Best Strange And Beautiful Network Podcasts (2025)

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Chasing Success, Losing Manners, and Finding Ambition 2:49:11

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5h ago2:49:11

2:49:11

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 …

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"Dune" by Frank Herbert (Book 2 and 3 - Final Part) 2:13:30

4d ago2:13:30

2:13:30

Post plague out break - we wrap up the rest of Dune just in time to chat about "Dune Messiah" There's more from the Strange and Beautiful Network! Enjoying our work? Buy a cup of Hot Jala! https://ko-fi.com/strangeandbeautifulnetwork Listen to Rachel, Kate, and Hannah discuss spicy books, serious books, and everything in between (but mostly spicy!)…

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Babylon 5 (Season 2 Ep 16) - "In the Shadow of Z'ha'dum" 2:16:07

4d ago2:16:07

2:16:07

Finally well enough to get back to editing and recording! "Is John Sheridan above the law? His heart overrides his head when he illegally detains a visitor - Morden - who may know if Sheridan's wife, Anna, presumed dead on an ill-fated scientific exploration is still alive." Air Date: 10 May 1995 Lurker Guide: http://www.midwinter.com/lurk/guide/03…

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Laughing Through the Chaos with Tumi Morake 3:04:31

7d ago3:04:31

3:04:31

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 ca…

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The Briefing: Congress Acts to Release Epstein Files Finally and Trump Reversal... TDR-Eps 58 5:26

10d ago5:26

5:26

Congress Acts to Release Epstein Files Finally and Trump Reversal..

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Tracker (2001)-- Zin (Part Two) 1:56:30

12d ago1:56:30

1:56:30

The thrilling conclusion to this early 'oughts series about naked aliens and evil real estate schemes! Did any of our predictions come true? Does Adrian Paul ever get dressed? Does Zin successfully start a cult with a teen Jesus lady alien who is also secretly Daggon's prison girlfriend? Tune in this week to find out! GCGI now has an Instagram page…

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Fitness Myths, Low-Desire Living & Gilli Apter Unfiltered 2:56:00

14d ago2:56:00

2:56:00

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 …

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The Briefing: Epstein Files Up to Date Breaking Headlines Coverage - Trump's Seething Hoax Cover-up... TDR-Eps 57 15:31

18d ago15:31

15:31

Epstein Files Up to Date Breaking Headlines Coverage and Trump's Seething Hoax Cover-up...

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Babylon 5 (Season 2 Ep 15) - "And Now For a Word" 2:33:00

18d ago2:33:00

2:33:00

Can you spot Cookie's first cameo? Not when he fell asleep on the soundboard but some little mews later on <3. An ISN journalist reports live from the space station on the conflict between the Narn and Centauri and how it will affect the future of the Babylon project. Writer: J. Michael Straczynski Air date: May 3, 1995 Lurker Guide: http://www.mid…

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The Briefing: Epstein Files Headlines, Updates and Trump's Resistance... TDR-Eps 56 13:51

19d ago13:51

13:51

Epstein Files Headlines, Updates and Trump's Resistance... (recorded earlier)

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Pressure, Comebacks & the GNU 3:03:22

21d ago3:03:22

3:03:22

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 ar…

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"A Court of Frost and Starlight" by Sarah J Maas 49:09

22d ago49:09

49:09

We discuss "A Court of Frost and Starlight" by Sarah J Maas Riverside.fm is a video/audio recording platform built for podcasters. Check them out today for uncompressed audio and video recording, unlimited transcription services, AI Social Media clips, teleprompter and on screen scripts, and a bunch of other cool stuff too. Make long distance podca…

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Babylon 5 (Season 2 Ep 14) - "There All the Honor Lies" 3:04:44

25d ago3:04:44

3:04:44

An attack on Sheridan by a thief results in the death of a Minbari warrior, sparking a controversy that could end the captain's career. Originally Aired - April 26, 1995 Lurker Guide: http://www.midwinter.com/lurk/guide/036.html There's more from the Strange and Beautiful Network! Enjoying our work? Buy us a cup of Hot Jala! https://ko-fi.com/stran…

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Tracker (2001)-- Zin (PART ONE) 1:54:21

26d ago1:54:21

1:54:21

UPDATE: Audio issues fixed! This week, we have the first part of our two-part discussion of Canadian science fiction tv show, Tracker! This show stars Adrian Paul's underwear bulge and, to a much, much lesser extent, the rest of Adrian Paul. Come for the eternal battle between an evil space alien scientist and the Chicago Department of Planning and…

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"Dune" by Frank Herbert (Book 1 - Dune) 2:22:41

28d ago2:22:41

2:22:41

By Strange and Beautiful Network

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Impi Energy Meets Political Heat 3:04:30

28d ago3:04:30

3:04:30

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” K…

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Classic Chat - "A Court of Wings and Ruin" by Sarah J Maas 2:04:34

30d ago2:04:34

2:04:34

Hello friends! Unfortunately, we finally got a time for us all to sit and chat about this book and I forgot to hit record. I know. I KNOW. So here's a repost of our original episode and a good look back at where Kate and I started almost 2 years ago. Enjoy! Riverside.fm is a video/audio recording platform built for podcasters. Check them out today …

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Babylon 5 (Season 2 Ep 13) - "Hunter, Prey" 2:30:10

1M ago2:30:10

2:30:10

No one asked me to do a bad Chicago accent for undercover artist, Gary Baldy but here I am - doing it anyway. A fugitive doctor on the run from the Earth Alliance is on Babylon 5, but when Captain Sheridan learns the reasons why, the race is on to find him before Earthforce Security can seize him. Written By J. Michael Straczynski Directed By Menac…

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Closer Circles, Stronger Men 3:00:45

1M ago3:00:45

3:00:45

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…

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WAAK Repost - Babylon 5 (S1 E21) - "Quality of Mercy" 2:46:38

1M ago2:46:38

2:46:38

Meg and Rachel are taking a break this week so here's a peak at We Are All Kosh, our Babylon 5 podcast. And what better episode than the magic prehensile dick episode? GCGI now has an Instagram page— never miss a sweaty update (and get sneak previews of future episodes) at: http://www.instagram.com/gercangetit (or click here). There's more from the…

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"Dracula (1979)" - Strange and Beautiful Book Club Repost 1:56:24

1M ago1:56:24

1:56:24

We're busy with Halloween prep this week so enjoy this spooky repost of our episode on "Dracula" released in 1979 and starring Frank Langella. There's more from the Strange and Beautiful Network! Enjoying our work? Buy us a cup of Hot Jala! https://ko-fi.com/strangeandbeautifulnetwork Listen to Rachel, Kate, and Hannah discuss spicy books, serious …

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AI Addicts, Boozy Cities & a Comet with Friends?! 2:58:05

1M ago2:58:05

2:58:05

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 cre…

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Babylon 5 (Season 2 Ep 12) - "Acts of Sacrifice" 2:48:57

2M ago2:48:57

2:48:57

Sheridan struggles to maintain Babylon 5's neutrality while keeping the peace between the Centauri and the Narns; Ivanova forms a new alliance. Writer: J. Michael Straczynski Air date: February 22, 1995 My only regret from this episode is that my truncate silence macro cut out the long shocked silence after I suggested Ivanova peg the Lumati ambass…

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Testosterone Trouble & Political Tantrums 2:55:44

2M ago2:55:44

2:55:44

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 masculinit…

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Babylon 5 (Season 2 Ep 11) - "All Alone in the Night" 3:04:06

2M ago3:04:06

3:04:06

Enjoy our most unfocused discussion yet as we attempt to talk about the eleventh episode of the second season of Babylon 5 - "All Alone in the Night" and mostly succeed but also succeed in discussing a lot of other stuff too. While Delenn faces the full repercussions of her transformation, Sheridan is kidnapped and experimented upon by a strange al…

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TV Licences & Strange Irish Names 1:23:23

2M ago1:23:23

1:23:23

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 name…

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Swifties, Scandals & Staying Sane 1:35:25

2M ago1:35:25

1:35:25

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 peop…

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"The Dark Tower 0: The Little Sisters of Eluria" by Stephen King 1:00:33

2M ago1:00:33

1:00:33

The shortest Dark Tower content yet and Stephen King still managed to work in a dick. There's more from the Strange and Beautiful Network! Enjoying our work? Buy a cup of Hot Jala! https://ko-fi.com/strangeandbeautifulnetwork Listen to Rachel, Kate, and Hannah discuss spicy books, serious books, and everything in between (but mostly spicy!). It's l…

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The Briefing: More Epstein Files Info and Updates... TDR-Eps 55 7:13

2M ago7:13

7:13

More Epstein Files Info and Updates...

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Babylon 5 (Season 2 Ep 10) - "Gropos" 2:14:00

2M ago2:14:00

2:14:00

We discuss the tenth episode of the second season of Babylon 5, "Gropos" Did we finally find an episode Rachel likes less than "Soul Hunter"? Maybe. Probably. Find the space charts here: http://www.chronology.org/b-five/astronomy.html Lurker's Guide for this episode: http://www.midwinter.com/lurk/guide/032.html Dr. Franklin's father arrives on the …

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The Conspiracy of Fear (1995)-- Timothy Straker 2:10:30

2M ago2:10:30

2:10:30

This is the funniest thriller we have ever seen. We didn't understand one single moment of it, including the use of slow-motion birds, the gallon-sized freezer bag of cocaine, the criminal underuse of a man named Yo, or how Ger managed to beat the shit out of Andrew Lowery while driving a murder van and never once looking at the road. Multiple peop…

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The Briefing: Mega Dose Extended Edition of Epstein Files Coverup Coverage... TDR-Eps 54 19:58

2M ago19:58

19:58

The Briefing: Mega Dose Extended Edition of Epstein Files Coverup Coverage...

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AI Wars, New York Stories & Beauty in 2025 3:13:05

2M ago3:13:05

3:13:05

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 …

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Babylon 5 (Season 2 Ep 9) - "The Coming of Shadows" 3:09:48

2M ago3:09:48

3:09:48

The Hugo Award winning episode of Babylon 5 that many fans (us included) consider one of the best episodes of the entire series. Matt and Rachel discuss the 9th episode of the second season, "The Coming of Shadows" A visit by the Centauri emperor creates myriad emotions among the inhabitants of the station; Garibaldi receives a strange message from…

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Money Moves, Crypto Shifts & Political Pretenders 1:12:00

2M ago1:12:00

1:12:00

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…

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Fat Shaming, Strange Names & Political Games 1:43:35

2M ago1:43:35

1:43:35

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…

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Babylon 5 (Season 2 Ep 8) - "A Race Through Dark Places" 2:47:54

2M ago2:47:54

2:47:54

What did I have against Carl(s) in this episode? I apologize to all Carl(s) in advance. Matt and Rachel discuss the Babylon 5: Season 2 episode, "A Race Through Dark Places" "The Psi Corps' Bester returns seeking Talia's help in tracking down unregistered telepaths; Delenn tries to adapt to her new form." Original Air Date - January 25th, 1995. Lur…

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Dudley the Dragon (1994)-- "Have Yourself a Crabby Little Christmas" AND The Edison Twins (1985)- Season 3, Eps 11-13 1:57:47

3M ago1:57:47

1:57:47

EDIT: Oops, I'm still bad at my job. Slight audio issues fixed. Please re-download me to hear the fixed version. KThx. NOTE: I thought the Edison Twins episodes were 3x37-39, but it turns out that they are episodes 37-39 of the ENTIRE SERIES and just episodes 11-13 of season 3. Oops. This week: freaky puppets (Again?! Still!?), childhood trauma, an…

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Thailand Tales, Sports & Marble Dreams 1:16:21

3M ago1:16:21

1:16:21

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 Dee…

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Government Fails, Global Feuds 1:34:00

3M ago1:34:00

1:34:00

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 Re…

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CI81K Repost: Forever Knight (Season 3 Ep 7) - "Hearts of Darkness 1:45:39

3M ago1:45:39

1:45:39

We are under the weather so there's no new episode of We are all Kosh for this week. Please enjoy this repost of one of my favorite episodes of Come In 81 Kilo where we discuss the "Hearts of Darkness" episode from season 3 of Forever Knight There's more from the Strange and Beautiful Network! Enjoying our work? Buy us a cup of Hot Jala! https://ko…

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"The Dark Tower VII: The Dark Tower" by Stephen King (Part 2 of 2) 1:33:46

3M ago1:33:46

1:33:46

Rachel and Matt discuss the final installment of the Dark Tower series by Stephen King. Part 2 of 2 of our discussion. There's more from the Strange and Beautiful Network! Enjoying our work? Buy a cup of Hot Jala! https://ko-fi.com/strangeandbeautifulnetwork Listen to Rachel, Kate, and Hannah discuss spicy books, serious books, and everything in be…

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The Future of Media in South Africa | ft. Nosipho & Producer Patrick 49:57

3M ago49:57

49:57

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…

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Charlie Kirk, South Africa & The Bigger Picture 1:59:28

3M ago1:59:28

1:59:28

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, celebrat…

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The Briefing: More on Epstein saga and Trump cover-up... Epstein FBI informant, surveillance recordings and blackmail. NYC mansion den of depravity. Trump shields and conceals, diverts and distracts and ... 8:36

3M ago8:36

8:36

More on Epstein saga and Trump cover-up... Epstein FBI informant, surveillance recordings and blackmail. His NYC mansion described as den of depravity. Trump's close pal for 15 years heinous villain Epstein. Trump continues to shield and conceal the truth about Epstein and to divert, distract and denounce... labeling it a total hoax. Maxwell fully …

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Babylon 5 (Season 2 Ep 7) - "Soul Mates" 2:09:07

3M ago2:09:07

2:09:07

Yes, I know it's LOIS as in Low-Iss. I don't know why I keep saying Louis. I blame Lou Welch. Episode 7 is sometimes Episode 8 but we went in broadcast order so the previous episode was released 12/7, this episode aired 12/14 - making it the next episode in the series by broadcast order. Londo makes a surprising choice for a new wife; Talia's forme…

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Antony and Cleopatra (2015)-- Mark Antony 1:51:49

3M ago1:51:49

1:51:49

WE HATH RETURNED, AND SO DIDST DAT ASS. This week: truly, the purest Ger role that we have seen thus far. It is a three-hour Shakespeare play, in the dark, where Ger plays a character with his 'dumb' and 'horny' meters turned all the way up. We did not understand one single word. Magic. GCGI now has an Instagram page— never miss a sweaty update (an…

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When ‘Let Me Finish’ Means You’re Wrong 1:16:05

3M ago1:16:05

1:16:05

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 mea…

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"The Dark Tower VII: The Dark Tower" by Stephen King (Part 1 of 2) 1:31:16

3M ago1:31:16

1:31:16

Matt and Rachel discuss the final novel (and in our opinion - the best) in the Dark Tower series by Stephen King There's more from the Strange and Beautiful Network! Enjoying our work? Buy a cup of Hot Jala! https://ko-fi.com/strangeandbeautifulnetwork Listen to Rachel, Kate, and Hannah discuss spicy books, serious books, and everything in between …

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Gareth Loses Patience, Leigh-Ann Gains Ozempic 1:35:40

3M ago1:35:40

1:35:40

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 Netw…