Yah Lah But

Janadas Devan, Chairman of the Singapore International Foundation’s (SIF) Board of Governors, reflects on Singapore’s 60-year journey from unexpected independence to forging a national identity. He recalls how leaders like Lee Kuan Yew and S. Rajaratnam once doubted Singapore’s survival, and we discuss the impact of policies, lived experiences, and institutions have had on social cohesion in Singa...

Singapore’s 15th Parliament opened with President Tharman’s call for a “we first” mindset, Speaker Seah warning MPs not to treat Parliament like TikTok, and Pritam Singh promising WP will play its part in raising Parliament’s standing. Plus, on Pulau Ubin, a man refused to pay the $5 boat fare, got stranded, and ended up chartering another boat back for $48. 𝙎𝙥𝙤𝙣𝙨𝙤𝙧 – 𝙎𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙖𝙥𝙤𝙧𝙚 𝙄𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙣𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙖𝙡 𝙁𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙙...

The IPS post-election survey after GE2025 reveals cost of living as the top voter concern, with PAP and WP credibility scores converging and younger voters showing surprising support for the status quo. Plus, a TikToker sparks a heated debate about the lack of halal food at IKEA Alexandra. 𝗢𝗻𝗲 𝗦𝗵𝗶𝗼𝗸 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 Haresh: Chinese YouTuber builds a metro station for his cats Terence: China holds military pa...

Stephanie Tan, CEC member of the Progress Singapore Party (PSP), sits down with us to discuss her journey from lawyer to civil servant to homemaker and finally to opposition candidate in GE2025. She reflects on her roundtable debut, the realities of campaigning, her policy convictions, why she chose PSP over other parties and their strategy post-GE2025. 𝗙𝗼𝗹𝗸𝗹𝗼𝗿𝘆 If you’re looking for a meaningful...

US comedian Sammy Obeid claimed his Singapore show was cancelled due to censorship over the Gaza crisis, but IMDA says it was because of a late licence submission. Plus, two Italian swimmers were detained for alleged shoplifting at Changi Airport but were let off with a warning, raising questions about diplomatic discretion.  𝗡𝗼𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗮 𝗦𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗼𝗿 𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝟲𝟬 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗱𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗪𝗶𝘀𝗱𝗼𝗺! We’re recording 60 Folklo...

A viral online post by local celeb Norfasarie about her son’s omission from the U17 national team, after prioritising N-level studies over a training camp, sparked controversy as well as a response from FAS. Elsewhere, Jack Neo’s SG60 music video featuring an AI-generated image of Lee Kuan Yew drew public attention, with MCCY assessing it as “respectful.”   𝙎𝙥𝙤𝙣𝙨𝙤𝙧: 𝙊𝙒𝙉𝘿𝘼𝙔𝙎 𝘞𝘦 𝘴𝘢𝘵 𝘥𝘰𝘸𝘯 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘋𝘳. 𝘊𝘩...

Platform workers met NTUC chief Ng Chee Meng to raise frustrations over unclear fares, illegal foreign riders, and the future of gig work. At the same time, enforcement agencies clamped down on foreigners doing delivery work illegally. We also discuss Desmond Choo’s eyebrow-raising call for Safra to evolve from a social club into a “defence movement.” 𝙎𝙥𝙤𝙣𝙨𝙤𝙧: 𝙋𝙚𝙤𝙥𝙡𝙚’𝙨 𝘼𝙨𝙨𝙤𝙘𝙞𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙔𝙤𝙪𝙩𝙝 𝙈𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩 (...

Leader of the Opposition Pritam Singh joins us after GE2025 to talk candidly about the Workers’ Party’s results, the challenges of opposition politics, and his role in Parliament. He explains why he doesn’t aspire to be Singapore’s Prime Minister, how WP balances ideals with pragmatism, and what the party stands for in the years ahead. We also cover hot-button issues like HDB pricing, constituency...

Orthopaedic surgeon Dr Ang Swee Chai recounts her arrest & interrogation in Singapore linked to her husband Francis’s escape, her decision to speak publicly about the 1982 Sabra & Shatila massacre in Beirut, Lebanon, and the consequences of speaking up for Palestinians. 𝙎𝙥𝙤𝙣𝙨𝙤𝙧: 𝙋𝙚𝙤𝙥𝙡𝙚’𝙨 𝘼𝙨𝙨𝙤𝙘𝙞𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙔𝙤𝙪𝙩𝙝 𝙈𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩 (𝙋𝘼𝙔𝙈) 𝘞𝘦 𝘴𝘱𝘰𝘬𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘋𝘳. 𝘑𝘢𝘯𝘪𝘭 𝘗𝘶𝘵𝘩𝘶𝘤𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘺 𝘵𝘰 𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘥 𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘠𝘰𝘶𝘵𝘩 𝘊𝘩...

Calvin Tan was diagnosed HIV-positive at a time when the illness carried heavy stigma in Singapore. He shares the shock of his diagnosis, the rejection he faced, and the emotional toll of telling family and friends. Calvin also explains how modern treatment makes HIV a manageable condition, while stigma remains the bigger battle. 𝙏𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙚𝙥𝙞𝙨𝙤𝙙𝙚 𝙞𝙨 𝙗𝙧𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝𝙩 𝙩𝙤 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙗𝙮 𝘼𝙘𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝘼𝙄𝘿𝙎 (𝘼𝙛𝘼) 𝘐𝘵’𝘴 𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦 𝘵𝘰...

PM Wong’s National Day Rally 2025 drew mixed reactions, with analysts noting its measured tone and opposition parties issuing their responses. We also discuss the shocking case at Sengkang Green Primary, where three Primary 3 students were suspended after issuing violent death threats against a classmate and her family. Nominate a Senior over 60 for Words of Wisdom! We’ll be recording 60 Folklorie...

Dr Christine Yau – Senior Consultant Ophthalmologist and Director of Neuro-Ophthalmology at the International Eye Cataract Retina Centre – explains why presbyopia, the age-related loss of near vision, affects everyone over 40. She also shares eye care tips and other good eye care habits, debunks common myths and explains the importance of regular yearly eye exams. Our Sponsor Need clear vision up...

KF Seetoh accuses Bukit Canberra Hawker Centre of unfair rules and extra charges for stallholders. Ong Ye Kung responds, disputing the claims and clarifying hawkers’ obligations. We also cover SBS Transit’s apology after a major disruption on the North East Line and Sengkang-Punggol LRT, and Acting Transport Minister Jeffrey Siow’s reaction to recent breakdowns. Our Sponsor – CloserStill Media Att...

National Day messages from PM Lawrence Wong and Workers’ Party Chief Pritam Singh highlight differing aspects on nation-building. We unpack their contrasting tones, calls to action, and what they signal for Singapore’s future. Plus, Wake Up Singapore founder Ariffin Sha is allowed to be admitted to the Bar despite his role in a past defamation case. (00:00) Intro (12:27) PM Wong vs Pritam on Natio...

Singapore will trial extended liquor hours till 4AM for nightlife spots in Boat Quay, Clarke Quay and Upper Circular Road as part of a plan to revitalise the area. Plus, Singapore Airlines apologises after a Muslim passenger was served prosciutto and allegedly told it wasn’t pork. Our Sponsor – CloserStill Media Attend eCommerce Expo | DMEXCO Asia, happening 8-9 Oct at MBS Get your free tickets he...

Sandra Riley Tang joins us to talk about her unforgettable performance with Coldplay in Singapore, her departure from The Sam Willows, and her passion for better HDB design. She reflects on burnout, therapy, and creative freedom, while sharing why she’s now focused on building a more beautiful, intentional life—both onstage and off. Our Sponsor: People’s Association Youth Movement (PAYM) This epis...

A viral video over the weekend showed food vendors at the SG60 Bayfront food fair worried about suffering major losses of up to $10,000. But is it their fault or is it a lack of support from the organisers? Elsewhere, American Eagle is under fire for a jeans ad featuring actress Sydney Sweeney that has been accused of promoting eugenics. Our Sponsor – CloserStill Media Attend eCommerce Expo | DMEX...

Singapore’s top universities are introducing Mandarin-taught modules as interest from Chinese students grows, sparking debate about inclusivity, messaging, and academic identity. Elsewhere, podcaster & ex-Malaysian minister Khairy Jamaluddin called the PAP “juvenile” for reacting to Pritam Singh’s appearance on his podcast. Our Sponsor – CloserStill Media Attend eCommerce Expo | DMEXCO Asia, h...

Jinx Yeo opens up about what it’s really like being a stand-up comic in Singapore. He shares how his journey started 14 years ago, the impact of his viral videos as well as his experience building an international career from scratch. He also talks about making politically incorrect jokes, self-censorship and the difference between Singaporean and Western crowds. Check out Jinx’s Comedy! Jinx Yeo...

A car fell into a sinkhole along Tanjong Katong Road, prompting a nationwide safety review of sewer works by PUB. Elsewhere, LTA reduced SMRT’s $3 million fine for a major East-West Line disruption to $2.4 million. Our Podcast Creation Workshop Only 2 more slots remain for our full-day podcast workshop on either 15th or 16th Aug, done face-to-face at our studio! Registration ends this Sunday (3 Au...

The tragic death of Jane Lee, owner of Sumo Salad, has sparked nationwide debate about Singapore’s Work Injury Compensation Act (WICA). We break down what happened, the WICA loopholes she flagged before her passing, and why her case has rattled business owners and employees alike. Plus: Singapore’s libraries are moving into shopping malls, but is that a good thing? Our Sponsor – CloserStill Media...

Donald Low, Professor of Practice at the HKUST Institute for Public Policy, is back to unpack the recent debate around COEs involving SM Lee Hsien Loong and WP’s Jamus Lim, as well as comments by Acting Minister for Transport Jeffrey Siow. Plus: Singapore’s rent crisis is boiling over, with tenants frustrated by landlords’ rising expectations. Are landlords really the villains - or is there more t...

Minister for Health Ong Ye Kung announced that MOH is working with MOH to list etomidate as an illegal drug after one-third of vapes seized were found to contain it. Is this the best solution? Elsewhere, Astronomer CEO Andy Byron resigns after getting caught cheating with his HR Head, Kristin Cabot, on camera at a Coldplay Concert in Boston. We unpack the ethics, memes, and whether Coldplay is rea...

What happens when your art pokes too close to the truth? In this episode, Sonny Liew, Eisner-winning cartoonist of The Art of Charlie Chan Hock Chye, joins us to reflect on 10 years of his landmark graphic novel, and how it almost got banned. We dive into his new project on capitalism, the cultural contradictions of Singapore, and why his latest collectible action figures featuring Lee Kuan Yew, G...

Is Singapore ready for more open political discourse - or are we still too scared to "cross the line"? We sit down with Associate Professor Walid Abdullah, political scientist, author, and host of the “Teh Tarik with Walid” podcast. We cover his latest book on Palestine, the rise of podcasting in Singapore’s political scene, and why Prof Walid thinks every politician should want to be Prime Minist...