Start With the Basics on Your Device
Most playback problems come from a weak signal, an outdated app, or a browser setting that blocks audio. Before you try anything else, check whether other audio on your phone or computer is working. If music, video, or voice notes also fail, the issue is likely with the device rather than the episode.
On mobile data in Johannesburg, Pretoria, Soweto or any busy area, signal can dip during peak times and cause stop-start playback. If you are on Wi-Fi, move closer to the router and try again. In shared offices or homes, another person streaming video can use enough bandwidth to affect sound quality.
- Close the app or browser tab fully, then open it again.
- Switch between Wi-Fi and mobile data to compare performance.
- Restart your phone, tablet, or computer if audio still stalls.
- Check that mute is off and the volume is raised on both the device and the media player.
How to Open an Episode in a Browser
If the player does not load inside one browser, try another one. Some browsers block autoplay, pop-ups, or embedded audio controls by default. That can leave the page looking normal while the episode stays silent.
When using a benchtop or laptop, a full page refresh often helps. On smaller screens, turn the phone sideways if the player buttons are hidden. If the page loads slowly, wait a few seconds before pressing play.
- Refresh the page once before trying repeated clicks.
- Allow sound permissions if the browser asks for them.
- Disable private browsing if your browser is not keeping player settings.
- Clear old cached files if pages open but audio controls do not respond.
What to Do If the Audio Cuts Out
Short dropouts usually mean the connection is unstable. If the episode plays for a while and then stops, lower the quality if that option is available, or pause for 10 to 20 seconds before pressing play again. For longer files, a stable connection is better than switching networks mid-episode.
If you are listening while travelling between areas such as Rosebank, Pretoria, or through Gauteng traffic, brief interruptions are normal. On commutes to Nairobi, Lagos, Accra or Lusaka, the same applies when the signal changes between towers. A downloaded file, where available, is often the easiest option for travel and low signal conditions.
- Pause the episode and let the buffer fill before resuming.
- Close other apps that may be using data in the background.
- Move to a place with stronger reception, near a window if indoors.
- If the audio keeps dropping, restart the connection and try again from the beginning.
If the Sound Is Too Quiet or Distorted
Quiet or rough-sounding audio can come from speaker settings, a damaged headset, or playback at too high a volume. First, test the same episode with headphones and then with the device speaker. If the sound improves with one option and not the other, the problem is likely with the output device.
Audio mastered for spoken word should be clear enough for normal listening, but older devices can still make it sound thin or harsh. Avoid turning the volume all the way up, as this can create distortion on small speakers. A medium setting usually gives cleaner sound.
- Try a different headset or speaker if one is available.
- Check the balance and equaliser settings on your device.
- Make sure the player is not set to a very low level inside the browser.
- Clean speaker grills carefully if dust is affecting the sound.
Accessing Show Notes, Essays and Episode Files
Our episodes are often supported by essays, notes, and related reading. If a page opens but the linked document does not, check whether your device has permission to download or open files. Some workplace systems block attachments or file previews, especially on managed networks.
For listeners who prefer to read after listening, save the page for later rather than relying on the back button alone. In some browsers, pressing back can remove your place in the audio player. If you need to return to a section, use the episode timeline again instead.
- Allow file downloads in your browser settings if prompted.
- Use the most current version of your browser for better file support.
- Save articles and notes as PDFs where that option is provided.
- If a link opens slowly, wait a moment before clicking again to avoid duplicate tabs.
When to Send an Enquiry
If you have tried the usual checks and the issue continues, send us a message through the editors' form on our contact page. Please include the episode name, the device you used, the browser or app if relevant, and a short description of what happened. That helps us narrow down whether the problem is local to your setup or linked to the file itself.
We review playback questions as part of our support and archive process. If the issue affects a specific series or older episode, mention that too. Clear details save time and help us respond properly, especially when listeners are accessing content from different parts of South Africa or across the region.
