Something Shifted with Sean Loots

There’s a moment where your life splits in two. Before, and after. Before the diagnosis. Before the loss. Before everything changed. And the life that came after, whether you were ready or not. But who are you when the life you planned no longer fits? Something Shifted is about identity after interruption, the quiet, often unseen aftermath of a lifequake that fractures who you thought you were. Hosted by South African broadcaster Sean Loots, the podcast shares raw, deeply human stories that don’t make the highlights reel. In an almost documentary-style narrative, Something Shifted explores identity cracks, recalibration, and small but profound shifts that shape a new life. Alongside these conversations, Sean reflects on his own journey raising a child with special needs. These aren’t stories about bouncing back. They’re about growth in the middle of chaos and meeting the person you became when life changed the plan. Something Shifted brings human back and helps you feel a little less lonely along the way. Award-winning episodes that create genuine connection and remind you: you are not alone.

Last refreshed: February 17th, 2026 at 6:39 AM ⓘ

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Episodes

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 emotions." I cannot recall ever seeing or hearing Ayanda express negative emotions. So I asked her abo...

Jun 21, 2023•33 min0

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 fulfillment. Terence also shares his process of getting diagnosed and the relief that came with under...

Jun 07, 2023•34 min0

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 2022, this podcast might not exist. Danny has been through many colourful, life altering experiences. I...

May 24, 2023•28 min0

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 a complicated medical history. Expect raw responses to questions like "How do you prefer to tell strange...

May 11, 2023•28 min0

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 not the only disappointment of 2012. In fact, things get much worse when Rachel sustains a concussio...

Apr 06, 2023•30 min0

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 learned that failure is just another word for learning, and that resilience is the key to bouncing back ...

Feb 28, 2023•36 min0

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 Required, the 5x best-selling author talks openly about losing everything he had worked for, overcoming ad...

Jan 31, 2023•28 min0

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. Groggy. Lethargic. Foggy. Irritable. You know the drill. I have lucked out on my fair share of sleep in my...

Dec 05, 2022•52 min0

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 over there mental barriers. In this episode we discuss so much. From how to pick yourself up after rece...

Nov 14, 2022•27 min0

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 stores pressures and even trauma. If you have listened to the previous episode, you may already have...

Oct 25, 2022•11 min0

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 corrects any lingering imbalances that are causing the pain. Sometimes we can identify the reason for the pain...

Oct 19, 2022•21 min0

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, capacity building, mental health, and more. Through interviews with experts and personal stories of resilienc...

Sep 30, 2022•8 min0

What is Something Shifted about?

Something Shifted explores what we call lifequakes - those unpredictable seismic shifts that in time lead to profound personal growth and empowerment. We all have them, so on this podcast, we lean in when things are complicated. On Something Shifted we believe in the power of great stories and in the power of possibility. That’s why we ask some of South Africa's most interesting people to share how significant life shifts - that might be perceived as devastating - can lead to personal growth. So...

Sep 26, 2022•2 min0

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