The Gareth Cliff Show
Society & Culture
About
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
- Back, Bothered & Motivated | ft. Simon Phillips
Gareth and Ben discuss recent events, including an assassination attempt on Donald Trump and the Gen Z trend of grieving the end of a weekend. Simon Phillips also joins the show to discuss his #SimonSaysServe movement and his personal stor…
- Begging for Coachella & Fixing South Africa
Gareth Cliff and his team discuss influencer culture, the resurgence of old-school dating trends, and the concept of 'looksmaxxing.' Additionally, DA Deputy Federal Chair Cilliers Brink joins to discuss the party's 2026 manifesto and plans…
- Influencers, Idiots & A Stray Tissue
Gareth Cliff and Ben discuss the Madlanga Commission and the looksmaxxing trend, featuring a guest appearance by Clinton Els from Your Africa. The episode also includes a segment with Bitcoin Boet and a review of global news headlines.
- Body Cams, Bad Decisions & Broken Roads
Gareth Cliff, Ben, and Tumi Morake discuss celebrity DUI body cam footage, rising tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, and service delivery failures regarding potholes. Tumi also shares insights into her recent work highlighting African talen…
- AI Slop, Gender Myths & Podcast Control
Gareth Cliff discusses the rise of AI-generated content, while Dr. Hanan examines the Greater Male Variability Hypothesis. Additionally, Jonathan Warncke from the SA Podcasters Guild discusses the potential for government regulation in the…
- LIV Golf Chaos, Temu Dangers & Haydn Porteous' Comeback
In this episode, Gareth and Ben discuss the LIV Golf event in South Africa, shopping risks on Temu, and convenience culture. Maria Watkins shares insights on gorilla tracking in Rwanda, Dr. Alastair McAlpine explains GLP-1s, and Haydn Port…
- Global Politics, Orania Property & The Impact of DJ Warras
The Gareth Cliff Show explores politics, sports, and social topics. The episode includes a discussion on the South African government, the first LIV Golf event, the property market in Orania, the 'Ozempic Face' trend, and a tribute to the…
- Gun Laws, Global Tensions and Eating Disorders
Gareth Cliff and the team discuss global geopolitics, South Africa's international role, and societal perceptions of eating disorders. The episode also features an interview with Simon Wilkins about his English Channel swim and an analysis…
- Ranking Lesbians & Olympic Village Chaos
Gareth Cliff and Leigh-Ann Mol reflect on memory and mental health labels with Dr. Hanan, followed by a discussion on fashion and style. The episode concludes with Matt C Smith sharing his personal experiences from the Olympic Village.
- Were We Wrong About Everything? Epstein, MJ, and the Death of Truth
Gareth Cliff and Ben Karpinski explore the Epstein Files and question public perceptions of Michael Jackson. The episode also examines the science behind empathy, the effects of 'TikTok slop' on cognitive development, and the difficulties…
- Influence, Epstein & Exit Visas
The Gareth Cliff Show discusses Gen Z mental health trends and DeInfluencing with Levi Brown. They also delve into the Epstein file drop and provide South African exit visa information.
- Untouchable: Power, Crime & Politics
Gareth Cliff examines the Epstein files and the mentality of untouchable elites. Jonathan Deal discusses protecting South Africans from crime, and Wesley Jacobs analyzes by-elections and the influence of military discipline on political vi…
- Politics, Predictions & the Chaos of Modern Dating
Gareth Cliff makes predictions about South Africa's Government of National Unity and the 2026 Death Pool. Relationship expert Sacha Jack and superfan Neil Meintjies offer practical insights into modern dating.
- Secrets, Sex & Soft Power
The Gareth Cliff Show covers US intelligence on South Africa, the challenges of healing, the sex recession, future travel trends, and the evolving media landscape. Guests include Dr Hanan, Martin Weist, and Robbie Kruse.
- Sobriety, Surveillance & South African Survival
The Gareth Cliff Show episode discusses Gen Z's sobriety and the challenges of starting the year, featuring a conversation with Themba Robins about surveillance and coping with struggles.
- Straight to the Meat & Twisted Dad Energy ft Trevor Gumbi
Gareth Cliff and Leigh-Ann recap the holidays, discuss the human default to conflict, and a new dating app. Comedian Trevor Gumbi joins to discuss dad life and creativity.
- Calling Out Power and Powering Up Young Men
Gareth Cliff criticizes the ANC and President Ramaphosa. The episode also includes updates from Leigh-Ann, a sports segment featuring Producer James, and a discussion on masculinity and purpose with Andrew Birch.
- Chasing Success, Losing Manners, and Finding Ambition
Gareth Cliff explores self-sabotage and societal manners, joined by Leigh-Ann and Gareth Soma to discuss ambition and attracting success. The episode also briefly covers the South African property market.
- Laughing Through the Chaos with Tumi Morake
Tumi Morake joins Gareth and Leigh-Ann to discuss finding humor in the chaos of South Africa, suggesting laughter as a survival tool. The episode also touches on instant gratification, historical moments, a kombucha hobby, and Producer Jam…
- Fitness Myths, Low-Desire Living & Gilli Apter Unfiltered
The Gareth Cliff Show episode discusses fitness myths, debunking the importance of breakfast. It also delves into the psychology of low desire and features comedian Gilli Apter sharing insights from her comedy career.
- Pressure, Comebacks & the GNU
The Gareth Cliff Show episode covers sniper tourists, life pressures, comebacks inspired by a Charlie Sheen documentary, festive season art and bubbles, and a political analysis of the GNU.
- Impi Energy Meets Political Heat
Gareth Cliff and Leigh-Ann Mol discuss global headlines including New York's new mayor. They celebrate Siya Kolisi's 100th Springbok cap and discuss mental resilience with Sibusiso “Impi” Kotelo, before Sama Sambit unpacks South African po…
- Closer Circles, Stronger Men
Gareth Cliff explores the significance of close social circles and the 3I/ATLAS project. Author Craig Wilkinson discusses the development of emotional and mental strength in men.
- AI Addicts, Boozy Cities & a Comet with Friends?!
Gareth Cliff and Leigh-Ann Mol discuss AI overuse and debate South Africa's "drunkest" city. With guest Good Laws, they explore AI's influence on creativity and mention a comet possibly heading towards Earth.
- Testosterone Trouble & Political Tantrums
The Gareth Cliff Show episode discusses Leigh-Ann's health, public anger towards politicians, the impact of declining testosterone on masculinity, and a live on-air dispute resolution between Ben and Producer James.
- TV Licences & Strange Irish Names
In this episode, Gareth Cliff and Producer Ryan discuss life in Ireland, touching on topics like TV licence inspectors and the unique spelling of Irish names. They also draw parallels between Ireland and South Africa amidst current global…
- Swifties, Scandals & Staying Sane
Gareth Cliff and Leigh-Ann Mol explore the cultural power of Taylor Swift's fanbase and discuss a recent SIU raid. Dr. Hanan joins to talk about finding stability in uncertain times.
- AI Wars, New York Stories & Beauty in 2025
Gareth Cliff, Leigh-Ann Mol, and Nina Hastie discuss current AI technology, insights from New York, the definition of beauty in 2025, upcoming sports, and new innovations from Korea.
- Money Moves, Crypto Shifts & Political Pretenders
Gareth Cliff hosts Warren Wheatley and Stafford Masie to discuss finance, the rise of Bitcoin, and Altvest. Robert Bennetto also joins to talk about relevant issues contrasted with political performances.
- Fat Shaming, Strange Names & Political Games
Gareth Cliff and Leigh-Ann Mol discuss a clash involving Helen Zille and critique Mash's alleged fat-shaming. They also explore unusual names, including one with excessive repeated letters.
- Thailand Tales, Sports & Marble Dreams
Ben Karpinski shares stories from his Thailand trip and provides a sports update. Gareth Cliff and guests Roger Racks, David Higgs, and Deen Woodman discuss the Luxurious Marble Circus 2025.
- Government Fails, Global Feuds
Gareth Cliff and Leigh-Ann Mol discuss government failures and international incidents, including Candace Owens' dispute with the French and the disturbing trend of celebrating assassinations.
- The Future of Media in South Africa | ft. Nosipho & Producer Patrick
Gareth Cliff and Ben Karpinski discuss viral moments and accents, followed by a conversation with Nosipho Maketo-van den Bragt and Producer Patrick about the future of South African media and the AVIJOZI event.
- Charlie Kirk, South Africa & The Bigger Picture
Gareth Cliff opens with a monologue on the assassination of Charlie Kirk, exploring its impact on South Africa and potential global implications. The discussion briefly shifts to UK cuisine and Kelly Osbourne.
- When ‘Let Me Finish’ Means You’re Wrong
Gareth, Mash, and Ben discuss unusual bathroom habits, gender double standards, and analyze the phrase 'let me finish' to determine if it implies the speaker is talking nonsense.
- Gareth Loses Patience, Leigh-Ann Gains Ozempic
Gareth Cliff and Leigh-Ann Mol discuss frustrations with older people and Gen Z's reliance on AI. Leigh-Ann shares her experiences starting Ozempic.
- Everest Tales & Killer Whales
In this episode, Gareth Cliff and Ben Karpinski discuss killer whale behavior and sports. They also interview Angela Yeung, who climbed Mount Everest and shares her experiences and mission to uplift one million people by 2035.
- Toilet Talk & Tough Waters
Gareth Cliff and Leigh-Ann Mol explore bathroom etiquette. Simon Wilkins details the physical and mental challenges of his upcoming English Channel swim, supported by Jonathan Gerber and the TAG Foundation.
- Ozempic Butt, Self-Driving Cars & South Africanisms in Oxford
In this episode, Gareth Cliff and Ben Karpinski explore the phenomenon of "Ozempic butt" and the risks associated with self-driving cars. They also celebrate the official recognition of South African terms in the Oxford Dictionary.
- Cyril’s Silence, Trump’s Hype & SA’s Sporting Woes
Gareth Cliff and Leigh-Ann Mol discuss President Cyril Ramaphosa's silence and Donald Trump's political influence. They also address challenges in South African schools and recent sports disappointments, including Dricus du Plessis' loss a…
- Cultural Identity, Forehead Surgery, Putin’s Bulletproof Poo Case
Gareth and Ben discuss the erosion of cultural identity in Europe versus South Africa's thriving multiculturalism. They also touch on the Sydney Sweeney ad controversy, Chloe Walker's forehead reduction surgery, and the bizarre case of Put…
- Trump’s Armored Golf Cart, Soweto Taxi vs E-Hailing, A Wild Friday Send-off to remember
In a show anticipating format changes, Gareth and Ben covered Donald Trump's armored golf cart, extensive sports news, violent taxi versus e-hailing clashes in Soweto, and global politics.
- From Classic Cars to Cancel Culture — Kurt’s No-Filter Ride Through Life
Comedian Kurt joins The Gareth Cliff Show for a candid discussion covering topics from classic cars and racism to cancel culture and the power of humor. The conversation also touches on modern car designs, South African celebrities, and th…
- Comedy, Chaos & The Overpriced Steak
Comedians Dave Levinson and Kurt Schoonrat join Gareth Cliff to discuss their experiences in comedy, including stage life, hecklers, and the economic realities. The conversation also touches on leadership, politics, and the state of South…
- DR Ken Resnik Schools Us On Calmness And Modern Parenting
Parenting expert Dr. Ken Resnik advocates for calm authority and boundaries, contrasting them with modern overprotection. The episode addresses the decline in social skills, influenced by technology, and offers practical guidance for genui…
- The Monday Morning Farewell, Gayton McKenzie's Racial Slur, Radio Nolstagia
The Gareth Cliff Show team discusses Gayton McKenzie's racial slur and the changing landscape of radio. Psychologist Dr. Hanan Bushkin joins to talk about Gen Z using AI for mental health support.
- Gym Gripes, Girl Fights & Global Tariffs
Gareth Cliff and Ben Karpinski explore gender differences in competition and gym etiquette. Siegfried Lokotsch joins to discuss misinformation and the economic impact of Trump's tariffs on South Africa.
- Buffalo Justice and Beyoncé Battles
Gareth Cliff and Ben Karpinski debated the merits of Sydney Sweeney versus Beyoncé. They also covered a story about a man hunting a buffalo, where the audience sided with the animal, and Ben Karpinski delivered a sports report.
- Sinking the Sport: Stefano Vigoriti on Water Polo Woes
Gareth Cliff and Stefano Vigoriti discuss the troubled state of South African water polo, covering athlete pathways and mismanagement. The conversation broadens to explore the influence of nationalism on global sports.
- The Power of Being Real
Gareth Cliff speaks with motivational speaker Gavin Sharples about authenticity, the influence of family on children, and Sharples' past as a police officer.