🎙️ *Podcast: Inside HeyBobo with Mervyn D’Couto*

What happens when AI moves beyond simply answering questions and becomes a companion that can understand more about your everyday life?

For our latest BrandSpot podcast, we spoke with *Mervyn D’Couto, CMO of HeyBobo*, about the idea behind HeyBobo and what it means to build an AI companion designed to support people in their day-to-day lives.

We talked about what first inspired HeyBobo, what Mervyn has learnt about the kind of help people actually want from AI, and why the platform brings different parts of daily life together in one companion.

We also discussed AI and wellbeing, the importance of trust and privacy when an AI learns about you, and the challenge of making its guidance feel genuinely useful and personal.

Finally, we looked ahead to what Mervyn is most excited about and what HeyBobo could make possible in the future.

It was a really interesting conversation about where AI is heading and, more importantly, how it can be made genuinely useful for the people using it.

🎧 *Listen to the full conversation with Mervyn D’Couto of HeyBobo on BrandSpot.*

In this episode of BrandSpot, I’m joined by Keith Chipudhla, Co-Founder and Head Grower at Vitagrow Urban Farms, a pioneering hydroponic farming business based in Harare, Zimbabwe. Keith shares the remarkable journey from studying finance in China to building one of Zimbabwe’s most innovative urban agriculture businesses, with a vision to transform how fresh produce is grown, distributed and consumed across Africa.
We explore the challenges and opportunities of building a brand in an emerging industry, the importance of solving real food supply issues, and how Vitagrow is combining innovation, sustainability and education to create lasting impact within local communities.

Tune in as we discuss:

• Keith’s unexpected journey from finance graduate to hydroponic farming entrepreneur
• How Vitagrow evolved from a small backyard greenhouse into a thriving commercial operation
• The challenges of educating the market while building a brand in the growing hydroponics and vertical farming sector
• The role of Vitagrow Empower in training and supporting the next generation of farmers

A must-listen for entrepreneurs, sustainability advocates, food industry professionals, brand leaders, and anyone interested in how innovation can create meaningful change in communities across Africa.

In this episode of BrandSpot, I’m joined by Lucy Balona from the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA). We explore the vital work CANSA is doing to support individuals and families affected by cancer across South Africa, as the organisation marks an incredible 95 years of impact.

We discuss how cancer care has evolved over the decades, what it means for CANSA to be “future-focused”, and how the organisation is expanding its reach through both physical care initiatives and digital platforms. From emotional support to early detection, this conversation highlights the human side of cancer care and the importance of accessible, community-driven services.

Tune in as we discuss:

• How cancer care in South Africa has changed over the past 95 years and where it’s heading
• What CANSA’s “future-focused” approach looks like in practice
• Why emotional and practical support are just as critical as medical treatment
• The challenges around early detection and what’s preventing more people from getting screened
• The role of partnerships in driving meaningful, on-the-ground impact
• Practical advice for anyone concerned about cancer and where to start

A must-listen for healthcare professionals, non-profit leaders, caregivers, and anyone interested in how organisations are making a tangible difference in the fight against cancer.