EPISODE · Mar 31, 2026 · 1H
From Actress to Director: Christel van den Bergh on Grit, Faith, and Never Giving Up
from Wholefull · host Sean Davey
🎙️ WHOLEFULL 005: Christel van den Bergh | From Actress to Director: Christel van den Bergh on Grit, Faith, and Never Giving UpChristel van den Bergh, one of South Africa's most recognisable Afrikaans actresses, sits down with Sean Davey for an unscripted, heart-to-heart conversation about what it really takes to build a life you're proud of.From growing up in Pretoria and dreaming of becoming a game ranger, to landing her first TV role while still finishing drama school, Christel opens up about 20+ years in the entertainment industry, the transition from acting to directing and producing, navigating a public divorce, the life-changing lesson that "nothing in life is personal," and why doing good for others is the simplest path to fulfilment.She also shares honest advice for aspiring actors and creatives: follow your dreams, have a backup plan, and never, ever, give up.🕐 TIMESTAMPS0:00 — Welcome & Introducing Christel1:30 — Growing Up in Pretoria2:08 — Wanting to Be a Game Ranger & Discovering Acting5:33 — Family Life: Two Boys and Cattle Farming5:51 — Pursuing Dreams: Faith, Spirituality & Chasing Goals7:39 — You've Got to Fail to Reach It9:34 — Breaking Into the SA Acting Industry14:45 — Passion vs Fame: "I'm a Storyteller"18:16 — Career Highlights Over 20+ Years21:09 — Why Directing Is Her Favourite Role24:05 — Her Latest Documentary & Giving Back26:25 — The Power of Storytelling & Making an Impact30:39 — From Acting to Producing32:35 — Everyone Has an Amazing Story to Tell33:53 — Victimhood vs Taking Responsibility36:28 — You Are Where You Are Because of Your Decisions41:23 — Life Coaching, Morning Routines & Finding Flow42:41 — Letting Go of Guilt & Not Taking Things Personally44:23 — Helping People Is the Real Fulfilment47:58 — Advice for Aspiring Actors: "Don't Ever Give Up"54:16 — The Wholefull Question: What Do You Truly Value?58:47 — Closing & Thank You🔗 CONNECT WITH CHRISTELhttps://www.instagram.com/christelvdbergh/🔗 CONNECT WITH WHOLEFULLYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@wholefullpodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/wholefull_podcast/Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7oZavYzETcOWPvpyN09Im5?si=QnvKzcrZTBWkcqPgU5xtYwApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/za/podcast/wholefull/id1857422744🎙️ Welcome to Wholefull, a podcast about what it really takes to feel whole. No clichés, no fluff, just real conversations with real people about purpose, grit, and growth.#WholefullPodcast #ChristelVanDenBergh #SouthAfricanActress #NeverGiveUp #Podcast #SeanDavey #AfrikaansEntertainment #PurposeDriven #GritAndGrace #Storytelling
What this episode covers
🎙️ WHOLEFULL 005: Christel van den Bergh | From Actress to Director: Christel van den Bergh on Grit, Faith, and Never Giving UpChristel van den Bergh, one of South Africa's most recognisable Afrikaans actresses, sits down with Sean Davey for an unscripted, heart-to-heart conversation about what it really takes to build a life you're proud of.From growing up in Pretoria and dreaming of becoming a game ranger, to landing her first TV role while still finishing drama school, Christel opens up about 20+ years in the entertainment industry, the transition from acting to directing and producing, navigating a public divorce, the life-changing lesson that "nothing in life is personal," and why doing good for others is the simplest path to fulfilment.She also shares honest advice for aspiring actors and creatives: follow your dreams, have a backup plan, and never, ever, give up.🕐 TIMESTAMPS0:00 — Welcome & Introducing Christel1:30 — Growing Up in Pretoria2:08 — Wanting to Be a Game Ranger & Discovering Acting5:33 — Family Life: Two Boys and Cattle Farming5:51 — Pursuing Dreams: Faith, Spirituality & Chasing Goals7:39 — You've Got to Fail to Reach It9:34 — Breaking Into the SA Acting Industry14:45 — Passion vs Fame: "I'm a Storyteller"18:16 — Career Highlights Over 20+ Years21:09 — Why Directing Is Her Favourite Role24:05 — Her Latest Documentary & Giving Back26:25 — The Power of Storytelling & Making an Impact30:39 — From Acting to Producing32:35 — Everyone Has an Amazing Story to Tell33:53 — Victimhood vs Taking Responsibility36:28 — You Are Where You Are Because of Your Decisions41:23 — Life Coaching, Morning Routines & Finding Flow42:41 — Letting Go of Guilt & Not Taking Things Personally44:23 — Helping People Is the Real Fulfilment47:58 — Advice for Aspiring Actors: "Don't Ever Give Up"54:16 — The Wholefull Question: What Do You Truly Value?58:47 — Closing & Thank You🔗 CONNECT WITH CHRISTELhttps://www.instagram.com/christelvdbergh/🔗 CONNECT WITH WHOLEFULLYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@wholefullpodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/wholefull_podcast/Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7oZavYzETcOWPvpyN09Im5?si=QnvKzcrZTBWkcqPgU5xtYwApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/za/podcast/wholefull/id1857422744🎙️ Welcome to Wholefull, a podcast about what it really takes to feel whole. No clichés, no fluff, just real conversations with real people about purpose, grit, and growth.#WholefullPodcast #ChristelVanDenBergh #SouthAfricanActress #NeverGiveUp #Podcast #SeanDavey #AfrikaansEntertainment #PurposeDriven #GritAndGrace #Storytelling
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From Actress to Director: Christel van den Bergh on Grit, Faith, and Never Giving Up
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