Shows / The Usual Place
The Usual Place
Synopsis: Join host and correspondent Natasha Ann Zachariah every Thursday, as she unpacks the latest current affairs with guests.
Podcaster: Natasha Ann Zachariah
Executive producer: Danson Cheong
A podcast by The Straits Times, SPH Media
Episodes
The Usual PlaceS1E58: To Vers or not to Vers: How will this scheme affect HDB prices?
The clock is ticking on the leases for older Housing Board flats, and an answer on what the Government plans to do about lease decay dropped earlier this week…
The Usual PlaceS1E57: From texting to talking: Why Gen Zs are taking classes on yapping
Find out why some young people are taking social skills classes. Synopsis: Join Natasha Ann Zachariah at The Usual Place as she unpacks the latest current…
The Usual PlaceS1E55: Astronomer executives’ Coldplay scandal: Why it went viral and the obsession with public shaming
If combining the words “kiss cam”, “Coldplay”, “Astronomer” and “affair” means nothing to you, you have managed…
The Usual PlaceS1E54: Kpod vapes, zombie kids: Why it’s time to raise the alarm
Kpods, a street term for drug-laced e-vaporisers, has been much-talked about this week. Synopsis: Join Natasha Ann Zachariah at The Usual Place as she unpacks…
The Usual PlaceS1E53: What’s next for PSP following its post-GE2025 leadership shake-up?
Synopsis: Join Natasha Ann Zachariah at The Usual Place as she unpacks the latest current affairs with guests. Two months after its dismal showing at the 2025…
The Usual PlaceS1E52: Is using Gen AI for schoolwork and tests cheating?
How should schools, educators and students adapt accordingly? Synopsis: Join Natasha Ann Zachariah every Thursday, as she unpacks the latest current affairs…
The Usual PlaceS1E51: Running clubs: Should you join one to improve your mindset and lifestyle?
Some see them as dating opportunities, while for others, it's a chance to learn more about themselves. Synopsis: The Usual Place host Natasha Ann Zachariah…
The Usual PlaceS1E50: Chasing clout on LinkedIn: the fine line between being real and self-serving
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…
The Usual PlaceS1E49: All in the family: What keeps these next-gen F&B owners cooking
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…
The Usual PlaceS1E48: What PM Wong’s new Cabinet line-up signals for succession
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…
The Usual PlaceS1E47: Online shaming, public blow-ups: Can we talk civilly without labels or rage?
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…
The Usual PlaceS1E1: Landslide win: PAP gets 65.57% of votes in Singapore general election
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…
The Usual PlaceS1E46: GE2025: Trailing candidates, squeezing into rallies - covering the campaign as young journalists
Christie Chiu, Wong Yang and Isabelle Kumar - young journalists with The Straits Times - reflect on their experiences and insights. Synopsis: Every noon from…
The Usual PlaceS1E45: GE2025: WP’s Sengkang team on going from new faces to first-term MPs
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…
The Usual PlaceS1E44: GE2025: How did RDU go from contesting 1 constituency in 2020 to 4 this year?
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…
The Usual PlaceS1E43: GE2025: GST, tight contests - Analysts react to PAP’s Fullerton rally
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…
The Usual PlaceS1E42: GE2025: 3 PAP new faces on kinder politics and being their true selves
PAP’s new candidates on cost of living and groupthink Synopsis: The Usual Place now moves to a half-hour daily livestream at noon from April 24 till May…
The Usual PlaceS1E41: GE2025: Is ‘abandonment’ the word of the campaign so far?
As the election campaign heats up with a week left to Polling Day on May 3, how is this General Election shaping up? Synopsis: The Usual Place now moves to a…
The Usual PlaceS1E40: GE2025: Talking Tampines with Workers’ Party
Three WP candidates, including party vice-chairman Faisal Manap, drop by The Usual Place. Synopsis: The Usual Place now moves to a half-hour daily livestream…
The Usual PlaceS1E39: GE2025: PAP's new candidates on Nomination Day whirlwind, handling online negativity
These new faces are from three GRC teams. Synopsis: The Usual Place now moves to a half-hour daily livestream at noon from April 24 till May 1 - a day before…
The Usual PlaceS1E38: Partners in life and politics: PSP’s Hazel Poa and Tony Tan on GE2025
They touch on why young voters should speak up now at this stage in their lives. Synopsis: The Usual Place host and ST correspondent Natasha Ann Zachariah…
The Usual PlaceS1E37: On to his 9th GE: Shanmugam on his 37 years in politics
He says a serious-minded person can come into the Singapore political system and make a difference. Synopsis: The Usual Place host Natasha Ann Zachariah hunts…
The Usual PlaceS1E36: GE2025: Dissecting political parties' game plan up till Nomination Day
It has been a week filled with days and dates to remember. Synopsis: The Usual Place host Natasha Ann Zachariah hunts for new perspectives on issues that…
The Usual PlaceS1E35: Fadli Fawzi on joining the Workers’ Party, poems and his meet-cute story
He first stood for election with WP's contesting Marine Parade GRC team in 2020. Synopsis: The Usual Place host Natasha Ann Zachariah hunts for new…
The Usual PlaceS1E34: How MP Tin Pei Ling continues to serve residents amid public scrutiny
She cherishes her MacPherson memories and reflects on her rough start to politics. Synopsis: The Usual Place host Natasha Ann Zachariah hunts for new…
The Usual PlaceS1E33: Sembawang MP Mariam Jaafar on being a first-term MP
She was elected during the 2020 general election. Synopsis: The Usual Place host Natasha Ann Zachariah hunts for new perspectives on issues that matter to…
The Usual PlaceS1E32: Ong Ye Kung's health tips, his love for Sembawang GRC and being lit on social media
Synopsis: The Usual Place host Natasha Ann Zachariah hunts for new perspectives on issues that matter to young people. In the lead-up to the expected general…
The Usual PlaceS1E31: Grace Fu on S’pore’s climate change fight, changes to Yuhua SMC
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…
The Usual PlaceS1E30: Desmond Lee on housing, GE2025 and lessons learnt as a politician
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…
The Usual PlaceS1E29: EBRC report: What the new electoral boundaries mean for GE2025
Synopsis: The Usual Place host Natasha Ann Zachariah hunts for new perspectives on issues that matter to young people. The Electoral Boundaries Review…
The Usual PlaceS1E28: Fighting cancer in their 30s: These are Hannah's and Samuel's stories
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…
The Usual PlaceS1E27: Workers' Party's Gerald Giam on how he sees politics
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…
The Usual PlaceS1E26: How did Budget 2025 stack up? The Usual Place Podcast breaks it down
Synopsis: The Usual Place host Natasha Ann Zachariah hunts for new perspectives on issues that matter to young people. On Feb 18, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong…
The Usual PlaceS1E25: Saving our old buildings from obscurity: What can young people do?
Can young people revive Singapore’s old buildings? Synopsis: The Usual Place host Natasha Ann Zachariah hunts for new perspectives on issues that matter…
The Usual PlaceS1E24: At The Usual Place with Sun Xueling
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…
The Usual PlaceS1E23: Bringing home your (fur)baby: Ready to be a first-time pet owner?
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?…
The Usual PlaceS1E22: Desmond Tan on life - and lessons - as a first-term MP
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…
The Usual PlaceS1E21: Where are Singaporeans travelling to in 2025?
Synopsis: The Usual Place host Natasha Ann Zachariah hunts for new perspectives on issues that matter to young people. Saudi Arabia, China’s Lijiang and…
The Usual PlaceS1E20: Abs like Thor, curves like Kim K: are unrealistic expectations holding us back in the gym?
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…
The Usual PlaceS1E19: Dating with KPIs? How to rework your dating mindset for 2025
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…
The Usual PlaceS1E18: Holiday Survival Guide: Tips For The Parties
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…
The Usual PlaceS1E17: How you doin’ … at making friends?
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…
The Usual PlaceS1E16: With all the talk about mental health, should we be in therapy?
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…
The Usual PlaceS1E15: Going Ga-Ga Over Labubu: Why?
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…
The Usual PlaceS1E14: Getting death plans in order: Our young guests discuss
Should young people be talking about - and planning for - their deaths? Synopsis: The Usual Place host Natasha Ann Zachariah hunts for new perspectives on…
The Usual PlaceS1E13: Confronting suicide: The conversations we need
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…
The Usual PlaceS1E12: Rooting for our mother tongues in Singapore
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…
The Usual PlaceS1E11: Why parents should not see teachers as service providers: Chan Chun Sing
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…
The Usual PlaceS1E10: Bye-bye 5Cs. Hello, purpose: how we redefine success
Does living a meaningful, purpose-filled life trump materialistic goals and climbing the corporate ladder these days? Synopsis: The Usual Place host Natasha…
The Usual PlaceS1E9: Flexibility at work: The secret sauce to more babies?
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…
The Usual PlaceS1E1: Why does it feel like Singaporeans are angry all the time?
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…
The Usual PlaceS1E1: What makes a National Day song a classic? Tell us your favourites
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…
The Usual PlaceS1E8: The FOMO over old buildings in Singapore
Is our celebration of old buildings, or even old-school businesses, a little too late? Synopsis: The Usual Place host Natasha Ann Zachariah explores…
The Usual PlaceS1E1: Which old building or space in Singapore would you not want to see go?
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…
The Usual PlaceS1E1: How do you translate "tumpang" into standard English?
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…
The Usual PlaceS1E7: Standard English vs Singlish: Is the lingual tug-of-war over?
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…
The Usual PlaceS1E1: Singaporeans can code-switch. Sure anot?
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…
The Usual PlaceS1E6: Eat, shoot and post: What makes a good food reviewer?
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…
The Usual PlaceS1E5: Are young people breaking up with dating apps?
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 Usual PlaceS1E4: Titus Low: From SG's most famous OnlyFans creator to real estate agent?
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…