What does it actually take to build a standout podcast in Singapore?

In this episode of EDIT HISTORY, Keith Yap - host of The Front Row Podcast - unpacks the thinking & craft behind building a serious show in a niche category.

From the early days of awkward setups and over-prepared questions, to developing the confidence to act as a true interlocutor (and not just a curator), Keith reflects on how his approach to podcasting has evolved over the past year of conversations with diplomats, economists, historians, and technologists.

If you're building a podcast or thinking about starting one, I 10/10 recommend watching this episode from start to finish :)

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.

From the outside, Claire Tan's career looks effortless.

She started her first business at 17. Built one of Singapore's earliest makeup-only bridal companies.

Later entered real estate… And succeeded again.

But what you don't see on a resume is the discipline, work ethic, and internal standards that shaped every chapter.

In this episode of EDIT HISTORY, Claire walks us through the real work behind her success - the years spent practising hairstyles daily before opportunities arrived, choosing to practice her skills over and over again before opportunities came, and why she refused to let bosses, industries, or expectations dictate her ceiling.

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.

I quit law school, then quit my PhD - and spent years wondering if that made me a quitter or just someone on the wrong path.

In this episode of EDIT HISTORY, my friend Jennifer Ho interviews me as I open up about the parts of my journey that never show up on a resume: The guilt of disappointing my Asian parents, wanting to look "successful," and learning to make decisions that I am proud of.

This is a conversation about high-functioning doubt, career pivots, and choosing work you can stand behind - even when it doesn't immediately make sense to others.

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.

What does it really take to build a body of work you can stand behind - especially when the numbers don't immediately reflect the care you're putting into it?

In this episode of EDIT HISTORY, Cheryl steps into the interviewee seat and unpacks the insecurities, turning points, and decisions that shaped different stages of her career as a podcaster.

This conversation is for entrepreneurs, professionals, and podcasters who've ever wondered: Am I legit enough? Should I be further along by now? What if my work doesn't look like everyone else's, but still matters?

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 this year - but not for the reasons you might think.

This episode unpacks the creative decisions, format choices, and editorial discipline that made EDIT HISTORY resonate with judges and listeners alike.

Whether you're building a podcast, a business, or any long-term creative project, this is a deep dive into what really matters.

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.

Before Aiken Chia became one of Singapore's most recognizable YouTubers and food content creators, he was a broke twenty-something who had spent years auditioning, collecting rejection after rejection, and was on the verge of quitting media altogether.

It was that mix of setbacks, resilience, and the unwavering support of his community that shaped the creator he is today. From his breakout years through producing a popular series called Food King, to now building his own independent channel, Aiken has created a body of work that blends food and travel storytelling with raw, personal conversations - including one of his most talked-about videos, where he sat down with his mother to unpack her 18-year affair.

In this episode, we revisit those early struggles, explore the turning points that gave him hope, and unpack the values that continue to guide his journey today.

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 no one in Singapore was doing it. While most of the platform was filled with dance trends and food reviews, she chose to talk about coding and professional growth - becoming one of the first local career-focused creators.

Today, Ainul is a Cybersecurity Engineer at IBM, known online as AinLovesCode. She's been named to the Singapore 100 Women in Tech 2025 list, and her work continues to champion diversity and inclusion in the industry.

In this episode, we explore Ainul's journey - the pressures of visibility, the boundaries she's had to set, and the internal work that's kept her creating through viral highs and quiet seasons.

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.

Most of us introduce ourselves with a title: "I'm a coach," "I'm a banker," "I'm a podcaster."

The problem with this is that the moment you do that, you've put yourself in the same box as everyone else with that title.

Our guest today, Simon Alexander Ong - bestselling author of Energize, international keynote speaker, and award-winning coach - knows this firsthand. For years, he chased job titles he thought would define his success, until he realised that real success and true differentiation come from embracing your whole self. This includes your story, your skills, and your creativity.

In this episode, we explore how breaking free from labels and showing people what makes you unlike anyone else can transform you from just another professional… Into a brand.

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.