The Thinking Behind It All (TTBIA) is a podcast for critical media literacy analysis - no story or angle is off limits. We dig deep into media narratives, explore underlying messages and help you think critically about the news. Please share, rate or donate to the podcast? 🙏🏿 We’re independent and would appreciate any support to keep the podcast going: https://www.paypal.me/TTBIA 💬 Stay updated and join the conversation: • WhatsApp Channel:…
Subscribe:.rss.atom.json.md.m3u.pls
Live Last read · last published · next check
Saves to your Listen queue, to pick up on another day or another device.
The people's podcast returns with a bold and incisive 3rd episode … a richly allegorical, analytically sharp, and urgently timely instalment that continues the season's mission of delivering critical media literacy to listeners who refuse to look away. Drawing on one of pop culture's most enduring metaphors for megalomania and miscalculation, this episode is called Pinky and The Brain (U.S. AND…
Bonus Episode: The Genesis (Final Episode of 2025) The people’s podcast, The Thinking Behind It All, drops a special bonus episode, The Genesis, our final release of 2025. This deeply personal episode explores the foundations and philosophy of the podcast, introducing critical literacy theory and our commitment to socially driven critical media literacy. Host Melusi Ncala breaks down one of the…
The people’s podcast returns with an introspective and highly thought-provoking 2nd episode! Not to be missed, and certainly not for the faint-hearted, Running His Mouth unpacks the G20 media narrative, explores the diplomatic spat between South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and U.S. President Donald Trump, and critically examines how global news outlets have reported on South Africa’s hosting…
It’s official, Season 3 of the people’s podcast is here! We kick things off with “MK Marks the Spot,” diving into the explosive story that’s shaken South Africa since July 2025, when General Lieutenant Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi blew the whistle on deep-rooted corruption within the South African Police Service (SAPS). From leaked reports to media spin, there are narratives on narratives, and the TTBIA…
The people’s podcast returns with a preseason drop! In this bumper bonus episode titled Smoke and Mirrors , we dig into the politics behind South Africa’s so-called ‘Government of National Unity’ (GNU). We unpack its formation, challenges, and chances of survival — and ask whether it’s truly a unity project at all. Political analyst Kim Heller joins us with incisive commentary. Ledstar (Naledi…
In the fifth edition, we discuss the media’s coverage of former apartheid president FW De Klerk’s death. This news item had tongues wagging and thumbs thumping. Thus, we are in conversation with an interesting character, Louie, who is a South African farmer. We hope that the final episode of the season is informative, entertaining and enjoyable.
In the fourth edition, we discuss the sixth South African local government elections. Joining us is a community member, McDonald Mahlobo, who is in conversation with ordinary persons living in and around Johannesburg. He is talking to them about their views on democracy and a great deal more. We have delivered an informative, entertaining and newsworthy show that you will hopefully love listening…
In the 3rd edition, we discuss whistle-blowing following the tragic passing of South African government official Babita Deokaran. For this discussion, we are joined by anti-corruption and social justice activists –Kavisha Pillay and Mashudu Masutha. We hope that you find the conversation insightful and informative.
In the 2nd edition, we unpack the media coverage of Covid19, vaccines and related issues. We are also discussing current affairs with writer, poet and social commentator, Ntsiki Mazwai. It’s a spicy show with all your regulars. So, tighten your seatbelt and, hopefully, we can make this ride informative and entertaining.
In the 1st edition, we look at the civil unrest that ensued following the imprisonment of former South African President Jacob Zuma. We are joined by media personality, political commentator, author and journalist, Kim Heller, as we discuss and analyse various aspects relating to this extraordinary news event. To the fainthearted, this edition is intense and spicy. But, we hope that you all will…
