What does it take to build a podcast that's designed to outlast you?

Keith Yap, host of The Front Row Podcast, grew his show to 15K subscribers in under a year - not by chasing trends, but by doing the opposite. His mission: create a living archive of Singapore's brightest minds on geopolitics, economics, and technology. A time capsule for the next generation of Singaporeans.

In this conversation, Keith reflects on how his role has evolved from nervous first-timer to confident interlocutor - someone who doesn't just ask questions, but challenges, supplements, and connects ideas across a growing catalog of diplomats, economists, historians, and technologists.

We also get into: how he landed his very first guest (Ambassador Chan Heng Chee), why he thinks Singapore is two degrees from anyone, his personal learning stack, and his bigger vision - making Singapore the intellectual capital of Southeast Asia.

TIMESTAMPS

(00:00) Trailer & Opening

(01:29) The Front Row Podcast

(03:03) Getting High-Calibre Guests

(07:24) The Cringey Early Episodes

(09:37) How Keith's Role as a Podcaster Has Evolved

(12:11) What Makes a Conversation Deep and Meaningful

(14:34) Editing & Episode Fidelity

(16:18) The Biggest Shift in Keith's Hosting Style

(19:50) Stress-Testing Your Own Views as a Host

(21:38) How Genuine Curiosity Is Developed

(25:00) The Questions Great Thinkers Ask

(31:16) Guest Criteria, Outreach, and Saying No

(34:47) Personal Learning Curriculum

(38:29) The Big Question Keith Is Trying to Answer

(42:33) Keith's Listener Demographics

(43:50) Where His Interest in Geopolitics & Policy Began

(45:21) Quality of Thought and Articulation

(47:15) Measuring Impact

(54:16) Keith's Advice for Podcasters and Creators

CONNECT WITH KEITH YAP

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@keithyap65

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keithyap1

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keith-yap

Website: https://www.ykeith.com

CONNECT WITH CHERYL LAU

Website: https://cheryllau.com

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@cheryltheory

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cheryltheory

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cheryllau

WORK WITH CHERYL LAU

I produce distinctive and deeply resonant podcasts for leaders and organizations who want their content to command attention, spark meaningful conversations, and attract high-value opportunities.

I ensure your podcast isn't just another show in the feed - it's an asset that elevates your authority and moves your work forward.

Here are 3 ways we can work together:

✨ 1:1 Editorial Podcast Production

✨ Corporate Podcast Producing & Consulting

✨ Hosting for Corporate Shows

Schedule a discovery call for us to explore what working together might look like: https://cheryllau.com/discovery

CONTACT

Please email [email protected] for business inquiries.

Claire Tan started her first business at 17 - not because she had a plan, but because she refused to work in a system where someone else decided how far she could go.

In this episode, Claire walks us through how she built Ladyy Claire Makeup into one of Singapore's first makeup-only bridal companies, pivoted into luxury real estate during COVID, and quietly became one of the most respected agents working with high-net-worth clients - all while being a self-described introvert who hides behind the curtains at parties.

We get into: why she broke her scholarship bond and never looked back, how she practiced three hairstyles a day and cried through all of it, how she lied about her age to land early clients (then revealed the truth after the job), what it actually takes to sell $3-5M properties as a 21-year-old, and the one belief she's still working on unlearning - that her self-worth equals her output.

TIMESTAMPS

(00:00) Trailer & Opening

(02:20) Starting a makeup business in Singapore at 17

(06:10) Why Claire chose entrepreneurship over a "safe" career

(10:34) Building resilience before success

(12:33) From makeup empire to real estate

(14:03) The skills Claire had to grind to improve

(17:25) Being an introvert in people-facing businesses

(19:17) What it really takes to succeed in real estate

(23:45) Building confidence by holding yourself to high standards

(25:27) What Claire is actively working on as a leader now

(28:49) A mindset shift for those still figuring things out

(30:47) "Good advice" Claire chose not to follow - and why

(35:13) Being underestimated in her business & career

(40:35) The belief Claire had to unlearn as success grew

(42:55) Closing

CONNECT WITH CLAIRE TAN

Main Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/clairetankt

Make Up Company Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ladyyclairemakeup

Real Estate Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ladyyclaireproperties

CONNECT WITH CHERYL LAU

Website: https://cheryllau.com

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@cheryltheory

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cheryltheory

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cheryllau

WORK WITH CHERYL LAU

I produce distinctive and deeply resonant podcasts for leaders and organizations who want their content to command attention, spark meaningful conversations, and attract high-value opportunities.

I ensure your podcast isn't just another show in the feed - it's an asset that elevates your authority and moves your work forward.

Here are 3 ways we can work together:

✨ 1:1 Editorial Podcast Production

✨ Corporate Podcast Producing & Consulting

✨ Hosting for Corporate Shows

Schedule a discovery call for us to explore what working together might look like: https://cheryllau.com/discovery

CONTACT

Please email [email protected] for business inquiries.

When you've always been the straight-A student, quitting feels like a character flaw - not a decision.

In this episode, my friend Jennifer Ho turns the tables and interviews me. We go through my three-page resume and look for everything it doesn't show: the shame of quitting law school, my mum telling me I needed to "bring harmony back into the family," and then quitting a PhD years later - terrified of becoming a two-time quitter.

This is a conversation about high-functioning doubt, outsourcing your identity to systems, and how I eventually stopped making decisions based on what would make me look good - and started making ones I could actually stand behind.

TIMESTAMPS

(00:00) Trailer

(00:47) Opening

(01:47) The story my resume can't tell

(06:02) How I used to define success

(06:46) Why law school and a PhD didn't actually fit me

(11:38) How long I knew something had to change - before I quit

(15:21) The strengths I carried through every pivot

(20:31) How do you know when something isn't right - even if you're good at it?

(23:27) The skill gaps I'm actively working on now

(26:47) How I'm thinking about future-proofing my career

(30:53) My edge vs and the part of my work that still scares me

(32:21) What an irresponsible career risk looks like

(33:29) What will never need to be on my resume

(36:34) Closing

CONNECT WITH CHERYL LAU

Website: https://cheryllau.com

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@cheryltheory

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cheryltheory

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cheryllau

WORK WITH CHERYL LAU

I produce distinctive and deeply resonant podcasts for leaders and organizations who want their content to command attention, spark meaningful conversations, and attract high-value opportunities.

I ensure your podcast isn't just another show in the feed - it's an asset that elevates your authority and moves your work forward.

Here are 3 ways we can work together:

✨ 1:1 Editorial Podcast Production

✨ Corporate Podcast Producing & Consulting

✨ Hosting for Corporate Shows

Schedule a discovery call for us to explore what working together might look like: https://cheryllau.com/discovery

CONTACT

Please email [email protected] for business inquiries.

For five years, I've been podcasting. Side Hustle Club. Thought Leader Club. Now EDIT HISTORY. And for most of that time, I built it while quietly wondering if I was actually qualified to do any of it.

In this episode, my friend Rae Fung interviews me - and we go deep into the parts that don't show up in the highlights: why I rebranded twice, what I learned when my most casual episode outperformed my most carefully crafted one, and how I kept saying yes to opportunities I felt completely unready for.

TIMESTAMPS

(00:00) Trailer

(00:49) Opening

(03:11) What "success" and credibility meant in the early days

(06:13) External validation vs internal motivation

(09:43) Advice and templates that didn't actually fit

(12:29) The moment Cheryl realized where her real value was

(16:09) What she's most proud of from the early iterations

(18:29) Letting people into the thought process behind the work

(23:49) Seeing Cheryl's thought process

(26:39) The fears and resistance behind going all-in on podcasting

(31:16) What Cheryl wants to deepen and sharpen in 2026

(34:38) What Cheryl is working on deepening in 2026

(36:51) A message to little Cheryl

(37:52) If every body of work has a draft - what's the current one?

(39:19) Closing

CONNECT WITH CHERYL LAU

Website: https://cheryllau.com

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@cheryltheory

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cheryltheory

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cheryllau

WORK WITH CHERYL LAU

I produce distinctive and deeply resonant podcasts for leaders and organizations who want their content to command attention, spark meaningful conversations, and attract high-value opportunities.

I ensure your podcast isn't just another show in the feed - it's an asset that elevates your authority and moves your work forward.

Here are 3 ways we can work together:

✨ 1:1 Editorial Podcast Production

✨ Corporate Podcast Producing & Consulting

✨ Hosting for Corporate Shows

Schedule a discovery call for us to explore what working together might look like: https://cheryllau.com/discovery

CONTACT

Please email [email protected] for business inquiries.

My podcast won two awards at the 2025 Asia Podcast Awards.

In this solo episode, I break down what I think actually makes a podcast stand out.

TIMESTAMPS

(00:00) Introduction

(03:31) The Current State of Podcasts

(05:12) Show Concept

(09:29) Differentiation

(15:14) Consistency

(18:23) Success as a Podcaster

(20:30) What Awards Don't Measure

CONNECT WITH CHERYL LAU

Website: https://cheryllau.com

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@cheryltheory

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cheryltheory

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cheryllau

WORK WITH CHERYL LAU

I produce distinctive and deeply resonant podcasts for leaders and organizations who want their content to command attention, spark meaningful conversations, and attract high-value opportunities.

I ensure your podcast isn't just another show in the feed - it's an asset that elevates your authority and moves your work forward.

Here are 3 ways we can work together:

✨ 1:1 Editorial Podcast Production

✨ Corporate Podcast Producing & Consulting

✨ Hosting for Corporate Shows

Schedule a discovery call for us to explore what working together might look like: https://cheryllau.com/discovery

CONTACT

Please email [email protected] for business inquiries.

Everyone commends you for being brave when you start over. But no one tells you that your reinvention might also look… ridiculous.

For our guest today, that looked like explaining to people - very seriously - that she quit her career as a lawyer… to start a podcast as a cat.

Because that's the thing about starting something new: More often than not, it doesn't look polished or profound. It looks like curiosity, experimentation - and sometimes, doing something absolutely absurd, but quintessentially you.

Today's guest, Iman Ibrahim, embodies that exact spirit. After nearly two decades in law, she left her career behind to rebuild from scratch - first as a coach, and then as the creator of I Am the Advocat, a podcast where a cat becomes the unlikely voice for real stories of burnout, bullying, and survival in the legal world.

This episode is about what it really takes to start again, and what becomes possible when we finally stop performing who we're "supposed" to be.

TIMETAMPS

(00:00) Introduction

(01:40) Quitting law after 19 years

(02:21) I am the Advocat

(05:17) Judgment from colleagues

(06:46) Support for the cause

(09:08) Introducing the (c)lawyers

(12:54) Building an episode

(15:34) Iman's EDIT HISTORY

(17:29) Building an episode (cont.)

(18:43) The constraints of law

(23:43) Starting over and self doubts

(28:38) Iman's inner self critic

(34:19) One year later

(39:31) Actionable takeaways

CONNECT WITH IMAN IBRAHIM

Instagram (Personal): https://www.instagram.com/imanisoverit

Instagram (I am the Advocat): https://www.instagram.com/iamtheadvocat

Instagram (Over It Club): https://www.instagram.com/overit.club

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@iamtheadvocat

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/iman-ibrahim/

CONNECT WITH CHERYL LAU

Website: https://cheryllau.com

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@cheryltheory

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cheryltheory

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cheryllau

WORK WITH CHERYL LAU

I produce distinctive and deeply resonant podcasts for leaders and organizations who want their content to command attention, spark meaningful conversations, and attract high-value opportunities.

I ensure your podcast isn't just another show in the feed - it's an asset that elevates your authority and moves your work forward.

Here are 3 ways we can work together:

✨ 1:1 Editorial Podcast Production

✨ Corporate Podcast Producing & Consulting

✨ Hosting for Corporate Shows

Schedule a discovery call for us to explore what working together might look like: https://cheryllau.com/discovery

CONTACT

Please email [email protected] for business inquiries.

When Aiken Chia was broke and ready to walk away from media after six years of rejection, a friend paid his phone bill so he wouldn't miss a callback. That single act changed everything.

In this episode, Aiken sits down with us to go beyond the Food King years and the viral moments - including the video where he sat with his mum to unpack her 18-year affair on camera. We talk about what it costs to make something that personal, the values that have kept him grounded through success and betrayal, and why he still doesn't run mid-roll ads on YouTube even when the money would help.

This is a conversation about what actually gives creative work longevity - and it's not the numbers.

TIMESTAMPS

(00:00) Introduction

(01:30) Character matters more than talent

(03:03) Being called fat

(05:56) Aiken's insecurities

(07:49) Being in survival mode

(09:23) People who see your potential

(11:57) The upwards trajectory

(13:29) Why do others support Aiken

(16:12) Being sincere

(17:31) Executing your creative vision

(20:00) How creators create impact

(25:43) How Aiken is monetizing

(26:57) Breaking out of the "food creator" box

(29:59) What Aiken is working on right now

(32:32) Going through a rough patch

(36:27) Aiken interviews his mom

(42:15) Guiding values as a creator

(45:19) Actionable takeaways

CONNECT WITH AIKEN CHIA

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AikenChiaMing

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aikenchia

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@aikenchia

CONNECT WITH CHERYL LAU

Website: https://cheryllau.com

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@cheryltheory

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cheryltheory

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cheryllau

WORK WITH CHERYL LAU

I produce distinctive and deeply resonant podcasts for leaders and organizations who want their content to command attention, spark meaningful conversations, and attract high-value opportunities.

I ensure your podcast isn't just another show in the feed - it's an asset that elevates your authority and moves your work forward.

Here are 3 ways we can work together:

✨ 1:1 Editorial Podcast Production

✨ Corporate Podcast Producing & Consulting

✨ Hosting for Corporate Shows

Schedule a discovery call for us to explore what working together might look like: https://cheryllau.com/discovery

CONTACT

Please email [email protected] for business inquiries.

When Ainul Md Razib first started posting about tech careers on TikTok, almost nobody in Singapore was doing it. No blueprint, no local creator to follow, no way of knowing if it would land.

In this episode, Ainul - cybersecurity engineer at IBM and one of Singapore's first career-focused tech creators - opens up about what it actually takes to build something original in a space that doesn't have rules yet. We talk about why she's never done a salary breakdown video (it comes down to her faith and Malay cultural values around wealth), how she navigates telling her manager about her social media before starting every new job, and what the viral hits taught her about what she actually doesn't want to become.

TIMESTAMPS

(00:00) Introduction

(01:21) Being taken seriously

(04:39) Creator pressures

(07:50) Complexities as a Muslim creator

(13:35) Setting parameters

(17:36) Doubting your own work

(20:35) Reviewing Ainul's past content

(24:33) Balancing a full time job with content creation

(29:37) Chasing external validation

(32:32) Misconceptions about you

(35:51) Why do you do what you do?

(39:52) Actionable takeaways

CONNECT WITH AINUL MD RAZIB

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ainlovescode/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ainlovescode

Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/5UvDywqpB6Gzv428oNUbAI

Website: https://www.ainlovescode.com/

CONNECT WITH CHERYL LAU

Website: https://cheryllau.com

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@cheryltheory

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cheryltheory

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cheryllau

WORK WITH CHERYL LAU

I produce distinctive and deeply resonant podcasts for leaders and organizations who want their content to command attention, spark meaningful conversations, and attract high-value opportunities.

I ensure your podcast isn't just another show in the feed - it's an asset that elevates your authority and moves your work forward.

Here are 3 ways we can work together:

✨ 1:1 Editorial Podcast Production

✨ Corporate Podcast Producing & Consulting

✨ Hosting for Corporate Shows

Schedule a discovery call for us to explore what working together might look like: https://cheryllau.com/discovery

CONTACT

Please email [email protected] for business inquiries.

For years, Simon Alexander Ong told his strict Asian father that the job was "going okay." What he didn't say was that he'd already quietly started coaching clients on the side - building a business in secret, evenings and weekends, until he had three paying clients and a decision to make.

Today, Simon is a bestselling author, international keynote speaker, and one of the most-watched creators in his space - his video "I'm 40. If You're In Your 20s or 30s, Watch This" has 3.9M views. In this episode, we go behind the highlight reel: the double life, the conversations he had with his father once he finally had something to show, and why he says the biggest mistake career-changers make is quitting cold with no foundation.

TIMESTAMPS

(00:00) Introduction

(01:26) Being boxed in by titles

(03:35) Becoming a brand

(06:14) Simon's objections

(08:52) A partner who supports your goals

(15:44) The pressure of having it together

(18:05) A compelling vision

(19:49) Learning vs being an expert

(23:05) Creativity as a differentiator

(25:18) What Simon is working on

(26:41) Transferable skills

(27:40) Does your family get what you do?

(31:14) Should I quit my job?

(35:00) How to do it all

(40:25) 3 Tips for entrepreneurs & creators

(46:01) Actionable takeaways

CONNECT WITH SIMON ALEXANDER ONG

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@simonalexandero

Website: https://simonalexanderong.com

Book: https://simonalexanderong.com/book

Newsletter: https://simonalexanderong.com/shots-of-energy

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/simonalexandero

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonalexanderong

CONNECT WITH CHERYL LAU

Website: https://cheryllau.com

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@cheryltheory

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cheryltheory

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cheryllau

WORK WITH CHERYL LAU

I produce distinctive and deeply resonant podcasts for leaders and organizations who want their content to command attention, spark meaningful conversations, and attract high-value opportunities.

I ensure your podcast isn't just another show in the feed - it's an asset that elevates your authority and moves your work forward.

Here are 3 ways we can work together:

✨ 1:1 Editorial Podcast Production

✨ Corporate Podcast Producing & Consulting

✨ Hosting for Corporate Shows

Schedule a discovery call for us to explore what working together might look like: https://cheryllau.com/discovery

CONTACT

Please email [email protected] for business inquiries.

In this unscripted bonus episode, I answer delightfully weird and deeply personal questions from friends - Covering everything from past insecurities, podcast advice, to how my friendships have evolved.

TIMESTAMPS

(00:00) Introduction

(0:35) What crime would you commit if it were legal for 12 hours?

(0:59) If you were a cult leader, what's your cult's name and aesthetic?

(01:41) What's the weirdest compliment that would absolutely make your day?

(03:03) You're suddenly famous for something stupid. What did you do?

(03:44) If you woke up as a brand new person, where would you want to live?

(04:20) If you woke up as a brand new person, what job do you want to do

(05:08) If you woke up as a brand new person, what superpower will you have?

(05:22) What would you tell baby podcaster cheryl?

(07:12) If we caught you doomscrolling, what would you be watching?

(09:16) What used to be an insecurity that no longer is?

(10:26) What is an insecurity you still have?

(11:15) What is your pet peeve/most annoying trait about a person?

(11:44) Which emoji do you spiritually identify with?

(12:27) What are 3 telling "first impression" signs of a podcast that is likely to be successful?

(14:52) How has your friendships evolved overtime?

CONNECT WITH CHERYL LAU

Website: https://cheryllau.com

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@cheryltheory

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cheryltheory

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cheryllau

WORK WITH CHERYL LAU

I produce distinctive and deeply resonant podcasts for leaders and organizations who want their content to command attention, spark meaningful conversations, and attract high-value opportunities.

I ensure your podcast isn't just another show in the feed - it's an asset that elevates your authority and moves your work forward.

Here are 3 ways we can work together:

✨ 1:1 Editorial Podcast Production

✨ Corporate Podcast Producing & Consulting

✨ Hosting for Corporate Shows

Schedule a discovery call for us to explore what working together might look like: https://cheryllau.com/discovery

CONTACT

Please email [email protected] for business inquiries.