Required Reading Book Club

In this episode of Required Reading Book Club, we sit down with He Ruiming, content creator, author, and one-half of the financial literacy powerhouse: The Woke Salaryman. As a creative entrepreneur who built a brand on radical accountability and accessible finance, Ruiming is breaking down the systemic rules of wealth so you don't have to navigate them blind.

We dive deep into his book, The Woke Salaryman Crash Course on Capitalism and Money, and unpack the practical lessons he learned from navigating Singapore's hyper-competitive landscape. From channelling your 20-something hurdles into career-defining motivation to understanding the "Four Horsemen of Success," this episode is a masterclass in playing the economic game. We explore why amassing wealth is a prerequisite to changing an inherently unfair system and how to make sure you don't become the oppressor once you get there.

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If you’re listening on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, be sure to leave us a 5-star rating!

If you're interested in partnerships, have general enquiries, or want to launch a podcast, reach out to us at ⁠[email protected]⁠!

Follow on Instagram:

Maddy Breteche Lo – ⁠@maddybreteche

Required Reading Book Club - @requiredreadingbookclub⁠

He Ruiming - @heruiming

The Woke Salaryman - @thewokesalaryman

ZYRUP Media – ⁠@zyrupmedia⁠

Zodapop by ZYRUP Media – ⁠@zodapopsg⁠

Chapters:

00:00 Start of Episode

00:29 Introduction to The Crash Course on Capitalism and Money

02:28 Why is this book a Required Reading?

03:43 Acknowledging Resentment

06:33 The Four Horsemen of Success 

10:30 Not Blaming the Poor About Being Poor

13:15 Why the First $100K is the Hardest

18:08 Career Motivators

21:21 Foreigners in Singapore

23:32 How Ruiming Would’ve Written the Book Differently in 2026

27:23 Different Generations’ Approach to Success

29:47 Tools to Create a Fair Environment for Yourself

37:36 Pick a Page

41:10 Who Should Read This Book?

48:08 End of Episode

What happens when a brilliant neurosurgeon trained to save lives is suddenly forced to confront his own terminal mortality? How and where do you find the strength to truly live?

In this episode of Required Reading Book Club, we sit down with content creator, model, and modern lifestyle entrepreneur Tanisha Khan. Tanisha joins us to unpack the ultimate paradoxical truth: learning that you are going to die is exactly when you learn how to finally live.

We dive deep into Paul Kalanithi's moving memoir, When Breath Becomes Air, and dissect the heavy philosophical lessons hidden within its pages. From Tanisha and Maddy’s exploration of the underestimated, crushing grief experienced by loved ones to the exhausting cost of genuine empathy, this episode evaluates what makes life worth living in the face of death. 

If you’re watching on YouTube, hit the 👍 button and make sure to SUBSCRIBE for more episodes!

If you’re listening on Spotify and Apple Podcasts be sure to leave us a 5-star rating!

If you're interested in partnerships, have general enquiries, or want to launch a podcast, reach out to us at ⁠[email protected]⁠!

Follow on Instagram:

Maddy Breteche Lo – ⁠@maddybreteche

Required Reading Book Club - @requiredreadingbookclub⁠

Tanisha Khan - @tanishalkhanSunday Pilates Club - @sundaypilatesclub

ZYRUP Media – ⁠@zyrupmedia⁠

Zodapop by ZYRUP Media – ⁠@zodapopsg⁠

Chapters:

00:00 Start of Episode

00:39 Introduction to When Breath Becomes Air

01:47 Why is this book a Required Reading?

02:41 Grief Experienced by Loved Ones vs. A Patient Receiving the Diagnosis

04:18 If Your Time is Limited, What Would You Do Differently?

09:58  Eldest Daughter Syndrome & The Urge to Problem Solve

12:24 The Cost of True Empathy

15:13 Romanticising Suffering 

17:25 Being Alive vs. The Privilege of Actually Living

21:51 Pick a Page

24:15 SPOILER TERRITORY

25:44 A Father's Selfless Love and Validation

28:06 Living With Intention: Finding Your Calling

32:25 Who Should Read This Book?

34:30 End of Episode

What makes a book Required Reading? Honestly, it depends who you ask. 📚

Welcome to the Required Reading Book Club! Coming soon on 3 November 2026. 😉