The Carol Ofori Podcast

Weight loss 'quick fixes' and off-label drugs: Are they worth it?

In this episode of The Carol Ofori Podcast, Carol investigates a drug, initially developed to manage type 2 diabetes, but now also gaining global popularity as a weight loss solution. There’s a new weight loss craze that’s taking the world by storm, with many people reporting great success. It is a medication used to treat patients diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, but is now also being used for weight loss, with many doctors prescribing it “off label” for this purpose. As a result of its indiscriminate and ‘off-label’ use, we are not allowed to use the name of the drug, but can tell you it is a semaglutide, and is from a class of medicines called GLP-1s. It is usually administered as a daily or weekly injection. Well-known international celebs such as Oprah Winfrey, Sharon Osbourne, Elon Musk and Khloe Kardashian have all been linked to this drug, and as a result, arguably contributing towards its popularity. So, Carol decided to go on a fact finding mission on The Carol Ofori Podcast. In the first part of this episode, Carol speaks to two people who have direct experience with using this drug for weight loss, 48-year-old Robynne Fitzpatrick and her son, 19-year-old Michael. Michael’s father, Chris Fitzpatrick, who is a sports nutritionist and former body builder, also joins the conversation. To provide a balanced perspective, Carol then seeks the professional opinion of Dr. Sundeep Ruder, an endocrinologist with an extensive background in the field. Dr. Ruder delves into the science behind GLP-1s, their role in weight management, and the ethical considerations surrounding their off-label application for weight loss. Dr Ruder also emphasises the importance of looking beyond medication to address the root causes of obesity, advocating for a holistic approach to health and well-being. Disclaimer: The content provided in this podcast is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast. Reliance on any information provided by this podcast is solely at your own risk. Podcast page on ECR's website [https://www.ecr.co.za/podcasts/carol-ofori-podcast/]

Leaving SA: Worth it or not?

In this episode of The Carol Ofori Podcast, Carol investigates the pros and cons of leaving South Africa in search of ‘greener pastures’. The podcast features insights from Mark Sham, a well-travelled entrepreneur, as well as observations from two other South Africans – one who emigrated two years ago and another who left the country and returned eight years later. In the first part of the podcast, Mark discusses the idea that moving away from South Africa involves trade-offs rather than outright solutions. Mark emphasises the importance of understanding and weighing both the benefits and drawbacks of living in another country. The second part of the podcast includes conversations with Zane Derbyshire, who relocated to the USA, and Tyron Hansen, who moved to Canada and later returned to South Africa. Zane and Tyron both share their personal experiences, the challenges, and the joys of living abroad, with an emphasis on what they miss about South Africa and the reasons behind their decisions to move and, in Tyron's case, to return. The episode also highlights the various reasons South Africans choose to relocate, the reality of adjusting to new cultures and environments, and the deep ties that many still feel towards their home country. This is an important podcast for any South African who has ever thought of leaving the country in search of a ‘better life’ elsewhere. Podcast page on ECR's website [https://www.ecr.co.za/podcasts/carol-ofori-podcast/]

From a stoep to an empire: How?

In this episode of The Carol Ofori Podcast, Carol speaks to the Founder of Legends Barber, Sheldon Tatchell, about his journey from a pair of clippers on a stoep to Africa’s number one-rated barber shop. This episode is for every single person who has a passion and a dream of turning that passion into something incredible. Sheldon shares his inspiring journey from starting as a barber on his cousin's stoep in Eldorado Park in Soweto to becoming the owner of Legends Barber, Africa's number one rated barbershop with 70 salons and over 600 employees across the continent. Sheldon discusses his early passion for hairstyling, the challenges and setbacks he faced, including a partnership that almost ended his ambitions, and how perseverance and a unique approach to customer service propelled him to success. He also talks about the importance of treating people with kindness, his innovative ideas like the mobile barber bus, and the impact of Legends Barber on communities, including offering free training for aspiring barbers. Sheldon reflects on personal losses, including the death of friends and celebrities like Riky Rick and AKA, emphasizing the profound influence they had on his life and business. This episode of The Carol Ofori Podcast is the perfect example of what every single South African can achieve if we have a dream and enough passion and drive to go along with it, even if all you have is a pair of clippers and someone else’s stoep. Nothing is impossible. Podcast page on ECR's website [https://www.ecr.co.za/podcasts/carol-ofori-podcast/]

From Rape Accusation to Vindication: The Tol A$$ Mo Story

Top South African comedian Tol A$$ Mo and his wife Mome hold nothing back in this brave and unreserved conversation on The Carol Ofori Podcast. Tol A$$ Mo was accused of rape by model Lerato Moloi in 2020 and then cleared of all charges in August 2022. “I was not even just acquitted. I was vindicated. I was proven completely innocent in the court of law. And it was found that [Lerato] lied about the entire incident,” Tol A$$ Mo explains. Speaking to Carol Ofori, the couple openly discusses Tol A$$ Mo's tumultuous journey through the false rape accusation and his subsequent mental health struggles, as well as the impact on his career and personal life. The couple also shares personal insights into their experiences during the trial, the challenges to their marriage, and Tol Ass Mo's controversial statements. Tol A$$ Mo also acknowledges and apologises for the damage he potentially did to some of the relationships with close friends and colleagues in the industry. 00:00 Opening Up: The Impact of false accusations 00:13 The Carol Ofori Podcast: A Deep Dive with Tol A$$ Mo and Mome 00:19 The Dark Days: Losing Everything to a false accusation 01:27 Rebuilding and Healing: The Journey of Tol A$$ Mo and Mome 01:58 Facing the Accusation: A Personal account from Tol A$$ Mo 08:54 The Power of Support: Mome's Role Through the ordeal 15:06 Legal Battles and Public Scrutiny: Navigating the aftermath 20:56 Reflections and Apologies: Tol A$$ Mo's path to healing 25:45 Mending Relationships and moving forward 27:04 Apologies and Reflections: A Journey of reconciliation 27:46 Comedy Brotherhood and personal growth 29:37 Facing the Music: The Impact of public perception 30:51 Family Dynamics and healing together 34:58 Professional Comeback: Embracing the Stage once more 38:52 The Power of Love and support in overcoming challenges 41:52 Forgiveness and Moving Forward: A new chapter 47:41 Conclusion: Gratitude and hope for the future Podcast page on ECR's website [https://www.ecr.co.za/podcasts/carol-ofori-podcast/]

Are you talking yourself out of success?

In the latest episode of The Carol Ofori Podcast, Carol has an important conversation with ‘Servings of Self-Mastery’ author Dr Alistair Mokoena. Dr Mokoena explains the importance of celebrating every success along the way, instead of waiting for the ‘big victories’ as we need the small wins to keep us motivated. Dr Mokoena also gives us the tools we need to reframe negative thoughts into positive energy that we can use as fuel to catapult us forward and keep us going. It’s an important conversation for every single person who has ever experienced anxiety, loss, self-doubt, confusion, procrastination, lack of self-control and even impatience. Podcast page on ECR's website [https://www.ecr.co.za/podcasts/carol-ofori-podcast/]