South African Podcast Archives - Good Things Guy https://www.goodthingsguy.com/tag/south-african-podcast/ Wed, 01 Apr 2026 05:21:04 +0000 en-ZA hourly 1 https://www.goodthingsguy.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/cropped-gtg_favicon-32x32.png South African Podcast Archives - Good Things Guy https://www.goodthingsguy.com/tag/south-african-podcast/ 32 32 Kurt Darren on Music, Memories and His Bold New Track “6 7” https://www.goodthingsguy.com/lifestyle/kurt-darren-on-music-memories-and-his-bold-new-track-6-7/ https://www.goodthingsguy.com/lifestyle/kurt-darren-on-music-memories-and-his-bold-new-track-6-7/#respond Wed, 01 Apr 2026 03:52:05 +0000 https://www.goodthingsguy.com/?p=182476

Kurt Darren has spent decades bringing people together through music, and his latest release is doing exactly that all over again.   Johannesburg, South Africa (01 April 2026) – We...

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Kurt Darren has spent decades bringing people together through music, and his latest release is doing exactly that all over again.

 

Johannesburg, South Africa (01 April 2026) – We don’t really need to introduce Kurt Darren in South Africa. His music has been part of our lives for decades, whether you realise it or not. But this week on “Good Things with Brent Lindeque”, we got to sit down with the man behind the hits and talk about the journey that brought him here.

Music has a way of bringing people together and Kurt has been doing exactly that for years. From the middle of the 90s, when he first started making waves, to becoming one of the most recognisable names in Afrikaans pop, he has built a career on connection, energy and songs that people carry with them long after the music stops playing. His tracks have become staples at celebrations, road trips and everything in between, creating shared moments that feel uniquely South African.

In studio, the conversation moved through the different chapters of his career, from those early days trying to find his sound, to the big stages and defining milestones that followed. Kurt spoke openly about the highlights that have shaped him, the lessons learned along the way, and the gratitude he still carries for being able to do what he loves for so long. There’s a groundedness to him that makes it clear this journey has never been taken for granted.

Of course, we also spoke about what’s new, and that’s where his latest track, “6 7“, comes in.

The nostalgic, feel-good anthem is already sparking mixed reactions online, which, in many ways, is part of what makes it so interesting. People are talking, sharing, creating, and engaging with it in their own ways, especially as snippets of the song start finding their way into videos across social media.

Kurt shared just how much he’s been enjoying that response, saying, “I’ve loved the reception so far… seeing people use the teaser in their videos and make it their own has been incredible.”

He explained that at its core, “6 7” is about rediscovering youthful joy. It’s about letting go, being present and remembering what it feels like to enjoy something without overthinking it. In a time where life can feel heavy and fast, the new track offers a small but meaningful reminder to come back to that lighter side, the one that laughs a little louder and dances a little longer.

What an honour to have had Kurt in studio. There’s something special about someone who never loses sight of why they started. Kurt has held onto that love for music through every season of his life, and in doing so, he’s given so many of us a soundtrack to ours.

🎧 Watch and listen to the episode on all our social platforms (like all of them).
📆 New episodes drop weekly.
🏡 Powered by BetterBond. Filmed at Primedia Studios.
❤ Stories that matter. Conversations that count.


Sources: Good Things with Brent Lindeque
Don’t ever miss the Good Things. Download the Good Things Guy App now on Apple or Google
Do you have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook and Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens, or share your good news with us by clicking here or click the link below to listen to the Good Things Guy Podcast with Brent Lindeque – South Africa’s very own Good Things Guy. He’s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes there’s good news around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you’ll meet these everyday heroes and hear their incredible stories:

Or catch an episode of Good Things with Brent Lindeque or our Weekly Top 5 below. The videos here are always changing, updated with the latest episodes from these two shows. Both are part of Good Things TV, created to bring South Africans balance at a time when the news can feel overwhelmingly negative. Our goal is simple: to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in our country – and to leave you feeling a little more proudly South African. 

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South African Author: Finding Your Eden Turns Pain Into Purpose https://www.goodthingsguy.com/people/south-african-author-finding-your-eden-turns-pain-into-purpose/ https://www.goodthingsguy.com/people/south-african-author-finding-your-eden-turns-pain-into-purpose/#respond Wed, 25 Mar 2026 05:51:49 +0000 https://www.goodthingsguy.com/?p=181679

From a story that united a country to a book that gives back, Bronwyn Laird is showing how even the hardest moments can become something that helps others.   Johannesburg,...

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From a story that united a country to a book that gives back, Bronwyn Laird is showing how even the hardest moments can become something that helps others.

 

Johannesburg, South Africa (25 March 2026) – Eight years later, the story of baby Eden still lives in the hearts of South Africans… but this time, it’s being told in a way we’ve never experienced before.

We recently welcomed Bronwyn Laird back onto Good Things with Brent Lindeque, revisiting a moment that once gripped the entire country. The podcast touches on those days we all remember… the fear, the waiting, the miracle of Eden being found. But what stood out most in our conversation wasn’t just the past… it was everything that came after.

Bronwyn has written a book. Finding Your Eden is not a retelling of headlines. It’s not just the story South Africa followed in real time. It’s the story behind the story… the one that unfolded long after the cameras moved on and the news cycle shifted. It’s deeply personal, incredibly honest, and rooted in a perspective that only someone who has lived through the unimaginable can share.

Back when Bronwyn first joined me in 2018, she said something that has stayed with me ever since:

“We’ve seen miracles happen and prayers answered.

We cannot allow what 6 individuals, 5 of whom we have never even met, what they chose to do, to affect how we see the world, how we evaluate relationships going forward or how we live our lives.

Hate just isn’t in our vocabulary. Hate changes nothing but love changes everything. Love wins.”

At the time, those words felt powerful. Now, reading her book, you realise they were also a promise… a decision about how her family would move forward.

Finding Your Eden unpacks that decision. It explores the complexity of trauma, the weight of public attention, the moments of rebuilding, and the intentional choice to lean into love when it would be easier to hold onto anger. It’s not just about what happened in May 2018, it’s about what it takes to keep going afterwards… as a parent, as a family, and as a human being.

Every single cent from the book, priced at R200 and available here, is going to Dare-2-Care. It turns an already powerful story into something that continues to give back, creating impact far beyond the pages.

The podcast offers a window into that journey, but the book is where Bronwyn truly opens the door.

South African Author: Finding Your Eden Turns Pain Into Purpose
Photo Credit: Finding Your Eden

Sources: Interview with Bronwyn Laird 
Don’t ever miss the Good Things. Download the Good Things Guy App now on Apple or Google
Do you have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook and Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens, or share your good news with us by clicking here or click the link below to listen to the Good Things Guy Podcast with Brent Lindeque – South Africa’s very own Good Things Guy. He’s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes there’s good news around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you’ll meet these everyday heroes and hear their incredible stories:

Or catch an episode of Good Things with Brent Lindeque or our Weekly Top 5 below. The videos here are always changing, updated with the latest episodes from these two shows. Both are part of Good Things TV, created to bring South Africans balance at a time when the news can feel overwhelmingly negative. Our goal is simple: to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in our country – and to leave you feeling a little more proudly South African. 

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The Podcast Bringing South Africa The Stories it Needs Right Now https://www.goodthingsguy.com/lifestyle/the-podcast-bringing-south-africa-the-stories-it-needs-right-now/ https://www.goodthingsguy.com/lifestyle/the-podcast-bringing-south-africa-the-stories-it-needs-right-now/#respond Sun, 22 Mar 2026 05:32:05 +0000 https://www.goodthingsguy.com/?p=181328

As more South Africans search for stories that uplift and inspire, our “little” podcast continues to prove that good news isn’t just needed… it’s wanted.   Johannesburg, South Africa (22...

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As more South Africans search for stories that uplift and inspire, our “little” podcast continues to prove that good news isn’t just needed… it’s wanted.

 

Johannesburg, South Africa (22 March 2026) – I started podcasting before podcasting was really a “thing” in South Africa… and all these years later, it’s become one of my favourite ways to tell stories.

And now… more of you are wanting to tune in.

I’ve been getting messages asking how to follow or subscribe to the podcast (or poddie, as I like to call it), which I love, because it means you’re choosing to add a little more good into your day. So I thought I would make it easy, and also share a bit of the journey behind what has become South Africa’s longest-running “good news” podcast, brought to you by the country’s top good news site.

This all started back in 2014 at CliffCentral (ja, 12 years ago), where I spent 4 years experimenting, learning and figuring out what a good news podcast could look like in a space that wasn’t built for it yet. From there, I moved to Jacaranda FM and launched the very first podcast on Jacpod, which was a massive moment at the time. Then in 2021, I took a leap (now with a full team) and went fully independent, backing the show through Good Things Guy and building it into something that truly reflects what we stand for. In 2025, we took it one step further and added video, so you’re not just hearing the conversations… you’re part of them.

We’ve had some incredible guests join us in studio over the years, each bringing their own story, their own energy and their own perspective. From Robbie Brozin sharing insights from building Nando’s (and Jozi My Jozi), to Elana Afrika-Bredenkamp’s warmth and honesty, to Cool Story Bru (on becoming one of South Africa’s favourite TikTokkers) to Themba Robin, Joy Steffens, Professor Jerome Loveland and the wildly entertaining Suzelle DIY (aka Julia Anastasopoulos). Every single episode adds something different, but they all carry the same thread… real stories that remind us of the good that exists all around us.

The poddie is now officially sponsored by BetterBond (and filmed at Primedia Studios), and it feels like the perfect partnership. BetterBond isn’t just about helping South Africans secure home loans, they are about helping people take the next step in their lives, creating spaces where memories are made and futures are built. That belief in possibility and progress fits so naturally with what we do at Good Things Guy and it has helped us grow the podcast into something even more meaningful and far-reaching.

The Podcast Bringing South Africa The Stories it Needs Right Now
Photo Credit: Good Things Guy

“Good Things with Brent Lindeque” is currently ranked 8th among the country’s top podcasts, right behind The Gareth Cliff Show, True Crime South Africa, and SMWX. And that’s only because of you. That’s every download, every listen, every share and every moment you’ve chosen to spend with us.

2026 has already come out swinging. We’ve shared conversations with Kelvin van Baalen, a South African who spent 413 days in ICU and faced a R21 million medical bill, yet still found a way to keep going and share his story. Joey Evans joined us to talk about going from paralysis to finishing the Dakar Rally, which still feels surreal when you hear it. Chris Lomas, the founder of Hope4, reminded us how powerful small acts of kindness can be when they are done consistently, and Brendan Murray from The Owl Rescue Centre showed us just how much care and compassion goes into protecting the creatures we share this world with.

And there have been so many more incredible conversations.

The real good news is that we are only getting started!!!

If you’ve been wondering how to listen, you’ve got options. You can watch and subscribe on YouTube, listen on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, or follow along on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok… whatever works for you, wherever you are. That’s what this poddie is really about. Making good news accessible. Making it easy to find. And making sure that whenever you need a reminder that there is still so much good out there… you know exactly where to press play.


Sources: Good Things With Brent Lindeque 
Don’t ever miss the Good Things. Download the Good Things Guy App now on Apple or Google
Do you have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook and Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens, or share your good news with us by clicking here or click the link below to listen to the Good Things Guy Podcast with Brent Lindeque – South Africa’s very own Good Things Guy. He’s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes there’s good news around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you’ll meet these everyday heroes and hear their incredible stories:

Or catch an episode of Good Things with Brent Lindeque or our Weekly Top 5 below. The videos here are always changing, updated with the latest episodes from these two shows. Both are part of Good Things TV, created to bring South Africans balance at a time when the news can feel overwhelmingly negative. Our goal is simple: to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in our country – and to leave you feeling a little more proudly South African. 

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The Kidnapping That Shook a Nation and The Miracle That Followed https://www.goodthingsguy.com/people/the-kidnapping-that-shook-a-nation-and-the-miracle-that-followed/ https://www.goodthingsguy.com/people/the-kidnapping-that-shook-a-nation-and-the-miracle-that-followed/#respond Wed, 18 Mar 2026 04:32:37 +0000 https://www.goodthingsguy.com/?p=180846

In May 2018, an entire nation waited anxiously for news about a missing baby from Alberton. Eight years later, Bronwyn Laird joins ‘Good Things with Brent Lindeque’ again to share...

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In May 2018, an entire nation waited anxiously for news about a missing baby from Alberton. Eight years later, Bronwyn Laird joins ‘Good Things with Brent Lindeque’ again to share how that terrifying chapter turned into a story of hope, healing and love.

 

Johannesburg, South Africa (18 March 2026) – Eight years ago, South Africa held its breath. Parents refreshed their phones, communities shared posts at lightning speed and strangers whispered prayers for a tiny baby they had never met. It was a moment when the country collectively leaned forward, hoping against hope for the ending everyone was desperate to hear.

On the 2nd of May 2018, the Pink Ladies organisation for Missing Children in South Africa issued a kidnapped child alert after it was alleged that a domestic worker had taken a baby named Eden for a walk from the family home in Brackendowns, Alberton.

Eden had been tied to her back with a light blue blanket.

She never returned.

The story gripped the nation almost instantly. Minutes turned into hours, hours turned into days, and South Africans across the country found themselves emotionally invested in a story that felt far too close to home. Parents hugged their children a little tighter, timelines filled with messages of support and an entire country hoped for a miracle.

And then four days later… that miracle arrived.

Baby Eden was found and reunited with his family. It was good news that travelled just as fast as the heartbreak had days earlier. Relief swept across the country, and the story restored something powerful in the national spirit: the reminder that hope still exists, even in moments that feel impossibly dark.

Later that same year, Eden’s mom, Bronwyn Laird, joined me in studio on the Good Things Guy podcast to talk about the experience and the emotional whirlwind her family had been through. What she shared that day stayed with many of us long after the microphones were switched off.

“We’ve seen miracles happen and prayers answered,” Bronwyn said at the time.

“We cannot allow what 6 individuals, 5 of whom we have never even met – what they chose to do – to affect how we see the world, how we evaluate relationships going forward or how we live our lives.

Hate just isn’t in our vocabulary. Hate changes nothing but love changes everything. Love wins.”

Now, eight years later, Bronwyn joins me again on this week’s episode of ‘Good Things with Brent Lindeque‘. This time the conversation is about the past but also about the incredible journey that followed. Bronwyn has written a book about the entire ordeal, sharing the raw, human experience of those terrifying days and the powerful lessons that came afterwards. In a full-circle moment, the Good Things Guy podcast and our original conversation even form part of that story.

While the chapter that began in 2018 started with fear and uncertainty, the pages that followed are filled with healing, growth and a family that chose love over bitterness.

🎧 Watch and listen to the episode on all our social platforms (like all of them).
📆 New episodes drop weekly.
🏡 Powered by BetterBond. Filmed at Primedia Studios.
❤ Stories that matter. Conversations that count.


Sources: Good Things with Brent Lindeque 
Don’t ever miss the Good Things. Download the Good Things Guy App now on Apple or Google
Do you have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook and Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens, or share your good news with us by clicking here or click the link below to listen to the Good Things Guy Podcast with Brent Lindeque – South Africa’s very own Good Things Guy. He’s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes there’s good news around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you’ll meet these everyday heroes and hear their incredible stories:

Or catch an episode of Good Things with Brent Lindeque or our Weekly Top 5 below. The videos here are always changing, updated with the latest episodes from these two shows. Both are part of Good Things TV, created to bring South Africans balance at a time when the news can feel overwhelmingly negative. Our goal is simple: to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in our country – and to leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

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From Punchlines to Purpose: Barry Hilton’s New Mission https://www.goodthingsguy.com/lifestyle/from-punchlines-to-purpose-barry-hiltons-new-mission/ https://www.goodthingsguy.com/lifestyle/from-punchlines-to-purpose-barry-hiltons-new-mission/#respond Wed, 22 Oct 2025 04:02:31 +0000 https://www.goodthingsguy.com/?p=165993

On this week’s Good Things with Brent Lindeque, Barry Hilton opens up about his journey from laughter to light… and how humour helped him overcome depression.   South Africa (22...

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On this week’s Good Things with Brent Lindeque, Barry Hilton opens up about his journey from laughter to light… and how humour helped him overcome depression.

 

South Africa (22 October 2025) – If there’s one thing South Africans know how to do, it’s laugh… even when life gets tough. And this week on Good Things with Brent Lindeque, we’re chatting to one of the greatest comedians to ever do it: the one and only Barry Hilton.

After more than 40 years of making people laugh across the globe, Barry Hilton is stepping into a new chapter, one that’s as heartfelt as it is hilarious.

“Laughter is without a doubt the best medicine for life’s challenges,” he says. “After more than 40 years as a professional comedian, I want to use my inspirational talk to show the world how humour can be a powerful tool for healing and resilience.”

Having performed in over 20 countries and delivered more than 6,000 gigs, Barry’s life on stage has been extraordinary. But beyond the spotlight, he’s been on a deeply personal journey, one that’s seen him face depression and come out stronger, ready to share the role humour played in his own healing.

He reflects on a defining moment early in his career, performing alongside Billy Connolly in Jersey.

“The Big Yin himself told me I was funny but had to stop telling jokes,” Barry recalls with a smile.

That piece of advice changed everything, shaping the unique style of storytelling and timing that’s made him one of South Africa’s most beloved comedians.

Now, Barry is ready to use his experience to help others tap into the magic of laughter in their own lives. He wants his legacy to be about more than just the laughs, it’s about connection, perspective, and the ability to find light, even in dark times.

“I want to empower others to understand the power of humour and how it can impact their day-to-day home and working life,” he explains.

Watch the full podcast below:

🎧 Watch and listen to the episode on all our social platforms (like all of them)
📅 New episodes drop weekly.
🔥 Powered by Nando’s. Filmed at FLAME Studios.
💛 Stories that matter. Conversations that count.


Source: Good Things with Brent Lindeque 
Don’t ever miss the Good Things. Download the Good Things Guy App now on Apple or Google
Do you have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook and Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens, or share your good news with us by clicking here or click the link below to listen to the Good Things Guy Podcast with Brent Lindeque – South Africa’s very own Good Things Guy. He’s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes there’s good news around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you’ll meet these everyday heroes and hear their incredible stories:

Or catch an episode of Good Things with Brent Lindeque or our Weekly Top 5 below. The videos here are always changing, updated with the latest episodes from these two shows. Both are part of Good Things TV, created to bring South Africans balance at a time when the news can feel overwhelmingly negative. Our goal is simple: to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in our country – and to leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

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From a South African Podcast to Global Panic: How the “Rapture” Story Spread https://www.goodthingsguy.com/opinion/from-a-south-african-podcast-to-global-panic-how-the-rapture-story-spread/ https://www.goodthingsguy.com/opinion/from-a-south-african-podcast-to-global-panic-how-the-rapture-story-spread/#respond Tue, 23 Sep 2025 04:52:00 +0000 https://www.goodthingsguy.com/?p=163114

It started with a single podcast, but by September, it had become a global conversation. Predictions of the rapture spread across continents, yet the biggest story was how it all...

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It started with a single podcast, but by September, it had become a global conversation. Predictions of the rapture spread across continents, yet the biggest story was how it all linked back to South Africa.

 

Johannesburg, South Africa (23 September 2025) – Every so often, a story grips the world in a way that leaves you both fascinated and unsettled. Over the past few weeks, I’ve been following the so-called “23 September Rapture” prediction and it’s been wild to watch unfold. How it began. Why it spread so quickly. The hysteria it created (including that infamous email). And perhaps the most haunting question: what does it feel like for those who genuinely believed, only to “wake up” left behind?

This isn’t something we should brush off as a funny internet saga. It’s psychology, sociology, faith, fear and media all colliding. It deserves to be studied. But let’s start at the beginning.

Rapture Predictions: A Century of Failed Dates

End-times predictions aren’t new. In fact, researcher Julian Spriggs has documented around 300 predicted dates for a Rapture (or Second Coming) just in the last 100 years. Not one has ever come true.

Yet, each time, people believe with all their hearts. Some have sold everything they owned. Others have written notes for the “left behind.” Families have changed their lives entirely, preparing for something that never arrived.

And in 2025, history repeated itself again.

The Spark: A South African Podcast

The latest prediction began innocently enough. In June 2025, Joshua Mhlakela, originally from Cape Town, now living in Joburg, appeared on a podcast called “I’ve Been Through The Most“, hosted by Innocent Sadiki and Millicent Mashile.

When asked if he was a pastor, Joshua replied: “No, I am just a simple person, a believer.”

He went on to share that he had dreamt the rapture would happen on the 23rd of September 2025. For him, dreams were powerful. He said his father had once dreamt to name his son Joshua before he was born, and when that came true, it cemented his belief.

From a South African Podcast to Global Panic: How the “Rapture” Story Spread
Joshua Mhlakela on the “I’ve Been Through The Most” podcast hosted by Innocent Sadiki and Millicent Mashile | Photo Credit: YouTube Episode Cover Art

Joshua also spoke about how doctors had predicted he would not survive birth but he was born healthy. This, he said, made him a miracle.

By the 16-minute mark of the interview, Joshua revealed he had once been a pastor, that he had resigned because a dream told him to, and that he had personally “met Jesus” and “been to heaven.” The rest of the nearly hour-long podcast centred on his conviction that the rapture would occur on the 23rd of September.

From Podcast to Global Headlines

So how did a single podcast become a worldwide headline? At first, it was fringe news sites amplifying Joshua’s claim. Then the Daily Mail got hold of it, followed by bigger outlets. And then, of course, social media took over.

Some users joked, others panicked. But the story spread.

That’s when South Africa came back into the spotlight.

The KPMG Email That Shocked the World

Last week, a trainee accountant at KPMG in Johannesburg, Mahlatse Letoka, allegedly sent an extraordinary email to global colleagues, attaching a 176-page manifesto.

The email read:

“Jesus will take the Christians who are ready… between 23–24 September 2025 (Feast of Trumpets). This is the ‘Rapture’… World War 3 is coming. Beasts (‘aliens’ = demons) are coming. Antichrist will be revealed… Justice is coming.”

It went on to criticise corporate culture, denounce global leaders, and warn colleagues not to accept “Neuralink or Smart Tattoos” as they were allegedly the “mark of the beast.”

The email went viral almost instantly. Screenshots spread across TikTok and X (Twitter). Mahlatse’s social media videos racked up shares in the thousands.

What began as one man’s dream in a Joburg podcast had now become global hysteria.

@sonj779 Final departure procedure includes relaxing, don’t look down, and pray you’re not on the toilet. #pretrib #pretribrapture #tribulation #christiantiktok ♬ original sound – Sonja

@romans.ten.9through11 My last video. See you in the clouds my brothers and sisters. Jesus please use my account and the remaining videos for YOUR glory and YOUR will. I plead your blood over it and speak a hedge of protection over it that no weapon formed against this content will prosper. Please water every seed that has been planted throughout the time you’ve used it. In Jesus name. Amen. #JESUSISCOMING #rapture #alienabduction #whathappenedtoallthepeople ♬ original sound – romans.ten.9through11

@stopwiththebuttholecramp Day 3 of #rapture prepping. #Christian #missingpeople #christiantiktok #jesus ♬ original sound – Melissa Johnston

The Morning After

So where does this leave us? On the 22nd of September, millions of people braced themselves. Some prayed. Some panicked. Some prepared their families. And then… nothing happened.

This marked the 301st failed rapture prediction in the last century.

There’s talk about whether Joshua should be held accountable for starting it all. But perhaps the bigger picture is more human than legal. Think about Mahlatse. Think about anyone who sold their possessions or gave things away. Their faith, their fear, their conviction… it was real for them. And while it’s easy to laugh at how wrong it all turned out, maybe what’s needed most right now is kindness. Because behind every headline and every viral moment, there are people who genuinely believed they were living their final hours on earth.

Finding the Good

The story of the “23rd of September Rapture” is bizarre. It’s unsettling. But it also shows us something powerful: the incredible reach of human words. A single voice can ripple across continents and stir the emotions of millions. That’s not only frightening, it’s a reminder. If words can spread fear and panic, then words can also spread hope, healing, and good things. And maybe that’s the lesson in all of this. Not to dwell on the prediction that never came true, but to hold on tightly to the truth that does: kindness matters, laughter heals and love always wins.

Oh, and let’s not forget, tomorrow, the 24th of September, is Heritage Day in South Africa!!!

If you’d like to do something VERY South African, something rooted in joy and connection (and not fuelled by a podcast prediction), spend the day celebrating your heritage. Or our heritage. Light a braai, share good stories about South Africa and embrace the beautiful diversity that makes us who we are.

The best way to mark the day after a “missed rapture” is by embracing the life we are living, the very life and diversity that makes us human (and proudly South African).


Sources: “I’ve been through the most” podcast | Daily Mail | Julian Spriggs | Social Media 
Don’t ever miss the Good Things. Download the Good Things Guy App now on Apple or Google
Do you have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook and Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens, or share your good news with us by clicking here or click the link below to listen to the Good Things Guy Podcast with Brent Lindeque – South Africa’s very own Good Things Guy. He’s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes there’s good news around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you’ll meet these everyday heroes and hear their incredible stories:

Or catch an episode of Good Things with Brent Lindeque or our Weekly Top 5 below. The videos here are always changing, updated with the latest episodes from these two shows. Both are part of Good Things TV, created to bring South Africans balance at a time when the news can feel overwhelmingly negative. Our goal is simple: to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in our country – and to leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

The post From a South African Podcast to Global Panic: How the “Rapture” Story Spread appeared first on Good Things Guy.

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Tarryn Johnston Talks Trash And How It’s Powering a Community Revolution https://www.goodthingsguy.com/lifestyle/tarryn-johnston-talks-trash-and-how-its-powering-a-community-revolution/ https://www.goodthingsguy.com/lifestyle/tarryn-johnston-talks-trash-and-how-its-powering-a-community-revolution/#respond Wed, 06 Aug 2025 03:52:05 +0000 https://www.goodthingsguy.com/?p=158012

What do you get when you mix river rubbish, relentless hope, and a South African woman with a never-say-die attitude? You get Tarryn Johnston… and her inspiring story is this...

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What do you get when you mix river rubbish, relentless hope, and a South African woman with a never-say-die attitude? You get Tarryn Johnston… and her inspiring story is this week’s podcast feature.

 

South Africa (06 August 2025) – This week on Good Things with Brent Lindeque, we sit down with someone who doesn’t just talk about change… she gets knee-deep in it, quite literally.

Tarryn Johnston, founder of Hennops Revival, is the kind of South African whose passion makes you want to roll up your sleeves and join in. What started as a weekend clean-up after a devastating flood in 2019 has turned into a full-blown environmental and community movement. And this week, we get to hear her incredible story first-hand on the podcast.

“We all share this water,” she says, a simple sentence that’s become the heartbeat of her mission.

Tarryn grew up beside the Hennops River in Centurion. When the 2019 flood revealed the layers of waste clogging the riverbeds, she felt a fire ignite, partly sparked by her daughter’s wish for a cleaner river. What followed was nothing short of extraordinary. Hennops Revival didn’t just pick up a few bags of rubbish. They’ve now removed over 5 million kilograms of waste from the river… that’s the weight of about 1,000 elephants. More than 8,000 job opportunities have been created for locals and 39,000 volunteer hours have been logged. And the most beautiful part? Many of those involved weren’t just helping clean the river, they were finding purpose, dignity and income too.

Tarryn’s story is one of grit, community and constant innovation. She’s always asking “what’s next?”… even when ankle-deep in river sludge. Her latest idea? Turning river plastic into paint. Yes, you read that right. Eco-friendly, fireproof, waterproof, rustproof paint… made from plastic pollution.

“In one of our experiments, we had some surprising results, we turned river waste into paint!” she told us with a grin.

And now she’s working with labs and potential partners to scale the project, turning trash into treasure, while creating jobs and protecting the environment. Imagine a future where your bridge or roof is coated in a primer made from what once floated down a polluted stream.

But more than the numbers or the science, this story is about hope. It’s about what happens when one person says, “enough,” and brings others along for the journey. It’s about South Africans showing up, again and again, to protect what’s ours, together.

And it’s about Tarryn… a mom, an activist, and an accidental inventor, reminding us all that small actions, repeated often, can shift the course of a river.

You can listen to the full episode of Good Things with Brent Lindeque wherever you get your podcasts or watch the vidcast for the full story, muddy boots and all.

🎧 Watch and listen to the episode on all our social platforms (like all of them)
📅 New episodes drop weekly.
🔥 Powered by Nando’s. Filmed at FLAME Studios.
💛 Stories that matter. Conversations that count.


Sources: Good Things with Brent Lindeque  
Don’t ever miss the Good Things. Download the Good Things Guy App now on Apple or Google
Do you have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook & Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens, or share your good news with us by clicking here or click the link below to listen to the Good Things Guy Podcast with Brent Lindeque – South Africa’s very own Good Things Guy. He’s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes there’s good news around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you’ll meet these everyday heroes & hear their incredible stories:

Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

The post Tarryn Johnston Talks Trash And How It’s Powering a Community Revolution appeared first on Good Things Guy.

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The Good Things Podcast Hits the Heart of Homegrown Business https://www.goodthingsguy.com/lifestyle/the-good-things-podcast-hits-the-heart-of-homegrown-business/ https://www.goodthingsguy.com/lifestyle/the-good-things-podcast-hits-the-heart-of-homegrown-business/#respond Wed, 18 Jun 2025 06:16:53 +0000 https://www.goodthingsguy.com/?p=153929

This week, “Good Things with Brent Lindeque” hit the expo floor, shining a spotlight on the homegrown brilliance at the 13th Proudly South African Buy Local Summit.   South Africa...

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This week, “Good Things with Brent Lindeque” hit the expo floor, shining a spotlight on the homegrown brilliance at the 13th Proudly South African Buy Local Summit.

 

South Africa (18 June 2025) – This week’s “Good Things with Brent Lindeque” took a joyful, goosebump-inducing turn, live from the 13th Proudly South African Buy Local Summit & Expo! And what an incredible space to be in.

We weren’t just surrounded by the buzz of business, we were surrounded by hope, grit and a proudly South African spirit that refuses to be anything but brilliant.

From small-town dreamers with big ideas to powerhouse executives shaping billion-rand industries, we sat down with people who are doing the most to build something better. Each interview, every chat, and all the laughter in between shared one common thread: the belief that South Africa is stronger when we buy, support, and grow local.

The vibe? Electric. The mission? Clear.

The Proudly SA summit is a celebration of local excellence. With hundreds of businesses showing off what they’re made of (literally and figuratively), we got to spotlight the hard work behind everything from fashion to food, engineering to education. It’s a reminder that we don’t need to look overseas for greatness, it’s right here, homegrown.

As always, the podcast is filled with laughter, lessons and those unexpected “a-ha!” moments that remind us why we love this country so much.

Because local isn’t just lekker… it’s powerful.
And good things? They grow right here at home.

🎧 Watch and listen to the episode on all our social platforms (like all of them).
📅 New episodes drop weekly.
🇿🇦 This episode is powered by Proudly South African. Filmed at the 13th Proudly South African Buy Local Summit & Expo.
💛 Stories that matter. Conversations that count.


Sources: Proudly South African 
Don’t ever miss the Good Things. Download the Good Things Guy App now on Apple or Google
Do you have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook & Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens, or share your good news with us by clicking here or click the link below to listen to the Podcast with Brent Lindeque – South Africa’s very own Good Things Guy. He’s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes there’s good news around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you’ll meet these everyday heroes & hear their incredible stories:

Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

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Mike Sharman And Why He’s Betting on South Africa! https://www.goodthingsguy.com/lifestyle/mike-sharman-and-why-hes-betting-on-south-africa/ https://www.goodthingsguy.com/lifestyle/mike-sharman-and-why-hes-betting-on-south-africa/#respond Wed, 11 Jun 2025 05:23:26 +0000 https://www.goodthingsguy.com/?p=153238

He’s made South Africans laugh, gasp and share in their millions… and this week, Mike Sharman joins Brent Lindeque to talk about creativity, business and why South Africa is the...

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He’s made South Africans laugh, gasp and share in their millions… and this week, Mike Sharman joins Brent Lindeque to talk about creativity, business and why South Africa is the only place he wants to be building big ideas.

 

Johannesburg, South Africa (11 June 2025) – This week’s episode of Good Things with Brent Lindeque is packed with energy, creativity, and some lekker real talk—because I got to sit down with one of the most dynamic humans in South African business and advertising: Mike Sharman, Co-founder and Chief Creative Officer of Retroviral.

You’ve probably laughed out loud or shared a campaign that he was behind, without even knowing it. Mike’s agency Retroviral has helped more brands “go viral, globally” than any other agency in Africa. From cheeky billboards to content that has taken over the internet, his work has shaped how South Africans engage with brands—and how the world sees us.

But Mike’s story is about more than just viral fame. It’s about starting from scratch, building something meaningful, and choosing to believe that doing business in South Africa is still one of the best things you can do.

“I don’t think there’s a more exciting place to be a creative than South Africa. The stories, the people, the problems we solve—this country is full of material, and it keeps you sharp.”

We spoke about the humble beginnings—back when creating content meant working late, taking risks, and believing in ideas no one else saw yet. We chatted about what it takes to create campaigns that don’t just grab attention but connect. And we unpacked the very real choice to stay, build, hire, grow, and inspire right here at home.

“We don’t have the biggest budgets, but we have the biggest hearts. We punch above our weight because we have to—and because we want to.”

Mike also shares insights on how Retroviral has cultivated a team culture that thrives on curiosity, creativity, and kindness. It’s not just about the awards (though there are many). It’s about creating work that lives in the hearts of South Africans, that makes people feel something—something good.

And maybe the most inspiring part? Mike believes in using creativity for purpose. Whether it’s challenging stigma, celebrating joy, or putting a spotlight on everyday heroes, his work shows that advertising can be a force for good.

So yes, this episode is full of laughs and big ideas—but it’s also packed with hope.

Because when you listen to someone like Mike talk about what’s possible in South Africa, you walk away feeling like… maybe we are the lucky ones.

Catch the full episode now—and if you’re building something, dreaming something, or just looking for a reminder of why South Africa is worth the hustle… this one’s for you.

🎧 Watch and listen to the episode on all our social platforms (like all of them).
📅 New episodes drop weekly.
🔥 Powered by Nando’s. Filmed at FLAME Studios.
💛 Stories that matter. Conversations that count.


Sources: Good Things With Brent Lindeque
Don’t ever miss the Good Things. Download the Good Things Guy App now on Apple or Google
Do you have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook & Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens, or share your good news with us by clicking here or click the link below to listen to the Good Things Guy Podcast with Brent Lindeque – South Africa’s very own Good Things Guy. He’s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes there’s good news around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you’ll meet these everyday heroes & hear their incredible stories:

Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

The post Mike Sharman And Why He’s Betting on South Africa! appeared first on Good Things Guy.

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Good Things: How a R20 Meal Sparked a Global Kindness Movement https://www.goodthingsguy.com/lifestyle/good-things-how-a-r20-meal-sparked-a-global-kindness-movement/ https://www.goodthingsguy.com/lifestyle/good-things-how-a-r20-meal-sparked-a-global-kindness-movement/#respond Wed, 21 May 2025 07:00:58 +0000 https://www.goodthingsguy.com/?p=151586

Welcome to “Good Things With Brent Lindeque”! New here? Well, we have a story for you… this is where it all began.   South Africa (22 May 2025) – If...

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Welcome to “Good Things With Brent Lindeque”! New here? Well, we have a story for you… this is where it all began.

 

South Africa (22 May 2025) – If you’re new to Good Things with Brent Lindeque, welcome! This week’s episode is something a little different: a special introduction for anyone who’s just found the podcast (or the good news platform that started it all).

But it’s not “just” an origin story… it’s a reminder that small acts of kindness can ripple out and change the world.

You see, before there was a podcast, or a website, or the ‘Good Things Guy’ moniker, there was just one idea: try to make someone’s day a little bit better.

In 2014, Brent Lindeque was just another South African with a camera phone and a nomination in a drinking game that had gone viral for all the wrong reasons. Neknominations were about outdoing your friends in outrageous alcohol challenges but instead of downing drinks, Brent decided to flip the script. He drove into a Johannesburg intersection, armed with a R20 meal and gave it to a homeless man. He filmed it. Then he challenged others to do the same.

That one small moment, of kindness, humanity, and hope, caught fire.

Within days, the Random Acts of Kindness (RAK) initiative exploded globally. Brent’s nomination video went viral, with millions of views and copycat kindnesses popping up across the world. The movement sparked real, long-lasting change. It was featured everywhere from Carte Blanche, eNCA and 5FM, to international outlets like CNN, BBC, Mashable, Oprah Magazine… and even Ellen Degeneres gave it a shout-out.

From that spark, Good Things Guy was born, a platform dedicated to sharing uplifting stories, inspiring hope and reminding us all that good things are happening every single day, right here in South Africa and across the globe. Since then, Brent has been named a LeadSA Hero, selected as one of Africa’s most promising entrepreneurs, and featured as one of the Mail & Guardian’s Top 200 Young South Africans. In 2024 alone, he was voted number 5 in the Top South Africans of the Year and number 12 in the Top 100 Best South African Podcasts.

But those accolades aren’t what matter most. What matters is the impact. The RAK movement inspired millions of videos, helped create feeding schemes in Canada, the USA, and Ireland that still exist today, and reminded millions of people that they are not alone.

And now, in 2025, Good Things with Brent Lindeque has grown again… from audio to video. The podcast has become a full vidcast, connecting audiences in a more intimate way, sharing stories face-to-face, heart-to-heart.

This whole journey, from one small act of kindness to a global movement, is a good thing. It’s proof that we don’t need to be famous, rich, or powerful to make a difference. We just need to show up with a full heart and the courage to do something good.

So whether you’ve been here since day one or just stumbled upon us now, know this: you’re part of the good things family. And together, we can keep changing the narrative. One good story at a time.

🎧 Watch and listen to the episode on all our social platforms (like all of them).
📅 New episodes drop weekly.
🔥 Powered by Nando’s. Filmed at FLAME Studios.
💛 Stories that matter. Conversations that count.


Sources: Good Things with Brent Lindeque 
Don’t ever miss the Good Things. Download the Good Things Guy App now on Apple or Google
Do you have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook & Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens, or share your good news with us by clicking here or click the link below to listen to the Good Things Guy Podcast with Brent Lindeque – South Africa’s very own Good Things Guy. He’s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes there’s good news around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you’ll meet these everyday heroes & hear their incredible stories:

Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

The post Good Things: How a R20 Meal Sparked a Global Kindness Movement appeared first on Good Things Guy.

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