Why Did I Become A Doctor South Africa
Why Did I Become A Doctor - Real Stories from Professionals Who Chose Their Path
Honest conversations about career, calling, and life choices. Unfiltered journeys of doctors, dentists, nurses, engineers, accountants, and professionals across South Africa and beyond.
In-depth interviews exploring professional pressures, burnout, career pivots, mental health, and the moments that made people question their calling.
What You'll Find:
✨ Raw conversations with diverse professionals
🎯 Resilience, burnout & career change stories
💡 Medicine, dentistry, nursing, engineering, finance & more
🔥 Unexpected journeys (doctors → musicians, engineers → car reviewers!)
New episodes every two weeks.
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DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed by guests on "Why Did I Become A Doctor" are those of the individual guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of the podcast, its hosts, or producers. Content shared on this podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered medical or professional advice.
Why Did I Become A Doctor South Africa
From Medicine to Stand-Up: Comedy Psychology, the Victor Matfield Story & Life as an Introvert Comedian | Dr. Riaad Moosa
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Dr. Riaad Moosa hasn't practised medicine since 2003 - but he's still "Doctor" (in inverted commas) to millions of South Africans who grew up watching Material and the Pure Monate Show.
In this revealing conversation, the legendary comedian opens up about the melancholic introvert behind the microphone, why comedy is "temporary relief for pain," and the night he bombed so badly that even Victor Matfield couldn't sit through 7 minutes of his set.
WHAT WE DISCUSS IN THIS EPISODE:
- Growing up with two doctor parents who are still practising in their 70s
- His father's journey from India at age 2
- Why he uses "Doctor" in quotes (spoiler: it's marketing)
- Starting at the College of Magic in Standard 7 (Grade 9)
- The moment he realised he preferred comedy over medicine
- The Pure Monate Show era and creating "Material"
- The brutal SuperSport golf day bomb - his worst performance ever
- Being a melancholic introvert in an extroverted profession
- Why the audience is the "organism" - not individual hecklers
- Balancing 4 kids while touring constantly
- His 7-year-old's "advanced shock humor"
- Experimenting with AI to create a custom GPT version of himself
- Plans to launch a wellness podcast
THE VICTOR MATFIELD BOMB STORY:
Riaad shares his worst bomb ever - at a SuperSport golf challenge with South Africa's greatest athletes. He died so badly that Victor Matfield, whose career involved enduring brutal physical contact, couldn't handle 7 minutes and left. Brian Habana hugged him afterwards like a family member had died. Even the cricket team said no when he tried to sit with them.
THE PSYCHOLOGY BEHIND THE LAUGHS:
Many successful comedians are melancholic introverts using comedy as therapy. Riaad explains how comedy is "temporary relief for pain" and discusses the "depressive aspect" common among comedians. He asks: "Does comedy make you happy, or are you just funny?"
KEY QUOTES:
"I introduce myself as 'Doctor Riaad' in quotes. That's all I've done with my degree - marketing."
"Victor Matfield endured 80 minutes of getting beaten up... but he couldn't handle 7 minutes of my comedy."
"I want people to laugh on stage, then not know me off stage."
🎙️ Why Did I Become A Doctor shares honest, unscripted conversations with doctors, dentists, healthcare professionals, and other inspiring individuals who are shaping the future of healthcare and beyond.
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