The PackBreakers Podcast

VSML Survey: https://vsml.co.za/2025-survey-start/ 

01:37 – Wayne and Jack Parow share their journey from smoking to vaping.

09:04 – The innovation behind Bewolk as a South African e-liquid brand and how the collaboration with Jack Parow came about.

16:48 – Wayne Pieterse discusses upcoming nicotine pouches and their role as an alternative to vaping.

20:18 – The impact of excise duty on vape juice, the rise of disposable vapes, and the distinction between nicotine percentage (% nic) and nicotine volume (ml nic).

22:45 – Addressing youth vaping, disposable vapes, and how the Jack Parow & Bewolk partnership ensures their products do not reach underage users.

29:47 – Kurt raises concerns about the lack of enforcement of current regulations and questions how the government plans to implement its proposed tobacco bill.

33:45 – What’s next for the Jack Parow & Bewolk partnership?

VSML Survey: https://vsml.co.za/2025-survey-start/

In this episode, Dr. Farsalinos unpacks the truth about vaping and harm reduction, tackling misinformation, government policies, and the real risks compared to smoking. He explores how flawed narratives hinder innovation and effective legislation while drawing parallels between harm reduction in everyday life and vaping. Tune in for a data-driven conversation that challenges myths and highlights the science behind safer alternatives.

01:20 – Introduction to Dr. Farsalinos, his journey with vaping, and his initial exposure to it.

09:43 – Dr. Farsalinos weighs in on the risks of vaping compared to smoking combustible tobacco products.

13:33 – Addressing the argument that vaping poses an unnecessary risk by comparing it to everyday risk management in our lives.

23:24 – A deep dive into misinformation and the damage it causes, with a focus on how certain governments and organisations perpetuate harmful narratives.

31:45 – The absence of informed discussions in government presentations, leading to flawed legislation on harm reduction. Dr. Farsalinos references a US study on smoking rates before and after the introduction of vaping.

39:41 – The suppression of innovation and the reliance on emotional arguments over data and scientific evidence in shaping public perception of vaping.

49:26 – Exploring harm reduction beyond vaping, using everyday examples to highlight how we routinely mitigate risks in different aspects of life.

VSML Survey: https://vsml.co.za/2025-survey-start/

Dr. Yach examines the history of harm reduction, vaping’s role in public health, and South Africa’s flawed regulations. He discusses government misinformation, the illicit market, medical stigma, and the future of vaping as a safer alternative.

·       03:33 – Dr. Yach discusses the historical context of harm reduction.

·       07:58 – Exploring the gap between scientific evidence and the messaging from governments and institutions regarding harm reduction products, particularly vaping.

·       15:07 – Dr. Yach shares insights on the current state of vaping in South Africa and where the country is going wrong in its approach.

·       18:39 – Dr. Yach explores the potential for vaping to be used as a tool in addressing other health issues, such as tuberculosis and mental health challenges.

·       23:01 – Kurt and Dr. Yach delve into South Africa’s legislative framework and how it inadvertently fuels the illicit market for vaping products.

·       33:54 – How the perspectives of doctors contribute to the stigma around vaping, leading to misinformation and inadequate support for individuals seeking harm reduction through vaping.

·       38:19 – Dr. Yach shares his thoughts on when and how the perception of vaping might improve, both in South Africa and globally, as a safer alternative to smoking.

This episode features Dr. Mendelsohn discussing vaping’s role in harm reduction, societal misconceptions, the stigma smokers face, and the impact of Australia’s restrictive vaping policies. A must-listen on the realities of tobacco harm reduction.

03:15 – Dr. Mendelsohn’s perspective on vaping as a medical doctor with over 30 years of experience in smoking cessation.
09:00 – Misconceptions about vaping perpetuated by the media, society, and medical professionals.
17:55 – The neglect and stigma faced by smokers, leading to their ostracization by society.
22:31 – Vaping policies in Australia, their prohibition-like effects, and the resulting black market's impact on harm reduction and retail.
29:20 – The disconnect between policymakers, professionals, and governments versus the real-world effects of vaping and harm reduction policies.

This episode Kurt sits down with Gregg Rappaport, an e-liquid distributor, who shares his insights on the evolving vaping landscape in South Africa. We discuss the impact of disposable vapes, youth vaping trends, and the critical concerns surrounding the current Tobacco Bill.

01:06 - Gregg's Vaping Journey: Gregg shares his background as a former smoker and his journey into vaping.

06:43 - Evolving Vaping Landscape: Gregg discusses the changes he has witnessed in the vaping environment over the years, from his perspective as an e-liquid sales representative.

10:00 - Disposable Vape Debate: We delve into the debate surrounding the impact of disposable vapes on vaping culture.

13:21 - Youth Vaping Concerns: We discuss youth smoking and vaping rates locally, and compare them to global statistics.

20:01 - Key Concerns of the Bill: Gregg highlights the elements of the Tobacco Bill that are of greatest concern to him as an e-liquid distributor.

29:10 - Consumer Sentiment: We explore Gregg's perspective on the general sentiment of consumers regarding the future of vaping.

01:42 - Powerful Testimony: We begin with a powerful excerpt from Thembinkosi's submission at the North West tobacco bill public hearing, setting the scene for this episode.

08:48 - Thembinkosi's Journey: We hear about Thembinkosi's smoking history and his transition to vaping.

16:52 - Socioeconomic Impact: We dive deep into Thembinkosi's submission, focusing on how the tobacco bill negatively impacts the socioeconomic lives of everyday South Africans, both consumers and sellers.

21:50 - Vaping Inaccessibility: We discuss how the bill limits access to vaping, particularly for lower-income groups, leading Thembinkosi to label it "anti-black".

25:15 - Big Tobacco's Influence: We explore the concerning issue of "big tobacco's little helpers", analysing how the Department of Health's policies may inadvertently benefit the tobacco industry by misregulating the vaping sector.

31:28 - Nine Wasted Years: We reflect on the "nine wasted years" of government inaction and how this past inaction contributes to current policy deficiencies.I hope this revised version is more effective and engaging for your listeners!

Craig, a former smoker and co-founder of VSML, shares his vaping journey and entrepreneurial experience. He discusses the impact of the Tobacco and Vape Bill on the vaping community and advocates for harm reduction strategies, highlighting vaping as a less harmful alternative to smoking.

01:50 – Craig’s smoking history and journey into vaping. 

11:44 – Craig’s “ah-ha” vaping moment. 

17:24 – Craig’s entrepreneurial journey within the vaping industry. 

20:11 – The impact of covid on the vaping community and the direct effects on Craig. 

32:02 – A discussion around the Tobacco and Vape bill. 

42:21 – The biggest points of contention within the Tobacco and Vape Bill. 

58:41 – Crag’s parting remarks on small vaping businesses, harm reduction and the vaping landscape. 

Join Jason Williams and Kurt as they discuss Jasons journey from smoking & Vaping to Vaping as well as the world of disposable vapes.

02:10 – Jasons smoking to vaping history 

10:01 – How the 2020 lockdown influenced Jason to make the complete switch. 

13:11 - The migration from smoking to vaping with the use of nic salts (disposables). 

18:47 – Disposable vapes and their impact on the vaping market. 

38:57 – Youth smoking discussion and realities surrounding smoking. 

45:25 – The impact of the taxes imposed on vaping and how it impacts the community. 

01:15:05 – Jasons message to the South African government.

Part 2 of 2: Join Lee and Craig, the dynamic duo behind Vapers Corner, as they share their personal vaping journeys and the challenges they've faced in the South African vaping industry.

01:01: Lee's vaping journey as a non-smoker.

06:25: Craig's transition from smoking to vaping.

12:25: How Lee and Craig entered the vaping retail business.

20:35: The role of vaping in helping smokers quit.

29:27: The story behind the Vapers Corner Coffin.

34:29: Craig's concerns about disposable vapes.

44:43: The impact of the 2020 lockdown on independent vape store owners.

42:50: The typical Vapers Corner customer profile.

53:44: The lack of consumer participation in vaping legislation.

66:06: A message to the South African government.

Part 1 of 2: Elna and Keiran discuss their switch to vaping, the effects of the 2020 lockdown, the rise of disposable vapes, and share a message for the South African government.