How did Darren Maule get hired? (Naveen Singh)

Anna Banana ask Darren 73 Questions

It's been a little over two months since the most beautiful couple, basically KZN's couple, tied the knot in the most intimate wedding. There was no way we were going to have the podcast series happen without having Anna Banana on one of them. We obviously cannot equate their marriage using this one podcast, but when you truly listen to this podcast, you will experience the playful nature of their relationship from the moment they begin speaking. They use the popular Vogue '75 Questions' format and Darren has to answer them in lightning speed. "What is your most favourite thing I have ever said to you? she asks in one of the many questions. This podcast will give you some insight into the person Darren Maule is beyond the mic. Darren's favourite films, books, food, music, interviews, and everything personal that has to do with Darren Maule is covered. In between the interview you will hear and experience the atmosphere of their home - Mouse also gets a little word in. You also get to learn about Darren's firsts - like that his first car was a Toyota Corolla. So, who would Darren choose between Sky and Keri?

One-on-one moments for this student and his teacher - Mike V

He is an award-winning radio presenter for our Early Breakfast show, Mike V and also the desk-driver for Darren, Keri and Sky. Full circle moments happen in like 10 years, like with Darren's Decade having honed his radio skill but Mike he has been able to work with Darren Maule after hearing about the vacancy when he started on campus radio. Take a listen to the burning questions he gets to ask the Darren as someone who learns so much from working with him daily.

'Is Darren a breakfast radio diva?' Let his boss answer that question

The year that Darren Maule celebrated two years as a presenter on East Coast Radio's breakfast show, a new Programming Manager arrived at the station. When Darren and Zane chat in this podcast, you are immediately aware of the respect, passion, and attention to detail that he and the boss have for the radio craft. Zane Derbyshire had been in the radio industry for a commendable 13 years. His initial rating of Darren's show and his then-team scored a sad one-star, especially because of the the team's lack of experience in radio. But it took a turn when Darren was open to learning and to some constructive criticism. There was also a space for authenticity and a little less 'traditional radio' and rather playful artistry - considering Darren had backgrounds in both acting and comedy. This, together with years of practice every weekday morning, inevitably accelerated Darren and his team to snatching that well-deserved Breakfast Show award. Ok, yes, you are wondering if there has been drama in Zane's journey managing the Darren Maule from the very beginning in 2013 until his current peak in 2021...

How did Darren Maule get hired? (Naveen Singh)

We speak to Naveen Singh, the programming manager of East Coast Radio back in 2011 when they were looking for a new presenter for the breakfast show. Nobody really knew how it would work out but he loved Darren's storytelling ability. From 0 seconds you can tell that Darren and Naveen Sign are not just mere former colleagues but lifelong friends. They laugh, they rewind back to Darren Maule's first time on-air and to the stories of Darren before his sobriety.

Darren's unofficial son of comedy - Schalk Bezuidenhout

We all know the award-winning comedian Schalk Bezuidenhout for his funny skits, his colourful sweaters, and wild hair. He has been on the South African comedy scene for quite some time and Darren Maule happened to be there right at the beginning in 2011. In the podcast below, they travel back to the first time they met, which was backstage at one of the many comedy shows Joe Parker hosted. You will learn that when Schalk was new to the game, Darren was the most warm comedian of all the established comedians he met. This inevitably lead to the name 'Papa Dad', which emulates their mentor-mentee and father-son relationship. All that you have always wondered about the comedy scene may be clearer after listening to Darren and Schalk's conversation. Here's one: Do you know what a 'death' in comedy means? Darren's years in the entertainment industry tops 20 years and in those years he has been able to be an inspiration to acclaimed artists like Schalk Bezuidenhout. #DarrensDecade on East Coast Radio fits right into those amazing years. He has shared his talent, puns, and quirky energy with you every morning since 2011.