Explore every episode of the podcast The Usual Place
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| S1E11: Why parents should not see teachers as service providers: Chan Chun Sing | 20 Sep 2024 | 00:41:26 | |
Can there be respect? Synopsis: The Usual Place host Natasha Ann Zachariah hunts for new perspectives on issues of the day. Education Minister Chan Chun Seng recently announced at the Ministry of Education Schools Work Plan Seminar, how parents should communicate with teachers from now on. He said teachers are not required to share their personal phone numbers, and do not need to respond to work-related messages after school hours. Instead, they should use official channels like their e-mail and office number when contacting parents, and respond to work-related messages after school hours only in the event of emergencies, he added. These guidelines aim to help schools and parents work together more “positively, constructively and respectfully” while also establishing boundaries so that teachers can have “protected time” of their own. In this episode, Mr Chan dropped by The Usual Place to chat with host Natasha and her special co-host Jaime Ho, who is also the editor of The Straits Times. Why is this culture the way it is for now? Or is it just down to a seemingly larger issue of over-parenting or parents being unable to go with the flow in general? Highlights (click/tap above): 4:55 Is there a culture of over-parenting? Avoiding a 'crutch' mentality 9:50 Mr Chan on whether MOE should "over-protect, over-structure or remove all untidiness from life" for children in general 12:50 Social media impact today: The pressure of being compared, how children and also parents feel it in different ways 13:50 The 'spirit' of the new rule: why it matters, and how the culture could evolve 17:25 On the culture of bypassing the system to "get their own way"; on the case example of orientation for parents - not children - at one school 22:37 Mr Chan on why teachers in Singapore are not here to "service us" 32:40 Looking at flexibility for teachers too, while maintaining the "ethos of teaching", in a "code of conduct"; respecting teachers, their "private time" to "recharge" 36:10 Mr Chan's memories of teachers who inspired him Follow Natasha on her IG account and DM her your thoughts on this topic: https://str.sg/8Wav Host: Natasha Zachariah (natashaz@sph.com.sg) Read Natasha's articles: https://str.sg/iSXm Follow Natasha on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/v6DN Filmed by: ST Video Edited by producers: Teo Tong Kai, Eden Soh, Jamie Koh and Rubeen Raj Executive producers: Ernest Luis and Lynda Hong Follow The Usual Place Podcast here and get notified for new episode drops: Channel: https://str.sg/5nfm Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/9ijX Spotify: https://str.sg/cd2P YouTube: https://str.sg/wEr7u Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 ST Podcast website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts ST Podcasts YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- Get The Straits Times' app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX #tup #tuptr See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| S1E10: Bye-bye 5Cs. Hello, purpose: how we redefine success | 11 Sep 2024 | 00:44:03 | |
Does living a meaningful, purpose-filled life trump materialistic goals and climbing the corporate ladder these days? Synopsis: The Usual Place host Natasha Ann Zachariah hunts for new perspectives on issues of the day, and finds out about what young people are talking about. Talk about the new definition of success has been fronted this year by Singapore’s new prime minister Lawrence Wong, who has called for wider definitions of success. But can it be done? In this episode, Natasha asks her three guests how possible it is to run on passion, and in redefining success, what does failure look like now? Also, what is one thing that young people need to do if they want to redefine what success looks like to them. Minister of State for Culture, Community and Youth and Trade and Industry Alvin Tan, founder and executive director of Access Singapore Clarence Ching, and co-founder of River Valley Irregulars Sheila Manokaran speak about how they see the Singaporean dream moving beyond the 5Cs. The question - or is it an existential crisis? - that millennials and Gen Zs grapple with is about how they can make an impact that counts, even in a 9-to-5 job. Highlights (click/tap above): 1:49 Why is it necessary for us to redefine success now? 9:52 The stumbling blocks on the paths to success 18:35 Can chasing passions put food on the table? 40:25 What we need for a mindset shift Follow Natasha on her IG account and DM her your thoughts on this topic: https://str.sg/8Wav Host: Natasha Zachariah (natashaz@sph.com.sg) Read Natasha's related story: https://str.sg/Mieu Read Natasha's articles: https://str.sg/iSXm Follow Natasha on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/v6DN Edited by producers: Teo Tong Kai and Eden Soh Executive producers: Ernest Luis and Lynda Hong Follow The Usual Place Podcast here and get notified for new episode drops: Channel: https://str.sg/5nfm Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/9ijX Spotify: https://str.sg/cd2P YouTube: https://str.sg/wEr7u Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 ST Podcast website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts ST Podcasts YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- Get The Straits Times' app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX #tup #tuptr See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| S1E1: Singaporeans can code-switch. Sure anot? | 26 Jun 2024 | 00:02:21 | |
Can you differentiate between the ways to use "can"? How good are you translating Singlish into standard English? Synopsis: The Usual Place host Natasha Ann Zachariah explores contemporary societal choices and youth perspectives. Join The Usual Place as host Natasha hits the streets of Singapore to ask the locals. Do you know what the singlish word is for "afraid to lose out"? Are there direct translations of Singlish to standard English? Check out the full episode here: https://str.sg/c2sY Follow Natasha on her IG account and DM her your thoughts on this topic: https://str.sg/8Wav Host: Natasha Zachariah (natashaz@sph.com.sg) Read Natasha's articles: https://str.sg/iSXm Follow Natasha on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/v6DN Edited by producers: Teo Tong Kai and Eden Soh Executive producers: Ernest Luis and Lynda Hong Follow The Usual Place Podcast here and get notified for new episode drops: Channel: https://str.sg/5nfm Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/9ijX Spotify: https://str.sg/cd2P YouTube: https://str.sg/wEr7u Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 ST Podcast website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts ST Podcasts YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- Get The Straits Times' app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX #tup #tuptr See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| S1E6: Eat, shoot and post: What makes a good food reviewer? | 20 Jun 2024 | 00:37:31 | |
Scroll social media and you’ll likely be served a food recommendation or review, often one that’s either enthused or a takedown of sorts. Synopsis: The Straits Times’ Natasha Ann Zachariah explores contemporary societal choices and youth perspectives. If someone takes videos of their food and serves them with a side of honest opinions, does that make them a good food reviewer? Singapore is a nation of foodies, and we're passionate about what we eat. But it seems like many food creators often go in with quick overviews, giving honest reviews or enthused recommendations without much context on social media. Highlights (click/tap above): 2:35 Are there too many food reviewers on social media? Follow Natasha on her IG account and DM her your thoughts on this topic: https://str.sg/8Wav Host: Natasha Zachariah (natashaz@sph.com.sg) Edited by producers: Teo Tong Kai, Eden Soh and Zachary Lim Executive producers: Ernest Luis and Lynda Hong Filmed by: Joel Chng and Marc Justin De Souza, ST Video Follow The Usual Place Podcast here and get notified for new episode drops: Channel: https://str.sg/5nfm Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/9ijX Spotify: https://str.sg/cd2P ST Podcasts YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg Read Natasha Zachariah's articles: https://str.sg/iSXm Follow Natasha on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/v6DN --- Discover more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 The Usual Place: https://str.sg/wEr7u In Your Opinion: https://str.sg/w7Qt COE Watch: https://str.sg/iTtE Asian Insider: https://str.sg/JWa7 Health Check: https://str.sg/JWaN Green Pulse: https://str.sg/JWaf Your Money & Career: https://str.sg/wB2m Hard Tackle: https://str.sg/JWRE #PopVultures: https://str.sg/JWad Music Lab: https://str.sg/w9TX --- ST Podcast website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts ST Podcasts YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- Special edition series: True Crimes Of Asia (6 eps): https://str.sg/i44T The Unsolved Mysteries of South-east Asia (5 eps): https://str.sg/wuZ2 Invisible Asia (9 eps): https://str.sg/wuZn Stop Scams (10 eps): https://str.sg/wuZB Singapore's War On Covid (5 eps): https://str.sg/wuJa --- Get The Straits Times' app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX #tup #tuptr See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| S1E5: Are young people breaking up with dating apps? | 05 Jun 2024 | 00:42:29 | |
Swiping for love used to be the way for millennials to find a connection, but there seems to be growing dating app disillusionment among the young. Synopsis: The Straits Times’ Natasha Ann Zachariah explores contemporary societal choices and youth perspectives. Bernice Fong, Dhareeni Shanmugam and John Lim are three under-30s who have had different experiences with dating apps over the years. Highlights (click/tap above): 2:16 Are younger people ditching dating apps? 7:52 Making dating intentions clear 16:20 Getting dating app fatigue 27:54 Have young adults lost the art of conversation? 38:38 Is it more difficult for young people to date these days? Follow Natasha on her IG account and DM her your thoughts on this topic: https://str.sg/8Wav Host: Natasha Zachariah (natashaz@sph.com.sg) Edited by producers: Teo Tong Kai, Eden Soh and Zachary Lim Executive producers: Ernest Luis and Lynda Hong Filmed by: Joel Chng and Marc Justin De Souza, ST Video Follow The Usual Place Podcast here and get notified for new episode drops: Channel: https://str.sg/5nfm Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/9ijX Spotify: https://str.sg/cd2P ST Podcasts YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg Read Natasha Zachariah's articles: https://str.sg/iSXm Follow Natasha on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/v6DN --- Discover more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 The Usual Place: https://str.sg/wEr7u In Your Opinion: https://str.sg/w7Qt COE Watch: https://str.sg/iTtE Asian Insider: https://str.sg/JWa7 Health Check: https://str.sg/JWaN Green Pulse: https://str.sg/JWaf Your Money & Career: https://str.sg/wB2m Hard Tackle: https://str.sg/JWRE #PopVultures: https://str.sg/JWad Music Lab: https://str.sg/w9TX --- ST Podcast website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts ST Podcasts YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- Special edition series: True Crimes Of Asia (6 eps): https://str.sg/i44T The Unsolved Mysteries of South-east Asia (5 eps): https://str.sg/wuZ2 Invisible Asia (9 eps): https://str.sg/wuZn Stop Scams (10 eps): https://str.sg/wuZB Singapore's War On Covid (5 eps): https://str.sg/wuJa --- Get The Straits Times' app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX #tup #tuptr See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| S1E4: Titus Low: From SG's most famous OnlyFans creator to real estate agent? | 15 May 2024 | 00:26:17 | |
Singapore’s most well-known OnlyFans creator Titus Low is slowly moving on from the platform that has brought him fame, money and drama. Lots of it. Synopsis: The Straits Times’ Natasha Ann Zachariah explores contemporary societal choices and youth perspectives and digs deeper into issues of the day. Sitting down with The Usual Place’s host Natasha Ann Zachariah, Titus opens up about asking to work with his family’s business and pursuing his childhood dream of becoming a real estate agent. He shares the lessons learnt and the fallout from baring all online. Highlights (click/tap above): 1:10 What is Titus up to these days? Follow Natasha on her IG account and DM her your thoughts on this topic: https://str.sg/8Wav Host: Natasha Zachariah (natashaz@sph.com.sg) Edited by producers: Eden Soh and Teo Tong Kai Executive producers: Ernest Luis and Lynda Hong Filmed by: Joel Chng and Marc Justin De Souza, ST Video Follow The Usual Place Podcast here and get notified for new episode drops: Channel: https://str.sg/5nfm Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/9ijX Spotify: https://str.sg/cd2P ST Podcasts YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg Read Natasha Zachariah's articles: https://str.sg/iSXm Follow Natasha on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/v6DN --- Discover more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 The Usual Place: https://str.sg/wEr7u In Your Opinion: https://str.sg/w7Qt COE Watch: https://str.sg/iTtE Asian Insider: https://str.sg/JWa7 Health Check: https://str.sg/JWaN Green Pulse: https://str.sg/JWaf Your Money & Career: https://str.sg/wB2m Hard Tackle: https://str.sg/JWRE #PopVultures: https://str.sg/JWad Music Lab: https://str.sg/w9TX --- ST Podcast website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts ST Podcasts YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- Special edition series: True Crimes Of Asia (6 eps): https://str.sg/i44T The Unsolved Mysteries of South-east Asia (5 eps): https://str.sg/wuZ2 Invisible Asia (9 eps): https://str.sg/wuZn Stop Scams (10 eps): https://str.sg/wuZB Singapore's War On Covid (5 eps): https://str.sg/wuJa --- Get The Straits Times' app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX #tup #tuptr See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| S1E3: Youths on their expectations of Singapore's next PM Lawrence Wong | 02 May 2024 | 00:47:19 | |
Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong becomes Singapore’s fourth prime minister on May 15, 2024, when he succeeds current PM Lee Hsien Loong. Synopsis: The Straits Times’ Natasha Ann Zachariah explores contemporary societal choices and youth perspectives and digs deeper into issues of the day. The upcoming leadership transition - when Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong becomes Singapore’s fourth prime minister on May 15 - has ignited discussions about where Singapore goes from here. In this episode of The Usual Place, Natasha hosts three guests:
From expectations of DPM Wong when he takes over as prime minister, to their thoughts of how the impending general election will play out, these three guests candidly share their views and shed some insight on what youths might want to see from their future political leaders. Highlights (Click/tap above): 4:18 Qualities youth are looking for in Singapore's next PM 12:19 What youth are looking for when the next election comes around 19:31 Is there a dichotomy between traditional bread-and-butter concerns and wider, all-encompassing issues such as climate change and civil liberties? 21:58: Are younger voters harder to convince? 31:51: How will scandals of politicians in 2023 factor into the next election? 34:28: Will social media be the dominant platform among voters at the next GE? Host: Natasha Zachariah (natashaz@sph.com.sg) Edited by producers: Teo Tong Kai and Eden Soh Executive producers: Ernest Luis and Lynda Hong Filmed by: Joel Chng and Marc Justin De Souza, ST Video Follow The Usual Place Podcast here and get notified for new episode drops: Channel: https://str.sg/5nfm Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/9ijX Spotify: https://str.sg/cd2P ST Podcasts YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg Read Natasha Zachariah's articles: https://str.sg/iSXm Follow Natasha on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/v6DN --- Discover more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 The Usual Place: https://str.sg/wEr7u In Your Opinion: https://str.sg/w7Qt COE Watch: https://str.sg/iTtE Asian Insider: https://str.sg/JWa7 Health Check: https://str.sg/JWaN Green Pulse: https://str.sg/JWaf Your Money & Career: https://str.sg/wB2m Hard Tackle: https://str.sg/JWRE #PopVultures: https://str.sg/JWad Music Lab: https://str.sg/w9TX --- ST Podcast website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts ST Podcasts YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- Special edition series: True Crimes Of Asia (6 eps): https://str.sg/i44T The Unsolved Mysteries of South-east Asia (5 eps): https://str.sg/wuZ2 Invisible Asia (9 eps): https://str.sg/wuZn Stop Scams (10 eps): https://str.sg/wuZB Singapore's War On Covid (5 eps): https://str.sg/wuJa --- Get The Straits Times' app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX #tup #tuptr See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| S1E2: TMI: Has social media made us oversharers? | 18 Apr 2024 | 00:42:59 | |
How much is too much when sharing details of your life online? Synopsis: The Straits Times’ Natasha Ann Zachariah explores contemporary societal choices and youth perspectives and digs deeper into issues of the day. Highlights (click/tap above): 4:33: Why do the three of them put out so much of their lives on social media? 16:36: Is it weird that virtual strangers know small details about their lives? 23:15: Dealing with haters - why not just quit instead? 33:20: Being cancelled - the risk of sharing their opinions DM Natasha your thoughts on this topic at her IG: https://str.sg/8Wav Candice Gallagher on TikTok: https://str.sg/KVvw Shaun Elias Chua on TikTok: https://str.sg/AeCK Jacey Vong on Twitch: https://str.sg/752E Produced by: Natasha Zachariah (natashaz@sph.com.sg), Ernest Luis, Lynda Hong, Teo Tong Kai, Eden Soh, Joel Chng and Marc Justin De Souza Edited by: Teo Tong Kai & Eden Soh Follow The Usual Place Podcast here and get notified for new episode drops: Channel: https://str.sg/5nfm Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/9ijX Spotify: https://str.sg/cd2P ST Podcasts YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg Read Natasha Zachariah's articles: https://str.sg/iSXm Follow Natasha on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/v6DN --- Discover more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 The Usual Place: https://str.sg/wEr7u In Your Opinion: https://str.sg/w7Qt COE Watch: https://str.sg/iTtE Asian Insider: https://str.sg/JWa7 Health Check: https://str.sg/JWaN Green Pulse: https://str.sg/JWaf Your Money & Career: https://str.sg/wB2m Hard Tackle: https://str.sg/JWRE #PopVultures: https://str.sg/JWad Music Lab: https://str.sg/w9TX --- ST Podcast website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts ST Podcasts YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- Special edition series: True Crimes Of Asia (6 eps): https://str.sg/i44T The Unsolved Mysteries of South-east Asia (5 eps): https://str.sg/wuZ2 Invisible Asia (9 eps): https://str.sg/wuZn Stop Scams (10 eps): https://str.sg/wuZB Singapore's War On Covid (5 eps): https://str.sg/wuJa --- Get The Straits Times' app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX #tup #tuptr See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| S1E1: Having babies: Natural next step after marriage or thank you, next? | 04 Apr 2024 | 00:35:55 | |
Our guests discuss if parenthood is an expectation or choice. Synopsis: The Straits Times’ Natasha Ann Zachariah explores contemporary societal choices and youth perspectives and digs deeper into issues of the day. In Singapore, where preliminary estimates indicate its Total Fertility Rate hit a record low of 0.97 in 2023, some are opting to remain child-free. In the first episode of our new podcast series, The Usual Place’s host Natasha Ann Zachariah brings together two guests who hold opposing views on being parents. Joan Chong, 35, never wants kids. She never yearned for them before she got married, and flat out told her partner when they started dating, that she did not want to be a parent. Meanwhile, Dainial Lim is a passionate voice in favour of embracing the joys of parenthood. To him, having children is a natural path in life after getting married, and it would have been a relationship dealbreaker for him if his wife was not for it. They sit down with Natasha to dissect their personal choices in a candid and unfiltered conversation. What unfolds is a discussion about their choices and dissecting the misconceptions that come with it. Highlights (click/tap above): 3:56 Is it still taboo to say you want to be childfree 6:48 Do women still bear the burden of raising children? 9:44 Joan’s realities of being childfree 14:31 The scary part about having children 17:16 How kids changed Dainial’s life 23:05 Does Joan feel left out for not receiving government incentives? 25:17 Are Singaporean parents entitled? 31:25 If anyone’s on the fence about having children, what would Joan and Dainial tell them? DM Natasha your thoughts on this topic at her IG: https://str.sg/8Wav Watch the video version of this episode: https://str.sg/nZDz Produced by: Natasha Zachariah (natashaz@sph.com.sg), Ernest Luis, Lynda Hong and Studio+65 Edited by: Teo Tong Kai & Eden Soh Follow The Usual Place Podcast here and get notified for new episode drops: Channel: https://str.sg/5nfm Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/9ijX Spotify: https://str.sg/cd2P ST Podcasts YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg Read Natasha Zachariah's articles: https://str.sg/iSXm Follow Natasha on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/v6DN --- Discover more ST podcast channels: The Usual Place: https://str.sg/wEr7u COE Watch: https://str.sg/iTtE Asian Insider: https://str.sg/JWa7 Health Check: https://str.sg/JWaN Green Pulse: https://str.sg/JWaf Your Money & Career: https://str.sg/wB2m Hard Tackle: https://str.sg/JWRE #PopVultures: https://str.sg/JWad Music Lab: https://str.sg/w9TX Discover ST Podcasts: http://str.sg/stpodcasts --- Special edition series: True Crimes Of Asia (6 eps): https://str.sg/i44T The Unsolved Mysteries of South-east Asia (5 eps): https://str.sg/wuZ2 Invisible Asia (9 eps): https://str.sg/wuZn Stop Scams (10 eps): https://str.sg/wuZB Singapore's War On Covid (5 eps): https://str.sg/wuJa --- Get The Straits Times' app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX #tup #tuptr See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| S1E9: Flexibility at work: The secret sauce to more babies? | 03 Sep 2024 | 00:24:18 | |
We ask Indranee Rajah - Minister in the Prime Minister's Office - to explain the mindset shift aim of the enhanced parental leave scheme, announced on Aug 18. Synopsis: The Usual Place host Natasha Ann Zachariah hunts for new perspectives on issues of the day, and finds out about what young people are talking about. When it was announced at the National Day Rally that the parental leave scheme would be enhanced starting in April 2025, Ms Indranee recalls young parents being happy to hear the news. Employers, she adds, on the other hand, are cautiously welcoming the news as they put forth their concerns about managing schedules and workloads. Ms Indranee talks about the need for a well-designed workplace to make shared parental leave work for all, not just parents of newborns. This would mean fathers giving advance notice of when they want to take their leave or compensating those who take on a parent’s workload - with the money freed up by the government-paid paternity leave. Natasha asks Ms Indranee why fathers haven’t been so keen to take up the existing provisions - reluctant line managers seem to be standing in the way - and if this would be the game-changing move couples need to support their aspirations to start and grow their families? Highlights (click/tap above) 1:56 Who’s happy, post-National Day Rally? 6:40 Sending a signal that dads should be more involved in child-raising 10:57 A mindset change and cultural shift in the workplace 19:06 Will the enhanced parental leave improve Singapore’s TFR? 21:42 Making a family-friendly Singapore Follow Natasha on her IG account and DM her your thoughts on this topic: https://str.sg/8Wav Host: Natasha Zachariah (natashaz@sph.com.sg) Read Natasha's related story: https://str.sg/Mieu Read Natasha's articles: https://str.sg/iSXm Follow Natasha on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/v6DN Edited by producers: Eden Soh Executive producers: Ernest Luis and Lynda Hong Follow The Usual Place Podcast here and get notified for new episode drops: Channel: https://str.sg/5nfm Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/9ijX Spotify: https://str.sg/cd2P YouTube: https://str.sg/wEr7u Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 ST Podcast website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts ST Podcasts YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- Get The Straits Times' app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX #tup #tuptr See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| S1E1: Why does it feel like Singaporeans are angry all the time? | 15 Aug 2024 | 00:08:02 | |
What triggers one’s frustrations in Singapore? Even the smallest inconvenience can spark irritation, making it feel like we’re always on the edge of our temper. Synopsis: The Usual Place host Natasha Ann Zachariah explores contemporary societal choices and youth perspectives. Murals and HDB block patterns, poor service, bad food, long queues, queue cutters, ‘undeserving’ seat occupiers on public transport, slow walkers, ‘pawrents’ spending money on their furkids, XMMs — the list of what grinds Singaporeans’ gears seems to grow by the day. Highlights (click/tap above) 0:45 Anger in comment section 1:55 The anonymity factor 4:50 Context is everything 6:58 Breathe in, breathe out - anger is unhealthy Follow Natasha on her IG account and DM her your thoughts on this topic: https://str.sg/8Wav Host: Natasha Zachariah (natashaz@sph.com.sg) Read Natasha's articles: https://str.sg/iSXm Follow Natasha on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/v6DN Filmed by: Amirul Karim and Hana Chen Edited by producers: Teo Tong Kai and Eden Soh Executive producers: Ernest Luis and Lynda Hong Follow The Usual Place Podcast here and get notified for new episode drops: Channel: https://str.sg/5nfm Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/9ijX Spotify: https://str.sg/cd2P YouTube: https://str.sg/wEr7u Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 ST Podcast website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts ST Podcasts YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- Get The Straits Times' app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX #tup #tuptr See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| S1E1: What makes a National Day song a classic? Tell us your favourites | 02 Aug 2024 | 00:05:09 | |
Is it catchy lyrics, a snappy beat, or is there something else that captures the Singaporean heart? Synopsis: The Usual Place host Natasha Ann Zachariah explores contemporary societal choices and youth perspectives. Why do some songs, basking under the golden glow of nostalgia, come back year after year, and why do others fade from the public consciousness once their time has passed? In this new episode of The Usual Place podcast, host Natasha Ann Zachariah takes her show onto the streets of Singapore, to ask members of the public what their favourite National Day theme song is, and what makes these songs so special. Follow Natasha on her IG account and DM her your thoughts on this topic: https://str.sg/8Wav Host: Natasha Zachariah (natashaz@sph.com.sg) Read Natasha's articles: https://str.sg/iSXm Follow Natasha on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/v6DN Edited by producers: Teo Tong Kai and Eden Soh Executive producers: Ernest Luis and Lynda Hong Filmed by: Amirul Karim and Hana Chen Follow The Usual Place Podcast here and get notified for new episode drops: Channel: https://str.sg/5nfm Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/9ijX Spotify: https://str.sg/cd2P YouTube: https://str.sg/wEr7u Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 ST Podcast website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts ST Podcasts YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- Get The Straits Times' app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX #tup #tuptr See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| S1E8: The FOMO over old buildings in Singapore | 18 Jul 2024 | 00:41:58 | |
Is our celebration of old buildings, or even old-school businesses, a little too late? Also joining us was John Siow, 38, who previously worked at the Urban Redevelopment Authority’s (URA) conservation department, managing outreach and education efforts. He and an ex-colleague teamed up to snap photos for @pintupagar.sg, an Instagram account featuring shots of buildings and various architectural forms around Singapore. 1:40 Cool elements = a draw for young people? Follow Natasha on her IG account and DM her your thoughts on this topic: https://str.sg/8Wav Host: Natasha Zachariah (natashaz@sph.com.sg) Read Natasha's articles: https://str.sg/iSXm Follow Natasha on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/v6DN Edited by producers: Teo Tong Kai and Eden Soh Executive producers: Ernest Luis and Lynda Hong Filmed by: Joel Chng and Marc Justin De Souza, ST Video Follow The Usual Place Podcast here and get notified for new episode drops: Channel: https://str.sg/5nfm Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/9ijX Spotify: https://str.sg/cd2P YouTube: https://str.sg/wEr7u Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 ST Podcast website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts ST Podcasts YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- Get The Straits Times' app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX #tup #tuptr See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| S1E1: Which old building or space in Singapore would you not want to see go? | 10 Jul 2024 | 00:04:27 | |
As we say goodbye to old buildings, spaces, and businesses in Singapore like the Golden Mile Complex and Peace Centre, how do Singaporeans feel about these places? Many young people often revisit spots that hold a special connection for them, places filled with fond memories from their childhood. How would they feel if these cherished locations were to disappear? The Usual Place host Natasha Ann Zachariah hit the streets to find out. Check out the full episode here: https://str.sg/7jJy Follow Natasha on her IG account and DM her your thoughts on this topic: https://str.sg/8Wav Host: Natasha Zachariah (natashaz@sph.com.sg) Read Natasha's articles: https://str.sg/iSXm Follow Natasha on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/v6DN Edited by producers: Teo Tong Kai and Eden Soh Executive producers: Ernest Luis and Lynda Hong Follow The Usual Place Podcast here and get notified for new episode drops: Channel: https://str.sg/5nfm Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/9ijX Spotify: https://str.sg/cd2P YouTube: https://str.sg/wEr7u Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 ST Podcast website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts ST Podcasts YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- Get The Straits Times' app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX #tup #tuptr See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| S1E1: How do you translate "tumpang" into standard English? | 05 Jul 2024 | 00:02:07 | |
Do you know what the Singlish word is for "afraid to lose out"? Are there direct translations of Singlish to standard English? Here's a little bonus clip from our latest episode of The Usual Place. Check out the full episode here: https://str.sg/c2sY Follow Natasha on her IG account and DM her your thoughts on this topic: https://str.sg/8Wav Host: Natasha Zachariah (natashaz@sph.com.sg) Read Natasha's articles: https://str.sg/iSXm Follow Natasha on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/v6DN Edited by producers: Teo Tong Kai and Eden Soh Executive producers: Ernest Luis and Lynda Hong Filmed by: Joel Chng and Marc Justin De Souza, ST Video Follow The Usual Place Podcast here and get notified for new episode drops: Channel: https://str.sg/5nfm Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/9ijX Spotify: https://str.sg/cd2P YouTube: https://str.sg/wEr7u Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 ST Podcast website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts ST Podcasts YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- Get The Straits Times' app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX #tup #tuptr See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| S1E7: Standard English vs Singlish: Is the lingual tug-of-war over? | 03 Jul 2024 | 00:40:18 | |
The kind of English we speak in Singapore has long been a discussion point. Synopsis: The Usual Place host Natasha Ann Zachariah explores contemporary societal choices and youth perspectives. Throwback to 1999 when then-Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong urged Singaporeans to start using standard English instead of Singlish. These days though, we fiercely defend our use of Singlish and embrace the Singaporean accent, even as we continue to advocate for a strong standard English foundation. How did we get here and what changed in our quest to speak good English? I pose this question to recent university graduate Audrey Wan, 22, whose group’s final-year project inspired this episode. Along with Bernadette Toh and Erin Liam, university students from the Nanyang Technological University’s Wee Kim Wee School of Communication and Information, their final-year project was titled Eye on English. I wanted to find out what they had found through the interviews they did with various groups and individuals such as a linguistic researcher, teachers, students, a former chief of government communications and a representative for the Speak Good English Movement. Joining Audrey and myself on the show are actress, host and voiceover artist Caitanya Tan, 37, who makes videos on social media teaching her audience how to correctly pronounce some words, and content creator Nicole Chen, 26, who is fiercely proud of her Singaporean accent and Singlish. Highlights (click/tap above): 1:53 Why three university students decided to survey Singapore’s standard of English 8:11 Singlish, embraced 13:30 Once upon a time, using Singlish was frowned upon 15:30 The power of code-switching 26:40 Why is it difficult to teach Singlish 30:10 What happens to those who cannot code-switch? 37:55 Is Singapore's brand of English here to stay? Follow Natasha on her IG account and DM her your thoughts on this topic: https://str.sg/8Wav Host: Natasha Zachariah (natashaz@sph.com.sg) Edited by producers: Teo Tong Kai, Eden Soh and Zachary Lim Executive producers: Ernest Luis and Lynda Hong Filmed by: Joel Chng and Marc Justin De Souza, ST Video Follow The Usual Place Podcast here and get notified for new episode drops: Channel: https://str.sg/5nfm Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/9ijX Spotify: https://str.sg/cd2P YouTube: https://str.sg/wEr7u Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg Read Natasha Zachariah's articles: https://str.sg/iSXm Follow Natasha on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/v6DN --- Discover more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 The Usual Place: https://str.sg/wEr7u In Your Opinion: https://str.sg/w7Qt COE Watch: https://str.sg/iTtE Asian Insider: https://str.sg/JWa7 Health Check: https://str.sg/JWaN Green Pulse: https://str.sg/JWaf Your Money & Career: https://str.sg/wB2m Hard Tackle: https://str.sg/JWRE #PopVultures: https://str.sg/JWad Music Lab: https://str.sg/w9TX --- ST Podcast website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts ST Podcasts YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- Special edition series: True Crimes Of Asia (6 eps): https://str.sg/i44T The Unsolved Mysteries of South-east Asia (5 eps): https://str.sg/wuZ2 Invisible Asia (9 eps): https://str.sg/wuZn Stop Scams (10 eps): https://str.sg/wuZB Singapore's War On Covid (5 eps): https://str.sg/wuJa --- Get The Straits Times' app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX #tup #tuptr See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| S1E32: Ong Ye Kung's health tips, his love for Sembawang GRC and being lit on social media | 25 Mar 2025 | 00:51:33 | |
Synopsis: The Usual Place host Natasha Ann Zachariah hunts for new perspectives on issues that matter to young people. Health Minister Ong Ye Kung talks to Natasha about resetting the rules during the pandemic, his biggest challenge at the ministry now, and why he would love to be a Sembawang GRC MP till he retires. Natasha also looks back at his political career - he got his feet wet in the 2011 general elections running in Aljunied GRC, though he lost there - and what convinced him to join politics. He also takes on questions about politicians campaigning on anti-vaccine sentiments and Singaporeans’ desire for more opposition representation in Parliament. 4:29 Did he feel the pressure to “walk the talk” as Health Minister? Host: Natasha Zachariah (natashaz@sph.com.sg) Read Natasha's articles: https://str.sg/iSXm Follow Natasha on her IG account and DM her your thoughts on this episode: https://str.sg/8Wav Filmed by: Studio+65 Edited by ST Podcast producers: Teo Tong Kai & Eden Soh Co-edited by: ST Video (Aileen Teo and Jamie Koh) Executive producers: Ernest Luis and Lynda Hong Follow The Usual Place Podcast on Thursdays and get notified for new episode drops: Channel: https://str.sg/5nfm Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/9ijX Spotify: https://str.sg/cd2P YouTube: https://str.sg/wEr7u Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 ST Podcasts website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts ST Podcasts YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX #tup #tuptr See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| S1E31: Grace Fu on S’pore’s climate change fight, changes to Yuhua SMC | 21 Mar 2025 | 00:45:31 | |
Synopsis: The Usual Place host Natasha Ann Zachariah hunts for new perspectives on issues that matter to young people. Highlights (click/tap above): Read Natasha's articles: https://str.sg/iSXm Follow Natasha on her IG account and DM her your thoughts on this episode: https://str.sg/8Wav Co-Host: Audrey Tan (audreyt@sph.com.sg) Read Audrey Tan's articles: https://str.sg/JLM2 Follow Audrey Tan on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/MZne Filmed by: Studio+65 Edited by: ST Video (Azim Azman, Philip Cheong and Jacen Tan) ST Podcast producers: Teo Tong Kai and Eden Soh Executive producers: Ernest Luis and Lynda Hong Channel: https://str.sg/5nfm Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/9ijX Spotify: https://str.sg/cd2P YouTube: https://str.sg/wEr7u Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 ST Podcasts website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts ST Podcasts YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX #tup #tuptr #gptr See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| S1E22: Desmond Tan on life - and lessons - as a first-term MP | 16 Jan 2025 | 00:34:49 | |
Now that we’re in 2025, one thing’s for sure – a General Election is on the horizon. Synopsis: Out on Thursdays, The Usual Place host Natasha Ann Zachariah hunts for new perspectives on issues that matter to young people. When exactly? That’s anyone’s guess. But political parties are already up and about, ramping up efforts to touch base with voters. And, judging by the recent episode between some volunteers of Progress Singapore Party and People’s Action Party in Bukit Gombak in Chua Chu Kang GRC, the political temperature is rising. In the lead-up to the polls, The Usual Place host Natasha Ann Zachariah looks at how MPs, and others involved in the GE, are preparing themselves. In this week’s episode, Senior Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office Desmond Tan stops by to talk about his experience so far as a first-term MP. Mr Tan, who has been an MP for Pasir Ris-Punggol GRC since 2020, said he “won’t call it a job because... it’s an elected role that has no fixed job description and no fixed terms of reference”. The 54-year-old, who spent almost three decades in the Singapore Armed Forces before joining the People’s Association, said that he had to “level up very quickly” when he joined politics and took on positions in the government. When he ran for office in the last GE as a rookie, he lost 3.5kg during the hustings. In anticipation of this year’s campaign, he’s gaining some weight, and is also more emotionally ready for the work. For one thing, he has built relationships with the residents in his ward, and has put in the work since the last election to serve them. And how does Mr Tan, NTUC’s deputy secretary-general, deal with criticism over a hot potato issue like, say, the failed Allianz-Income Insurance deal? “Sometimes there may be disagreement (in) opinions, but we have to continue our path,” he said. “As long as I speak the truth and I’m clear about my conscience, I have nothing to worry about.” On a lighter note, Natasha asked him what he thinks of the nickname some voters bestowed on him in 2020 – “Down-To-Earth Desmond” – and what nickname he would pick for himself, if he had to. Watch or tune in to the episode to find out what he said. Highlights (click/tap above): 6:24 Politicians must accept that they won’t always be right 10:18 “I have no strategy for social media.” 29:25 He lost 3.5kg during the 2020 GE Follow Natasha on her IG account and DM her your thoughts on this topic: https://str.sg/8Wav Follow Natasha on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/v6DN Edited by ST Podcast producers: Eden Soh & Teo Tong Kai Executive producers: Ernest Luis & Lynda Hong Follow The Usual Place Podcast here and get notified for new episode drops: Channel: https://str.sg/5nfm Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/9ijX Spotify: https://str.sg/cd2P YouTube: https://str.sg/wEr7u Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 ST Podcast website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts ST Podcasts YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- Get The Straits Times' app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX #tup #tuptr See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| S1E21: Where are Singaporeans travelling to in 2025? | 09 Jan 2025 | 00:43:58 | |
Synopsis: The Usual Place host Natasha Ann Zachariah hunts for new perspectives on issues that matter to young people. The discussion also goes into the complexities of group travel, whether with friends or colleagues. The trio share anecdotes and tips on how to manage different travel styles and priorities. For example, setting ground rules and finding compromises can help keep a trip drama-free. Sarah reflects on her experience travelling with colleagues as an air stewardess, noting how being accommodating of others has shaped her travel habits (It’s not always a bad thing, she explains.) Hendric recommends activity-based trips for first-time travel companions as a great way to understand each other’s preferences. With all the talk about exploring new places and making new memories, Natasha wanted to know which country these seasoned travellers would visit over and over again? Watch till the end to find out their picks. Highlights (click/tap above): 4:35 The Outdoorsy Person vs. Outsidey Person: being in the right camp 11:47 Is green, sustainable travel just a buzzword? 19:38 What’s a good country to do solo travel? 22:44 Listen to the locals to avoid being stabbed Host: Natasha Zachariah (natashaz@sph.com.sg) Read Natasha's articles: https://str.sg/iSXm Follow Natasha on her IG account and DM her your thoughts on this topic: https://str.sg/8Wav Follow Natasha on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/v6DN Filmed by: Studio+65 Edited by ST Podcast producers: Teo Tong Kai and Eden Soh Executive producers: Ernest Luis Follow The Usual Place Podcast here and get notified for new episode drops: Channel: https://str.sg/5nfm Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/9ijX Spotify: https://str.sg/cd2P YouTube: https://str.sg/wEr7u Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 ST Podcast website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts ST Podcasts YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- Get The Straits Times' app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX #tup #tuptr See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| S1E20: Abs like Thor, curves like Kim K: are unrealistic expectations holding us back in the gym? | 26 Dec 2024 | 00:36:34 | |
As we inch closer to a new year, will you be putting “losing weight” on your list of resolutions - for the nth time? Synopsis: The Usual Place host Natasha Ann Zachariah hunts for new perspectives on issues that matter to young people. Dropping the pounds is a classic New Year’s resolution for many people, but sticking to it often proves challenging. Natasha wanted to find out what trips up our weight loss goals, so she turned to the experts, who have seen success stories and epic fails. On this episode of The Usual Place, she is joined by Mira Azman (@miraacurl), Senior Exercise Experience Coach at Virgin Active Singapore, and Jerome Simon (@jxmonxstar), Senior Club General Manager at Fitness First Singapore. The new year usually brings them new clients - it’s a ‘New Year, New Me’ vibe, they both concur - but people have been known to drop out within weeks of signing up. Mira and Jerome highlight that people often come in with unrealistic expectations. Like one of Jerome’s clients who wanted the physique that actor Chris Hemsworth had when he was playing Thor within two months. (Spoiler alert: The Thor-wannabe went AWOL after two months). Or Mira’s client who wanted to lose 10kg in a month, despite barely having any exercise experience. That’s why both trainers say that accountability, whether by working out with a coach or finding a supportive community, can keep one on track. Watch this week’s episode of The Usual Place to find out what else these trainers had to say about TikTok trends, unsustainable diet fads and how to shift your mindset to get fit in 2025. Highlights (click/tap above): Host: Natasha Zachariah (natashaz@sph.com.sg) Follow Natasha on her IG account and DM her your thoughts on this topic: https://str.sg/8Wav Follow Natasha on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/v6DN Edited by ST Podcast producers: Eden Soh & Teo Tong Kai Executive producers: Ernest Luis & Lynda Hong Follow The Usual Place Podcast here and get notified for new episode drops: Channel: https://str.sg/5nfm Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/9ijX Spotify: https://str.sg/cd2P YouTube: https://str.sg/wEr7u Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 ST Podcast website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts ST Podcasts YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- Get The Straits Times' app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX #tup #tuptr See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| S1E19: Dating with KPIs? How to rework your dating mindset for 2025 | 19 Dec 2024 | 00:41:39 | |
Is modern dating painful and how can those who want to find love in 2025 find love intentionally? Synopsis: The Usual Place host Natasha Ann Zachariah hunts for new perspectives on issues that matter to young people. On this episode of The Usual Place, host Natasha Ann Zachariah dissected the dating game with Andrea Tan, a certified sex, love and relationship coach and founder of Athena Rising Coaching & Consulting and Chia Wei Goh, founder of CGull, a dating consultancy for men. According to results from a Bumble survey that was released mid-Nov 2024, people here are still keen to date – four in five Singaporean singles interviewed are looking to find a long-term partner in 2025. (Bumble is a women-first dating and social networking app that was founded in 2014.) But what are some of the issues that get in the way of finding love? From treating dates as job interviews to having many deal-breakers, both Andrea and Chia Wei dove into the insights they gleaned from working with their clients. Natasha wanted to find out if dating stereotypes of ideal partners that surface on social media – “man in finance, trust fund, 6’5”, blue eyes” or “trad wife”, for example – hurt or help one’s chances at making a great impression. Meanwhile, Chia Wei suggested that both genders take on a niche hobby such as yoga for men or muay thai for women, to open more opportunities to meet a partner of the opposite sex. Andrea, who is also Bumble’s relationship expert, said that to press ahead in the dating game, one needs a cheerleader support group to provide positive affirmations. Highlights (click/tap above): 6:59 Should you lower your standards in dating? 11:46 Looking for KPIs in dating 15:16 Men are in a more vulnerable position than women 29:42 Is it game over in the dating game for those over 40? 32:51 Where to start if you’re a first-time dater 35:00 Are men bad at conversations? Connect with these coaches on social media: Chia Wei: https://www.instagram.com/cgullwing/ Andrea Tan: https://www.instagram.com/theathenarising/ Host: Natasha Zachariah (natashaz@sph.com.sg) Follow Natasha on her IG account and DM her your thoughts on this topic: https://str.sg/8Wav Follow Natasha on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/v6DN Filmed by: Studio+65 Executive producers: Ernest Luis & Lynda Hong Follow The Usual Place Podcast here and get notified for new episode drops: Channel: https://str.sg/5nfm Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/9ijX Spotify: https://str.sg/cd2P YouTube: https://str.sg/wEr7u Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 ST Podcast website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts ST Podcasts YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- Get The Straits Times' app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX #tup #tuptr See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| S1E18: Holiday Survival Guide: Tips For The Parties | 12 Dec 2024 | 00:44:09 | |
From unwanted Secret Santa gifts to guest etiquette fails, Natasha and her guests dive into the dos and don’ts of navigating holiday gatherings with humour and grace. Synopsis: The Usual Place host Natasha Ann Zachariah hunts for new perspectives on issues that matter to young people. Follow Natasha on her IG account and DM her your thoughts on this topic: https://str.sg/8Wav Follow Natasha on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/v6DN Filmed by: ST Video Edited by ST Podcast producers: Teo Tong Kai, Eden Soh and Elsa Goh Executive producers: Ernest Luis & Lynda Hong Follow The Usual Place Podcast here and get notified for new episode drops: Channel: https://str.sg/5nfm Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/9ijX Spotify: https://str.sg/cd2P YouTube: https://str.sg/wEr7u Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 ST Podcast website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts ST Podcasts YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- Get The Straits Times' app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX #tup #tuptr See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| S1E17: How you doin’ … at making friends? | 28 Nov 2024 | 00:37:22 | |
Unlike our school days where it was easier to find a buddy, making new friends as an adult isn’t something that we leave to chance. Synopsis: The Usual Place host Natasha Ann Zachariah hunts for new perspectives on issues that matter to young people. 2:15 Why is it difficult to make friends as an adult? 9:20 The 25s vs the 35s: the different friendship outlook 14:03 Are Singaporeans a judgy, guarded bunch? 22:20 Red flags in friendships 34:05 What if you have lost the ability to make friends? Host: Natasha Zachariah (natashaz@sph.com.sg) Follow Natasha on her IG account and DM her your thoughts on this topic: https://str.sg/8Wav Follow Natasha on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/v6DN Filmed by: ST Video Edited by ST Podcast producers: Teo Tong Kai & Eden Soh Executive producers: Ernest Luis & Lynda Hong Follow The Usual Place Podcast here and get notified for new episode drops: Channel: https://str.sg/5nfm Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/9ijX Spotify: https://str.sg/cd2P YouTube: https://str.sg/wEr7u Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 ST Podcast website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts ST Podcasts YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- Get The Straits Times' app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX #tup #tuptr See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| S1E16: With all the talk about mental health, should we be in therapy? | 21 Nov 2024 | 00:41:15 | |
With more people conscious about mental health issues, is going to therapy the solution to deal with inner mind and emotional struggles? Synopsis: The Usual Place host Natasha Ann Zachariah hunts for new perspectives on issues that matter to young people. These days, conversations about mental health - and content about it - are everywhere. Within that space, therapy often comes up as a way to deal with mental health issues. People write about it in personal essays, it’s bandied around in memes, and on TikTok, there are therapists who create short-form videos about boundaries, trauma and coping mechanisms. But should everyone be in therapy? To answer that question, The Usual Place’s host Natasha Ann Zachariah speaks with Raquel Ang, 35, co-founder of telewellness platform IHearU App, and singer-songwriter Layyi, 28, who was featured on a song called Lovin’ Me. The Usual Place Podcast will give away 10 sets of exclusive McDonald’s merchandise to be given away. Each set consists of a tote bag, a sticker sheet, four postcards and a pack of F&B vouchers (expiring on Dec 31, 2024). Here’s how you can win them: Subscribe to The Straits Times Podcasts’ YouTube channel and leave a comment there under this video - Is therapy only for those with mental health issues? - about what’s the best way you’re taking care of your mental health. The team will select 10 winners and get in touch with them. Good luck! 2:57 Openness and eagerness for change - considerations for therapy 38:52 Going to therapy is like going on a date with yourself Host: Natasha Zachariah (natashaz@sph.com.sg) Follow Natasha on her IG account and DM her your thoughts on this topic: https://str.sg/8Wav Follow Natasha on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/v6DN Edited by ST Podcast producers: Eden Soh & Teo Tong Kai Executive producers: Ernest Luis & Lynda Hong Follow The Usual Place Podcast here and get notified for new episode drops: Channel: https://str.sg/5nfm Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/9ijX Spotify: https://str.sg/cd2P YouTube: https://str.sg/wEr7u Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 ST Podcast website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts ST Podcasts YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- Get The Straits Times' app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX #tup #tuptr See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| S1E15: Going Ga-Ga Over Labubu: Why? | 14 Nov 2024 | 00:39:42 | |
The Labubu craze exploded earlier in 2024 thanks to Blackpink's Lisa. What's keeping the love for Labubu going? Synopsis: The Usual Place host Natasha Ann Zachariah hunts for new perspectives on issues that matter to young people. Inspired by Scandinavian folklore, Labubu was created by Hong Kong-born artist Kasing Lung as part of his Monsters character series in 2015. How do you know when a toy is a big deal? When people are brazenly committing crimes to get it. And when hundreds of people queue overnight to be the first to get their hands on it. When fans get into shoving matches and the police have to be called. Bakers make cakes in its image, while enterprising sellers offer product customisations like braces, make-up and custom identity cards. Distilling it for the people who don't get the hype, Natasha finds out what the hype is all about and why collectors enjoy these art toys so much. Pop Mart is the international brand that owns the exclusive rights to the Labubu intellectual property (IP). From being a “kidult” to how Pop Mart is keeping up with the demand, they chat with Natasha in this wide-ranging interview on why this plushie has people going ga-ga. Highlights (click/tap above): 4:55 The celebrity endorsement effect 13:10 The reseller market and fakes on the market 20:15 Customisations and copyright of Labubu - will Pop Mart do something about it? 26:24 Who is a “kidult”? 36:21 Will Pop Mart have another toy that matches Labubu’s popularity? 6 things you did not know about Labubu: https://str.sg/dNhY Host: Natasha Zachariah (natashaz@sph.com.sg) Follow Natasha on her IG account and DM her your thoughts on this topic: https://str.sg/8Wav Filmed by: Studio+65 Edited by ST Podcast producers: Eden Soh & Teo Tong Kai Executive producers: Ernest Luis & Lynda Hong Follow The Usual Place Podcast here and get notified for new episode drops: Channel: https://str.sg/5nfm Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/9ijX Spotify: https://str.sg/cd2P YouTube: https://str.sg/wEr7u Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 ST Podcast website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts ST Podcasts YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- Get The Straits Times' app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX #tup #tuptr See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| S1E14: Getting death plans in order: Our young guests discuss | 07 Nov 2024 | 00:45:21 | |
Should young people be talking about - and planning for - their deaths? Synopsis: The Usual Place host Natasha Ann Zachariah hunts for new perspectives on issues that matter to young people. In this episode of The Usual Place, three millennials under 35 get candid about mortality and what changed their perspectives on death. From choosing a casket to protecting their passwords for their online accounts, each of them explores different aspects of end-of-life planning and dying well. Natasha wants to find out how discussing death can be liberating, the misconceptions that often come up when planning for death, and how thinking about dying has made them live life differently. Highlights (click/tap above): 1:36 What made these millennials change their perspective of death? 23:12 Alif gets emotional when creating his will - his “last love letter” Watch ST's "Let's talk about death" video series here: https://str.sg/a4Ey Filmed by: Studio+65 Edited by ST Podcast producers: Eden Soh & Teo Tong Kai Executive producers: Ernest Luis & Lynda Hong Follow The Usual Place Podcast here and get notified for new episode drops: Channel: https://str.sg/5nfm Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/9ijX Spotify: https://str.sg/cd2P YouTube: https://str.sg/wEr7u Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 ST Podcast website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts ST Podcasts YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- Get The Straits Times' app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX #tup #tuptr See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| S1E13: Confronting suicide: The conversations we need | 16 Oct 2024 | 00:39:27 | |
The conversation in this episode dives into suicide prevention, stigma, and the changes needed to get to Zero-Suicide. Synopsis: The Usual Place host Natasha Ann Zachariah hunts for new perspectives on issues that matter to young people. In Singapore, suicide remains the leading cause of death for young people aged between 10 and 29. A 160-page white paper report called Project Hayat (meaning ‘life’ in Malay) was launched in conjunction with World Suicide Prevention Day on Sept 10 by advocacy group SG Mental Health Matters. Project Hayat outlines a national suicide prevention strategy for Singapore, and laid out its own research findings and 23 recommendations for addressing the gaps in suicide prevention here. Her guests on the show are the project’s co-lead Dr Rayner Tan, 35, who is from the National University of Singapore’s Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health. Shantini Sathiyanesan, 38, calls herself a “wounded healer” for her journey through suicidality, and also for having experienced the grief of losing someone to suicide. Highlights (click/tap above): 2:55 Has Project Hayat’s data studies shown unique barriers specific to minorities in society? 5:30 How to tell if someone has suicidal thoughts; passive and active suicide ideation; what is psychache (psychological pain)? 9:25 Shantini shares her own lived experience of suicidality - having suicidal thoughts, ideation, and losing someone to suicide - despite living a highly functioning life 13:58 What is the suicide question and why is it important to ask it? Paradox of saying “I don’t want to be a burden” 20:10 Importance of Project Hayat’s suicide prevention strategies; what can we do better when someone comes to us for help? 31:23 Dr Rayner Tan on Project Hayat’s bold ‘zero suicides’ target for Singapore; on SOS (Samaritans of Singapore) helplines and the experience it offers The Project Hayat White Paper is available here: www.sgmentalhealthmatters.com MENTAL WELL-BEING
COUNSELLING
ONLINE RESOURCES
Follow Natasha on her IG account and DM her your thoughts on this topic: https://str.sg/8Wav Filmed by: Studio+65 Edited by ST Podcast producers: Eden Soh & Teo Tong Kai Executive producers: Ernest Luis & Lynda Hong Follow The Usual Place Podcast here and get notified for new episode drops: Channel: https://str.sg/5nfm Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/9ijX Spotify: https://str.sg/cd2P YouTube: https://str.sg/wEr7u Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 ST Podcast website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts ST Podcasts YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- Get The Straits Times' app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX #tup #tuptr #healthcheck See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| S1E30: Desmond Lee on housing, GE2025 and lessons learnt as a politician | 19 Mar 2025 | 00:44:06 | |
Synopsis: The Usual Place host Natasha Ann Zachariah hunts for new perspectives on issues that matter to young people. Following Budget 2025 and the Committee of Supply Debate on government spending, Natasha invites as her co-host Isabelle Liew, a ST journalist who covers the housing beat. They welcome Minister for National Development Desmond Lee on their living room couch as he says housing affordability will always be a “top-of-mind” issue for Singaporeans, as the nation gears up for the upcoming general election. He explains how the Government’s measures, including the increase in supply of Build-To-Order (BTO) flats and the injection of executive condominium (EC) units, will start to address this issue. Highlights (click/tap above): 2:50 What are 'brownfield' sites? Minister explains; on seeming ground sentiment that homeownership is slipping out of reach for younger Singaporeans 5:29 Differences between "willing buyer, willing seller" resale open market and new BTO flats; on supply projection 9:25 On property sales flyers hyping up million-dollar HDB resale flats; the FOMO (fear of missing out) effect, information and prudence 11:42 On possible government levers and measures on demand, how market can find stable baseline over the long term; advice to younger home-buying couples 18:20 On how his own West Coast GRC team fared since the last general election, and following the departure of Mr S Iswaran after corruption charges 24:00 On voter sentiments and housing affordability as an issue for the GE 34:00 What Minister Desmond Lee has learnt about himself as a politician so far, juggling portfolios? On what happens at his Meet-the-People Sessions 39:28 The deeper nuances behind converting the brownfield site for the upcoming new Mount Pleasant BTO housing estate Follow Natasha on her IG account and DM her your thoughts on this topic: https://str.sg/8Wav Follow Natasha on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/v6DN Follow Isabelle Liew on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/Lu6q Read Isabelle Liew's articles: https://str.sg/iqDq Filmed by: Studio+65 Edited by: ST Video (Jacen Tan) Executive producers: Ernest Luis & Lynda Hong Follow The Usual Place Podcast on Thursdays and get notified for new episode drops: Channel: https://str.sg/5nfm Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/9ijX Spotify: https://str.sg/cd2P YouTube: https://str.sg/wEr7u Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 ST Podcasts website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts ST Podcasts YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX #tup #tuptr See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| S1E12: Rooting for our mother tongues in Singapore | 02 Oct 2024 | 00:31:47 | |
Your mother tongue can also be your super power - that’s what our three guests on The Usual Place tell us. Synopsis: The Usual Place host Natasha Ann Zachariah hunts for new perspectives on issues that matter to young people. In this episode, Zhang Xi Ying, a content producer at HeyKaki, C Aishwarya, a branding and promotions executive from Tamil Murasu and Rabiatul Adawiya Binhan, deputy audience and growth editor from Berita Harian, share their views on what it takes to be bilingual. Beyond acquiring another language, your mother tongue helps shape some sense of your identity, and preserve culture and connections with your roots. For one, it’s no longer passe to be fluent in your mother tongue, say Xi Ying and Aishwarya. But sometimes, the struggle to pick it up can be real, adds Rabiatul, who is trying to get her two children to learn Malay. Learning our mother tongues came up at the National Day Rally (NDR) in August 2024. Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, said in his Mandarin speech, that he understood that the Chinese community is “very concerned” about the standard of Mandarin in Singapore. In an effort to spur on students who are strong in their mother tongue, Mr Wong announced that those who do well in these languages at primary school will be able to study it at a higher level from Secondary 1. 5:59 Why learning your mother tongue brings you closer to culture 10:48 Clinging to their culture when they can’t speak their mother tongue 13:42 Mixing English and mother tongue languages to appeal 21:23 Hating on your mother tongue 27:26 Connecting with your mother tongue starts at home Check out the full vodcast here: https://str.sg/sfG2 Follow our guests on HeyKaki, Orang Muda Gitew and இன்னொரு day இன்னொரு slay Follow Natasha on her IG account and DM her your thoughts on this topic: https://str.sg/8Wav Filmed by: Studio+65 Edited by ST Podcast producers: Eden Soh & Teo Tong Kai Executive producers: Ernest Luis & Lynda Hong Follow The Usual Place Podcast here and get notified for new episode drops: Channel: https://str.sg/5nfm Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/9ijX Spotify: https://str.sg/cd2P YouTube: https://str.sg/wEr7u Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 ST Podcast website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts ST Podcasts YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- Get The Straits Times' app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX #tup #tuptr See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| S1E29: EBRC report: What the new electoral boundaries mean for GE2025 | 14 Mar 2025 | 00:37:39 | |
Synopsis: The Usual Place host Natasha Ann Zachariah hunts for new perspectives on issues that matter to young people. Now that we have a clear picture of how the electoral map has changed, what do these changes mean as we head into a general election? To answer that question, Natasha speaks with former nominated Member of Parliament Eugene Tan, an associate professor of law at the Singapore Management University, and Straits Times senior political correspondent Tham Yuen-C. The conversation also dives into the talk of gerrymandering, why the EBRC gave a more detailed explanation of the changes than in past reports, and what political parties have to do now. Highlights (click/tap above): 5:23 Dissecting the talk of gerrymandering 17:43 What's with the double-barrelled GRC names? 23:42 The Jurong GRC split: what does it mean for parties with a presence there? 32:19 Prof Tan and Yuen-C pick the 'hottest' GRCs or SMCs to watch Host: Natasha Ann Zachariah Follow Natasha on her IG account and DM her your thoughts on this topic: https://str.sg/8Wav Follow Natasha on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/v6DN Edited by ST Podcast producers: Teo Tong Kai & Eden Soh Executive producers: Ernest Luis & Lynda Hong Follow The Usual Place Podcast on Thursdays and get notified for new episode drops: Channel: https://str.sg/5nfm Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/9ijX Spotify: https://str.sg/cd2P YouTube: https://str.sg/wEr7u Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 ST Podcasts website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts ST Podcasts YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX #tup #tuptr See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| S1E28: Fighting cancer in their 30s: These are Hannah's and Samuel's stories | 06 Mar 2025 | 00:38:04 | |
Are we talking enough about health checks and the possibility of cancer for young adults? Synopsis: The Usual Place host Natasha Ann Zachariah hunts for new perspectives on issues that matter to young people. When she was about 35 years old, stay-at-home mother Hannah Seow discovered she had breast cancer after a self-examination. Her diagnosis came about two years after her youngest child, Caleb, died. For Samuel Ng, a month-long on-and-off fever was a sign that there was a deeper issue. In January 2024, after a blood test, he got the dreaded call. His report was “unfavourable”. Soon after, he was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. While dealing with cancer, he was laid off from his job. In this episode, Natasha chats with Hannah, now 37, and Samuel, 35, about how it feels to get cancer as young adults, their mindsets through their journeys, and if they want to be known as cancer survivors. According to the Singapore Cancer Registry Annual Report 2022, while cancer remains largely a disease of older age, more young people are being diagnosed with cancer. Between 2008 and 2012, the age groups with the most rapid increases in the age-specific incidence of cancer were all under 50 years old - with those aged between 30 and 39 registering the largest differences. This trend is also reflected globally, with Global Burden of Diseases data showing an increasing trend of cancer among younger age groups, with a 79 per cent increase in “early onset” – under 50 years old – cancer globally between 1990 and 2019. To celebrate the lives of those who have battled cancer and those still fighting against the disease, the Singapore Cancer Society has organised Relay For Life (RFL) once again. The annual overnight event from March 8-9 comprises a 100km physical relay event at the National Stadium, as well as a virtual challenge component. While registration for the physical relay has closed, donations to RFL remain open until March 23, 2025. Donate at www.scsrelayforlife.sg. Highlights (click/tap above): 1:32 How did Hannah and Samuel find out they had cancer? 10:39 What was it like telling people about their diagnoses? 27:46 Should Samuel disclose his cancer diagnosis to a potential employer? 33:57 Do Hannah and Samuel want to leave their cancer story out of their identities? Follow Singapore Cancer Society: https://www.instagram.com/sgcancersociety/?hl=en Host: Natasha Ann Zachariah Follow Natasha on her IG account and DM her your thoughts on this topic: https://str.sg/8Wav Follow Natasha on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/v6DN Edited by ST Podcast producers: Teo Tong Kai & Eden Soh Executive producers: Ernest Luis & Lynda Hong Follow The Usual Place Podcast on Thursdays and get notified for new episode drops: Channel: https://str.sg/5nfm Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/9ijX Spotify: https://str.sg/cd2P YouTube: https://str.sg/wEr7u Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 ST Podcasts website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts ST Podcasts YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX #tup #tuptr See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| S1E27: Workers' Party's Gerald Giam on how he sees politics | 27 Feb 2025 | 00:34:49 | |
The Aljunied GRC MP chats about his first term as an elected MP and being from an opposition party. Synopsis: The Usual Place host Natasha Ann Zachariah hunts for new perspectives on issues that matter to young people. The episode was filmed on Feb 14. 2:10 “Sports is very much like politics in many ways.” Host: Natasha Zachariah (natashaz@sph.com.sg) Follow Natasha on her IG account and DM her your thoughts on this topic: https://str.sg/8Wav Follow Natasha on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/v6DN Edited by ST Podcast producers: Teo Tong Kai & Eden Soh Executive producers: Ernest Luis & Lynda Hong Follow The Usual Place Podcast on Thursdays and get notified for new episode drops: Channel: https://str.sg/5nfm Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/9ijX Spotify: https://str.sg/cd2P YouTube: https://str.sg/wEr7u Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 ST Podcasts website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts ST Podcasts YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX #tup #tuptr See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| S1E26: How did Budget 2025 stack up? The Usual Place Podcast breaks it down | 21 Feb 2025 | 01:06:50 | |
Synopsis: The Usual Place host Natasha Ann Zachariah hunts for new perspectives on issues that matter to young people. 1. Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office, and Second Minister for Finance and National Development Indranee Rajah 2. Singapore University of Social Science Associate Professor and labour economist Walter Theseira 3. Singapore Business Federation (SBF) chief policy officer Musa Fazal Joining Natasha as a co-host is Claire Huang, senior business correspondent at The Straits Times. Were you expecting something for everyone, or did you feel more could be done? Listen to this episode and connect with Natasha after. Highlights (click/tap above): 9:20 We should see the Budget in a larger context, says Ms Indranee 18:34 Why give out CDC vouchers instead of tackling food prices? 43:30 “This Budget has something for everyone. You just need to know where to find it.”: Ms Indranee 50:41 The matter of becoming parents - or not - is a complex one, says Ms Indranee 56:31 With spending expected to rise, what’s the plan for Singapore going forward? 1:05:46 Is this an Election Budget? Follow Natasha on her IG account and DM her your thoughts on this topic: https://str.sg/8Wav Follow Natasha on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/v6DN Produced and edited by: Teo Tong Kai and Eden Soh Executive producer: Ernest Luis Filmed by: Studio+65 Follow The Usual Place Podcast on Thursdays and get notified for new episode drops: Channel: https://str.sg/5nfm Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/9ijX Spotify: https://str.sg/cd2P YouTube: https://str.sg/wEr7u Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 ST Podcasts website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts ST Podcasts YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX #tup #tuptr See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| S1E25: Saving our old buildings from obscurity: What can young people do? | 20 Feb 2025 | 00:31:38 | |
Can young people revive Singapore’s old buildings? Synopsis: The Usual Place host Natasha Ann Zachariah hunts for new perspectives on issues that matter to young people. Organised by The Straits Times in partnership with the Singapore Land Authority (SLA), the event drew more than 80 people in an intimate setting at The Foundry in Prinsep Link, which was the former Elections Department building. The two guests on the show were SLA’s chief executive Colin Low and Mr Ng Wee Liang, a real estate university student, who creates social media content on Singapore heritage, arts and culture. But he argued they should have accessible programming and business rather than catering only to a more affluent crowd, which might limit their appeal to younger Singaporeans. For SLA, the challenge is to find the “right formula” for each space, rather than going with the bidder offering the highest rent. 1:27 How do we get younger people to care about heritage spaces? 18:57 How does SLA find the “right formula” for the spaces it manages? More on: State properties for rent: https://app.sla.gov.sg/spio Link up with SLA: https://sg.linkedin.com/company/singapore-land-authority Listen to the other filmed live podcast at The Foundry: Using music to better reach out to seniors: https://str.sg/FF9T Follow Wee Liang on social media (@ngweeliang_) Host: Natasha Zachariah (natashaz@sph.com.sg) Follow Natasha on her IG account and DM her your thoughts on this topic: https://str.sg/8Wav Follow Natasha on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/v6DN Produced by: ST Podcast Team & ST Outreach & Engagement Team Edited by: Eden Soh and Teo Tong Kai Executive producers: Ernest Luis & Lynda Hong Follow The Usual Place Podcast on Thursdays and get notified for new episode drops: Channel: https://str.sg/5nfm Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/9ijX Spotify: https://str.sg/cd2P YouTube: https://str.sg/wEr7u Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 ST Podcasts website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts ST Podcasts YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX #tup #tuptr See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| S1E24: At The Usual Place with Sun Xueling | 31 Jan 2025 | 00:36:06 | |
The MP for Punggol West SMC first joined the People's Action Party as a member 25 years ago after becoming a volunteer to help with Meet-The-People sessions. Synopsis: On Thursdays, The Usual Place host Natasha Ann Zachariah hunts for new perspectives on issues that matter to young people. Also, in the lead-up to the expected general election that must be held by November 2025, Natasha looks at how MPs, and others involved, are preparing themselves. In this episode, Ms Sun Xueling, Minister of State for Home Affairs, and Social and Family Development, chats with Natasha about her experiences from 25 years of Meet-The-People sessions since she first got involved on the ground at the age of 20. Besides juggling her roles in two ministries and as the MP for Punggol West SMC, Ms Sun is also an author who has written books for children. The mother of two girls shares her thoughts on balancing work and passion, along with advice for anyone looking to pursue a side hustle. Highlights (click/tap above): 5:41 The need to raise the alarm with the authorities 12:06 Why do Singaporeans keep getting scammed? 22:08 Why Ms Sun started volunteering at Meet-The-People sessions 25 years ago 27:49 “I just feel like I'm just an ordinary person...” 34:15 Her advice for those who want to pursue a passion on the side Host: Natasha Zachariah (natashaz@sph.com.sg) Follow Natasha on her IG account and DM her your thoughts on this topic: https://str.sg/8Wav Follow Natasha on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/v6DN Edited by ST Podcast producers: Teo Tong Kai & Eden Soh Executive producers: Ernest Luis & Lynda Hong Follow The Usual Place Podcast on Thursdays and get notified for new episode drops: Channel: https://str.sg/5nfm Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/9ijX Spotify: https://str.sg/cd2P YouTube: https://str.sg/wEr7u Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 ST Podcast website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts ST Podcasts YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- Get The Straits Times' app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX #tup #tuptr See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| S1E23: Bringing home your (fur)baby: Ready to be a first-time pet owner? | 23 Jan 2025 | 00:39:04 | |
If you’re toying with the idea of getting a pet, the first question to ask yourself is: Are you ready for the time, financial, and emotional commitment? Synopsis: The Usual Place host Natasha Ann Zachariah hunts for new perspectives on issues that matter to young people. Before anyone becomes a pet owner, they should do a lot of research about the breed or type of animal they want to adopt, and what their specific needs are, said Jamie. His advice: Ask yourself honestly if you’re ready for a long-term commitment with a pet. Highlights (click/tap above): 3:40 How will I know if I’m ready for a pet Host: Natasha Zachariah (natashaz@sph.com.sg) Follow Natasha on her IG account and DM her your thoughts on this topic: https://str.sg/8Wav Follow Natasha on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/v6DN Edited by ST Podcast producers: Eden Soh & Teo Tong Kai Executive producers: Ernest Luis & Lynda Hong Follow The Usual Place Podcast here and get notified for new episode drops: Channel: https://str.sg/5nfm Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/9ijX Spotify: https://str.sg/cd2P YouTube: https://str.sg/wEr7u Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 ST Podcast website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts ST Podcasts YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- Get The Straits Times' app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX #tup #tuptr See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| S1E61: Is it just a rent issue? What’s really killing Singapore’s F&B businesses? | 04 Sep 2025 | 00:44:03 | |
As a nation of foodies, we watch the food and beverage (F&B) scene closely to see who comes and goes. Synopsis: Join Natasha Ann Zachariah at The Usual Place every Thursday as she unpacks the latest current affairs with guests. In recent months, the headlines have been dominated by farewells as home-grown restaurants, bakeries, bars and even dining chains have called it a day. This week’s casualty: Prive Group, which operated cafes and the Empress restaurant at the Asian Civilisations Museum. Its restaurants closed on Aug 31. It has been a difficult year for the industry, which has seen other big names such as Eggslut and Burger & Lobster exit, modern European restaurants Imbue and one-Michelin-starred Poise shutter, and popular chains like Haidilao close outlets. Is it just about rent hikes, and could it be that we, as diners, are part of the problem - always chasing the next hot concept? In this episode of The Usual Place, I spoke with two veterans who are in the F&B scene in different ways:
Highlights (click/tap above): 6:08 Bjorn explains why F&B owners have no choice at times but to pay higher rents 9:10 Are landlords the problem or are manpower costs a bigger issue? 12:53 “It’s always about chasing something new,” says Eunice on food trends; Crazy about Chinese and Korean cuisine now? 17:45 Singaporeans are not as adventurous as we think we are, says Bjorn about our foodie nation status 27:49 Should the Government step in with measures to help F&B business owners? 36:50 Singapore vs other countries: Bjorn breaks down what works and what doesn’t Host: Natasha Ann Zachariah (natashaz@sph.com.sg) Read Natasha’s articles: https://str.sg/iSXm Follow Natasha on her IG account and DM her your thoughts on this topic: https://www.instagram.com/theusualplacepodcast Follow Natasha on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/v6DN Follow STFood Online on IG: https://www.instagram.com/straitstimesfood Filmed by: Studio+65 Edited by: Eden Soh, Teo Tong Kai & Natasha Liew Executive producers: Danson Cheong, Elizabeth Khor & Ernest Luis Follow The Usual Place Podcast and get notified for new episode drops every Thursday: Channel: https://str.sg/5nfm Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/9ijX Spotify: https://str.sg/cd2P YouTube: https://str.sg/theusualplacepodcast Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 Get more updates: http://str.sg/stpodcasts --- Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX -- #tup #tuptr See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| S1E60: ‘It makes me want to spam-apply’: Fresh grads tell Tan See Leng about tough job market | 28 Aug 2025 | 00:55:51 | |
Synopsis: Join Natasha Ann Zachariah at The Usual Place every Thursday as she unpacks the latest current affairs with guests. Headlines about the job prospects of fresh graduates haven’t been reassuring lately. And reports over the last year indicate that more graduates are struggling to land full-time roles, with more taking on freelance, part-time or temporary work. Some young people document their job hunting processes on social media, lamenting that they send out as many as 100 resumes over a few months and go for multiple interviews, but nothing lands. On Aug 22, the Government announced a new traineeship scheme to help new graduates gain industry-relevant experience and skills that will help them transition into full-time employment. Under the Graduate Industry Traineeships (GRIT) and GRIT@Gov programmes, up to 800 positions for a period of three to six months across various private and public sectors will be available. How will this programme make a difference for graduates worried about their career prospects? And what does the current landscape mean for young people trying to get their first full-time job? In this episode of The Usual Place, Manpower Minister Tan See Leng addressed feedback about Grit and shared his thoughts about how graduates can navigate an uncertain and challenging job market.
Highlights (click/tap above): 7:38 GRIT scheme is about addressing anxieties ahead of a slowdown: Dr Tan 16:30 Keep open mind, be flexible: Dr Tan’s tips for fresh grads on what an ideal career is 20:35 Getting rejected frequently pushed Dave to apply for random jobs in a rage 27:59 How Syakir feels about putting himself out in a gloomy job market; Dave on becoming a TikTok livestreamer 47:03 Will the lower salary offered in the GRIT programme cause companies to low-ball new staff? 53:23 Advice & tips to peers: Syakir & Dave Host: Natasha Ann Zachariah (natashaz@sph.com.sg) Read Natasha’s articles: https://str.sg/iSXm Follow Natasha on her IG account and DM her your thoughts on this topic: https://www.instagram.com/theusualplacepodcast Follow Natasha on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/v6DN Filmed by: Studio+65 Edited by: Teo Tong Kai & Eden Soh Executive producers: Ernest Luis, Lynda Hong, Danson Cheong & Elizabeth Khor Follow The Usual Place Podcast and get notified for new episode drops every Thursday: SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 Get more updates: http://str.sg/stpodcasts The Usual Place Podcast YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX --- #tup #tuptr See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| S1E51: Running clubs: Should you join one to improve your mindset and lifestyle? | 12 Jun 2025 | 00:31:13 | |
Some see them as dating opportunities, while for others, it's a chance to learn more about themselves. 9:26 Is running the new 'dating trend'? Importance of community too, to support running newbies --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 ST Podcasts website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts The Usual Place Podcast YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX ---
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| S1E50: Chasing clout on LinkedIn: the fine line between being real and self-serving | 05 Jun 2025 | 00:45:10 | |
Can we be real when it comes to celebrating professional milestones and branding ourselves? Synopsis: The Usual Place host Natasha Ann Zachariah hunts for new perspectives on issues that matter to young people. A recent viral post on LinkedIn has cast the spotlight on how some users have pushed content about their jobs and professional endeavours into something more self-serving and performative. Just a couple of weeks ago, Ms Janney Hujic shared about what she claimed was a “chance encounter” with former DBS CEO Piyush Gupta in a cafe in Bali, where she praised his “quiet conviction” and how he had shared wise words for her upcoming all-women’s expedition in Mongolia. The whole thing turned out to be a fake interaction. But it sparked a conversation about humble bragging, toxic positivity or exaggerating professional interactions in the quest to stand out on LinkedIn. In this episode of The Usual Place, Ms Crystal Lim-Lange - co-founder of Forest Wolf, a leadership consultancy that specialises in leadership transformation and personal growth - dropped by to talk about how we can be real when it comes to celebrating professional milestones and branding ourselves. Our conversation also turned to the importance of career visibility, how this incident highlights about the temptation to appear connected or successful, and how to avoid being performative. Highlights (click/tap above): 2:12 Many reasons why people show up differently on social media 4:05 The casual racism behind the viral LinkedIn post, and why we need to be conscious of what we say 8:16 Career visibility is important, but when does it become self-serving or a humblebrag? 13:59 Crystal’s checklist for her LinkedIn posts: Is it educational, entertaining or inspirational? 20:20 What does building career visibility entail? 30:39 Record and share insights from your work, avoid being performative to sell yourself 36:07 How do we recover from a professional gaffe? Ms Lim-Lange’s Comfort and Growth podcast is available on: Spotify: https://str.sg/bTzR YouTube: https://str.sg/9Bhh Host: Natasha Ann Zachariah (natashaz@sph.com.sg) Read Natasha’s articles: https://str.sg/iSXm Follow Natasha on her IG account and DM her your thoughts on this topic: https://str.sg/8Wav Follow Natasha on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/v6DN Filmed by ST Video: Joel Chng and T Kumar Edited by ST Podcast producers: Teo Tong Kai, Eden Soh and Natasha Liew ST Podcasts’ executive producer: Ernest Luis Follow The Usual Place Podcast and get notified for new episode drops: Channel: https://str.sg/5nfm Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/9ijX Spotify: https://str.sg/cd2P YouTube: https://str.sg/wEr7u Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 ST Podcasts website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts The Usual Place Podcast YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX --- #tup #tuptr See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| S1E49: All in the family: What keeps these next-gen F&B owners cooking | 29 May 2025 | 00:38:08 | |
For those running businesses in the food and beverage (F&B) scene, 2024 hit a record that wasn’t quite comforting. Synopsis: The Usual Place host Natasha Ann Zachariah hunts for new perspectives on issues that matter to young people. The F&B industry saw 3,047 closures – an almost-20-year record high. In spite of rising rental rates and food costs, many still want to give the F&B business a shot, as demonstrated by over 3,790 new eateries being opened in the same period last year. In an industry that is increasingly tougher to run, young business owners taking over their family business also have a challenge of future-proofing their business. To find out more about what’s it like to take over their family businesses, I speak with Mr Ernest Ting, 34, director at Swee Choon Tim Sum Restaurant, and Ms Maria Didih, 37, head of operations at Hjh Maimunah. For Ernest, a third-generation owner of a handmade dim sum business that was opened by his grandparents in 1962, that means taking a fresh approach to menu offerings and expanding the business. Maria, a second-generation owner who runs the restaurant that makes kampung-style Malay dishes, sauces, and pastes business with her sisters, said that it’s about “being creative and keeping up with the times”, instead of solely banking on an established name. As Ernest puts it: “It’s not the easiest to do. I think it’s getting even harder. I always tell new people who want to start F&B to ‘think twice’.” Highlights (click/tap above): 1:34 What these next-generation of F&B owners think about the high number of business closures 4:36 “Singaporeans really know how to eat, so our food better be of decent quality,” says Ernest 5:21 Social media may misrepresent the life – and stresses – of an F&B owner 8:22 Why did Maria and Ernest agree to join the family business? 11:27 Reservations about joining a business with strong legacy and reputation 16:03 How to get the older generation of owners and staff excited about their creative ideas 21:10 “We’re all custodians of Singapore’s food heritage,” says Ernest 34:30 A “compulsory thing”: Maria on how social media changed the way they do business 36:00 What if the next generation doesn’t want to take over the business? Host: Natasha Zachariah (natashaz@sph.com.sg) Read Natasha’s articles: https://str.sg/iSXm Follow Natasha on her IG account and DM her your thoughts on this episode: https://str.sg/8Wav Follow Natasha on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/v6DN Filmed by: Studio+65 ST Podcast producers: Teo Tong Kai & Eden Soh Executive producer: Ernest Luis Follow The Usual Place Podcast and get notified for new episode drops: Channel: https://str.sg/5nfm Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/9ijX Spotify: https://str.sg/cd2P YouTube: https://str.sg/wEr7u Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 ST Podcasts website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts ST Podcasts YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX #tup #tuptr See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| S1E48: What PM Wong’s new Cabinet line-up signals for succession | 22 May 2025 | 00:43:25 | |
The votes are in, the general election is over, and a new Parliament is taking shape. Synopsis: The Usual Place host Natasha Ann Zachariah hunts for new perspectives on issues that matter to young people. The last piece of the GE2025 chapter was unveiled on May 21: Prime Minister Lawrence Wong’s Cabinet line-up, which had a few surprises including just one deputy prime minister (DPM) position and a bumper crop of seven newly-elected MPs taking on political office. In this episode of The Usual Place Podcast, I unpack the post-GE2025 Cabinet line-up with Singapore Management University law don Eugene Tan and Ms Nydia Ngiow, the managing director of strategic advisory firm BowerGroupAsia. For Prof Tan, not having a second DPM was a surprise move, and he noted that PM Wong is “breaking that particular trend”. Going into the next term of government, Ms Ngiow said the much-talked about 4G leadership renewal is in place. Given the publicity and talk around the new faces during the general election, she added: “We can expect that the public will definitely scrutinise this Parliament and Cabinet a bit more closely. All eyes will be on how the 4G leaders will then be helping to lead and guide the younger generations moving forward.” Highlights (click/tap above): 7:51 Are Ministers Ong Ye Kung and Chan Chun Sing the front runners for the other DPM spot? 10:16 On moving National Development Minister Desmond Lee to the Ministry of Education 22:53 A bumper crop of people with “political office holder potential” sets the scene for leadership renewal: Prof Tan 29:01 On Dr Faishal Ibrahim’s appointment as Acting Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs 31:27 Will we see labour chief Ng Chee Meng back in government at a later time? 40:55 Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong’s role in this Government Host: Natasha Zachariah (natashaz@sph.com.sg) Read Natasha’s articles: https://str.sg/iSXm Follow Natasha on her IG account and DM her your thoughts on this episode: https://str.sg/8Wav Follow Natasha on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/v6DN Filmed by ST Video: Joel Chng, Marc Justin De Souza and Rubeen Raj Edited by ST Podcast producers: Teo Tong Kai and Eden Soh Executive producer: Ernest Luis Follow The Usual Place Podcast and get notified for new episode drops: Channel: https://str.sg/5nfm Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/9ijX Spotify: https://str.sg/cd2P YouTube: https://str.sg/wEr7u Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 ST Podcasts website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts ST Podcasts YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX #tup #tuptr See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| S1E47: Online shaming, public blow-ups: Can we talk civilly without labels or rage? | 15 May 2025 | 00:44:21 | |
When it comes to hard conversations, are we quick to shame, label others or lash out? Synopsis: The Usual Place host Natasha Ann Zachariah hunts for new perspectives on issues that matter to young people. In this episode, we explore why it’s so hard to unpack difficult topics without getting angry, rude, or shutting down. Whether it’s inconsiderate commuters, vaccine debates, or matters about race, we now have to navigate more difficult conversations. And more people seem on edge – both online and offline. So how can we have a discussion about issues that matter without blowing up or checking out? Natasha sits down with Ms Audrey Low, founder of leadership consultancy Designing Trust, and Ms Kuik Shiao-Yin, cultural change strategist and founder of Common Ground Civic Centre and Consultancy, to unpack Singaporeans’ seemingly short fuses, public shaming and mob justice, and explore how we can respond more constructively. They also talk about why labelling people as “woke” or “social justice warriors” can shut down discussions even before they start. Highlights (click/tap above): 3:14 Are Singaporeans an angry bunch? 6:50 The psyche of trolls and why people drop rude comments 10:09 What do cavalier, unkind comments say those who post them? 18:33 Why discussions about racial issues get heated? 24:50 Using labels like “woke” and “social justice warrior” can shut down conversations 37:38 How to be open to perspectives that they don’t agree with Host: Natasha Zachariah (natashaz@sph.com.sg) Read Natasha’s articles: https://str.sg/iSXm Follow Natasha on her IG account and DM her your thoughts on this episode: https://str.sg/8Wav Follow Natasha on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/v6DN Filmed by: Studio+65 ST Podcast producers: Teo Tong Kai & Eden Soh Executive producer: Ernest Luis Follow The Usual Place Podcast and get notified for new episode drops: Channel: https://str.sg/5nfm Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/9ijX Spotify: https://str.sg/cd2P YouTube: https://str.sg/wEr7u Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 ST Podcasts website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts ST Podcasts YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX #tup #tuptr See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| S1E1: Landslide win: PAP gets 65.57% of votes in Singapore general election | 03 May 2025 | 00:08:55 | |
Singapore's 2025 general election was held on May 3, and the ruling People's Action Party won 65.57 per cent of the national vote, a commanding swing up from its 61.24 per cent share in 2020. The ruling party won 87 seats out of the contested 97, securing a majority in Parliament. The opposition Workers' Party retained two GRCs in Aljunied and Sengkang, and one SMC in Hougang. This election gave Prime Minister Lawrence Wong the clear mandate that he had sought, in his first electoral contest as head of government and leader of the PAP. Narrated by: Ernest Luis (ernest@sph.com.sg) Produced & edited by: Hadyu Rahim, Teo Tong Kai & Amirul Karim Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg --- Follow more podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 ST Podcasts website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts ST Podcasts YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX #asianinsider #tuptrs See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| S1E46: GE2025: Trailing candidates, squeezing into rallies - covering the campaign as young journalists | 01 May 2025 | 00:23:23 | |
Christie Chiu, Wong Yang and Isabelle Kumar - young journalists with The Straits Times - reflect on their experiences and insights. Synopsis: Every noon from April 24 till May 1 - a day before Cooling-off Day - The Usual Place moves to a half-hour daily livestream - with Singapore's general election on May 3. Host and ST correspondent Natasha Ann Zachariah invites candidates, analysts and hunts for new perspectives on issues that matter. Joining her on the couch are young reporters Wong Yang and Christie Chiu, along with their video colleague Isabelle Kumar. Beyond witnessing the election unfold up close through their work, Wong Yang and Christie Chiu, along with their video colleague Isabelle Kumar, are also experiencing it from a personal angle – as first-time voters. What have their own Gen Z friends been saying to them about similar experiences that helped shape their approach to content ideas? Highlights (click/tap above): 3:26 Christie and Yang’s response to being labelled the ‘Gen Z version’ of TV presenters Glenda Chong and Steven Chia 7:53 Did being reporters help them learn anything for themselves as young first-time voters? 8:54 Their rally experiences 13:50 “They are also human” - Isabelle on her observations while filming candidates like PAP’s Foo Cexiang and WP’s Alexis Dang 19:14 “Be kind” to one another - the trio’s key personal takeaways from GE2025 Today’s shirt worn by Natasha was sponsored by Good Addition. Host: Natasha Zachariah (natashaz@sph.com.sg) Read Natasha’s articles: https://str.sg/iSXm Follow Natasha on her IG account and DM her your thoughts on this episode: https://str.sg/8Wav Follow Natasha on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/v6DN Filmed by: Studio+65 ST Podcast producers: Teo Tong Kai & Eden Soh Shorts edited by: ST Video Executive producers: Ernest Luis, Danson Cheong and Lynda Hong Follow The Usual Place Podcast and get notified for new episode drops: Channel: https://str.sg/5nfm Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/9ijX Spotify: https://str.sg/cd2P YouTube: https://str.sg/wEr7u Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 ST Podcasts website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts ST Podcasts YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX #tup #tuptr See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| S1E45: GE2025: WP’s Sengkang team on going from new faces to first-term MPs | 30 Apr 2025 | 00:46:10 | |
Newcomer Abdul Muhaimin Abdul Malik joins his experienced teammates on the couch. Synopsis: The Usual Place now moves to a half-hour daily livestream at noon from April 24 till May 1 - a day before Cooling-off Day - with Singapore's general election on May 3. Host and ST correspondent Natasha Ann Zachariah invites candidates, analysts and hunts for new perspectives on issues that matter to young people. Joining her on the couch are Ms He Ting Ru, 41; Associate Professor Jamus Lim, 49; and Mr Louis Chua, 37, who are contesting Sengkang GRC again – this time with newcomer Abdul Muhaimin, 36. As first-term MPs, they had to navigate both constituency work and team dynamics after winning Sengkang GRC in GE2020 with 52.13 per cent of the vote – the biggest upset of the election then. The WP took 60,136 votes, while the PAP got 55,214 votes. Since then, have there been any growing pains, and how has their working relationship evolved? How do they split roles in the team? Natasha asks them how they feel about winning Sengkang in the last election, and what they’re learning so far during campaigning for GE2025. Highlights (click/tap above): 0:59 One theme from the ground that needs to be examined beyond GE2025 6:33 Being yourself - new candidate Mr Muhaimin on advice he gets from his teammates during campaigning 12:20 How they react to party leaders’ statements on WP fielding its strongest slate in many years 24:15 Prof Lim on advice given to new candidate Michael Thng for the recent national TV roundtable discussion? 33:34 “Such language was not used in volunteer chat groups or with residents”: Mr Chua on Mr Andre Low’s leaked Telegram messages from a private chat among his business school classmates 41:01 Game Time! What are some apps they wish they would use less on the phone Host: Natasha Zachariah (natashaz@sph.com.sg) Read Natasha’s articles: https://str.sg/iSXm Follow Natasha on her IG account and DM her your thoughts on this episode: https://str.sg/8Wav Follow Natasha on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/v6DN Filmed by: Studio+65 ST Podcast producers: Teo Tong Kai & Eden Soh Shorts edited by: ST Video Executive producers: Ernest Luis, Danson Cheong and Lynda Hong Follow The Usual Place Podcast and get notified for new episode drops: Channel: https://str.sg/5nfm Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/9ijX Spotify: https://str.sg/cd2P YouTube: https://str.sg/wEr7u Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 ST Podcasts website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts ST Podcasts YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX #tup #tuptr See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| S1E44: GE2025: How did RDU go from contesting 1 constituency in 2020 to 4 this year? | 29 Apr 2025 | 00:39:37 | |
RDU has the second-highest number of opposition candidates. Synopsis: The Usual Place now moves to a half-hour daily livestream at noon from April 24 till May 1 - a day before Cooling-off Day - with Singapore's general election on May 3. Host and ST correspondent Natasha Ann Zachariah invites candidates, analysts and hunts for new perspectives on issues that matter to young people. Red Dot United (RDU) is a very young political party, formed only in 2020 when it contested just one constituency – Jurong GRC – with a team of five candidates. Fast forward five years, and RDU is now fielding the second-highest number of opposition candidates in this election, behind the WP’s 26 candidates. RDU’s 15 candidates are contesting four constituencies, going head-to-head with the PAP. How did the party scale up from a one-GRC showing in 2020 to four constituencies today? Joining Natasha in this episode are Ms Liyana Dhamirah, 38, and her teammate Marcus Neo, 33 - part of the party’s team contesting Jurong East-Bukit Batok GRC - and Ms Kala Manickam, 57, candidate for Jurong Central SMC. Highlights (click/tap above): 2:35 How a relatively new party like RDU managed to field the second largest number of opposition candidates 23:27 Ms Kala on switching from Jalan Kayu SMC to Jurong Central SMC 36:23 Game time! Kopi-O kosong, bubble tea, teh tarik - what’s your favourite drink? Host: Natasha Zachariah (natashaz@sph.com.sg) Read Natasha’s articles: https://str.sg/iSXm Follow Natasha on her IG account and DM her your thoughts on this episode: https://str.sg/8Wav Follow Natasha on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/v6DN Filmed by: Studio+65 ST Podcast producers: Teo Tong Kai & Eden Soh Shorts edited by: ST Video Executive producers: Ernest Luis, Danson Cheong and Lynda Hong Follow The Usual Place Podcast and get notified for new episode drops: Channel: https://str.sg/5nfm Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/9ijX Spotify: https://str.sg/cd2P YouTube: https://str.sg/wEr7u Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 ST Podcasts website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts ST Podcasts YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX #tup #tuptr See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| S1E43: GE2025: GST, tight contests - Analysts react to PAP’s Fullerton rally | 28 Apr 2025 | 00:47:35 | |
Three seasoned political observers analyse and offer talking points. Synopsis: The Usual Place now moves to a half-hour daily livestream at noon from April 24 till May 1 - a day before Cooling-off Day - with Singapore's general election on May 3. Host and ST correspondent Natasha Ann Zachariah invites candidates, analysts and hunts for new perspectives on issues that matter to young people. The People’s Action Party held the first lunchtime election rally of GE2025 at noon on April 28 at the promenade area beside UOB Plaza. The PAP’s secretary-general and Singapore’s Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, along with other party members, addressed Singaporeans. The Fullerton rally, named for its venue being close to Fullerton Square, has in the past attracted thousands of office workers. The area has been a venue for political rallies since 1959, when the earliest Singapore political parties took to the podium there. Chatting with Natasha at The Usual Place are Dr Gillian Koh, senior research fellow from the Institute of Policy Studies, Dr Rebecca Grace Tan, a political science lecturer from the National University of Singapore, and Dr Felix Tan, an independent political observer. Highlights (click/tap above): 1:35 How the new PAP candidates fared in their speeches at the Fullerton rally 6:17 Was there a lack of specifics from new PAP candidates on their motivation to join politics? 15:57 Thoughts on PAP’s opposition to the opposition parties 22:50 Is DPM Gan Kim Yong in danger of losing Punggol GRC? 25:47 Did GST turbocharge inflation in Singapore? 40:35 Will the PAP get a clear mandate from the ballot box on Polling Day? Host: Natasha Zachariah (natashaz@sph.com.sg) Read Natasha’s articles: https://str.sg/iSXm Follow Natasha on her IG account and DM her your thoughts on this episode: https://str.sg/8Wav Follow Natasha on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/v6DN Filmed by: Studio+65 ST Podcast producers: Teo Tong Kai & Eden Soh Shorts edited by: ST Video Executive producers: Ernest Luis, Danson Cheong and Lynda Hong Follow The Usual Place Podcast and get notified for new episode drops: Channel: https://str.sg/5nfm Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/9ijX Spotify: https://str.sg/cd2P YouTube: https://str.sg/wEr7u Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 ST Podcasts website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts ST Podcasts YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX #tup #tuptr See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| S1E59: PM Wong’s NDR speech lacks ‘bitter medicine’: Jeremy Tan | 21 Aug 2025 | 00:42:49 | |
How Singapore can truly be a ‘we first’ society. Synopsis: Join Natasha Ann Zachariah at The Usual Place every Thursday as she unpacks the latest current affairs with guests. “It’s not ‘I’ or ‘me’. It’s ‘we’. To keep Singapore going, we must be a ‘we first’ society.” This was Prime Minister Lawrence Wong’s rallying call to strengthen the Singaporean Spirit – to put the welfare of the community ahead of individual interest. It came towards the end of his National Day Rally address on Aug 17, perhaps as a reminder that the way forward is not only paved by policies meant to fix problems. PM Wong’s first NDR speech after the 2025 General Election emphasised that “when the whole is strong, each of us becomes stronger too”. This message built on what was put forth during the Forward Singapore exercise – launched by the country’s fourth-generation team of political leaders – to refresh Singapore’s social compact and build a shared future. But how does this rallying call resonate with Singaporeans? In this episode of The Usual Place, Natasha hosts Dr Rebecca Grace Tan, a political science lecturer at the National University of Singapore, and Mr Jeremy Tan, who ran as an independent candidate for Mountbatten SMC at GE2025. They chat about PM Wong’s style of governance, and why he emphasised that Singapore needs to be a “we first” society to keep going. Highlights (click/tap above): 4:34 Why Jeremy wanted PM Wong to give Singaporeans the “bitter medicine” 7:45 Were the expectations of big announcements warranted? 9:18 “The disconnect is something that needs to be addressed”: Jeremy 16:15 Does PM Wong’s style of delegating announcements to his colleagues work? 21:00 PM Wong’s rally call dichotomy: Empowering Singaporeans, yet slightly paternalistic? 28:06 The big question about PM Wong’s We First message: What can be the new approach? Host: Natasha Ann Zachariah (natashaz@sph.com.sg) Read Natasha’s articles: https://str.sg/iSXm Follow Natasha on her IG account and DM her your thoughts on this topic: https://www.instagram.com/theusualplacepodcast Follow Natasha on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/v6DN Filmed by: Studio+65 Edited by: Teo Tong Kai & Eden Soh Executive producers: Ernest Luis, Lynda Hong, Danson Cheong & Elizabeth Khor Follow The Usual Place Podcast and get notified for new episode drops every Thursday: SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 Get more updates: http://str.sg/stpodcasts The Usual Place Podcast YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX --- #tup #tuptr See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||