The Jabber Network The Jabber

The Jabber

The Jabber is the honest, no-filter journey of a middle-aged family man navigating the second half of life. From weekend parenting wins (like umpiring Mini cricket) to deep dives into life's biggest challenges (like finding your agency and purpose), this is where practical life lessons meet raw, daily reflection. If you're chasing dreams, striving for better, and sometimes wondering "where did the joy go?" - this show is for you. Love yourself. Keep jabbering.
Daily English South Africa Society & Culture · Society & Culture
35 Episodes
1 – 20

The outlier evolution: When "bonkers" becomes the norm

Yesterday’s radical ideas are today’s basic requirements. This week on The Jabber, we explore the psychology of the "outlier" - looking at how US housing, aviation, and AI follow the same path from "crazy" to "commonplace." Don't get caught napping while the world evolves.
1 Feb 11PM 1 min

The price of cheap: Surviving the Januworry stretch

As Januworry comes to a close, we explore the trap of the "cheap bargain." Inspired by Warren Buffett, we discuss why value always beats price, even when the budget is tight, and how to make your Rands last in the longest month of the year.
28 Jan 11PM 1 min

Yesterday’s logic: When identity becomes a trap

Is your "system" holding you back? This week on The Jabber, we look at the fall of Ruben Amorim and the rise of Michael Carrick to discuss a vital life lesson: adaptability. Whether you’re a lifelong Chelsea fan or just trying to navigate a changing workplace, learning when to ditch…
27 Jan 11PM 2 min

The landline legacy: From pure trust to "WDYM?"

Remember when making plans meant hanging up the landline and just showing up? This week on The Jabber, we look at how communication has evolved from the "brick" cellphone era to a world of constant WhatsApp coordination. We explore the "death of the phone call," the struggle of decoding teenage…
26 Jan 11PM 2 min

The Monday rule: Breaking the habits that hold you back

"Never miss a Monday." It sounds simple, but it's the foundation of every good routine. This week on The Jabber, we explore the habits that silently stall our progress. Inspired by the work of Sahil Bloom, we discuss why the "constant jog" is a trap, why complaining is a dead…
25 Jan 11PM 2 min

The comparison trap: Excellence at your own speed

Is there a "right" time to become great? This week on The Jabber, we dive into the polarising paths of Tiger Woods and Roger Federer to discuss the dangers of the comparison trap. Whether you’re a ‘specialist’ who starts early or a ‘generalist’ finding your way, we explore why excellence…
21 Jan 11PM 1 min

The Boycott method and the power of one percent

In this episode of The Jabber, we revisit the rigorous, patient lessons of the classic Boycott on Batting to explore the value of the "long game." As my eldest navigates the fast and furious environment of a franchise cricket tournament, we discuss the danger of "over-awe" - the mental burnout…
20 Jan 11PM 2 min

The back-to-school splash: Digital footprints and the privacy hedge

It’s the first week back, and while parents everywhere are breathing a sigh of relief, the social feeds are flooded with "First Day" photos. This week, I’m looking at the "small sweat" of digital privacy. When does a child’s image stop being a parental memory and start being a permanent…
19 Jan 11PM 1 min

Handheld independence and the 48-month trap

My eldest has officially joined "the club." At twelve years old, he now has a computer in his pocket. But as we navigated this rite of passage, I was struck by how the world tries to sell us independence through the lens of debt. From 48-month phone contracts to financing…
18 Jan 11PM 2 min

The arterial route to independence: Lessons from a MyCiti bus

In a "super coddled world," how do we give our children the tools to navigate life on their own? This week, I’m reflecting on my 1998 gap year in the UK - a time of living on a six-pence and discovering the true meaning of independence through a red double-decker…
14 Jan 11PM 2 min

The tyranny of "Daily": Why we’re dropping the millstone

What happens when a hobby starts to feel like a "social contract" you can’t keep? In this first episode of 2026, we’re looking at the power of names and the weight of expectations. After 24 episodes, I sought out some expert "tough love" from Gavin Kennedy at Solid Gold Podcasts…
11 Jan 11PM 2 min

The sibling shadow: When your youngest wants a new school

What do you do when your Grade Two child insists on changing schools, but can't articulate why? In this personal episode, our host shares a central parenting conundrum: accommodating his youngest son’s persistent, yet unexplained, request to move schools - a decision that throws a wrench into the family's dual-school…
10 Dec 2025 11PM 2 min

From late fees to $400 billion: The power of a 'dare to dream' idea

Who can forget the pain of Blockbuster's late fees? In this motivational episode, we explore the incredible journey of Netflix, which began as a simple snail mail DVD service focused on solving a single customer problem, and today boasts a market capitalisation of over $400 billion with 300 million subscribers…
9 Dec 2025 11PM 1 min

Building calm: Puzzles, Lego, and surviving the school holidays

The school holidays are here, and the struggle for parental sanity is real. This episode dives into the family’s secret weapons for surviving the break - from a 1000-piece Batman puzzle and the lure of an F1 Lego set (congrats, Lando Norris) to backgammon and chess. We’re asking: What’s your…
8 Dec 2025 11PM 1 min

Million problems to one: The health crisis that redefines wealth

What is the only true wealth you possess? Inspired by Robin Sharma's book, The Wealth Money Can't Buy, our host reflects on the second and most vital form of wealth: Health. He shares a deeply personal moment at Melkbos beach alongside his mother, who is navigating life in a care…
7 Dec 2025 11PM 1 min

The three sides to every story: Why your viewpoint is always magnificent

What does the magnificent view of Table Mountain teach us about disagreements? In this introspective episode, inspired by a memory from Blouberg Beach, our host reflects on how our physical vantage point shapes our view - and why that applies perfectly to every conflict we have. The lesson is clear:…
3 Dec 2025 11PM 1 min

The 'nothing day' myth: Don't miss the compound interest of small sweat

Do you ever feel like you've had a 'Nothing Day' - a day where the needle didn't move and no big wins were achieved? In this introspective episode, our host challenges the way we view incremental progress. He argues that we often dismiss a day with a "flat, muted colour"…
2 Dec 2025 11PM 1 min

The hegemony of structure: Why your 5am routine is a micro-investment

Is routine just an overused word, or the essential foundation for a deliberate life? In this reflective episode, our host explores the concept of stability through his commitment to The 5am Club. He details his simple morning routine - meditation, journaling, and planning the day's big wins - as a…
1 Dec 2025 11PM 2 min

21st-century survival kit: Preparing the person, not the path

What if the fundamental job of a parent is not to protect our kids, but to prepare them? In this reflective episode, our host shares a proud moment - his youngest's graduation - which leads to a profound reflection on a crucial parenting philosophy: "We should not prepare the path…
30 Nov 2025 11PM 2 min

The compound interest of little wins

How do you climb Mount Everest? By mastering the first few manageable hills. In this milestone episode, our host celebrates The Daily Jabber hitting 100 listens and argues why we should never discount our little wins. This reflection applies Albert Einstein's famous concept of compound interest directly to personal goals…
26 Nov 2025 11PM 1 min
1 – 20