Episodes
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Raised by Her Kidnapper for 17 Years: Zephany Nurse Story
In this episode of The Wide Awake Podcast, I interview Zephany Nurse, also known as Miché Solomon, whose extraordinary story will leave you speechless. Zephany was abducted from Groote Schuur Hospital in Cape Town when she was just two days old in 1997. For roughly 17 years, she was raised by a...
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Former Satanic Leaders Convert to Christianity
In this episode of the Wide Awake Podcast, I spoke with Riaan Swiegelaar and Adri Norton, former leaders of the South African Satanic Church. They shared their journeys from Satanism to Christianity, highlighting profound encounters with Jesus that transformed their lives. Adri opened up about…
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Duduzane Zuma Speaks on Putin, Jacob Zuma, Gupta Scandal, and His Controversial Past
In this episode of the Wide Awake podcast, I sat down with Duduzane Zuma, the son of former South African president Jacob Zuma. We had a deep and wide-ranging conversation that covered everything from his childhood in Mozambique and what it was like growing up with a father like Zuma in a family...
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Mmusi Maimane On Leaving The DA, Julius Malema, Cyril Ramaphosa & 2024 Elections
In this episode of the Wide Awake Podcast, I spoke with Mmusi Maimane, the former leader of the Democratic Alliance and the current leader of Build One South Africa. We talked about the reasons behind Mmusi's departure from the DA, his predictions for the outcome of the 2024 elections in South...
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Former Leader Exposes The Satanic Church
In this episode of the Wide Awake Podcast, I had a conversation with Riaan Swiegelaar, the former leader of the South African Satanic Church. We explored his journey from being a Satanist to embracing Christianity after a profound encounter with Jesus during a satanic ritual. Riaan also shared…
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Gayton Mckenzie Exposes Joshlin Smith Case, Jacob Zuma, Orania & Elections
In this episode of the Wide Awake Podcast, I spoke to Gayton McKenzie, who is the leader of one of South Africa’s largest political parties, the Patriotic Alliance. We discussed former President Jacob Zuma and his new political party called MK. Additionally, we delved into his visit to Orania and...
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Wayde Van Niekerk On His Comeback, Olympics, Springboks & World Record
In this episode, I sat down with the most well-rounded sprinter of all time, Wayde Van Niekerk. We talked about his road to recovery after suffering from an injury. His unbelievable comeback and reclaiming the number 1 rank in the world. We explored his historic world record breaking run at the…
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Ex-Gangster Meets The Mayor Of Cape Town
In this episode, I sat down with the Mayor of Cape Town and Ex-Gangster Thando. We talked about some of the most significant issues facing South Africa, including the unfortunate reality of people living in Cape Town's most forgotten and dangerous areas, the rising crime rate, the South African...
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Investigating The Devilsdorp CULT KILLERS With A True Crime Expert
In this weeks episode I spoke to the host of the True Crime South Africa podcast, Nicole Engelbrecht about the Krugersdorp cult killers. During this episode we delve deep into the disturbing and twisted world of these Killers and the shocking events that transpired. The Krugersdorp Cult Killers,...
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Gayton McKenzie Gets HEATED About Illegal Foreigners, Death Penalty, Racism & Past Crimes
In this episode, I had the opportunity to interview Gayton McKenzie, the leader of the Patriotic Alliance. Our conversation delved into a wide range of topics, starting with his early involvement in criminal activities that ultimately led to a 17-year prison sentence. We explored his experiences...
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Ellen Pakkies Opens Up About Killing Her Son
In this weeks episode I speak to Ellen Pakkies. She was known as a loving mother, a religious woman and an upstanding member of her community in Lavender Hill. But on a September morning in 2007, she killed her own son Abie by strangling him with a rope. In this episode we discuss Ellen's early...
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John Steenhuisen on Corruption, Gangs, Drugs & Prison, $4 Million Couch Scandal, Zuma & KZN Riots
In this week's episode of the Wide Awake Podcast I had a conversation with the leader of the DA, John Steenhuisen. During our chat we discussed John's epic clashes with Cyril Ramaphosa in Parliament, the questionable release of Jacob Zuma from prison, the riots that erupted in Durban and Cape…
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Notorious Leaders Of The Bad Boys Gang
In this week’s episode of the Wide Awake Podcast I had a chat with the leaders of the Bad Boys gang and Pastor Andie. During this episode we talk about what it was like growing up in one of South Africa’s most dangerous areas, how they joined and eventually became the leaders of the Bad Boys…
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HEATED DEBATE: Penuel Vs Josh on Andrew Tate, Cult Leaders & Kanye West
In this week’s episode of the Wide Awake Podcast, I had a chat with Penuel Lungelo Mlotshwa, self-proclaimed "God Penuel". During this episode we talked about Penuel’s journey of self discovery, his pursuit of knowledge and identity, how he made and lost millions of his own and other people’s...
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Will Linley's Rapid Rise To Fame
From Social media to one of South Africa’s fastest rising musical talents. This week I speak to Will Linley. This chat was one of the most insightful discussions I’ve had about the music industry and what it takes to become successful at such a young age. During this episode we discussed what...
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South Africa's Most Feared Cartoonist: Zapiro
In this week's episode of the Wide Awake Podcast, I had the privilege of speaking with Jonathan Shapiro, South Africa's most acclaimed and controversial political cartoonist, better known as Zapiro. Despite facing lawsuits, death threats, and enduring a stint in South Africa's notorious Pollsmoor...
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Shocking Reality Inside South Africa's Township Hospitals
In this weeks episode of the Wide Awake Podcast I spoke to social media influencer and medical doctor, Dr Siya. We spoke about how Siya gained over 3 million followers on social media, the reality inside South Africa's township hospitals, how Siya survived a brutal attack by Skinheads in Russia,...
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Telling My Dad I Relapsed After 4 Years of Sobriety
In this episode of the Wide Awake Podcast, I had a heartfelt conversation with my dad. We delve into his upbringing, the challenges he faced, and how he emerged as the amazing person he is today. We also talked about my recent trip to America and shared stories about some of our favourite guests...
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Notorious Ex-Gangster Shares Mind-Blowing Life Story
In this weeks episode of the Wide Awake Podcast I speak to former gang member, Thando. His journey is unique because instead of joining a street gang he chose to stand alone in Africa’s most dangerous city, Cape Town. During this episode we discussed his childhood and how he transformed from an...
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Gang Expert Takes Us Inside South Africa's Underworld
In this episode of the Wide Awake Podcast, I had the pleasure of speaking with Dariusz Dziewanski. Dariusz is an experienced researcher, journalist, and author who has dedicated the last fifteen years to international development and humanitarian work. He specialises in research, monitoring,...
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Jack Parow UNCENSORED
In this episode of the Wide Awake Podcast, I had the pleasure of speaking with Jack Parow, a South African rapper, actor, and record producer who has deep Afrikaans roots. Our conversation covered a range of interesting topics, including how Jack first discovered his passion for rap music, his...
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The Real “War Dogs” Arms Dealer
In this weeks episode of the Wide Awake Podcast I speak to former arms dealer, David Packouz. David was an arms dealer during the War in Afghanistan. As a partner of AEY Inc, a prominent weapons contractor for the U.S. Department of Defence, he and his friend Efraim Diveroli landed a $300 million...
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Britains 'Hardest Geezer' Running Across Africa
In this weeks episode of the Wide Awake Podcast, I had the pleasure of speaking with Russ Cook, an extreme athlete widely known as Britain's Hardest Geezer. During our conversation, Russ shared how running helped him overcome a difficult period in his life. In recent years, he has transformed…
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Notorious Mafia Hitman Larry Mazza
In this episode of the Wide Awake Podcast, I had the opportunity to interview Larry Mazza, a former Mafia hitman who worked closely with Greg Scarpa, the notorious captain of the Colombo crime family, also known as the Grim Reaper. Larry has publicly confessed to taking the lives of four...
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The Dirtiest Cop in New York's History: Mike Dowd
In this weeks episode of the Wide Awake Podcast I speak to Michael Dowd. He is considered the most Corrupt Cop In New York’s history. During his career Dowd stole money and dealt drugs while patrolling the streets of Brooklyn. He was also a criminal associate of the Diaz organisation. When he was...
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FBI's Most Wanted Con-Artist: Matthew Cox
In this episode of the Wide Awake Podcast I speak to Ex-Con Artist, Matthew Cox! Matthew is a former mortgage broker and convicted mortgage fraudster. During his time as a con-artist Matthew defrauded banks for roughly 55 million dollars. Due to his crimes Matthew was eventually put on the secret...
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The Real Life Joker
In this weeks episode of the Wide Awake Podcast I speak to Lawrence Sullivan also known as Joker Gang! Lawrence is a controversial social media personality based in Florida. He first went viral after he was arrested and his mug shot was released to the public. In this episode we talk about the...
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Smuggling 30 Million Pounds of Marijuana into America
In this episode of the Wide Awake Podcast I speak to former drug smuggler Tim Mcbride. Tim is a former Marijuana smuggler living on the edge of the Florida Everglades. From 1979 to 1989 he ran Southern waters and the Caribbean with a band of modern day pirates known by locals as Salt Water…
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Shot and Left for Dead In The Amazon Rainforest
In this episode of the Wide Awake Podcast I spoke to explorer, adventurer and public speaker, Davey Du Plessis. Two months into a solo source to sea navigation of the Amazon river Davey was ambushed and shot 4 times within the isolated jungles of Peru. The adventure turned into an intense moment…
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Inside Die Antwoord with Former Member G Boy
In this episode of the Wide Awake Podcast I speak to G Boy who is a former member of the band Die Antwoord. We talked about how he met Die Antwoord, How they treated him, an incident where he was set on fire without the proper training, Die Antwoord's gangster movie, dancing in front of a Cheetah...
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Surviving A Double Great White Shark Attack
In this episode of the Wide Awake Podcast I speak to double Great White shark attack survivor, Shannon Ainslie! We talked about the day the attack took place, how he survived, his injuries, another massive shark attack that happened during a shark week episode, the biggest great white shark alive...
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Homeless Soldier Living With Gangsters
In this weeks episode of the Wide Awake Podcast I speak to a homeless soldier called Gavin about a tragic event that happened while he was in Rwanda. This event lead to him spending many years in some of South Africa's most notorious prisons. We also speak about the events that lead to him living...
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Homeless Man's Life On The Streets
In this episode of the Wide Awake Podcast I speak to a homeless man that has been living on the streets for over 10 years! We talk about his drug addiction, life on the streets, spending time in prison, getting shot during a gang fight and much more...
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South Africa's Most Notorious Serial Killer: Moses Sithole
In this episode of the Wide Awake Podcast I speak to Nicole Engelbrecht, host of the True Crime South Africa podcast, about the life and crimes of South Africa's most notorious serial killer: Moses Sithole. Moses killed between 37-76 people before being caught. We speak about his life before...
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Inside Pollsmoor Maximum Security Prison
In this episode of the Wide Awake Podcast I speak to Kieron Reddy who is a warden at one of the most dangerous prisons in the world, Pollsmoor Prison. Pollsmoor is a maximum security prison that holds some of South Africa's most dangerous criminals. The prison is known for having horrific living...
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Die Antwoord Exposed (Part 2)
In this episode of the Wide Awake Podcast I speak to Edwin from the Youtube channel Edwin's Generation. We dive into Die Antwoord's scandals over the years including the incident with Zheani. The time Die Antwoord attacked Andy Butler at a festival and why Ninja and Yolandi adopted Tokkie. We…
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Siv Ngesi Goes Off The Rails
In this incredible episode of the Wide Awake Podcast I speak to Siv Ngesi. We talk about boxing Cassper Nyovest, His childhood, his latest movie- The Women King, Kanye West and Andrew Tate, advice for men, his thoughts on women's rights and much more...
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Nelson Mandela's Prison Guard
In this weeks episode of the Wide Awake Podcast I speak to Christo Brand. He was a Prison Guard on Robben Island and Pollsmoor Prison during apartheid and during that time he formed a friendship with Nelson Mandela. In this podcast we speak about how he became a prison guard, his friendship with...
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Mr. Beast's Girlfriend: Thea Booysen
In this wild episode of the Wide Awake Podcast I spoke to Thea Booysen and how she ended up with YouTube superstar Jimmy Donaldson, more commonly known as Mr Beast.
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The Mmusi Maimane Interview
In this episode of the Wide Awake Podcast I speak to Mmusi Maimane about running for president, growing up in Soweto, Jacob Zuma, Corruption and so much more. During the filming of this episode we also experienced Load Shedding which was unexpected but incredibly funny.
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Die Antwoord Exposed By Adopted Son Tokkie
In this Episode of the Wide Awake Podcast I speak to Gabriel Du Preez also known as Tokkie. Tokkie was born in Feitas which is a suburb in Johannesburg. In 2010 he was introduced to one of South Africa's most successful music groups, Die Antwoord by filmmaker Ben Jay Crossmen. He was adopted by...
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Dating The Devilsdorp Cult Killer
In this weeks episode of the Wide Awake Podcast I speak to Marizka Coetzer about how she went from a journalist that was covering the Krugersdorp Cult Killings to dating one of the murderers. Get ready because this episode is wild!
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The Rachel Kolisi Interview
In this weeks episode of the Wide Awake Podcast I speak to Rachel Kolisi about family life, the world cup, social media backlash, save Siya's story, gender based violence and so much more.
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Recovering Addict Shares His Story
In this episode of the Wide Awake Podcast I speak to Tommy. He is a recovering drug addict from the UK and we actually met in rehab. We speak about when he started using drugs, getting arrested, rehab, family life, getting sober and so much more.
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Notorious Gangster Turner Adams Returns
Notorious Gangster Turner Adams is back. We speak about his 18 year prison sentence in one of the worlds most dangerous prisons, Pollsmoor. We also talked about how he became one of the leaders of the Numbers Gang in prison, his tattoos, gang fights, life outside of prison, working with…
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Founder Of Satanic Church Gives His Life To Jesus
Back on the podcast is the co-founder of the first Satanic Church in South Africa, Riaan Swiegelaar. We speak about why he turned his back on Satanism after meeting Jesus during a Satanic ritual!
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Photographing The Worlds Most Dangerous Places
In this weeks episode of the Wide Awake Podcast I speak to war photographer and photo journalist Ryan Jacobs about documenting the worlds most dangerous conflict zones. We also speak about his plans to become the first person of colour from Africa to complete a solo Atlantic row!
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Life As A Child Soldier
In this weeks episode of the Wide Awake Podcast I speak to Mdalaga about how he became a Child Soldier during the Civil War in Burundi. We also speak about how he dealt with the loss of his family, being lost in the Congo rain forrest for months and his long journey to South Africa.
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Raised In The Suburbs To Living In A Township
In this weeks episode of the Wide Awake Podcast I speak to Jason Wolf about why he decided to move from a wealthy suburb in Cape Town to Langa Township.
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Man Overboard Survives 28-Hours at Sea
In this episode of the Wide Awake Podcast I speak to Brett Archibald about how he survived over 28 hours at sea after he fell overboard in the middle of a stormy night in the Indian Ocean. Brett tells this story with such intensity you would think it's you that's swimming for your life in the...