The Incredible Machines Injury, Introspection, and Reinvention: Dorin Bambus
Welcome to Episode 37 of The Incredible Machines Podcast! In this thought-provoking conversation, Jon Oliff and Luke Holden sit down with Dorin Bambus, a creative director, agency founder, and all-around storyteller. He shares his journey from a sports-obsessed teenager navigating life-changing injuries, through his years as an editor and co-founder of Gorilla Creative Media, to his recent leap into the unknown by moving abroad and embracing new opportunities.
Dorin digs into the lessons learned from physical adversity, the evolution of South Africa’s creative agency landscape, and how self-understanding, resilience, and curiosity can shape both personal and professional paths. He speaks about embracing the change, building creative teams, and shifting the meaning of success over decades.
Whether you’re facing your own crossroads, building something new, or just craving a meaningful origin story, this episode delivers powerful advice, vivid storytelling, and encouragement to stretch beyond your comfort zone.
⏱ Timestamped Overview
00:10 – Introduction and Advice to My 16-Year-Old Self
01:18 – Caring Less About Others’ Opinions with Age
02:05 – Extending Time Horizons and Daily Habits
04:22 – Early Career and Wakeboarding
05:06 – Career Timeline: Blunt Magazine and The Way of Us
06:50 – Giving Up Wakeboarding After Injury
07:12 – Major Life Lows: Physical Injuries
08:01 – First Major Injury: Knee Surgery at 16
09:44 – Second Major Injury: Broken Leg Wakeboarding
14:05 – Third Major Injury: Back Surgery
16:16 – Physical vs. Emotional Lows
18:48 – Hospital Experience and Risk of Amputation
24:08 – Wakeboarding Accident Details
28:07 – Seeking Context and Meaning in Stories
30:10 – Founding Gorilla Creative Media
36:18 – Growth and Evolution of Gorilla
41:22 – Openness to Different Paths
45:39 – Leaving Gorilla and Seeking New Direction
51:17 – Liberation in Uncertainty
55:41 – Favorite Gorilla Campaign: Axe Antiperspirant
01:08:10 – Philosophy of Advertising and Storytelling
01:17:01 – On Rewriting and Perspective
💬 Quote of the Episode
“Talk less, listen more and read more books.” – Dorin Bambus
🧠 Related Campaign Example
Axe “Stay Dry” Campaign — Dorin chose this campaign because it marked a significant departure for Axe, moving from the usual seduction narrative to embracing awkwardness and authenticity, with a simple, confident message. The campaign was notable for being digital-first, featuring headline creative on YouTube rather than traditional media, and for the brand team’s trust in allowing such a bold creative direction.
👣 Relevant Links
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dorinbambus
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dorinvolved/
LinkedIn: https://za.linkedin.com/in/dorinbambus
Gorilla Creative Media Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GorillaCreativeMedia
Gorilla Creative Media Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gorillacm
Gorilla Creative Media LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/gorilla-creative-media
Gorilla Creative Media Twitter: https://x.com/gorillacm
Gorilla Creative Media Website: https://gorilla.agency/
🌐 Connect with Tim Africa
🔗 Website: https://www.tim.africa
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tim.africa
📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/timdotafrica
🎧 Podcast Page: https://www.pod.tim.africa