Pickleball has been a smash hit in Singapore over the past couple of years, but not everyone’s a fan.

Synopsis: Join Natasha Ann Zachariah at The Usual Place every Thursday as she unpacks the latest current affairs with guests.

The game has attracted players of all ages looking to learn a new skill, keep active or meet fellow ‘picklers’.

On the flip side, pickleball has sparked complaints from residents living near Housing Board courts, who say the games are too noisy and disrupt the peace.

Last week, a Straits Times report looked into the tensions that have arisen amid pickleball’s growing popularity.

Complaints have surfaced on online forums, while angry residents have aired their grievances on social media and written in to ST’s Forum page.

MPs and town councils have stepped in with measures, though these vary across neighbourhoods.

They include restricting playing times for games, switching off the lights at courts after a particular time, and even banning pickleball from badminton courts, thus reducing the opportunities for play. (Pickleball courts are nearly identical in size to badminton courts, but smaller than tennis courts.)

The backlash against the game has been frustrating for players, who are competing to book spaces at ActiveSG facilities, as demand balloons. There are private courts, but they are a more expensive option.

In this episode of The Usual Place, I spoke with:

- Jeremy Soh, founder of pickleball club Performance Pickleball who picked up the sport less than two years ago; and

- Assistant Professor Nurul Amillin Hussain, a social scientist from Nanyang Technological University.

What made the game popular, and can pickleball players and residents find common ground? Also, why do tensions keep arising over sports in the heartlands?

Highlights (click/tap above): 

2:00 Is pickleball a real sport?

7:13 A good sport to repopulate urban spaces

10:03 How much does it cost to get started?

12:43 Facing complaints when playing in public courts

17:40 Are we more intolerant than before?

19:35 Silent balls can help, so why don’t players use them?

27:48 Is noise in the ear of the beholder?

29:41 Is pickleball just a fad?

Host: Natasha Ann Zachariah ([email protected])

Read Natasha’s articles: https://str.sg/iSXm

Follow Natasha on her IG account and DM her your thoughts on this topic: https://www.instagram.com/theusualplacepodcast

Follow Natasha on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/v6DN

Filmed by: Studio+65

Edited by: Eden Soh, Teo Tong Kai, Natasha Liew and Chen Junyi

Executive producers: Danson Cheong, Elizabeth Khor & Ernest Luis

Editorial producer: Lynda Hong

Follow The Usual Place Podcast and get notified for new episode drops every Thursday:

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How a 36-year-old will be racing on the Marina Bay Street Circuit in Oct 2025

Synopsis: Every 3rd Wednesday of the month, The Straits Times examines not just vehicle prices but wider transport issues and trends connected to public and private transport.

Host and senior transport correspondent Lee Nian Tjoe chats with Mr Roy Tang, who puts in his best effort as a financial adviser to fund his racing.

Instead of stepping on the brakes after a high-speed accident on track, he goes full throttle and will be competing in the Porsche Carrera Cup during the Singapore Grand Prix weekend. 

Follow Roy’s racing exploits on his Instagram account: @onemantank

Highlights (click/tap above): 

4:36 Competing in Europe’s Formula 4, a category for karters to transition to professional racing

9:15 Racing in the dangerous Macau Grand Prix circuit

13:00 Surviving a 229kmh traffic accident

17:10 Committing to the Porsche Carrera Cup

19:37 Driving 1,000km on the simulator to prepare for the big race

Read Lee Nian Tjoe's articles: https://str.sg/wt8G

Follow Lee Nian Tjoe on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/iqkJ

Read more COE articles: https://str.sg/iGKC

Host: Lee Nian Tjoe ([email protected])

Produced & edited by: Eden Soh

Executive producers: Ernest Luis and Lynda Hong

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Public, private and philanthropic money is proving to be a successful mix to accelerate climate action. 

Synopsis: Every first and third Tuesday of the month, The Straits Times analyses the beat of the changing environment, from biodiversity conservation to climate change.

When it comes to climate action, financiers are increasingly turning to the Three Ps to find the cash they need: Public, private and philanthropic money. 

With trillions of dollars needed annually to shift the world away from polluting fossil fuels, cash-strapped governments don’t have the financial muscle to do this. Much of the money needs to come from the private sector, with philanthropy providing a much needed boost. 

This mix of money from all three, called blended finance, is designed to be cheaper concessional capital. It helps de-risk early-stage investments, especially in developing nations, and helps attract more investors. In 2023, climate blended finance totalled US$18.3 billion, up from about US$6 billion in 2015. 

But while the amount is growing, it’s still a fraction of what is needed. Are there positive signs blended finance can be significantly scaled up? And is there a risk only certain types of projects will be attractive candidates for blended finance?

Join Green Pulse hosts Audrey Tan and David Fogarty as they discuss these questions in this episode. 

Have a listen and let us know your thoughts!

Highlights of conversation (click/tap above):

1:13 What is blended finance?

5:16 Why is blended finance becoming increasingly talked about?

8:52 What are some of the projects in Asia that could benefit?

10:40 How much money has been flowing into blended finance, especially for climate projects?

13:04 But what are some of the drawbacks – is there a risk that some types of projects will miss out?

18:06 COP30: If a roadmap for US$1.3 trillion in climate finance is sketched out, this could be a big boost.

Follow Audrey Tan on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/848W

Read her articles: https://str.sg/JLM2

Follow David Fogarty on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/jcvy

Read his articles: https://str.sg/JLMu

Hosts: Audrey Tan ([email protected]) & David Fogarty ([email protected])

Produced and edited by: Hadyu Rahim

Executive producers: Ernest Luis & Lynda Hong

Follow Green Pulse Podcast here and get notified for new episode drops:

Channel: https://str.sg/JWaf

Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWaY

Spotify: https://str.sg/JWag

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Find out how to discern the hallmarks of employers who do well.

Synopsis: Every first and third Monday of the month, get a headstart in your personal finance and career with The Straits Times.

Host and ST correspondent Tay Hong Yi chats with Mr Richard Cooper, business leader for benefits for Mercer Marsh Benefits in Singapore. Mr Cooper advises organisations on how to design healthcare benefits, insurance, flexi-benefits and related processes.

The ability to take leave from work for medical and personal reasons is a cornerstone of modern work.

However, it might not always be clear what a good benefits policy looks like, and when an employer is actually stingy or overbearing with what they require staff to do.

Do you have such experiences?

Highlights (click/tap above):

3:00 How job requirements shape benefits policies

4:51 What are best practices employers adopt?

9:58 What does overreach look like?

13:42 Are employees obliged to plan their leave periods around work?

16:47 Should we expect enough employers to keep reserve capacity?

23:22 Why can Nordic countries afford extensive leave?

Read Tay Hong Yi's articles: https://str.sg/w6cz

Follow Tay Hong Yi on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/AAxy

Host: Tay Hong Yi ([email protected])

Produced & edited by: Amirul Karim

Executive producers: Ernest Luis, Lynda Hong & Joanna Seow

Follow Headstart On Record Podcast channel here:

Channel: https://str.sg/wB2m

Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/wuN3

Spotify: https://str.sg/wBr9

Feedback to: [email protected]

Get business/career tips in ST's Headstart newsletter: https://str.sg/headstart-nl

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Why it's significant that China and India declare they are not rivals but partners.

Synopsis: Every second Friday of the month, The Straits Times’ senior columnist Ravi Velloor distils 40 years of experience covering the Asian continent, with expert guests.

In this episode, Ravi speaks with Dr Henry Huiyao Wang, co-founder and head of the Centre for China and Globalisation, a non-government think tank in Beijing, about the Chinese view on recent developments in Sino-Indian ties, and the summit in early August between President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Dr Wang says perceptions that India may be dragged by fellow Quad nations into diluting its non-aligned instincts, and the lack of exchanges during the prolonged Covid-19 shutdowns, contributed to a chill in ties.

The Xi-Modi summit in Tianjin revives hope of vastly improved ties, and China’s close ties with Pakistan, and improving ties with India, could contribute to peace on the sub-continent, he adds.

Highlights (click/tap above):

1:05 What went so wrong when things seemed to be going right

4:00 The ‘Quad’ factor in ties 

10:05 India is nobody’s quisling

13:15 China’s reasons to mend fences

14:45 The Russia factor

16:30 Belts and Roads

19:30 How China views recent US-India troubles

Host: Ravi Velloor ([email protected])

Read Ravi's columns: https://str.sg/3xRP

Follow Ravi on X: https://twitter.com/RaviVelloor

Register for Asian Insider newsletter: https://str.sg/stnewsletters

Produced and edited by: Fa’izah Sani

Executive producer: Ernest Luis

Follow Asian Insider Podcast on Fridays here:

Channel: https://str.sg/JWa7 

Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWa8 

Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaX

Feedback to: [email protected]

SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg

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Gen Zs are out here skipping the alcohol, but not the party.

Synopsis: Join Natasha Ann Zachariah at The Usual Place every Thursday as she unpacks the latest current affairs with guests.

In daytime or earlier-evening parties, a growing number of young people in Singapore are heading to raves, cafes and clubs to vibe to sick beats – with matchas and coffees in hand.

I’m not a clubber by any means, but I’m curious why Gen Zs are embracing this sober partying movement wholeheartedly.

Back in my day, pre-gaming with alcohol before the club, checking out different venues, and ending the night at a supper joint at 3am were the highlights of those nights out.

What changed for Gen Zs and what does this mean for the nightlife scene here?

In this episode of The Usual Place, I spoke with:

• Kavan Spruyt, co-founder of Rasa Space, who has worked with renowned venues like Berghain in Berlin, and Kyo in Singapore; and

• Shahan Shah Shawn, one of the Gen Z co-founders of Exposure Therapy, a company that organises events that redefine what a party can look like.

Highlights (click/tap above): 

1:42 What does partying sober mean?

3:56 How high costs kill the party

12:20 What’s driving the rise of day time parties?

15:50 Is this trend mirrored in the nightlife scene overseas?

19:20 The Gen Z flex: going to the gym at 5am

25:25 Do Gen Zs find alcohol uncool?

Host: Natasha Ann Zachariah ([email protected])

Read Natasha’s articles: https://str.sg/iSXm

Follow Natasha on her IG account and DM her your thoughts on this topic: https://www.instagram.com/theusualplacepodcast

Follow Natasha on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/v6DN

Filmed by: Studio+65

Edited by: Eden Soh, Teo Tong Kai

Executive producers: Danson Cheong, Elizabeth Khor & Ernest Luis

Follow The Usual Place Podcast and get notified for new episode drops every Thursday:

Channel: https://str.sg/5nfm

Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/9ijX

Spotify: https://str.sg/cd2P

YouTube: https://str.sg/theusualplacepodcast

Feedback to: [email protected]

SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg

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Get more updates: http://str.sg/stpodcasts

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Could less waiting time reduce stress on a marriage and how can couples strengthen their relationships in the face of life challenges? 

Synopsis: Every second Wednesday of the month, The Straits Times takes a hard look at Singapore's social issues of the day with guests.

With HDB planning to introduce more Shorter Waiting Time (SWT) Build-To-Order (BTO) flats, buyers can expect to collect keys in under three years, reducing the amount of stress on the couple relationship, say an economist and a counsellor. 

How can young couples decide if they have found the right life partners to take on the wait for a BTO flat?

In this episode, ST assistant podcast editor Lynda Hong hosts two guests. 

Thr first is National University of Singapore's Professor of Real Estate and Economics Sumit Agarwal. He penned a study on the correlation between early marriages, a higher propensity for divorce and waiting times for a BTO, that was featured in the third book in a series - Kiasunomics 3: Economic Insights For Everyday Life. The book overall, analyses the influence and consequences of economic decisions in Singapore.

The second is Mr Neo Eng Chuan, Psychologist and founder of CaperSpring. He has 20 years of experience in helping couples.

Highlights (click/tap above): 

2:10 Post-Covid: BTO one of the few affordable options for young couples

4:00 The effect of BTO-waiting on marriage 

14:11 Is it good to have 'effective fighting' between couples?

18:07 When is it time to cut short your losses?

24:15 Money matters in a marriage

Read ST’s Opinion section: https://str.sg/w7sH

Host: Lynda Hong ([email protected]) 

Produced and edited by: Natasha Liew and Hadyu Rahim

Executive producers: Ernest Luis & Lynda Hong

Follow In Your Opinion Podcast here and get notified for new episode drops:

Channel: https://str.sg/w7Qt

Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/wukb

Spotify: https://str.sg/w7sV

Feedback to: [email protected]

SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg

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Single Chinese want to find love, but remain straitjacketed by expectations of what their partners should look like.

Synopsis: Every first Friday of the month, The Straits Times catches up with its foreign correspondents about life and trends in the countries they're based in.

Inequality is at play in China’s singles market in more ways than one. 

In China, the number of men outstrip that of women, and yet, they find it far easier to find marriage partners.   

At the same time, both genders are trapped by familial and their own expectations to marry within the same social bracket, in the face of a growing divide between the elites and the broader generation.

China correspondent Michelle Ng unpacks the dynamics with host and ST foreign editor Li Xueying.

Highlights (click/tap above):

0:49 Attending a matchmaking event in Beijing

2:55 Screening for income

5:40 A paradox in the marriage market

9:04 Anxiety of the rich

12:29 Lack of social mixing

Read Michelle Ng’s article here: https://str.sg/jMu4

Read Li Xueying’s articles: https://str.sg/iqmR 

Follow Li Xueying on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/ip4x  

Register for Asian Insider newsletter: https://str.sg/stnewsletters  

Host: Li Xueying ([email protected])

Edited by: Fa’izah Sani

Executive producer: Ernest Luis

Follow Asian Insider on Fridays here:

Channel: https://str.sg/JWa7

Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWa8

Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaX

Feedback to: [email protected] 

SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg 

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As a nation of foodies, we watch the food and beverage (F&B) scene closely to see who comes and goes.

Synopsis: Join Natasha Ann Zachariah at The Usual Place every Thursday as she unpacks the latest current affairs with guests.

In recent months, the headlines have been dominated by farewells as home-grown restaurants, bakeries, bars and even dining chains have called it a day.

This week’s casualty: Prive Group, which operated cafes and the Empress restaurant at the Asian Civilisations Museum. Its restaurants closed on Aug 31.

It has been a difficult year for the industry, which has seen other big names such as Eggslut and Burger & Lobster exit, modern European restaurants Imbue and one-Michelin-starred Poise shutter, and popular chains like Haidilao close outlets.

Is it just about rent hikes, and could it be that we, as diners, are part of the problem - always chasing the next hot concept?

In this episode of The Usual Place, I spoke with two veterans who are in the F&B scene in different ways:

• Mr Bjorn Shen, a consultant and chef-owner of Artichoke and Small’s in New Bahru with “22 years of cooking”

• STFood Online editor Eunice Quek, who has been reporting on the industry for about 15 years

Highlights (click/tap above): 

6:08 Bjorn explains why F&B owners have no choice at times but to pay higher rents

9:10 Are landlords the problem or are manpower costs a bigger issue?

12:53 “It’s always about chasing something new,” says Eunice on food trends; Crazy about Chinese and Korean cuisine now?

17:45 Singaporeans are not as adventurous as we think we are, says Bjorn about our foodie nation status

27:49 Should the Government step in with measures to help F&B business owners?

36:50 Singapore vs other countries: Bjorn breaks down what works and what doesn’t

Host: Natasha Ann Zachariah ([email protected])

Read Natasha’s articles: https://str.sg/iSXm

Follow Natasha on her IG account and DM her your thoughts on this topic: https://www.instagram.com/theusualplacepodcast

Follow Natasha on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/v6DN

Follow STFood Online on IG: https://www.instagram.com/straitstimesfood

Filmed by: Studio+65

Edited by: Eden Soh, Teo Tong Kai & Natasha Liew

Executive producers: Danson Cheong, Elizabeth Khor & Ernest Luis

Follow The Usual Place Podcast and get notified for new episode drops every Thursday:

Channel: https://str.sg/5nfm

Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/9ijX

Spotify: https://str.sg/cd2P

YouTube: https://str.sg/theusualplacepodcast

Feedback to: [email protected]

SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg

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Follow more ST podcast channels:

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Get more updates: http://str.sg/stpodcasts

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You can appear lean but have insufficient muscle mass and too much body fat.

Synopsis: Every first Wednesday of the month, The Straits Times helps you make sense of health matters that affect you.

A local paper has found that 1 in 4 young women, despite having a normal weight, had low muscle mass, weak bones and high body fat. This increases their future risks for not only osteoporosis and muscle loss but metabolic diseases like diabetes and obesity.

ST senior health correspondent Joyce Teo speaks to the paper’s authors to find out more.

Lead author Dr Mya Thway Tint is a principal scientist at the A*STAR Institute for Human Development and Potential (IHDP) and an Adjunct Assistant Professor at the Dean's Office, NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine. 

Professor Johan Eriksson is the Executive Director of A*STAR IHDP and highly knowledgeable about the S-PRESTO study, or  the Singapore Preconception Study of Long-Term Maternal and Child Outcomes cohort study, which the paper is part of.

He was previously a professor at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, and the chief physician at Helsinki University Central Hospital in Finland. 

Highlights (click/tap above):

2:50 Having a normal BMI and low bone density

5:03 You have to exercise to grow bone 

10:29 Using bioimpedance or bioelectrical impedance analysis to measure body composition

13:53 What is considered an unhealthy body fat percentage level?

19:56 What can we do to improve our bone health?

Check out ST's new series, No health without mental health: https://str.sg/mentalhealthmatters

Read Joyce Teo's stories: https://str.sg/JbxN

Host: Joyce Teo ([email protected])

Produced and edited by: Amirul Karim

Executive producers: Ernest Luis and Lynda Hong

Follow Health Check Podcast here and get notified for new episode drops:

Channel: https://str.sg/JWaN

Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWRX

Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaQ

Feedback to: [email protected]

SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg

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