In Episode 55 of The Incredible Machines podcast, hosts Jon Oliff and Luke Holden are joined by Thando-Rose Dladla, a spiritual healer, transformational breathwork facilitator, entrepreneur, speaker, and the woman behind The Funkie Healer.
This episode is a deeply personal exploration of identity, spirituality, survival, and the courage required to live authentically. Thando shares how the end of a traumatic marriage brought her from Johannesburg to KwaZulu Natal, where she began reconnecting with her Zulu roots, ancestral history and spiritual calling.
Thando opens up about growing up between different communities, becoming aware of race and belonging at a young age, navigating two marriages and recognising the experiences that ultimately pushed her towards healing work. She also reflects on radio, entrepreneurship, community development and the responsibility South Africans have to participate in creating change.
Whether you are questioning your identity, moving through a difficult transition or learning to trust your own inner guidance, this conversation is a reminder that becoming yourself often begins with releasing who the world expects you to be.
Key Highlights from Thando-Rose Dladla in Episode 55
1. The Calling Back to Yourself
One of the episode’s most powerful ideas is Thando’s explanation of a 'calling'. While she understands it as a spiritual invitation, she also describes it as a return to one’s most authentic identity.
“The calling is really you calling yourself back to yourself.
It is your truest self-saying, ‘It is time to be real.’”
Thando believes that people are often drawn towards particular ideas, environments or forms of work because those interests are connected to who they're meant to become.
Her own journey required her to stop attaching her worth to possessions, appearances and conventional measures of progress. She had to become brave enough to live differently, even when her choices weren't understood or supported by everyone around her.
2. Healing Through Breath
Through The Funkie Healer, Thando facilitates transformational breathwork experiences and retreats.
“I am not healing you. I am guiding. I am facilitating.
I am a conduit. The healing is within you.”
She explains that her interest in breathwork developed through her own spiritual experiences. She later pursued a deeper understanding of the practice so that she could learn more about the relationship between breathing, emotional experiences, and nervous system regulation.
Thando views the breath as a powerful connection between the physical and spiritual parts of a person. Her role isn't to claim responsibility for healing someone, but to create an environment in which they can safely explore what's already within them.
3. Creating Safe Spaces for Men
Thando also discusses her decision to host retreats specifically for men.
Many women who attended her retreats expressed frustration that they were doing the work of healing and personal development while their partners didn't have access to similar spaces. Thando also recognised through her male clients that many men were carrying trauma without access to environments where they felt safe enough to address it.
Although she initially questioned whether she was the right person to facilitate a men’s retreat, she eventually recognised that her responsibility was not to fix anyone. Her role was to create space, guide the process, and allow participants to engage honestly with themselves.
For Thando, removing assumptions about gender makes it possible to connect with people on a deeper human and spiritual level.
4. Skills Development and Active Citizenship
“We are the government. This country is ours and we need to do something about it.”
Thando’s helped develop an NQF Level 2 skills development programme for people who didn't have access to formal education but wanted to start and operate businesses.
The programme introduces participants to practical areas such as tax, cash flow, entrepreneurship, and road marking. Thando shares that some of the emerging businesses they trained have progressed within the construction industry.
She believes South Africans can't rely entirely on political leaders to solve unemployment and community challenges. Businesses and citizens must identify where they can contribute and use the resources, knowledge, and networks available to them.
Featured Quote
“I am a spiritual being having a beautiful human experience.
I just happened to come into this body.”
~ Thando-Rose Dladla
🛠️ Advertising Campaign Mentioned
Checkers Little Shop Minis Campaign: Thando selected the Checkers Little Shop minis campaign because of the way it combined nostalgia, collectability and family participation.
The campaign encouraged customers to collect miniature versions of familiar products when shopping through Checkers and Checkers Sixty60. For her, the campaign recreated the childhood excitement of collecting, swapping and displaying items with friends.
She explains that the campaign became about more than the products customers were buying. The desire to complete the collection strengthened engagement with the Checkers brand and encouraged repeated purchases.
Checkers Little Shop Minis Campaign: https://youtu.be/WrO4r_41cy0
Conclusion
Thando-Rose Dladla’s journey is a story of survival, self-discovery and the courage to trust what cannot always be explained to others. Her experiences remind us that authenticity isn't simply about saying we don't care what others think. It's about reaching a point where our decisions are no longer controlled by fear, social expectations, or the need for approval.
If you're questioning your identity, rebuilding after a difficult season or learning to trust your own inner guidance, this episode is a reminder that becoming who you truly are often begins with listening to yourself and having the courage to act.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Who is Thando-Rose Dladla ?
Thando-Rose Dladla is a spiritual healer, transformational breathwork facilitator, entrepreneur, speaker and the woman behind The Funkie Healer. She hosts retreats, facilitates breathwork experiences, and contributes to entrepreneurship and skills development through her family’s construction and road marking business.
What is The Funkie Healer?
The Funkie Healer is Thando-Rose Dladla’s healing platform. Through the platform, she offers transformational breathwork, spiritual guidance and retreats designed to create space for reflection, emotional exploration, and personal healing.
What is the Incredible Machines podcast?
The Incredible Machines podcast is a thought leadership series produced by Tim Africa, featuring conversations with visionary entrepreneurs, leaders, and change-makers from across the continent.
Where can I listen to the full episode with Thando-Rose Dladla?
You can listen on all major platforms including:
🎧 Spotify
🍎 Apple Podcasts
🌐 Tim Africa Podcast Hub
👣 Relevant Links
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thando-rose-dladla-08355b66/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheFunkieHealer
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thandorose_dladla/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheFunkieHealer
The Funkie Healer Website: https://thefunkiehealer.com/
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