Because I know Hong Ben, because I know he loves movies and cinemas and everything about them, because I know how he loves telling stories and entertaining people, I knew this was coming. Hong Ben wrote a script, directed it and shot it with the hope that one day his own studio would come alive. We talked about this when we were discussing the movie Hugo in which the filmmaker George Melies showed his undying passion for films.

In this snippet, he shared with me how even until today he still seeks opportunity to shoot his films the way he wants it. Unless, of course, it is company related.

Listen to the full conversation here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3LgJFlyASfb1e4C4f4XYF4?si=TpF_n3oGQgyABzcYyl73Wg

I'm pretty sure when we were younger, we used to sit and watch with our parents or grandparents movies or whatever was on TV. The moments we will never be able to revisit but also we had no idea about. When Hong Ben told me everything about his priceless and treasured moments with his grandmother, I felt within me the urge to relive the moments with my parents.

Spending more time with them whenever I have the chance is what I would do and is the only thing I can do.

Listen to the full conversation here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3LgJFlyASfb1e4C4f4XYF4?si=TpF_n3oGQgyABzcYyl73Wg

Renting your unit on Airbnb is probably the hottest method of generating side income these past few years. In fact, I just recently saw that the total earnings coming from female hosts in Malaysia exceeded RM200 million in 2023. So much so that many places are banning Airbnb.

Of course, this is only one side of the coin and to find out whether we as the owner of our unit should continue renting it out on Airbnb, I took it to Ganesha to learn what it is all about when you rent your rooms out on the world's largest accommodation hosting platform.

Listen to the full conversation here:

https://open.spotify.com/episode/0II96jbgeMDuzc5u1iyrcZ?si=vYDmfjwlS4mXVoE2LJ0zbQ

I gawked at the idea of buying a new apartment which will supposedly take a few years to complete. For a few reasons of course. New projects are definitely preferable because when it is yours, it will be yours only. I didn't like the idea.

The reason is because it takes a few years for you to start generating revenue from it. That is, if you are thinking of renting it out. But come to think of it, it was only a one-sided opinion and I lacked the necessary homework. In this snippet, Ganesha did my homework. And I hope you did yours too.

Listen to the full conversation here:

https://open.spotify.com/episode/0II96jbgeMDuzc5u1iyrcZ?si=vYDmfjwlS4mXVoE2LJ0zbQ

When I first started looking at properties, I wished I had known this vital piece of information - location, location, location.

It is not that the location demands your entire savings account, but knowing your property sits at a developing township will probably enable better quality of sleep. Ganesha shared with me in this snippet how choosing the right location does not mean it should be right next to the MRT. Or LRT. If you happen to stay in Kuala Lumpur, this snippet is for you.

Listen to the full conversation here:

https://open.spotify.com/episode/0II96jbgeMDuzc5u1iyrcZ?si=vYDmfjwlS4mXVoE2LJ0zbQ

It is easy to detach from your own character and say you are what you say you are. Kindness, being understanding and even being happy, these are just some of the behaviors that truly show who we are, not what we say.

When Melissa speaks of writing a letter to her future self, the monologue within me hoped that she would be able to embody the positive traits she found while she was traveling Japan. It will be interesting to talk to her again once she starts her new job.

Listen to the full conversation here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5LetS779Lo68SsBV9hgwWg?si=fkjsHKgrQFOLvqOQv7HKsg

Depending on your company setting and culture, the work environment may be toxic and believe it or not, you have no choice but to become someone without compassion, kindness and empathy. We succumb to the demands of our work environment, often prioritizing efficiency over compassion, but once we leave the office, a different persona emerges, one characterized by empathy and kindness.

Melissa shared with me how she was withdrawing into herself, knowing there was no kindness needed when she was all alone in Japan after she quit her job. But a stranger's kindness turned everything around. Serendipitous encounters like this are what make us believe that humanity and mercy exist. But it is us who make this possible.

When was the last time you show compassion to a random stranger?

Listen to the full conversation: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5LetS779Lo68SsBV9hgwWg?si=fkjsHKgrQFOLvqOQv7HKsg