Podcast appearances and mentions of ben karpinski

12.09.25 Pt 2 - Gareth Cliff and Ben Karpinski dive into the weirdest viral moments from the past week – and debate which South African accent takes the crown for being the most annoying (sorry, Roger Racks from the South!). Later, Nosipho Maketo-van den Bragt and Producer Patrick join the conversation to unpack the future of film and media, what's happening in South Africa's creative landscape, and why AVIJOZI is the event to watch this weekend for media and tech lovers. The Real Network

29.08.25 Pt 2 - Gareth Cliff and Ben Karpinski dive into the wild world of killer orcas and their attacks on the ocean's giants, before switching gears to sports banter and the ultimate “breakfast beer” after the Springboks' New Zealand tour. Later, the team welcomes Angela Yeung — a remarkable woman who climbed Everest with the mission to uplift 1,000,000 people by 2035. She opens up about the breathtaking highs, brutal lows, and life lessons from her incredible journey. The Real Network

22.08.25 Pt 1 - Gareth Cliff and Leigh-Ann Mol open the show by tackling the strange silence of President Cyril Ramaphosa, who seems to have gone missing in action while the country faces crisis after crisis. Their conversation takes a sharp turn into international politics, as they debate Donald Trump's rise to “rockstar” status and what that means for global leadership. Clinical psychologist Dr Hanan Bushkin joins the discussion alongside Ben Karpinski to unpack the worrying reality of South African schools — where classrooms are starting to resemble battlegrounds instead of safe learning spaces. The team wrap things up with a heated sports report, as Ben breaks down the frustration of South African fans following Dricus du Plessis' tough loss, and yet another defeat to Australia that has left local supporters feeling bruised. The Real Network

22.08.25 Pt 2 Gareth Cliff and Ben Karpinski dive into a wild story about a woman who celebrated beating cancer by hooking up with 200 men — sparking a broader discussion about the secrets and strange origins of Scientology, from alien myths to modern controversies. Mash joins in with a look at the latest lifestyle buzz around “Ozempic butt,” as well as the dangers of self-driving cars that can unexpectedly grind to a halt in the middle of the road. To end things off on a high note, the team celebrates this week's Beautiful Moment: proudly South African words like “gatvol” officially making their way into the Oxford Dictionary. 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

20.06.25 Pt 1 - Gareth Cliff, Simphiwe Mthethwa and Ben Karpinski are back behind the mic! Gareth unpacks Floyd Shivambu's political party-hopping ways, while the team speculates about the possibility of World War 3 – and what a nuclear winter might actually mean for us all. Plus, why are scientists so keen to resurrect some of history's most dangerous extinct creatures? The Real Network

20.06.25 Pt 2 - Gareth Cliff, Ben Karpinski and Simphiwe Mthethwa vent about how people these days seem to have forgotten basic manners — like not standing in the way! Then AI expert Donald Chauke joins the conversation to unpack the evolution of artificial intelligence, robots learning from each other, and how close we might be to an AI takeover. The Real Network

13.06.25 Pt 1 - Gareth Cliff, Ben Karpinski and Simphiwe Mthethwa unpack the latest drama surrounding Errol Musk, as even his own family starts to keep their distance. They also weigh in on the chaotic LA riots – were they spontaneous or part of a bigger plan? Plus, a cautionary tale on why getting too close to people who live in their cars might not end well. The Real Network

06.06.25 Pt 1 - Gareth Cliff, Simphiwe Mthethwa, and Ben Karpinski are back together—and things get wild fast. Ben spills the tea (and maybe a few follicles) on his recent hair transplant and the recovery journey. The team debates whether killing your enemies with kindness is genius or just passive-aggressive nonsense. Plus, the latest chaos from the Diddy case… including a shocking story involving someone dangling from a balcony. The Real Network

06.06.25 Pt 1 - Gareth Cliff, Ben Karpinski, and Simphiwe Mthethwa get into the strange (but very real) trend of funeral reviews—yes, people are rating send-offs now. The trio unpacks how South Africans are navigating grief in the age of social media. Ben returns from the UK with stories of posh living, bad weather, and surprising culture shocks. And finally—have we become too sensitive as a nation, or are we just confused about how to feel? The Real Network

09.05.25 Pt 1 - Gareth Cliff and Ben Karpinski weigh in on the election of the new Pope and why preserving tradition still holds value in a fast-changing world. They also unpack the controversy around Julius Malema being denied entry into the UK, and what it says about South Africa's global standing and political self-respect. Plus, in an era where media is everywhere and on every device, they tackle the increasingly blurry line between public interest and personal privacy The Real Network

02.05.25 Pt 1 - Gareth and Ben Karpinski dive headfirst into the internet's most unhinged debate — who would win in a fight: 100 men or 1 gorilla? (Spoiler: things get heated.) They also unpack the curse of popularity and why being the most liked person might actually suck. Plus, they uncover one of the wildest, most chaotic sports to ever come out of Australia — and it's as mad as it sounds. The Real Network

11.04.25 Pt 1 - Gareth Cliff and Ben Karpinski reflect on their wildest Sun City memories—some loved, some... not so much. ChatGPT breaks down The Art of the Deal, with Gareth offering his own hot take. Plus, are the strongest friendships built on disagreements? The Real Network

04.04.2025 Pt 1 - Gareth Cliff, Simphiwe Mthethwa, and Ben Karpinski kick off the show with a fiery debate: Do women really make everything about themselves—and if so, why? Gareth unpacks the GNU's bizarre celebration of a VAT increase that will only make South Africans poorer, while Ben shares why embracing and celebrating others can be the ultimate life hack The Real Network

04.04.2025 Pt 2 - Gareth Cliff, Simphiwe Mthethwa, and Ben Karpinski break down the so-called demise of The Joe Rogan Experience and why most people still don't understand what podcasting truly is. They also uncover a real-life person who looks straight out of Matilda and, as always, Ben gives you the latest highlights from the world of sport The Real Network

28.03.25 Pt 1 - Simphiwe Mthethwa takes over the host's chair for a special birthday episode! Joined by Ben Karpinski, the two dive into the highs (and possible lows) of turning 30, the true meaning behind giving a "broke boy hug," and—just maybe—Ben stumbling into love with a fan of the show. The Real Network

28.03.25 Pt 2 - With Gareth away, Simphiwe Mthethwa takes the reins, joined by Ben Karpinski and GCS super fan Mapelo Lubleki. Mapelo goes on a passionate Make The Show Great rant, while a very defensive Ben fights back. Plus, the crew imagines a world where companies like Eskom, Pick n Pay, and Uber had Tinder profiles—swipe left or right? The Real Network

14.03.25 Pt 1 - Gareth Cliff, Simphiwe Mthethwa, and Ben Karpinski dive into Budget 2025, breaking down the impact of a VAT hike on your wallet. They also tackle the age-old question: how do fat people become fat people? Plus, Gareth can't stop raving about a German Netflix series The Real Network

Gareth Cliff and Ben Karpinski sit down with Sports Conditioning Specialist John Meintjes to unpack the power of fitness and the crucial role mental resilience plays in living a healthy life. From practical workout tips to staying positive in tough times The Real Network

7.3.25 Pt 1 - Join Gareth Cliff, Simphiwe Mthethwa, and Ben Karpinski as they unpack just how out of touch President Cyril Ramaphosa seems after his visit to Joburg CBD, dissect the unmistakable look of someone who might just boil your cat, and gear up for an action-packed sports weekend with Ben's colorful preview. The Real Network

7.3.25 Pt 2 - Gareth Cliff, Simphiwe Mthethwa, and Ben Karpinski tackle the hard-hitting questions—like just how viable it is to buy a cash-in-transit van (asking for a friend). They also dive into the wild world of collectibles, including a Pokémon-shaped chip that sold for a ridiculous amount of money. Plus, straight from The Real Network offices, Mykala joins the show to pitch a bold new business venture… OnlyFeet, anyone? The Real Network

28.02.25 pt 1 - Gareth Cliff, Ben Karpinski, and Simphiwe Mthethwa dive into the ultimate worst-case scenario on a plane—what if your seatmate is dead? Plus, Gareth gifts Ben a sauna hat (for him and all his friends, of course), and the crew debates whether Elon Musk is just a genius or an egotistical mastermind The Real Network

21.02.25 Pt 1 - Gareth Cliff, Simphiwe Mthethwa, and Ben Karpinski catch up with the life of Lily Phillips, who's now pregnant after her wild experiment of sleeping with over 100 guys. They also dive into the ANC's bizarre, staggered launch of Starlink South Africa—what's the holdup? And finally, Elon Musk has some interesting advice for those planning a trip to SA The Real Network

21.02.25 Pt 2 - Gareth Cliff, Simphiwe Mthethwa, and Ben Karpinski take a hilarious deep dive into the world's most useless utensils—yes, including a fork on a chain. They also uncover the bizarre reason why Steven Spielberg kept extra children on the Jurassic Park set. Plus, former Springbok Flip van der Merwe joins the team for a laid-back catch-up on life in France The Real Network

14.02.25 Pt 1 - Valentine's Day isn't for everyone—and that's perfectly okay! Gareth Cliff, Simphiwe Mthethwa, and Ben Karpinski dive into the reality of being single on the most love-soaked day of the year. Ben lays out his (very specific) wishlist for a potential partner, while the team shares some of the weirdest, wildest dating stories you've ever heard. The Real Network

14.02.25 Pt 2 - Gareth Cliff, Simphiwe Mthethwa, and Ben Karpinski hear about the wildest relationship dynamics shared by the audience. Plus, Ben reveals how he ended up with a woman's diary filled with Snow White quotes (yes, really) and gives a sports preview for all the singles spending the weekend on the couch The Real Network

07.02.25 Pt 2 - Gareth Cliff Simphiwe Mthethwa and Ben Karpinski find the best "comparisons" for some of South Africa's politicians - including a reference to a rhino. They also dig into how your environment shapes your character and tackle the big question: How much money would it take for you to ditch your current life and start fresh? The Real Network

07.02.25 Pt 1 - Gareth Cliff, Simphiwe Mthethwa, and Ben Karpinski dive into the most bizarre outfits from this year's Grammys—because apparently, fashion has no rules anymore. They also unpack the latest drama surrounding Kanye West, who seems to be keeping his wife under strict fashion lockdown. Plus, a deeper conversation on how society has completely forgotten what competence looks like The Real Network

31.01.25 Pt 2 - Gareth Cliff, Simphiwe Mthethwa, and Ben Karpinski uncover the secrets Cape Town locals don't want you to know, dive into a new Afrikaans ride-hailing service, and let the audience dish out some brutal honesty to producers James and Flex The Real Network

31.01.25 Pt 1 - Gareth Cliff, Simphiwe Mthethwa, and Ben Karpinski dive into the looming threat of war for South Africa, a bizarre delicacy from Vietnam that'll make your stomach turn, and why—love him or hate him—Donald Trump is the guy everyone secretly wants to be The Real Network

24.01.25 Pt 1 - Gareth Cliff, Simphiwe Mthethwa, and Ben Karpinski dive into the quirks that make South Africans truly one of a kind. From debating whether height still matters when the wallet's overflowing to Ben's passionate ode to the legendary club Accrington Stanley The Real Network

Pt 1 - Gareth Cliff, Simphiwe Mthethwa, and Ben Karpinski kickstart their Friday with a fiery discussion about celebrities crying over their multimillion-dollar mansions lost in the California fires – should we really care? They also dig into the ANC's 113th birthday celebrations (party hats or power struggles?) and gush over Cape Town snagging the "Best City in the World” title The Real Network

10.01.25 Pt 1 - Gareth Cliff is joined by the dynamic Simphiwe Mthethwa and the ever-entertaining Ben Karpinski. They dive into some fiery topics—literally—discussing the LA wildfires, share hilarious takes on a car that can leap over potholes, and explore the secrets to keeping a relationship intact The Real Network

19.02.24 Pt 1 - Simphiwe educates Gareth on the Soft Guy era, leading to a rabbit hole discussion about what your phone says about you. Ben Karpinski joins the team to chat about Masters etiquette… and new swear words. www.cliffcentral.com

08.03.24 Pt 1 - Gareth and Simphiwe take an online test to see who they should vote for ahead of the elections, which leads to a conversation about what the best reforms could be for South Africa. Simphiwe tells us about a growing epidemic from using screens and technology too much. And, Ben Karpinski joins the show with all the action to look forward to in the world of sport. www.cliffcentral.com

16.02.24 Pt 1 - Gareth and Simphiwe chat about a new state-owned bank launching soon. A childless team discuss good vs bad parenting, and the state of social media… and Ben Karpinski takes us Beyond The Scoreboard for your weekend sport. www.cliffcentral.com

Ben Karpinski has put a challenge out to the GCS Team to find their dream car for a R200k on AutoTrader, but things take a twist when Simphiwe reveals her business venture, that comes with her dream car! AutoTrader

George Mienie joins Gareth Cliff, Ben Karpinski and Simphiwe Mthethwa live in studio to talk about new roads being built in Florida, the latest product coming out from Subaru using recycled materials and car vending machines. Also, hear the latest feature coming out on AutoTrader. AutoTrader

Comedian Jason Goliath comes in guns blazing as he stands up for fat people against Gareth Cliff and Ben Karpinski. They also get into a discussion about how he survived lockdown, how a hacker defrauded his business of over R250k, the difference between ‘digital' and ‘real life' comedians, and being the new voice of Comedy Central Africa.

Comedian Jason Goliath comes in guns blazing as he stands up for fat people against Gareth Cliff and Ben Karpinski. They also get into a discussion about how he survived lockdown, how a hacker defrauded his business of over R250k, the difference between ‘digital' and ‘real life' comedians, and being the new voice of Comedy Central Africa. www.cliffcentral.com

06.05.22 Pt 1 - Gareth chats to the Saxby Twins about being discovered on TikTok, and their process of making music. Ben Karpinski joins the show and shares his new morning routine with us.

I am thrilled to tell you that we're partnering with the Glenlivet to bring you a series of conversations with innovative entrepreneurs over the next 10 episodes. The whiskey connoisseurs amongst you will know the Glenlivet as an award winning sought after collection of Speyside single malt Scotch whiskies, just like that collection, this series of conversations, we'll have a little something for everyone. We're going to be talking to inventors creatives, financial wunderkinds, problem solvers and more, celebrating those who strive to find answers and solve problems, where others have given up even asking questions. In our first episode, I talked to arguably South Africa's leading expert on branded content, an old friend and colleague in the digital marketing industry, Mike Sharman. Mike is the CEO of marketing agencies Retroviral and Retroactive and more recently a co-founder with ex-Springbok rugby player Bryan Habana and Ben Karpinski of a company called Match Kit, an exciting tech startup that was recently included in a prestigious alpha code incubator program. I talked to Mike about this, and other remarkable achievements. About his insatiable and infectious enthusiasm for creative work, and about the lessons he learned building these incredible businesses. Before we get into the show, please remember to pay close attention and keep an eye on my social media. Toward the end of the series, we'll be giving away some incredible Glenlivet hampers to a few lucky listeners. Glenlivet Website · Connect with Mike Sharman on LinkedIn · Retroviral · Match Kit