Pint Size Media

This week, Brian gives you something to think about as the new year approaches – not about the party but about the decisions you need to make.

A little while ago, we were challenged by someone on Facebook to tell good news African stories. We loved the challenge as we believe that there are so many good news stories out there and that they need to be told. One of those stories is of Doctor Samuel Achilefu. Achilefu has an amazing story. A young man from Nigeria who has won international awards for his groundbreaking work in cancer research. We suggest you read this article on his virtual reality goggles that he invented before listening to our interview with Achilefu. We spoke to him on Skype and had a great chat about his beginnings, his career and what keeps him ticking every day.

We spoke to some of the people at the 2015 Master Your Passion event held at the Culinary School of Excellence. The event was a competition where young chefs were given the opportunity to be mentored by experienced people in the field and were then given a "mystery box" challenge and cook some amazing food. It is such a good idea to have a mentoring programme to lift up other people in South Africa and we hope that this programme grows into the future.

A short promotion track to for Pint Size Media's Niche Radio Please contact us for more details social@pintsizemedia.co.za

Last week we went on the train trip of a lifetime. PRASA, the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa, invited us to experience a trip on the Premier Classe train from Johannesburg to Cape Town and back. It was part of an education session and a few other bloggers and personalities were also invited on the trip.

As part of our involvement in Northcliff and the surrounds, we spoke with Ingrid Reinten, the ward councilor for Ward 89 in Johannesburg. We asked her what she does, how the community can help better their area and the process that needs to be followed. Look forward to plenty more from Ingrid in the following weeks.

We spoke with Salma, Nina and Sheela about their collaboration in eTV's new music show "Coke Studio". Hear how they started, worked together and what they hope to achieve now that their single has hit iTunes. Hear the song at https://cokestudio.co.za/videos/71

We spent an afternoon at the amazing 54 on Bath in Rosebank for some "Dandy Drinks". A quite sound update that we recorded there as we were enjoying sundowners.

LISOF, local fashion and retail University, hosted a charity event on Saturday to benefit local charities and non-profit organisations. We popped in to find out what it was all about. https://www.facebook.com/thehautebagproject

We spoke with Anneke Mackensie, the marketing manager of spirits at KWV about their new Cruxland Gin. She says that it's infused with Kalahari Truffles so we needed to find out more.

We look ahead to a busy week of Podcasts here on Pint Size Media and chat about pets, park libraries as well as a look ahead to a podcast from Cuba. Also, we give feedback on the Protect and Serve story we ran last week.

Gauteng will experience the pinnacle of Stellenbosch's finest pleasures, when Stellenbosch at Summer Place 2015, an opulent showcase of wine, food, music and art from the City of Oaks, will get its glitz on in the City of Gold on Wednesday, 25 November. For more information or to buy your tickets contact Elmarie Rabe at Tel: 021 886 8275, send an email to events@wineroute.co.za or book online at www.wineroute.co.za. Also follow @StellWineRoute on Twitter.

Hear from MTN Qhubeka cyclist, Songezo Jim ahead of his ride in the Vuelta. He will become the first South African of colour to ride in a grand tour. He chats weather, home sickness and training tips for the 947 Cycle Challenge.

Hear Nena's story about the police asking her to empty her handbag while waiting for fast food on Monday night.

We spoke with hardware store owner Robert Janbroers. He is actively involved in the Northcliff community and makes it his mission to help. He feels that that is the difference between small and big business. Listen to his interview today...

We caught up with surfer Chris Bertish who inspired us with stories of his book and how you should always reach for you dreams. Fear is there but you need to overcome it. Never give up!

We spent the morning with a few dancers ahead of rehearsal at the Joburg ballet. Hear the passion for their craft, the dedication it takes and the amount of work that they do. Support them to keep this amazing art form alive.

We spoke with Chantal Brown who runs the Northcliff branch of Kevin's Kustom Tattoos. She told us about the challenges she faces as a small business owner and the strangeness of being a tattoo artist.

We spent the morning after Women's Day at a pop-up market at Indulgence Cafe. We spoke to some of the stall holders which included biltong, wine, spices and clothes.

One of our sponsors, Mandi Friedman, chats with author, comedienne, actress and great person, Dayle Robyn. Join in on the fun for our Famous Friday podcast.

Dean du Plessis is a cricket commentator based in Zimbabwe. But he is blind!!!! Hear the amazing story of how a blind man overcame the odds to become a radio commentator and even corrects sighted reporters.