Baked The Podcast

Welcome to "Baked The Podcast," the refreshed and reimagined version of my audio podcast where we dive into the real stuff—life, motherhood, health, friendships, wellness, and everything in between. Whether it’s celebrating small wins, navigating big life changes, or embracing the messy middle, this is your space to regroup, recharge, and feel seen. Each episode brings something unique:✨ Rotating guest hosts sharing fresh perspectives.✨ Solo episodes where I collaborate with you, the listeners, on the topics that connect us all.✨ Real, relatable conversations that remind us we’re in this together. So, grab your coffee—or matcha—and join the conversation on Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you listen. 🎉 Full episodes dropping soon—don’t miss out!

This week I sit down with one of my best friends and my hairstylist, Tash Barth, for a powerful conversation in collaboration with Revlon Long Wear ColorStay Cream Color. We talk about the emotional meaning behind hair, why confidence is so deeply tied to how we express ourselves, and the myths and truths about coloring your hair at home.Tash shares real, honest guidance about integrity of the hair, choosing the right shade, understanding your texture, and why you should never buy blonde when you black. We also dive into color correction, box dye mistakes, cultural hair narratives, and bold transformations that changed lives.We share listener color stories, discuss fear vs confidence when trying something new, and unpack what keeps us grounded during seasons of change.If you want to win a Revlon hamper, leave your color story in the comments on YouTube.Sponsored by Revlon Long Wear ColorStay Cream Color. Keeping up with you and your confidence.

Mena takes us behind the scenes of her founder journey, sharing how she built not one, but two viral brands in South Africa Keper and Silki Skincare. She opens up about the grind, the wins, and the real-life lessons that shaped her path to creating one of the country’s most loved beauty brands. She does not hold back letting us all the way into her journey. From crafting TikTok content that resonates with her fans to launching high-quality products at accessible prices, Mena’s authenticity shines through every step of the way. This episode is packed with actionable insights, candid stories, and inspiration—grab your notes app, because you won’t want to miss a word!

This week on Baked The Podcast, I’m joined by someone very close to my heart—my husband, Wayne Parnell! We dive deep into Wayne’s cricket journey, from playing in the yard as a kid in Gqeberha to representing South Africa on the world stage. 🏏Wayne shares rare insights about his early struggles, the sacrifices that shaped him, and the mentors who guided his path. We also explore life off the field—his passions, creativity, fatherhood, and what success truly means to him today.Expect laughter, stories you’ve never heard, and a heartfelt look at what it takes to be a professional athlete while staying grounded and present with family.Tune in for inspiration, behind-the-scenes cricket stories, and a glimpse into the life of a man who loves winning, mentoring, and creating memories off the pitch.

In the final episode of The Friendship Hotline series, Aisha and Aqeelah get real about jealousy, competition, and comparison in friendships. From unpacking the uncomfortable truth of envy to learning how to flip it into growth, the girls dive deep into self-awareness, boundaries, and that tricky feeling when success changes friendships. It’s honest, introspective, and full of those “same, girl” moments that will have you reflecting on your own circle.

In this episode of The Friendship Hotline, Aisha and Aqeelah dive deep into the different types of friendships we all have — from the soul connections that feel like family, to the maintenance and work friends that keep our worlds turning. They unpack how to tell which kind of friend someone is, what it means to “maintain” adult friendships, and how to check in without burning out. Expect laughter, honesty, and a few woo-woo moments as the two explore love languages, habit stacking, and the art of keeping your circle close.

Welcome to Friendship Hotline — the new friendship series by Baked The Podcast!In this first episode, Aisha sits down with her longtime friend Aqeelah Harron to talk about the power of mom friendships, how to build your village, and why vulnerability is the key to real connection.They open up about mom guilt, friendship breakups, asking for help, and the red & green flags of new friendships.It’s honest, hilarious, and heartfelt — everything that makes friendship feel real.🎧 Listen in if you’ve ever struggled to find your people, balance motherhood and friendship, or wondered if it’s okay to let certain friendships fade.

Calista is back on Baked The Podcast for a much-needed catch up! We dive into what it looks like to transition in our careers, navigating change with honesty and a little bit of flair. Of course, it wouldn’t be a Calista episode without fashion - we get into all the must-know spring trends and her signature hot takes 👠✨We absolutely love Calista around here - her style, energy, and unapologetic opinions make every conversation a good one. Enjoy this fun and cheeky chat with our favourite girl 🌸🎙️

In this cheeky sister sit down, Aisha is joined by her little sister Bilqees to unpack their very different money personalities: spender vs saver. From childhood memories of selling clothes out of plastic bags, to family business lessons, budgeting hacks and judging each other’s financial decisions, the sisters keep it real about how upbringing shapes our money mindset.This episode is sponsored by Momentum, a registered financial services provider.Subscribe for more conversations on money, family and finding your own success codes.

Welcome back to Season 2 of Baked The Podcast. In this intro episode, I share what’s ahead — a friendship series with Aqeelah, more solo episodes, sports stories with Wayne, fun chats with Calista, a sisterhood episode with my sister, and an inspiring sit-down with Mena from Silki. I also get real about turning 35, shifting priorities, and what’s next for me online and offline.Drop your thoughts in the comments, let me know what you want to hear this season, and don’t forget to leave some love, like, and share.

Update* I posted the wrong episide eek! The correct episode is now on! ’s the final episode of Season One—and what a journey it’s been!In this solo season finale, I reflect on how Baked The Podcast began, the self-doubt I had to push through, and the lessons I’ve learned from building something completely on my own. From imposter syndrome to finding my voice again, this episode is an honest look at what it really takes to start a podcast, create meaningful conversations, and trust your creative instincts.I also share my favorite moments from the season (like THAT Kagiso Rabada episode), what surprised me most, and what you can expect from Season Two—including our first themed series on Friendship with Aqeelah Harron.Thank you for being part of this journey with me. Whether you’ve been here since day one or just discovered the show, your support means the world. ❤️🎙 Season 2 drops soon—make sure to follow, rate, and subscribe so you don’t miss a thing.

In this honest and heartwarming episode of BAKED The Podcast, Aisha sits down with creative entrepreneur and mom of one (soon to be two!), Cleo Marcopoulos. From running two businesses to navigating motherhood, burnout, and a surprise Hashimoto’s diagnosis—Cleo shares how she’s learning to slow down, ask for help, and redefine what “having it all” really means.💬 They talk about: • Why looking put together can be a form of self-care • The mental load of motherhood no one talks about • Dealing with identity loss and imposter syndrome • Her journey with autoimmune disease postpartum • Building a business while parenting—and choosing rest over hustle✨ Whether you’re a mom, business owner, or woman doing all the things, this episode will feel like a deep exhale.

In this episode, I sit down with my friend Megan PIETERsen– the powerhouse founder and CEO of Noa & Co, one of South Africa’s most-loved wellness supplement brands. We talk about how a small idea turned into a major business, how she secured her first funding, scaled into retail, and what it really takes to grow a wellness brand from the ground up.We also get real about motherhood, marriage, and finding your voice when the world expects you to play small. Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, a supplement girly, or just love hearing inspiring women share their truth – this episode is for you.

Ever wondered what goes on behind the perfectly curated Instagram feeds and viral TikToks? 👀 In this episode of Baked The Podcast, I sit down with my manager and long-time friend Sim, founder of Melenial Media, to pull back the curtain on influencer marketing, PR, and building sustainable brand relationships.We talk about:• How she went from blogger to boss, launching her own agency• The dos and don’ts for influencers trying to land brand deals• Why your looks don’t define your success as a content creator• Why small brands should rethink gifting and focus on storytelling instead• What makes an influencer actually hireable (hint: it’s not a pretty feed)• How to pitch yourself with confidence, even if you’re just starting outThis episode is packed with practical advice for creators and small business owners, and it’s honestly one of my favourite, most informative chats yet.If you’re trying to grow in the digital space, this one’s a must-listen.✨ Follow @bakedthepodcast on Instagram💬 Let us know your thoughts in the comments⭐️ And don’t forget to rate us 5 stars on Spotify & Apple Podcasts!

Join us for an exclusive deep dive into the life of South African cricket sensation, Kagiso Rabada. With over 200 international appearances and more than 550 wickets across formats , Kagiso has cemented his place among cricket’s elite. Notably, he became the youngest bowler to take 150 Test wickets at just 23 years and 50 days  and achieved his 300th Test wicket faster than any other bowler, reaching the milestone in just 11,187 balls . In this candid conversation, Kagiso opens up about life beyond cricket. From his early days debuting in Australia at 18  to navigating the pressures of international stardom, he shares insights into his business ventures, personal relationships, and the qualities he values in a partner. Discover the man behind the record-breaking performances and gain a unique perspective on the challenges and triumphs of a world-class athlete.

In this fun and fashion-filled episode, I’m joined by my friend Calista Da Luz — a 20-something stylist with an eye for effortless style and a knack for making every outfit a moment. We chat about how to level up your everyday looks, her go-to styling tips, and how to feel confident no matter your vibe.But it’s not all fashion… we also dive into some hilarious dating icks, what not to do (or wear) on a first date, and share a few stories that’ll have you giggling in your group chat.Whether you’re looking for outfit inspo or just here for the laughs, this episode is giving main character energy.

Most South African women face barriers to success, from self-doubt and financial pressure to a lack of knowledge, skills, and gender discrimination. Yet, despite these obstacles, they continue to strive for and achieve success.In this episode, brought to you by @momentum, we dive deep into these challenges and explore how to overcome them with the founders of @ToMySistersPodcast, Renee Kapuku and Courtney Daniella Boateng. Their online community spans the globe, with South African women being a key part of their audience. Together, we unpack what success truly means, how to navigate setbacks, and the mindset shifts that can help you push past limitations.Download the Momentum Success Women Want Report using the below link and let us know which finding most resonates with you in the comments. Link to report: https://bit.ly/4bZYyHv Find Courtney and Renee online https://www.tomysisters.com✨ GIVEAWAY ALERT  ✨  To enable your journey to success, we’re giving away something special! To enter, simply contribute to the conversation—listen to the full episode for details.🎧 Tune in now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.#TheSuccessWomenWant #MomentumZA #ToMySisters #WomenWhoWin #BreakBarriers #SuccessMindset #WomenSupportingWomen #PodcastCommunity

I sat down with Jess Mandel and Lisa Palmer, the powerhouse mother-daughter duo behind The Movement Lab. Their story is one of resilience, hard work, and reinvention.Lisa shares how her divorce from Jess’s father became the catalyst for building a thriving Pilates business, while Jess reflects on the moments that shaped her into the diligent, almost A-type personality she is today. From their early days in Gqeberha to running one of Cape Town’s most sought-after Pilates studios, their journey is both inspiring and insightful.💥 SPECIAL OFFER 💥Use code BAKEDTML to get 15% off your first drop-in pass at The Movement Lab (offer ends 18/04/25)📍 Tune in to the episode now and let us know what resonated most with you!

In this week's episode, join Aisha as she delves into the common struggle of feeling overwhelmed by personal goals. We all hit moments of procrastination where sticking to our plans feels impossible. In this quick yet insightful discussion, Aisha shares her valuable tips on how to regroup and realign your focus. Discover practical strategies to overcome those hurdles and reignite your motivation. Tune in to find your path back to productivity and purpose!

In this uplifting episode, we delve into the power of celebrating small wins and how they contribute to building confidence and maintaining motivation. Join us as I share personal stories and insights about the little victories that often go unnoticed but play a vital role in our journey toward success. We'll explore practical strategies for recognizing and celebrating these achievements, no matter how minor they may seem. Tune in to discover how embracing these moments of progress not only boosts self-esteem but also creates a positive feedback loop that keeps you inspired and moving forward. Whether you're working on personal goals, professional projects, or simply striving for self-improvement, this episode will encourage you to take a moment to acknowledge your growth and fuel your motivation. Celebrate with us, and let’s cultivate a mindset of appreciation together! Don't forget to share your own small wins with us—we’d love to hear your stories!Show Notes: Follow @bakedthepodcast and @bakedonline on instagram join our broadcast channel on instagram to contribute your voice to the podcasts creation its called "BakedTheBlog" Special thanks to: Saulas for the amazing video and lighting and Half&Halve for audio and sound