Xpect Performance

Clinton Shum
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Dedicated to hearing unique guests sharing their stories of success, but more importantly, their learning experiences. The Xpect Performance Podcast encourages story telling and sharing that is vulnerable and relatable to inspire you to live the life that you know you're capable of living. 

  1. DEC 15

    #80- Barry Hilton: When the Laughs Fade- Reflections on Mental Health and Comedy

    In this episode of the Xpect Performance Podcast, I sit down with South African comedy icon Barry Hilton for a conversation that goes far beyond the punchlines. Barry reflects on living intentionally, the role humour plays in coping with life’s challenges, and the unseen craft behind crowd work and connection. We unpack the reality of dealing with negative feedback, the pressure of maintaining an on-stage persona, and the emotional mismatch many performers experience between who they are in public and who they are in private. Barry speaks candidly about comedy’s relationship with depression, the flawed pursuit of constant happiness, and why discomfort and criticism are often part of the deal. The conversation closes with Barry sharing the thinking behind his new keynote and the deeper message he hopes to leave audiences with — one rooted in honesty, perspective, and embracing life’s ultimate ironies. This is a thoughtful, human conversation about performance, identity, and what it really means to live well. Check Barry out below: ⁠Barry Hilton - Life in 3D⁠⁠ Instagram⁠⁠(2)  Facebook⁠⁠(2)  Barry Hilton | LinkedIn ⁠⁠Barry Hilton (@barry_hilton) | TikTok⁠ Chapters: (00:00) Living Intentionally (18:15) The Importance of Humour (24:15) Crowd Work (30:00) Dealing with Negative Feedback (37:00) The Happiness Fallacy  (41:20) Talking on Comedy vs Depression (48:00) The On-Stage Persona Mismatch (51:30) It's Part of the Deal (58:00) The Ultimate Irony of Life (62:30) Barry's New Keynote Please subscribe and share. Much love,  Clint

    1h 15m

  2. NOV 29

    #79- Simon Grainger: Your Brand Is Who You Are: Clarity, Alignment & Growth

    This episode with Simon Grainger explores how brand strategy and personal growth follow the same path: clarity, alignment, and evolution. Simon breaks down what a brand really is and how staying true to your values builds both trust and momentum. We look at the importance of understanding what you stand for both as an individual and as a company, how to spot the gap between who you are and what you project, and why growth requires intentional change. Simon also shares when it’s time to rebrand, how to evolve without confusing your audience, and a simple framework anyone can use to strengthen their personal brand. A practical, grounded conversation for anyone wanting to live — and lead — with more purpose and consistency. Check Simon out below: (3) Simon Grainger | LinkedIn Simon Grainger I Brand Consulting, Workshops & Talks Chapters: (00:00) Introduction to Branding (05:00) The Value of Empathy (08:00) Why Personal Branding? (10:15) Changing of Opinions (13:00) Fundamentals of Branding (16:30) What Do You Stand For? (21:00) Examples of Brand Disconnection (23:30) How to Scale a Brand? (27:15) Favourite Brands (34:15) When Is It Time to Rebrand? (38:00) How to Stay Relevant (41:00) Establishing Goodwill (52:00) What Does Simon Stand For? If you enjoyed the share, please subscribe.  Much love,  Clint

    56 min

  3. NOV 17

    #78- Prof Sue Goldstein: The True Cost of Health in South Africa

    Introducing Prof Susan Goldstein, a public health specialist, health economist, and Division Director of PRICELESS SA at Wits University. Susan’s work sits at the intersection of health, economics, and policy — helping South Africa make smarter, fairer decisions about which health interventions truly save lives, reduce inequality, and offer the greatest long-term impact. The conversation explores how industries strategically target young consumers and why early habits are so strongly influenced by marketing design. Susan breaks down health economics in simple, everyday terms, explaining how the field evaluates the cost of prevention versus the cost of cure — and why governments often delay investing in preventive measures even when the numbers clearly support it. They dive into the political claims around employment and how corporations use job-loss narratives to resist health regulations. Susan also unpacks the sophisticated tactics these companies use to maintain influence, from bundling products to shaping public perception through contradictory marketing that promotes both unhealthy products and wellness messaging. The discussion moves into behavioural science — how governments can “nudge” the public toward better choices, and why some interventions fail despite good intentions. Susan talks through the potential of clearer front-of-pack “robot labelling” systems, the impact of sugar-tax research, and the challenges of driving prevention in a system that rewards short-term wins. Towards the end, the conversation becomes more personal, as Susan reflects on the motivations that guide her work, the moments that have shaped her perspective, and what meaningful progress looks like in a health system battling inequality. She shares honest insights about the tension between ethics, evidence, and policy — and what she would change first if given the chance. This episode offers a powerful blend of economics, ethics, and real-world public-health strategy — with practical lessons for anyone interested in how healthier societies are built. You can find more about Sue and Priceless SA below: PRICELESS SA (5) Sue Goldstein | LinkedIn Chapters: (00:00) Intro  (03:30) Targeting Young Consumers  (07:30) What is Health Economics?  (10:00) The Cost of Preventing vs Cure  (14:00) The Employment Debate  (16:45) Corporate Tactics  (20:00) Why is Prevention not prioritised?  (26:00) What doesn’t work?  (31:00) How do we nudge the public in the right direction?  (41:15) The bundling of products  (44:20) The Contradictions of Marketing  (47:00) The Robot Labelling System  (50:30) Self Reflection on Motivation  (53:30) Research on Sugar Tax  (56:00) What Would Sue Do?  If you enjoyed the episode, please share it.  Much love,  Clint

    1h 1m

  4. NOV 3

    #77- Zanele Njapha- The Power of Unlearning: Why Letting Go Is the Real Growth

    In this episode, I sit down with Zanele Njapha, widely known as The UnLearning Lady, to explore the art of letting go — of habits, beliefs, and assumptions that no longer serve us.  We unpack why unlearning is often harder than learning, how leaders can support change without forcing it, and what it truly takes to evolve as individuals and teams. From reframing failure to monitoring your default thoughts, this is a conversation that challenges the stories we tell ourselves — and reminds us that growth begins where certainty ends. 🧭 Topics Covered The power of changing our minds without guiltHow to observe and reframe default thoughtsWhy failure can be feedback, not finalThe courage it takes to let go before moving forwardHow leaders can support change instead of enforcing itThe difference between individual and collective unlearningMisconceptions that hold people back from true growthZanele’s hard truths and personal lessons in unlearningChapters: (00:00) Intro  (05:00) The Importance of Changing Your Mind (07:00) Monitoring Our Default Thoughts (09:30) Reframing Failure (13:00) Why Do We Revert to Default? (19:00) The Importance of Noticing (24:30) Mental Wellness Practices (29:00) Begin With the End in Mind (36:00) Unlearning in Group vs Individual (42:00) Misconceptions of Unlearning (45:30) Zanele’s Hard Truths to Unlearn (54:45) What Would You Wish For? Check out Zanele below: (3) Zanele Njapha | LinkedIn Instagram Unlocking Potential, Inspiring Change 🎧 Listen Now Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube. Follow Xpect Performance for conversations that challenge convention — and help you perform, think, and lead better. Much love,  Clint

    59 min

  5. OCT 20

    #76- How to Be Happy in a World of Comparison

    Have you ever felt worse after scrolling through social media — even when nothing in your life actually changed? In this episode of The Xpect Performance Podcast, I unpack one of the biggest modern happiness traps: comparison. From the biology behind why we compare, to how social media distorts our self-worth, this episode explores how to stop measuring your life by someone else’s ruler — and start building your own definition of success. You’ll hear timeless insights from psychology, stories from rock legends Dave Mustaine and Pete Best, and practical tools to shift from comparison to contentment. Because happiness doesn’t come from being the best — it comes from becoming better. Key Takeaways Comparison is hardwired, but it’s up to you where to direct it.Social media amplifies insecurity by showing curated realities.True success is internal — not measured by likes, followers, or wealth.Happiness grows when you focus on trajectory, not results.Compare yourself to who you were yesterday — not to who someone else is today.Resources: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0oxcpQG9nTwaAxXOMCfYrG?si=q_gkx8VxThONocuyJluF5g PS. Did you enjoy this episode? Leave a comment and share with one friend.  Much love,  Clint

    13 min

  6. OCT 6

    #75- Dr Kris Goodwin: Ketamine Infusions and Mental Breakthroughs

    In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Kris Goodwin from Intrinsic Pathways to explore the emerging practice of ketamine infusions for chronic mental illnesses. We cover the science, the experience, and the broader implications for mental health treatment. Timestamps & Key Topics: 00:00 – Intro – Welcome and overview of the episode.07:30 – How does Ketamine work? – The science behind ketamine’s effect on the brain.13:30 – The Nature of the journey – Understanding the psychological experience during ketamine therapy.16:30 – What does a session look like? – Step-by-step guide to a typical ketamine infusion session.26:00 – What makes Ketamine infusions different – How this therapy differs from traditional treatments.31:00 – The risks of psychedelic retreats – Important considerations for those exploring psychedelic therapies.38:00 – Areas of psychedelic research – Latest findings and ongoing studies in the field.44:00 – Case studies – Real-life examples of how ketamine therapy has helped patients.51:00 – Thoughts on use in the general population – Exploring the potential for wider application.56:30 – The possibility of over-prescription – Balancing accessibility with safe use.Takeaways: Ketamine offers a rapid-acting option for treatment-resistant mental health conditions.The experience is highly individualized and guided by trained professionals.Research into psychedelics is expanding, but careful, controlled use is essential.Resources & Links: ⁠Intrinsic Pathways⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies – MAPS – Psychedelic Research for Psychological Healing⁠ Chapters:(00:00) Intro (07:30) How does Ketamine work?(13:30) The Nature of the journey (16:30) What does a session look like?(26:00) What makes Ketamine infusions different(31:00) The risks of psychedelic retreats (38:00) Areas of psychedelic research(44:00) Case studies(51:00) Thoughts on use in the general population(56:30) The possibility of over prescription PS. If you enjoyed this free content, share it. Much love, Clint

    1h 8m

  7. SEP 22

    #74- Adele Benvie- How to Design the Life YOU Want

    Tired of being a part of someone else's dream? Overwhelmed at the thought of being on the helpless hamster wheel with no end in sight? If you answered yes to either of these questions, you should give this episode your attention.  Adele Benvie is an entrepreneur, public speaker and founder of The Success Company. In this episode we discuss: - Collaboration vs Competition - How to allow your business to mature - How to restructure your life - The benefits of taking time off - How to live with intention If you'd like to get in touch with Adele, check her out below: ⁠Home - Adele Benvie⁠ ⁠Adele Benvie | Facebook⁠ ⁠(5) Adele Benvie | LinkedIn⁠ ⁠Home Page | The Success Company⁠ Resources: https://www.pnas.org/doi/full/10.1073/pnas.1018033108  Chapters: (00:00) Intro  (06:55) Collaboration vs Competition (08:30) How to let your business mature (11:00) The modern model of leadership (13:30) The mindset of scaling and hiring (17:30) Restructuring your life (22:30) The benefits of time away  (26:00) Productivity hacks (28:30) Challenging the status quo (32:00) Fear and focus on the controllables (37:15) Living with intention (45:00) Change your state, change your answers (47:00) Changing our minds If you enjoyed this episode, send it to someone who might feel the same.  Clint

    55 min

  8. SEP 8

    #73- Rakhi Beekrum- Transitioning from Partners to Parenthood

    Becoming parents is one of life’s biggest transitions — and it can put even the strongest relationships to the test. In this episode, I sit down with psychologist Rakhi Beekrum to unpack the emotional, mental, and relational shifts couples experience when they welcome a new baby. From changing identities and intimacy challenges to communication breakdowns and rebuilding connection, we explore practical strategies to help couples not just survive, but thrive, in their new roles as parents. If you're navigating parenthood — or preparing for it — this episode will give you the tools and insights you need to keep your relationship strong while raising a family. Rakhi is a current practicing psychologist, being based in Durban North but she is also a motivational speaker, focusing on women’s health and personal development. Rakhi has developed a significant following on social media because of the awesome information she is empowering people with. Check her out below: ⁠Instagram⁠⁠ Rakhi Beekrum - Psychologist | Durban North | Facebook⁠⁠ Rakhi Beekrum (@rakhibeekrum) |  TikTok⁠⁠Home - Rakhi Beekrum⁠ Chapters: (00:00) Intro and Rakhi's Background (07:30) The Difference in Needs (09:30) Working Moms vs Stay at Home Moms(11:00) Conflict Resolution (19:30) Changing of Identities (21:00) Carving Out Adult Time (23:30) Individual Needs (25:30) Quantity vs Quality Time (29:00) Intimacy and Love Languages (33:30) Cultural Differences (35:30) Advice to New Parents (36:45) Red Flags in a Marriage (39:30) Importance of Self Care (41:00) Dad Guilt  (42:45) Gender Differences in Adjustment (46:45) Value of Self Care If you found this episode useful, please share it.  Much love,  Clint

    50 min
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About

Dedicated to hearing unique guests sharing their stories of success, but more importantly, their learning experiences. The Xpect Performance Podcast encourages story telling and sharing that is vulnerable and relatable to inspire you to live the life that you know you're capable of living. 

Information

  • Creator
    Clinton Shum
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2025
  • Episodes
    81
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Xpect Performance
  • Show Website
    Xpect Performance