The Gareth Cliff Show
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1922 episodes
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 cognitive development and how “TikTok slop” is hijacking attention and rewarding dopamine addiction. And in an era of outrage, algorithms, and misinformation, is telling the truth harder than ever? Investigative journalist Lourensa Eckard weighs in from the front lines of truth after more than a decade in the field. The Real Network https://thereal-network.com/
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 Cliff and Ben Karpinski then dive headfirst into the latest Epstein file drop, attempting to connect the dots as the rabbit hole gets darker and deeper. Plus, Matthew Fubbs from The Holiday Factory breaks down which countries South Africans can travel to visa-free — and why now might be the time to pack a bag. The Real Network https://thereal-network.com/
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. The Real Network https://thereal-network.com/
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 a refreshingly practical take on modern dating and how to actually make it work in 2026. The Real Network https://thereal-network.com/
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, and Robbie Kruse chats to Gareth about golf-fluencing, influence culture, and the shifting media landscape in South Africa. The Real Network https://thereal-network.com/
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 through the struggle. The Real Network https://thereal-network.com/
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 dad life, creativity, and embracing his inner “twisted individual.” The Real Network https://thereal-network.com/
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 household, and what it really takes to become a man of purpose. The Real Network https://thereal-network.com/
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 also talks about the property market in South Africa The Real Network https://thereal-network.com/
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 to unpack finding humour in the chaos of South Africa… and why laughing through the madness might be our greatest survival tool The Real Network https://thereal-network.com/
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 she’s ever had. The Real Network https://thereal-network.com/
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 Crouse from the IRR wraps things up with a sharp look at the state of the GNU ahead of the G20. The Real Network https://thereal-network.com/
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 around the world, as he opens up about mental resilience among men. Finally, Sama Sambit steps in to unpack the latest developments in South African politics, including key updates from the Madlanga Commission. The Real Network https://thereal-network.com/
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-pack — the emotional and mental muscles that build stronger, better men in the ongoing pursuit of redefining masculinity. The Real Network https://thereal-network.com/
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 weirder, the crew discusses a comet possibly heading toward Earth... with friends? The Real Network https://thereal-network.com/
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 Producer James settle a long-standing beef live on air The Real Network https://thereal-network.com/
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? The Real Network https://thereal-network.com/
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 radical stability in an unstable world. The Real Network https://thereal-network.com/
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 by the unstoppable Nina Hastie — serving spice, tea, and zero filter. From her latest hustle to the big stage with Blacks Only, Nina lays it all out. The team dives into how fast the world is shifting, with wild new innovations coming out of Korea that might just change the game. The Real Network https://thereal-network.com/
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. The Real Network https://thereal-network.com/
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 repetitive letters to a whole new level. The Real Network https://thereal-network.com/
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 Marble Circus 2025. The Real Network https://thereal-network.com/
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 Real Network https://thereal-network.com/
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 https://thereal-network.com/
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 loud what exactly is in Kelly Osbourne’s water. The Real Network https://thereal-network.com/
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? The Real Network https://thereal-network.com/
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. The Real Network https://thereal-network.com/
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 https://thereal-network.com/
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 attempt. The Real Network https://thereal-network.com/
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 https://thereal-network.com/
