Best FRANCO DOES Podcasts (2025)

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Inside India's war on Maoists 26:29

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3m ago26:29

26:29

For nearly 60 years, the Indian government has been fighting a violent group of Maoists in the country. They are followers of the late Chinese leader, Mao Zedong and have carried out bombings and killings in different parts of India. Now, the Indian authorities claim to be on the brink of defeating these insurgents and has said that they will be fu…

1
Stranger than fiction? 33:24

3m ago33:24

33:24

Many politicians and diplomats serve during incidents that feel stranger than fiction. Veep writer David Quantick and former UK ambassador John Everard discuss how entertainment and politics interact. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.By Monocle

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Raising children on a warming planet 23:35

7m ago23:35

23:35

Another round of global climate talks is taking place at the COP30 summit, but some are questioning whether there is much point to these gatherings. We bring people together who have decided to take their own action. One guest, Gwynn, suggests the best way to save the planet is to not have children. She has even had surgery so she cannot get pregna…

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DEEP DIVE: Why do so many Kiwis come to Australia? 11:00

1h ago11:00

11:00

Do you know a Kiwi in Australia? Chances are good that you do, because young Kiwis are coming here in record numbers. It's being called a "brain drain", and with the median age of people leaving 29 experts are worried about what it means for New Zealand's future. So why do so many young Kiwis leave? And are they planning on staying away for good? I…

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Music: In-studio with Freshly Ground 6:01

1d ago6:01

6:01

John Maytham is joined by Freshlyground saxophonist Simon Atwell and lead singer Mbali Makhoba, as they talk us through the band’s return, the making of Jabula, and what fans can expect next from this iconic ensemble. Presenter John Maytham is an actor and author-turned-talk radio veteran and seasoned journalist. His show serves a round-up of local…

1
15 Women a Day: Ramaphosa Declares GBV a National Crisis 7:45

1d ago7:45

7:45

John Maytham speaks to Fatima Shaik — GBV expert and Executive Director of People Opposing Women Abuse (POWA) — to unpack the scale of the GBV crisis in South Africa, and what meaningful action must look like. Presenter John Maytham is an actor and author-turned-talk radio veteran and seasoned journalist. His show serves a round-up of local and int…

1
G20: Can South Africa reclaim its soft power? 7:53

1d ago7:53

7:53

John Maytham speaks to Professor Anthoni van Nieuwkerk, Professor of International Relations and Diplomacy at UNISA and former member of the Presidential High-Level Review Panel on the State Security Agency, to unpack whether South Africa can restore its soft power and credibility on the world stage. Presenter John Maytham is an actor and author-tu…

1
WILD Feast: A Trans-Atlantic Celebration of Indigenous Flavors and Culinary Resistanc 5:48

1d ago5:48

5:48

John Maytham speaks to Jeanette Sutherland, Trinidad and Tobago-born curator of WILD Feast and founder of AgriLuxe Marketing, who champions indigenous crops as climate-smart, nutrient-rich, and economically empowering. Jeanette believes food can be a tool for sovereignty and sustainability — and she’s proving it, one plate at a time. Presenter John…

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Books with John Maytham 6:11

1d ago6:11

6:11

Presenter John Maytham is an actor and author-turned-talk radio veteran and seasoned journalist. His show serves a round-up of local and international news coupled with the latest in business, sport, traffic and weather. The host’s eclectic interests mean the program often surprises the audience with intriguing book reviews and inspiring interviews…

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Boats and the Budget: the battlelines are drawn 34:28

11m ago34:28

34:28

Home secretary Shabana Mahmood announced a tough set of measures overhauling immigration policy this week, in a bid to deter illegal boat crossings and tackle the thorny issue of asylum seekers that dominates the news agenda. But how did the announcement go down with a divided Labour party? And, just days away from the Budget, chancellor Rachel Ree…

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Looking at our “concerning” dam levels as it is lower than it was last year 10:00

1d ago10:00

10:00

To unpack how concerned we should be about water restrictions and our dam levels, and what residents can realistically expect over the coming months, John Maytham is joined by Kevin Winter from the UCT Future Water Institute. Presenter John Maytham is an actor and author-turned-talk radio veteran and seasoned journalist. His show serves a round-up …

1
A Call to Action: Jimmy Nevis Joins the Fight Against Gender-Based Violence 4:10

1d ago4:10

4:10

John Maytham speaks to Jimmy Nevis, singer–songwriter and activist, about why he chose this moment to raise his voice against GBV and how he hopes his music will help drive change. Presenter John Maytham is an actor and author-turned-talk radio veteran and seasoned journalist. His show serves a round-up of local and international news coupled with …

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The Belem declaration: Tackling Agricultural Emissions Together 4:32

1d ago4:32

4:32

To help us break down what the Belem Declaration means for South Africa and the broader continent, John Maytham is joined by Professor Guy Midgley, Director of the School for Climate Studies at Stellenbosch University. Presenter John Maytham is an actor and author-turned-talk radio veteran and seasoned journalist. His show serves a round-up of loca…

1
Taking another look at the Baboon management plan in Cape Town 12:10

1d ago12:10

12:10

John Maytham speaks to Lynda Silk, Chairperson of the Cape Peninsula Civil Conservation (CPCC), an organisation that has been vocal about aspects of the plan and how they believe baboon management should be conducted differently. Lynda joins us to respond to yesterday’s interview with Sarah Warries and to offer an alternative perspective on what ef…

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THE SHAKEUP: Quiet piggy, being the lil sis of Sky Sports + drinking alone 30:00

4h ago30:00

30:00

From changing his mind on the release of the Epstein files, to lashing out at reporters, there's been a bit on for Donald Trump. And the Sky Sports TikTok channel for female sports fans has collapsed after massive backlash for being patronising and misogynistic. Plus, we hear your solo adventure stories after a UK bar banned drinkers drinking alone…

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Navigating faith on the road 26:30

16m ago26:30

26:30

Canada is home to thousands of Sikh truck drivers, crossing North America in cabs that double as kitchens, bedrooms and places to pray. In a single week, some will see more of the continent than most people will in a lifetime, from major cities to mountain ranges and endless miles of road. But the road can be a hard place to practise faith built on…

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Boks on Alert: Ireland’s Rising Form Poses a Real Threat 8:28

2d ago8:28

8:28

To unpack what this means for the game and for the Boks’ chances in Dublin, John Maytham speaks to Craig Ray, sports editor at Daily Maverick and one of South Africa’s most respected rugby voices. Craig joins us to break down the stakes, the strategies, and the storm surrounding rugby’s laws. Presenter John Maytham is an actor and author-turned-tal…

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Brown Mogotsi Under Fire: Cross-Examination Exposes ‘Fanciful’ Testimony 7:28

2d ago7:28

7:28

John Maytham speaks to Karyn Maughan to help us understand the implications of Mogotsi’s testimony, the cracks it exposes in policing and intelligence structures, and what this means for the future of the Madlanga Commission. Presenter John Maytham is an actor and author-turned-talk radio veteran and seasoned journalist. His show serves a round-up …

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Karoo Origins Makes History: SA Studio Wins Global PaleoArt Prize 4:40

2d ago4:40

4:40

John Maytham speaks to Dianne Makings, the producer of the six-minute CG reconstruction of a Permian-period waterhole, about the Lanzendorf–National Geographic PaleoArt Prize that the exhibition won. Presenter John Maytham is an actor and author-turned-talk radio veteran and seasoned journalist. His show serves a round-up of local and international…

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Baboons in Focus: Final Action Plan Unveiled for Coexistence 13:36

3d ago13:36

13:36

John Maytham speaks to Sarah Warries to break down how these new interventions for baboons will be rolled out, what the community can expect, and how this long-awaited plan aims to create a safer environment for both baboons and residents on the Peninsula. Presenter John Maytham is an actor and author-turned-talk radio veteran and seasoned journali…

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Closing the Gap: SA’s Fight Against Food Loss in a Global Context 7:26

3d ago7:26

7:26

Carlyn Fretilli Davis, an ENS consultant, speaks to John Maytham about South Africa improving its food waste management policies, to better align with global standards. Presenter John Maytham is an actor and author-turned-talk radio veteran and seasoned journalist. His show serves a round-up of local and international news coupled with the latest i…

1
Plan B with Rebecca Davis 11:26

3d ago11:26

11:26

Rebecca Davis joins John Maytham each week to reflect on just how strange the news can be. From the most important to the very strange, John and Rebecca offer their view of what is happening in our world that makes it at times infuriating, at times inspirational but always fascinating Presenter John Maytham is an actor and author-turned-talk radio …

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CAA licence plates: When does it end and what happens once it does? 7:50

3d ago7:50

7:50

John Maytham speaks to Muneera Allie, spokesperson for the Department of Mobility. She joins us to unpack the future of vehicle registration in the province and what options are on the table as the CAA series approaches its end. The Money Show is a podcast hosted by well-known journalist and radio presenter, Stephen Grootes. He explores the latest …

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Why IUD rates are so low + how betting companies kept Dylan addicted 30:00

5h ago30:00

30:00

When it comes to contraceptives, we aren't opting for methods like the IUD or implant in Australia anywhere near as much as people in other countries are. The federal government's made IUD insertion cheaper and added the NuvaRing to the PBS — but what stops people from using alternatives to the pill? Plus: after 12 years of addiction, Dylan is expo…

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How Ireland proved a basic income for artists actually works 48:54

1h ago48:54

48:54

We don’t often get to cover joyful policy news on this podcast, so this week we’re delighted to be discussing that rare thing: a European country that’s investing serious money in culture. For three years, Ireland has been experimenting with paying artists, musicians and other creative workers a basic income. And guess what? The scheme has worked s…

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Explainer 494: The bright side of Ukraine’s corruption scandal 7:33

3m ago7:33

7:33

It has been a tough week for Zelensky’s government. But is there a bright side to the corruption scandal gripping Ukraine? Andrew Mueller explains. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.By Monocle

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INTERVIEW: Losing $300k before you're 30 20:00

1h ago20:00

20:00

Dylan's gambling started at school, and it just got worse from there. To fuel his bets, he reckons he started borrowing money from friends, but as the addiction spiralled out of control he resorted to stealing. Gambling cost Dylan a lot, in terms of both money and opportunities. Now, he's trying to quit, and he's documenting the journey on TikTok a…

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Franco Mostert Cleared: A Big Win for the Boks 5:57

4d ago5:57

5:57

Joining Amy Maciver to unpack Franco Mostert’s red card decision is Jan De Koning, independent rugby analyst, who will break down the ruling and its impact on the Boks’ campaign. Presenter John Maytham is an actor and author-turned-talk radio veteran and seasoned journalist. His show serves a round-up of local and international news coupled with th…

1
Bombshell at the Madlanga Commission: Mogotsi Speaks Out 9:47

4d ago9:47

9:47

Former Head of Detectives at SAPS, Jeremy Veary speaks to Amy McIver, on the latest accusations made by controversial figure Brown Mogotsi at the Madlanga Commission. Presenter John Maytham is an actor and author-turned-talk radio veteran and seasoned journalist. His show serves a round-up of local and international news coupled with the latest in …

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Ironman Tragedy: Safety Questions After Two Deaths 7:12

4d ago7:12

7:12

Amy McIver is joined by sports journalist Yanga Sibembe about the 2 athletes who died – during the swim portion of the Ironman Triathlon in Mossel Bay. Presenter John Maytham is an actor and author-turned-talk radio veteran and seasoned journalist. His show serves a round-up of local and international news coupled with the latest in business, sport…

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Spotting the Fake: India-Based Disinformation Flooding SA 9:40

4d ago9:40

9:40

Today, we break down how these scams are built, why they’re so effective, and how the average South African can protect themselves before sharing false information. And to help us unpack this, Amy Maciver is joined by Andrew Thompson, News24 journalist and the reporter behind the investigation into the India-based disinformation network targeting S…

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Brace for Higher Bills: Electricity Price Hikes Loom for SA Cities 5:02

4d ago5:02

5:02

Joining Amy Maciver is Matthew Cruise, energy analyst at IMPOWER, to unpack the implications of these looming electricity price hikes and what consumers should expect. Presenter John Maytham is an actor and author-turned-talk radio veteran and seasoned journalist. His show serves a round-up of local and international news coupled with the latest in…

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UWC Stands in Solidarity Against Gender-Based Violence 7:44

4d ago7:44

7:44

Amy McIver speaks to UWC’s head of Gender Studies, Dr Fikile Vilakazi – about UWC joining Women for Change’s national call to action against GBVF on Friday 21st of November. Presenter John Maytham is an actor and author-turned-talk radio veteran and seasoned journalist. His show serves a round-up of local and international news coupled with the lat…

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South Africa’s G20 Presidency: A Global Game-Changer 8:13

4d ago8:13

8:13

Joining Amy Maciver is Jan Venter, an international relations analyst from North-West University. He’ll unpack the significance of South Africa’s G20 role and what it signals for the future of multilateralism and Africa’s place in global governance. Presenter John Maytham is an actor and author-turned-talk radio veteran and seasoned journalist. His…

1
999 – Incomplete: When Finishing School Means Staying Alive 9:53

4d ago9:53

9:53

Amy McIver speaks to principal Renate van der Westhuizen about the number of matric students who do not get to complete their matric exams Presenter John Maytham is an actor and author-turned-talk radio veteran and seasoned journalist. His show serves a round-up of local and international news coupled with the latest in business, sport, traffic and…

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AI (over)hype, CSIRO job cuts + is hip hop in trouble? 30:07

1h ago30:07

30:07

Has an AI investment frenzy created a "bubble"? And if so, is it going to burst? Google's boss has weighed in with a warning: if AI stocks go bust, no company will be safe. Also: scientists are asking questions about the future of research and innovation in Australia, after CSIRO announced hundreds of job cuts. And for the first time in decades, th…

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Dion George and the DA 8:08

5d ago8:08

8:08

John speaks to political analyst, Professor Steven Friedman about the situation between DA leader John Steenhuisen, and former minister Dion George. Presenter John Maytham is an actor and author-turned-talk radio veteran and seasoned journalist. His show serves a round-up of local and international news coupled with the latest in business, sport, t…

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Madlanga Commission: Serious Discrepancies Found in KZN PKTT’s 121 Dockets 5:19

5d ago5:19

5:19

Joining John Maytham, is Orrin Singh, EWN’s parliamentary correspondent, who has been following the Madlanga commission closely. Presenter John Maytham is an actor and author-turned-talk radio veteran and seasoned journalist. His show serves a round-up of local and international news coupled with the latest in business, sport, traffic and weather. …

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Iran to begin cloud seeding as historic drought bites 6:55

5d ago6:55

6:55

Roelof Burger, a cloud-seeding expert and professor in North West University’s Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management, speaks to John Maytham about Iran’s decision to start cloud-seeding amid the worst drought in decades. Presenter John Maytham is an actor and author-turned-talk radio veteran and seasoned journalist. His show serves a round…

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China’s global spending spree 26:39

8m ago26:39

26:39

China has been on a giant global shopping spree. Since 2000, Chinese state banks have fuelled investments and acquisitions at a surprisingly rate - some four times what was previously thought. Brand new data, shared exclusively with the BBC, reveals that many of Beijing’s state-backed spending has targeted rich countries. Such deals are strictly le…

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Energy Now, Not Later: Why South Africa Needs an Affordable Plan Today - according to the DA. 6:58

5d ago6:58

6:58

Energy Analyst Clyde Mallinson joins John Maytham to chat about the DA’s alternative plan for stabilising the country’s electricity grid. Presenter John Maytham is an actor and author-turned-talk radio veteran and seasoned journalist. His show serves a round-up of local and international news coupled with the latest in business, sport, traffic and …

1
Civil Society police? Afriforum’s Role in Gordons Bay Security Checks Raises Alarm 9:12

5d ago9:12

9:12

John Maytham chats to Somerset West resident Tanja Hilchert on her experience at a roadblock – conducted by civil rights organisation Afriforum. Presenter John Maytham is an actor and author-turned-talk radio veteran and seasoned journalist. His show serves a round-up of local and international news coupled with the latest in business, sport, traff…