Sandton Times Hour Edition 215 Radio & Podcast Show Notes

Nominated for ‘Podcast of the Year’ in the 2024 African Podcast and Voice Awards (APVA), the weekly Sandton Times Hour is a Sandton magazine show that brings the digital pages of The Sandton Times to life.

Serial entrepreneur, speaker, facilitator, and author, Mike Stopforth, chats about his latest book ’52 Big Questions for Business Leaders’.
We take a look at 10 holiday inspirations for your end-of-year vacation plans.
Tat Wolfen, Entertainment Commentator for The Sandton Times takes a look at the latest on big and small screens.
Jaydene Richa, Elite Personal Trainer at Virgin Active South Africa takes a look at getting summer fit and competition ready.
Visit www.sandtontimes.co.za for more stories.

As the only radio show and podcast dedicated to Africa’s richest square mile, this Sandton magazine show is packed with an array of entertaining and informative interviews blended with the best music, every week on 91.9 FM, Mondays from 7pm to 8pm.

The Sandton Times offers readers all they ever wanted online, and The Sandton Times Hour is the go-to weekly magazine show broadcast from greater Sandton. The show features fabulous food spots, luxurious lifestyle bits, first-hand travel tips, motoring notes, and world-class entertainment, business discussions and so much more, even venturing beyond the borders of greater Sandton.

In 2024, The Sandton Times Hour secured the third spot on Feedspot’s list of the “30 Best South Africa Podcasts” highlighting the top South African podcasts from thousands available on the web, ranking them based on relevancy, authority, social media followers, and freshness.

In this week’s show [Edition 215 Week 40] The Sandton Times covers an array of topical news as well as these interviews:

’52 Big Questions for Business Leaders’ With Author Mike Stopforth

Sandton Times Hour — Mike Stopforth is a serial entrepreneur, speaker, and author empowering business leaders to ask the right questions and drive meaningful change. Image: Mike Stopforth

What if the right question could shift your perspective, transform your business, or even change your life? That’s the idea behind 52 Big Questions for Business Leaders, a new book by entrepreneur, speaker, and facilitator Mike Stopforth.

Two years in the making, the project began as a conversation about the power of well-timed questions in reframing reality and guiding better decisions. Mike collected the best questions he’d encountered over his career, ultimately curating 52 – one for each week of the year. The result is more than a book – it’s a tool for reflection, coaching, team meetings, or simply sparking new ways of thinking.

Organised into six themes – Branding and Positioning, Leadership and Vision, People and Culture, Purpose and Productivity, Self-Reflection and Personal Growth, and Strategy and Innovation – the book weaves in anecdotes from Mike’s journey, plus case studies, examples, quotes, and recommendations for further exploration.

52 Big Questions for Business Leaders is available now on Kindle and as an audiobook on Spotify, with print copies landing in local bookstores from September at R270. The official Johannesburg launch takes place on Tuesday, 30 September 2025 at The Tryst in Kramerville, hosted by Suits & Sneakers. Entrance is free, and attendees can expect an interactive session that challenges conventional thinking about leadership, strategy, and transformation.

10 Holiday Inspirations For Your End-Of-Year Vacation Plans

With the end of the year fast approaching, now’s the time to lock in your holiday plans – or at least start dreaming. Here are some destinations from The Sandton Times travel diary that could help spark ideas.

Dubai is a popular stopover that’s become a destination in its own right. From desert safaris to rooftop lounges, it’s best enjoyed during the cooler months between November and March. For a quick island escape, Victoria in the Seychelles is just four hours away, visa-free for South Africans. While Mahé is the main island, you can hop over to Praslin or La Digue for cycling, beaches, and a laid-back vibe.

Venice is pure magic – gondolas, St. Mark’s Square, and hidden alleyways. Go early in the morning to avoid crowds. Madrid is alive with tapas, flamenco, football, and nightlife, but remember: locals eat dinner late, often after 9pm. London delivers theatre, shopping, and history, and its transport system makes exploring easy with an Oyster card. Paris remains a festive favourite, but book attractions like the Eiffel Tower or Louvre well in advance to skip the queues.

Heading further east, Hong Kong mixes modern city buzz with Asian tradition. A night ferry across Victoria Harbour offers one of the best skyline views on a budget. Zurich may be pricey, but a Zurich Card gives you access to public transport and museums without breaking the bank. Closer to home, Cape Town is always a winner, with beaches, vineyards, Table Mountain, and world-class dining at affordable prices.

Or, if you’d rather unpack once and let the destinations come to you, a cruise is worth considering. A balcony cabin upgrade gives you fresh air, sea views, and a private spot to unwind.

Whether near or far, each option offers its own mix of adventure, relaxation, and memories in the making.

The Latest On Big And Small Screens With Entertainment Commentator Tat Wolfen

Regular commentator Tat Wolfen returned this week with a fiery review and a roundup of some of the biggest entertainment developments.

Paul Thomas Anderson’s much-anticipated One Battle After Another, which opened this past weekend – despite the hype and a cast featuring Leonardo DiCaprio, Sean Penn, and Benicio Del Toro – was unimpressive. The film glamorises crime and anarchy while vilifying law enforcement. After just 15 minutes, it’s worth walking out of, as a ‘foul and offensive assault on the senses’.

On a more positive note, Disney+ announced it will begin streaming ESPN and ESPN2 from 2 October 2025. This includes a highlights channel offering on-demand replays of key sporting events. While ESPN covers a range of niche sports, ESPN2 will showcase major American leagues like the NFL, NBA, and MLB. South Africans are likely to warm to these sports now that access is easier.

All Disney+ Premium and Mobile plan customers with an 18+ content rating in South Africa will have access to the linear channels.

In a significant shift for South African television, French media giant Canal+ has taken control of MultiChoice, ending decades of DStv’s near-monopoly. Founded 40-years ago as a subscription-TV channel, Canal+ has grown into a global media and entertainment powerhouse with over 26.9-million subscribers, more than 400-million monthly active users on its streaming platforms, and a workforce of over 9’000 employees worldwide.

The group generates revenue across 195 countries and operates directly in 52, holding leading Pay-TV positions in 20 of those markets. Canal+ spans the entire audio-visual value chain, from production and broadcast to distribution and aggregation, giving it a unique ability to deliver content at scale and adapt quickly to evolving consumer demands.

For South African audiences, the takeover promises more than just a change in ownership. DStv has historically operated with little competition, resulting in a rigid approach to programming and technology. Canal+’ entry brings expectations of greater agility, streamlined operations, and flexibility, particularly as DStv continues its transition from traditional satellite broadcast to hybrid streaming solutions.

With Canal+ now effectively in charge, the integration process is underway to align MultiChoice with the group’s global operations. This move creates a formidable media network, poised to serve over 40-million subscribers in nearly 70 countries, combining local content expertise with international resources. For viewers, the takeover could mean improved access to diverse content, enhanced streaming services, and a more competitive Pay-TV landscape. As MultiChoice evolves under Canal+, South African audiences may see a new era of innovation, choice, and convenience in the way they consume television and digital entertainment.

And finally, foodies have reason to tune in as MasterChef South Africa makes a fresh move – this time to e.tv, after stints on M-Net and SABC. The local version of the world’s best-known and most-loved television cooking competition is set to air on e.tv on Sunday nights at 6pm from early 2026. In addition to this prime-time screening, MasterChef South Africa Season 6 will also cook up a storm on eReality and eExtra.

From movie misfires to shifting screens, this week proves there’s no shortage of change in the world of entertainment.

Getting Summer Fit And Competition Ready With Elite Personal Trainer Jaydene Richa

With summer 2025 around the corner, many of us are thinking about shedding the winter layers and feeling confident in the sun. But how do you get there without falling into crash diets and quick fixes?

Jaydene Richa, an elite personal trainer at Virgin Active Collection and double NPC wellness champion, says the key is starting now – and starting smart. Achieving a fit and confident summer body doesn’t require crash diets or quick fixes; it starts with realistic, achievable goals. Focusing on small milestones, such as aiming to lose a couple of kilograms in a month, helps maintain accountability and long-term progress.

Rather than following fad diets or juice cleanses, the key lies in balance. Combining weight training, cardio, flexibility, and a sustainable eating plan ensures consistent results. Consistency, support, and balance are essential for turning fitness into a lifestyle that lasts beyond the season.

Jaydene follows a disciplined routine as she prepares for her December bodybuilding competition. Her training splits focus on specific muscle groups on different days, with cardio and yoga incorporated for variety. Her diet is structured but flexible, prioritising the basics of protein, carbohydrates, vegetables, and healthy fats to provide energy for intense training.

Beyond personal fitness, Jaydene is committed to community wellness. On Saturday, 18 October 2025, she will lead the SPAR to SPAR Walk/Run from SPAR Olivedale to SPAR Bel Air, followed by a HIIT or water aerobics class at Virgin Active Bel Air. The event supports local feeding schemes and underprivileged athletes, emphasising health, unity, and giving back.

Specialising in functional training, HIIT, obesity management, health and wellness, and pre- and postnatal fitness, Jaydene also offers personal training sessions at Virgin Active Alice Lane Collection. For anyone aiming for a summer-ready body, the approach is clear: start now, keep your goals realistic, stay consistent with training and nutrition, and prioritise sustainable habits.

Sandton Times Hour Music Playlist

Mango Groove – Dance Sum More
Jeremy Loops – Waves
a-ha – Take On Me (Kygo Remix)
Will Linley – American Dream
HUGEL, Dawty feat. Preston Harris – Loosen Up

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