Four years ago, the world went quiet in the face of the global pandemic COVID-19. Malaysia announed its first lockdown on the 18th of March. We reflect back on how the pandemic has changed us, for good of for bad.

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In August 2023, a team of 11 researchers from USM began surveying a 1,200-year-old Buddhist stupa at Bukit Choras in the Bujang Valley of northwest Kedah, which has uncovered new evidence of the region's role as a thriving multicultral trading hub. We speak to Nasha Rodziadi Khaw, who is leading research efforts into the Bukit Choras archeological site in the Bujang Valley of Kedah, and what these sites show about our ancient past.

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The dating landscape has seen significant changes, with shifting gender dynamics, technology and social media playing an increasingly important role in how we form and maintain romantic relationships. So first, we speak to Dr Martha Tara Lee on what modern dating encompasses, and how it differs from traditional dating. Then, we hear from our listeners about the biggest lessons they've learned about love.

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Malaysia has received a formal invitation to host the 2026 Commonwealth Games. The invitations comes after the Australian state of Victoria cancelled its hosting plans due to soaring costs. We looked back at an episode on Bar None where Daryl spoke with Haresh Deol on the question of whether Malaysia should host the games and the key considerations that must be taken into account.

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We take a trip down memory lane tonight by going all the way back to the 1990s, exploring key events and how it's shaped the country as it is now. So first we explore this subject with Hafiz Noor Shams, author of The End of The Ninety Nineties. Then later, we hear from our listeners about how they remember this period.

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According to a survey by non-profit neuroscience research organisation Sapien Labs, Malaysia is the 5th happiest country in the world. We spoke to Dr Lim Hooi Shan to understand whether this is reflective of our mental health trends in the country and the variables we use to determine individual happiness. Our listeners also chip in with their thoughts on whether we are considered happy, as a nation.

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The international world order has historically been dominated by Western nations, but recent years have witnessed a significant shift as non-Western powers, particularly those in the Global South, have gained prominence. Such discussions have been increasingly prominent at international conferences such as the Raisina Dialogue in New Delhi. We interview Julia Roknifard, on the dialogues that have taken place at the conference and the importance of multilateralism as a platform for Global South nations.

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It's International Women's Day, and we're marking it by speaking to activists who have been furthering the rights of women in Malaysia. First, Judith Loh-Koh, who is the chairman of the White Ribbon Campaign, as well as former honourary secretary and former president of AWAM, speaks about her decades-long work and activism in women's rights. And then we speak with Dr. Easwary Hari Ramulu about what SAWO Sabah does.

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Whether you're married, engaged, or just starting to get serious, money is an important conversation to bring up in any relationship. Tonight, we look back at an episode of Ringgit & Sense, where Annie Hor talks us through how communication can help couples achieve financial compatibility. We also ask listeners: How do you talk about money in your relationship?

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International Women's Day is around the corner, and so tonight, we're shining the spotlight on women in the arts. Join us as we hear from two remarkable artists: Pamela Tan, a versatile multidisciplinary artist, and Jasmine Suraya, an accomplished actress, as they share insights into their work within their respective fields.

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