Nominated for ‘Podcast of the Year’ in the 2024 African Podcast and Voice Awards (APVA), the weekly Sandton Times Hour is a Sandton magazine show that brings the wanted online pages of The Sandton Times to life.
- Antonio Iozzo, CEO of IUM and author of “Slaying the Dragon: A South African Billionaire’s Battle to Conquer Opioid Addiction” recounts his battle to get himself off the painkiller OxyNorm, prescribed to him after a near-fatal motorcycle accident.
- Emil den Dulk, Director of Liquidity discusses the opportunity and complexity of bringing Sake (Japanese rice wine) to South Africa.
- Former British Formula 1 Driver, David Coulthard, shares moments from his career and what it might take to get F1 back to South Africa.
- Visit www.sandtontimes.co.za for more stories.
As the only radio show and podcast dedicated to Africa’s richest square mile, this Sandton magazine show is packed with an array of entertaining and informative interviews blended with the best music, every week on Mix 93.8, Mondays at 7pm.
The Sandton Times offers readers all they ever wanted online, and The Sandton Times Hour is the go-to weekly magazine show broadcast from greater Sandton. The Sandton magazine show features fabulous food spots, luxurious lifestyle bits, first-hand travel tips, motoring notes, and world-class entertainment, business and so much more beyond the borders of greater Sandton.
In 2024, The Sandton Times Hour secured the third spot on Feedspot’s list of the “30 Best South Africa Podcasts” highlighting the top South African podcasts from thousands available on the web, ranking them based on relevancy, authority, social media followers, and freshness.
In this week’s show [Edition 177 Week 43] The Sandton Times covers an array of topical news as well as these interviews:
‘Slaying the Dragon: A South African Billionaire’s Battle to Conquer Opioid Addiction’ With CEO of IUM Antonio Iozzo
Antonio Iozzo, a prominent figure in Johannesburg’s business landscape, is a name synonymous with entrepreneurial success and resilience. As the CEO of IUM and Body Action Gym, Antonio leads an impressive R3-billion conglomerate that spans various sectors, including insurance, construction, hospitality, and health and wellness.
At the core of Antonio’s achievements is his unwavering commitment to integrity, visionary leadership, and innovative thinking. His approach to business has earned him the trust and loyalty of customers, employees, and business associates alike. Under his leadership, his companies continue to thrive, making him a household name in Johannesburg’s dynamic business circles.
However, Antonio’s path to success has not been without significant challenges. In 2018, his life took a dramatic turn when he was involved in a near-fatal accident while racing his Ducati Panigale superbike at the Killarney Motor Raceway in Cape Town. He suffered severe injuries, including a shattered T7 vertebra, 14 broken ribs, and punctured lungs. Miraculously, despite the extent of his injuries, he was not left paralyzed.
Antonio’s recovery journey was gruelling. He underwent multiple surgeries in both South Africa and the United States, but his ordeal didn’t end there. To manage his intense back pain, he was prescribed OxyNorm, an opioid painkiller notorious for its addictive properties. Unfortunately, like many others caught in the opioid crisis, Antonio was not warned about its addictive nature, leading him down a five-year battle with addiction.
While expanding his multibillion-rand business empire, including overseeing a R600-million building project and launching a cutting-edge 5’000m² health and wellness facility, Antonio found himself living a double life. The once-driven businessman became fixated on his next dose of Oxy, consuming it in large quantities and using the even more addictive Suboxone to manage withdrawal symptoms. His outward success masked the personal turmoil he was battling within.
Determined to regain control of his life, Antonio made the courageous decision to fight his addiction. Through sheer willpower and resilience, he began the painstaking process of weaning himself off every last milligram of the drug. His story of overcoming such a devastating addiction while leading a multibillion-rand conglomerate is nothing short of inspirational.
Antonio Iozzo has now chronicled his extraordinary journey in his memoir, Slaying the Dragon: A South African Billionaire’s Battle to Conquer Opioid Addiction. The book, released in August 2024, quickly rose to international bestseller status on Amazon, topping multiple categories in the United States and Australia.
The memoir delves into the opioid crisis, shedding light on the challenges many face when prescribed addictive medications. Antonio’s story serves as both a cautionary tale and a beacon of hope for those battling addiction. His resilience and determination to overcome adversity, both personally and professionally, are evident throughout the book. Early reviews have praised Slaying the Dragon for its honesty, depth, and practical insights, making it a must-read for business leaders and individuals seeking inspiration.
In addition to sharing his personal journey, Antonio provides valuable business strategies and leadership lessons in his memoir. Readers gain insight into the mindset of a successful entrepreneur who has faced and conquered immense challenges. Slaying the Dragon not only highlights Antonio’s battle with addiction but also offers a roadmap for others seeking to overcome personal and professional obstacles.
Antonio’s memoir is more than just a story of overcoming addiction; it’s a testament to the power of perseverance and business acumen. His journey is one of resilience, courage, and unwavering determination, serving as an inspiration to anyone seeking to rise above adversity. In Slaying the Dragon, Antonio Iozzo not only shares his battle with opioid addiction but also imparts valuable lessons on leadership, resilience, and personal transformation. His story is a powerful reminder that success is not only about what you achieve but also about how you overcome the challenges along the way.
Antonio Iozzo’s battle with opioid addiction reflects a broader global crisis, one that has devastated millions of lives. In October 2020, the U.S. Department of Justice announced a landmark resolution in its criminal and civil investigations into Purdue Pharma, the manufacturer of OxyContin, a prescription opioid at the heart of the epidemic. The Sackler family, Purdue’s principal shareholders, also faced civil investigations.
This crisis has been chronicled through countless movies, series, and documentaries, shedding light on the far-reaching effects of prescription opioids like Oxy, a drug that Antonio Iozzo himself struggled to overcome.
Pain Hustlers | Netflix
The Pharmacist | Netflix
Painkiller | Netflix
His story, much like those depicted in the media, serves as a stark reminder of the deadly grip of opioid addiction and the resilience required to break free from it.
Slaying the Dragon: A South African Billionaire’s Battle to Conquer Opioid Addiction is available at all leading bookstores and online.
Sake In South Africa With Director Of Liquidity Emil Den Dulk
Sake, Japan’s iconic rice-based beverage, has deep cultural roots that go beyond its status as an alcoholic drink. As Emil den Dulk, Director of Liquidity, explains, sake plays an essential role in Japan’s traditions and rituals. Made from Japan’s most treasured grain, rice, sake is a vital part of the country’s spiritual life.
The beverage also serves as a powerful symbol of unity, bringing people together on numerous occasions. Whether at a wedding, where the bride and groom share cups of sake to seal their bond, or at a workplace gathering where social hierarchies are temporarily set aside, sake is a medium for connection. The act of pouring sake for each other, a key part of group drinking culture, fosters a sense of equality and togetherness.
Sake is not just a drink for rituals or formal occasions. Its versatility makes it suitable for casual gatherings, celebrations, and even symbolic acts of renewal. For instance, during New Year’s festivities, families share “o-toso,” a medicinal herb-infused sake, to bring in health and prosperity for the year ahead. In Kagami-biraki, the opening of a sake cask signifies peace and good fortune, with the sake inside shared among the group to spread blessings.
With its unique brewing process, sake can be enjoyed at various temperatures, each revealing different flavours. Its umami-rich, less acidic profile makes it an excellent pairing for a wide range of foods, enhancing the dining experience. As sake continues to grow in popularity globally, it maintains its deep connection to Japanese culture, offering a glimpse into the country’s rich history and values. Whether shared during a special ceremony or enjoyed at a casual gathering, sake remains a symbol of togetherness, respect, and tradition.
The Red Bull Showrun In Sandton With Former British Formula 1 Driver David Coulthard
The vibrant streets of Sandton were transformed into a high-octane playground as the highly anticipated Red Bull Showrun roared through Africa’s richest square mile.
The streets of Sandton were buzzing with excitement as the Red Bull Showrun drew an incredible crowd of 25’000 motorsport fans, transforming the city into a roaring Formula 1 festival. Part of a global series that brings the thrill of F1 to unique urban locations, the Sandton event joined the ranks of cities like Cape Town, Tokyo, and Guadalajara in hosting the high-octane spectacle.
Fans who might not typically have the chance to witness live racing were treated to the exhilarating sights and sounds of Red Bull’s precision-engineered F1 machine tearing through the heart of Sandton.
Read The Full Story: Sandton Thrilled By Roaring Red Bull Formula 1 Showrun
Sandton Times Hour Music Playlist
- ATB – The Summer (Ice & Dmitriy Rs Remix)
- Lee Avril & Style Project – Summer
- Samuel Jack – Feels Like Summer
- Summer in the City (Radio Edit)
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