Latest news with #Besties
IOL News
25-06-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
How Paulette Neo is making her mark on the airwaves
Paulette Neo Kaise took over from legendary traffic reporter Rob Byrne, popularly known as Rob Beezy, who left Metro FM after 13 years. Image: Supplied SABC newsreader Paulette Neo, in April, joined Metro FM's 'The Best Morning Breakfast Show' and 'The Touchdown' as the resident traffic reporter. Neo took over from legendary traffic reporter, Rob Byrne, popularly known as Rob Beezy, who left Metro FM after 13 years. Filling the shoes of a legendary traffic reporter may be daunting, but Neo is stepping into these big shoes in her own way. 'I hope to satisfy the audience. I love the feedback from the Besties [Metro FM listeners]. It's truly a pleasure to be part of this team,' she said. Speaking candidly during Youth Month, in an interview with IOL, Neo shared how her passion for journalism began during the #FeesMustFall protests. 'I saw how events were reported differently depending on where people consumed their information, the messaging, even the propaganda. That's what made me want to go into news and reporting,' she said. Her classroom lessons came to life on the streets, giving her firsthand insight into the power of the media. 'You realise whoever pays the piper controls the shooting,' she added thoughtfully. Neo didn't have formal mentors, but community radio stations and campus media gave her the training ground she needed. 'Campus radio helped me so much. And just watching others in the industry, seeing how presenters could report traffic, engage in sports, and offer opinions, made me realise you have to be agile and multi-faceted,' she said. She made it a point to shadow professionals and reach out for opportunities. 'I was always that person saying, 'Hi, can I learn from you? Here's my demo.' I must've been so annoying,' she laughed. Neo's journey to Metro FM began not as a reporter, but as a fitness guest. 'I was invited to MoFlava's show for Gym Jam at around 4am, to talk about health and demonstrate exercises. I ended up staying until noon because I just loved the vibe at Metro. "I thought, 'I want to stay… I just don't know how yet,' ' she recalled. That spark led her to reignite a dream she had shelved after graduating. 'I had studied, but I wasn't working in the field yet. Meeting bold women in the studio reminded me of who I wanted to be.' Just when Neo thought things had settled, and she was on SABC's Setswana news, another door opened. 'I got a call asking if I was still interested in doing traffic reporting. I had done it at community level. I said, 'Absolutely!'' When it comes to growing her brand, Neo credits social media with opening new doors. 'It makes people accessible, not necessarily to chat, but to learn from them. You see someone's journey and it inspires you to refine your skills,' she explained. As a Youth Month message, Kaise encourages young people to be grounded and hungry to learn. 'Be adaptable. You're not above learning and stay focused on what resonates with you. It's not about doing the trendiest thing, but about finding what brings you long-term joy and purpose.' She cautioned against chasing hype. 'Think about longevity. Ask yourself: where is this taking me? What do I really want? Don't just trend for the sake of it.' IOL Entertainment
IOL News
25-06-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
How Paulette Neo is making her mark on the airwaves
Paulette Neo Kaise took over from legendary traffic reporter Rob Byrne, popularly known as Rob Beezy, who left Metro FM after 13 years. Image: Supplied SABC newsreader Paulette Neo, in April, joined Metro FM's 'The Best Morning Breakfast Show' and 'The Touchdown' as the resident traffic reporter. Neo took over from legendary traffic reporter, Rob Byrne, popularly known as Rob Beezy, who left Metro FM after 13 years. Filling the shoes of a legendary traffic reporter may be daunting, but Neo is stepping into these big shoes in her own way. 'I hope to satisfy the audience. I love the feedback from the Besties [Metro FM listeners]. It's truly a pleasure to be part of this team,' she said. Speaking candidly during Youth Month, in an interview with IOL, Neo shared how her passion for journalism began during the #FeesMustFall protests. 'I saw how events were reported differently depending on where people consumed their information, the messaging, even the propaganda. That's what made me want to go into news and reporting,' she said. Her classroom lessons came to life on the streets, giving her firsthand insight into the power of the media. 'You realise whoever pays the piper controls the shooting,' she added thoughtfully. Neo didn't have formal mentors, but community radio stations and campus media gave her the training ground she needed. 'Campus radio helped me so much. And just watching others in the industry, seeing how presenters could report traffic, engage in sports, and offer opinions, made me realise you have to be agile and multi-faceted,' she said. She made it a point to shadow professionals and reach out for opportunities. 'I was always that person saying, 'Hi, can I learn from you? Here's my demo.' I must've been so annoying,' she laughed. Neo's journey to Metro FM began not as a reporter, but as a fitness guest. 'I was invited to MoFlava's show for Gym Jam at around 4am, to talk about health and demonstrate exercises. I ended up staying until noon because I just loved the vibe at Metro. "I thought, 'I want to stay… I just don't know how yet,' ' she recalled. That spark led her to reignite a dream she had shelved after graduating. 'I had studied, but I wasn't working in the field yet. Meeting bold women in the studio reminded me of who I wanted to be.' Just when Neo thought things had settled, and she was on SABC's Setswana news, another door opened. 'I got a call asking if I was still interested in doing traffic reporting. I had done it at community level. I said, 'Absolutely!'' When it comes to growing her brand, Neo credits social media with opening new doors. 'It makes people accessible, not necessarily to chat, but to learn from them. You see someone's journey and it inspires you to refine your skills,' she explained. As a Youth Month message, Kaise encourages young people to be grounded and hungry to learn. 'Be adaptable. You're not above learning and stay focused on what resonates with you. It's not about doing the trendiest thing, but about finding what brings you long-term joy and purpose.' She cautioned against chasing hype. 'Think about longevity. Ask yourself: where is this taking me? What do I really want? Don't just trend for the sake of it.' IOL Entertainment
NZ Herald
03-05-2025
- Entertainment
- NZ Herald
My Secret Auckland: Circus performer Eve Gordon's favourite places in the city
I can't go past Crave in Morningside. They're super busy and it's fully a testament to their yummy kai. The chili scrambled eggs are awesome! If they're too full, then Besties in St Kevins has a yummy chili eggs too. Favourite restaurant for dinner with friends? Ghost St Kitchen down the bottom of town has epically delicious, unique, reimagined Beijing-inspired kai. View this post on Instagram A post shared by kingi (@kingi_britomart) Favourite place to take a visitor to? I love taking visitors out to Arataki Visitor Centre. The walks are easy and short but beautiful and show off the glory of the Waitākere ranges. The visitors' centre is conservation-focused and has a bunch of super-interesting stories and facts from locals through history. Favourite spot to finish a night out? The bar people at Caretaker are creative, fantastic to chat to and make the very best recommended. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Caretaker (@ Favourite place to get coffee? I'm currently performing in Smashed: The Nightcap in the Speigeltent in Aotea Square and have rediscovered just how incredible Remedy Cafe's coffee is. Favourite fish-and-chip shop? I'm not much of fish and chips fan, being gluten-free, but I'm always on the lookout for yummy GF pasta. Pici in St Kevins Arcade has fantastic GF pasta options and is Māori owned as a bonus. Favourite trail for a hike? I can't say just one so I'm offering up Te Kōpuke (Mt St John), Māngere Mountain and also of course the fantastic hikes and super loud Kākā of Aotea (Great Barrier Island). Favourite venue for a gig? I have to say the Speigeltent in Aotea Square is a freaking awesome venue and should be permanently installed somewhere. Failing that, when Ellerslie Arts opens it's going to be the hottest place to see fresh new art. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Eve M D Gordon (@ Favourite place to find a bargain? I've recently got amazing deals at both Little Tatty's in Ponsonby and SaveMart in Manukau so I feel like there is room for both ends of the spectrum in second-hand shopping.
Forbes
15-04-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Bestie Defense Launches A 3-In-1 Personal Safety Device Designed For Women In Mind
Sarah Haspel, founder of Bestie Defense. One in two women do not feel safe walking in alone at night, and two out of three women aged 16 to 34 years experienced one form of harassment in the previous 12 months; with 44% of women aged 16 to 34 years having experienced catcalls, whistles, unwanted sexual comments or jokes, and 29% having felt like they were being followed. Sarah Haspel is no stranger to that reality. As a second-degree black belt with decades of martial arts training, she's become hyper aware of her surroundings. One evening three years ago, as she walked from her car to a restaurant, a visibly unstable man began to aggressively approach. Instinct and training kicked in—she did everything most self-defense courses teach: set verbal boundaries, created distance, tried to de-escalate. As he kept coming towards her, out of fear for her safety, Haspel reached for her pepper spray, only to find it buried at the bottom of her bag. Luckily, she got it out just in time. This experience led Haspel to ideate and develop a personal protection tool combining multiple safety features in an easy to use device. Bestie Defense features a multi-patented, modular three-in-one design that combines pepper spray, a piercing alarm, and an improvised weapon, all in chic silhouettes and color ways that blend sophisticated style with serious protection. As its name suggests, Bestie is your "best friend" in nearly any self-defense situation. "This is a tool for empowerment, not fear," says Haspel, Founder and CEO of Bestie Defense. "I wanted to create a lifestyle product that seamlessly integrates into anyone's life, without being a burden or confusing to use. Aware that people often freeze or panic when faced with danger, using complex or multiple self-defense tools has proved to be ineffective. Seconds count when help is minutes away," Haspel explains. "In dangerous situations, you can't always count on others to intervene. You need to be equipped to protect yourself. Predators often deliberately isolate their targets before attacking their victims, and in those dangerous situations, no one may be around to help. Unless someone has dedicated real time and effort into training, a person needs simplicity under pressure," explains Haspel. The Bestie Defense is a new 3-in-1 safety device tool featuring a striker, alarm and pepper spray. Revolutionizing personal safety, Bestie's design includes three forms of protection working together with a single, intuitive button that simultaneously activates both the pepper spray and the alarm. As a last line of defense, Bestie has an improvised weapon for situations where pepper spray would be impractical, such as enclosed spaces like in cars or elevators, and can be used to strike an attacker if they come within arm's distance. Precision-engineered in the USA from lightweight, aircraft-grade aluminum, Besties deliver uncompromising protection with refined elegance. Both chic and discreet, they feature a signature ribbed design and slim profile, and are available in a matte black or rose gold finish. The Bestie effortlessly clips onto and fits into most going-out purses. Even law enforcement personnel are taking note of Haspel's innovation. Deputy Sheriff and founder of Women in Blue, Melanie Garcia, After a harrowing encounter on a night out with friends, Sarah Haspel, invented a 3-in-1 safety ... More device tool. sees this new invention as a potential life-saving tool. 'Bestie stands in a league of its own. Unlike any other safety device or spray I've seen, its design strategically targets the critical elements needed for real-world protection. Based on what I've experienced in the field, this isn't just a product — it's a potential lifesaver. In the moments that matter most, Bestie could be the difference that protects and empowers the user,' shared Garcia. 'As a proud patriot and officer with one of the largest police agencies in the U.S., I trust the Bestie Defense tool for its power to protect, alert with high-frequency, and empower. Through Women in Blue, I stand to equip fierce American women with the mindset, tools, and confidence to be unstoppable, because protection isn't just a duty, it's who we are.' What sets Bestie apart is its modular design, allowing users to customize their protection based on comfort level, circumstances & environment. Traveling somewhere you can't use pepper spray? Simply remove the canister while still utilizing the alarm and improvised weapon features. Prefer silent operation? Remove the battery to disable the alarm while maintaining the other defensive capabilities. To ensure effectiveness (as pepper spray expires), Bestie Defense offers a first-of-its-kind subscription service, providing automatic refills of their signature defense formulas tailored to different needs. Holy Grail combines military-grade tear gas, OC (pepper spray), and ultraviolet marking dye for maximum stopping power. Hero delivers the highest concentration of OC with UV marking dye for those wanting pure, potent protection. Nationally Notorious offers OC-only protection, complying with the strictest state regulations. Each formula is designed with the understanding that self-defense isn't one-size-fits-all—customers can select options aligning with local laws and personal confidence level. The brand also offers Practice Spray and will soon be launching complimentary online instructional videos, so users can train and practice deploying their Bestie. "I chatted with countless women about what they wanted in a personal safety device," says Haspel. "The consistent feedback was they didn't want to carry multiple safety devices and appear paranoid, and they didn't want anything ugly or bulky. They were also tired of devices accidentally activating when dropped, and they wanted to know their tools were effective. Bestie Defense addresses all of these concerns in one device." The innovative design is a result of countless hours of painstaking research and numerous prototypes, in collaboration with Chief Engineer Norm Tolentino, a former SpaceX aerospace engineer and girl-dad, who completely understood the vital importance of Bestie's mission. Sarah Haspel, founder of Bestie Defense. While Bestie comes at a higher price point than typical self-defense products, it represents exceptional value when considering its comprehensive protection. Purchasing separate high-quality items—a reliable pepper spray, alarm, and impact tool made from durable materials—would likely cost the same or more. 'Quality matters tremendously in self-defense. The market offers cheaper pepper spray options, but many lack the potency and consistency to effectively stop an assailant. This is why we've partnered with John McCann, former CEO of Mace and a veteran in the pepper spray industry with decades of experience. McCann ensures our formulas are not only top-quality but also third-party tested for reliability. Our pepper spray features law enforcement strength formula—the same potency trusted by police officers nationwide,' she added. Haspel also explained that, unlike competitors using cheap plastic, Bestie features a premium metal body with replaceable canisters and batteries, ensuring longevity and reliability made in the USA. 'When a product could potentially save someone's life, we refuse to compromise on. Bestie Defense is currently available for pre-order at a special introductory price of $105 through April, after which the price will remain at $149.95. The product can be purchased exclusively at with plans to be in major retailers later this year.
Yahoo
07-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
"This song was love at first harpsichord!" Black Country, New Road return with video for brand new single Besties
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. London art rockers Black Country, New Road have shared a video for Besties, the first new music from their just-announced third album Forever Howlong, which the band will release through Ninja Tune Records on April 4. It's the band's first studio release since 2022's Top Five album Ants From Up There, the release of which was somewhat overshadowed by the departure of vocalist Isaac Wood. Forever Howlong arrives with lead vocal duties now shared between Tyler Hyde, May Kershaw and Georgia Ellery. 'It opened up a real through-line in having three girls singing,' says Ellery. 'It's definitely very different to Ants From Up There because of having that different female perspective – and the music we've made also really compliments that.' "Besties came into my world with a dance of feelings, with such an understood concept of exploring the core emotion of taking on the world, and its obstacles to be with her, the bestie, again," Ellery continues about the band's new single on which she takes sole lead vocal. "Building this with the band took me to so many memories, informed by a collective of experiences from my childhood writing letters and maps to my bestie, into formulating our own map and sliding-doors effect narrative - charged with the instinctual punch and intuition of: I need to be with my bestie now. Working with Georgia, May and Tyler was a real treat across their performances especially, and quite literally, running from the more conventional lip-sync world, and injecting cameo moments with Charlie, Lewis and Luke. "Knee-high in January's jacket of mud, darkness, fields, street corners and a pack of hounds we found the beating heart of a world made better by chasing love and connection. Shooting in these conditions, and having fun is a real testament to a fantastic team and collective of people! It's been such a pleasure, this song was love at first harpsichord! The sextet have also announced live dates for 2025, including festival dates at Primavera Sound, Paredes De Coura, Lowlands and End Of The Road followed by a full UK and EU tour in September and October, ending eith the band's biggest headline show to date at London's O2 Brixton Academy. You can see all the dates and ticket details below. Forever Howlong will be available as a standard 2LP on recycled black vinyl, a white label 2LP signed by the band, an Indie exclusive negative effect artworked 2LP, and both a Collector's Edition 2LP with an alternate tracklisting in translucent eco jazz red and a Collector's Edition Cassette, also featuring the alternate tracklisting. Pre-order Forever Howlong. Jun 7: SPA Barcelona Primavera SoundAug 5: POR Paredes De CouraAug 17: NED Biddinghuizen Lowlands Festival Aug 28 - 31: UK Dorset End Of The RoadSep 11: UK Nottingham Rock CitySep 12: UK Manchester Albert Hall Sep 15: IRE Dublin OlympiaSep 18: UK Glasgow BarrowlandsSep 20: UKL Gateshead The GlasshouseSep 22: UK Bristol BeaconSep 24: UK Cambridge The Corn ExchangeOct 9: FRA Paris Casino De PariOct 10: FRA Nantes StereoluxOct 12: NED Amsterdam Paradiso Oct 14: GER Cologne GloriaOct 15: GER Berlin AstraOct 17: DEN Copenhagen VegaOct 18: SWE Stockholm FallanOct 19: NOR Olso Sentrum Scene Oct 21: GER Hamburg MojoOct 22: CZE Prague RoxyOct 23 : SWI Lausanne Les DocksOct 25: ITA Milan Magazzini GeneraOct 26: FRA Lyon Epicerie ModerneOct 28: BEL Brussels Ancienne BelgiqueOct 30: UK Brighton DomeOct 31: UK London O2 Brixton Academy Fans can get pre-sale ticket access for the United Kingdom and Ireland dates by pre-ordering any album format of Forever Howlong by 3pm GMT on February 4. Purchasers will be sent a code via their email. Tickets will then go on general sale Friday 7th February at 10am local time. Get tickets.
