The New Rules of Podcast Listening (2025 Edition)
7 August 2025
Let’s spill the beans on what South Africans are vibing with, according to Spotify’s wrap-up.
Jordan Peterson on “The Joe Rogan Experience,” Rorisang Thekiso talking real stuff, and Nomzamo Mbatha dropping wisdom on “Wisdom and Wellness with Mpoomy Ledwaba” – these episodes are gold.
Hold up!
The most hyped launch of 2023? “Hot Mess with Alix Earle,” TikTok’s ‘It Girl.’
Following that, you’ve got the laughs in “Brain Leak” and the lowdown on the local music scene with “JazziQ and Friends,” featuring Kamo Mphela and Amapiano artist MFR Souls.
Big shoutouts to Gugulethu Nyatsumba, Ayandastood, and Mpoomy Ledwaba for killing it this year.
And newbies?
“What Now?” with Trevor Noah,” “Popcorn and Cheese” with Robot Boii and Mpho Popps, and “Outspoken Owls” with Katie Mohammed and Lynne Forbes are in the mix.
Now, the top dogs in South Africa? “Podcast and Chill with MacG,” “Ideas That Matter” with Vusi Thembekwayo, and the real talk on “Wisdom & Wellness with Mpoomy Ledwaba.”
Mpoomy, who went through some tough times, now runs a Wellness Hub and a dope podcast.
And of course, we can’t forget the crime junkies with “True Crime South Africa,” hosted by Nicole Engelbrecht (who will be featured in the upcoming season of Baird Media’s Become a Podmaster series).
For Spotify’s Sub-Saharan Africa Podcast Manager, Ncebakazi Manzi, it’s all about the energy in the South African podcast game.
Live shows, fresh faces, and a mix of content are making waves.
These podcasts are like your favorite playlist – they’ve built solid fanbases with real stories, cool hosts, and consistent quality.
Charismatic hosts like Gugulethu Nyatsumba and the funny Darren “Whackhead” Simpson keep it real.
Well-researched and top-notch episodes keep us coming back for more.
And don’t forget to listen to the Telkom Radio Awards Best Podcast winner, “Eusebius on TimesLIVE.”
To end off, we would be remiss in not telling you that Baird Media has two podcast series.
“Become a Podmaster” is a podcast that helps new podcasters understand the medium, while “Meet My Business” is an interview-style podcast which showcases entrepreneurs from around the world.
As the podcast scene evolves in South Africa, it’s all about the power of digital media and people wanting content that just clicks with their lives.
These podcasts aren’t just entertainment; they’re connecting with the diverse experiences of South Africa in a way that hits home.
Your voice is your brand. Your podcast should sound like it.
We help creators, coaches, and businesses make shows that stand out – for the right reasons.
Book a free consultation and let’s build something powerful.
