Legalese Big Fish Stories

Hosted by Lawyers of Legalese

Business EntrepreneurshipInterviews guests

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Latest episode

Mar 2026

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EN-ZA

About the show

Small Business Stories with Big Impact. If our walls could talk. Well, now, in a way, they can! We’re proud to announce the launch of Big Fish Stories – a podcast about small business stories, their characters and the big impact they have on the world around them. As lawyers we’ve had front row seats to some award-winning concepts and Hollywood-style drama. We’d like to give you the inside scoop on some of the stories you might have read about, and introduce you to other stories which you really should have. Join us as we sit down with proudly South African entrepreneurs and dive into their journeys to explore some of the challenges and opportunities faced by local businesses, and unpack the stories that every dinner table in the country should be talking about.

Listen to episodes

20 recent

March 19, 2026Episode 2055 min

Building a Fashion Brand That Fits Right with Hannah Lavery

She dropped out of law school and accidentally built one of South Africa’s most recognisable fashion brands. In this episode, we sit down with renowned designer Hanna Lavery to unpack the unlikely path that took her from aspiring lawyer to household name in South African clothing. Part instinct, part strategy, Hanna shares how following curiosity and opportunity led her into fashion and how she turned that passion into a thriving business.But this conversation goes far beyond hemlines and trends. Hanna reflects on what clothing really means in a world of fast fashion and constant consumption: the identity we project, the stories we tell about ourselves, and why what we wear matters far more to people than simply covering our bodies. We also dive into the entrepreneurial side of her journey, building a brand, staying creative while running a company, and why loving the craft and understanding the business are both essential to lasting success.

October 30, 2025Episode 1952 min

Building Women’s Football from the Ground Up with Romaney Pinnock

From never kicking a ball to leading women’s football on two continents — Romaney Pinnock’s story is one of vision, grit, and transformation. After discovering football later in life, Romaney founded Badgers Academy, a social movement that redefined women’s football in South Africa. Drawing on her background as a management consultant, she applied business principles to grassroots sport — growing a community, raising funding, and building a culture of excellence.Today, she’s the manager of Copenhagen FC Women’s Team, continuing her mission to elevate the women’s game globally.In this episode, we unpack Romaney’s journey — how she turned passion into purpose, movement into management, and helped shape the cultural shift that’s giving more women the chance to fall in love with the beautiful game.

May 14, 2025Episode 181 hr 1 min

18: The business of being a big wave surfer with Matt Bromley (pro surfer)

In this episode of Big Fish Stories, we dive deep—literally and figuratively—with big wave surfer Matt Bromley. Matt makes a living paddling into 30-foot monsters, but this conversation isn’t just about adrenaline. It’s about fear, risk, and what happens when you push through the edge of both.We explore the mindset required to face life-threatening waves and how that same approach can be applied to running a business, leading a team, or making bold decisions. Matt shares gripping stories of wipeouts and triumphs, gives a behind-the-scenes look at what it really takes to surf for a living, and reflects on the mental preparation that keeps him alive.This isn’t the daredevil you see on Instagram—this is Matt Bromley the thinker, the strategist, the family man. Tune in for a conversation that’s part surf adventure, part personal development masterclass.

April 15, 202549 min

17: How being lekker is good for business. A conversation with Renier Lombard (FDC, The Lekker Network)

From High School Dropout to Master of LinkedIn — Meet Renier LombardWhat drives someone from hustling in the streets of Botswana to leading one of Africa’s most exciting agencies?We sat down with Renier Lombard — co-founder of FDC and the much-hyped Lekker Network — to find out.Renier’s journey is wild: he dropped out of high school, built his own road to success, and now leads a team of 100 people helping clients crush it on LinkedIn. He’s widely seen as a master of social selling — and not just because of his results, but because of the way he builds relationships that last.He’s also one of the most generous people you’ll meet — always willing to share time, insight, and support. In this episode, we dig into how that generosity has shaped his career and how it might just be his superpower.

March 11, 202556 min

16: Starting a Restaurant during a Pandemic with Ma'or Harris (Blondie, Texas)

Kicking off 2025, we sit down with Ma'or Harris to unpack his journey from waiting tables to becoming a powerhouse in events, entertainment, and food.Ma'or is the co-owner and head chef of Blondie, one of Cape Town’s hottest restaurants. But his path to success was anything but straightforward. When the Covid pandemic hit, all his work got cancelled, his wife was about to give birth, and he had just moved countries to be closer to family—uncertainty was everywhere. Yet, in the midst of it all, he made an odd decision: to open a restaurant.We had one main question: why?A dynamic entrepreneur, Ma'or has built his ventures —Balkonology, Boiler Room, Rocking the Daisies, Blondie, Texas, and more—on creativity and unforgettable experiences. And if you’ve been to any of them, you can feel it.In what might be his first-ever interview, Ma'or shares his thoughts on risk, creativity, food, and the journey that got him here.

January 30, 2024Episode 61 hr 28 min

15: The Business Behind South Africa's Business Expert with Bruce Whitfield (Bruce Whitfield International)

We’re extremely excited to finally release our latest episode of Big Fish Stories, featuring none other than Bruce Whitfield.Bruce is one of South Africa’s most well-known business experts, and we don’t believe anyone in SA has had more interactions with business owners, game changers and CEOs than him.As host of The Money Show, Bruce is often on the other side of the interview mic. So, we took this opportunity to dive into a rare topic: the business and story behind Bruce himself.What followed was an honest and interesting conversation about his life and journey to where he is today, his view on the role he plays in our society, and what he thinks of the evolving media and audio landscape of radio and podcast.legalese.co.za

December 18, 2023Episode 558 min

14: Can you be a healthy entrepreneur with James White (Best10)

In this brand-new episode of "Big Fish Stories", we explore the intersection of entrepreneurship and personal well-being with James White, founder of Roark Gyms and Best10!Lend us your ears as we deep dive into the art of balancing the relentless pursuit of business success with the equally important aspects of mental and physical health. This episode goes beyond the usual advice of just reducing work hours. Instead, we focus on strategically harmonising a healthy lifestyle with ambitious entrepreneurial goals. It's an essential listen for overworked entrepreneurs who are trying to balance their professional drive with personal and family life.Get ready to step into 2024 with a balanced approach to entrepreneurship and personal well-being!legalese.co.za

July 12, 2023Episode 451 min

13: Is there still Opportunity for Entrepreneurs in South Africa with Andile Khumalo (Khumalo.co)

In this episode of Big Fish Stories, we delve into the dynamic world of South African entrepreneurship with Andile Khumalo, a towering figure in the nation's business landscape. Join us as we go beyond the ordinary and dive deep into the intricate nuances of South Africa's business environment. This in-depth conversation explores a diverse range of topics - from the exploration of regulations to the intriguing future of politics. We probe the pressing question: Does South Africa still hold opportunities for budding entrepreneurs? Andile certainly thinks so. Beyond merely dissecting the business climate, we also delve into the subject of talent and discuss various facets essential to entrepreneurship within the South African context. Few voices carry as much weight and authority on this subject as Andile's, making this episode an absolute must-listen.If you're in search of a dose of grounded optimism, look no further. It's our absolute privilege to share Andile's wisdom with you. Take a listen!legalese.co.za

June 13, 2023Episode 348 min

12: Investing in South African startups with Louis Buys & Alexandra Matthews (the Delta)

In this episode of Big Fish Stories, we step into the world of startup culture and investment mastery with Louis Buys and Alexandra Matthews - the visionary founders of The Delta, a leading venture builder across Europe and Africa.Join us as we go beyond surface-level conversations and dive deep into the fascinating world of startup development and investment. Together, we explore the intricate facets of investor strategies, drawing wisdom from Louis and Alexandra's incredible triumphs and enlightening setbacks. This episode also provides invaluable insights into the future of South African ecosystems, offering insightful predictions on emerging trends and untapped opportunities. If you're actively involved in building a startup and seeking funding, or if you aspire to become an investor, this conversation is definitely for you!legalese.co.za

May 8, 2023Episode 239 min

11: The Future of Education in South Africa with Jevron Epstein (Generation Schools)

In this episode of Big Fish Stories, Eitan got to chat to Jevron Epstein, the CEO and founder of Generation Schools, an innovative new school group in South Africa.Eitan and Jevron explore the current state of education in South Africa and discuss the future of education worldwide. They delve into the role of technology and innovation in education, and how it's adapting to their natural learning process and transforming the way children learn.Jevron is a remarkable entrepreneur who has created a unique and extraordinary educational model. This conversation is a must-listen for anyone interested in understanding how the next generation will be educated.