Best Strange And Beautiful Network Podcasts (2025)

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TV Licences & Strange Irish Names 1:23:23

Play Pause

2d 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

2d 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

2d 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 Mysteries of The Crystal Ball with Scotland's no1 Palmist reader & Astrologer 1:06:15

6d ago1:06:15

1:06:15

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

6d 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

7d 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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AI Wars, New York Stories & Beauty in 2025 3:13:05

9d 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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Yorkshire Ghost Tales with Spindleshanks McScrew- Beware the Bloom: The Dark story of H.G. Wells' Strange Orchid 20:12

11d ago20:12

20:12

Episode 4 Welcome to another frightening bonus episode from Spindleshanks McScrew of Yorkshire Ghost Tours. A ghostly collab brought to you by Turnip Fish Theatre and The Bell Witch Podcast. In this dark episode, host Spindleshanks McScrew, a Yorkshire storyteller and ghost tour guide, retells H.G. Wells’ “The Strange Orchid” from her own perspecti…

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

13d 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

16d 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

16d 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

20d 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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Exploring the Mystical Sites of South West Britain pt2: The Magical Museum & The Sacred Well 1:00:17

20d ago1:00:17

1:00:17

Welcome to another Solitary Witch Episode of The Bell Witch Podcast- a show that aims to get you 'Witching in the 21st Century' This is officially episode 69 but is the 98th upload on the feed! In this episode, the host takes listeners on a personal journey through the Museum of Witchcraft and Magic in Boscastle, Cornwall, sharing vivid impressions…

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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

21d 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

23d 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

23d 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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Discovering the Art of Kitchen Witchery with Laura May of The Ritual Kitchen: Recipes, Rituals, and Tarot Magic 1:07:30

27d ago1:07:30

1:07:30

Welcome to The Bell Witch Podcast- 'Witching in the 21st Century.' In this 68th episode of The Bell Witch Podcast, host Swailes welcomes back The Ritual kitchen witch Laura May, who shares updates on her new recipe book and unique Kickstarter tarot deck—each card paired with a magical recipe. Laura discusses her creative process, foraging adventure…

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

27d 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

30d 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

1M 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

1M 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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Exploring the Mystical Sites of Southwest Britain pt1: Stonehenge and Beyond 55:12

1M ago55:12

55:12

Welcome to The Bell Witch Podcast- the show that helps you to get 'Witching in the 21st Century' In this 'Solitary Witch' episode of The Bell Witch Podcast, the host—a practicing witch—returns from a summer break to share a magical audio tour of the magical and mystical southwest Britain. Swailes recounts her visit to Stonehenge, Lands End, Tintage…

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

1M 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

1M 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

1M 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

1M 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 …

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

1M 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…

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Yorkshire Ghost Tales with Spindkeshanks McScrew- The Blind Spirit of William Taylor: A Haunting in Otley 15:15

1M ago15:15

15:15

Episode 3 Welcome to another frightening episode from Yorkshire Ghost Tours. Brought to you by Yorkshire Ghost Tours and The Bell Witch Podcast! In this dark episode, host Spindle Shanks McScrew recounts the chilling 1887 Otley tragedy, where William Taylor, an abusive alcoholic, murdered his infant daughter Annie and fatally shot Superintendent Bu…

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Babylon 5 (Season 2 Ep 6) - "A Spider in the Web" 2:21:52

1M ago2:21:52

2:21:52

What should be a simple monitoring of a business negotiation turns into a nightmare for Talia when her friend and associate is killed by a violent fanatic. Show: Babylon 5 Writer: Larry DiTillio Air date: December 7, 1994 Lurker Guide: http://www.midwinter.com/lurk/guide/028.html There's more from the Strange and Beautiful Network! Enjoying our wor…

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"A Court of Mist and Fury" by Sarah J. Maas 1:23:02

1M ago1:23:02

1:23:02

The much delated episode where we revisit A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas but this time with 100% more Hannah! 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, …

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Everest Tales & Killer Whales 1:30:01

1M ago1:30:01

1:30:01

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…

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Toilet Talk & Tough Waters 1:19:05

1M ago1:19:05

1:19:05

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 — physic…

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Babylon 5 (Season 2 Ep 5) - "The Long Dark" 2:10:02

2M ago2:10:02

2:10:02

When a cryonic sleeper is awakened, a deadly, evil force is unleashed on the station. Anne-Marie Johnson as Mariah Cirrus. Dwight Schultz as Amis. P5 Rating: 7.64 Original air date: November 30, 1994 Written by Scott Frost Directed by Mario DiLeo Lurker Guide: http://www.midwinter.com/lurk/guide/027.html There's more from the Strange and Beautiful …

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Ozempic Butt, Self-Driving Cars & South Africanisms in Oxford 1:11:12

2M ago1:11:12

1:11:12

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 we…

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Cyril’s Silence, Trump’s Hype & SA’s Sporting Woes 1:39:51

2M ago1:39:51

1:39:51

22.08.25 Pt 1 - Gareth Cliff and Leigh-Ann Mol open the show by tackling the strange silence of President Cyril Ramaphosa, who seems to have gone missing in action while the country faces crisis after crisis. Their conversation takes a sharp turn into international politics, as they debate Donald Trump’s rise to “rockstar” status and what that mean…

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Gaza: what you can do to help? 5:13

2M ago5:13

5:13

Helpful Links - - Free Palestine Act Now Against These Companies Profiting from the Genocide of the Palestinian People | BDS Movement 14 Trusted Charities Helping Civilians in Palestine | Human Rights Careers Gaza: what you can do to help - GOV.UK What's happening in Gaza? A desperate humanitarian crisis https://www.instagram.com/palestineredcresce…

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'Grumblog' Witch Stories #5 Patreon Exclusive 9:32

2M ago9:32

9:32

Witch Stories is a Patreon monthly exclusive mini episode read by Swailes from a book called Witch Stories for Bedtime 1987 Templar Publishing. There are 10 stories within the book and all charming in their own way! This witch tale is called 'Grumblog' and is by Jane Garrett, from the fab book Witch Stories for bedtime published in 1987. We are abo…

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Babylon 5 (Season 2 Ep 4) - "A Distant Star" 2:27:39

2M ago2:27:39

2:27:39

An old friend of Sheridan's with an exciting job creates doubts in the captain's mind about his own position; a Minbari associate is suspicious of Delenn. Show: Babylon 5 Writer: D. C. Fontana Air date: November 23, 1994 Lurker Guide: http://www.midwinter.com/lurk/guide/026.html There's more from the Strange and Beautiful Network! Enjoying our work…

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Cultural Identity, Forehead Surgery, Putin’s Bulletproof Poo Case 57:44

2M ago57:44

57:44

15.08.2025 pt 2 In this episode, Gareth and Ben dive into the complex debate around multiculturalism, arguing that while Europe’s model has eroded cultural identity, South Africa’s unique mix of traditions thrives without forced assimilation. They slam the homogenisation of culture into bland commercialism and champion cultural pride. The conversat…

1
Trump’s Armored Golf Cart, Soweto Taxi vs E-Hailing, A Wild Friday Send-off to remember 59:10

2M ago59:10

59:10

15.08.2025 pt 1 On our final Friday show before a major format change, Gareth and Ben delivered a whirlwind of sports, politics, and jaw-dropping oddities. They kicked off with news that Fridays will soon be longer and packed with live guests, before diving into Ben’s golf plans and a comical look at Donald Trump’s armored “Batmobile” golf cart. Th…

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From Classic Cars to Cancel Culture — Kurt’s No-Filter Ride Through Life 57:47

2M ago57:47

57:47

13.08.2025 pt 2 In a wide-ranging and unapologetically honest chat, comedian Kurt takes us from the smell of leather bench seats in classic cars to the uncomfortable sting of racism, making the case for humor as a bridge between people. Along the way, he rips into modern cars’ soulless designs, the quirks of South Africa’s “celebrity” class, and wh…

1
Comedy, Chaos & The Overpriced Steak 57:47

2M ago57:47

57:47

13.08. 2025 pt 1 Comedians Dave Levinson and Kurt Schoonrat join Gareth in studio for a mix of sharp wit, war stories from the stage, and some brutal honesty about life in comedy and South Africa. From overpriced steaks and coffee shop economics to the chaos of early shows and the reality of hecklers, it’s a hilarious yet revealing look at the hust…

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The Friendly Green Witch of The Bell Witch Podcast- Herbs Sigils Magic guests on Anchorhaven 42:13

2M ago42:13

42:13

Special August Episode- Swailes is the guest on Anchorhaven. Julia Anchorhaven meets with Swailes the Friendly Green Witch, host of The Bell Witch Podcast. Chatting about being a modern day green witch, practical magic, sigil magic, herbalist, divination, tarot cards, oracle cards, psychic mediumship, pagan celebrations, witching in the 21st centur…

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DR Ken Resnik Schools Us On Calmness And Modern Parenting 58:24

2M ago58:24

58:24

Parenting expert Dr. Ken Resnik joins to flip the script on modern parenting trends, pushing for calm authority, boundaries, and fostering independence over overprotection. The decline in basic social skills and etiquette, accelerated by generational shifts and tech dependence, is eroding how we connect — at home, at work, and in society at large. …

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The Monday Morning Farewell, Gayton McKenzie's Racial Slur, Radio Nolstagia 1:01:30

2M ago1:01:30

1:01:30

The team signs off their final Monday show before moving to Fridays with a sharp, unfiltered dive into hot-button topics — starting with the furore over politician Gayton McKenzie’s use of a racial slur. They challenge the social media outrage cycle, calling for resilience, context, and less performative anger. There’s a nostalgic but pragmatic loo…

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Babylon 5 (Season 2 Ep 3) - "The Geometry of Shadows" 2:19:08

2M ago2:19:08

2:19:08

Londo's rise to power may be jeopardized by a mysterious wizard; Ivanova is promoted and given a difficult assignment; Garibaldi slowly recovers. Show: Babylon 5 Air date: November 16, 1994 Director: Mike Vejar Lurker Guide: http://www.midwinter.com/lurk/guide/025.html There's more from the Strange and Beautiful Network! Enjoying our work? Buy us a…

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Gym Gripes, Girl Fights & Global Tariffs 50:14

2M ago50:14

50:14

08.08.25 Pt 2 - Gareth Cliff and Ben Karpinski dive into the differences in how women and men handle competition — from the workplace to friendships — and why it often plays out with different emotional stakes. Things get a little hairy (literally) as they unpack bizarre gym habits, including the questionable choice of shaving in the locker room. L…

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"The Dark Tower: Song of Susannah" by Stephen King 1:09:55

2M ago1:09:55

1:09:55

*Fixed the Audio* Matt and Rachel discuss the second to last book in the Dark Tower series, "Song of Susannah" by Stephen King. Did anything actually happen in this book? Listen and find out! 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, …

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Buffalo Justice and Beyoncé Battles 1:01:56

2M ago1:01:56

1:01:56

08.08.25 Pt 1 - Gareth Cliff and Ben Karpinski kick off Friday with the lukewarm cultural clash of Sydney Sweeney vs Beyoncé — a debate no one asked for but everyone seems to have an opinion on. Things get wilder with a headline about a man hunting a buffalo, only for the audience to side with the animal. Ben wraps it up with his uniquely crafted s…

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Sinking the Sport: Stefano Vigoriti on Water Polo Woes 53:19

2M ago53:19

53:19

06.08.25 Pt 2 - Gareth Cliff is joined by all-round sports guy Stefano Vigoriti for a frank discussion on the troubled state of South African water polo. From the lack of clear pathways for athletes to the deep-rooted mismanagement stalling progress, they unpack how poor leadership is holding the sport back. The conversation also widens to explore …