Shows / The Straits Times Podcasts
The Straits Times Podcasts
Synopsis: Almost every weekday, our ALL-IN-ONE channel showcases discussions on Singapore youth perspectives and social issues, geopolitics through an Asian lens, health, climate change, personal finance and career.
Follow our shows on your favourite audio apps Apple Podcasts, Spotify or even ST's app, which has a dedicated podcast player section.
Produced by podcast editor Ernest Luis & The Straits Times, SPH Media.
Episodes
The Straits Times PodcastsS2E80: Why China's economy doesn't add up, according to one economist
The gap between Beijing's stated growth rates and actual economic performance is widening considerably, says expert Synopsis: Every third Friday of the month…
The Straits Times PodcastsS1E102: 1 in 3 employers are hiring contract workers. Are contract jobs the new norm for Singapore grads?
Should young job seekers start their careers with contract roles? With stiff competition for full-time roles, a tight job market and employers being more…
The Straits Times PodcastsS1E3: Politician Rahayu Mahzam on mum guilt, screen time, social media algorithms
Mothers today have more advice than ever before. But when does helpful information become overwhelming, and what can we do about it? Synopsis: Join us for a…
The Straits Times PodcastsS1E83: Singapore footpath wars: Why reclaiming car space could solve the PMD and PMA problem
While more car lanes induce congestion, reclaiming road space for micro-mobility would make for a highly efficient transport. Synopsis: On Wednesdays, The…
The Straits Times PodcastsS1E151: What your blood pressure reading misses
Discover why standard clinical checks might miss critical heart risks, and the vital role of fat loss over weight loss. Synopsis: Every first Wednesday of the…
The Straits Times PodcastsS2E79: From BTS to Jeju's sea divers: South Korea's cultural revival
From modern hanboks to Jeju's legendary sea women, discover how South Korea's oldest traditions are finding new life. Synopsis: The Straits Times catches up…
The Straits Times PodcastsS1E101: Singapore lawyers are facing bullying and burnout, why hasn’t anything changed in 30 years?
Are Singapore’s lawyers doing ok? The Legal Profession Sustainability Study, which was released on June 23, suggests that lawyers were leaving the…
The Straits Times PodcastsS1E2: 2 mums on guilt, being the default parent and juggling work
We explore the cost of carrying it all - and how to lighten the load. Synopsis: Join us for a five-part series on working motherhood from July 3-31 with…
The Straits Times PodcastsS1E82: Can the Lions deliver? SG football’s future, World Cup ambitions & career pathways
Can the Lions unleash the roar in World Cup 2034? Synopsis: On Wednesdays, The Straits Times takes a hard look at Singapore's social issues of the day with…
The Straits Times PodcastsS2E45: Investing amid volatility: is it all about managing emotions and impulses?
Does buy low, sell high work in today’s volatile market? Synopsis: Every first and third Monday of the month, get a head start in your personal finance…
The Straits Times PodcastsS2E78: US-India ties in crisis? Why Washington reverted USIndoPacom to USPacom
Trump-Modi friendship was strong, but now US-India ties are strained. What caused the severe turbulence? Synopsis: The Straits Times’ senior columnist…
The Straits Times PodcastsS1E1: 'You don't have to do this perfectly to do it well': Working motherhood and mental health
How women navigate careers, caregiving and the expectations that come with both. Synopsis: Join us for a five-part series on working motherhood from July 3-31…
The Straits Times PodcastsS1E81: Singapore's lonely seniors: Why the super-aged feel isolated even when living with family
Seniors are increasingly feeling lonely. Learn why preventing elderly loneliness starts in your 20s. Synopsis: On Wednesdays, The Straits Times takes a hard…
The Straits Times PodcastsS1E100: Were unhappy WP veterans behind the challenge to Pritam Singh?
Workers’ Party chief Pritam Singh fobbed off talk that he would face a challenge to his position at the party’s proceedings on June 28. The results…
The Straits Times PodcastsS2E77: Will the Johor polls kill the unity government before GE16?
Johor votes in July – but the real contest is whether Malaysia's unity government survives the campaign trail. Synopsis: Every fourth Friday of the…
The Straits Times PodcastsS1E99: Dear You debate: Is it time to relook rules on Chinese dialects?
The Chinese film Dear You, shot almost entirely in Teochew, is not only a box office hit - it has ignited intense debate among Chinese Singaporeans. From…
The Straits Times PodcastsS1E80: A focus on one-child couples is an easier baby booster than large families
Targeting one-child couples for a second child is lower-hanging fruit than pushing for a third under the Large Families Scheme, says a researcher. Synopsis: On…
The Straits Times PodcastsS2E76: What can be done about the explosion of disinformation?
The menace is everywhere and you can hardly spot it, stop it or punish it. Synopsis: Every third Friday of the month, The Straits Times gets its US Bureau…
The Straits Times PodcastsS1E98: Lure of traffic drives millions of Chinese content creators to target Singapore
Independent content creators in China are making online posts disparaging Singapore, its politicians and minorities. The latter, in particular, has made the…
The Straits Times PodcastsS1E79: Deepfakes, $50 intimate photos amid OSC launch
Singapore's new Online Safety Commission (OSC) rolls out to combat cyberbullying, deepfakes, and online harms. But will this law protect victims, or will…
The Straits Times PodcastsS2E44: ‘Comedy equals truth and pain’: a clown on taking life less seriously
Are Singaporeans too rigid to be funny? How to take ourselves less seriously to overcome stress. Synopsis: Every first and third Monday of the month, get a…
The Straits Times PodcastsS2E75: Why Beijing now sets the agenda for US-China ties
Can Trump and Xi’s new ‘constructive’ framework bring stability to the US-China dynamic? Synopsis: Every second Friday of the month, The…
The Straits Times PodcastsS1E78: P1 registration: How did the parent volunteer scheme become an arms race?
The scheme was meant to build closer ties between parents and schools. Has it achieved its intended purpose, or outlived its usefulness? Synopsis: On…
The Straits Times PodcastsS1E150: Palliative care is for living, not just dying: Talk about it sooner
Your guide to a kinder end-of-life journey in the ICU. Synopsis: Every first Wednesday of the month, The Straits Times helps you make sense of health matters…
The Straits Times PodcastsS1E1: World Cup 2026: Can tournament's quality exceed increased quantity in matches?
The 2026 World Cup in North America is just around the corner but is it in danger of being too bloated? The June 11-July 19 tournament in the United States…
The Straits Times PodcastsS2E74: Why eldest daughters carry so much weight: An Asian perspective
Being uber-responsible, people-pleasing and a perfectionist are traits that first-born girls in Asia purportedly have. Synopsis: Every first Friday of the…
The Straits Times PodcastsS1E97: Is modern dating in Singapore broken?
A recent Straits Times survey of 1,000 unmarried people explained why the dating scene is so bleak: it’s hard to meet new people, dating can be expensive…
The Straits Times PodcastsS1E77: ‘The more you know, the more wonderful it becomes’: Brian Cox on science and awe
In an age where information is readily available and where we're fed an unending stream of content, have we lost our sense of wonder? Synopsis: On Wednesdays…
The Straits Times PodcastsS2E43: Will the AI bubble burst? We break down if tech is still worth investing in
Tech still holds long-term promise but choose companies carefully based on their fundamentals. Synopsis: Every first and third Monday of the month, get a head…
The Straits Times PodcastsS1E97: Hands-on dads look great because the bar is low: Singapore father on unfair parenting expectations
Do fathers in Singapore get a bad reputation for being hands-off? Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office Indranee Rajah, who chairs the new Marriage and…
The Straits Times PodcastsS1E76: Think you're safe from cyber crooks? Why 99% of companies are exposed
As AI supercharges cyber threats, how can the "missing 99%" of small and medium enterprises protect themselves? Synopsis: On Wednesdays, The Straits Times…
The Straits Times PodcastsS2E74: Deals and words: Reading the tea leaves for the Xi-Trump summit
Twists and turns can be expected for the rest of this year. Synopsis: Every fourth Friday of the month, The Straits Times will now analyse the hottest…
The Straits Times PodcastsS1E96: Singapore forensic psychologist explains why voyeurs and molesters commit crimes
Will a new bystander campaign by the police get more people to speak up for victims for molest and voyeurism? In this episode of The Usual Place, I chat with…
The Straits Times PodcastsS1E75: Autonomous Vehicles in SG: Are we ready to surrender the wheel to AI?
In an Autonomous Vehicle (AV) crash, should AI save the young instead of the elderly? Germany banned this, but a pragmatist asks: why not let algorithms choose…
The Straits Times PodcastsS2E42: Feel like you are not good enough? Here’s what you can do
Feel like you are not enough? Learn how to become your ideal self by acting as if you already are. Synopsis: Every first and third Monday of the month, get a…
The Straits Times PodcastsS1E95: Is caning an appropriate way to discipline school bullies?
By 2027, every school will have to follow standard disciplinary measures such as detention and conduct grade adjustment for different types of misbehaviour…
The Straits Times PodcastsS1E74: 12-year-olds in therapy - the silent rise in youth porn addiction
The dopamine trap: Is Asia’s conservative culture driving a porn addiction crisis? Synopsis: On Wednesdays, The Straits Times takes a hard look at…
The Straits Times PodcastsS2E73: No big, fat hugs: Trump, Xi will have a summit of careful smiles
A banquet in Beijing does not alter US-China rivalry but both leaders could sell modest outcomes as wins, says analyst. Synopsis: Every third Friday of the…
The Straits Times PodcastsS1E149: Slow ageing with exercise and diet: Geriatrician's tips
We are living longer, but are we living healthier? Synopsis: Every month, The Straits Times helps you make sense of health matters that affect you. Singapore…
The Straits Times PodcastsS2E72: What cues India can take from China to fix its foul air and water
India’s poor air is driving much needed investment away from the country. Synopsis: The Straits Times’ senior columnist Ravi Velloor distils 45…
The Straits Times PodcastsS1E94: Sky high condo prices: are sales being funded by parents' retirement savings?
Never mind that it’s way out west - Tengah’s first private condominium development sold out almost all its units over its launch weekend at the end…
The Straits Times PodcastsS1E73: What's the property agent's role in this age of AI?
As AI changes everything, can the property agents’ most valuable asset - trust - keep them relevant? Synopsis: On Wednesdays, The Straits Times takes a…
The Straits Times PodcastsS2E41: Singapore's Les Miserables star Nathania Ong on what it cost to chase her dreams
Surviving on vibes and hard work? What it's like working as a freelance artist overseas. Synopsis: Every first and third Monday of the month, get a head start…
The Straits Times PodcastsS2E71: The mystery of Chongqing grilled fish’s origin story - and why it matters
The stakes are high. A region’s association with a popular dish is increasingly big business, as the Chinese eat out more. Synopsis: Every first Friday…
The Straits Times PodcastsS1E93: Are people not having children because of PSLE stress and the education arms race?
Would changes to Singapore’s education system fix our low fertility rate? A new work group, comprising political office holders from various ministries…
The Straits Times PodcastsS2E70: 'Corporate mafia’: The scandal that Malaysia can no longer ignore
From drink-driving to MACC scandal, is Malaysia's justice system bending to public pressure or finally getting serious? Synopsis: Every fourth Friday of the…
The Straits Times PodcastsS1E92: New signs on MRT trains spark debate on how to behave on public transport in Singapore
An ongoing SMRT campaign, meant to inspire a gracious commute culture, has laid down the law on what’s acceptable, or not, on the train. Two bubble-like…
The Straits Times PodcastsS1E72: Is chilli the most important ingredient in Singapore cuisine?
Is “not spicy enough” a legitimate criticism of a dish? Synopsis: On Wednesdays, The Straits Times takes a hard look at key issues of the day with…
The Straits Times PodcastsS2E38: Singapore’s green paradox: Planting trees while losing forest cover
Our hosts try to make sense of conflicting developments in this city state. Synopsis: Every first and third Tuesday of the month, The Straits Times provides…
The Straits Times PodcastsS2E40: Sing Song Social Club founder Aarika Lee on the magic of community
Get a peek into the workings of the viral community choir and unpack the importance of finding your tribe. Synopsis: Every first and third Monday of the month…
The Straits Times PodcastsS1E91: What happens when single-sex schools go co-ed?
Over the last couple of years, several of Singapore’s well-known boys’ schools have opened their doors to girls. The latest to join the list is…
The Straits Times PodcastsS1E71: Fewer babies, slower boom? The future of Singapore’s real estate market
Why Singapore’s low fertility rate last year could really redefine real estate from 2050. Synopsis: On Wednesdays, The Straits Times takes a hard look at…
The Straits Times PodcastsS1E148: Health insurance riders: Buy one, downgrade or drop It?
Navigating Singapore’s evolving health insurance landscape. Synopsis: Every first Wednesday of the month, The Straits Times helps you make sense of…
The Straits Times PodcastsS2E69: Crisis creates openings: Why Asia will stand out after a post-Iran conflict
The Iran war is an unprecedented crisis but South-east Asia is better placed to handle it. Synopsis: Every second Friday of the month, The Straits Times&rsquo…
The Straits Times PodcastsS1E90: Have we hit the panic button over the Iran war?
After US President Donald Trump walked back his threats to wipe Iran off the map, there’s now a two-week ceasefire in place. Hours before this kicked in…
The Straits Times PodcastsS1E70: Why your electricity bill is going up when fuel reserves are full
If Singapore has fuel reserves, why are electricity tariffs surging? Synopsis: On Wednesdays, The Straits Times takes a hard look at Singapore's social issues…
The Straits Times PodcastsS2E37: How can Singapore beat the heat and high electricity prices without aircon?
Improving people’s ability to withstand hotter weather is one part of Singapore’s adaptation plan. Synopsis: Every first and third Tuesday of the…
The Straits Times PodcastsS2E39: Should I buy silver?
Is silver a safe haven for investors like gold and will its price rise due to war? Synopsis: Every first and third Monday of the month, get a head start in…
The Straits Times PodcastsS2E68: India’s $70 billion spiritual market fuelled by bhajan clubbing
Discover how bhajan clubbing is transforming devotional music in India. Synopsis: Every first Friday of the month, The Straits Times catches up with its…
The Straits Times PodcastsS1E89: New IP rider rules just kicked in. Are you actually better or worse off?
If you have private medical insurance, April 1 would have been on your radar. Private health insurers have put out new Integrated Shield Plan (IP) riders…