The Straits Times Podcasts

Food Picks Ep 15 (#StayHome edition): Wildfire Chicken & Burgers returns for delivery and takeaway 10:19 mins Synopsis: Our podcasters from The Straits Times talk about the best eats and drinks, and what you can bring home or get delivered, during this Covid-19 pandemic.  For our #StayHome guide, Ernest Luis co-hosts with Eunice Quek, ST's food correspondent.  They welcome special guest Mr Michel Lu, brand owner of Wildfire Chicken & Burgers - which closed last year at food enclave Global Kitchens at Science Park Drive - on the comeback of his burger joint on June 1 at the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts. He talks about: How the Wildfire menu has been adapted for delivery with smaller burgers than before, and new additions such as the trendy Basque burnt cheesecake (2:33) Working with a pre-order system (3:08) Food delivery: Is it here to stay? (4:50) How food and beverage competition is set to be islandwide as delivery takes off (7:35) How fine-dining restaurants are also muscling in on the delivery landscape, with a more casual approach and attractive pricing.  What does this mean for Singapore foodies? More in Eunice's story. Produced by: Ernest Luis & Eunice Quek Edited by: Penelope Lee Follow more Food Picks podcasts and rate us on:  Spotify: https://str.sg/JAJK Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JAoR Google Podcasts: https://str.sg/JAJH Playlist: https://str.sg/JiJC Website: https://str.sg/JAJV Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sgSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Money Hacks Ep 72: Passive vs active investing - debunking misconceptions  12:59 min Synopsis: In this fortnightly podcast series on Mondays, The Business Times breaks down actionable financial tips. In this episode, we talk about passive and active investing, ETFs and unit trusts. Why should the average investor care about the differences? Host Chris Lim speaks remotely with Gregory Van, chief executive and founding partner of Endowus, the only digital investment adviser that now has a CPF investment option, as he explains the following points: 1. Understand why you have a historically proven 17% chance of "beating the market" over a 15-year period even as a professional or "active" investor (2:30) 2. What is the difference between active and passive investing? (5:53) 3. Understand the differences between cash, high-quality government debt like Singapore Savings Bonds, corporate bonds and equities (6:21) 4. How digital investment advisers can help you with lower costs and passive investing coupled with strategic asset allocation (9:40) Produced by: Chris Lim and Ernest Luis Edited by: Adam Azlee Discover Money Hacks Podcast fortnightly on Mondays and rate us on: Channel: http://bt.sg/btmoneyhacks Apple Podcasts: http://bt.sg/oeXe Spotify: http://bt.sg/oeGN Google podcasts: http://bt.sg/oeGd Website: http://bt.sg/moneyhacks Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sgSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

#PopVultures Ep 27: Elon Musk & kooky celebrity baby names26:20 mins Synopsis: A podcast by The Straits Times that examines all the ins and outs of pop culture, be it Asian entertainment or Hollywood. What do businessman Elon Musk, superstar Beyonce, socialite Kim Kardashian and chef Jamie Oliver have in common? Other than being celebrities, these parents have also cooked up some of the kookiest children names over the years. In this episode, the #PopVultures stroll down the name hall of fame and peek at some of the world's most (in)famous baby monikers, from X Æ A-12 and North West to Blue Ivy and Petal Blossom Rainbow. Hosts Jan Lee and Yeo Sam Jo discuss the inspiration behind some of these esoteric names and wonder: What makes a creative moniker go from catchy to cringeworthy? And what happens when these kids with saccharine names go to school and enter the workforce? Is naming your child after a DC superhero, a titular Shakespeare character or a luxury hotel always a good thing? Or will Nicolas Cage, Jay Chou and Jack Neo's children find themselves with extremely big shoes that they may not wish to fill? Join the #PopVultures for this light-hearted commentary that involves quirky names, questionable wordplay and a quintessential Missy Elliot quote (stay tuned till the end). Produced by: Jan Lee & Yeo Sam Jo Edited by: Penelope Lee Follow more #PopVultures podcasts on: Spotify: http://str.sg/otU9 Apple Podcasts: http://str.sg/oyLi Google Podcasts: http://str.sg/oyLw Playlist: https://str.sg/JiyK  Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg janlee@sph.com.sg yeosamjo@sph.com.sgSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

askST@NLB Ep 1: Revisiting Wuhan - vignettes from China's Covid-19 outbreak epicentre 27:31 mins Synopsis: This is the first episode of the askST@NLB podcast series brought to you by the National Library Board. The monthly talks by The Straits Times correspondents were previously held at the Central Public Library but due to Covid-19 safe distancing measures, we are converting the sessions into a podcast series done remotely.  Listen to the correspondents you follow, more intimately, through our podcasts.   For this episode, The Straits Times' Foreign Editor Jeremy Au Yong hosts ST's China correspondent Elizabeth Law.They discuss the following points: 1. What Wuhan was like before the outbreak and how it has changed the city 2. The challenges in reporting on the ground in Wuhan 3. Has China returned to a state of normalcy? 4. What lessons can the Chinese experience offer Singapore? Selected readers' questions sent in ahead of podcast recording: 1. From reader Mr Yoong Keng Kai: What about other provinces in China (besides Wuhan)? What is the status of Covid-19 there now? 2. From reader Madam Goh Poh Gek: What is the new normal in Wuhan now, in areas such as the workplace and the community, at grocery stalls and malls? What do you see as the motivation for the locals there to self-regulate? Look out for the next episode of askST@NLB podcast series on June 5. Produced by: Elizabeth Law (esmlaw@sph.com.sg), Jeremy Au Yong & Ernest Luis Follow Elizabeth Law on Twitter Follow Jeremy Au Yong on Twitter Edited by: Adam Azlee Discover ST & BT podcasts: Channel: https://str.sg/JWVR Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2PwZCYU Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/2Lu4rPP Google podcasts: http://str.sg/googlestbt Websites: http://str.sg/stbtpodcasts https://bt.sg/moneyhacks Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lifestyle Picks Ep 80: Singapore ukulele prodigy wins international title; free SG uke livestreams 14:38 mins Synopsis: Every Thursday, find out about #StayHome lifestyle, entertainment and food choices during the Covid-19 circuit breaker period in Singapore now. For our #StayHome edition, host Ernest Luis speaks remotely with special guests - Evan De Silva, a 15-year-old student at School of the Arts Singapore, and ukulele artiste and instructor Alan Soo. We talk about Evan's recent win on May 10 for the 8th Thailand International Ukulele Contest 2020 - where he was judged the overall winner and also, the best instrumental player. (1:04) For our podcast, the self-taught Evan also plays on the spot, his winning and original composition Stallion - a stunning show of lightning-quick strumming bursts and tender harmonic notes. (1:37) Held online and remotely, this title is Evan's biggest win so far in his budding ukulele journey since he picked up the instrument at the age of 8. He talks about how he composes instrumentals (4:42), how his parents don't push him for success (6:20) and how he basically does everything by himself. Evan is showing signs of being one of Singapore's biggest teenage stars when it comes to the loveable small Hawaiian instrument - alongside the likes of Thailand's Sydney Uke and China's internationally acclaimed Feng E. (8:00) Mr Soo then talks to us about why the ukulele has a growing appeal among young and old alike in Singapore. (8:48) He tells us how to discover free ukulele livestreams every week in Singapore and an upcoming Ukulele Movement open mic held via the Zoom conferencing app on May 30 (7.30pm till 9.30pm). (11:00) Registration is free. More lifestyle #StayHome guides here at The Straits Times. Produced by: Ernest Luis & ST Lifestyle deskEdited by: Penelope Lee Follow more Lifestyle Picks podcasts and rate us: Spotify: http://str.sg/oeGc  Apple Podcasts: http://str.sg/oeXg  Google podcasts: http://str.sg/o8Gx  Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts  Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sgSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Health Check Ep 37: Maintaining mental well-being during Covid-19 10:07 mins Synopsis: This is a fortnightly podcast series on Wednesdays by The Straits Times. As the Covid-19 pandemic rages on, healthcare workers have been roped in to help out at foreign worker dormitories as the testing of thousands of migrant workers for the coronavirus disease continues.   ST senior correspondent Joyce Teo speaks with Dr Michael Yong, senior consultant and head of psychiatry at Ng Teng Fong General Hospital about his experiences at a dorm and the change in the migrant workers' mood that he has witnessed. He shares his own family experiences too, coping during the circuit breaker period. Dr Yong, who's also the group director for psychological medicine at the National University Health System, then goes on to discuss the mental health challenges that the pandemic brings and what you can do about it. Need help? - National Care Hotline: 1800-202-6868  - Institute of Mental Health’s Mental Health Helpline: 6389-2222 -Samaritans of Singapore: 1800-221-4444 - Silver Ribbon Singapore: 6385-3714  - Agency for Integrated Care Hotline (for the elderly): 1800-650-6060 Produced by: Joyce Teo (joyceteo@sph.com.sg) and Ernest Luis Edited by: Adam Azlee Follow more Health Check podcasts and rate us on: Spotify: http://str.sg/oeGY Apple Podcasts: http://str.sg/oeXP Google Podcasts: http://str.sg/oeLN Playlist: https://str.sg/Jw7R Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

#GameOfTwoHalves Ep 85: Reality of sports events behind closed doors 13:16 mins Synopsis: #GameofTwoHalves is The Straits Times' weekly sports podcast that is out every Tuesday. Money FM's Rachel Kelly calls up ST assistant sports editor Rohit Brijnath and sports correspondent Sazali Abdul Aziz.  They discuss the following topics in the first and second halves of this episode:1. Among the top European football leagues, the German Bundesliga was the first to return to action behind closed doors. Sports elsewhere saw a charity golf match featuring world No.1 Rory McIlroy. How did they turn out? What are the downsides to sports events without fans and is there a silver lining for now? 2. Why can't Singapore's Formula One Grand Prix be held behind closed doors? We find out the reasons so far. Produced by: ST Sports Desk Edited by: Aw Yao Feng, Nadiah Koh & Penelope Lee Follow #GameOfTwoHalves podcasts and rate us on: Spotify: https://str.sg/ovjR Apple Podcasts: http://str.sg/o8MK Google Podcasts: http://str.sg/oXeS Playlist: https://str.sg/Ji3k Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sgSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Food Picks Ep 14 (#StayHome edition): Sample Singapore-made craft beers in variety packs 6:34 mins Synopsis: Our podcasters from The Straits Times talk about the best eats and drinks, and what you can bring home or get delivered, during this Covid-19 pandemic.  For our #StayHome guide, Ernest Luis hosts Anjali Raguraman, ST's entertainment and nightlife journalist. They discuss how Singapore's small but spirited craft beer scene is coming together to offer customers an assortment pack of local beers over this circuit breaker period. Find out how to order six- or 12-packs ($39 and $78 respectively) put together by #SGCraftTogether, a collective effort by 15 home-grown breweries. Find out what types of beers you can expect when you order from their websites and why Anjali particularly loves Off Day's beers. Participating breweries include Alive Brewing, Archipelago Brewery, Brewerkz, Brewlander, LeVeL33, Lion Brewery Co, Off Day Beer Company, Paulaner Brahaus Singapore, RedDot BrewHouse, Sunbird Brewing Co, Wild Brew. More in Anjali's story. Produced by: Ernest Luis  Edited by: Penelope Lee Follow more Food Picks podcasts and rate us on:  Spotify: https://str.sg/JAJK Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JAoR Google Podcasts: https://str.sg/JAJH Playlist: https://str.sg/JiJC Website: https://str.sg/JAJV Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sgSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lifestyle Picks Ep 79: Discover Singapore's diverse arts practitioners from comfort of home 5:42 mins Synopsis: Every Thursday, find out about #StayHome lifestyle, entertainment and food choices during the Covid-19 circuit breaker period in Singapore now. For our #StayHome edition, host Ernest Luis speaks remotely with ST journalist Prisca Ang. They discuss From The Living Room, a new online series commissioned by the National Arts Council (NAC), which runs until June 20.The series is part of NAC's #SGCultureAnywhere campaign, which brings together an array of Singapore arts offerings on one digital platform - hosted on the A-List.Sg website and also streamed every weeknight at 8pm on NAC's Facebook page.  Find out how many artists and groups will be featured for each half-hour performance as theatre practitioners such as Janice Koh, Jo Tan, Pamela Oei host and interview the performers.  For a start, what acts can we expect today (May 14) and tomorrow? More lifestyle #StayHome guides here at The Straits Times. Produced by: Ernest Luis & ST Lifestyle deskEdited by: Adam Azlee Follow more Lifestyle Picks podcasts and rate us: Spotify: http://str.sg/oeGc  Apple Podcasts: http://str.sg/oeXg  Google podcasts: http://str.sg/o8Gx  Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts  Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sgSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

#GameOfTwoHalves Ep 84: Merits of closed UFC 249 fight; Michael Jordan Netflix documentary storming success 14:09 mins Synopsis: #GameofTwoHalves is The Straits Times' weekly sports podcast that is out every Tuesday. Money FM's Rachel Kelly calls up ST assistant sports editor Rohit Brijnath and sports correspondent Sazali Abdul Aziz.  They discuss the following topics:1. Mixed martial arts is back in the form of the Ultimate Fighting Championship, which held its UFC 249 event over the weekend in Florida. Was the event considered a success and will it pave the way for the return of other major sports?2. The sports documentary that has taken the world, and Singapore, by storm: The Last Dance. The miniseries, centered around Michael Jordan and his last season with the Chicago Bulls in 1998, is among the top 10 most-watched Netflix shows in Singapore. Why is it so compelling? Produced by: ST Sports Desk Edited by: Aw Yao Feng, Nadiah Koh & Penelope Lee Follow #GameOfTwoHalves podcasts and rate us on: Spotify: https://str.sg/ovjR Apple Podcasts: http://str.sg/o8MK Google Podcasts: http://str.sg/oXeS Playlist: https://str.sg/Ji3k Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sgSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.