Something Private

2020 has been a difficult year, but through adversity comes some of the greatest stories. On this episode, Nicole and Wenqi from popular storytelling platform, Our Grandfather Story, take a hike and reflect on some of their best interviews. From speaking with COVID-19 patients and front line workers, volunteers with lower income groups across Singapore, to healthcare professionals and psychiatric patients. The two share their takeaway as content creators, in this year of reflection.

For more resources around mental health in Singapore: Visit mindline.sg for wellness resources, tips and self-help tools, have a CHAT with someone https://www.chat.mentalhealth.sg/, hear from experts at Calm Collective's virtual talks (https://www.calmcollective.asia/) and connect with all things youthful on Youthopia (https://youthopia.sg/)

This episode does not, and is not intended to, contain medical advice in any form. If you are looking for support or help, please approach a licensed medical health professional.

This episode was made with our friends at Our Grandfather Story, and created in collaboration with YouTube Singapore.

Have a thought? Reach us at [email protected]

We're sure you've heard of the human papillomavirus (HPV); or at least, you might've heard that you should get protected against it, because it can help prevent cancer and other diseases in both men and women. Uh-oh, the mums are quaking in the corner now… because to her, why do you need to think about HPV prevention, if you're not sexually active yet? Awkward!

On this episode, Nicole takes one for the team by bringing her mum and long time friend of the podcast, Dr Liana Koe, together to chat about HPV. We break down how to approach this prickly conversation with your female boomer, what you can expect if it's your first consultation, why there's a stigma to HPV prevention – and other questions you'd have. It's FACTS vs STIGMA!

This episode was made in collaboration with It's Your Life, an educational campaign around HPV prevention and awareness by MSD Singapore. For more information about HPV prevention, head over to http://itsyourlife.sg Have thoughts you'd like to discuss? Reach us at [email protected].

Correction: In Singapore, 52 and 58 are the 3rd and 5th most common HPV types. In addition, the HPV types which cause skin warts are different from HPV types that infect the genital area. Speak to your doctor if you have more enquiries!

Boys... we love them... and that's why we're dedicating an episode to them, for them and about them! We can't really call ourselves feminists, if we don't address the inequalities our boys face, because feminism is about equality of the sexes. On our 50th episode (yay!) we speak with Sean and Darren from Noah, a discreet men's telehealth clinic, about common health issues like erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation, and hair loss, and how highly stigmatised conversation around it is, compared to the tone of empowerment the women's health community has.

Have thoughts you'd like to discuss? Reach us at [email protected].

We've spoken to experts and strong women across 40 episodes now, but what about ordinary everyday women like you and I? After three seasons, Nicole is finally inviting a co-host on board. Meet Kimberly, and welcome to the Nic Kim column! On this episode, we discuss what being a 20-something Southeast Asian woman navigating society is like. From modern dating, to the importance of self love, and the value of having role models in our lives, Nicole and Kimberly share the most intimate and funny parts of their experiences.

Can relate? Tell us your story at [email protected].

There are few things as intimate as listening to a podcast, reading is one of them.

On this episode, we speak with Singaporean novelist, Balli Kaur Jaswal, about the role stories play in helping us explore and intimate side of ourselves, in a culture and society that's modern and yet conservative all the same. Balli's international debut novel, Erotic Stories for Punjabi Widows has attracted the likes of international book clubs, including Reese Witherspoon's!

This episode was presented as part of Night Spin 182.7 FM, a programme curated by The Arts House, commissioned by Singapore Writers Festival and organised by National Arts Council. Listen to the full episode on www.swfspin.live now!

In early September, Singapore announced plans for a White Paper on gender equality to be published by 2021. To us at Something Private we say: It's about time! But what does this white paper entail, how can we get involved, and most importantly, how does it address the mindset problem our country faces? We speak with Minister of State, Sun Xueling, about recent reports on family violence, sexual harassment, and workplace discrimination, to find out more.

Interested in getting involved? Register your interest at go.gov.sg/sgwomen. Or reach us at [email protected].

Noorindah enjoyed a candid and open relationship with her mother; they often joked about sex. So when her mother was diagnosed with stage four breast cancer, Noorindah felt angry, hurt, and disappointed that she was kept in the dark. It's been a year since Noorindah's mother passed, four days after her diagnosis. On this episode, Noorindah shares her heartbreak and painful lessons on her new platform, www.shyandcurious.com.

Something Private reminds you to do your routine breast self examination every month, in light of breast cancer awareness month this October.

Have thoughts you'd like to discuss? Reach us at [email protected].

This World Mental Health Day, we want to know, how are you doing, really?

Belle, a healthcare professional, felt anxious and depressed having just moved back to Singapore for work, but ignored the signs. After all, health professionals shouldn't struggle with mental health issues, right? But when she couldn't get out of bed one day, it struck her that she needed to seek help.

In this episode, Belle shares her experience living in a psychiatric ward for two weeks, how to come to terms with having mental health issues in your mid twenties, and how to help those around you who may be struggling.

Have thoughts you'd like to discuss? Reach us at [email protected].

Marylyn Tan made history as the first woman to win the Singapore Literature book prize earlier this month, with her debut collection, GAZE BACK. But her achievement stemmed from a violence done to her almost a decade ago, when she was videotaped against her will doing a homosexual sexual act in school. Young Marylyn was prosecuted harshly, while her perpetrator was let off scot-free. Society's rejection of her, was just the beginning source of her inspiration.

Have thoughts you'd like to discuss? Reach us at [email protected].

A common trait of an emotionally abusive relationship is when the abuser is compassionate in public but cruel in private. Jenny* lived through years of verbal insults and suicide threats from her ex-husband, but the final straw came when her three year old son had to "protect" her from a fight that nearly broke out. Today, Jenny* is safer, but reflects on her loneliness as a single mother, and the challenges of co-parenting with her ex-abuser.

Shout-out to Chapter Zero, a social enterprise in Singapore advocating for raising children mindfully and respectfully. FB @ Chapter Zero, IG @ChapterZeroSG.

Have thoughts you'd like to discuss? Reach us at [email protected].

*names have been changed to protect profile's identity