Danie sits down with Diego Milesi — founder of the beloved Ferdinando’s wood-fired pizza spot in Observatory and the weekly community Pasta Kitchen — for a raw, touching and deeply authentic conversation.
They explore his Italian roots, the philosophy that “pizza is about love,” Mediterranean values of connection and food, and how a love story with his South African wife led to building a life and business in Cape Town.
Diego opens up about the devastating shark attack that took his wife Kiki, the profound grief that followed, raising their young daughter alone, and how he found purpose, gratitude and abundance through community work. He shares his journey with spirituality, yoga, breathing practices, overcoming addiction, and creating safe spaces for people from all walks of life to share a meal and feel seen.
Honest, heartfelt and deeply human — this episode is about love, loss, resilience and the power of showing up for your community.
⏱️ Full timestamps below — jump straight to the detailed shark attack story (38:42), the Pasta Kitchen (26:18) or his philosophy on love & life (1:00:46).
0:00 - Intro Clips: The Vortex of Life & Shark Attack Tease
0:44 - Welcome to Diego Milesi
1:23 - Ferdinando’s: A Little Corner of Italy in Africa
1:45 - Pizza Is About Love – The Origin Story
3:07 - Italian Food Culture: Connection Over Meals
4:51 - Personal Philosophy: Food, Love & Mediterranean Values
7:02 - The Restaurant Experience: Atmosphere & Feeling
9:06 - Vegetarianism, Meat & Respect for Life
16:04 - Spiritual Connection, The Overview Effect & Life’s Interconnectedness
26:18 - Nadi Reading Story & Deep Human Connection
33:03 - Spirituality, Yoga, Breathing Practices & Personal Growth
38:42 - The Shark Attack: Kiki’s Full Story
42:33 - Processing Tragedy, Grief & Raising His Daughter
47:48 - Community Work: The Observatory Pasta Kitchen
54:31 - Gratitude, Purpose & The Art of Living
1:00:46 - Kriyas, Breath Work & Daily Practice
1:02:55 - Overcoming Addiction Through Breath Work
1:06:52 - Closing: Where to Find Ferdinando’s & The Pasta Kitchen
Ferdinando’ Pizza: https://www.instagram.com/ferdinandospizza/
Art of Living Happiness Program: https://www.artofliving.org/za-en/courses/art-of-living-happiness-program
Youtube for clickable timestamps:
