disrupt. with Koa Browne

About disrupt. with Koa Browne

Powerful stories of entrepreneurship & life. I've spent my life creating businesses, some worked, some didn't, but every experience shaped me. Then, in 2020, everything changed. I lost my stepfather, then my father, then my mother. Grief and severe anxiety took over. I felt lost. One night, alone in the mountains, I asked myself: What would actually push me to grow again? The answer was this podcast. Through disrupt. I sit down with entrepreneurs, extreme athletes, and big thinkers, the ones who take risks, fail hard, and keep going anyway. 💡 If you're building something from scratch, this podcast will remind you that you're not alone. 💡 If you're facing failure, you'll hear how others have fought their way back. 💡 If you're questioning everything, these conversations will challenge how you think. disrupt. is for the ones who think differently, the risk-takers, the ones crazy enough to bet on themselves. If that's you, welcome. You're exactly where you belong. Connect With Me IG: https://www.instagram.com/koabrowne/ LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/koabrowne/

Publisher

Koa Browne

Category

business · education

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

24 May 2024

Latest episode

3 Oct 2025

Latest episodes

11 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   3 Oct 2025

   Building Communities in an Age of AI & Loneliness | Jason's Startup Story

   In this interview, I sit down with Jason Van Dyk, co-founder of Sociable, a community-focused events platform redefining how people connect. Jason shares his journey from being an introverted university student to teaching himself how to code, the early struggles of launching during Covid, and his vision for building authentic communities in an age dominated by AI and digital noise. This conversation dives deep into entrepreneurship, resilience, mental health, and the future of human connection. Here are some of the topics we cover in this episode: The story behind Sociable and why Jason built it Struggles with loneliness and creating authentic connections Teaching himself to code after failed developer partnerships Launching during Covid and adapting with creative solutions Lessons from scope creep, missed deadlines, and early mistakes Why padel and other accessible activities are exploding Thoughts on AI, creativity, and the loneliness epidemic Building community-driven businesses vs. chasing hype The mental health toll of entrepreneurship and coping mechanisms Fitness, faith, and discipline as daily anchors The strain entrepreneurship places on relationships and friendships Lessons from fundraising, resilience, and startup culture Plans for Sociable’s growth in South Africa and beyond 👉 If you’re a founder craving real connection, I’m building the Deep Movement Collective (DMC), a global community that matches small groups of entrepreneurs to meet in person each month through movement-based activities. Think hikes, ocean dips, trail runs, coffee walks, real conversations with people who get the journey you’re on. You can apply to join the community here → https://the-dmc.com Follow Jason: https://www.instagram.com/jasonvandyk/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonvd/ Download the Sociable app: https://www.thesociableapp.com Follow me: https://www.instagram.com/koabrowne/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/koabrowne/

2. 

   26 Sept 2025

   From Sleeping on Air Mattresses to Raising $1M: Female Tech Founder's Raw Journey

   In this raw and honest interview, Serisha Barrat shares her incredible journey from sleeping on blow-up mattresses and selling her car to building Lawyered Up, a legal tech platform democratizing access to legal services across Africa. She opens up about the brutal realities of female entrepreneurship, the loneliness of building a startup, surviving complete business failure, and how she's now raising $1 million while operating in Kenya, Botswana, Nigeria, and South Africa with a 70% female team. Topics covered in this interview: The real cost of entrepreneurship/ personal sacrifices and failures Building AI legal technology for African markets Fundraising strategies that actually work in Africa The loneliness epidemic among entrepreneurs How AI is changing the legal profession Creating sustainable business models Follow Serisha: https://www.instagram.com/serisha_barrat/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/serisha-barrat-49ab80b0/ Follow me: https://www.instagram.com/koabrowne/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/koabrowne/ Calling all entrepreneurs I’m building the Deep Movement Collective. Join the community that’s redefining what it means to connect deeply, with founders who inspire and challenge you. Apply to join the community → https://the-dmc.com

3. 

   13 Jun 2025

   How Sarah's Love For Tequila Inspired Her to Build Her Own Global Alcohol Brand

   Leonista founder Sarah discusses her journey building a global alcohol brand inspired by her love for tequila, detailing her hands-on learning process and the realities of bootstrapping in an interview with Koa Browne.

4. 

   11 Mar 2025

   How to Overcome Fear & Break Free from Your Comfort Zone | Ryan Stramrood

   In this episode of disrupt. I sit down with Ryan Stramrood, an ultra-extreme open-water and ice swimmer, Guinness World Record holder, peak performance coach, and inspirational speaker. Ryan’s story is nothing short of incredible. From being a regular guy with no formal sports background to breaking world records in some of the planet’s most brutal waters, including swimming a mile in Antarctica at -1°C and being among the first people to swim around Cape Horn. His journey is a masterclass in mental resilience, pushing past comfort zones, and redefining human potential. 🔥 In this episode, we dive into: 🔹How Ryan went from business owner to extreme athlete 🔹 The mental and physical training required to swim in freezing waters 🔹 Overcoming fear, failure, and the limits we place on ourselves 🔹 The life-changing lessons cold water swimming has taught him 🔹 Why comfort zones are the enemy of growth and how to break out of them 🔹 His most brutal and terrifying swims (including one in Siberia!) 🔹 Practical insights into the world of inspirational speaking If you're looking for motivation to push past your limits, challenge your comfort zone, and rewire your mindset, this is an episode you can't afford to miss. Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more disruptive conversations! 📲 Follow Ryan Stramrood: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanstramrood/ 📲 Follow Me: https://www.instagram.com/koabrowne/ 🔔 Turn on notifications so you don’t miss the next episode!

5. 

   22 Feb 2025

   Leading Sleep Scientist: 1 in 3 Adults Don't Get Enough Sleep

   Sleep is something we all do, humans, animals, and even plants. But why do we sleep, and what actually happens in our brains while we're asleep? In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Dale Rae, a leading sleep scientist, to explore the fascinating world of sleep, its critical role in memory, immune function, and mental well-being, and what happens when we don’t get enough of it. We discuss: 🔹 Why sleep is essential for survival 🔹 The different stages of sleep and their functions 🔹 How sleep affects learning, memory, and emotional processing 🔹 The impact of sleep deprivation on the brain and body 🔹 The role of circadian rhythms and how light influences sleep 🔹 Sleep disorders like insomnia and why women suffer more than men 🔹 Practical tips to improve your sleep quality If you’ve ever struggled with sleep, wondered why you wake up tired or just want to optimize your health and performance, this conversation is for you. Follow: Dr Dale Rae https://www.linkedin.com/in/dale-rae-00648849/ Follow Me: https://www.instagram.com/koabrowne/ 📌 Subscribe for more conversations with disruptors and thought leaders.

6. 

   17 Feb 2025

   From Life-Changing Surgery to Building Sealand | Jasper Eales Interview

   In this episode of disrupt. I sit down with Jasper Eales, designer, entrepreneur, and co-founder of Sealand, a globally recognized sustainable brand that’s redefining how we think about materials, design, and conscious business. Jasper’s journey is anything but ordinary. At just 23, he faced a life-threatening liver transplant, a moment that reshaped his perspective on life, creativity, and entrepreneurship. That experience, combined with his deep connection to nature, led him to build a company that upcycles waste into high-quality, purpose-driven products. Today, Sealand is a leader in sustainable innovation, but behind the success is a story of resilience, problem-solving, and unconventional thinking. What You'll Learn in This Episode: 🔷 How a medical waste epiphany sparked Sealand’s sustainability mission 🔷 The real challenges of starting a sustainable brand 🔷 Why mindset, resilience, and adaptability are the keys to lasting success 🔷 How Sealand adapted through COVID and global expansion 🔷 The untold struggles of running an eco-conscious business in a profit-driven world 🌍 This is more than a business story—it’s a deep dive into entrepreneurship, sustainability, and the power of perspective. Follow Sealand: https://www.instagram.com/sealandgear/ Follow Me: https://www.instagram.com/koabrowne/ If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear more incredible stories from successful entrepreneurs, don't forget to subscribe to this channel! By subscribing, you'll be the first to know when I drop new episodes. Plus, it helps this channel grow, allowing me to bring you even more valuable content.

7. 

   26 Aug 2024

   From Soweto to Startup Success: How Phumi Körber is Revolutionizing Pre-Loved Fashion with WISI-Oi

   In this episode, I had the pleasure of interviewing Phumi Körber, the visionary founder behind WISI-Oi, South Africa’s first video-based resell fashion app. Phumi shares her incredible journey from growing up in Soweto to launching a groundbreaking platform that’s changing the way we think about fashion. We dive deep into her entrepreneurial story, exploring how she built a successful app with limited resources, attracted investors, and the importance of stepping out of your comfort zone to achieve true growth. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or just love a good success story, this conversation is packed with valuable insights and inspiration. Follow WISI-OI: https://www.instagram.com/wisi_oi/ Follow Me: https://beacons.ai/koabrowne If you enjoyed listening to this episode and want to hear more incredible stories from successful entrepreneurs, don't forget to subscribe to this channel! By subscribing, you'll be the first to know when I drop new episodes. Plus, it helps this channel grow, allowing me to bring you even more valuable content.

8. 

   25 Jul 2024

   Lessons from a Superfood Entrepreneur: How Peter Daniel Built Soaring Free Superfoods

   In this episode of disrupt. I sit down with Peter Daniel, co-founder of Soaring Free Superfoods, to explore his remarkable journey from discovering the raw food movement to building a thriving superfood business with his wife Beryn. Peter shares how their journey began by educating people through nutrition workshops and selling healthy foods at festivals. They faced early challenges like contaminated shipments and the complexities of sourcing high-quality ingredients from around the globe. Peter delves into the benefits of raw food and how personal development significantly boosted his confidence and business acumen. Learn how the pandemic forced Soaring Free Superfoods to pivot to a new product range, which now accounts for over 50% of their business. Peter also discusses the crucial role of mentorship in his entrepreneurial journey, the importance of delegating responsibilities and creating a balanced work environment for employees. Follow Soaring Free Superfoods: https://www.instagram.com/soaringfreesuperfoods/ Follow Me: https://beacons.ai/koabrowne If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear more incredible stories from successful entrepreneurs, don't forget to give this podcast a review on your app.

9. 

   4 Jul 2024

   From Freelance Web Designer to $1 Million Digital Marketing Agency Owner

   In this episode of disrupt. we learn about the inspiring story of Felix Norton, a true serial entrepreneur and co-founder of WOWW Digital. Discover how Felix transitioned from freelancing as a web designer to leading a successful million-dollar digital marketing agency with over 30 employees. We begin by exploring Felix’s upbringing and the influences that shaped his entrepreneurial spirit. He shares the story of how he started his company from scratch, detailing the challenges and triumphs along the way. We also discuss the significant impact COVID-19 had on his business and how he navigated through the crisis to emerge stronger. Felix also opens up about the strategies he used to scale his business, the importance of establishing a strong company culture, and how he maintains it. He provides valuable insights into marketing strategies that have proven successful in the digital landscape and shares general industry insights that every aspiring entrepreneur should know. Moreover, we talk about the importance of mental health for entrepreneurs and how finding a strong work/life balance is crucial for well-being in the high-pressure world of business. Follow Felix: https://www.linkedin.com/in/felixwnorton/ Follow Me: https://beacons.ai/koabrowne

10. 

    7 Jun 2024

    Escape the 9 to 5: E-Commerce Mastery and Maximizing Your Time with Nick Coetzee

    In this episode of disrupt. I had the pleasure of chatting with Nick Coetzee, who transitioned from a biokineticist to a successful e-commerce entrepreneur. Nick shares how his desire to avoid trading hours for money and to financially free himself and his parents led him to start his own health-focused e-commerce brand. Nick takes us through his journey from bootstrapping with dropshipping to creating and manufacturing high-quality products. He explains how optimizing the customer journey and mastering Google ads helped him dominate the red light therapy market in the U.S. We also explore his resilience and adaptability during challenges like COVID-19, including strategic decisions like moving warehousing to the U.S. to better serve customers. Nick's application of stoic principles, such as focusing on what he can control and practicing Memento Mori, provides valuable insights on managing stress and maintaining a balanced life. Throughout the conversation, Nick offers actionable advice on how to achieve e-commerce success, sharing his strategies and tips for aspiring entrepreneurs. Follow Nick Coetzee: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_nickcoetzee/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@_nickcoetzee Follow Me: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/koabrowne/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/koabrowne/ Thank you for listening! If this episode inspired or taught you something, it’s just the beginning. My goal is to provide you with top-quality, free access to knowledge that transforms your view of entrepreneurship & life. Stay tuned!

11. 

    24 May 2024

    From Corporate Employee to Successful Entrepreneur: The DUNK Startup Story

    In this podcast, I sit down with Dean, the visionary co-founder of DUNK, a company that's transforming the way we experience cold therapy. Dean's entrepreneurial journey began with a simple idea that came to him while lying in bed. Together with his co-founder Roelof, they launched one of South Africa's first cold plunge companies. Dean shares the highs and lows of entrepreneurship, shedding light on the exhilarating and emotionally challenging aspects of building a business from the ground up. This conversation dives deep into the grit and determination it takes to succeed as a founder, offering valuable insights and inspiration for anyone on their own entrepreneurial path. Don't miss this inspiring story of innovation and perseverance! Follow Dean: / deano1robinson Follow Me: / koabrowne

Podcast Authority Score: 10 / 100

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20

Social presence

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0

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