:00) What are the best style of leadership in the work place? 

(28:20) How do you as entrepreneur define success? 

(33:25) What has changed in the entrepreneurial world and how can we see this as opportunity? 

(36:47) If you could go back and say one thing to your 16 year old self what would it be? 

(37:46) Outro

Graded podcast discusses vulnerability, depression and addiction.

Ben and Henry Johnston discuss the power of your mind in overcoming life’s challenges. Of course life is difficult, but you can rise above it. Henry is a youth empowerment and performance coach, podcaster, author, and host of the world’s only metalwork for mental health retreats. Henry is an unshakeable believer in the power of self.

He has lived experienced with Bi-polar, OCD, ADHD, dyspraxia, dyslexia, de-personalisation disorder, suicidal ideation, anxiety disorder and borderline personality disorder. Henry became an alcoholic and a drug addict, and he experienced homelessness and a long relationship with self-harm.

Together, their insightful conversation opens up the topics of how we can overcome addiction and truly achieve success in our lives, What is success and finding fulfilment in ways that betters your life. 

Henry shows us that suffering may be unavoidable, but growing and becoming better is inevitable. 

Let us know what you think, and whether overcoming mental health can fast track you to success? 

Follow our other channels: 

Website: https://gradedpodcast.com

Time Codes: 

(00:00) Intro 

(03:05) How do teenagers who hit rock bottom get themselves out of that position? 

(07:35) Why is it important for men to become more vulnerable? 

(11:40) Advice to those who are stopping others from being vulnerable 

(14:40) What is the power of you? 

(19:14) For those struggling with self belief 

(21:26) Who is Henry Johnston and what is success? 

(26:50) Manifestation and the energetic nature of the universe? 

(28:49) How the power of the mind helps us achieve success? 

(30:34) Overcoming the forces that make you feel small? 

(32:49) How can teenagers build a positive mindset and self worth? 

(35:04) How can teenagers take themselves away from the negativity of social media?

(37:00) How to overcome addiction?

(39:40) If you could say one thing to your 16-year old self 

(41:11) Outro