Are there too many food reviewers?

Being brutally honest

Eating at a bad place: should you post it?

Adding value with food content

Showcase more than just the menu

What consumers should look out for?

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.

Intrigued by this proliferation of content creators who feed their audience with clickbaity spiel and pepper their food recommendations with superlatives, I wanted to find out the highlights and pitfalls of online food reviewers in this age of quick-fire social media content.

To help me answer questions I have about this crowded scene, I invited food and lifestyle content creator Chiara Ang, second-generation hawker Melvin Chew, and former home-based baker-turned-marketing entrepreneur Then Zhi Wei to weigh in on the practices that make a good food review.

Highlights (click/tap above):

2:35 Are there too many food reviewers on social media?

6:59 Being brutally honest

13:00 Eating at an establishment where you find your dish to be sub-par: To post or not to post online?

18:36 Adding value with food content

27:35 Showcase more than just the menu

34:07 What consumers should look out for when consuming 'social media' food reviews

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

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. Intrigued by this proliferation of content creators who feed their audience with clickbaity spiel and pepper their food recommendations with superlatives, I wanted to find out the highlights and pitfalls of online food reviewers in this age of quick-fire social media content. To help me answer questions I have about this crowded scene, I invited food and lifestyle content creator Chiara Ang, second-generation hawker Melvin Chew, and former home-based baker-turned-marketing entrepreneur Then Zhi Wei to weigh in on the practices that make a good food review.
Highlights (click/tap above):
2:35 Are there too many food reviewers on social media? 6:59 Being brutally honest 13:00 Eating at an establishment where you find your dish to be sub-par: To post or not to post online? 18:36 Adding value with food content 27:35 Showcase more than just the menu 34:07 What consumers should look out for when consuming 'social media' food reviews
Follow Natasha on her IG account and DM her your thoughts on this topic:<a href="https://str.sg/8Wav"> https://str.sg/8Wav</a>
Host: Natasha Zachariah (<a href="mailto:natashaz@sph.com.sg">natashaz@sph.com.sg</a>)
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:<a href="https://str.sg/5nfm"> https://str.sg/5nfm</a>
Apple Podcasts:<a href="https://str.sg/9ijX"> https://str.sg/9ijX</a>
Spotify:<a href="https://str.sg/cd2P"> https://str.sg/cd2P</a>
ST Podcasts YouTube:<a href="https://str.sg/4Vwsa"> https://str.sg/4Vwsa</a>
Feedback to: <a href="mailto:podcast@sph.com.sg">podcast@sph.com.sg </a>
Read Natasha Zachariah's articles:<a href="https://str.sg/iSXm"> https://str.sg/iSXm </a>
Follow Natasha on LinkedIn:<a href="https://str.sg/v6DN"> https://str.sg/v6DN</a>
---
Discover more ST podcast channels:
All-in-one ST Podcasts channel:<a href="https://str.sg/wvz7"> https://str.sg/wvz7</a>
The Usual Place: <a href="https://str.sg/wEr7u">https://str.sg/wEr7u</a>
In Your Opinion:<a href="https://str.sg/w7Qt"> https://str.sg/w7Qt</a>
COE Watch: <a href="https://str.sg/iTtE">https://str.sg/iTtE</a>
Asian Insider: <a href="https://str.sg/JWa7">https://str.sg/JWa7</a>
Health Check: <a href="https://str.sg/JWaN">https://str.sg/JWaN</a>
Green Pulse: <a href="https://str.sg/JWaf">https://str.sg/JWaf</a>
Your Money &amp; Career: <a href="https://str.sg/wB2m">https://str.sg/wB2m</a>
Hard Tackle: <a href="https://str.sg/JWRE">https://str.sg/JWRE</a>
#PopVultures: <a href="https://str.sg/JWad">https://str.sg/JWad</a>
Music Lab: <a href="https://str.sg/w9TX">https://str.sg/w9TX</a>
---
ST Podcast website:<a href="http://str.sg/stpodcasts"> http://str.sg/stpodcasts</a>
ST Podcasts YouTube:<a href="https://str.sg/4Vwsa"> https://str.sg/4Vwsa</a>
---
Special edition series:
True Crimes Of Asia (6 eps): <a href="https://str.sg/i44T">https://str.sg/i44T</a>
The Unsolved Mysteries of South-east Asia (5 eps): <a href="https://str.sg/wuZ2">https://str.sg/wuZ2</a>
Invisible Asia (9 eps): <a href="https://str.sg/wuZn">https://str.sg/wuZn</a>
Stop Scams (10 eps): <a href="https://str.sg/wuZB">https://str.sg/wuZB</a>
Singapore's War On Covid (5 eps): <a href="https://str.sg/wuJa">https://str.sg/wuJa</a>
---
Get The Straits Times' app, which has a dedicated podcast player section:
The App Store: <a href="https://str.sg/icyB">https://str.sg/icyB</a>
Google Play: <a href="https://str.sg/icyX">https://str.sg/icyX</a>
#tup #tuptr

Eat, shoot and post: What makes a good food reviewer?

Are younger people ditching dating apps?

Making dating intentions clear

Getting dating app fatigue

Have young adults lost the art of conversation

Is it more difficult to date these days?

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.

John, who runs a content agency, finds that with everyone having many options, he feels “like a piece of meat” - an experience the 28-year-old finds can be dehumanising. 

Meanwhile Bernice has sworn off dating apps. The 28-year-old brand and marketing manager felt jaded and tired from swiping through but not quite finding the match she wanted.

Dhareeni, a 26-year-old account executive for a public relations agency, shares why she swiped right on her boyfriend, and why she was drawn to his “niche preference” for fish.

Host Natasha wants to find out why there’s no love lost between young people and dating apps.

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

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. John, who runs a content agency, finds that with everyone having many options, he feels “like a piece of meat” - an experience the 28-year-old finds can be dehumanising. Meanwhile Bernice has sworn off dating apps. The 28-year-old brand and marketing manager felt jaded and tired from swiping through but not quite finding the match she wanted. Dhareeni, a 26-year-old account executive for a public relations agency, shares why she swiped right on her boyfriend, and why she was drawn to his “niche preference” for fish. Host Natasha wants to find out why there’s no love lost between young people and dating apps.
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:<a href="https://str.sg/8Wav"> https://str.sg/8Wav</a>
Host: Natasha Zachariah (<a href="mailto:natashaz@sph.com.sg">natashaz@sph.com.sg</a>)
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:<a href="https://str.sg/5nfm"> https://str.sg/5nfm</a>
Apple Podcasts:<a href="https://str.sg/9ijX"> https://str.sg/9ijX</a>
Spotify:<a href="https://str.sg/cd2P"> https://str.sg/cd2P</a>
ST Podcasts YouTube:<a href="https://str.sg/4Vwsa"> https://str.sg/4Vwsa</a>
Feedback to: <a href="mailto:podcast@sph.com.sg">podcast@sph.com.sg </a>
Read Natasha Zachariah's articles:<a href="https://str.sg/iSXm"> https://str.sg/iSXm </a>
Follow Natasha on LinkedIn:<a href="https://str.sg/v6DN"> https://str.sg/v6DN</a>
---
Discover more ST podcast channels:
All-in-one ST Podcasts channel:<a href="https://str.sg/wvz7"> https://str.sg/wvz7</a>
The Usual Place: <a href="https://str.sg/wEr7u">https://str.sg/wEr7u</a>
In Your Opinion:<a href="https://str.sg/w7Qt"> https://str.sg/w7Qt</a>
COE Watch: <a href="https://str.sg/iTtE">https://str.sg/iTtE</a>
Asian Insider: <a href="https://str.sg/JWa7">https://str.sg/JWa7</a>
Health Check: <a href="https://str.sg/JWaN">https://str.sg/JWaN</a>
Green Pulse: <a href="https://str.sg/JWaf">https://str.sg/JWaf</a>
Your Money &amp; Career: <a href="https://str.sg/wB2m">https://str.sg/wB2m</a>
Hard Tackle: <a href="https://str.sg/JWRE">https://str.sg/JWRE</a>
#PopVultures: <a href="https://str.sg/JWad">https://str.sg/JWad</a>
Music Lab: <a href="https://str.sg/w9TX">https://str.sg/w9TX</a>
---
ST Podcast website:<a href="http://str.sg/stpodcasts"> http://str.sg/stpodcasts</a>
ST Podcasts YouTube:<a href="https://str.sg/4Vwsa"> https://str.sg/4Vwsa</a>
---
Special edition series:
True Crimes Of Asia (6 eps): <a href="https://str.sg/i44T">https://str.sg/i44T</a>
The Unsolved Mysteries of South-east Asia (5 eps): <a href="https://str.sg/wuZ2">https://str.sg/wuZ2</a>
Invisible Asia (9 eps): <a href="https://str.sg/wuZn">https://str.sg/wuZn</a>
Stop Scams (10 eps): <a href="https://str.sg/wuZB">https://str.sg/wuZB</a>
Singapore's War On Covid (5 eps): <a href="https://str.sg/wuJa">https://str.sg/wuJa</a>
---
Get The Straits Times' app, which has a dedicated podcast player section:
The App Store: <a href="https://str.sg/icyB">https://str.sg/icyB</a>
Google Play: <a href="https://str.sg/icyX">https://str.sg/icyX</a>
#tup #tuptr

Are young people breaking up with dating apps?

What is Titus up to these days?

Popularity dipped, no thanks to the economy

Dealing with mental health issues

Why he has become more cautious about sharing

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?

9.00 His post-pandemic popularity has dipped, no thanks to today's economic situation

14.26 Dealing with mental health issues

23.30 Why he has become more cautious about sharing his life online

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

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? 9.00 His post-pandemic popularity has dipped, no thanks to today's economic situation 14.26 Dealing with mental health issues 23.30 Why he has become more cautious about sharing his life online
Follow Natasha on her IG account and DM her your thoughts on this topic: <a href="https://str.sg/8Wav">https://str.sg/8Wav</a>
Host: Natasha Zachariah (<a href="mailto:natashaz@sph.com.sg" data-stringify-link="mailto:natashaz@sph.com.sg" data-sk="tooltip_parent" aria-haspopup="menu">natashaz@sph.com.sg</a>)
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: <a href="https://str.sg/5nfm">https://str.sg/5nfm</a> 
Apple Podcasts: <a href="https://str.sg/9ijX">https://str.sg/9ijX</a> 
Spotify: <a href="https://str.sg/cd2P">https://str.sg/cd2P</a> 
ST Podcasts YouTube: <a href="https://str.sg/4Vwsa">https://str.sg/4Vwsa</a>
Feedback to: <a href="mailto:podcast@sph.com.sg">podcast@sph.com.sg</a>
Read Natasha Zachariah's articles: <a href="https://str.sg/iSXm">https://str.sg/iSXm</a>
Follow Natasha on LinkedIn: <a href="https://str.sg/v6DN">https://str.sg/v6DN</a><a href="https://str.sg/iqkJ"></a>
---
Discover more ST podcast channels:
All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: <a href="https://str.sg/wvz7">https://str.sg/wvz7</a>
The Usual Place: <a href="https://str.sg/wEr7u" data-stringify-link="https://str.sg/wEr7u" data-sk="tooltip_parent">https://str.sg/wEr7u</a>
In Your Opinion: <a href="https://str.sg/w7Qt">https://str.sg/w7Qt</a>
COE Watch: <a href="https://str.sg/iTtE">https://str.sg/iTtE</a>
Asian Insider: <a href="https://str.sg/JWa7">https://str.sg/JWa7</a>
Health Check: <a href="https://str.sg/JWaN">https://str.sg/JWaN</a>
Green Pulse: <a href="https://str.sg/JWaf">https://str.sg/JWaf</a>
Your Money &amp; Career: <a href="https://str.sg/wB2m">https://str.sg/wB2m</a>
Hard Tackle: <a href="https://str.sg/JWRE">https://str.sg/JWRE</a>
#PopVultures: <a href="https://str.sg/JWad">https://str.sg/JWad</a>
Music Lab: <a href="https://str.sg/w9TX">https://str.sg/w9TX</a>
---
ST Podcast website: <a href="http://str.sg/stpodcasts">http://str.sg/stpodcasts</a>
ST Podcasts YouTube: <a href="https://str.sg/4Vwsa">https://str.sg/4Vwsa</a>
---
Special edition series:
True Crimes Of Asia (6 eps): <a href="https://str.sg/i44T">https://str.sg/i44T</a>
The Unsolved Mysteries of South-east Asia (5 eps): <a href="https://str.sg/wuZ2">https://str.sg/wuZ2</a>
Invisible Asia (9 eps): <a href="https://str.sg/wuZn">https://str.sg/wuZn</a>
Stop Scams (10 eps): <a href="https://str.sg/wuZB">https://str.sg/wuZB</a>
Singapore's War On Covid (5 eps): <a href="https://str.sg/wuJa">https://str.sg/wuJa</a>
---
Get The Straits Times' app, which has a dedicated podcast player section:
The App Store: <a href="https://str.sg/icyB">https://str.sg/icyB</a>
Google Play: <a href="https://str.sg/icyX">https://str.sg/icyX</a>
#tup #tuptr

Titus Low: From SG's most famous OnlyFans creator to real estate agent?

Next PM: What qualities are the youth seeking?

Elections: What are the youth looking out for?

Bread and butter issues vs civil liberties?

Are younger voters harder to convince?

2023 politician scandals: Impact on next GE?

The importance of social media in the next GE?

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 particular, what issues are youths most concerned about before they go to the ballot box in the next General Election?

In this episode of The Usual Place, Natasha hosts three guests:
Joel Lim, 31, host of Political Prude: The Podcast
Gautham Vijayan Kumaran, 26, a final-year student at the National University of Singapore
Carissa Cheow, 28, the chief strategy officer for a tech firm and a career counsellor

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

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 particular, what issues are youths most concerned about before they go to the ballot box in the next General Election?
In this episode of The Usual Place, Natasha hosts three guests:
<ul>
<li>Joel Lim, 31, host of Political Prude: The Podcast</li>
<li>Gautham Vijayan Kumaran, 26, a final-year student at the National University of Singapore</li>
<li>Carissa Cheow, 28, the chief strategy officer for a tech firm and a career counsellor</li>
</ul>
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 (<a href="mailto:natashaz@sph.com.sg" data-stringify-link="mailto:natashaz@sph.com.sg" data-sk="tooltip_parent" aria-haspopup="menu">natashaz@sph.com.sg</a>)
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: <a href="https://str.sg/5nfm">https://str.sg/5nfm</a> 
Apple Podcasts: <a href="https://str.sg/9ijX">https://str.sg/9ijX</a> 
Spotify: <a href="https://str.sg/cd2P">https://str.sg/cd2P</a> 
ST Podcasts YouTube: <a href="https://str.sg/4Vwsa">https://str.sg/4Vwsa</a>
Feedback to: <a href="mailto:podcast@sph.com.sg">podcast@sph.com.sg</a>
Read Natasha Zachariah's articles: <a href="https://str.sg/iSXm">https://str.sg/iSXm</a>
Follow Natasha on LinkedIn: <a href="https://str.sg/v6DN">https://str.sg/v6DN</a><a href="https://str.sg/iqkJ"></a>
---
Discover more ST podcast channels:
All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: <a href="https://str.sg/wvz7">https://str.sg/wvz7</a>
The Usual Place: <a href="https://str.sg/wEr7u" data-stringify-link="https://str.sg/wEr7u" data-sk="tooltip_parent">https://str.sg/wEr7u</a>
In Your Opinion: <a href="https://str.sg/w7Qt">https://str.sg/w7Qt</a>
COE Watch: <a href="https://str.sg/iTtE">https://str.sg/iTtE</a>
Asian Insider: <a href="https://str.sg/JWa7">https://str.sg/JWa7</a>
Health Check: <a href="https://str.sg/JWaN">https://str.sg/JWaN</a>
Green Pulse: <a href="https://str.sg/JWaf">https://str.sg/JWaf</a>
Your Money &amp; Career: <a href="https://str.sg/wB2m">https://str.sg/wB2m</a>
Hard Tackle: <a href="https://str.sg/JWRE">https://str.sg/JWRE</a>
#PopVultures: <a href="https://str.sg/JWad">https://str.sg/JWad</a>
Music Lab: <a href="https://str.sg/w9TX">https://str.sg/w9TX</a>
---
ST Podcast website: <a href="http://str.sg/stpodcasts">http://str.sg/stpodcasts</a>
ST Podcasts YouTube: <a href="https://str.sg/4Vwsa">https://str.sg/4Vwsa</a>
---
Special edition series:
True Crimes Of Asia (6 eps): <a href="https://str.sg/i44T">https://str.sg/i44T</a>
The Unsolved Mysteries of South-east Asia (5 eps): <a href="https://str.sg/wuZ2">https://str.sg/wuZ2</a>
Invisible Asia (9 eps): <a href="https://str.sg/wuZn">https://str.sg/wuZn</a>
Stop Scams (10 eps): <a href="https://str.sg/wuZB">https://str.sg/wuZB</a>
Singapore's War On Covid (5 eps): <a href="https://str.sg/wuJa">https://str.sg/wuJa</a>
---
Get The Straits Times' app, which has a dedicated podcast player section:
The App Store: <a href="https://str.sg/icyB">https://str.sg/icyB</a>
Google Play: <a href="https://str.sg/icyX">https://str.sg/icyX</a>
#tup #tuptr

Youths on their expectations of Singapore's next PM Lawrence Wong

Why put out so much of their lives online?

Strangers knowing about your info: odd?

Dealing with haters - why not just quit?

Being cancelled - the risk of sharing opinions

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.

Why do people feel so comfortable sharing intimate details of their lives online?

The Usual Place’s host Natasha Ann Zachariah sits down with TikTokers Candice Gallagher and Shaun Elias Chua, and Twitch streamer Jacey Vong, to find out why they started sharing personal details of their lives online.

When everything now becomes free game, is there a line that crosses into oversharing and how do they deal with negative comments?

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

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. Why do people feel so comfortable sharing intimate details of their lives online? The Usual Place’s host Natasha Ann Zachariah sits down with TikTokers Candice Gallagher and Shaun Elias Chua, and Twitch streamer Jacey Vong, to find out why they started sharing personal details of their lives online. When everything now becomes free game, is there a line that crosses into oversharing and how do they deal with negative comments?
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: <a href="https://str.sg/8Wav">https://str.sg/8Wav</a>
Candice Gallagher on TikTok: <a href="https://str.sg/KVvw">https://str.sg/KVvw</a>
Shaun Elias Chua on TikTok: <a href="https://str.sg/AeCK">https://str.sg/AeCK</a>
Jacey Vong on Twitch: <a href="https://str.sg/752E">https://str.sg/752E</a>
Produced by: Natasha Zachariah (<a href="mailto:natashaz@sph.com.sg">natashaz@sph.com.sg</a>), Ernest Luis, Lynda Hong, Teo Tong Kai, Eden Soh, Joel Chng and Marc Justin De Souza
Edited by: Teo Tong Kai &amp; Eden Soh
Follow The Usual Place Podcast here and get notified for new episode drops:
Channel: <a href="https://str.sg/5nfm">https://str.sg/5nfm</a> 
Apple Podcasts: <a href="https://str.sg/9ijX">https://str.sg/9ijX</a> 
Spotify: <a href="https://str.sg/cd2P">https://str.sg/cd2P</a> 
ST Podcasts YouTube: <a href="https://str.sg/4Vwsa">https://str.sg/4Vwsa</a>
Feedback to: <a href="mailto:podcast@sph.com.sg">podcast@sph.com.sg</a>
Read Natasha Zachariah's articles: <a href="https://str.sg/iSXm">https://str.sg/iSXm</a>
Follow Natasha on LinkedIn: <a href="https://str.sg/v6DN">https://str.sg/v6DN</a><a href="https://str.sg/iqkJ"></a>
---
Discover more ST podcast channels:
All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: <a href="https://str.sg/wvz7">https://str.sg/wvz7</a>
The Usual Place: <a href="https://str.sg/wEr7u" data-stringify-link="https://str.sg/wEr7u" data-sk="tooltip_parent">https://str.sg/wEr7u</a>
In Your Opinion: <a href="https://str.sg/w7Qt">https://str.sg/w7Qt</a>
COE Watch: <a href="https://str.sg/iTtE">https://str.sg/iTtE</a>
Asian Insider: <a href="https://str.sg/JWa7">https://str.sg/JWa7</a>
Health Check: <a href="https://str.sg/JWaN">https://str.sg/JWaN</a>
Green Pulse: <a href="https://str.sg/JWaf">https://str.sg/JWaf</a>
Your Money &amp; Career: <a href="https://str.sg/wB2m">https://str.sg/wB2m</a>
Hard Tackle: <a href="https://str.sg/JWRE">https://str.sg/JWRE</a>
#PopVultures: <a href="https://str.sg/JWad">https://str.sg/JWad</a>
Music Lab: <a href="https://str.sg/w9TX">https://str.sg/w9TX</a>
---
ST Podcast website: <a href="http://str.sg/stpodcasts">http://str.sg/stpodcasts</a>
ST Podcasts YouTube: <a href="https://str.sg/4Vwsa">https://str.sg/4Vwsa</a>
---
Special edition series:
True Crimes Of Asia (6 eps): <a href="https://str.sg/i44T">https://str.sg/i44T</a>
The Unsolved Mysteries of South-east Asia (5 eps): <a href="https://str.sg/wuZ2">https://str.sg/wuZ2</a>
Invisible Asia (9 eps): <a href="https://str.sg/wuZn">https://str.sg/wuZn</a>
Stop Scams (10 eps): <a href="https://str.sg/wuZB">https://str.sg/wuZB</a>
Singapore's War On Covid (5 eps): <a href="https://str.sg/wuJa">https://str.sg/wuJa</a>
---
Get The Straits Times' app, which has a dedicated podcast player section:
The App Store: <a href="https://str.sg/icyB">https://str.sg/icyB</a>
Google Play: <a href="https://str.sg/icyX">https://str.sg/icyX</a>
#tup #tuptr

TMI: Has social media made us oversharers?

Being childfree still a taboo?

Do women still bear the burden?

Joan’s realities of being childfree

The scary part about having children

How kids changed Dainial’s life

Joan about not receiving government incentives

Are Singaporean parents entitled?

Should you have children?

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, andflat 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

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: <a href="https://str.sg/8Wav">https://str.sg/8Wav</a>
Watch the video version of this episode: <a href="https://str.sg/nZDz">https://str.sg/nZDz</a>
Produced by: Natasha Zachariah (<a href="mailto:natashaz@sph.com.sg">natashaz@sph.com.sg</a>), Ernest Luis, Lynda Hong and Studio+65
Edited by: Teo Tong Kai &amp; Eden Soh
Follow The Usual Place Podcast here and get notified for new episode drops:
Channel: <a href="https://str.sg/5nfm">https://str.sg/5nfm</a> 
Apple Podcasts: <a href="https://str.sg/9ijX">https://str.sg/9ijX</a> 
Spotify: <a href="https://str.sg/cd2P">https://str.sg/cd2P</a> 
ST Podcasts YouTube: <a href="https://str.sg/4Vwsa">https://str.sg/4Vwsa</a>
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/@straitstimespodcasts"></a>Website: <a href="http://str.sg/stpodcasts">http://str.sg/stpodcasts</a>
Feedback to: <a href="mailto:podcast@sph.com.sg">podcast@sph.com.sg</a>
Read Natasha Zachariah's articles: <a href="https://str.sg/iSXm">https://str.sg/iSXm</a>
Follow Natasha on LinkedIn: <a href="https://str.sg/v6DN">https://str.sg/v6DN</a><a href="https://str.sg/iqkJ"></a>
---
Discover more ST podcast channels:
The Usual Place: <a href="https://str.sg/wEr7u" data-stringify-link="https://str.sg/wEr7u" data-sk="tooltip_parent">https://str.sg/wEr7u</a>
COE Watch: <a href="https://str.sg/iTtE">https://str.sg/iTtE</a>
Asian Insider: <a href="https://str.sg/JWa7">https://str.sg/JWa7</a>
Health Check: <a href="https://str.sg/JWaN">https://str.sg/JWaN</a>
Green Pulse: <a href="https://str.sg/JWaf">https://str.sg/JWaf</a>
Your Money &amp; Career: <a href="https://str.sg/wB2m">https://str.sg/wB2m</a>
Hard Tackle: <a href="https://str.sg/JWRE">https://str.sg/JWRE</a>
#PopVultures: <a href="https://str.sg/JWad">https://str.sg/JWad</a>
Music Lab: <a href="https://str.sg/w9TX">https://str.sg/w9TX</a>
Discover ST Podcasts: <a href="http://str.sg/stpodcasts">http://str.sg/stpodcasts</a>
---
Special edition series:
True Crimes Of Asia (6 eps): <a href="https://str.sg/i44T">https://str.sg/i44T</a>
The Unsolved Mysteries of South-east Asia (5 eps): <a href="https://str.sg/wuZ2">https://str.sg/wuZ2</a>
Invisible Asia (9 eps): <a href="https://str.sg/wuZn">https://str.sg/wuZn</a>
Stop Scams (10 eps): <a href="https://str.sg/wuZB">https://str.sg/wuZB</a>
Singapore's War On Covid (5 eps): <a href="https://str.sg/wuJa">https://str.sg/wuJa</a>
---
Get The Straits Times' app, which has a dedicated podcast player section:
The App Store: <a href="https://str.sg/icyB">https://str.sg/icyB</a>
Google Play: <a href="https://str.sg/icyX">https://str.sg/icyX</a>
#tup #tuptr

Having babies: Natural next step after marriage or thank you, next?

Synopsis: Every Thursday, The Straits Times explores contemporary societal choices and youth perspectives.

Podcaster: Natasha Ann Zachariah

Produced by podcast editor Ernest Luis & The Straits Times, SPH Media Trust.

Synopsis: Every Thursday, The Straits Times explores contemporary societal choices and youth perspectives.
Podcaster: Natasha Ann Zachariah
Produced by podcast editor Ernest Luis &amp; The Straits Times, SPH Media Trust.

The Usual Place

Synopsis: The Straits Times explores contemporary societal choices and youth perspectives.

Podcaster: Natasha Ann Zachariah

Produced by podcast editor Ernest Luis & The Straits Times, SPH Media Trust.

Synopsis: The Straits Times explores contemporary societal choices and youth perspectives.
Podcaster: Natasha Ann Zachariah
Produced by podcast editor Ernest Luis &amp; The Straits Times, SPH Media Trust.

The Usual Place

Social links:

Follow the podcast:

6 clip(s)