Something Shifted | Stories of Identity, Loss and Life Transitions
Something Shifted is a documentary-style podcast about identity after major life changes. Hosted by South African broadcaster Sean Loots, it explores stories of grief, trauma, resilience, and the psychological reconstruction that follows events like diagnosis, loss, divorce, or burnout. Each episode delves into how people navigate life transitions and rebuild their sense of self.
Episodes
"Such a Good Girl" | pet loss, grief and finding presence through loss
For eleven years, Nova was there. Through hospital nights, panic attacks, and the quietest, hardest moments no one else saw.
This is a deeply personal story about pet loss, the grief we don't always give ourselves permission to feel, and what it means to lose a companion who witnessed everything without judgment.
It explores the unconditional bond between humans and animals, the impossible deci
"My second greatest blessing." | grief and healing after losing a parent and finding meaning after loss
Celest Anthony spent four years watching her father disappear - piece by piece, hospital stay by hospital stay - before she said goodbye in 2025.
This is a deeply personal story about anticipatory grief, the slow loss of a parent to chronic illness, and what it means to grieve someone who is still alive. It explores Churg-Strauss syndrome, caregiver identity, and the emotional complexity of stand
"Some version of alright, eventually." | Losing a dream
Kojo Baffoe had a dream that shaped much of his life, until it didn’t.
In this story, he reflects on what it means to lose something that once gave your life structure, meaning, and momentum.
This episode explores loss, identity shifts, and the emotional process of letting go when the future you imagined no longer exists. It’s about the quiet aftermath of disappointment, and the slow rebuilding t
"As I walk through the darkness" | Faith and a stillbirth
Marilize De Clercq had prepared for a life she was about to meet. A nursery ready, a name chosen, a future imagined. Then everything changed.
This is a deeply personal story about stillbirth, grief, and the emotional reality of losing a child before birth. It explores pregnancy loss, faith in the face of unimaginable pain, and the question of how to keep walking when nothing feels certain anymore
"You've Always Just Been This Way." | Late autism diagnosis
Jess Hinds became a mother while quietly struggling with overwhelm she couldn’t explain. That was until an autism diagnosis reframed her entire life.
This episode explores late autism diagnosis in adulthood, neurodivergence in mothers, and the grief that can come with finally understanding yourself.
It’s a story about identity discovery, self-compassion, and the moment language finally catches u
"Life without risk is impossible." | Richard Harris on Thai Cave rescue, risk and impossible decisions
Richard “Harry” Harris played a central role in one of the most complex rescue operations in modern history: the 2018 Thai cave rescue.
In this episode, Harry reflects on crisis decision-making, survival psychology, and the impossible choices made deep underground.
It’s a story about risk, responsibility, and what it means to act when every option carries loss. A rare inside look at leadership u
"All The Hats with All The Jazz Hands" | Burnout, success and rebuilding identity after collapse
Kamini Pather built a high-profile career in food and media until her body forced her to stop.
This story explores burnout after success, nervous system collapse, and what it takes to rebuild identity when achievement no longer protects you from exhaustion.
A story about success, breakdown, and learning to live without performance as a survival strategy.
Kamini's book All Dhal'd Up: https://lik
"The things I hadn't dealt with." | Childhood loss and delayed grief recovery
Josh was 12 when his life changed. But the enormity of that moment took years to surface.
This episode explores delayed grief, childhood bereavement, and how children process loss without the language to understand it at the time.
It also looks at how creativity becomes a form of survival, and how storytelling can help us make sense of what we couldn’t process when it first happened.
Listen to
From 14% to Full Breath: Remembering Tanya Bothma's Double Lung Transplant Journey
What does it feel like to breathe freely for the first time at 40 years old?
Tanya Bothma lived most of her life fighting for every breath.
After years of chronic lung disease, she underwent a pioneering double lung transplant that changed everything; only to later face the reality of chronic rejection.
This episode explores lung transplant survival, organ donation, chronic illness, and the emot
"I will not become what I witnessed." | True crime author on childhood trauma and identity rebuilding
Nicole Engelbrecht grew up in a home shaped by instability, violence, and survival.
As an adult, she built a career telling other people’s darkest stories, until her own story began to surface in unexpected ways.
This episode explores childhood trauma, identity formation, and the slow process of rewriting the narratives we build to survive.
A story about survival, storytelling, and healing wha
"Harder to kill." | Brain cancer, identity and survival after diagnosis
Conn’s life changed in a single moment when subtle symptoms revealed an aggressive brain tumour requiring emergency surgery.
This episode explores brain cancer survival, identity fracture, and what happens when the self you know is suddenly interrupted by illness.
A story about survival, uncertainty, and rebuilding identity after trauma.
www.somethingshifted.co.za
Recorded at Latitude Podcast S
"If Chickens Can Do It" | A case for optimism.
What does optimism actually mean, and can it be learned?
In this episode, astrophysicist-turned-author Sumit Paul-Choudhury explores the psychology and science of optimism, drawing on research, history, and lived experience.
This conversation looks at hope, meaning-making, and the role optimism plays in navigating uncertainty and loss.
A story about choosing perspective, even when life does not
"Peel the f*cking onion." | Addiction, attachment and breaking destructive cycles
Healing is like peeling an onion. The final episode of this season is a story about love, although it's not a traditional love story. It's about love addiction, the fear of not being loved and the kind of love that can keep you alive.
It's about a mother's love, facing your greatest fear and learning to love yourself through it all.
Sara-Jayne shares her complex family background, the trauma of
I phoned The Chaeli Campaign for Podcasthon 2025
My plan was to visit The Chaeli Campaign HQ. But life happened.
So instead, I picked up the phone and spoke to the CEO, Zelda Mycroft.
Zelda shares The Chaeli Campaign's mission to drive social justice and inclusion for people with disabilities.
Highlighting the crucial role of advocacy in changing how society views and supports those with disabiliities, we speak about initiatives such as inclu
"Pick up your pen and write a different story." | Courage and creativity
What if your life suddenly changed course, not by choice, but by force? In this episode, host Sean Loots introduces Verity, a woman who decided to rewrite her life after a personal lifequake.
Through courage, creativity, and deep self-reflection, Verity learned that we always have the power to author a new chapter, no matter how messy the last one was.
Sean guides this conversation on transforma
"Half my face had collapsed." | Identity after Bell's palsy
In this episode, we explore how Lesego’s life changed when he developed Bell’s Palsy, and what it took for him to reframe identity, hope, and resilience
If you've been listening to something shifted for a while, you've probably wondered about your own life quake. For Lesego, there are two distinct moments when the ground beneath his feet gave way. When he was fifteen, his dad passed away. And aga
"Whose afraid of little old me?"
Today’s story is a little different to some of our previous episodes.
We generally meet guests post-life quake, who have the benefit of hindsight, and we learn how "That Big Thing" has changed the direction of their life - but we meet them on stable ground.
Not everyone is on the other side of an event that has changed the way they see how they fit into the world… sometimes we meet someone that
"I became a living upcycled human." | Rebuilding identity after trauma
A major surgery forced Jasper Eales to rebuild his relationship with his body, his work, and his identity. This conversation explores rebuilding identity after surgery and how disruption can completely change the way you see your life.
Jasper Eales is the co-founder of Sealand Gear, a South African brand built around reclaimed materials and sustainable design. But before Sealand existed, Jasper w
"You don't say no to that."
In the adventures we seek out for ourselves, or the chances that we say yes to, deep down we know that things will change.
But we can never fully grasp how much they will change. An enthusiastic yes today will obviously start a domino effect, but where will the yes ultimately lead?
These are the seismic shifts we create for ourselves.
In 2021, Liesl packed up her home in Cape Town and moved to
Motherhood fuelled her Olympic Dream.
For most, becoming a parent is a seismic shift, a lifequake that transforms everything we thought we knew about ourselves.
It's a journey that challenges us to re-evaluate our priorities and make some tough decisions. Like how to balance our own dreams with the responsibilities of raising our children?
In 2022, Vicky became a mom for the first time.
Two weeks later, her dream to compete at the
12 Tremors Before Christmas
Year-end brings with it feelings of nostalgia and reflection. And while lifequakes are big events that permanently alter the course of a life, we want to recognise the smaller shifts and shakes - tremors, if you will, that sent us on a detour.
This episode is a compilation of 12 short stories, from 12 different people, who each experienced a tremor before Christmas.
Plus, since so many have ask
Waiting To Exhale. | Life after double lung transplant and chronic illness survival
Tanya has struggled to breathe since the day she was born.
From viral infections to lung disease, Tanya was diagnosed with bronchiolitis obliterans. The narrowing of Tanya's airways could not be reversed by medication. Considering the diagnosis and years of health challenges, she got on with living her life.
By 2017, Tanya had just 14% lung capacity, and became the first patient to receive a bi-
"I was alone with him when he died."
Zuraida was the last person to see her dad alive. The last person to speak to him. She was also the last person to comfort him. She was 13 years old.
This traumatic event affected her deeply, leading to feelings of abandonment and a tendency towards hyper-independence.
Zuraida discusses how her grief impacted her career and influenced her parenting style. She speaks freely about the importance
One Rescue Breath Changed Three Lives
Sean shares his personal journey through a lifequake, detailing the challenges and transformations that come with raising a child with profound disabilities. He reflects on a critical incident involving his daughter Zoe, the emotional turmoil of hospital visits, and the lessons learned about resilience, empathy, and the importance of community support. The conversation emphasizes the profound shif
Get Ready For All Of The Feels
Join me for the new season of Something Shifted, the podcast that asks some of South Africa’s most interesting people to share how significant life shifts, perceived as devastating, can lead to profound personal transformation and empowerment.
Something Shifted with Sean Loots leans into the joy and discomfort of unexpected change, and tries to answer the question of what it takes to bounce back
Zola Nene on imposter syndrome, Gordon Ramsay, cookbooks and cooking with hippos
Zola Nene shares her journey of leaving law to pursue a career in the culinary arts, overcoming imposter syndrome, and finding joy in her work.
She discusses the impact of her parents on her mindset and the inspirations that shaped her. Zola also reflects on her experiences with Gordon Ramsay and the significance of her cookbooks. Tune in for a heartfelt reflection on the significance of personal
"It was a complex and complicated childhood" | Emotional intelligence and self-awareness
Do you think your co-workers have high or low emotional intelligence? What can we learn about EQ from someone that grew up in a communal home?
Theran Knighton-Fitt grew up in a home filled with love, support and more people than the average preschool class.
Theran's formative years clearly impacted how he leads his life and the work he does at Mygrow, an online employee wellness platform that dri
SHORT: Can Writing Help Lower Your Stress Levels? Try This Stress Less Technique with Noa Belling
Bonus Episode: In this episode of "Something Shifted," Sean talks with Noa Belling, a psychotherapist and author of "Stress Less: Managing Anxiety in a Modern World."
Noa shares her expertise on stress management, particularly the benefits of writing as a tool to alleviate stress. She explains how jotting down thoughts and to-do lists can help clear the mind and address underlying emotions.
The
SHORT: One Incredibly Effective Strategy for Reducing Stress and Anxiety from Psychotherapist Noa Belling
Bonus Episode: In this episode of "Something Shifted," Sean welcomes Noa Belling, a psychotherapist and author of "Stress Less: Managing Anxiety in a Modern World."
Noa discusses the brain's negativity bias and offers strategies to counteract it, such as focusing on positive aspects of our lives and engaging in acts of kindness. She suggests practical exercises like soaking up positive experience
SHORT: How Can You Shift Your Focus and Reduce Stress in Seconds? Noa Belling Shares Another Stress Less Tool
Bonus Episode: Listen to Noa Belling, a psychotherapist and author of "Stress Less: Managing Anxiety in a Modern World" take you from anxious to calm.
Noa shares a quick stress relief exercise focusing on present-moment awareness by engaging the senses and adjusting posture. She explains how this practice can enhance mental clarity and resourcefulness by tapping into the brain's prefrontal cortex
SHORT: Can Changing Your Posture Help To Overcome Anxiety? Try This Effective Technique With Noa Belling
Bonus Episode: Noa Belling, a psychotherapist and corporate consultant, discusses the link between posture and mental state, offering a tool from her book Stress Less that uses posture change to alleviate stress and anxiety. She suggests that adjusting one's posture can improve emotional well-being and clarity of thought, even if it doesn't eliminate the stressor. The episode serves as a resource
"Stress Less" | Anxiety, stress management and emotional resilience tools
Are you aware of how stress physically shapes your life?
Sean Loots sits down with award-winning, bestselling author, psychotherapist and corporate consultant, Noa Belling to discuss her latest book, Stress Less: Managing anxiety in a modern world.
In this episode, Noa shares the physiological impacts of stress and the transformative power of body awareness.
For example, have you ever caught
"He's given me experiences that have truly pushed me" | self-worth, identity and raising a child with down syndrome
Are you ready to discover how challenges can fuel personal growth?
In this inspiring episode of "Something Shifted," Sean dives into a heartfelt conversation with Erin Drayton, a mother of two with a story that will move you.
Together, they delve into Erin's academic pursuits, the nuances of raising a child with down syndrome, and the transformative power of therapy.
Listen as Erin shares her
"Folding paper changed my life." | Creativity, reinvention and finding purpose through art
Ever wondered how folding paper could change your life? In this episode of "Something Shifted," Sean Loots sits down with Ross Symons, who swapped web development for the ancient art of origami and the captivating world of stop motion animation.
Discover how a simple 365-day origami challenge catapulted Ross into the spotlight, earning him projects with high-end brands like Christian Dior and Di
"Finally Home." Johannes Radebe on identity, belonging and life transitions
In this episode, South African born, champion dancer and Strictly Come Dancing professional, Johannes Radebe opens up about the adversity's he has faced throughout his life.
From growing up in Zamdela, a township in South Africa to becoming the first male dancer to perform in heels in UK Strictly Come Dancing history!
Jojo's incredible rise to stardom has afforded him experiences he never though
"Sleep on it." Dr Els Van Der Helm
This is an excerpt of a previously published full length episode.
I have lucked out on my fair share of sleep in my lifetime. I've also had my sleep cycles interrupted far too many times.
Having a young child with epilepsy means I never really switch off, simply because a seizure can happen without warning.
Dr. Els van der Helm is a sleep neuroscientist and joins me on this episode from her ho
Unbelievable! How One Woman's Resilience Turned Struggles into Triumphs
In this episode, Sean Loots is in conversation with Nikki Kemp, an adaptive athlete, teacher, and motivator.
They cover various topics related to disability awareness, overcoming challenges, embracing personal growth, and setting goals.
Nikki's experiences with cerebral palsy, her journey into adaptive athletics, and her insights into handling disappointments and judgments provide valuable lesso
"Your nervous system operates at lightning speed." Shaun Brooking
This is an excerpt of a previously published episode.
The full episode is titled "Working on my nerves with Shaun Brooking."
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Website: https://shaunbrookingcoaching.co.uk/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shaun_brooking/
If, like me, you have aches and pains that come and go, you may have tried a few different methods of alleviating your ailments.
I’
"Give yourself permission to do things that bring you joy." Ronen Aires
If you’re anything like me - and I think you are - you may have healthy debates with friends about how the schooling system has developed our way of thinking.
Programed us to believe that a holiday is when you slow down.
Groomed us even, into believing that we don’t deserve a physical or mental break unless our calendar is clear, our email inbox is empty and our to-do list is all wrapped up.
Thes
"Relationships are an art, a science and a practice." Shelley Lewin
Sean Loots speaks with author and relationship coach, Shelley Lewin.
Shelley is a certified SACAP counselor, international coach federation member, and accredited professional certified coach.
She found her career after her fiancé left her.
When Shelley realized that almost all of her relationships were unfulfilling, she came to conclusion that she was the common denominator.
Today Shelly counc
Brandon Beack Broke His Neck, But Not His Spirit.
While training for a gymnastics competition, 16-year-old Brandon Beack had a life-changing accident. A poorly timed dismount saw him miss the safety mat and land on the only square metre of uncovered concrete.
Brandon broke his neck and was instantly paralysed from his shoulders down.
Through sheer determination and hard work, he has regained far more mobility than many thought possible.
Toda
Dream Another Dream: Ayanda Dlamini's Story
Ayanda Dlamini is a fellow parent, a dear friend and a former radio colleague.
With a devoted husband and 3 children in tow wherever she goes, there is a level of measured of chaos that Aya is accustomed to. The thing that has always struck me about Ayanda is something scientific literature refers to as hedonia. This terms refers to the "presence of positive emotions and the absence of negative e
From Chaos to Clarity. The Untold Truth of ADHD in Adulthood.
In this episode, Sean speaks with Terence Mentor, who shares his personal journey and experiences with ADHD. Terence opens up about the challenges he faced before understanding his condition and how speaking openly about it has helped him feel less alone. They discuss the internal chaos and struggles of living with ADHD, as well as the moments of hyper-focus and clarity that bring excitement and f
We Need To Talk. This Is How Therapy Saved Her Life.
Some Assembly Required is about matters of the heart and the head, and this episode is extra special for me. One, because Danny Painter has agreed to share openly about her journey to therapy and I think her story may just help break some stigmas.
And two because I get to express my gratitude to Danny for helping me get out of my own way. If it weren’t for that chance conversion at an event in 2
Motherhood: Expectations vs Reality
New format. Same great storytelling.
Early in our marriage we spoke about having more than one child. And from time to time we revisit that conversation - each time with a refreshed perspective.
I've never asked Ruenda what it is like being a mom or if she has always wanted to mother a child. So that is what I did in this episode.
Long time listeners of this podcast know that our daughter has
Tragedy to triumph. The epic comeback of Rachel Goh
Rachel Goh is a clinical psychologist and former Australian swimmer.
In this episode we look back at Rachel's dream to swim at the 2012 London Summer Olympic Games and the effort it would take to make the Australian National team.
Rachel talks us through how it felt to not achieve her childhood dream and the difficulty of accepting that something you have aspired to is not achievable.
But this is
How to use visualization and build capacity with Jonno Proudfoot
Jonno Proudfoot openly shares his difficult childhood, marked by his parents' divorce and a lack of support.
He coped by turning to alcohol and drugs, starting at a very young age, but eventually found his drive to succeed through the need to feel significant.
As the co-author of the book Real Meal Revolution, Jonno experienced both incredible success and a downward spiral. Through it all, he le
Finding purpose, meditation, unlearning and future-readiness with John Sanei
Using a dynamic mix of human psychology, quantum science, business strategy and futurism, John Sanei creates talks, writes books, delivers masterclasses and sits on boards to help guide future-forward leaders who are ready to lean into uncertainty, overcome doubt, and rise with courage, clarity and power.
But it has taken some serious deep work to get there.
In this episode of Some Assembly Requ
Sleep better tonight and the downside of alarms with Dr. Els van der Helm
Did you know there is a waste management system for your brain? Essentially it is responsible for carrying fresh fluids into and waste fluids out of your brain. This happens mostly during sleep. So, what then if you don't get enough sleep?
While I do not have the answer to that question, I can tell you how I feel when I don't get good quality sleep. And I'm sure your story would be similar. Grogg
How to develop the mindset of a high performer with sports psychologist Dr Kirsten Van Heerden
We're often told that dealing with daily situations is simply a case of mind over matter, but very seldom are we taught skills to implement this.
Dr Kirsten Van Heerden is one of only a handful of people in South Africa to have both represented her country as an athlete and hold a PhD in the area of sport psychology. She has guided many Olympians, World Champions and South African sports teams o
BONUS: how to restore balance and re-invigorate your nervous system
This is a bonus episode that involves a body based practice led by Shaun Brooking, designed to re-invigorate the nervous system and restore balance.
If you haven’t listened to the previous episode "Working on your nerves" yet, Shaun and I discuss a range of subjects including some of his athletic journey and we scratch the surface of neuroscience, nerve tension, stress management and how the body
Working on my nerves with Shaun Brooking
If, like me, you have aches and pains that come and go, you may have tried a few different methods of alleviating your ailments.
I’ve tried physiotherapy, chiropractors, body stress release, TRE and even Rolfing.
Rolfing is when a practitioner massages the muscles and fascia not only where you're feeling pain, but all over your body with the goal of fixing your body's posture so that it correct
I am just a dad
Looking for a podcast that delves into the struggles and joys of being human? Look no further than Something Shifted, hosted by Sean Loots, a dedicated dad who has worked through burnout and is passionate about sharing his experiences with others.
Despite not having formal qualifications, Sean has lived through trauma and has skin in the game when it comes to discussing burnout, mindset, capacit
What is Something Shifted about?
Something Shifted is a South African podcast about identity after interruption, those unpredictable lifequakes that divide our lives into before and after.
Before the diagnosis.
Before the loss.
Before the moment everything changed.
Hosted by award-winning broadcaster Sean Loots, Something Shifted explores identity, resilience, reinvention, and personal growth in the aftermath of disruption. Bec
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