John Maytham is joined by Dr Dion Forster, Full Professor (Extraordinary) in the Department of Systematic Theology and Ecclesiology at Stellenbosch University and Director of the Vrije/Free University of Amsterdam to reflect on the global significance and legacy of Pope Francis, who died on Monday. As the Vatican observes three days of mourning ahead of Saturday’s funeral, Dr Forster shares insights on the Pope's transformative leadership.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

John Maytham speaks with Ukrainian Ambassador to South Africa, Liubov Abravitova, ahead of President Volodymyr Zelensky’s historic visit to the country on 24 April 2025. With global tensions rising around the terms of a possible peace deal between Russia and Ukraine, Ambassador Abravitova provides insight into Ukraine’s goals for the visit and reflects on Pretoria’s evolving position in the conflict.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

John Maytham speaks to Dr. Amber Reed, a cultural anthropologist and researcher with a Ph.D. from UCLA, about how her work in rural schools and urban advocacy organizations paints a striking portrait of political ambivalence in contemporary South Africa.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bradley Harris, founder of Imagnary House, speaks to John Maytham after winning Best Children’s Publisher at Bologna 2025. Founded in 2015 to champion authentic African children’s and YA stories, Imagnary House takes its name from a child’s crayon misspelling and it captures the playful, imaginative spirit at the heart of storytelling.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

John Maytham is joined by acclaimed palaeontologist and Author John Long to dive into The Secret History of Sharks—a gripping exploration of one of Earth’s most ancient and misunderstood creatures. Long, a leader in fossil shark research, takes listeners through an epic scientific journey that spans 500 million years, revealing how sharks have not only survived but thrived through multiple mass extinctions.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

John Maytham speak to Tessa Jubber, acclaimed South African actress, about what it’s like returning to the stage in such an intimate and emotionally charged piece, after a strong run in TV. She shares insights into the creative collaboration with Hollmann and director Craig Morris and reflects on how the play’s format challenges both actor and audience alike.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dennis Davis joins John Maytham to unpack the DA and EFF’s court challenge to Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana’s VAT hike. Davis, a retired judge and constitutional law expert, explains why the case matters, what’s at stake in terms of parliamentary process, and how the outcome could shape future tax legislation.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

John Maytham is joined now by Lindsay Dentlinger, our EWN Parliamentary Correspondent to discuss the Parliamentary process of passing the budget.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

John Maytham speaks to Dr Antonio Rodrigues, reproductive medicine specialist and director of Medfem Fertility Clinic, about the ethical, legal, and genetic ramifications of sperm donor limits being ignored — and what South Africa can learn from the Netherlands’ mistakes.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After widespread public pressure, the City of Cape Town has reinstated key river rehabilitation projects previously delayed by a decade. Councillor Alex Lansdowne joins John Maytham to unpack what this budget reversal means for communities, catchments, and climate resilience.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.