The Talking Sense Podcast

In this episode, the panel explains how two agricultural unions and a business lobby group are pressuring the minister of agriculture, through the courts, to allow private vaccine procurement and administration to combat the foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) epidemic. It then talks through the political madness of the UK and Western energy policy broadly amidst the Iran war. Dr James Myburgh then provi...

In this episode of Makin Sense, the panel breaks down some of the headline results of the Social Research Foundation/The Common Sense's new national poll and that poll's results in Johannesburg, Tshwane and Ethekwini. The discussion on polling rounds out with the panel focusing on Jacob Zuma and whether he has been misunderstood by the main stream press and analysis. After the discussion o...

n this episode of Makin Sense, the panel examines the reports that Patrice Motsepe is not running for ANC leader. They then unpack the diplomatic fight between South Africa and the new United States ambassador. The focus then shifts to an Asian fraud scandal with a South African twist. The panel then studies the facts around venture capital in Africa. After which, they explore the misreporting on...

In this episode of Makin Sense, the panel examines the misrepresented history between the ANC and Iran. The panel explores how the myth of ties between the ANC and Iran overlooks Iran’s repression of leftist movements and the deaths of many communists under the Iranian regime. The panel outlines the fluid situation in Iran today, focusing on US objectives, the shifting global power dynamics with C...

In this episode, the panel discusses the US Head of the Financial Times attack on the Common Sense, the new CBS documentary on farm murders, the South African budget, the supreme court's decision on Trumps tariffs, Geordin Hill-Lewis running for DA leadership, the UK's new cabinet secretary and South Africa's education crisis. Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Panel and Topics02:15 Sim...

In this episode, the panel discusses whether Patrice Mostepe could be eyeing a run for the ANC leadership, Marco Rubio's speech in Munich, the EU and UK's latest economic data, and the situation going into the US midterms. Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Panel and Topics01:52 Patrice Motsepe's Resignation and Political Aspirations04:16 Motsepe's Background and Credibility05:59 Ch...

We unpack the Roedean controversy, the mounting pressure against UK PM Keir Starmer, shifts inside the DA, and unease among Christian ANC members over South Africa’s stance on Iran. We also explore US energy policy, Johannesburg’s ongoing power and water crisis, and what South Africa’s deepening trade ties with China could mean for the country’s economic future.

In this episode, the panel discusses why Namibia is becoming one of the world’s most important countries, what happened to John Steenhuisen, what his departure means for the DA and the GNU and who may succeed him, the outlook for gold and silver prices, why South Africa really expelled Israel’s most senior diplomat, and what the new Federal Reserve governor pick means for the global economy.

In this episode of Makin Sense the panel is joined by the Founder and CEO of InsureAI, Ron Richman, who answers all the questions they have about AI. Chapters00:00 Introduction To The Panel01:50 Understanding AI: Definitions and Evolution09:46 Large Language Models: Capabilities and Applications19:27 The Impact of AI on Jobs and Industries29:29 AI in Financial Advice and Market Analysis39:04 The F...

In this episode of Makin Sense, the panel discusses significant global and South African news, focusing on Trump's intention of taking Greenland, a government report on foot and mouth disease, Iran's influence on South Africa and America's response to that, the history of the NPA and the World Bank's new global growth report. Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Panel01:52...

In this episode of Makin Sense, the panel discusses significant global and South African news, focusing on the Iranian naval exercises in Simon's Town. Benji Shulman provides insights into the implications of South Africa's military collaboration with Iran, particularly in light of the ongoing protests in Iran and the diplomatic tensions it creates. Frans discusses the foot and mouth disea...

In this episode of Makin Sense, the panel discusses significant global and South African news, focusing on the U.S. intervention in Venezuela, the implications for South Africa's political landscape, the threats to the GNU in 2026, and the ongoing issues of free speech and censorship in the U.S. The conversation also touches on the new NPA boss in South Africa and the political turmoil in Iran...

In this episode of Makin Sense, the panel looks back on 2025 and the events and stories that shaped politics, markets, and public mood. The conversation opens in South Africa with a debate over the African National Congress and its evolving approach to the Government of National Unity. Frans argues that the ANC increasingly appears to accept the GNU as South Africa’s governing reality, suggesting...

In this episode, the panel is joined by Mike Sham, host of the State of the Nation podcast. The panel discusses potentially significant political stories shaping South Africa and the world going into 2026. The conversation starts in South Africa by focusing on the challenges faced by the ANC, and whether it will seek to double down on ideology, as well as the DA's position in the next local go...

The panel got an in-depth report from James Myburgh on the political history of the Thabo Mbeki and Zuma power struggle at the 2005 National General Council and how Ramaphosa's National General Council was very different to that. He then discusses the fine balance that seems to have been struck within the GNU and its prospects of continuing. Gabriel adds to this discussion by discussing the wi...

The panel got an in-depth report from James Myburgh on the political history behind farm attacks in South Africa, the extent of the problem, and the political forces behind the killings. Frans Cronje reports on a new bill soon to come before Parliament that will look to empower the state to arrest Israel supporters in the country, on comments by the US Secretary of State that pitch Poland against...

In this episode of Makin Sense, the panel examines the proposed Russia Ukraine peace plan, unpacks the ANC’s balance of forces doctrine, analyses the United Kingdom’s new budget, and assesses South Africa’s economic outlook heading into 2026. Richard offers Thanksgiving reflections from the United States and Bheki outlines the key indicators shaping South Africa’s growth prospects.

The panel got an in-depth report from James Myburgh on the political history behind farm attacks in South Africa, the extent of the problem, and the political forces behind the killings. Frans Cronje reports on a new bill soon to come before Parliament that will look to empower the state to arrest Israel supporters in the country, on comments by the US Secretary of State that pitch Poland against...

In this episode of Makin Sense, the panel discusses the assassination of political activist Charlie Kirk and its implications for free speech and political violence in the US. They explore the current state of American politics, the impact of economic data on market reactions, and the controversies surrounding Peter Mandelson. The conversation also delves into South Africa's trade relations wi...

In this episode, the panel discusses various political topics, including the resignation of UK Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner, the implications for the Labour Party, and the broader political landscape in the UK. They also delve into the history of political party funding in South Africa, the rise of the woke right, and the ongoing crisis of free speech in the UK. Additionally, they explore t...

In this episode of Makin Sense, the panel discusses crime and policing in Washington DC, the implications of the end of history theory on Western liberalism, the looming economic crisis in the UK, and the fiscal management of South Africa under the ANC. The conversation highlights the importance of making hard choices in governance and the impact of economic policies on political stability.

In this episode, the panel discusses various economic and political themes, focusing on the Federal Reserve's role in the American economy, inflation, and the impact of monetary policy. They explore a shift in conservatism in the UK and the future of the ANC in South Africa, as well as the implications of water and power crises on the future stability of Iran. The conversation highlights the compl...