I watched a survivalist take on the Karoo, cried to Julia Michaels and ran through Dainfern sipping bubbly… and I have thoughts. Hello Friday Five.
South Africa (20 June 2025) – You know that feeling when your brain is still stuck in Tuesday but the calendar’s screaming Friday and your soul is basically already in tracksuit pants? Ja, that’s where we are right now, especially since it’s a short week, and what better way to lean into it than with a brand-new Friday Five?
This isn’t a newsletter. It’s not a to-do list. It’s more like a “YAY list”! A collection of the lekker things I’ve watched, listened to, experienced and loved (or not so much loved) over the past few days. From early film premieres to songs that have lived rent-free in my head and quirky events that turn into unexpected highlights… this is where I spill all the good things.
So, whether you’re just waking up, doomscrolling between meetings, procrastinating on that last email, or already eyeing your next snack… let’s get into it.
🎬 Movies I Loved (And Loathed)
🎞️ Straw Friday Five
Let me start with a hard-hitter. Straw isn’t easy to watch but it’s the kind of movie that lingers with you long after the credits roll. It follows a single mother spiralling through a sequence of unfortunate events, each one pushing her closer to the edge.
It’s powerful. One of those rare movies that doesn’t ask for your attention; it demands it.
You might feel a little broken after watching it. But sometimes, we need stories that break us open.
Now on Netflix.
🍿🍿🍿🍿 (put it on your watch list)
🙈 The Monkey Friday Five
You know those movies that sound cool in theory but feel like a fever dream in reality? This is one of them. It’s about a toy monkey that… kills people. Like, literally. It bangs its little drum and then someone dies. Think Jumanji, but take out the fun, the heart and the adventure… and add blood. And gore. And guts.
It feels like the “wish.com” version of Final Destination. All gross and no purpose. I really wanted to like it. I tried. But honestly? It was a no from me.
Now available to rent (or not rent).
🍿 (out of 5… this gets a 1)
📺 Series To Binge
🌊 The Survivors Friday Five
This Aussie drama, based on Jane Harper’s novel, is a slow burn. And it is really captivating. Set in the sleepy fictional town of Evelyn Bay, it weaves past trauma with present mysteries as the protagonist returns home years after a devastating storm.
If you’re expecting a twisty-turny plot à la Sherlock, this isn’t that. But what you do get is a deeply human story. One filled with pain, resilience, loss… and those moments of uncomfortable silence that say more than words ever could.
Also, it’s shot in Tasmania. Which is as breathtaking as it sounds.
Now on Netflix.
🍿🍿🍿🍿 (a goodie)
🌍 Alone: Africa
Oh my Karoo! I love a good survival show and this one is wild. Not sure if you’ve watched any of the other 11 seasons but “Alone” drops ten contestants into the heart of somewhere completely remote with a few survival tools and a big old dollop of bravery.
And this season is set in Africa. Well, South Africa, specifically.
We’re only one episode in but I’m already hooked. Watching people navigate the extremes of South Africa’s semi-desert wilderness is both nerve-wracking and incredible. Admittedly, it was hard to watch one of our animals being taken down. Because, well, it’s ours. But this is a survival show. And it’s honest. Harsh. And fascinating to watch.
Also… seeing the Karoo from an international lens is flipping marvellous.
Now on the History Channel (and History App).
🍿🍿🍿🍿🍿 (a big, massive YES from me).
🎧 Music on REPEAT
💃🏼 Julia Michaels – “F.O.O.L”
Let me be honest: I love everything Julia Michaels touches. Her music is pop perfection but always with a twist of heartache or honesty. “Falling Out Of Love” is one of those tracks you’ll play on loop while staring out the window pretending you’re in a music video.
🏎️ Ed Sheeran – “Drive” (from F1)
Yes, Ed is now doing rock. And YES, it works. Drive is from the new F1 film and it absolutely slaps. The guitar, the grit, the chorus… it’s a departure from his usual sound and I am so here for it.
🥹 Cynthia Erivo – “Save Me From You”
From her brand-new album I Forgive You, this track is pure vocal magic. Cynthia’s voice is out of this world. And if you’re counting down the days to Wicked: For Good, this is your little teaser treat.
🥂 Places To Go… Things To Do
Held at different venues around the country, The Bubbly Run is not your average 5K. It’s part workout, part prosecco party and 100% good vibes.
This week, it landed in Dainfern, and let me tell you… what a jol! You get four fizzy pit stops along the way, surrounded by music, laughter and that infectious energy you only find at events like these.
It’s not about how fast you go. It’s about how much fun you have. And how much you spill from your sippy cup while jogging (or taking a leasurly stroll).
Check out Wannado Events on Facebook for details about the next one. It’s worth every sip.
💬 Don’t Ever Be The Reason Someone Stops Dancing
I posted something on Facebook this week that clearly struck a chord. Maybe because it was personal. Maybe because it was relatable. Or maybe because we’re all just trying to dance in our own way, without being shouted off the floor.
You see, I often get told what I should or shouldn’t say online. Last week, someone told me I shouldn’t use the phrase “I digress” because it’s “too English for an Afrikaans guy.”
There’s nothing wrong with Afrikaans, and although Charlize said there are only 44 people who are (Afrikaans), I’m not one of them. I speak it. And a little Zulu. Some very broken German. And I can get through a French greeting, but I’m English.
Anyway… here’s the full post. For you to have a laugh.
I speak about this every now and then.
Not for sympathy. Or because I am sad. Or I need something to give me all the feels. Or I need some kindness sent my way. Although I love kindness. I think kindness is a bladdy superpower. And the world needs more of it.
“Hearts that beat to the tune of kindness can change the rhythm of the world.”
Some people attribute that quote to CJ Peterson, but actually, no one knows who first said this. Whoever they were, they were absolutely onto something.
I digress.
I live in the public eye. And so the public (sometimes) likes to share their anger, or hurt, or ugliness with me.
It’s not that often.
Although it does feel like it.
Maybe once a month. Or a week. Or a day. And some days, it’s more than once. Yesterday was a whooper with three. Or “trois”… I’m practising my French.
“Dans douze jours, je pars pour une petite aventure de travail et de vacances.”
Where was I?
Oh, so yesterday, somebody called me weird on the toxic bird app. And then in the afternoon, someone privately messaged me with something I can’t repeat here. And late last night, a guy commented on a post that if I “fucking DIGRESS one more fucking time”… he will loose his shit. He later edited it to lose. But also on a post that I didn’t “digress” at all.
It was all, if I may steal a phrase here from @21995237, “weird”.
But this is not the first time. The digress thing. Or people telling me what I am (or am not) allowed to say.
Last week, someone on LinkedIn also told me to stop using “I digress” in my posts. Like, he was in my comments as well. He went on to say (in a very passive-aggressive way) that I was an incredible wordsmith “for an Afrikaans guy”, but that phrase was too English for me.
I explained that I wasn’t (and have never been) Afrikaans.
And that if someone is enjoying something, let them. If they like posting about their fitness every day, awesome. If they enjoy sharing photos of their morning croissant, lekker. And if they share their opinions (or phrases)… even if you vehemently disagree with them, let them do that too. Because here’s the thing… if someone is doing something that they love, or even just enjoy a little, and they are not hurting anyone else by doing it (and it’s not illegal), then just let them be.
Don’t ever be the reason someone stops dancing.
And I know, I said “let them,” but this exact phrase is something I have used WAY before Mel Robbins wrote her book. Like, I wrote a whole post about it when Wordle first came out and some people were upset (because Wordle was all over their timelines).
That was in December 2021. Three WHOLE years before Mel launched her book. “Trois”.
But you don’t see me, all up in her comments, telling her that.
See, decorum.
Anyway, the LinkedIn guy replied, arguing with me that I was (I am), in fact, Afrikaans.
My fok Marelize.
I left it there.
Over the years, I have received countless comments. And messages. And emails. Telling me what I can and cannot say. Or calling me names. Or saying things that I cannot repeat here. But I have learnt, over the years, that words shared with me, or interactions with people that I deem as nasty (or unpleasant for me)… have absolutely nothing to do with me.
People can only meet you as far as they have met themselves.
And some people have a really long way to go.
Emotional maturity is letting them… go.
How profound. Especially so early in the morning. And for a Phuza Thursday?!?!
Ja, let them. But Brent style.
Don’t ever be the reason someone stops dancing.
But also, don’t ever let anyone try to stop you dancing!
The Friday Five is a lot of things. It’s a guide. A space to share. A way to connect. But mostly, it’s a reminder that joy is out there… in our screens, in our playlists, in our parks and in our people. You’ve just got to know where to look.
Until next week… keep dancing.
And I digress.
by 