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The shows, Gareth, his books, his talks, his lack of style, his dog and his other interests. Gareth Cliff has built a career across radio, television, publishing, and digital media, shaping conversations in South Africa for over two decades. Known for his fearless commentary and intellectual curiosity, he is recognised for authentic conversation and sharp insight. His media journey began with over two decades on national morning radio, where he became one of the most recognisable voices in the country on 702 Talk Radio and the highest-rated commercial music station, 5FM. He served as a high-profile judge on the hit TV show Idols South Africa for 11 seasons, helping shape the trajectory of local entertainment and discover new talent. He has hosted two talkshows of his own on network television and has spoken at SXSW in Austin, Texas, TEDx in London and even argued in the Parliament of South Africa for lower data costs. The last-mentioned was not a success, and as a result he has given up on any political ambitions entirely. He founded Cliffcentral.com in 2014 with Rina Broomberg, which was the first commericially successful podcast platform in the country. The Gareth Cliff Show has consistently been in the Top 10 Podcasts in South Africa since inception, and has a total of over 15 million listens and downloads. In his career, Gareth has racked up more than 23000 hours of live content. With an audience spanning 45+ countries and a global reputation for provocative dialogue; Gareth has interviewed the likes of Sir Richard Branson, Jordan Peterson, Malcolm Gladwell, Charlize Theron, Trevor Noah, Garter King-of-Arms and many less famous but arguably more interesting people from all over the world. Gareth also founded The Real Network and Truth Report, is a bestselling author of two books, and has been awarded by the New York Radio Awards for his series Blind History. His latest project is The Gareth Cliff Daily Briefing, which is the antidote to algorithmic brain rot and internet slop. Designed with smart people whose time is at a premium in mind, it gives you a snapshot of the international and local news, a small amount of opinion and some references to culture – which will allow you to position yourself in the remorseless change around you. Listens and Podcast in South Africa Countries reached Hours of live Gareth has presented lectures in his favorite subjects, hosted and participated in debates, shared his analysis of current affairs, global trends, geopolitical change and relentless optimism about humanity. He occasionally presents thought-provoking ideas to companies and isn’t opposed to raising money for good causes. Gareth collects rare first editions, swords, guns, art and historical artifacts. He has a chemical laboratory (no, not for making drugs, but for inorganic chemistry), likes keeping fit, has a broad an eclectic taste in music and drinks only water and tequila. He studied law, International Politics and History, but never made any effort with any of them. He can do over 200 accents and impersonations, doesn’t care for fancy dress and sings only to make people laugh or for charity. He only dances if he wants to make people cry. He isn’t married, has no children and may be too old for salvation. His ideal dinner guests are mostly dead people, but he believes this is the best time to be alive. Alice is a tricolour Cavalier King Charles Spaniel with a fine pedigree, who kills occasional doves and pigeons and may have been the runt of her litter. She is unavailable for comment and wishes to be left alone by the likes of you. See his social media for all the slightly embarrassing stuff, including his hairstyle, which has been the same since the Reagan Administration. About Gareth Cliff
The Gareth Cliff Story
Media Journey
Talk Shows
Cliffcentral.com
The Gareth Cliff Show
The Gareth Cliff Daily Briefing
Not Bad for a podcast
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15 million
downloads![]()
Top 10
since inception![]()
45+
globally![]()
23 000
content



Gareth’s Talks
Gareth’s Interests
Gareth’s Dog
Gareth’s Lack of Style
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