It’s the biggest movie of the year and we rounded up a group of Barbie girls together to talk about what we loved and what we didn’t enjoy about Greta Gerwig’s blockbuster film. The film has been divisive in many communities but it also has been lauded by critics and audience members. We approach the many controversies such as whether the monologue is trite, whether children have been allowed to watch it and more.  This week’s guests included Gabi Zietsman, Khensani Mohlatlole and Ayesha Kaprey. From Ryan Gosling’s Ken to America Ferrera’s speech to the logic behind Barbie Land, we discuss it all.  Synopsis: Barbie and Ken are having the time of their lives in the colourful and seemingly perfect world of Barbie Land. However, when they get a chance to go to the real world, they soon discover the joys and perils of living among humans. Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pBk4NYhWNMM  Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and YouTube, find out more at  crushingonpodcast.com

This week on the podcast, we spoke to Gabe Gabriel, the writer and star of the new film Runs in the Family. Gabe has been working in the industry for many years as a writer, actor and director. We spoke to him about his experiences, his relationship with his father who directs the film, and the experiences of queer people in the film industry.  Currently screening at the Durban International Film Festival, Runs in the Family tells the story of a father who takes his transgender son on a road trip across the country in order to rescue his son’s long-lost mother from a rehab clinic. The film is directed by Ian Gabriel (Four Corners) and stars Gabe Gabriel, Ace Bhatti and Diaan Lawrenson. Clip: https://youtu.be/JN5oEXGWRSs  Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and YouTube, find out more at  crushingonpodcast.com

There is a large selection of top blockbusters currently in cinemas and choosing what to watch can be a chore. We spoke to editor and journalist Theolin Tembo who has seen every film that is currently on the circuit.  Whether you want to watch something with the kids, feel like an action movie, or are ready for your next superhero fix, there is something for everyone. We discuss The Little Mermaid, Super Mario Bros, The Elementals, Guardians of the Galaxy 3, The Flash, Fast X, Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny and more.  Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and YouTube, and find out more at crushingonpodcast.com

The Afrikaans romantic comedy is a film favourite in South Africa. We have seen as countless couples have fallen in love despite the odds. The genre is so popular that it consistently tops the most-watched local films list. However, the genre has also been mostly white.  But things are changing, especially in the new KykNet and Showmax film, Strooi. Featuring an Asian-African leading man played by Jefferson Jīnlòng Lan, opposite an Afrikaans leading lady played by Izette Blignaut. This week on the podcast we were joined by the two stars of Strooi to discuss the film, diversifying the genre, romantic comedies and more.  Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=256ok9YrFtQ Synopsis: The story revolves around Madelaine, a charming farm girl and school photographer from Dewetsdorp. Her life takes an unexpected turn when her car breaks down in Gauteng, leading to a chance encounter with a handsome stranger. Watch it here: https://now.dstv.com/catchup/video/IS20_100449782 Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and YouTube, find out more at  crushingonpodcast.com

Never Have I Ever has consistently been one of the most popular series on Netflix. This week on the episode we delve into the fourth and final season of the series. Returning to the podcast are Faatimah Essack and Leanne Phillipson to talk about what worked, what didn’t work, our favourite character arcs, and why we love this show so much.  Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IemUKB4kCWM In season 4, Devi is facing her final year of high school and has to deal with applying to colleges, her relationship with Ben (and others) as well as her friends and family.  You can watch Never Have I Ever on Netflix here: ⁠https://www.netflix.com/title/80179190Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube, and find out more at crushingonpodcast.com

In this week’s episode, we are exploring the Star Wars universe with Nadia Darries, the co-writer and co-director of Aau’s Song, the final episode of season 2 of Star Wars Visions.  We spoke about navigating the world of animation as a woman of colour, how Aau’s Song represents a generation of South Africans finding the courage to use their voice, and the path they took to work with Lucasfilm and Disney.  Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SSXqU92cymY  Synopsis: It follows Aau, a young girl whose singing voice seemingly activates the planet's corrupted kyber crystals (much to her loving but overprotective father's chagrin). But despite Aau's devotion to her father, she cannot deny her destiny.Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube, and find out more at crushingonpodcast.com

Many of us struggle with anxiety and it permeates through every part of our lives. Ari Aster’s new film Beau is Afraid tells the story of one man’s journey through the darkest recesses of his mind. We were joined by filmmakers Stephen Nagel and Dean Ravell from BTG Productions to discuss the film, the themes and what emotions it brought up in us.  Please note that this episode contains spoilers for Beau Is Afraid. Beau is Afraid is available to watch at cinemas. Synopsis: From writer-director Ari Aster comes a delirious journey into the unknown from one of the most inventive cinematic minds working today: the story of a man who sets out to visit his mother and discovers a world of malevolent forces and unseen eyes tracking his every move. Dense with meaning and aimed squarely at confronting the emotional chaos and collective uncertainty of our present day, Beau is Afraid follows one man’s odyssey through the depths of the end of history, finding horror and humour at every turn.Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and YouTube, find out more at crushingonpodcast.com

Modeling is one of the most sought out-of careers and the one that tends to be fictionalized most often. Today we are chatting to South African model Lisa-Marie Jaftha, who went from local campaigns to living in New York City and being a Sports Illustrated swimsuit model.  We spoke about her journey, the highlights, the tough times, and what she misses most about home.  You can follow along with Lisa-Marie’s journey on her Instagram.  Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and YouTube, find out more at crushingonpodcast.com  Caryn’s recommendations:  Rye Lane (Disney+) Yellowjackets S2 (Showmax)

Society often dictates that, as women, we need to act a certain way, and do certain things in order to remain ‘respectable’. However, most of us don’t fit into that particular mold and this hinders our own personal journeys. This week on the podcast, we are discussing this with actor Kate Liquorish and director Samantha Nell from the comedy Do Your Worst!  Do Your Worst tells the story of Sondra (played by Shannon Esra) a washed-up actress as she approaches age 40 and has to start making some hard decisions about her life.  Watch the trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yVFXS71OZ_0 Watch Do Your Worst here: https://www.netflix.com/za/title/81517420  Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and YouTube, find out more at crushingonpodcast.com

Sex has almost become a taboo subject in many communities and this week on the show we are going to be talking about why it is such a tricky subject to talk about. We are joined by Romantha Botha and Kim Windvogel, the creators of Showmax’s new series, Sex and Pleasure to talk about the show, sex and why South Africans often skirt around the issue.  Sex and Pleasure is an eight-part docu-series which delves into topics such as parenting and education, love, disability, ageism, sex work, drugs and religion.  Watch the trailer:  https://youtu.be/HgYDQ0O2BnU Watch Sex and Pleasure here: https://www.showmax.com/eng/tvseries/1qaoc6h3-sex-pleasure Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and YouTube, find out more at crushingonpodcast.com

Being, what is considered an ‘invisible woman’ can be seen as a superpower or a hindrance. And there is a lot to consider about how society interprets who deserves to be seen and who does not. In this episode we explore this and how women of colour, especially those who live in poverty, are often relegated to being invisible or unseen. We spoke to the stars of the new Netflix series Unseen, Gail Mabalane, Ilse Klink and Shimmy Isaacs about this, being South African women of colour, and more. Unseen is a new six-part thriller series that follows the story of an ordinary domestic worker searching for her missing husband who gets entangled with violent and influential criminals.  You can watch Unseen on Netflix here: https://www.netflix.com/title/81553435  Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0n1NvFns3-Y Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and YouTube, and find out more at crushingonpodcast.com

This week episode was all about season 5 of The Crown. We joined by Mvelase Peppetta and Ayesha Kaprey to talk about what we enjoyed and didn’t enjoy about this season of The Crown. We chatted about the characterisation of Princess Diana, the controversial casting of Dominic West as Prince Charles and the fact that they made John Major hot. Watch The Crown season 5 on Netflix: https://www.netflix.com/title/80025678 Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ej0vb8xhvbw Crushing On: Ayesha: Interview With The Vampire Mvelase: The Bastard and the Son (Netflix) / The Vampire Chronicles - Anne Rice Leanne: Enola Holmes 2 (Netflix) Caryn: Reboot (Disney+) Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube, find out more at crushingonpodcast.com Find out more about IGN Africa on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or on their website - africa.ign.com

This week on the podcast we were joined by Trix Vivier from the new KykNet series Fraksie as well as Legacy and Trackers to talk about her new series, making risky decisions and why you should be watching Fraksie. We also chatted about the craziest things that happened in pop culture from Matthew and Sonia Booth’s cheesecake saga to Johnny Depp walking in Rihanna’s fashion show and Chris Evans being named People’s Sexiest Man Alive for 2022. Fraksie: The story of three school friends who join together to start a groundbreaking app and the limits they push to get what they want. Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=70jbvE4QVIk Watch it on DStv Now: https://now.dstv.com/catchup/program/1061631 Crushing On: Leanne: Rosaline (Disney+) Caryn: Emily (currently in cinemas) Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube, find out more at crushingonpodcast.com Find out more about IGN Africa on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or on their website - africa.ign.com

This week on the podcast we discussed the Netflix docuseries The Real Bling Ring: Hollywood Heist with returning guests Sloan and Lebo Sibisi. We spoke about one of the biggest pop culture scandals. From the motives behind the characters to the toxic nature of celebrity culture and more. The Real Bling Ring: Hollywood Heist: In 2009, teenagers get arrested for stealing from celebrity homes; now, two of them tell their stories. Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AGeWZu-3aYc Watch it on Netflix: https://www.netflix.com/title/81349491 Crushing On: Sloan: Best in Dough (Disney+) Lebo: Ramy S3 Leanne: This Means War (Disney+) Caryn: The Staircase (Showmax) Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube, find out more at crushingonpodcast.com Find out more about IGN Africa on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or on their website - africa.ign.com

This week on the podcast we honour late South African actor Charlbi Dean as her final film, Triangle of Sadness premieres in SA cinemas. We spoke to the writer and director of the film Ruben Östlund as well as the lead actor Harris Dickinson about the memories of Charlbi, their experiences making the film, the concept of gender roles and pretty privilege. Triangle of Sadness: In Ruben Östlund’s wickedly funny Palme d’Or winner, TRIANGLE OF SADNESS, social hierarchy is turned upside down, revealing the tawdry relationship between power and beauty. Celebrity model couple, Carl (Harris Dickinson) and Yaya (Charlbi Dean) are invited on a luxury cruise for the mega-rich, helmed by an unhinged boat captain (Woody Harrelson). Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HLJaBW0Bnn4 Watch it at cinemas nationwide. Crushing On: Caryn: The Loneliest Hour - Carly Rae Jepsen, Acapulco Season 2 Leanne: Midnights - Taylor Swift, Stumptown Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube, find out more at crushingonpodcast.com Find out more about IGN Africa on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or on their website - africa.ign.com

This week on the podcast we are focusing on Showmax’s new epic fantasy series Blood Psalms. We chat to creator Jahmil X. T. Qhubeka about his inspiration behind the series and his thoughts on African mythology, fantasy and history. We also spoke to Bokang Phelane, who plays the protagonist Princess Zazi about the role, being a strong female character and more. Blood Psalms: Eleven thousand years ago, in ancient Africa, a young princess battles a world-ending prophecy to navigate her people through ancient curses, long-standing tribal vendettas and the wrath of the gods. Groundbreaking fantasy series. Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q0vCprK8nV0 Watch it on Showmax: https://www.showmax.com/eng/tvseries/376jbv7a-blood-psalms Crushing On: Caryn: Avatar (re-release) Leanne: The Woman King Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube, find out more at crushingonpodcast.com Find out more about IGN Africa on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or on their website - africa.ign.com

This week, comedian and actor Riaad Moosa returns to the show to chat about his new tour, adjusting to the virtual world, how his comedy has changed during the pandemic and the Will Smith vs Chris Rock debacle. He also let us in on some exciting new projects that he has coming up. Website: https://riaadmoosa.co.za/ Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube, find out more at crushingonpodcast.com Find out more about IGN Africa on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or on their website - africa.ign.com

This week on the podcast we chatted to the renowned director and actor Akin Omotoso about the new Netflix series he created called The Brave Ones. We also spoke about the death of Queen Elizabeth II and all the complicated emotions around that, SpitGate, and what we are looking forward to from this year’s D23 presentation. And, of course, we had to chat about our favourite fictional queens. The Brave Ones: An all-mighty goddess reincarnated as a young woman must harness her divine powers to avenge her sister's death and protect her family from destruction. Releasing 16 September 2022 Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jxc5hiWx6sA&feature=youtu.be Watch it on Netflix here: https://www.netflix.com/title/81151771 Crushing On: Leanne: Partner Track (Netflix) Caryn: Archetypes Podcast (Spotify) Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube, find out more at crushingonpodcast.com Find out more about IGN Africa on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or on their website - africa.ign.com

This week on the podcast we chatted to one of South Africa’s most iconic influencers Nadia Jaftha about her starring role in her debut film, Who’s My Daddy. We talked about the film, what it was like transitioning from skit comedy to film acting and more. We also chat about the SAFTA award winners, Britney Spear’s current debacle with her children, and who our favourite celeb father and son duos are. Who’s My Daddy: When three losers Prikesh, Emma and Alfie, come together due to a weird set of circumstances they go on a wacky journey to try and find Prikesh’s long-lost father. Trailer: https://youtu.be/GAhIskdEnQQ Crushing On: Leanne: Movies With Mikey (YouTube) Caryn: Only Murders in the Building S2 (Disney+) Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube, find out more at crushingonpodcast.com Find out more about IGN Africa on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or on their website - africa.ign.com

This week on the podcast we were joined by Too Hot to Handle alum Carly Lawrence (season 2) who chats to us about her experience on the groundbreaking reality show, her marriage to Love Island USA alum Bennett Sipes, and what she’s up to now. We also chatted to Michael Porter, the executive producer at The Home Channel about their new series, Afrimaxx. The series showcases artists, architects, jewellery and fashion from around the continent. Watch Afrimaxx Season 1 Mondays at 19:30 on The Home Channel (DStv Channel 176) And in our pop culture chat, we discussed the Don’t Worry Darling drama with Olivia Wilde, Harry Styles, Florence Pugh and Shia LeBeouf. Plus our favourite Architectural Digest-featured celebrity homes. Crushing On: Leanne: The Get Back (Disney+) Rebecca: QI, No Such Thing As A Fish podcast Caryn: Stranger Things S4 Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube, find out more at crushingonpodcast.com Find out more about IGN Africa on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or on their website - africa.ign.com