The Gareth Cliff Show
The Gareth Cliff Show is a leading, truly independent digital broadcast in South Africa, currently airing live on Fridays (formerly on The Real Network and CliffCentral), hosted by Gareth Cliff alongside regular and guest contributors. The aim is to entertain, inform, inspire and empower local and international audiences with powerful interviews, hot-takes on current affairs, talk about the things nobody else talks about and make people laugh, smile and think.
Episodes
16 Years. Mexico. Again. | Bafana's Night, Winnie's Trial & SA's Unfinished Business
Bafana's World Cup opener ends in red cards and heartbreak — Gareth and Ben pick through the pieces. Then Deidre Broodryk-Ward's Window Seat takes us to the Kruger (and a few escapes closer to Joburg), before Ivor Ichikowitz, Executive Producer of Netflix's The Trials of Winnie Mandela, joins for a compelling chat about the docuseries and the legacy it explores. Football, bushveld and history — al
Psychedelics, Politics & Penalties. Only SA Can Do A Week Like This
What happens when a South African businessman loses everything,
falls into suicidal depression — and a mushroom ceremony changes
his life forever? Moshe Reuven Schneider joins Gareth to share
one of the most extraordinary personal journeys you'll hear this
year. From Joburg boardrooms to the Amazon rainforest,
apprenticing under the Huni Kuin — one of the most respected
indigenous tribes in
Genius' and Lunatic's Live on the Same Street
Personal brand or just an influencer with a ring light? Gareth and Ben kick off the Friday with a real conversation about whether building a personal brand actually matters, and where the line is between genuine influence and just performing for the algorithm. They also take a look at the Enhanced Games, which promised to rewrite the record books and largely didn't, and ask a spicy question: is as
Gym Bathrooms, Temu Cars & Bok Dreams
Gareth and Mash kick off Friday with a rant about people who feel the need to be loud all the time… especially in places like the gym bathroom. That spirals into a debate about the absolute worst places to take a phone call — and yes, the gym remains high on the list. Ben joins the show fresh off his club’s Premier League title win, bringing all the humility you’d expect. The guys also unpack Chin
Let Them Eat Cupcakes & How Our Money Is Changing
Leigh-Ann Mol is back and the team wastes no time diving into the big debates. Why do women love flowers, and why can't men see the value in them? And is being a short king actually an underrated advantage, or is height still the ultimate flex? The crew unpacks both. The team also speak on the latest findings around the Ramaphosa Phala Phala situation.
Then, Jonathan Fine and Lourens Reichert join
Back, Bothered & Motivated | ft. Simon Phillips
The team is back and the world didn't exactly slow down while they were gone.
Gareth and Ben catch up on everything that's been happening, including yet another assassination attempt on Donald Trump. They also turn their attention closer to home — or at least, closer to the couch — as they unpack the growing Gen Z trend of grieving the end of a weekend. Is it a mental health conversation worth ha
Begging for Coachella & Fixing South Africa
Gareth and Ben kick off Friday by taking aim at influencers who are willing to literally beg for brand deals just to make it to Coachella — but are influencers even influential anymore? The conversation then shifts to the surprising return of old-school dating trends that feel straight out of the early 1900s. Mash jumps in to stir things up with a take on “looksmaxxing” and body image, before DA D
Influencers, Idiots & A Stray Tissue
Gareth and Ben kick off their Friday unpacking the latest drama from the Madlanga Commission — including a mysterious stray tissue that’s got people talking. They dive into the bizarre world of looksmaxxing after its so-called leader, Clavicular, nearly overdoses, raising serious questions about the trend. The Comments Section LIVE returns with Bitcoin Boet… who’s baking bread? Yes, really. Plus,
Body Cams, Bad Decisions & Broken Roads
Gareth and Ben unpack our strange obsession with celebrity downfalls — especially those raw DUI body cam moments that go viral. They also break down rising tensions in the Strait of Hormuz and why it matters globally.
Tumi Morake brings humour and perspective, from her joke about coming back as a butch lesbian to the impact of a new game she’s worked on that’s shining a light on African talent.
AI Slop, Gender Myths & Podcast Control
Gareth Cliff is back, unpacking the rise of AI-generated “slop” and asking where real content disappeared to. Dr Hanan breaks down the Greater Male Variability Hypothesis (and why women aren’t actually “crazy”), while Jonathan Warncke from the SA Podcasters Guild weighs in on potential government regulation—and what it means for authenticity in podcasting.
LIV Golf Chaos, Temu Dangers & Haydn Porteous' Comeback
Gareth and Ben kick off Friday with their take on South Africa’s first LIV Golf event, before diving into the risks of buying steaks and seafood from Temu—and the absurdity of convenience culture in 2026. Maria Watkins joins the team to talk about Gorilla Tracking in Rwanda, and how even the President helps on Spring Cleaning Day.
Dr Alastair McAlpine breaks down what you actually need to know ab
Global Politics, Orania Property & The Impact of DJ Warras
Gareth kicks off the show with a fiery rant about the current state of government and South Africa’s global alliances. Ben joins the conversation to break down the latest in sport, including the buzz around the first LIV Golf event on South African soil. Mash dives into the property market in Orania and unpacks the curious trend of “Ozempic Face,” with some well-known celebrities showing the effec
Gun Laws, Global Tensions and Eating Disorders
Gareth and Leigh-Ann unpack the shifting landscape of global geopolitics and what South Africa’s potential role could look like in the event of a wider global conflict. Hanan delivers a powerful monologue on eating disorders, questioning whether society truly treats them as the serious mental health issue they are. Simon Wilkins from Galetti joins the conversation to discuss his incredible 36km sw
Ranking Lesbians & Olympic Village Chaos
Did we get it wrong from the start? Gareth Cliff and Leigh-Ann Mol kick things off by unpacking why people cling to unnecessary memories instead of holding onto the small bits of good that actually matter. Dr Hanan joins the conversation as the team asks a bold question: in a world where everyone is self-diagnosed as depressed or anxious, where did all the actual crazy people go?
Things take a ch
Were We Wrong About Everything? Epstein, MJ, and the Death of Truth
Did we have it all wrong the whole time? Gareth Cliff and Ben Karpinski start their day diving headfirst into the Epstein Files and the explosive question of whether Michael Jackson may have been a protector of children, not a predator. Dr Hanan joins the show as the team challenge the long-held myth that women are naturally more empathetic — the science might surprise you. Mash steps in to unpack
Influence, Epstein & Exit Visas
Do we need to suffer for kids to bloom? That’s the uncomfortable question that kicks off today’s conversation as the team unpacks Gen Z mental-health buzzwords and the culture shaping them. Levi Brown joins the show to talk DeInfluencing — what it really means, why it matters, and how he’s using his platform to push back against brands like Virgin Active in the name of accountability.
Gareth Cli
Untouchable: Power, Crime & Politics
This episode gets uncomfortable—in the best way. Gareth Cliff unpacks the Epstein files, power, and the mindset of those who believe they’re untouchable at the top of the pyramid. We’re joined by Safe Citizen founder Jonathan Deal to talk protecting South Africans amid rising crime, before Wesley Jacobs weighs in on the by-election and how military discipline shapes his political outlook.
Politics, Predictions & the Chaos of Modern Dating
A year after the elections, Gareth Cliff looks ahead and makes bold predictions about the future of South Africa’s Government of National Unity – and wonders who might mysteriously land on the 2026 Death Pool. The team unpacks what they call the “true epidemic” and why the title fits a little too well. Relationship expert Sacha Jack joins the conversation alongside superfan Neil Meintjies to offer
Secrets, Sex & Soft Power
Gareth digs into Donald Trump’s view on South Africa — and just how much US intelligence really knows about the country (hint: it’s more than you think). Dr Hanan joins the conversation on the loneliness that often comes with healing, before the team unpacks the real forces behind today’s growing sex recession. Plus, Martin Weist from Tourvest Travel Services breaks down travel trends for 2026, an
Sobriety, Surveillance & South African Survival
Gen Z has ditched alcohol but picked up what exactly? Gareth, Leigh-Ann and Ben question the fun levels of a sober generation, tackle the Emotional January Hangover, and debate what “starting the year strong” even means anymore. Gareth also sits down with comedian and content creator Themba Robins to discuss dodgy Airbnb cameras, airport chaos, and the uniquely South African art of laughing throug
Straight to the Meat & Twisted Dad Energy ft Trevor Gumbi
Gareth and Leigh-Ann kick off the year with a KeDezemba recap, setting the tone for a no-holds-barred start. Ben joins the mix as the trio unpack why the default human setting seems to be “ready for war,” before Gareth and Mash dive into a new dating app that skips the small talk and goes straight to the meat and potatoes — literally. Comedian Trevor Gumbi drops in and gets refreshingly real about
Calling Out Power and Powering Up Young Men
Gareth Cliff opens the show with a no-holds-barred take on the ANC and President Ramaphosa’s growing disconnect from the country. Leigh-Ann jumps in with an update on her whirlwind week, while Ben’s sports report derails quickly thanks to Producer James poking his Arsenal–Liverpool opinions. Andrew Birch wraps the episode with a straight-talking chat about discipline, masculinity, protecting your
Chasing Success, Losing Manners, and Finding Ambition
Gareth Clif kicks off Friday by talking about self sabotage and why people tend to quiet just before achieving success. Leigh-Ann joins the show as her and Gareth talk about the direction that society has moved in with people lacking manners, are schools to blame? And Gareth Soma jumps on the show to talk about ambition and getting yourself into a “higher state” in order to attract success. Gareth
Laughing Through the Chaos with Tumi Morake
Gareth and Leigh-Ann kick off Friday wondering how we’ve drifted from appreciating rare historical moments in a world obsessed with instant gratification — sparked by Gareth’s recent trip to the Free State. Ben drops in to share his new kombucha-brewing hobby, while Producer James catches strays and is “strongly encouraged” to consider a barista career. And comedy legend Tumi Morake joins the show
Fitness Myths, Low-Desire Living & Gilli Apter Unfiltered
Gareth, Mash, and Leigh-Ann kick off the morning with a dose of fitness motivation — and the truth about whether breakfast really is the “most important meal of the day” (spoiler: it’s not). Dr Hanan unpacks the psychology of semigration in a society running on low desire. And comedian Gilli Apter joins the show from South Africa to chat about her new comedy run… and the scariest audience moments
Pressure, Comebacks & the GNU
Gareth, Leigh-Ann and Ben kick off Friday with a wild conversation about one of the most disturbing “sports” on the planet: Sniper Tourists. Dr Hanan jumps in as they unpack the pressures of modern life, and how they might spark the ultimate comeback story after the new Charlie Sheen documentary. Monwabisi Thethe and Siya Sangweni pop in to talk art and bubbles for the festive season, and Gabriel
Impi Energy Meets Political Heat
Gareth Cliff and Leigh-Ann Mol kick off their Friday with a deep dive into global headlines — starting with New York’s newly elected Mayor and what his policies could mean for renters. Ben joins the conversation to celebrate Siya Kolisi’s incredible 100th Springbok cap and the legacy he continues to build. Later, the team welcomes Sibusiso “Impi” Kotelo, the man known for rallying South Africans a
Closer Circles, Stronger Men
Gareth Cliff kicks off your morning with a dose of wisdom — unpacking what your circle says about you, and why keeping it tight might just be the key to growth. Leigh-Ann and Ben join the conversation to explore the fascinating 3I/ATLAS project and the possibility of visitors from our solar system. Then, author and speaker Craig Wilkinson sits down with Gareth to talk about a different kind of six
AI Addicts, Boozy Cities & a Comet with Friends?!
Gareth Cliff and Leigh-Ann Mol kick off their Friday by tackling the rise of “prompt-stitutes” — people who lean a little too hard on AI. The team dives into a hilarious debate about which South African city holds the title for “drunkest,” with Joburg firmly in the spotlight. Later, Good Laws joins the conversation to unpack how AI is reshaping creativity — and just when things couldn’t get weirde
Testosterone Trouble & Political Tantrums
17.10.25 - Gareth and Leigh-Ann kick off the weekend with laughs (and a few groans) as Leigh-Ann details her never-ending health saga. The team dives into South Africans’ growing frustration with self-serving politicians, before Ben and Mash jump in to unpack whether modern society is running low on testosterone — and what that means for masculinity today. Plus, things get spicy as Ben and Produce
TV Licences & Strange Irish Names
10.10.25 Pt 2 - Gareth Cliff catches up with Producer Ryan, checking in on life in Ireland — from dodging rain to dodging TV licence inspectors. They unpack how the world currently sees South Africa amid its strange wave of turmoil, draw some surprising parallels between the two countries, and try to make sense of those wonderfully weird Irish names… seriously, why are they spelt like that?
Swifties, Scandals & Staying Sane
10.10.25 Pt 1 - Gareth Cliff and Leigh-Ann Mol kick off their Friday unpacking the phenomenon that is Taylor Swift’s fanbase — how did one artist build such unstoppable cultural power? The team then dives into the rise in corruption talk after a shocking SIU raid hits close to the President’s home. And Dr. Hanan joins in to explore why so many people are finding comfort in the mundane — embracing
AI Wars, New York Stories & Beauty in 2025
03.10.25 - Gareth Cliff and Leigh-Ann Mol fire up Friday with a showdown: which AI engine actually rules the world right now? Ben’s back from New York, dropping hot takes that spark a raw convo on what “beautiful” even means in 2025. And before the weekend kicks off, he lines up the must-watch sporting clashes you can’t miss.
Nina Unfiltered: From Blacks Only to Bold Moves
Gareth Cliff is joined
Money Moves, Crypto Shifts & Political Pretenders
26.9.25 Pt 2 - Gareth Cliff sits down with Warren Wheatley and Stafford Masie for a no-nonsense chat on money, the global shift towards Bitcoin, and how Altvest is shaking up the investment game. Later, Robert Bennetto joins the conversation to unpack the issues that actually matter — while politicians keep putting on a show.
Fat Shaming, Strange Names & Political Games
26.09.25 Pt1 - Gareth Cliff and Leigh-Ann Mol kick off Friday with a fiery breakdown of Anele’s interview with Helen Zille — and who actually comes out worse in the clash. Mash steps in to face the heat after being accused of fat shaming (again), sparking the debate: should people ever be fat shamed? The team lightens things up with a dive into the world’s weirdest names… including one that takes
Thailand Tales, Sports & Marble Dreams
19.09.25 Pt 2 - Gareth Cliff and Ben Karpinski kick things off with stories from Ben’s recent trip to Thailand — including a wild “Montecasino on steroids.” Ben brings his trademark colourful sports update before the team welcome Roger Racks, a proud son of the South. Gareth also sits down with culinary legend David Higgs and creative visionary Deen Woodman to unpack the magic behind Luxurious Mar
Government Fails, Global Feuds
19.09.25 Pt 1 - Gareth Cliff and Leigh-Ann Mol unpack how everything the government lays hands on somehow turns from gold to dust. They dive into Candace Owens’ fiery clash with the French over a gender case gone wrong, and explore the troubling question of why some people openly celebrate an assassination — no matter their political stance.
The Future of Media in South Africa | ft. Nosipho & Producer Patrick
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, a
Charlie Kirk, South Africa & The Bigger Picture
12.09.25 Pt 1 - Gareth Cliff kicks off with a raw monologue on the shocking assassination of Charlie Kirk – unpacking how it’s shaken South Africans and rippled across the globe. Was he just a pawn in a much bigger game for simply speaking his truth? Ben adds his fiery take, fueling the debate. The show then swerves into lighter territory, celebrating the quirks of UK cuisine and wondering out lou
When ‘Let Me Finish’ Means You’re Wrong
05.09.25 Pt 2 - Gareth is joined by Mash and Ben for a hilarious deep dive into some questionable bathroom habits — including whether it’s humanly possible to sneeze and use the toilet at the same time. The trio then debates double standards between men and women, and wrap things up by asking: when someone says “let me finish,” does it actually mean they’re talking nonsense?
Gareth Loses Patience, Leigh-Ann Gains Ozempic
05.09.25 Pt 1 - Gareth Cliff and Leigh-Ann Mol kick off Friday with a fiery chat about how frustrating old people can be — sparked by Gareth’s run-in that tested his patience. Leigh-Ann opens up about starting her Ozempic journey and what lies ahead, while Dr Hanan steps in to unpack Gen Z’s growing dependence on AI for companionship.
Everest Tales & Killer Whales
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 br
Toilet Talk & Tough Waters
29.08.25 Pt 1 - Gareth Cliff and Leigh-Ann Mol dive into the great bathroom debates — from the “right” way to wipe to how many showers a week really count. Then, Gareth sits down with Simon Wilkins, who’s gearing up to conquer the brutal English Channel. With the support of Jonathan Gerber and the TAG Foundation, Simon shares what it takes — physically and mentally — to chase a feat few dare attem
Ozempic Butt, Self-Driving Cars & South Africanisms in Oxford
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 un
Cyril’s Silence, Trump’s Hype & SA’s Sporting Woes
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
Cultural Identity, Forehead Surgery, Putin’s Bulletproof Poo Case
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 c
Trump’s Armored Golf Cart, Soweto Taxi vs E-Hailing, A Wild Friday Send-off to remember
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 Champi
From Classic Cars to Cancel Culture — Kurt’s No-Filter Ride Through Life
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
Comedy, Chaos & The Overpriced Steak
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 swerve
DR Ken Resnik Schools Us On Calmness And Modern Parenting
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 advic
