The Gareth Cliff Show

15.08.2025 pt 2 In this episode, Gareth and Ben dive into the complex debate around multiculturalism, arguing that while Europe's model has eroded cultural identity, South Africa's unique mix of traditions thrives without forced assimilation. They slam the homogenisation of culture into bland commercialism and champion cultural pride. The conversation shifts to Sydney Sweeney's American Eagle ad controversy, poking fun at the small but loud group of critics and exploring modern attitudes toward beauty and body image. From there, we share the story of Chloe Walker, who underwent forehead reduction surgery to boost her confidence, sparking a discussion on cosmetic surgery, self-improvement, and moving beyond childhood insecurities. In a bizarre turn, they dissect reports of Vladimir Putin traveling with a bulletproof suitcase containing his own bodily waste to avoid espionage, noting the paranoia and ego such measures reveal. The show wraps with a listener poll on the new three-hour format, with most respondents disliking it — though the gents vow to push ahead regardless. The Real Network

15.08.2025 pt 1 On our final Friday show before a major format change, Gareth and Ben delivered a whirlwind of sports, politics, and jaw-dropping oddities. They kicked off with news that Fridays will soon be longer and packed with live guests, before diving into Ben's golf plans and a comical look at Donald Trump's armored “Batmobile” golf cart. The sporting lineup was huge — from the Rugby Championship and MTN8 semi-finals to Premier League kick-off and UFC 319's explosive showdown between Drius and Kamzat. The conversation took stranger turns with an outrageous 1970s tale dubbed tape,” mixing disbelief with dark humour, and a sharp discussion about violent taxi versus e-hailing clashes in Soweto. The hosts also unpacked global politics — from New Zealand's criticism of Israel to the UK's royal gossip — while never straying too far from the banter and audience interaction that keep their community hooked. It was a send-off show that had everything: high-stakes sport, political fire, absurd human behaviour, and street-level South African realities — a perfect snapshot of why the live format keeps our audience coming back. The Real Network

13.08.2025 pt 2 In a wide-ranging and unapologetically honest chat, comedian Kurt takes us from the smell of leather bench seats in classic cars to the uncomfortable sting of racism, making the case for humor as a bridge between people. Along the way, he rips into modern cars' soulless designs, the quirks of South Africa's “celebrity” class, and why some insults sting more in certain cultures than others. There's no sacred cow — whether it's customer service disasters, the politics of apologies, or the absurdity of cancel culture, Kurt calls it as he sees it. The conversation swerves between personal and political — one minute dissecting the global decline of genuine fame through the lens of Will Smith, the next debating the raw power of swear words and whether censoring them just makes them stronger. From the grind of running a comedy club to the difference between killing it on stage versus online, it's a masterclass in navigating the modern cultural minefield — all ending with a hilariously bittersweet sign-off about birthdays, ghosted dates, and funeral fashion. The Real Network

13.08. 2025 pt 1 Comedians Dave Levinson and Kurt Schoonrat join Gareth in studio for a mix of sharp wit, war stories from the stage, and some brutal honesty about life in comedy and South Africa. From overpriced steaks and coffee shop economics to the chaos of early shows and the reality of hecklers, it's a hilarious yet revealing look at the hustle behind the punchlines. The conversation swerves from absurd bathroom encounters and bizarre dreams to bigger questions about leadership, politics, and the state of the nation. It's part roast, part reality check – with just enough satire to make the truth go down a little easier. The Real Network

Parenting expert Dr. Ken Resnik joins to flip the script on modern parenting trends, pushing for calm authority, boundaries, and fostering independence over overprotection. The decline in basic social skills and etiquette, accelerated by generational shifts and tech dependence, is eroding how we connect — at home, at work, and in society at large. Parenting today faces a maze of conflicting advice, overdiagnosis, and societal pressures. Dr. Resnik offers clarity with practical, calm, and structured guidance. The crossroads of technology, mental health, and social behavior demands balance — ensuring innovation supports, not replaces, the emotional depth of human relationships. From the erosion of manners to the modern parenting maze, from AI's promise to its pitfalls, the episode is a call for common sense, resilience, and genuine connection in a distracted world. The Real Network

The team signs off their final Monday show before moving to Fridays with a sharp, unfiltered dive into hot-button topics — starting with the furore over politician Gayton McKenzie's use of a racial slur. They challenge the social media outrage cycle, calling for resilience, context, and less performative anger. There's a nostalgic but pragmatic look at how radio has evolved, why clinging to the past risks irrelevance, and how audiences have shifted. Joined by renowned psychologist and head of the Anxiety and Trauma Clinic in Johannesburg, DR Hanan Bushkin as the they speak on more increased number of Gen Z turning to AI chatbots for mental health solution and support. The Real Network

08.08.25 Pt 2 - Gareth Cliff and Ben Karpinski dive into the differences in how women and men handle competition — from the workplace to friendships — and why it often plays out with different emotional stakes. Things get a little hairy (literally) as they unpack bizarre gym habits, including the questionable choice of shaving in the locker room. Later, Siegfried Lokotsch joins the conversation to explore the dangers of misinformation and how Trump's tariffs are shaking up South African businesses. The Real Network

08.08.25 Pt 1 - Gareth Cliff and Ben Karpinski kick off Friday with the lukewarm cultural clash of Sydney Sweeney vs Beyoncé — a debate no one asked for but everyone seems to have an opinion on. Things get wilder with a headline about a man hunting a buffalo, only for the audience to side with the animal. Ben wraps it up with his uniquely crafted sports report to gear you up for the weekend. The Real Network

06.08.25 Pt 2 - Gareth Cliff is joined by all-round sports guy Stefano Vigoriti for a frank discussion on the troubled state of South African water polo. From the lack of clear pathways for athletes to the deep-rooted mismanagement stalling progress, they unpack how poor leadership is holding the sport back. The conversation also widens to explore the bigger picture—how nationalism and the identity of individual countries continue to shape global sport. The Real Network

06.08.25 Pt 1 - Gareth Cliff is joined by motivational speaker Gavin Sharples for a powerful conversation about authenticity in a world dominated by filters and facades. They unpack the vital role of family in shaping a child's future, debate which parent has the greater influence, and reflect on Gavin's early days as a police officer—offering bold thoughts on how to fix a broken system. The Real Network

04.08.25 Pt 2 - Gareth Cliff and Leigh-Ann Mol dive into the ripple effects of Trump's tariffs on South Africans — including a shocking case of a company losing its entire staff overnight. Gareth reflects on the “gut state of being” and how to stay grounded in an increasingly chaotic world. Plus, the team unpacks the staggering amounts of money being thrown at Joburg's leadership… with little to show for it. The Real Network

04.08.25 Pt 1 - Gareth Cliff and Leigh-Ann Mol kick off the week by unpacking the chaos of the digital world — where every tweet and post comes with a side of misinformation and outrage. A bizarre hot dog spill becomes the story no one expected, and Dr Hanan joins the conversation to explore how the language of “toxicity” and “triggers” is reshaping how we talk about self-care. The Real Network

01.08.25 Pt 2 - Gareth Cliff and Mash get real about whether ugly people are getting enough action—and why Mash believes there truly is someone for everyone. Plus, meet Winston, the new office dog stealing hearts around the studio. And just when you think it's all smooth, terrible gym habits creep in, sparking a hilarious chat about someone who's been shaving way too much… in the toilet! The Real Network

01.08.25 Pt 1 - Gareth Cliff kicks off Friday with Mash as they spill the beans on coffee — and why some brews are actually just chicory in disguise. They dive into the curious craze around Lebubu dolls, unpacking why these creepy collectibles are flying off shelves. Plus, a spicy debate on France's first “woman” and the controversies swirling around her gender identity. The Real Network

30.07.25 Pt 2 - Gareth Cliff and Heinz Winckler reunite for another eye-opening conversation — starting with Heinz's recent trip to Israel and the one place on Earth where he says you can feel the energy shift. From there, the conversation takes a wild turn into the world of eugenics, sparked by a controversial Sydney Sweeney jeans ad. The duo also unpack Jaguar's bold rebrand and explore why, in today's world, people are afraid to say what they really think. The Real Network

30.07.25 Pt 1 - Gareth Cliff sits down with singer and speaker Heinz Winckler for a raw and thought-provoking conversation. From the idea that “it takes a family to raise a village” to the crucial role of fatherhood, the two explore the foundations of a thriving society. They dig into faith, science, and whether the Big Bang really happened — and question if society's obsession with tolerance is doing more harm than good The Real Network

28.07.25 Pt 2 - Gareth Cliff and Leigh-Ann welcome South Africa's finest water sommelier, Candice Jansen, for a deep dive into all things H₂O. From why water actually tastes different, to the smartest ways to stay hydrated, the conversation flows into the latest water trends and the growing concerns around Gauteng's unreliable supply. Plus, Candice shares practical advice on how to keep your water safe — and your standards high. The Real Network

28.07.25 Pt 1 - Gareth Cliff and Leigh-Ann kick off the week diving into a new dating app that's got people talking — mostly down to its mission to mock men. This sparks a brutally honest chat about how men and women navigate breakups differently. Things take a wild turn with a bizarre story involving monks and meth, before the team unpack what really draws men and women to each other — from the superficial to the surprisingly deep. The Real Network

23.07.25 Pt 2 - Gareth Cliff is joined by actress and presenter Ceylonia Bekker for a thought-provoking chat on gender identity, societal shifts, and whether we're becoming detached from reality. They unpack the influence of non-binary representation on youth, reflect on the wild legacy of Ozzy Osbourne, and Ceylonia delivers a one-of-a-kind GCS-style weather report. The Real Network

23.07.25 Pt 1 - Gareth Cliff sits down with actress, model, and presenter Ceylonia Bekker for a candid conversation. From being dubbed “South Africa's Last Weather Girl” to stepping behind the scenes of a horror film, Ceylonia reflects on her unique career journey. They unpack the fading era of weather presenters, career-defining moments, and whether relationships really shape who we become. The Real Network

21.07.25 Pt 2 - Gareth Cliff and Leigh-Ann Mol unpack society's obsession with attention, sparked by the story of a woman transforming herself into a real-life bimbo. Gareth vents about the South African Revenue Service, questioning why taxpayers still feel harassed—even when SARS owes them money. The team also explores the surprising reverse migration trend, as more people return to Gauteng after chasing the Cape Town dream. The Real Network

21.07.25 Pt 1 - Gareth Cliff and Leigh-Ann Mol ease into the week like an old married couple—scrolling through Leigh-Ann's Bali holiday pics and unpacking the grim reality of Bali Belly. Producer James delivers a long-winded sports report that somehow morphs into a deep dive on the strange mystery that is Centurion. Plus, what has Armenia given the world? You'd be surprised… and slightly disturbed The Real Network

18.06.25 Pt 2 - Gareth Cliff, Ben Karpinski, and Simphiwe Mthethwa take a ride through the absurd and the intriguing — from a futuristic mode of transport so good Gareth might just remortgage his house, to South Africa's prison system and creative (and bizarre) ways to keep inmates occupied… like sauna hats. Plus, the team reimagines what a modern-day Robben Island could look like. The Real Network

18.06.25 Pt 1 - Gareth Cliff, Ben Karpinski, and Simphiwe Mthethwa kick off your Friday with a wild ride through the headlines. From rising whispers of a potential coup in South Africa to the hilariously tragic ways Brits are coping with the heat (yes, including a man sitting in his dustbin), nothing is off-limits. Plus, the unbelievable story of a woman who seduced multiple monks — all in the name of money The Real Network

16.06.25 Pt 2 - Gareth Cliff and Ben Karpinski unpack the evolution of feminism and whether it's shifted into a space of toxic compassion. They debate what true equality means — is it about independence, or the freedom to choose? The conversation moves to teenage football star Lamine Yamal, whose recent request sparked backlash from the dwarfism community. Plus, how much does your online persona change the way people see — and treat — you in real life? The Real Network

16.06.25 Pt 1 - Gareth Cliff and Ben Karpinski kick off Wednesday with stories from Ben's Spanish adventures and a brush with LIV Golf. They then dive into South Africa's shaky state of affairs — from more political setbacks to a declined U.S. visa for a key figure. Plus, the ever-deepening mystery of the Jeffrey Epstein case and why it keeps getting more complicated. The Real Network

14.06.25 Pt 2 - Gareth Cliff and Mash sit down with Forbes 30 Under 30 changemaker and psychologist Cayley Jorgensen for a powerful conversation on mental health in the youth and the modern workplace. They unpack the cultural stigma around therapy in Africa, how different communities approach mental health, and what needs to change. Cayley also opens up about managing her own mental health as a psychologist — and what to do when the healer needs healing too. The Real Network

14.06.25 Pt 1 - Gareth Cliff is joined by Mash for a candid catch-up filled with life updates and relationship real talk. Would you call it quits if your partner had a child with someone else? The guys unpack that messy question — and then shift gears to Cyril Ramaphosa's lukewarm response to a national security threat. The Real Network

11.07.25 Pt 2 - Is the iPad era coming to an end? Gareth Cliff is joined by tech enthusiast Theunis Jansen van Rensburg for a deep dive into the latest shifts in the digital world. From cutting-edge laptops and smartphone trends to Grok's recent rogue behavior, they explore the future of AI in a misinformation minefield. Plus, what does Microsoft's big cloud push into Africa mean for the continent's digital future? The Real Network

11.07.25 Pt 1 - Gareth Cliff and Simphiwe Mthethwa start their day talking about the abandoned Akon City and his crypto coin - has he been a bigger scam artist than scam artists. Ben joins the show to give an update o his trip to Spain. The team speak about the evolution of water bottles and how a company made millions selling VAWTER. Gareth gets invested in Wimbledon, with Ben breaking down everything you can expect The Real Network

9.07.25 Pt 2 - Gareth Cliff and comedian Joe Emilio get real about the state of South Africa — asking the hard question: why can the ANC organise so well when looting, but not when leading? From political frustration to practical solutions, the two trade thoughts on how to fix what's broken. Plus, Gareth shares some surprising advice on the types of groups and communities you should align with if you want to stay safe and sane in SA today. The Real Network

9.07.25 Pt 1 - Gareth Cliff sits down with comedian and MC Joe Emilio for a candid conversation that hits hard and hits home. They unpack Joe's powerful new documentary on land invasions in South Africa — a topic that's as controversial as it is current. Joe also shares his unique life journey from Texas to Egypt to Cape Town, reflecting on identity, belonging, and survival. The two dive into a gritty comparison of Johannesburg's crumbling infrastructure versus the Mother City's glossy surface The Real Network

7.07.25 Pt 2 - Is the age of mega-influencers over? Gareth and Leigh-Ann dive into the new world of niche power and intimate influence with special guest Ronen Aires. They unpack the rise of Gen Z economics—how this generation is flipping spending habits, reshaping the job market, and forcing companies to rethink everything from brand loyalty to workplace culture The Real Network

7.07.25 Pt 1 - Gareth and Leigh-Ann kick off the week with a look at the brewing tension between BRICS and the US as Trump-era tariffs make a comeback. Meghan Markle's latest media moment has the internet gagging (again), and Dr Hanan steps in to help a listener facing a deeply personal crisis involving suicide. The Real Network

4.07.25 Pt 2 - Gareth Cliff sits down with attorney and essayist Richard Wilkinson for a thought-provoking conversation on the rise of Critical Race Theory and Gender Ideology in South African schools. They explore how these ideas are influencing communities, education, and identity — and whether honest dialogue can help bridge the divide between past injustices and a more united future. The Real Network

4.07.25 Pt 1 - Gareth Cliff, Ben Karpinski, and Simphiwe Mthethwa kick off your Friday with a fiery mix of news, controversy, and culture. They unpack the latest in the Diddy trial — and why some feminist circles are fuming over the outcome. Then it's on to Charlize Theron: has Benoni really ever left her? Plus, the team wrestles with a tough question — where exactly is the line between cohesion and consent? Buckle up for a no-holds-barred conversation. The Real Network

02.07.25 Pt 2 - Gareth Cliff and Mash put their heads together (with the audience's help) to solve a relatable dilemma: Mash's brother just can't find the motivation to get a job. Can some crowd-sourced career advice help? They also dive into the surprising rise of TikTok as a go-to study tool for students, and wrap things up with some of the craziest business ideas—like selling honey and toilet paper under one roof The Real Network

02.07.25 Pt 1 - Gareth Cliff and Mash kick off the show with a bang — unpacking how Diddy's legal team has riled up the swingers community by blaming their lifestyle for his alleged crimes. Then things get wilder: Candace Owens claims Donald Trump called her about Brigitte Macron… and her manhood? Plus, did Katy Perry really go to space, or is she just orbiting reality? The Real Network

30.06.25 Pt 2 - Gareth Cliff is joined by renowned South African broadcaster and history enthusiast Des Latham for a compelling conversation that journeys through pivotal moments in the country's past — from the Soweto Uprising to the transformative events of 1994. Des reflects on the personal and public impact of his history podcast and shares insights on identity, heritage, and navigating a nation as diverse as South Africa The Real Network

30.06.25 Pt 1 - Gareth Cliff and Leigh-Ann Mol unpack the shocking decline of South Africa's major metros — think ghost buses, broken robots, and city services on life support. They also explore why Mondays see the highest suicide rates, and ask the controversial question: why does women's sport struggle to hold attention? The Real Network

27.06.25 Pt 2 - Gareth Cliff, Simphiwe Mthethwa, and Ben Karpinski dive into a real conversation about coping with depression — is physical action like going for a run the answer, or is it more about shifting your mindset? Ben previews the Springboks' big return to the field this weekend, and a listener's clever tip for blocking spam calls gets Gareth's instant seal of approval. The Real Network

27.06.25 Pt 1 - Gareth Cliff, Ben Karpinski, and Simphiwe Mthethwa kick off the morning with a surprising stat — Argentina now leads the western world in GDP growth. What lessons can South Africa take from that? They also unpack the jaw-dropping price tag of a luxury apartment going for over R100 million, and question whether we're raising a generation of adults who lack basic problem-solving skills. The Real Network