Solid Gold Podcasts

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Channel • 102 Shows

Places & Travel

Places & Travel

Updated 6 days ago
Management

Management

Updated 04/04/2025
Society & Culture

Society & Culture

Updated 14 Apr
Arts

Arts

Updated 18 May
Personal Journals

Personal Journals

Updated 26/05/2021
Health & Fitness

Health & Fitness

Updated 1 Jun
Management

Management

Updated 21/06/2021

01/10/2025

A Gentle Return to Ourselves in the Wild

Take a moment to connect with nature - wherever you are. In this episode, mentor and advanced guide trainer, John Roff, speaks to Bernard Stiglingh, a field guide at Singita Kruger. Within moments of stepping into nature, our heart rates slow, and our breathing deepens. Muscles release, and our senses start to recalibrate, drawing our attention to details we may usually miss, like the patterns of branches or the feeling of wind against skin. After a while, blood pressure and cortisol levels drop. Mood and memory improve. Small moments, big shifts. John shares how green spaces soothe us, how the sound of water settles us and how birdsong signals safety to our nervous system. Together, he and Bernard reflect on how guiding has evolved, and how nature therapy (which John teaches) touches hearts and souls in quiet, beautiful ways because people are longing for more. When we spend time in natural spaces, we notice details, shapes and sounds and remember our connection to something bigger than ourselves. We don’t return to nature; we are nature, and we can move through the world more consciously. “My desire is that an emotional bridge is built through experiences in nature,” says John. Even watching nature documentaries or listening to sounds can help us manage stress. Test it here, listen to our Sounds of Sweni (20 Mins) https://open.spotify.com/episode/2IEXTj1pji9tRqliVCjivK?si=QHyLmaWPSIWtxx8nPiLwrQ Stay for John’s poem at the end. Share this episode with other nature lovers. John's article in the Singita Magazine · The Renewal in Return · Listen to Sounds of Sweni · Singita Kruger · Guided Walks · Stories in the Stars · Singita website

01/10/2025

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30 min
08/05/2025

The Grounded Safari: When Walking through Singita Kruger Changes Everything

In this heartwarming episode, former Head Guide, Solomon Ndlovu, talks to Jonathan Lachowitz, a devoted regular guest who keeps returning to the wild magic of Singita Kruger Park (South Africa) to walk all day without a schedule. On his visits Jonathan walks with Solomon and Tracker, Sunday Ndhlovu. After 70 days walking together, the trio has an easy friendship built on trust, shared memories, and inside jokes. Jonathan shares what pulls him back time after time – from the therapeutic power of switching off from his busy life, to the perspective only walking safaris provide. It highlights the special bond that's formed while they explore the region, complete with portable espresso machine and a three-legged stool. There's no boredom, as the bush changes with every season, every day and hour. It takes an immense amount of trust between Jonathan, Sunday, and Solomon – the guide and tracker who navigate the bush with vast tracking experience, using their senses (hearing the wind, noticing when a giraffe stops chewing, and more!) The adventures have taught each man valuable life lessons. Walking in the Lebombo concession has become something of a soul journey that has helped Jonathan understand his place in the grand scheme of things. Join us as two friends chat about the magic of observing nature on foot, conservation, and finding precious moments of stillness in the African wilderness. The perfect reminder of how small we are, nature's wisdom, and why places like Singita matter for generations to come. Nature talks to you. Just listen. Blog · Singita Lebombo · Singita Sweni · Singita Lowveld Trust · Jonathan Lachowitz · Singita Kruger · Wildlife Reports Singita Kruger · Singita website

08/05/2025

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38 min
14 Apr

#037 No Coal for Genocide

In this episode, we explore a new legal advisory report produced for the South African BDS Coalition, examining South Africa’s obligations in relation to the continued export of coal to Israel. Sunny Morgan of the PSA South Africa hosts SA BDS Coalition's Roshan Dadoo, and lawyer and author of the report, Sirhaan Ché Khan in discussion. Grounded in international law, constitutional principles, and the lived realities of Palestinians, the conversation unpacks how decades of dispossession, occupation, and systemic violence intersect with global systems of trade and energy. We ask what it means for South Africa to move beyond symbolic solidarity, and whether economic activity, including coal exports, can amount to complicity in ongoing international crimes. The report at the centre of this discussion argues that South Africa has both the legal authority and the constitutional duty to act. It highlights how existing legislation enables the state to regulate and even prohibit exports in the public interest, raising urgent questions about accountability, coherence, and political will. As calls grow for the South African government to halt coal exports to Israel, activists argue that such trade contributes to Israel’s energy supply and, by extension, its military capacity. This episode situates that demand within a broader climate justice and global solidarity framework, where energy, law, and justice are deeply intertwined. Advisory Report to DTIC on Coal Sale to Israel · South African BDS Coalition · Palestine Solidarity Alliance - South Africa · Website · Facebook · Instagram

14 Apr

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45 min
25 Mar

Tastes of Home - Honouring Nature and Culture on Every Plate

At Singita, food tells the story of the people and cultures of Africa and the generations who came before them. It’s a portal to the diversity of the continent and the richness of its traditions. A way for guests to deepen their understanding and experience of where they are. A means to bring people together, to soften them, and help them grow closer. In this episode, Mia Neethling, Executive Chef and Guest Experience Lead at Singita Grumeti, speaks with Mbhali Khoza, Sous Chef at Singita Kruger National Park, and Michael Matera, Head Chef at Sasakwa. Their conversation explores how Singita’s chefs honour Africa’s varied natural and cultural heritage on the plate, the impact of the Singita Community Culinary School, how our food offering differs across regions and properties, and what the future of cooking looks like on the African continent. If you enjoyed this episode, you can read more about the confluence of culture and culinary craft at Singita Grumeti in the latest volume of the Singita Magazine. Read the story · Find out more about the Singita Community Culinary School · Explore Singita Grumeti · Explore Singita Kruger National Park · Browse our website

25 Mar

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41 min
17/11/2018

All the Deliciousness that is Jane! | Jane Griffiths

The well-known veggie garden girl has branched out into a range of fantastic skincare products, specifically created with the avid gardener in mind. Sore back from bending over your floral beauties? There's a muscle rub for that. Fingers and hands grubby and chafed from planting? There's a balm to soothe your frustrated fingers. Tired of getting bitten by the garden bugs - not the good variety? She's created a bug-off spray for that too! The perfect way to keep your body in the same great shape your mind is in after gardening, and the perfect gift for the special gardener in your life.For more podcasts, visit SolidGoldStudios.co.za/grounded Mel's Treasures on Facebook

17/11/2018

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26 min
15/08/2025

Personal Story | Silvia Miles' Testimony

Staf has a conversation with Silvia Miles (A Bounti Rebounding Instructor & Businesswoman) on her INCREDIBLE transformation journey. This discussion was SO moving we decided to also make it this podcast episode (originally a recorded Zoom call). Silvia's transformation is SO inspirational and the conversation between her and Staf surfaces posits we really want you all to hear ASAP. Enough...just listen...we know you will also be moved - enjoy! SilviaMiles.co.za · Lisa Raleigh on Facebook · Lisa Raleigh online store · Lisa Raleigh on Instagram · Lisa Raleigh on LinkedIn · Email Lisa and Stafford

15/08/2025

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38 min
23 Apr

Inside Lebombo’s Gallery of Treasures: The Artists’ Perspective

Nestled at the entrance to Lebombo, one of Singita’s properties in the Kruger National Park, the Gallery of Treasures is a multi-sensory space designed to reveal the often-unseen elements of this remarkable landscape. Created in collaboration with artists and creatives from across Southern Africa, it brings together art, nature, and storytelling. In this roundtable conversation with Tatenda Chidora, Laurie van Heerden, Christopher Parker, and Jack Fillery, we explore the thinking behind the Gallery of Treasures, the natural world as a source of inspiration, and each artist’s creative process — as well as what they hope guests take away from the experience. At its core, the Gallery is about noticing the beauty, complexity, and interconnectedness of all life, from seed pods to wildlife, and everything in between. Discover Lebombo · Discover Singita Kruger National Park · Explore Tatenda Chidora's work · Explore Laurie van Heerden's work · Explore Christopher Parker's work · Explore Jack Fillery's work · Explore Metamorphosis, a collaboration between Singita and Tatenda · Singita website

23 Apr

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49 min
10/12/2024

Saving a Species: Lions - The EWT’s mission to Protect the Pride of Africa

Big cats captivate guests on game drives, but they are also in great danger. In this episode, Marnus Roodbol (Lowveld Project Manager of the Carnivore Conservation Program for the Endangered Wildlife Trust) (EWT), chats to Bernard Stiglingh (field guide at Singita Kruger) about lion conservation in Africa. They discuss the critical role lions play in ecosystems, conservation efforts, and what's driving their alarming decline. Marnus highlights that wild lions are now only found in 10 strongholds across Africa, with populations declining by 48% in the last 20 years. We uncover the African lion crisis – the major impacts of poisoning, snares, habitat loss, and illegal poaching for body parts. Bernard provides insights into the cultural use of lion parts in traditional medicine while Marnus mentions the demand for lion bones in Asian markets. Learn about the EWT’s research work in the Greater Limpopo Transfrontier Conservation Area (GLTFCA) – one of the vital strongholds of lion prides in Africa, important to the future of the species. Marnus believes that ecotourism (especially job creation) and involving local communities signals hope for the future. Supporting SANParks, the EWT’s work includes lion counts and veterinary sampling to determine the presence of tuberculosis or feline aids. Every donation funds field staff, salaries, fuel, maintenance, or tracking collars. The Singita Lowveld Trust supports the EWT's carnivore conservation work across the Greater Kruger with crucial, unrestricted funding each year. We need to protect lions (and other endangered species) because it's our heritage. It’s also part of our duty to share this planet with animals. Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT) What We Do · It's a Matter of Pride - Marnus Roodbol · Donate · USD 1,700 - Lion or Wild Dog collar · Saving a Species of Concern · Conservation at Singita · Wildlife reports from Singita Kruger · Singita website

10/12/2024

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31 min
09/09/2017

Shirley Wallington

Melanie and co-host Mike Rickhoff talk to garden designer extraordinaire, Shirley Wallington, about her career and the upcoming Open Gardens Meander, brought to the city by the Johannesburg Garden Club. Show notes are available at SolidGoldStudios.co.za/grounded Mel's Treasures on Facebook

09/09/2017

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28 min
21/06/2021

Leonardo, Lock-down and Lateral Thinking

Martin Kemp (Trinity College, Oxford | Emeritus Professor) In this episode, Tracey Camilleri talks to Oxford art historian, author, academic and world expert on Leonardo da Vinci, Professor Martin Kemp. Originally trained as a scientist, Kemp speaks about the advantages of looking at the world through multiple lenses and disciplines. He considers the importance of authenticity and the crucial difference between fakes and the real thing. He reflects on the toppling of statues in response to Black Lives Matter (#BLM) and how some images, like that of Che Guevara, become icons. As an expert in looking and focused noticing, he discusses the current pandemic and how the virus is represented visually. Above all he reflects on the messiness of being human in a digital world of AI and computer simulation. Connect with Martin on LinkedIn · Martin Kemp's website with links to his books, lectures and research · website · Connect with Tracey on LinkedIn · Connect with Sam Rockey on LinkedIn

21/06/2021

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30 min

To be understood, one must first Be Heard Our friendly team of spoken word professionals will help you turn your concept into a podcast or audiobook that delivers your message effectively. Whether in one of our eleven professional studios in Randburg (South Africa), as a Pop-Up Podcast™ on location, or remotely in another country, we have the people and know-how to help you #BeHeard.