Tell You First

How well do you know Deepavali? Haresh takes a deep dive into the origins of the Hindu festival with Class 95 radio DJ and musician Rai Kannu. Hear them test each other’s knowledge of the ancient texts and meaning behind the rituals. Learn how Deepavali is celebrated across the diverse regions and religions of India, as well as Singapore. The differences may surprise you!

 

Credits:

 

Hosted by Haresh Tilani (@hareshtilani)

Guest - Rai Kannu (@rai.kannu)

Produced by Terence Chia (@tchia) and Haresh Tilani (@hareshtilani)

Sound Engineering - Tristen Yeak (@yeakstreet)

Project Manager - Dominique Lee

Commissioning Editor - Danny Koordi

 

If you would like to listen to more, you can follow the podcast on the Melisten App, Spotify, or Apple Podcasts.

 

Podcast artwork by Denise Nicole Yap, you can reach her on Instagram @deniseardenise

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today Singapore has one of the highest internet penetration rates in the world, but it all had to start somewhere! Haresh and Terence take a good look at the nation’s browser history, reminiscing about what it felt like to access the Internet in its early days, before the dizzying advent of social media and smartphones. Who received the first ever email sent to Singapore? What did our choice of Internet Service Provider use to say about us? And how does the Internet even work? Find out all this and more on this episode!

 

Credits:

 

Hosted and Produced by Terence Chia (@tchia) and Haresh Tilani (@hareshtilani)

Sound Engineering - Tristen Yeak (@yeakstreet)

Project Manager - Dominique Lee

Commissioning Editor - Danny Koordi

 

If you would like to listen to more, you can follow the podcast on the Melisten App, Spotify, or Apple Podcasts.

 

Podcast artwork by Denise Nicole Yap, you can reach her on Instagram @deniseardenise

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We uncover the fascinating story behind Singapore's world-famous Night Safari, the OG of night zoos in the world. Now in its 30th year of existence, we go deep into how this groundbreaking attraction came to life, and highlight the challenges, innovations, and vision that transformed a gimmicky idea into a must-see destination for tourists in Singapore. We talk about the earliest zoos in Singapore, how former Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong was instrumental in the founding of the Night Safari, and what controversies the zoo has faced over the years.

Credits:

 

Hosted and Produced by Terence Chia (@tchia) and Haresh Tilani (@hareshtilani)

Sound Engineering - Tristen Yeak (@yeakstreet)

Project Manager - Dominique Lee

Commissioning Editor - Danny Koordi

 

If you would like to listen to more, you can follow the podcast on the Melisten App, Spotify, or Apple Podcasts.

 

Podcast artwork by Denise Nicole Yap, you can reach her on Instagram @deniseardenise

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We explore the bizarre incident that is the Koro Crisis of 1967, when a widespread panic over shrinking genitals gripped Singapore. Delve into the psychological, cultural, and social factors that fueled this mass hysteria, turning an old wives’ tale into a national crisis. We’ll unpack the strange phenomenon, its impact on the population, and how it was eventually quelled. Tune in for a fascinating look at one of the most unusual episodes in Singapore’s history.

Credits:

 

Hosted and Produced by Terence Chia (@tchia) and Haresh Tilani (@hareshtilani)

Sound Engineering - Tristen Yeak (@yeakstreet)

Project Manager - Dominique Lee

Commissioning Editor - Danny Koordi

 

If you would like to listen to more, you can follow the podcast on the Melisten App, Spotify, or Apple Podcasts.

 

Podcast artwork by Denise Nicole Yap, you can reach her on Instagram @deniseardenise

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Was there a better time for English language Singapore TV than the 1990s? Masters of the Sea, Rollin’ Good Times, Happy Belly, The Ra-Ra Show, Pyramid Game and much more appeared on our screens all at once. We reminisce with radio deejay Vernetta Lopez, who was there when it all happened, playing Denise in the hit show Under One Roof. Hear us discuss why that era was so special and productive, debates surrounding the use of Singlish, and how TV production has changed since then. 

Credits:

 

Hosted and Produced by Terence Chia (@tchia) and Haresh Tilani (@hareshtilani)

Special Guest - Vernetta Lopez (@vernettalopez)

Sound Engineering - Tristen Yeak (@yeakstreet)

Project Manager - Dominique Lee

Commissioning Editor - Danny Koordi

 

If you would like to listen to more, you can follow the podcast on the Melisten App, Spotify, or Apple Podcasts.

 

Podcast artwork by Denise Nicole Yap, you can reach her on Instagram @deniseardenise

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We’re all familiar with Tiger Beer and other craft beers that were created here, but what do we really know about the history of beer brewing in Singapore? In this refreshing episode, we dive into the rich history of beer brewing in Singapore, and how the origin story of Tiger Beer is closely intertwined with it. Discover how Tiger Beer journeyed from its humble beginnings in the 1930s to become a global sensation and a symbol of pride for Singapore.

 

Credits:

 

Hosted and Produced by Terence Chia (@tchia) and Haresh Tilani (@hareshtilani)

Sound Engineering - Tristen Yeak (@yeakstreet)

Project Manager - Dominique Lee

Commissioning Editor - Danny Koordi

 

If you would like to listen to more, you can follow the podcast on the Melisten App, Spotify, or Apple Podcasts.

 

Podcast artwork by Denise Nicole Yap, you can reach her on Instagram @deniseardenise

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Did you know that long hairstyles on men were banned for a brief period in Singapore? In this episode, we delve into the unique and controversial Long Hair Ban in Singapore from the 1960s. Discover why the government decided to target men with long hair, the social and cultural implications of the ban, and the public reaction. We'll explore the quirky enforcement methods and how hairstyles became a battleground for societal values and state control in Singapore's past.

 

Credits:

 

Hosted and Produced by Terence Chia (@tchia) and Haresh Tilani (@hareshtilani)

Sound Engineering - Tristen Yeak (@yeakstreet)

Project Manager - Dominique Lee

Commissioning Editor - Danny Koordi

 

If you would like to listen to more, you can follow the podcast on the Melisten App, Spotify, or Apple Podcasts.

 

Podcast artwork by Denise Nicole Yap, you can reach her on Instagram @deniseardenise

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Pope is coming to Singapore! But did you know that the Pope already did visit SIngapore once, nearly 40 years ago? Join us in this enlightening episode as we recount the events of the first Papal by Pope John Paul II on 20 November 1986. Was there a buzz in the air? Who did he visit in his short stint? What did he say to the 70,000 Catholics who were gathered at the National Stadium for his sermon? Discover the significance, impact, and memorable moments of this landmark visit, and how it even stoked controversy in Singapore at that time.

 

Credits:

 

Hosted and Produced by Terence Chia (@tchia) and Haresh Tilani (@hareshtilani)

Sound Engineering - Tristen Yeak (@yeakstreet)

Project Manager - Dominique Lee

Commissioning Editor - Danny Koordi

 

If you would like to listen to more, you can follow the podcast on the Melisten App, Spotify, or Apple Podcasts.

 

Podcast artwork by Denise Nicole Yap, you can reach her on Instagram @deniseardenise

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this somber episode, we delve into the chilling story of the “Slayers” Suicide Pact that happened right here in Singapore in 2008. We go through the disturbing chain of events that led a group of young individuals to make a tragic pact, and examine the psychological, social, and cultural factors that played a role. We’ll also discuss the aftermath and the lessons learned from this heartbreaking incident that shocked and saddened the country.

 

Credits:

 

Hosted and Produced by Terence Chia (@tchia) and Haresh Tilani (@hareshtilani)

Sound Engineering - Tristen Yeak (@yeakstreet)

Project Manager - Dominique Lee

Commissioning Editor - Danny Koordi

 

If you would like to listen to more, you can follow the podcast on the Melisten App, Spotify, or Apple Podcasts.

 

Podcast artwork by Denise Nicole Yap, you can reach her on Instagram @deniseardenise

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Go, go, Power Rangers! Get ready for an electrifying episode as we delve into the vibrant and multicultural origins of the legendary Power Rangers. Discover how this iconic franchise morphed from its Japanese roots in Super Sentai to become a global phenomenon with a theme song that echoes in the hearts of every millennial.

Of course, we’ll have to talk about the business side of things, where the franchise is today a massive cash cow for its owners. Join us as we explore the creative blend of Eastern and Western influences, the cultural adaptations, and the behind-the-scenes stories that brought the Power Rangers to life.

 

Credits:

 

Hosted and Produced by Terence Chia (@tchia) and Haresh Tilani (@hareshtilani)

Sound Engineering - Tristen Yeak (@yeakstreet)

Project Manager - Dominique Lee

Commissioning Editor - Danny Koordi

 

If you would like to listen to more, you can follow the podcast on the Melisten App, Spotify, or Apple Podcasts.

 

Podcast artwork by Denise Nicole Yap, you can reach her on Instagram @deniseardenise

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.