Third Avenue Podcast

26 December 2025Listeners and viewers discretion is advised.” This program contains violent content which may be too intense for some listeners/viewers. "

Year-end reflections on TIME, PATIENCE, and taking chances—plus an Off The Dome freestyle and a couple of real conversations about work, money, and growth.

We talk about listening back to old episodes, corporate reality checks, why online shopping can be a gamble, and how life hardens you if you don’t protect your peace. Then we get into culture talk, authenticity, and a quick tweets segment before we wrap the year with New Year energy.

Beat:

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5vRmxEmPHYU

Instagram:

• https://www.instagram.com/thirdavenuepodcast
• https://www.instagram.com/vinnytheperformer
• https://www.instagram.com/hosseinmang
• https://www.instagram.com/igor_zitoni

TikTok:

• https://www.tiktok.com/@thirdavenuepodcast
• https://www.tiktok.com/@vinnytheperformer
• https://www.tiktok.com/@hosseinmang2

19 December 2025

Listeners and viewers discretion is advised.” This program contains violent content which may be too intense for some listeners/viewers. "Stand-up + Recording Chaos

• Recording in broad daylight for the first time

• Heat struggles in the car: sweating, windows closed, trying not to annoy suburban neighbours

• Plan to jump into “Off The Dome” early because it’s too hot

• “Taking leave” ≠ “going on vacation” ≠ “holiday”

• Real vacations require money… most people are just home on leave

• The hidden cost of driving: “car leaves the garage = money gone”

• Holiday spending pressure: you’re supposed to spend, even when you’re budgeting

• The “South African black vacation” joke: coming back broke, hungry, and stressed

• Insurance/debit orders timing: companies know people will splash their money

• Struggling to “turn off” after 12 months of routine

• Resting should be treated like a job: planned and respected

• Keep core habits (run/gym) but also allow yourself to be “useless” sometimes

• Life problems don’t pause just because you’re trying to relax

• The internal conflict of helping strangers when you just want peace

• Storytime: a chill night turns serious when someone gets stabbed

• Being a good person doesn’t always feel good — you do it because it’s right

• Dark humour about forgiveness vs what you’d really want to do in court

• Freestyle session starts early (because the car is overheating)

• Multiple verses, jokes, and beat replays

• Shoutouts + “Swift Brothers” running gag

• Talk about possibly making a TAP album:

  • Needs continuity with the podcast vibe

  • Chaos is fun, but the album must show “brilliance” and structure

  • Training via freestyles = sharper studio performances

• The privilege of having one hit song (especially if you own your masters)

• Hits = merch, bookings, adverts, long-term income

• The “one-hit wonder curse” vs the financial reality

• Examples of artists whose lives change from one massive record

• Commercial viability vs artistic brilliance (Drake/Travis vs “art-first” artists)

• Travis Scott in India clip: crowd not knowing the lyrics (language barrier)

• People being wild/racist in comment sections (especially on YouTube Shorts)

• Comment sections as “bias confirmation” — you go there to laugh at what you thought

• TikTok stickers take trolling to another level (sometimes funnier than the video)

• Finished Miles Morales quickly by focusing on main missions

• Praise for Miles’ powers (camouflage + electricity)

• Joke: why do black superheroes always have electricity powers?

• Frustration with game logic:

  • Winning in gameplay but losing in cutscenes

  • Boss fights that force plot outcomes no matter how well you play

• Explaining the Nemesis System (enemies remember you + hold grudges)

• Dream idea: bring it into GTA / Watch Dogs

  • NPCs develop vendettas based on what you did

  • Long-term consequences that return 100 hours later

• Big debate: consequences are cool… but too harsh means people quit

• GTA 4 praise: rich story, sad tone, meaningful choices with real consequences

• Comparing older shows with deep writing (Dexter, Mr Robot, 24)

• Wanting plots that surprise you instead of feeling predictable

• Netflix SA shows feel stereotyped or forced (“Jozi runner” type plots)

• Viewers will read subtitles if the story is good (Money Heist / Squid Game point)

• Complaints about accents/dubs breaking immersion

• Preference shoutout: Showmax having stronger local content (in their opinion)

• Posting statuses that look “hurt” = sneak-dissing energy

• Better to have direct conversations instead of public shade

• Tweet take: “Using ChatGPT requires you to be smart”

  • If you’re not smart/clear, it mirrors your bad questions back to you

  • Comparing AI to a slick lawyer: clever but sometimes full of it

• Instagram falling off:

  • Feels like it’s becoming Facebook

  • TikTok seen as the most “global/localised” platform

10 December 2025

Listeners and viewers discretion is advised.” This program contains violent content which may be too intense for some listeners/viewers. "

Episode overview

• Funny Jozi stories, gaming struggles, music debates, and pure vibe talk

• The crew gets into masculinity jokes, internet culture, and workplace chaos

In this episode

• Vodacom-looking store in Auckland Park

• Mic/recording tips and pod setup realities

• Big-car vs small-car driving struggles

• GTA Online DLC grind + money pressure

• Year-end burnout, leave planning, and adult responsibilities

• “Off The Dome” freestyle moment

• Brent Faiyaz vs Odeal debate + Nas in SA ticket talk

• Comment sections, memes, and creator criticism

• Handshake politics + vibe check culture

• Tug-of-war competitiveness at work

• DIY pride and gym etiquette frustrations

• Instagram vs TikTok relevance debate

01 December 2025 Listeners and viewers discretion is advised.” This program contains violent content which may be too intense for some listeners/viewers. "

In this episode of Third Avenue’s “Off The Dome,” the bros sit down for a long, loose and surprisingly wholesome conversation about everything from work energy to hip-hop and South African entertainment. They start by joking about how quiet they can be at home versus how loud they are on the podcast, the tension between being authentic and feeling like performers once the camera is on, and why certain language and slang will probably never belong in a corporate setting.

From there the conversation drifts into TV and film, with a breakdown of “Euphoria,” “The Idol” and Hollywood’s obsession with edgy, explicit content. The guys share how those lifestyles no longer look aspirational and then pivot into a nostalgic chat about Will Smith as a childhood hero, comparing him to Piccolo from Dragon Ball Z – full of aura, often dusted, but still iconic.

Midway through the episode they drop into a full “Off The Dome” freestyle session, using it as a springboard to talk about what makes rap exciting: cadence changes, voice switches and the importance of producers like 40 and Mike Dean. That leads naturally into a deep dive on the South African music ecosystem – from DJ Maphorisa and Black Coffee to genre politics, the dominance of amapiano, and how producers and songwriters often don’t get the respect or credit they deserve.

The same critique extends to comedy. They reflect on the local stand-up scene, older comics who claim to have “put everyone on,” and the way some shows have turned into political lectures instead of pure comedy. The message is simple: people are tired and just want to laugh for an hour without hearing about global summits and politicians.

Later in the episode they nerd out over YouTube and internet content: Nico’s “travel the world with no money” series, a video about training an octopus to “play” piano, and how rare it is for the algorithm to surface genuinely wholesome, curiosity-driven work. That opens into a broader discussion about art, opera and classical music, the feeling of “doing things for the plot,” and how real art hits you emotionally even when it looks simple on the surface.

They also revisit a school visit to a maximum-security and juvenile prison, reflecting on crime, consequences and how quickly a split-second decision can turn into years behind bars. From there they move into everyday South African life: why house parties are dying out, the stress of hosting, random plus-ones and drunk drama, as well as December social dynamics.

Towards the end, a tweet about Kanye West possibly coming to South Africa leads into a conversation about his mental state, whether a show would even feel right, and how much people project onto their heroes. Another tweet about muesli becomes a funny but real chat about health, granola, yoghurt, avo and how rural South Africans actually eat pretty well without calling it “wellness.”

The episode closes on a warm note: gratitude for a chilled session with just the three of them, wishes for a safe festive season, and a joke about building a “grandma fanbase” because at least grandmothers will actually sit and listen. It’s classic Third Avenue – long, honest, unfiltered and full of side quests, but always anchored in humour and heart.

10 November 2025

Listeners and viewers discretion is advised.” “This program contains violent content which may be too intense for some listeners/viewers. Listeners/viewers discretion is advised.” “The following program contains mature situations/themes and is intended for an older youth audience.

Intro & New Concept

• Nervous about trying a new format and mic issues

Money, Adulting & Being “Broke”

• Everyone feels like they need more money

• “Next month I’ll sort it out” as an adulting mantra

• TV licence, projects and life admin always getting delayed

Off the Dome Freestyle

• Live freestyle over a drill-type beat

• Honest self-critique of beat choice and flows

• Keeping it fun and experimental for the pod

Hip-Hop, Drake & SA Rap

• Chat about “murder music”, drill and repetitive trap beats

• Saying hip-hop needs hit-makers again, soft apology to Drake

• Shout-out to Shane Eagle’s new tape and Joburg storytelling

Cities, Inequality & SA Life

• How Joburg/Cape Town can hide deep inequality

• Most Black South Africans never appear in the “Instagram city”

• Reflections on race, language and visibility

Groceries, Capitalism & Monopolies

• Woolworths vs Shoprite vs Checkers and who they really serve

• How big chains can crush competition then hike prices

• Capitalism in SA: cars, gadgets and chasing the “soft life”

Health, Water & Bathroom Struggles

• Drinking 2L of water and living in the bathroom

• Gym and office toilet horror stories

• Big belly talk: beer, bread, gluten and sugar catching up

Body Image & Clothes

• Anxiety about shirts riding up over a big stomach

• Jokes about foreheads, ears and kids inheriting features

• Gentle reminder to look after your health if you can

Content, Platforms & SA Media

• TikTok vs YouTube in South Africa and local language content

• Complaints about Netflix filler shows and weird writing

• 3rd Avenue now properly on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & more

Outro

• Perfect pod for driving, cleaning or chilling

• Like, share, subscribe and follow on all platforms

• Appreciation for everyone who listens to the end

Beat: https://youtu.be/0hxz-qv-vJ8?si=pdjWUKutgrTRKKi2

Instagram:

• https://www.instagram.com/thirdavenuepodcast
• https://www.instagram.com/vinnytheperformer
• https://www.instagram.com/hosseinmang
• https://www.instagram.com/igor_zitoni

TikTok:

• https://www.tiktok.com/@thirdavenuepodcast
• https://www.tiktok.com/@vinnytheperformer
• https://www.tiktok.com/@hosseinmang2

Cold open & intros:

• Third Avenue a.k.a. TAP; running gag with IGOR/KGB “earthquake” nickname and producer yelling “move on.”

• Over-the-top stage entrances, lights drop, Mercedes G-Wagon sponsor jokes, “budget vs theatrics.”

• Recording in traffic, cops, passer-bys
• Nerves vs professionalism.

• gym/jog motivation;
• Weekend at an Afro/neo-jazz show
• Love for sax & double bass and sampling ideas.

• Voice-note to wife in the lift, being cute at work, Gen-Z couple stereotypes.

• Price drop chat; “If petrol hurts, buy smaller”—Toyota/Suzuki over thirsty BMWs
• Passengers pitching fuel
• Asking for petrol “for control” even in a G-Wagon.

• Island/chill vibes, ad-libs, gallery/museum type-beat feel
• Crew rates each other.

• DIY pest control, “get a cat,” township cat stories, stolen puppy, allergies, tailless complex cat.

• Jake Tran documentary style, sponsorship ethics, “personal responsibility” in crypto meme-coins.

• Netflix SA stiff translations/accents & same actors
• Showmax praised for writing but app UI slander
• Too many “instant” documentaries; parody of Netflix doc format.

• Miss SA vs Miss Universe license confusion—winner not going due to rights.

• Taylor Swift’s literal lyric style vs concept albums (Brent Faiyaz – Wasteland)
• Hip-hop’s Billboard slump since the 90s; Drake/Pusha/Travis discourse
• “Lil Yachty will hold it down.”

• 11 SA languages, mispronunciations at work
• Anecdote about an Indonesian village using whistled “names.”

• Year-end fatigue, being “content with what I could do,” payday anticipation, empathy for parents
• Repo hypotheticals; no bumper stickers if you’re single.

• Classroom reading trauma, Afrikaans/Shakespeare, dyslexia joke
• Uni improved reading speed.

• One-meal-a-day discipline, gym while fasting
• Energy management over carbs.

• Kids wasting breakfast, “hard-dad” jokes about gratitude and routine.

• Like/subscribe/share call; “wholesome cult” sign-off and gratitude.

Dreaming tour production: Pod-in-a-car grind: Check-in: Relationship & “soft” moments: Petrol & cars: Off-the-Dome freestyle: Rat & cats saga: Creator economy & scams: SA streaming rant: Pageant/licensing tea: Music takes: Names & language: Adulting & money: Reading/grammar banter: Health & diet: Parenting vibes:Wrap:

27 October 2025Listeners and viewers discretion is advised.” “This program contains violent content which may be too intense for some listeners/viewers. Listeners/viewers discretion is advised.” “The following program contains mature situations/themes and is intended for an older youth audience.Cold Open & On-Camera Prep

• Lip balm/shine jokes, “cream before camera”
• Diddy/“Making the Band” assistant skit + dancing banter

• Misusing fancy terms (percentile vs “percentile”), calling out “fake smart” lingo
• Take: younger gens will catch you if you bluff

• Posh argument, code-switching, why smooth talkers get trusted
• Con-artist persona chat

• Off the Dome Freestyle session: beats/BPM pockets, crowd reactions, witty doubles/wordplay

• Lunchtime PG-13 rap battles at firms; LinkedIn call-outs; friendly inter-company rivalries

• Data model scope-change pain
• HR lines, when swearing pops out under pressure
• Authenticity vs “corporate self”

• School fight cautionary tale; “know your place, hold your spot”

• Pusha T/Kanye/Travis/Pharrell/Drake—loyalty vs promo
• Podcasts/press shaping how we hear albums

• Ticket-price shock, is it legit?
• Romania stage-run rumor; unpredictability vs fan respect

• Being present on stage vs intrusive thoughts
• Exam-hall analogy: time pressure, bad clocks, strategy

• “Studying the wrong way” vs modern tools
• How time limits create artificial difficulty

• Viral “historical figures doing wild things” clips
• Comedy vs consent, reputational harm, misinformation

• “Silver fox” energy; can you pull off the grey?
• Male physique, validation, and playful dominance stories

• Kids’ repeated asks; being the “fix-it” parent

• Dog-poop chores and kids forgetting agreements

• One-meal-a-day, Ramadan training experiences
• Energy regulation; parody of fitness influencer sales pitches

• Why drink them? Beer taste vs mocktails

• ChatGPT as aid, not crutch

• “Tweets of the week”
• Like/Subscribe/Share sign-off; love to the audience

Words, Flex & Gen-Z EnglishParking-Lot Drama StoryApology & Switch to Off-The-DomeBig Idea: “Corporate Cyphers”Worklife & Office CultureHierarchy & MasculinityRap Culture EthicsKanye in SAPerformance MindsetStudy ChatAI & DeepfakesAging & AestheticsParenting & Mental Load-Coming home drained; needing 5 minutesPets & AccountabilityHealth & FitnessNon-Alcoholic DrinksReading, Grammar & AI-Improve grammar by reading; use AI but verifyClosing Bits

23 October 2025Listeners and viewers discretion is advised.” “This program contains violent content which may be too intense for some listeners/viewers. Listeners/viewers discretion is advised.” “The following program contains mature situations/themes and is intended for an older youth audience.Cold Start, Technical Chaos & Phone Drops

• Hosts joke about freezing when recording starts.
• Phone almost drops right when cameras roll.
• Anxiety when “lights hit” — SNL energy.

• Standard “favourite podcast that people don’t really know of” intro.
• Host name roll-call with humorous taglines.
• Repeated “earthquake” nickname joke for Ego.

• Sudden British accent moment gets roasted.
• UK drill influence (“too much grind” talk).
• UK rap seen as hungrier, more street than US.

• “Another day, another dollar” sentiment.
• Relatable adult life exhaustion.
• Taxes creeping into life stress.

• Complaints about how scary tax bills can be.
• Discussion on SARS / revenue authority power.
• “Taxman can change your life” theme.

• The small fine print about locks, conditions, and claims being denied.
• Insurance exposed as feeling like a scam:
• “Was the door locked, Tim?”
• Comparison to real-life claim horror stories.

• Shauwn Mkhize used as example of baller status.
• How even high-status people get chased by tax authorities.

• Long-term tax buildup leading to a “pull up” moment.
• Deeper convo on financial responsibility.
• Fear of debt creeping up.

• Commentary on glove compartment comfort.
• Seat settings and what your partner changes in your car.

• Vibe of recording in a hot car.
• Resourcefulness of using mobile hotspot.
• Struggles with mobile data and compression.

• Freeze moment once “record” hits — relatable creator anxiety.
• Daily Show & SNL comparison for comedic delivery.

• Adulting is a scam (taxes, insurance & unexpected bills)
• Performing under pressure as small creators
• Humor as coping mechanism
• UK drill-inspired personality bleed-through
• Creating content despite chaos

• Beat:    • Cochise type beat - “Pitch”  

Intro & Branding MomentsAccent Switch-Ups & Music InfluenceLife Updates & Mood CheckTAX STRESS & Adulting PainInsurance Industry FrustrationsShauwn Mkhize ReferenceAdult Consequences & Money ResponsibilityCar Culture & ComfortRecording-in-the-Car CultureBody Language, Confidence & Performance EnergyUnderlying Themes