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In Isolation with Dalin Oliver

As we tackle the Covid-19 Pandemic in 2020, I’m reminded that we are all in this together. During this series ‘In Isolation with’, I take a peek into the lives of wonderful humans across the globe to see what connects us all in isolation; what keeps us sane, what gives us hope and what we look forward to again post-Covid. As we socially distance physically, may we continue to uplift one another and connect more deeply in other ways.

Introducing Dalin Oliver, South African Comedian and Radio presenter.

What keeps you busy outside of lockdown/isolation?

Workwise, I’m a comedian. It varies from writing sessions, production work and performing at gigs. I work in radio as a sports presenter for Good Hope FM on their weekday breakfast show; 6 am – 9 am. 

Not work-related, I’m trying to keep fit. I enjoy running. Nothing more than 10kms. It’s my escape from the day to day hustle. I think it’s important to have something to look forward to that keeps you sane outside of “office hours”. One of the main reasons I’m trying to stay fit is that my brain thinks it can still do the things I did when I was in my 20’s but clearly my body can’t. When I say ‘do things’, I literally just mean make fast movements lol.  My body keeps cracking. Like all time. For no reason and without warning. I’m falling apart but smiling and laughing while doing so.

I‘m extremely passionate about what I do, work-wise, hence the reason for me including it. Life basically revolves around stand-up comedy and radio.

Your typical day in isolation?

I’m still working the radio gig but from home. Only the host and news anchors are in studio. 

I usually have 5 alarms set. From 5 am – 5:30 am. I wake up somewhere in between depending on how many times I press the snooze button.  I feel there should only be one alarm. Snoozing feels like cheating because you can oversleep and then your entire day is ruined.

The show goes live at 6am. I have sports headlines and bulletins on the half hour and hour.  I’m either sending in pre-recorded voice notes or chatting to the team on my phone. 

Honestly, if I’m still tired by 9am then I’ll go back to bed and sleep until about 11am / 12pm. – 2pm for the latest Lol. Don’t judge me for sleeping so much. I love my sleep. I’m a bachelor and have no children just yet so I’m taking advantage of all the time that I have.

Cleaning has become quite popular during isolation. Wow, I’ve never cleaned this much in my life. From laundry, kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, lounge etc. It’s been quite a bit to process. So yeah, cleaning happens once I wake up. 

Then it’s time for lunch and a coffee. I’m not a fan of eating big breakfasts. If I do have, it will be scrambled eggs. I might nap after lunch depending on how I feel lol. Only kidding. I usually start writing some comedy, listening to a podcast, read or film some content for social media after lunch. It allows me to have a creative intake or outlet which is important for my sanity.

Then it’s time for home gym and stretching. There’s some really cool online work outs and beginner yoga sessions. If I can work out every second day and stretch everyday then I’m happy.  I’m not trying to get buff. Again, I’m “gyming” for sanity and to keep my mind busy. And I get to cheat because there’s no crazy instructor shouting; “winners never quit”. 

Dinner time is usually between 6pm and 8pm. It all depends. But catching up with friends and family on video call and watching series / movies will happen after or before I go to bed. 

1 – 2 hours are put aside to prepare my sports reports for the next morning. I usually fall asleep between 12 am and 1 am. 

That’s my day. It’s not exciting. I’m sorry if I disappointed you. It’s a lockdown. The bar has been set very low for future guests lol.

Three Things you’re thankful for today

Being able to: 

One thing you’ll do as soon as isolation is over.

Visit my parents. I know right. I like them. Okay, I love them. We’ve grown closer over the years. We can hang out. They’ve become cool. Maybe even cooler than me lol, of course, they’re cooler than me.  I’m keen for a home-cooked Sunday lunch from my mom with some lekker peppermint tart as dessert. 

One thing you’ll NEVER do again once isolation is over.

Grow my hair. I’m bald and usually cut my hair every 3rd /4th  day but thought I’d have some fun during the lockdown. So I’m about 3 weeks into growing my hair. I’ve never grown it this long in forever. I think the last time I did was in grade 10, that’s like 16 years ago. My maths might be off.  I’m having fun roasting myself on social media and sharing my journey online.  The kroes roots have been flourishing but I feel heavier. I’m hoping to grow it for the full luck down period.  Wish me luck. 

Two places you’d love to travel to in South Africa once it’s safe to move around social distancing style.

I never remember the name of the places I go to. Legit. It’s like directions. I’m really bad at it. I usually give landmarks near the destination. So I would end up saying, let’s go to that place over there nearby the ….. I know, not the best way to navigate through life as a 31-year-old. It’s worked so far. Let’s see how long I can keep it up for.

Seriously though,  any destination that’s as close to the beach as possible and has a lekker ocean view is a winner. Not too noisy because I’m getting old and like my peace and quiet lol.  I think that’s a good answer. Very broad but also very specific. Ocean View = Winner. 

Two places you’ve added to your global bucket list once flight bans are lifted and it’s safe to travel.

Have you seen exchange rates lately – insert crying emoji but laughing from a place of pain as well. Oh my word. It’s scary. Thinking of travelling internationally breaks my heart because of how broke I’ll be when returning. 

Destinations of choice would be Australia and England. It’s always going to be centred around stand-up comedy so I’ll kill two birds with one stone. Visit family and friends, go perform and watch stand-up comedy. Family and friends = couches = free accommodation = broke artist abroad = winning at life.  

Any favourite armchair travel books/movies that will help get you through?

I’m listening to three podcasts which I really enjoy. Again, it’s all comedy related. 

Two tips for isolation survival? 

Local business to mention

SUPPORT ALL LOCAL BUSINESS POST LOCKDOWN. I DON’T HAVE TO MENTION THEM. YOU KNOW WHO THEY ARE AND WHERE TO FIND. GET INVOLVED AND BE THE CHANGE. PLEASE. AWE

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