Talkback

Talkback

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Talkback episodes

  • Has Your Attention Span Gotten Better or Worse?

    Over the years, the average person has experienced a decline in attention spans which can have implications on their focus at work and learning in schools. Research points to the rise in technology and social media as the reason for this decline, as there is a constant stream of stimuli for a person to digest. So that prompted us to ask our listeners: Do you have a long or short attention span, and has that changed over time? And if you’ve noticed it shortening, what have you tried to get it back on track?

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    1 hr 18 min
  • Hot Takes on Food

    Taugeh in kuey teow? Fries dipped in ice cream?? Milo in maggi kari??? Where do you draw the line? Or is anything edible fair game to you? Tonight we're asking: What’s your most unpopular or controversial food opinion?

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    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    1 hr 25 min
  • How Much Do You Spend on Groceries?

    Malaysians are spending more on groceries than anyone else in the region, but why? Is it rising food prices, changing lifestyles, or simply larger households? We want to hear how you're managing your grocery budget, so we're asking our listeners: Where do you go for your groceries, and how much are they costing you? Is there anything you're cutting down on?

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    56 min
  • How Do You Like Your Doctors?

    We all remember our first trip to the doctor — the awkward questions, the cold stethoscope, the quiet sense of vulnerability. Some of us have stuck with the same doctor ever since, while others have searched for the right fit. So today we’re asking you: What kind of doctor do you like? Do you prefer someone younger or older? A doctor of the same gender? Are you more at ease with someone blunt and straightforward, or someone more diplomatic and gentle with their words?

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    54 min
  • Do You Want to Live Without the Internet?

    A new survey by the British Standards Institution found that nearly half of young people would rather live in a world without the internet. The findings come as UK Technology Secretary Peter Kyle revealed the British government is considering mandatory cut-off times for apps like TikTok and Instagram; measures that would restrict access to certain platforms during late-night hours, in an effort to protect young people’s mental health and sleep habits. So now, we’re turning the question to you: Do you think that the internet has largely been a force for good or bad, in the world? Would you prefer to live without the internet?

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    1 hr 31 min
  • Top 5 at 5: PM Anwar's Next Move For Myanmar Crisis

    The ASEAN Summit 2025 is beginning soon, with many awaiting to see how the Myanmar crisis will be discussed. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has received criticism for meeting with Myanmar's junta chief, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, a move he said was meant to ensure a ceasefire extension. We talk about the Rohingya genocide, the support they need, and the role ASEAN could possibly play in the crisis with Debbie Stothard, founder of ALTSEAN-Burma.

    Other stories we covered:

    • Improving public university admissions: The process of admissions into public universities has long faced criticism about whether it achieves a balance between social equity and merit-based acceptances. The NGO Architects of Diversity released a report that identified several problems in the admissions process. We discuss these problems with Raenuga Indran, Marketing & Partnerships Manager from Yayasan Tunku Abdul Rahman.

    • Sabah starfish under protection: The State Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Christina Liew has issued a warning to tourists, informing them that if they touch or collect starfish they risk facing penalties. This comes after a viral video surfaced of a tourist collecting starfish in the Tanjung Ara waters. We talk to Nadhirah Mohd Rifai, programme manager at Reef Check Malaysia about sustainable eco and marine tourism guidelines.

    • Three European elections: Super Sunday elections in Romania, Poland, and Portugal highlight shifting political landscapes across Europe. With far-right nationalism gaining traction, the continent’s commitment to the EU hangs in the balance. Frederik Holst, associate professor of Politics and International Relations at Albukhary University, weighs in on what these results signal for Europe’s future.

    • Youth would rather live internet-free: A survey conducted by the British Standards Institution found that half of the teenagers they asked would rather live without access to the internet. Amidst rising concerns of social media in correlation to mental health and safety, the British government is considering implementing a “social media curfew.” We talk about the responses to the curfew, and the good and bad sides of the internet.

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    45 min
  • Does Your Accent Affect the Way Others Treat You?

    Malaysia is a melting pot of different ethnic races, all with unique accents that form the oh so familiar "Malaysian accent" - familiar, yet uniquely personal. But accents can shape how others see us. So tonight we ask you: How would you describe your accent? And do you think it affects the way people treat you?

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    1 hr 30 min
  • Do We Rely on Food Delivery Too Much?

    Ever since the pandemic, we've seen a surge in food deliveries. Whether it's foodpanda or Grab, nowadays people are opting to stay in rather than eat out. But it got us thinking; are we prioritising convenience over the dine-in experience or having a home cooked meal? So we ask our listeners if they are over reliant on these services.

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    1 hr 12 min
  • Are We Too Hard on Nepo Babies?

    The slang term nepo baby - short for nepotism baby - can be traced back to the Italian word nipote, meaning nephew, which referred to the advantages the nephews of popes would often receive. Here in Malaysia, PKR vice-president Nurul Izzah, daughter of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, is being pushed to run for deputy president in party polls this May. Although she's not the only person in politics to have followed in her father's footsteps, her growing popularity has raised familiar questions about legacy and merit. So we delve into the implications of nepotism—not just in politics but also media, entertainment, and beyond—and how it shapes opportunities, influence public perception, and spark debate about merit versus legacy.

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    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    1 hr 25 min
  • How Does Your Salary Now Compare to Back Then?

    The former Bank Negara Malaysia governor said Malaysian wages have declined threefold over the past 40 years. He pointed out that fresh grad salaries today have barely increased compared to his starting pay in 1984, despite decades of inflation, and believes graduates should be earning RM7,000 to RM8,000 a month.
    So we asked our listeners- how much did you get paid at your first job and how much is your pay now? Was it enough then, is it enough now?

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    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    1 hr 25 min

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