Tings and Things
Tings and Things is a conversational podcast hosted by lifelong friends Jonathan Mbaya and Simba Tsumba. The show discusses real-life experiences, struggles of young adults, and everyday stories often ignored by traditional media. With a mix of banter, chemistry, and occasional guest appearances, they explore topics related to living, learning, and personal growth across borders.
Episodes
Luka
Even the most elite players can get traded... have you been signed to a long term contract?
A pause is the ultimate power move
Do any of you watch rugby? Before every scrum, the ref says, “Crouch, touch, pause, engage.” This week, we’re stealing a page from the rugby playbook and learning the art of the pause. Before the chaos begins, a well-timed pause can be your secret weapon. We’ll dive into the comedy and wisdom of taking a beat, with stories of moments saved and disasters averted by just hitting pause. Expect laughs
Relationships are like Bluetooth, if you aren't consistent, you lose your connection
Bluetooth relationships: always searching, rarely connecting. This episode delves into the hilarious world of modern dating where connections drop faster than your phone’s battery. We’ll compare the quest for love to the often frustrating experience of pairing devices—unavailable signals, dropped connections, and all. Charge up for some laughs as we explore the ups and downs of dating in the digit
Don’t lose sight of who you are in what you do
We’ve worked hard, climbed the ladders, and become experts in our fields. But sometimes, it’s difficult to distinguish between our work and our identity. In this episode, we explore the comedic pitfalls of losing sight of who we are in what we do. Through funny and relatable stories, we’ll help you navigate the fine line between professional success and personal identity. Join us for a laugh and a
Options
When it comes to pursuing greatness and maximizing self-actualization, everything is on the table. Maybe it’s time for you to consider the things you’ve pushed aside. In this episode, we’ll explore the comedic possibilities of leaving nothing off the table. Through funny stories and surprising revelations, we’ll show you why embracing all options can lead to unexpected success. Get ready to laugh
6 weeks in
6 weeks into 2025.. breaking down how the year is going
Be Aware of the Brokenness That Surrounds You
We’re all a little broken, but some people… well, they’re just shattered. In this episode, we’ll dive into the funny (and sometimes tragic) reality of the brokenness that surrounds us. From cracked relationships to people who can’t seem to get it together, we’ll laugh through the chaos and find the humor in the mess. Join us for a comedic exploration of life’s imperfections and why it’s okay to be
It broke your heart but corrected your vision
Sometimes, heartbreak is the best eye-opener. In this episode, we’ll explore the bittersweet comedy of breakups and betrayals that ultimately made us see the world more clearly. Through funny stories of shattered dreams and unexpected revelations, we’ll show you how heartbreak can be a blessing in disguise (with plenty of laughs along the way). Buckle up for some heartache humor that’ll leave you
Mental Health Update
This is something we strongly advocate for here and not something we shy away from. Sometimes when things are happening and you feel like you are drowning you don’t know where to start. Hopefully this helps you get the ball rolling.
Everything is on the table
When it comes to pursuing greatness and maximizing self-actualization, everything is on the table. Maybe it’s time for you to consider the things you’ve pushed aside. In this episode, we’ll explore the comedic possibilities of leaving nothing off the table. Through funny stories and surprising revelations, we’ll show you why embracing all options can lead to unexpected success. Get ready to laugh
I can't stand you
Ever meet someone whose mere existence just grates on your very soul? Same. In this episode, we’ll dive into the comedy of irritation—the people, habits, and situations that make us say, “I just can’t stand you!” From annoying coworkers to bizarre social media habits, get ready to laugh your way through the things that drive us all a little bit crazy. Spoiler: You’ll probably think of a few people
You have to choose yourself this time
It’s easy to put others first, but sometimes, you’ve got to be a little self famish—in a good way. This episode is all about the comedy and courage of choosing yourself. Through funny and relatable stories of self-prioritization, we’ll help you laugh through the guilt and embrace the moments when putting yourself first is the best choice. Get ready for laughs and a reminder that self-care isn’t se
Listening ears have running lips
Loose lips sink ships—and friendships. This episode is all about the hilarity that ensues when listening turns into gossiping. We’ll dive into the world of juicy secrets, overheard conversations, and the comedic fallout of talking too much. Join us for a laugh at the expense of everyone’s favorite pastime as we explore the fine line between sharing and oversharing. Whether you’re the gossip or the
Am I a circus? Clearly I like clowns
Step right up, step right up! In this episode, we dive into the chaotic circus of life where dating feels like juggling flaming torches, and finding true love is as rare as a trapeze artist with vertigo. Ever feel like you're the ringmaster of your own personal three-ring circus? Join us as we laugh through stories of clown-like dates, friends who should be wearing red noses, and the surprisi
Drinkcember Vol 6.
Drinkcember is the season to drink, eat, party, be merry, let your hair down, dance like you just don’t care…you get the gist. For so many people in our audience, they get to travel home and see some old familiar faces and it is an incredible time to reconnect and bond with our close family and friends. Obviously, this year is quite different, and depending on where you live, you might not be able
Win or Lose, Keep Going
There’s something to be said for resilience and intestinal fortitude. Many of the people we admire have shown up for sustained periods and truly excelled. Win or lose, the mandate is to keep going. In this episode, we’ll celebrate the funny and inspiring moments of resilience. Through personal stories and comedic insights, we’ll show you why persistence pays off. Whether you’re winning or losing,
Naps Don’t Help When Your Soul is Tired
As hosts, we are the biggest proponents of naps. But sometimes, we need to do the shadow work because no matter how many naps we take, the restlessness will grow day by day. In this episode, we’ll explore the comedic and profound truth that naps alone can’t fix everything. Through funny storis and introspective moments, we’ll help you understand why sometimes deeper work is needed to truly rest. J
I'm judging you
Yes, we’re all guilty of it—judging people from afar (or sometimes not so afar). In this episode, we take a comedic look at the art of judgment, from silently critiquing strangers' outfit choices to making snap decisions about people's life choices. We’ll laugh through the awkward moments of being caught mid-judgment and explore why we judge in the first place. Just remember: if you’re l
Not my monkey not my circus
Drama is everywhere, but sometimes we need to have an honest conversation with ourselves and determine if that drama is ours. Sometimes it’s not your monkey, not your circus, and it’s time to keep it pushing. In this episode, we’ll explore the comedic relief of stepping away from unnecessary drama. Through funny anecdotes and relatable experiences, we’ll help you identify when to walk away and whe
Let them misunderstand you
Not everyone’s going to get you, and that’s perfectly fine. In this episode, we celebrate the hilarious freedom of being misunderstood. Whether it’s your quirky sense of humor, strange hobbies, or just the way you live your life, we’ll explore the comedy of letting people get it wrong. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the laughs as we embrace the beauty of not being everyone’s cup of tea. Let them misun
Would you slide for Steve?
Steve Irwin was a father to many of us. He was truly a pioneer and a great conduit to wildlife in conservation for many of us. He was taken away from us stingray, his death was never avenged. my question is, would you slide for Steve? In this life to know, what have you back into what extent they have you back and will they write the wrongs of the things to you?
The light isn't on you but keep making plays
Sometimes you’re not in the spotlight, and that’s okay. In this episode, we talk about the comedy of playing in the shadows, making moves behind the scenes, and staying ready even when no one’s watching. Through funny stories of unsung heroes and background players, we’ll inspire you to keep making plays, because the light might not be on you now, but that doesn’t mean it won’t be soon. Get ready
3 hunna
Your boys have been so deep in the grind we hadn't noticed we hit out 300th episode a few week ago. Grateful to be on this journey with all of you, here are some of our thoughts regarding this milestone
What have you done this year
Disclaimer - This episode is going to offend a couple of people but it has to be had. We aren’t sending shots for anybody but if the shoe fits it fits. We can’t be resting on our laurels, and we can’t keep talking about the things we did in high school, time to update the résumé and get out there again.
Surviving the Gulag
If you've ever felt like everything has already been done you know it's miserable to be blocked creatively. It doesn't have to be this way. We know what it is like to wrestle with our creative output and to even piece things together, but you can overcome this and get back to being the creative machine that you are.
Everyone is cooking
So many of the homies have embarked on ventures that require support. In this episode we discuss the politics involved with supporting friends, what is expected of you in supporting your people. This is something relevant to us all whether it is listening to this podcast, supporting a friend’s clothing line or their catering business. We think you will love this episode as people that support our
la toxica
alexa..play "toxic" by Kehlani
Why did it end?
Fizzling does not take place between two people in a committed, loving relationship. It takes place between two people who are together under unclear terms. They can't properly break up, because they don't have anything to break. Instead, one person in the fling begins to fade out of the relationship as casually as he or she stumbled into it.
Avengers
Working with the homies can be a sticky one. We all like different things, we all have the aptitude for different things so how do we ensure that the whole team is winning, or is this just a Hollywood fantasy? We believe it is an interesting thought but in this episode, we investigate the practical application
Grown tings
Bruh we are in this thing for real aren’t we? This adulting is such a trip and your boys have been going through it. It has actually been really good we aren’t complaining or ranting per se just sharing a lot of our analysis of what has been going on. Feel free to laugh at our misfortunes.
Flourish
Thriving is a beautiful thing, as a person you gotta flourish.. let's unpack what that looks like
Why is starting so important?
We'll be discussing the significance of taking that initial step in various aspects of life. It's fascinating to see how starting can have a transformative effect on our lives. Starting is often the first step towards progress, but what makes it such a crucial aspect of our lives? Today, we'll explore this question and unravel the intricacies behind the power of starting.
One Sided
In a perfect world, friendships and romantic relationships have a natural give-and-take. One week, you might call someone and make plans to meet up, while the following week, they’ll reach out to you first instead. However, relationships can sometimes slip out of balance and become what’s known as a one-sided relationship. These can cause mental anguish and be physically and emotionally draining.
The power of applause
We all love being recognized and celebrated, but have you ever wondered about the deeper implications of applause? t's fascinating to explore how something as seemingly simple as clapping can hold such complex significance in our lives. Remember, applause can be a wonderful source of motivation and connection, but it's equally important to find validation within ourselves and pursue intr
Substitution
Every friendship has a beginning, a middle and an end. When you realize that the purpose the relationship is serving is outweighed by the discomfort of what is lacking, you will be more secure in your decision to not engage in that relationship."It might take some strength, but saying goodbye to the toxic friends in your life can do you some good. Let’s unpack what it looks like when you have
Communication and Comprehension
As two muppets that struggle with communication, we have been working on ourselves. In this journey of self-discovery we realized that while we needed to work on our communication, our comprehension was lacking too. This new dimension threw us for a loop.
i'm washed
You know that line for lethal weapon when Detective Roger Murtaugh is like “I’m sick of this sh*t”do you ever feel that way? It’s something that has come up a lot in our chats and we think you might relate. It’s somewhere between we are too old, and the body won’t allow it. This should be a fun one!
The power of applause
We all love being recognized and celebrated, but have you ever wondered about the deeper implications of applause? t's fascinating to explore how something as seemingly simple as clapping can hold such complex significance in our lives. Remember, applause can be a wonderful source of motivation and connection, but it's equally important to find validation within ourselves and pursue intr
Bite the Bullet
This episode explores the concept of facing our fears head-on and taking action, even when it's difficult. We discuss how "biting the bullet" and pushing through our comfort zones can lead to personal growth and new opportunities.
Fighting demons? Or the consequences of our choices
Are we battling internal demons, or are we simply facing the repercussions of our choices? In this episode, we explore personal responsibility and how our decisions shape our life experiences.
Fall will ask what you did all summer
This episode is a reflection on how we spend our time and the importance of making the most of every moment. We'll share our own experiences and discuss how we can better invest our time to achieve our goals.
Loyal to the soil
Loyaladjective - giving or showing firm and constant support or allegiance to a person or institution.
Seapoint
The boy came back from Cape Town looking so good, before we got back into the regular flow of our content we had to cover this chocolate decadence traffic
Draining
Protecting yourself from activity that drains your energy and makes you feel tired can be key to improving your productivity, happiness, and success. However, more than anything else, our habits are what mostly zap our energy, and make us less productive, and unhappy.
Peak Level Nonsense
This is your boys in peak form.. enjoy having a laugh
If not now then when?
If Not Now, Then When?" is a powerful question that can push us to examine our choices, ambitions, and the barriers we face. It encourages us to consider whether we're truly living life to the fullest. Remember, life is short, and it's up to us to make the most of it. Let’s get into it
First Dates
First dates are always a mix of fun and nervous energy. The anticipation, the awkwardness, the slowly building attraction. Let's get into it..
Exploring Therapy
We are huge advocates of mental health here on this podcast. Therapy is something we have both explored in our personal lives and it has been so beneficial to our growth and development. Today we are going to unpack therapy, and potential reasons for who you should consider it.
Change your circle
The people you surround yourself with can have a big impact on your life. From friends and family to co-workers and acquaintances, the people you spend time with can influence your mindset, behavior, and ultimately your success. We dive into the concept of changing your circle, how to identify toxic relationships and the benefits of surrounding yourself with positive and supportive people. Remembe
The perfect match
The awkwardness of dating in the digital age. With the rise of dating apps and social media, finding love or even just a casual fling has become easier and more complicated than ever before. It's made it easier to meet people, but harder to form real connections. With so many options available, people often treat each other like commodities rather than human beings. here's also the issue
Sponge Tings
Being a sponge is so important, the ability to soak up and learn information is such an underrated skill? How do get your sponge game going, let us help you.
A dream no-one can see but you
Your dreams have no limits, you are the creator of your dreams, big or small. When this is understood, you are able to design a way to favour you plan and accomplish your end goal. Whether it's a career path, a creative pursuit, or a personal goal, we all have dreams that we hold close to our hearts. But what happens when those dreams clash with societal expectations or our own self-doubt?
Operate in Chaos
We all know that life can be unpredictable and chaotic at times, but how can we navigate these situations and still achieve our goals? Sometimes it’s so important to embrace the BS and double down in the midst of the nonsense
Solo Dolo
Today, we're going to talk about a serious topic that many young adults face: loneliness and isolation. With the ongoing pandemic and social distancing measures, it's become even more challenging to connect with others. But don't worry, we've got you covered. Today, we'll be discussing some helpful ways to cope with loneliness and isolation.
Repair Shop
The truth is, as I’m sure you know, the older we get, the more our bodies change. But sometimes we forget that this also means we need to adjust our self-care habits. We’ve spoken about it before *insert episode* but life is a linear journey and we have been learning more about ourselves and we decided to come back to this.
Guilty Pleasures
Today we're diving headfirst into the world of guilty pleasures. Prepare for a laughter-filled exploration of those secret indulgences that bring us joy, even if they raise a few eyebrows. Remember, life is too short to be ashamed of the things that bring us joy. Embrace your quirks and celebrate your guilty pleasures.
ishė
ishė is an artist...a special musical soul. He hails from Zimbabwe where his journey began and his heart permanently resides, no matter how far he may go. His unique voice and innate gifts propelled him to hone his craft from a young age. This process entailed a deep and intense practice of songwriting, music production, and most importantly performing. The stage is the platform on which he shines
Weight Class
There is a wise urban philosopher named “Simba Tsumba” who once said People should know their weight class.” Be prepared for some elite level banter here, your boys are about to be in prime form.
Back in the city
Social media keeps us connected, but there's a different quality to interactions now. We've gone from neighborhood gatherings to WhatsApp groups. It's convenient, but we miss the face-to-face catch-ups.
Spinning the block
Can your ex come back? Let's talk about it
We outside
Digital nomadism has gained significant popularity among young adults in recent years. The ability to work remotely while exploring different parts of the world sounds like a dream come true. However, it also comes with its own set of joys and challenges.
Their behavior is your answer
“People see better than they hear” is one of our favorite sayings here at Tings and Things. What does this mean though? Sometimes instead of waiting for a lovely soliloquy, just watch how an individual behaves and that’s your answer. We'll be discussing how people's actions and behavior can provide insight into their true intentions and beliefs. Buckle up.
Playing small
Oh we are about to dive head first into the concept of playing small and explore the ways in which young adults can inadvertently hold themselves back from achieving their full potential. From imposter syndrome to fear of failure, we examine the various reasons why individuals may choose to play small and offer strategies to help overcome these limitations. Are you going to choose to keep playing
People become lessons
Most of all, remember that in every moment of our lives, it’s the journey that counts. We learn from the things we do and the people we meet, not just the ones we love or those who love us back. We learn from every encounter we have. We hope this inspires you to reflect on the lessons you've learned from the people in your life and how they've shaped you into the person you are today. Re
Casper
We're diving deep into the murky waters of being ghosted by a friend or romantic partner. We'll explore the intricacies of this modern-day phenomenon and discuss how to cope with the aftermath. Each ghosting experience is unique, and there is no one-size-fits-all solution. We hope that by exploring these questions, we can shed some light on this often perplexing and painful phenomenon, a
Let people live in their reality
Your mind allows you to create all kinds of justifications without any danger of contradictions. Reality has this irritating habit of bursting our bubbles and putting a crack into our wall of justifications. The mind is a great shelter from this threat. Sometimes it’s not even worth it to burst their bubble and let people just live in their reality., We often have our own opinions and beliefs that
Drinkcember Vol. 5
Drinkcember is the season to drink, eat, party, be merry, let your hair down, dance like you just don’t care…you get the gist. For so many people in our audience, they get to travel home and see some old familiar faces and it is an incredible time to reconnect and bond with our close family and friends.Here is the link to the playlist
Nothing changes if nothing changes
Life is full of challenges and uncertainties, and sometimes we find ourselves stuck in a rut, repeating the same patterns over and over again. But what if we told you that change is the key to progress and growth? In today's episode, we're going to explore the concept that nothing changes if nothing changes. Change may be challenging, but it's often the catalyst for personal and soc
Kiss me through the phone
Whether it's due to work, school, or other circumstances, long-distance relationships can be both a source of happiness and a challenge. Long-distance relationships can be tough, but they can also be incredibly rewarding. By staying committed, communicating effectively, and making the most of the time you do have together, you can build a strong and lasting relationship even when you're
Final Boss
This success thing has been quite the the journey for us not to say that was successful but we we boarded a bus a couple years ago, and we just never got off. This is been a time of clarity and revelation because now you understand exactly what it takes to get to where we want to be and we definitely had to make some mindset shifts for this to happen.
+263
Your boys were at home for a couple of weeks and it was a sunny and delightful affair. Recap the shenanigans with us of being at home and enjoying the splendor of what the Republic has to
Brooke Bruk-Jackson
Brooke Bruk-Jackson is a Zimbabwean model and beauty pageant titleholder who was crowned Miss Universe Zimbabwe 2023. She will represent Zimbabwe at Miss Universe 2023. Catch up with all her escapades here
Nobody is opening the door
Who has either had an idea they wanted to execute or wanted to be a part of someone else’s idea and for whatever reason things just work out for you? Has this been an overarching theme in your creative endeavors? Nobody is going to pull out a seat for you and just invite you to the table
What is your favorite color?
Talking stages are a real thing. We bet a couple of you are probably going through them as we speak. These joints are so abstract and undefined we thought we would come here and clear up a couple of things.
Self Snitching
....
Shut it down
There's a lot of talk and a lot to be said, for the power of Yes. Yes, it supports courage and an open-hearted approach to life whose grace cannot be minimized. But Noa metal grate that slams shut the window between one's self and the influence of others—is rarely celebrated. It's a hidden power because it is both easily misunderstood and difficult to engage.
Don't trip potato chip
Remember, life is full of ups and downs, and it's okay to stumble along the way. Embrace imperfections, overcome fear, embrace vulnerability, adapt to change, find joy in uncertainty, maintain a positive mindset, and practice self-compassion.
Rising from the ashes
As two individuals that are rather familiar with rock bottom, the art of a bounce-back is one that we have had to learn. Stumbling isn’t falling, and we want to share a couple of gems with you.
Guilty Pleasures
Today we're diving headfirst into the world of guilty pleasures. Prepare for a laughter-filled exploration of those secret indulgences that bring us joy, even if they raise a few eyebrows. Remember, life is too short to be ashamed of the things that bring us joy. Embrace your quirks and celebrate your guilty pleasures.
Fruit salad
Cultural differences can play a significant role in relationships, and sometimes they can lead to unique challenges.
