There's always one common denominator amongst people in their 20s today - the seeming pressure to have everything figured out and to have their lives planned out. Everytime you go on LinkedIn it's another person in your network talking about a raise, a new job or some form of professional development they've gained. And I know everyone says not to compare yourself to others and to take life one stroke at a time, so I decided to reach out to Kat Rojanapiensatith who I knew was taking positive steps to implementing a slow lifestyle. Instead of worrying about the future, especially in such turbulent times, she turned to her hobbies cooking and home-planting as ways to enjoy life and just be grateful for what she already has. So in this episode, gain some inspiration in trying to live a slow lifestyle and learn some concrete tips in becoming a better home chef or starting your home-planting journey!

Music Used: It's Too Late (Instrumental Version) by Soleil; Deep Inside You by Junsu; Memory by The Great Dane

With both the government and society pushing for a more sustainable future, many ESG industries have received massive investments to help spur growth towards the reality of this future. One of these is the EV or Electric Vehicle industry. EV cars like Tesla or Nio are touted to be more energy efficient compared to the gas-guzzlers we drive on the road today. But is it truly applicable to everywhere in the world? In today's episode of 12AM AST, where we gain inspiration from the passions of other young individuals, let's tune into Nico's story of working at Tesla, a major player in the EV industry and his thoughts on the industry's future. I wanted to learn more about what specifically makes EV more efficient and how applicable it could be for countries like the Philippines, where I'm from. 

Music Used: Oh What a Life (Instrumental Version) by spring gang; Deep Inside You by Junsu; Memory by The Great Dane

In a year that made us all struggle in some way, music has played a big part in coping and connecting with other people and artists themselves. At a time where concerts and festivals got cancelled, we feared the worst for the music industry. But these past few months have shown us that the industry is becoming as dynamic as the popular tech companies. With online concerts, free livestreams and more and more music, the industry has pulled through to make sure that their artists craft and creativity are still being heard; albeit virtually. In today's episode of 12AM AST, let's tune into Nikhil's passion for music and the music industry. As a student studying a Masters in Global Entertainment and Music Business, he has unique insights into the backend of an industry we often don't see. In this episode, let's understand how the model of this industry works and how its adapted to not only the pandemic, but also recent tech and cultural changes. 

Music Used: All I Need Is You (Instrumental Version) by Gamma Skies; Deep Inside You by Junsu; Memory by The Great Dane

When we think of Economics, it's financial markets, and supply & demand that come to top of mind. Somewhere through the evolutionary process of this social science, the misconception that economics was somehow strictly capitalism became the norm. Through key revolutionary economists however, the dialogue in this field is now shifting away from constant growth, to a more empathetic and equitable way of thinking. With new economic research on social and health issues like feminism, or racial inequality, we now see that the traditional view of what the "economy" really is, is being challenged - a definition in which the subject matter may reside in Wall Street, but actually resonate to so many other facets of society and life. In this podcast episode with Scott Chua, a masters student studying quantitative economics, he mentions the value of studying economics, debunks the old assumptions that are now being overturned, and shows us that economics is really for everyone - not just the wealth managers or growth players.

Music Used: Slipping by AGST; Deep Inside You by Junsu; Memory by The Great Dane

Watches are a generational testament of love, status, style and culture. Even thought its value of telling the time has become less important, the emotional attachment of wearing a watch transcends its functional utility - it's literally stood the test of the time! In this episode of 12AM AST, where we gain inspiration from the passions of other young individuals, let's tune into Mig's passion for watches and his experience taking a horology degree. Let's become more informed of the kinds of watches and culture behind watch-collecting so that some day when you buy your first watch you'll make a much better decision on your investment.

In the second edition of Tales From The Academy, listen to Tom on his story of studying history at LSE to becoming a practicing lawyer to wanting to change professional paths and become a doctor. We see his transition from childhood passion to professional practice as a solicitor and some might think this story is the typical end-all be-all and Tom's reached his version of success. However, through Tom's experiences, we hopefully pay more attention to what we truly want in the future and the moral implications that we seek in any form of success. In this episode, we see how Tom has pivoted his version of success to becoming a doctor and seeking more spiritual fulfillment by helping those in need. For young professionals or college students, we're at a point of our lives where our pursuit to our ideal career has only just begun and sometimes we get caught up in instant gratification or short-term thinking. Hopefully through Tom's tales, we realize that our goals will constantly change, and pivoting at this young point of our lives isn't as disruptive as we may make it to be.

Music Used: Just Like In The Movies (Instrumental Version) by Particle House; Deep Inside You by Junsu; Memory by The Great Dane

K-pop is a music genre that in recent years has reached global heights. With arguably some of the most hardcore fans, or stans, it's incredible interesting to see the culture of this industry and the extent of support these fans give the groups they idolize. So in this episode, meet Myat, who is a resident BTS stan and K-pop enthusiast and learn more about the k-pop industry and what it takes to become a stan yourself!

Music Used: Green Summer Waves by Qeeo; Memory by The Great Dane; Deep Inside You by Junsu

From the mini-series: Tales From The Academy, tune into Joel Li's story as a liberal arts student who studied Philosophy, Politics & Economics in YALE-NUS University. He talks about the value of an interdisciplinary approach and the unnecessary pressure for young people to find a specialization when studying. Through his experiences as a 'generalist,' we get to understand how much better we understand the world when we are able to connect seemingly disconnected topics.

Music Used: Just Like In The Movies (Instrumental Version) by Particle House; Memory by The Great Dane; Deep Inside You by Junsu

In recent years, photography has transcended from a medium to document family trips and vacations, to a means of self expression and even a source of income. The rise of phone cameras and lightweight mirrorless cameras has lowered the barrier to entry to photography as a hobby and even as a profession. A surprising number of budding photographers are now offering their services for commissioned work because of the successful gamification of sharing photos on Instagram, and because of the fact that every single person in the world, at one point of their lives, will have their photo taken. In today's episode, let's gain inspiration from Aya Cabauatan, who decided to make her passion for photography more than just a hobby. So whether you're a photo hobbyist, or someone looking to make a living out of photography, lets learn about how to become a better photographer.

Music From: Always Been a Dreamer by Staffan Carlen; Memory by The Great Dane; Deep Inside You by Junsu

Sales, or selling, is largely representative of how we express ourselves and get what we want. Through this episode, learn how sales extends beyond cold calling and posting on facebook marketplace, and how to employ this often misunderstood term into your daily life. Selling yourself, selling a product, selling an idea, are things that every single person has to do at some point in life, hence signifying the importance of sales, in how it can help you succeed in achieving your professional and personal goals.

Music Used: All Emotions (Instrumental Version) by ELFL; The Memory by The Great Dane; Deep Inside You by Junsu