The Talking Sense Podcast
The Talking Sense Podcast is the flagship weekly show from The Common Sense ZA, offering commentary and analysis on global current affairs. Each episode focuses on the state of the world, covering political, economic, and social developments. The podcast provides a South African perspective on international events, aiming to give listeners thoughtful and accessible insights into the week's most significant issues.
Episodes
Should the DA Refuse to Govern Joburg? Record Diesel Prices and Mbalula's Expropriation Lies
New News24/SABI polling puts the DA at about 40% in Johannesburg. Frans Cronje makes the case that the DA should refuse to govern the city on those numbers, win Gauteng in 2029 and fix it from a position of strength. James Myburgh asks whether this is the moment to seize.Also this week: why the diesel price is at a record high while oil sits at $100, Simon Lincoln Reader on Margaret Thatcher and w
Mbeki's Counter-Revolution Theory, Myburgh in Washington and the 10 Million SA Left in Poverty
Thabo Mbeki's 120-page thesis says a counter-revolution planted inside the ANC brought the party down. Frans Cronje explains why its own policies did it, and why growing at 5% a year since 2008 would have lifted more than 10 million South Africans out of poverty.Also this week: James Myburgh on his National Press Club speech on the history of farm attacks and why the violence was normalised, how t
The GNU Risk Markets Are Missing, the DA Takes SA's Cities, AI Doomers, and Germany's Split
Markets have priced South African risk down to almost zero on the belief that the GNU holds after November. Frans Cronje and Bheki Mahlobo explain why the foundations are weaker than in 2024, what would reprice SA's bonds overnight, and how that reaches your bond and credit card rates.Also this week: Marius Roodt's research showing the DA is bigger than the ANC in the eight metros, more than 100 h
Springboks For Sale, America Sanctions the ANC, a Serial Killer, Somaliland, and the Enclave Future
Become a member of The Common Sense for R99 a month: https://thecommonsense.co.za/subscribeThis week the Talking Sense panel talks about the Springboks' Baltimore experiment and the bid to buy the Boks, the United States' first sanctions against South Africa, the serial killer in Ekurhuleni, Reform's £72 million weekend in UK party donations, two good things out of Britain, Somaliland's pitch to t
South Africa's Election Maths Problem, the Black Vote Shatters, the Falklands, and Wouter Basson
Become a member of The Common Sense for just R99 a month: https://www.thecommonsense.co.za/subscribeThis week on Talking Sense: the election maths problem that could throw November's local government results into chaos — how a party that loses the vote can still end up running the council — plus the fragmenting Black vote in our latest poll, the Falklands back in the news (and what Milei is playin
Milei's Argentina, the US Bond Spike, SA's Strange Crime Stats and Nike Going Woke.
Richard Tren reports from Buenos Aires on Milei's revolution, Frans Cronje explains what the US bond yield spike actually means, James Myburgh unpacks South Africa's mysterious murder decline and the party funding declarations, and Simon Lincoln-Reader tells the story of how Nike went woke and lost its way. Plus: the ANC misses its own candidate registration deadline, the impossible economics of b
The ANC's Two Eras | The Water Bill | Shell | Jason Arday | SA's Verdict on US Companies
In the latest episode of Talking Sense, with James Myburgh, Richard Tren, and Simon Lincoln-Reader, and hosted by Gabriel Makin, the panel looks at new SRF polling showing that South Africans support closer alignment with the United States. Majorities back exemptions for American companies from BEE, guarantees against expropriation, and protecting America’s security interests. Black voters were al
Talking Sense I Duduzane Zuma, the DA Manifesto, and America’s Cost of Living
Black South Africans are more willing than white South Africans to move to the US as refugees, according to new polling discussed in this week’s episode of Talking Sense. The panel discusses South Africa's "useless men" problem and why young men are abandoning women to leave them to raise children alone. The panel also examines Duduzane Zuma’s appearance at the BizNews conference, wh
ANC at 34%, the Third Force Returns, Jason Arday, News24's IDAC Apology.
Read the full analysis and more data-driven insights: https://www.thecommonsense.co.za/Become a Common Sense Member for R99/pm https://bit.ly/3QJWRIdThis week the panel discusses the Social Research Foundation and The Common Sense new national and Johannesburg, Durban and Pretoria polling. The ANC sits at 34% nationally and under 20% in Johannesburg. Frans Cronje explains why Phala Phala and the i
IDAC Captured, Fauci's Diaries Exposed, and the Secret War Under South Africa | Talking Sense
Read the full analysis and more data-driven insights: https://www.thecommonsense.co.za/Become a Common Sense Member for R99/pm https://bit.ly/3QJWRIdSouth Africa's new anti-corruption body, IDAC, was supposed to clean up the state. Instead it appears to have run interference against the people investigating one of the country's most murderous criminal syndicates.The panel works through IDA
Financial Mail Row, The DA's Western Cape Disaster and UK Cabinet Reshuffle
Read the full analysis and more data-driven insights: https://www.thecommonsense.co.za/Become a Common Sense Member for R99/pm https://bit.ly/3QJWRIdThis episode opens with the Financial Mail controversy then examines the Ann Widdecombe murder and political violence. Next it covers UK think tanks, the new prime minister and the policy rebuild. The discussion to the Hopefield environmental dispute.
ICC Exit, 15% Middle Class, 66% JSE Black Ownership, & Mettler State Capture
Read the full analysis and more data-driven insights: https://www.thecommonsense.co.za/Become a Common Sense Member for R99/pm https://bit.ly/3QJWRIdIn this episode of Talking Sense, the panel breaks down the week's biggest stories: South Africa’s push to exit the ICC following Trump’s crackdown, the true size of SA’s middle class (just 15% — and how it could have doubled), black ownership of
Trans Flags In Schools, Tony Leon "State Capture" Smear, Nigel Farage & SA's 2034 Future Scenarios
Read the full analysis and more data-driven insights: https://www.thecommonsense.co.za/Become a Common Sense Member for R99/pm https://bit.ly/3QJWRIdIn this week's Talking Sense Podcast, the panel breaks down the Bishop's School Pride flag controversy and elite institutions playing politics, the collapsing Iran ceasefire and its implications, and the politically motivated attacks on Tony L
Mandelson's Russia Scandal, ANC Polling Collapse, Steenhuisen vs Tony Leon, Joburg's Hidden Riches
Read the full analysis and more data-driven insights: https://www.thecommonsense.co.za/Become a Common Sense Member for R99/pm https://www.thecommonsense.co.za/subscribeThis week on Talking Sense: The Panel dives into the MI6 file labelling Lord Mandelson a "privileged contact" and the mechanics of Western influence. Marius breaks down a new by-election model forecasting an ANC collapse
30 June March, Keir Starmer Resigns, The ARC Conference And Is Johannesburg Better Than London?
Read the full analysis and more data-driven insights: https://www.thecommonsense.co.za/Become a Common Sense Member for R99/pm https://www.thecommonsense.co.za/subscribeIn this episode of Talking Sense the panel gather together in person for the first time in London, with Gabriel absent. The conversation starts on the controversial article the Common Sense wrote about whether Johannesburg is a bet
Iran Peace Deal, SpaceX IPO, DA Cabinet Reshuffle and News24 VS Afriforum
Read the full analysis and more data-driven insights: https://www.thecommonsense.co.za/Watch Omry's podcast: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4AesSrjPptI&t=18sBecome a Common Sense Member for R99/pm https://www.thecommonsense.co.za/subscribeThe episode opens with the reported Iran memorandum of understanding and whether the Trump administration has pulled back too early. Richard argues that
The Western Cape Ecological Catastrophe, South Africa's Illicit Economy, LA's Crazy Election System
Read the full analysis and more data-driven insights: https://www.thecommonsense.co.za/Become a Common Sense Member for R99/pm https://www.thecommonsense.co.za/subscribeIn this episode of Talking Sense, Gabriel Makin is joined by Frans Cronje, James Myburgh, Simon Lincoln Reader, and Richard Tren to discuss South Africa’s ecological risks, American election dysfunction, Russian money in London, So
No Factories, No Votes, No Accountability, South Africa and the West Are Failing the Same Way
Talking Sense Podcast Gabriel Makin is joined by James Myburgh, Simon Lincoln Reader, Richard Tren, and Frans Cronje for this week's wide-ranging panel discussion covering South African politics and global affairs.This week the panel covers:South Africa's Deindustrialisation — Manufacturing's share of GDP has fallen from a peak of 25% to just 12% since the 1940s. Frans Cronje explains
Talking Sense About Phala Phala, Steenhuisen In Court, AI Data Centers And Andy Burnham
The episode opens on Phala Phala and the unanswered questions around the foreign currency found at President Cyril Ramaphosa’s farm. James explains the official version involving a Sudanese businessman and the alleged purchase of buffalo, while Frans notes that several versions of the story point toward cash, couriers, and links to the Middle East. The discussion asks why Ramaphosa has gone to suc
Talking Sense About Ramaphosa, Mining And BEE, Cricket SA's Failure, US Primaries, Unite The Kingdom
This week the panel starts with Cricket South Africa’s Newlands ticket debacle, where ordinary fans were largely shut out of the England Test while expensive tour packages dominated access. Marius Roodt explains how only about 10 000 of roughly 70 000 tickets for the first four days were reportedly available to ordinary fans, while many supporters were pushed towards costly package deals.The discu
Talking Sense About Phala Phala, Shelley Garland, Trump In China And The UK Local Elections
In this episode the panel begin by revisiting the Shelley Garland affair, where the Deputy Editor of The Common Sense, Marius Roodt, under the pseudonym "Shelley Garland", managed to publish an article in the South African edition of the Huffington Post which called for white men to lose the right to vote for 20 years. The point of the article was to expose the woke madness that had infected media
Talking Sense About Fake Polls, Xenophobia, UK Elections, US Midterms, Max Du Preez And The Pope
In this episode, the panel begin by celebrating the momentous achievement of the parliamentary DA caucus in proposing a well-thought through alternative to South Africaa's existing empowerment legislation. From there the panel explain how there have been a few doctored SRF poll results that have been doing the rounds on social media. Frans points out that if people are taken in by what is very
Talking Sense About Trump Assasination Attempt, The DA's GNU Troubles, Elon Musk VS OpenAI And OPEC
In this episode, the panel tries to understand the record-breaking third assassination attempt against President Trump. They examine how the constant raising of the temperature and slander by the media, celebrities and politicians have created an enabling environment for deranged people to feel as though they are doing something heroic. The panel also unpacks how the same dynamic is not playing ou
Talking Sense About Geordin Hill-Lewis In The Cabinet, Legacy Media Doom-Mongers And Mandelson
In this episode, the panel explains why all the doom-mongering about the current state of the world is entirely unjustified. They explain data showing how much safer, more prosperous, and free the world has become over the past 500 years. For example, Frans explains that whereas a person had to labour for more than 50 hours 500 years ago to light their home for an hour, today the same amount of li
Talking Sense AboutGeordin Hill-Lewis, IRR Polling Data And South Africa's New Ambassador To The US
In this episode, the panel explains the new polling data released by the Institute of Race Relations. They unpack how the findings are in line with the theory that South African public opinion is by and large moderate and sensible. From there the panel turns its attention to the new leader of the DA, Geordin Hill-Lewis. They give a very positive reception to his acceptance speech, but then touch o
Talking Sense About Iran Hysteria, South Africa's Greatest Investor, Cadre Deployment and The Space Race
In this episode, the panel explains how traditional western media is presenting a completely misleading reading of how the war in Iran is actually going. Dr Frans Cronje and Richard Tren analyse the latest updates, America's strategic victories, the actual global economic position and what the effect of the war on global markets has actually been. From there Simon Reader turn's to a good n
Talking Sense About The DA Congress, Solving SA's Crime Problem, The BBC and Free Speech
In this episode, the panel explains the historical dynamics of the explosion of crime in South Africa's townships. It then gives some context on the mega-deal being negotiated between Paramount and Warner Brothers/Discovery and contrasts that with the failing economic model of the BBC. Gabriel Makin explains what happens at a DA Congress, the next which is being held later this month and where
Makin Sense of Violent Crime In South Africa, Cuba, Good News For FMD And New Marriage Statistics
In this episode, the panel explains how two agricultural unions and a business lobby group are pressuring the minister of agriculture, through the courts, to allow private vaccine procurement and administration to combat the foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) epidemic. It then talks through the political madness of the UK and Western energy policy broadly amidst the Iran war. Dr James Myburgh then provi
Makin Sense Of New Poll Results, Jacob Zuma, Paul Ehrlich and Singapore
In this episode of Makin Sense, the panel breaks down some of the headline results of the Social Research Foundation/The Common Sense's new national poll and that poll's results in Johannesburg, Tshwane and Ethekwini. The discussion on polling rounds out with the panel focusing on Jacob Zuma and whether he has been misunderstood by the main stream press and analysis. After the discussion o
Makin Sense of Motsepe, The ANC VS The US Ambassador, VC In Africa And Terrorists In New York
n this episode of Makin Sense, the panel examines the reports that Patrice Motsepe is not running for ANC leader. They then unpack the diplomatic fight between South Africa and the new United States ambassador. The focus then shifts to an Asian fraud scandal with a South African twist.The panel then studies the facts around venture capital in Africa. After which, they explore the misreporting on t
Makin Sense Of The Iran War
In this episode of Makin Sense, the panel examines the misrepresented history between the ANC and Iran. The panel explores how the myth of ties between the ANC and Iran overlooks Iran’s repression of leftist movements and the deaths of many communists under the Iranian regime. The panel outlines the fluid situation in Iran today, focusing on US objectives, the shifting global power dynamics with C
Makin Sense of CBS And Farm Attacks, The Budget, The Common Sense VS The FT And Trump's Tariffs
In this episode, the panel discusses the US Head of the Financial Times attack on the Common Sense, the new CBS documentary on farm murders, the South African budget, the supreme court's decision on Trumps tariffs, Geordin Hill-Lewis running for DA leadership, the UK's new cabinet secretary and South Africa's education crisis.Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Panel and Topics02:15 Simo
Makin Sense Of Patrice Mostepe As Next ANC Leader, Rubio in Munich, EU/UK's Decline and US Midterms
In this episode, the panel discusses whether Patrice Mostepe could be eyeing a run for the ANC leadership, Marco Rubio's speech in Munich, the EU and UK's latest economic data, and the situation going into the US midterms. Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Panel and Topics01:52 Patrice Motsepe's Resignation and Political Aspirations04:16 Motsepe's Background and Credibility05:59 Ch
Makin Sense of the Roedean Controversy, Keir Starmer's Travails and ANC Ties with Iran.
We unpack the Roedean controversy, the mounting pressure against UK PM Keir Starmer, shifts inside the DA, and unease among Christian ANC members over South Africa’s stance on Iran. We also explore US energy policy, Johannesburg’s ongoing power and water crisis, and what South Africa’s deepening trade ties with China could mean for the country’s economic future.
Makin Sense of Namibia, Bitcoin, Israel, The Future of The DA and the Fed
In this episode, the panel discusses why Namibia is becoming one of the world’s most important countries, what happened to John Steenhuisen, what his departure means for the DA and the GNU and who may succeed him, the outlook for gold and silver prices, why South Africa really expelled Israel’s most senior diplomat, and what the new Federal Reserve governor pick means for the global economy.
Makin Sense of AI
In this episode of Makin Sense the panel is joined by the Founder and CEO of InsureAI, Ron Richman, who answers all the questions they have about AI. Chapters00:00 Introduction To The Panel01:50 Understanding AI: Definitions and Evolution09:46 Large Language Models: Capabilities and Applications19:27 The Impact of AI on Jobs and Industries29:29 AI in Financial Advice and Market Analysis39:04 The F
Makin Sense of Trump and Greenland, Helen Zille, World Bank Report, Foot and Mouth and The NPA
In this episode of Makin Sense, the panel discusses significant global and South African news, focusing on Trump's intention of taking Greenland, a government report on foot and mouth disease, Iran's influence on South Africa and America's response to that, the history of the NPA and the World Bank's new global growth report.Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Panel01:52
Makin Sense Of Foot And Mouth Disease Disaster, Iranian Boat In Simonstown and ICE In Minnesota
In this episode of Makin Sense, the panel discusses significant global and South African news, focusing on the Iranian naval exercises in Simon's Town. Benji Shulman provides insights into the implications of South Africa's military collaboration with Iran, particularly in light of the ongoing protests in Iran and the diplomatic tensions it creates. Frans discusses the foot and mouth disea
Makin Sense Of Maduro's Arrest, Threats To The GNU, America VS Wokeness And The New NPA Boss
In this episode of Makin Sense, the panel discusses significant global and South African news, focusing on the U.S. intervention in Venezuela, the implications for South Africa's political landscape, the threats to the GNU in 2026, and the ongoing issues of free speech and censorship in the U.S. The conversation also touches on the new NPA boss in South Africa and the political turmoil in Iran
Makin Sense Of 2025
In this episode of Makin Sense, the panel looks back on 2025 and the events and stories that shaped politics, markets, and public mood. The conversation opens in South Africa with a debate over the African National Congress and its evolving approach to the Government of National Unity. Frans argues that the ANC increasingly appears to accept the GNU as South Africa’s governing reality, suggesting
Makin Sense With The State Of The Nation Of What Is In Store In 2026
In this episode, the panel is joined by Mike Sham, host of the State of the Nation podcast. The panel discusses potentially significant political stories shaping South Africa and the world going into 2026. The conversation starts in South Africa by focusing on the challenges faced by the ANC, and whether it will seek to double down on ideology, as well as the DA's position in the next local go
Makin Sense of ANC Not Paying Its Staff, DA's Leadership Struggle And Chinese Record Trade Surplus
The panel got an in-depth report from James Myburgh on the political history of the Thabo Mbeki and Zuma power struggle at the 2005 National General Council and how Ramaphosa's National General Council was very different to that. He then discusses the fine balance that seems to have been struck within the GNU and its prospects of continuing. Gabriel adds to this discussion by discussing the wi
Makin Sense of Farm Attacks, the Apartheid Bill, Marco Rubio vs South Africa and Trump vs Venezuela
The panel got an in-depth report from James Myburgh on the political history behind farm attacks in South Africa, the extent of the problem, and the political forces behind the killings. Frans Cronje reports on a new bill soon to come before Parliament that will look to empower the state to arrest Israel supporters in the country, on comments by the US Secretary of State that pitch Poland against
Makin Sense of The Russia/Ukraine Deal, ANC's Tactics, UK Budget, and SA's 2026 Economic Outlook
In this episode of Makin Sense, the panel examines the proposed Russia Ukraine peace plan, unpacks the ANC’s balance of forces doctrine, analyses the United Kingdom’s new budget, and assesses South Africa’s economic outlook heading into 2026. Richard offers Thanksgiving reflections from the United States and Bheki outlines the key indicators shaping South Africa’s growth prospects.
Makin Sense of Farm Attacks, the Apartheid Bill, Marco Rubio vs South Africa and Trump vs Venezuela
The panel got an in-depth report from James Myburgh on the political history behind farm attacks in South Africa, the extent of the problem, and the political forces behind the killings. Frans Cronje reports on a new bill soon to come before Parliament that will look to empower the state to arrest Israel supporters in the country, on comments by the US Secretary of State that pitch Poland against
Makin Sense of South Africa's US trade trip, Charlie Kirk, The Fed and Peter Mandelson
In this episode of Makin Sense, the panel discusses the assassination of political activist Charlie Kirk and its implications for free speech and political violence in the US. They explore the current state of American politics, the impact of economic data on market reactions, and the controversies surrounding Peter Mandelson. The conversation also delves into South Africa's trade relations wi
Makin Sense of the UK's Deputy Prime Minister resigning, South African party funding, the woke right
In this episode, the panel discusses various political topics, including the resignation of UK Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner, the implications for the Labour Party, and the broader political landscape in the UK. They also delve into the history of political party funding in South Africa, the rise of the woke right, and the ongoing crisis of free speech in the UK. Additionally, they explore t
Makin Sense of Trump in D.C, The End of History, the UK Economy and South Africa's debt and deficit
In this episode of Makin Sense, the panel discusses crime and policing in Washington DC, the implications of the end of history theory on Western liberalism, the looming economic crisis in the UK, and the fiscal management of South Africa under the ANC. The conversation highlights the importance of making hard choices in governance and the impact of economic policies on political stability.
Episode 1
In this episode, the panel discusses various economic and political themes, focusing on the Federal Reserve's role in the American economy, inflation, and the impact of monetary policy. They explore a shift in conservatism in the UK and the future of the ANC in South Africa, as well as the implications of water and power crises on the future stability of Iran. The conversation highlights the compl
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