THE TEA with Nicky

By Nicky Fastovsky

Spilling all "The Tea" you want to hear.

From individuals sharing their experiences in the corporate spaces, start-ups, SMMEs to sports fields, or influencers, Drs, etc and all the emotional stuff in ... more

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FAQs about THE TEA with Nicky:

How many episodes does THE TEA with Nicky have?

The podcast currently has 57 episodes available.

THE TEA with Nicky episodes:

March 04, 2026 Before you implement AI, fix this first | Monica Obrocka on Data Foundations
After the AI hype of the last two years, one question remains:
Are businesses actually ready?

In this episode of Tea with Nicky, now powered by Salt, Monika Obrocka joins us to unpack the reality behind AI implementation — and why most companies are skipping the most important step.
Before you invest in AI tools, agents, or automation, you need to fix something first: your data foundations.

Monika shares:
* Why most companies asking for AI aren’t ready for it
* The difference between AI, machine learning, deep learning and generative AI
* Why software engineers are feeling the impact first
* The myth of AGI (and why Terminators aren’t arriving anytime soon)
* Why WhatsApp can’t be your business operating system
* The real reason AI won’t make you rich

If you’re a business leader feeling overwhelmed by AI trends, this conversation will bring clarity.
This is about process. Data. Then AI.
Not the other way around.

About Monika Obrocka
Monika is an engineer with a background in radio astronomy and a founder of AI Decoded. She helps businesses organise their data and build strong foundations before implementing AI solutions.

Subscribe for more honest conversations about failure, technology and leadership.
The Tea with Nicky is back — powered by Salt.
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33min
February 19, 2026 Leah Molatseli on AI, legal tech & Calibrating your audacity – the career advice you didn’t expect.
After two years, Tea with Nicky is back — now powered by Salt Solutions Group — and we’re kicking off the return with a bold conversation.

In this episode, Leah Molatseli joins us to unpack what it really means to reinvent your career, bet on emerging industries, and “calibrate your audacity.”

From leaving traditional law to becoming a legal tech and AI consultant, Leah shares the realities behind building a career in a space that didn’t even have a clear pathway when she started.

We explore:• How AI is actually being used in legal practice (beyond the hype)• Why training matters more than tools when it comes to generative AI• The rise of legal tech in South Africa and across Africa• What lawyers get wrong about innovation• Why chasing failure can build more resilience than chasing success• How to know when it’s time to jump

This is a conversation about courage, alignment, and creating opportunities where none existed.
If you’re feeling stuck, curious about AI, or questioning your current career path — this one’s for you.
About Leah Molaletsi:
Leah is a lawyer turned legal tech and innovation consultant. She works at the intersection of law, AI, and emerging technology, helping legal professionals rethink how they deliver services in a rapidly changing world. She is also the host of Legal Tech by Leah.

Subscribe for more bold, honest conversations.
Tea with Nicky is back — and we’re just getting started.

Powered by Salt: ‪@saltdigital‬ | www.welovesalt.com
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37min
June 28, 2024 LBW | GNU for who?
🎙️ On this episode of Life in Black & White is out now, and it's a spicy one! 🌶️🔥
We dive deep into the current Government of National Unity (GNU) and ponder: is it a DA-ANC coalition, or is it truly a GNU? We raise some serious questions about the "DANC" government.
Just a heads-up, we filmed this episode literally the day before Renaldo Gouws' racist video broke the internet in SA, where he shockingly used both the k-word and n-word. This scandal finally led to his suspension (though we think the DA could've done better). 🙄
We also discuss other nefarious characters like Carl Niehaus, who recently joined the EFF and was appointed as an MP. And, Sips shares her insights from watching the National Assembly, while we also touch on Gayton McKenzie's fascinating redemption arc. 🎭
It's a rollercoaster of an episode you don't want to miss. Tune in now for our takes on these hot topics and more! 🌟
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59min
June 06, 2024 LBW | South African Elections: The Coalition Dilemma
The much-anticipated Post-Elections episode of Life in Black & White is here! 🗳️✨ We dive into the final election results and what they mean for the future of South Africa's government.
The ANC won only 40.18% of the votes - that's a whopping 17.32% drop since 2021! Now, they're in a "coalition dilemma" trying to decide who to team up with in parliament to hold a majority government. 🤯
Many supporters have flocked to the newly founded MK Party with Jacob Zuma at the helm. Should we be grateful or terrified? Especially since one of their manifesto points is to scrap our beautiful constitution! 🧨📜
Meanwhile, the DA saw a slight increase to 21.81%, up by just 1.04%. The EFF, surprisingly, lost 1.28% of their votes, sitting at number 4 with 9.52%. 📊
Could an ANC-DA coalition be the best way forward? Or ANC-EFF-MK coalition? Or is it better to have no coalitions at all and see how our democracy moves forward with a minority government and a lot more parties earning seats in parliament? 🤔
Tune in to hear our thoughts, analyses, and what this could mean for South Africa's future. It's a discussion you won't want to miss! 🌟
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33min
May 23, 2024 LBW | Dishing on The MK Party & IFP
🗳️ New Episode Alert! 🎙️ Life in Black & White is back with some piping hot tea for your brunch discussion! 🍵🥞

This week, we delved into the election manifestos of the MK Party and the IFP. Spoiler alert: the IFP made it crystal clear that they want nothing to do with the MK Party, ANC, or EFF. But here’s the twist – despite the drama, both parties share a lot in common! 🤔

Both uphold African values and ideologies and aim to give more power to traditional African leaders. 🌍👑 But, in true Jacob fashion, the MK Party throws a curveball by wanting to scrap our beautiful constitution! 🧨

Tune in to hear all the juicy details, our thoughts, and a few detours along the way! We promise it’s informative, entertaining, and full of hope for the upcoming elections on May 29th. 🌟

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55min
May 16, 2024 LBW | Moving Jobs, Personal Time & Girlfriends
🌟 Taking a breather on Life in Black & White! 🌟

Sips and I hit pause on the politics and had a heart-to-heart about the simple, beautiful chaos of life. 💬✨
From Nicky’s big leap into a new job to finding those precious "me time" moments, we chatted about it all. 🏃‍♀️🛀 And let's not forget the incredible power of female friendships that keep us grounded and thriving. 👯‍♀️💪
Sometimes, you just gotta stop, look at your feet, and soak in the now. 🌿👣
Tune in and let's catch up together! 🎧💖
Book mentioned:
Lady of Darkness by Melissa Roehrich - https://www.amazon.com/Lady-Darkness-Book-ebook/dp/B09GD8PM6D
Personal Retreat:Bodhi Khaya - https://www.bodhikhaya.com/
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53min
April 13, 2024 LBW | Dishing on ActionSA & Build One SA
Sips and I dive into two party manifestos: ActionSA and Build One SA. 🤩
We do a deep dive into their manifestos and explore how these parties address education, job creation, and access to municipal services. Of course, we may go off track with some unexpected topics, like the death penalty! 👀
There's nothing like a delicious brunch without some piping hot tea, so grab your cup and tune in for insights on other parties' campaigns! ☕
Get ready for the upcoming elections on May 29th. 🎙️
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1h 6min
March 29, 2024 #5. LIFE IN Black & White - Dishing on Upcoming Elections: EFF
🎙️✨ Hold onto your hats, folks! 🎩💨
The latest episode of Life in Black & White just dropped, and let's just say, things are heating up! 🔥🗳️ Sips and I are diving headfirst into the world of the EFF and their manifesto, and trust me, it's a wild ride! 🌪️💼
From heated debates to thought-provoking discussions, we're leaving no stone unturned as we dissect the EFF's policies on land redistribution, free education, and that controversial foreigner's surcharge tax. 💰🏞️📚
Love 'em or hate 'em, there's no denying that the EFF's manifesto packs a punch, leaving us with more questions than answers! 🤔❓
So tell us, dear listeners: Are you finding our political deep dives informative? 🧐💡 We're dying to know your thoughts on our fiery discussions! 🔥💬
Drop us a line and let's keep the conversation going! 🗣️💬
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36min
February 27, 2024 #4. LIFE IN Black & White - Dishing on Upcoming Elections: ANC and DA
🎙️✨ Get ready to dive into the political funhouse with our latest episode of Life in Black and White! 🎉🗳️ This time, we're spilling the tea on the upcoming elections, and trust us, it's a rollercoaster ride! 🎢
So here's the scoop: We've decided to "upskill" ourselves and get down and dirty with the nitty-gritty of the parties vying for our votes. 📚💡 From reading manifestos to sharing our opinions and raising all the follow-up questions, we're on a mission to decode the political puzzle together! 🤔🔍
In this episode, we're shining a spotlight on the ANC and the DA. 🌟✨ Sure, they hadn't dropped their manifestos at the time (hello, suspense!), but that didn't stop us from dissecting their moves post-SONA. Oh, and did we mention the Power Bill the DA's been drafting? 💡💼
Now, we'll be honest: we might not have been as prepared as we should've been. 🙈 But hey, that's all part of the journey, right? 🌱 So buckle up, stay kind, and join us as we stumble, learn, and grow together in this crazy political maze! 🌟💼
Mentioned links:
1) Cyril’s reign 2019 - 2014: https://www.instagram.com/atmovement_sa/reels/
2) Cool Story Bru - Call Centre Shack: https://www.instagram.com/reel/CzbhffKts9N/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
3) Andre de Ruyter’s tell-all: https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/154799398
4) Business Tech article: https://businesstech.co.za/news/lifestyle/716428/the-worst-areas-for-crime-in-south-africa/
5) Newzroom Afrika: EFF and ANC reject Provincial Power Bill
https://youtu.be/3AImQW-sXiY?si=p2CvWgLo_abdy-Id
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32min
November 09, 2023 45. Renier Kriel spills ON going from being a start-up founder to a start-up consultant, creating the Open Letter newsletter, & his views on the AI trend
Step into the world of innovation, entrepreneurship, and digital mastery with our guest, Renier Kriel. With over 15 years dedicated to empowering startups and organizations, Renier is the go-to expert for cutting-edge digital solutions.
At 24, he founded a software agency in Stellenbosch, South Africa, which later grew to employ over 50 professionals. After selling his business, he became the CEO of a leading early-stage incubator, mentoring 20+ startups.
Renier's firsthand experience as an entrepreneur and mentor gives him a unique perspective, making him a valuable guide for founders navigating their startup journey. His approach to strategy is simple, accessible, and pragmatic.
And that's not all! Renier is also the creative force behind 'The Open Letter,' a weekly newsletter exploring innovation in Africa. Whether you're seeking inspiration or staying updated on the latest trends, this is your go-to source.
Join us in this episode and discover the keys to success in the startup world.
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55min

FAQs about THE TEA with Nicky:

How many episodes does THE TEA with Nicky have?

The podcast currently has 57 episodes available.