The Adventures of OT

On this latest podcast episode I had the honor of interviewing Siyanda Kobokana who shares his inspiring journey of resilience and overcoming adversity. In this raw and candid interview, Siyanda opens up about his difficult childhood upbringing, struggles with substance use and abuse, and the journey towards recovery. He courageously shares his challenges faced in rehab, shedding light on what worked and what didn't in his path to healing. Siyanda also delves into the importance of self-love and spirituality in his journey, emphasizing the transformative power of learning to love oneself and finding solace in faith. Finally, he shares insights from his studies, revealing how it opened doors to travel and learn more about himself and the world. Don't miss out on this enlightening conversation that's sure to inspire and empower! You can follow him on Instagram: Siyanda Kobokana & TikTok: Mr Contagious Smile & you can find his research on ResearchGate and search for his name.

On today’s podcast we have Lusanda Lupindo a Health & Safety Officer by profession and YouTuber. Lusanda unpacks life after being diagnosed with HIV in her early twenties while in varsity. She delves into the stages of grief, most importantly the stage of anger and finally takes us through the process of forgiveness and acceptance of her status. Lusanda, further highlights the importance of taking care of your health and encourages everyone to have the courage to get tested & know their status. Her life motto is: “Live Life to the fullest, life is too short.” Let’s continue being mindful of the conversations, words and phrases we use and continue to break the stigma around HIV. If you would like to follow her journey, or reach out to her for collaborations please contact her on: Instagram: Lussy_Lupindo & YouTube: Lussy Lupindo. SADAG Support: Depression, Anxiety & PTSD: 078 284 5939(Janine) HIV/AIDS support group: 076 156 1876/076 701 0005 (Louise)

On today’s episode we have Zinhle Hlatshwayo an Agricultural Scientist and Skin Care Activist. Zinhle unpacks how she experiences life living with severe acne and further delves into the negative comments she’s been exposed to within her community and on social media. She further highlights the impact that acne has had on her self-esteem and mental health and her dating life. Let’s continue being mindful of the words we use and say to other’s. SPREAD KINDNESS ALWAYS. If you would like to follow Zinhle’s journey do follow her on Instagram @ blythlie or you can contact her via email: [email protected]

On today’s episode we have Atsho-Abonga Mteto a fitness instructor, massage therapist and personal trainer. Atsho & I unpack how he has been experiencing life after sustaining a traumatic brain injury, where he also presented with: a hangman’s fracture, subarachnoid bleed, cranial fracture and a C5 & C6 tear. He unpacks the stages of grief he experienced after waking up from a coma & realising his inability to engage in his basic activities of daily living such as bathing himself independently. Atsho further highlights how the support of his family and friends helped him during his rehabilitation period. The greatest lesson he has learnt from sustaining a TBI is that LIFE IS TOO SHORT. BE KINDER TO YOURSELF. If you’d like to follow Atsho or you’re in need of a personal trainer please follow him on Instagram: atsho.abonga_mteto

On today’s episode we have a guest very close to my heart. Anelisa Baliso was my mentor in my first year of varsity, in her teachings she always emphasised staying in your lane and not going with the crowd- I still live by those words today. On this episode Anelisa & I discuss how she broke her leg which later resulted in her having a bowleg as a result of her bone not healing properly. She further discusses the impact that the bowleg had on her mental health, self-esteem and her engagement in occupations. She further emphasizes masking her emotions throughout her childhood. While in her varsity year a doctor spotted her while performing & little did she know that by performing on stage that night would later change her life completely. Anelisa is a professional Social Worker and is an upcoming artist, please do follow her on her social media page, Instagram: Anelisa LeeAnsa Baliso.

On this week’s podcast we have Saajidah Patel a phenomenal lady who shares her experience of living with chronic granulomatous disease (CGD). This is a genetic disorder in which white blood cells are unable to kill (fight) certain types of bacteria. Saajidah speaks about spending majority of her childhood in hospital and how this influenced her ability to maintain friendships. She also speaks to the difficulties of finding employment due to her diagnosis as she can be admitted for 3-months at a time (if not longer) within a space of one year. We also speak to the difficulties she experienced during COVID-19 & being hospitalised for several months and the countless times she’s almost faced death. Saajidah spreads some positivity & light where she highlights the importance of being intentional with your relationships because you never know when your last day is. Please do subscribe to her YouTube channel: Saajie Vlogs

On today’s podcast we have Yolanda Januarie a professional occupational therapist who’s taken the leap and has moved to Australia for work. Yolanda takes us through every step she followed while applying for work in Australia and isn’t shy to share how much the whole process cost her. Yolanda & I discuss why she chose to leave South Africa & why she doesn’t see a future for herself working back in South Africa. If you would like to contact her for more questions you may contact her on LinkedIn: Yolanda Januarie.

Are you in your community service year and wondering when you should start applying for jobs? Are you confused and flustered about how to prepare for interviews? Have a listen to the podcast where Zenande Sonkononkono and I talk about our community service year and how we went about applying for jobs. You can reach out to both Zenande or myself if you’re looking for assistance with your CV write-up or how to go about preparing for an interview.

On today’s podcast we have Zeke Johannes an occupational therapy student who speaks on the Erik Erickson stage of Identity vs Role Confusion. Erik Erickson posits that people go through a series of stages and everyone faces developmental conflict that needs to be resolved successfully. This process is noted to be vital as it facilitates a strong identity in an individual. Zeke & I unpack his occupational potential & occupational choice as a young coloured male who grew up in a gang ridden, small community in Cape Town. Occupational Choice, may not only be impacted by social/occupational injustices but also by entrenched mindsets with limiting views for what is possible, (Galvaan, in Rudman, 2015).

On today’s podcast we have Bridgette Nicholson a seasoned Occupational Therapist with over 34 years experience in the field. Bridgette has worked in providing support & training to school districts and organizations. She presents interactive science-based workshops to teachers, parents & caregivers these workshops work to address a child’s learning ability through play with the use of technological assistive devices. Please do check out her website for more details: bodybraintech.com