How to Stop Being an Naai by Mia Arderne (with Yaaseen Barnes)
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“How do you stop being a naai? Die. That’s how you stop.”
Comedian Yaaseen Barnes sits down with author Mia Arderne for a lively, laugh-out-loud conversation on her new novel How to Stop Being an Naai — a satirical take on the self-help genre and one of the sharpest, funniest reads of the year. Together they unpack the book’s origins as a sincere personal guide, the midlife crisis that gave birth to protagonist Lucian, the research rabbit holes (including TRC documents) that pulled the story into darker places than she intended, and the one question that quietly sits at the heart of it all: can you really stop being a naai, or is it the cost of surviving under capitalism?
Mia Arderne’s new book is How to Stop Being an Naai. A satirical take on the self-help genre, it follows protagonist Lucian — an aging DJ having a full-blown midlife crash-out — as he’s put through the steps of becoming a better person.
Mia Arderne is a South African author. Her debut novel Mermaid Fillet introduced readers to a world of mermaid-tail smuggling on the black market.
Yaaseen Barnes is a celebrated South African comedian known for his sharp wit and dynamic performances.
Profanity warning: this episode contains strong language.
Comedian Yaaseen Barnes sits down with author Mia Arderne for a lively, laugh-out-loud conversation on her new novel How to Stop Being an Naai — a satirical take on the self-help genre and one of the sharpest, funniest reads of the year. Together they unpack the book’s origins as a sincere personal guide, the midlife crisis that gave birth to protagonist Lucian, the research rabbit holes (including TRC documents) that pulled the story into darker places than she intended, and the one question that quietly sits at the heart of it all: can you really stop being a naai, or is it the cost of surviving under capitalism?
Mia Arderne’s new book is How to Stop Being an Naai. A satirical take on the self-help genre, it follows protagonist Lucian — an aging DJ having a full-blown midlife crash-out — as he’s put through the steps of becoming a better person.
Mia Arderne is a South African author. Her debut novel Mermaid Fillet introduced readers to a world of mermaid-tail smuggling on the black market.
Yaaseen Barnes is a celebrated South African comedian known for his sharp wit and dynamic performances.
Profanity warning: this episode contains strong language.
