The Usual Place

Synopsis: The Usual Place host Natasha Ann Zachariah hunts for new perspectives on issues that matter to young people.

On Feb 18, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong delivered the Budget 2025 that has been called a “Budget for all Singaporeans”.

Among the goodies were SG60 vouchers, CDC vouchers, and grants for parents who choose to grow their family beyond two children. Businesses and workers also received support in the form of credits, allowances and tax rebates, among other things.

In this episode of The Usual Place, Natasha sits down with three guests to dissect Budget 2025 - what it delivered on, what it means for Singaporeans, and what comes next.

Her guests are:

1. Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office, and Second Minister for Finance and National Development Indranee Rajah

2. Singapore University of Social Science Associate Professor and labour economist Walter Theseira

3. Singapore Business Federation (SBF) chief policy officer Musa Fazal

Joining Natasha as a co-host is Claire Huang, senior business correspondent at The Straits Times.

Were you expecting something for everyone, or did you feel more could be done? Listen to this episode and connect with Natasha after.

Highlights (click/tap above):

9:20 We should see the Budget in a larger context, says Ms Indranee

18:34 Why give out CDC vouchers instead of tackling food prices?

43:30 “This Budget has something for everyone. You just need to know where to find it.”: Ms Indranee

50:41 The matter of becoming parents - or not - is a complex one, says Ms Indranee

56:31 With spending expected to rise, what’s the plan for Singapore going forward?

1:05:46 Is this an Election Budget?

Follow Natasha on her IG account and DM her your thoughts on this topic: https://str.sg/8Wav

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

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

Produced and edited by: Teo Tong Kai and Eden Soh

Executive producer: Ernest Luis

Filmed by: Studio+65

Follow The Usual Place Podcast on Thursdays and get notified for new episode drops:

Channel: https://str.sg/5nfm

Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/9ijX

Spotify: https://str.sg/cd2P

YouTube: https://str.sg/wEr7u

Feedback to: [email protected]

---

Follow more ST podcast channels:

All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7

ST Podcasts website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts

ST Podcasts YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa

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The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB

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Can young people revive Singapore’s old buildings?

Synopsis: The Usual Place host Natasha Ann Zachariah hunts for new perspectives on issues that matter to young people.

That was the question Natasha teased the audience with during the video podcast’s first live event. Held on Feb 12, the show was a part of ST Podcasts’ Live!, a series of six events this year to celebrate ST’s 180th-year anniversary. 

Organised by The Straits Times in partnership with the Singapore Land Authority (SLA), the event drew more than 80 people in an intimate setting at The Foundry in Prinsep Link, which was the former Elections Department building.

The two guests on the show were SLA’s chief executive Colin Low and Mr Ng Wee Liang, a real estate university student, who creates social media content on Singapore heritage, arts and culture.

As Mr Low sees it, buildings are not just physical structures. Instead, they are opportunities waiting to be unlocked, reflecting our past, present, and future, he says.

But how do we get young people to care about old buildings they may not even know?

Mr Ng, 25, says that unfamiliar buildings can become meaningful once young people form new memories in them.

But he argued they should have accessible programming and business rather than catering only to a more affluent crowd, which might limit their appeal to younger Singaporeans.

For SLA, the challenge is to find the “right formula” for each space, rather than going with the bidder offering the highest rent.

Citing spots like The Foundry, Kada in Kadayanallur Street and Dempsey Hill, Mr Low says: “There's no one cookie-cutter (spot). The way we look at things…it's about multiple offerings, different locations (and) different experiences.”

Highlights (click/tap above):

1:27 How do we get younger people to care about heritage spaces?

8:38 How would Wee Liang encourage his peers to look beyond the facade

14:38 Remembering the history of these old spaces

18:57 How does SLA find the “right formula” for the spaces it manages?

25:09 No cookie cutter experiences

More on:

SLA https://www.sla.gov.sg/

State properties for rent: https://app.sla.gov.sg/spio

Link up with SLA: https://sg.linkedin.com/company/singapore-land-authority

Listen to the other filmed live podcast at The Foundry:

Using music to better reach out to seniors: https://str.sg/FF9T

Follow Wee Liang on social media (@ngweeliang_)

Host: Natasha Zachariah ([email protected])

Follow Natasha on her IG account and DM her your thoughts on this topic: https://str.sg/8Wav

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

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

Produced by: ST Podcast Team & ST Outreach & Engagement Team

Edited by: Eden Soh and Teo Tong Kai

Executive producers: Ernest Luis & Lynda Hong

Follow The Usual Place Podcast on Thursdays and get notified for new episode drops:

Channel: https://str.sg/5nfm

Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/9ijX

Spotify: https://str.sg/cd2P

YouTube: https://str.sg/wEr7u

Feedback to: [email protected]

---

Follow more ST podcast channels:

All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7

ST Podcasts website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts

ST Podcasts YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa

---

Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section:

The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB

Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX

#tup #tuptr

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The MP for Punggol West SMC first joined the People's Action Party as a member 25 years ago after becoming a volunteer to help with Meet-The-People sessions.

Synopsis: On Thursdays, The Usual Place host Natasha Ann Zachariah hunts for new perspectives on issues that matter to young people.

Also, in the lead-up to the expected general election that must be held by November 2025, Natasha looks at how MPs, and others involved, are preparing themselves.

In this episode, Ms Sun Xueling, Minister of State for Home Affairs, and Social and Family Development, chats with Natasha about her experiences from 25 years of Meet-The-People sessions since she first got involved on the ground at the age of 20.

They talk about Ms Sun’s latest efforts to combat family violence and scams and why we should work together as a community to halt any family violence and child abuse in Singapore. She also highlights the challenges of tackling scams, which exploit human emotions like trust and greed, making it harder for authorities to do their jobs.

Besides juggling her roles in two ministries and as the MP for Punggol West SMC, Ms Sun is also an author who has written books for children. The mother of two girls shares her thoughts on balancing work and passion, along with advice for anyone looking to pursue a side hustle. 

Highlights (click/tap above):

5:41 The need to raise the alarm with the authorities

12:06 Why do Singaporeans keep getting scammed?

22:08 Why Ms Sun started volunteering at Meet-The-People sessions 25 years ago

27:49 “I just feel like I'm just an ordinary person...”

34:15 Her advice for those who want to pursue a passion on the side

Host: Natasha Zachariah ([email protected])

Follow Natasha on her IG account and DM her your thoughts on this topic: https://str.sg/8Wav

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

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

Filmed by: Studio+65

Edited by ST Podcast producers: Teo Tong Kai & Eden Soh

Executive producers: Ernest Luis & Lynda Hong

Follow The Usual Place Podcast on Thursdays and get notified for new episode drops:

Channel: https://str.sg/5nfm

Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/9ijX

Spotify: https://str.sg/cd2P

YouTube: https://str.sg/wEr7u

Feedback to: [email protected]

---

Follow more ST podcast channels:

All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7

ST Podcast website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts

ST Podcasts YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa

---

Get The Straits Times' app, which has a dedicated podcast player section:

The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB

Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX

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If you’re toying with the idea of getting a pet, the first question to ask yourself is: Are you ready for the time, financial, and emotional commitment?

Synopsis: The Usual Place host Natasha Ann Zachariah hunts for new perspectives on issues that matter to young people.

On this episode of The Usual Place, host Natasha Ann Zachariah found out what blindspots first-time pet owners may have and what they should anticipate when getting a pet.

Dibashini and TheAsianPawrent manager Jamie Wong dropped by to share their views about how to assess if you’re ready for a furry companion, the differences between adopting and buying pets, and the financial and emotional commitments of a pet owner.

They also brought their furkids with them – Dibashini with her shiba inu, six-year-old Zuko, and Jamie with Yoko, a Bernedoodle (a mix of Bernese mountain dog and poodle), and Bowie, a kerry blue terrier pomsky.

The starting point of a pawrent’s journey should start with deciding whether an animal’s personality, type and its age, among other factors, would be a good fit for the family, said Dibashini.

Before anyone becomes a pet owner, they should do a lot of research about the breed or type of animal they want to adopt, and what their specific needs are, said Jamie.

His advice: Ask yourself honestly if you’re ready for a long-term commitment with a pet.

Highlights (click/tap above):

3:40 How will I know if I’m ready for a pet

14:03 Could you be neglecting your pet unknowingly?

22:22 The protocol for petting other people’s pets

26:20 Would you pay US$45,000 for a flight ticket for your pet?

37:42 What is the first step in your pawrent journey?

Host: Natasha Zachariah ([email protected])

Follow Natasha on her IG account and DM her your thoughts on this topic: https://str.sg/8Wav

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

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

Filmed by: ST Video, Marc de Souza & Joel Chng

Edited by ST Podcast producers: Eden Soh & Teo Tong Kai

Executive producers: Ernest Luis & Lynda Hong

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

Channel: https://str.sg/5nfm

Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/9ijX

Spotify: https://str.sg/cd2P

YouTube: https://str.sg/wEr7u

Feedback to: [email protected]

---

Follow more ST podcast channels:

All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7

ST Podcast website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts

ST Podcasts YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa

---

Get The Straits Times' app, which has a dedicated podcast player section:

The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB

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Now that we’re in 2025, one thing’s for sure – a General Election is on the horizon.

Synopsis: Out on Thursdays, The Usual Place host Natasha Ann Zachariah hunts for new perspectives on issues that matter to young people.

When exactly? That’s anyone’s guess. But political parties are already up and about, ramping up efforts to touch base with voters.

And, judging by the recent episode between some volunteers of Progress Singapore Party and People’s Action Party in Bukit Gombak in Chua Chu Kang GRC, the political temperature is rising.

In the lead-up to the polls, The Usual Place host Natasha Ann Zachariah looks at how MPs, and others involved in the GE, are preparing themselves.

In this week’s episode, Senior Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office Desmond Tan stops by to talk about his experience so far as a first-term MP.

Mr Tan, who has been an MP for Pasir Ris-Punggol GRC since 2020, said he “won’t call it a job because... it’s an elected role that has no fixed job description and no fixed terms of reference”.

The 54-year-old, who spent almost three decades in the Singapore Armed Forces before joining the People’s Association, said that he had to “level up very quickly” when he joined politics and took on positions in the government.

When he ran for office in the last GE as a rookie, he lost 3.5kg during the hustings. In anticipation of this year’s campaign, he’s gaining some weight, and is also more emotionally ready for the work.

For one thing, he has built relationships with the residents in his ward, and has put in the work since the last election to serve them.

And how does Mr Tan, NTUC’s deputy secretary-general, deal with criticism over a hot potato issue like, say, the failed Allianz-Income Insurance deal?

“Sometimes there may be disagreement (in) opinions, but we have to continue our path,” he said. “As long as I speak the truth and I’m clear about my conscience, I have nothing to worry about.”

On a lighter note, Natasha asked him what he thinks of the nickname some voters bestowed on him in 2020 – “Down-To-Earth Desmond” – and what nickname he would pick for himself, if he had to.

Watch or tune in to the episode to find out what he said.

Highlights (click/tap above):

6:24 Politicians must accept that they won’t always be right

10:18 “I have no strategy for social media.”

14:35 “You can’t just give an order, like in the army.”

21:34 Being labelled “Down-To-Earth Desmond” 

29:25 He lost 3.5kg during the 2020 GE

Host: Natasha Zachariah ([email protected])

Follow Natasha on her IG account and DM her your thoughts on this topic: https://str.sg/8Wav

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

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

Filmed by: Studio+65

Edited by ST Podcast producers: Eden Soh & Teo Tong Kai

Executive producers: Ernest Luis & Lynda Hong

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

Channel: https://str.sg/5nfm

Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/9ijX

Spotify: https://str.sg/cd2P

YouTube: https://str.sg/wEr7u

Feedback to: [email protected]

---

Follow more ST podcast channels:

All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7

ST Podcast website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts

ST Podcasts YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa

---

Get The Straits Times' app, which has a dedicated podcast player section:

The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB

Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX

#tup #tuptr

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Synopsis: The Usual Place host Natasha Ann Zachariah hunts for new perspectives on issues that matter to young people.

Saudi Arabia, China’s Lijiang and Yunnan, and… Central Asia? Could these be the next big holiday destinations for 2025?

This week on The Usual Place, Straits Times Life travel journalist Sarah Stanley and co-founder of The Travel Intern Hendric Tay share why they think these lesser-known spots might see more tourists this year.

Drawing from industry conversations and their own observations, “new adventures in lesser-known spots” seem to be the 2025 motto of Singaporean travellers. Social media, Hendric explains, has nudged people to step out of their comfort zones. But, he cautions, “they also need to make the right preparations for it.”

In this episode, the talk of travel dives into whether sustainable travel is just a gimmick for charging more and why solo travel continues to be a big draw for young adventurers.

The discussion also goes into the complexities of group travel, whether with friends or colleagues. The trio share anecdotes and tips on how to manage different travel styles and priorities. For example, setting ground rules and finding compromises can help keep a trip drama-free.

Sarah reflects on her experience travelling with colleagues as an air stewardess, noting how being accommodating of others has shaped her travel habits (It’s not always a bad thing, she explains.) Hendric recommends activity-based trips for first-time travel companions as a great way to understand each other’s preferences.

With all the talk about exploring new places and making new memories, Natasha wanted to know which country these seasoned travellers would visit over and over again? Watch till the end to find out their picks.

Highlights (click/tap above):

4:35 The Outdoorsy Person vs. Outsidey Person: being in the right camp

11:47 Is green, sustainable travel just a buzzword?

19:38 What’s a good country to do solo travel?

22:44 Listen to the locals to avoid being stabbed

34:55 Should you travel with your colleagues?

Host: Natasha 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://str.sg/8Wav

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

Filmed by: Studio+65

Edited by ST Podcast producers: Teo Tong Kai and Eden Soh

Executive producers: Ernest Luis

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

Channel: https://str.sg/5nfm

Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/9ijX

Spotify: https://str.sg/cd2P

YouTube: https://str.sg/wEr7u

Feedback to: [email protected]

---

Follow more ST podcast channels:

All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7

ST Podcast website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts

ST Podcasts YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa

---

Get The Straits Times' app, which has a dedicated podcast player section:

The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB

Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX

#tup #tuptr

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As we inch closer to a new year, will you be putting “losing weight” on your list of resolutions - for the nth time? 

Synopsis: The Usual Place host Natasha Ann Zachariah hunts for new perspectives on issues that matter to young people.

Dropping the pounds is a classic New Year’s resolution for many people, but sticking to it often proves challenging. 

Natasha wanted to find out what trips up our weight loss goals, so she turned to the experts, who have seen success stories and epic fails.

On this episode of The Usual Place, she is joined by Mira Azman (@miraacurl), Senior Exercise Experience Coach at Virgin Active Singapore, and Jerome Simon (@jxmonxstar), Senior Club General Manager at Fitness First Singapore. 

The new year usually brings them new clients - it’s a ‘New Year, New Me’ vibe, they both concur - but people have been known to drop out within weeks of signing up.

Mira and Jerome highlight that people often come in with unrealistic expectations.

Like one of Jerome’s clients who wanted the physique that actor Chris Hemsworth had when he was playing Thor within two months. (Spoiler alert: The Thor-wannabe went AWOL after two months). Or Mira’s client who wanted to lose 10kg in a month, despite barely having any exercise experience.

That’s why both trainers say that accountability, whether by working out with a coach or finding a supportive community, can keep one on track. 

Watch this week’s episode of The Usual Place to find out what else these trainers had to say about TikTok trends, unsustainable diet fads and how to shift your mindset to get fit in 2025.

Highlights (click/tap above):

1:18 “New Year, New Me” vibes

5:48 How a Thor-wannabe went AWOL

11:58 Can you achieve your goals with your TikTok fam?

30:51 Facing social sabotage - “Are you sure you can do it?”

Host: Natasha Zachariah ([email protected])

Follow Natasha on her IG account and DM her your thoughts on this topic: https://str.sg/8Wav

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

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

Filmed by: Studio+65

Edited by ST Podcast producers: Eden Soh & Teo Tong Kai

Executive producers: Ernest Luis & Lynda Hong

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

Channel: https://str.sg/5nfm

Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/9ijX

Spotify: https://str.sg/cd2P

YouTube: https://str.sg/wEr7u

Feedback to: [email protected]

---

Follow more ST podcast channels:

All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7

ST Podcast website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts

ST Podcasts YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa

---

Get The Straits Times' app, which has a dedicated podcast player section:

The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB

Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX

#tup #tuptr

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is modern dating painful and how can those who want to find love in 2025 find love intentionally?

Synopsis: The Usual Place host Natasha Ann Zachariah hunts for new perspectives on issues that matter to young people.

On this episode of The Usual Place, host Natasha Ann Zachariah dissected the dating game with Andrea Tan, a certified sex, love and relationship coach and founder of Athena Rising Coaching & Consulting and Chia Wei Goh, founder of CGull, a dating consultancy for men.

According to results from a Bumble survey that was released mid-Nov 2024, people here are still keen to date – four in five Singaporean singles interviewed are looking to find a long-term partner in 2025. (Bumble is a women-first dating and social networking app that was founded in 2014.)

But what are some of the issues that get in the way of finding love?

From treating dates as job interviews to having many deal-breakers, both Andrea and Chia Wei dove into the insights they gleaned from working with their clients.

Natasha wanted to find out if dating stereotypes of ideal partners that surface on social media – “man in finance, trust fund, 6’5”, blue eyes” or “trad wife”, for example – hurt or help one’s chances at making a great impression. 

Meanwhile, Chia Wei suggested that both genders take on a niche hobby such as yoga for men or muay thai for women, to open more opportunities to meet a partner of the opposite sex. 

Andrea, who is also Bumble’s relationship expert, said that to press ahead in the dating game, one needs a cheerleader support group to provide positive affirmations.

Highlights (click/tap above):

6:59 Should you lower your standards in dating?

11:46 Looking for KPIs in dating

15:16 Men are in a more vulnerable position than women

29:42 Is it game over in the dating game for those over 40?

32:51 Where to start if you’re a first-time dater

35:00 Are men bad at conversations?

Connect with these coaches on social media:

Chia Wei: https://www.instagram.com/cgullwing/

Andrea Tan: https://www.instagram.com/theathenarising/

Host: Natasha Zachariah ([email protected])

Follow Natasha on her IG account and DM her your thoughts on this topic: https://str.sg/8Wav

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

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

Read Elizabeth Law’s articles: https://str.sg/wL8c

Filmed by: Studio+65
 
Edited by ST Podcast producers: Teo Tong Kai, Eden Soh and Elsa Goh

Executive producers: Ernest Luis & Lynda Hong

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

Channel: https://str.sg/5nfm

Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/9ijX

Spotify: https://str.sg/cd2P

YouTube: https://str.sg/wEr7u

Feedback to: [email protected]

---

Follow more ST podcast channels:

All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7

ST Podcast website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts

ST Podcasts YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa

---

Get The Straits Times' app, which has a dedicated podcast player section:

The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB

Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX

#tup #tuptr

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From unwanted Secret Santa gifts to guest etiquette fails, Natasha and her guests dive into the dos and don’ts of navigating holiday gatherings with humour and grace. 

Synopsis: The Usual Place host Natasha Ann Zachariah hunts for new perspectives on issues that matter to young people.

The holiday season is here, bringing with it the fun - and sometimes the headache - of social gatherings. Whether it’s an office party, a house dinner, or a festive get-together with friends, the rules of holiday etiquette can be blurry.

On this episode of The Usual Place, Natasha is joined by colleagues who are seasoned party hosts themselves - The Straits Times features correspondent Elizabeth Law and ST senior audience growth specialist Friday Farzanah.

With tinsel on their mics and an adorable alt-Christmas tree, the trio dissect different scenarios of holiday etiquette, from navigating cheapo Secret Santas to guests who break your glasses. They debate whether “enforced fun” like icebreaker games should be, well, enforced, and reflect on gracious hosting and thoughtful guest behavior.

What pet peeves do you have about office parties, or being a guest or host during the holiday season? Tell us in the comment section below!

Highlights (click/tap above):

1:56 Secret Santa - yay or nay?

7:06 The rules of regifting

17:50 Is it ok to flake on a house party if you don’t feel up to it?

27:48 The paw-rent dilemma of dealing with excited guests

39:05 Tag-team hosting

Host: Natasha Zachariah ([email protected])

Follow Natasha on her IG account and DM her your thoughts on this topic: https://str.sg/8Wav

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

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

Read Elizabeth Law’s articles: https://str.sg/wL8c

Filmed by: ST Video

Edited by ST Podcast producers: Teo Tong Kai, Eden Soh and Elsa Goh

Executive producers: Ernest Luis & Lynda Hong

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

Channel: https://str.sg/5nfm

Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/9ijX

Spotify: https://str.sg/cd2P

YouTube: https://str.sg/wEr7u

Feedback to: [email protected]

---

Follow more ST podcast channels:

All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7

ST Podcast website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts

ST Podcasts YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa

---

Get The Straits Times' app, which has a dedicated podcast player section:

The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB

Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX

#tup #tuptr

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Unlike our school days where it was easier to find a buddy, making new friends as an adult isn’t something that we leave to chance.

Synopsis: The Usual Place host Natasha Ann Zachariah hunts for new perspectives on issues that matter to young people.

When you hit your adulting years, it is inevitable that someone will ask you “Have you found a partner?”. Interestingly enough, you rarely get asked if you have made new friends.

The struggle to make new friends when you are older is real. Many don’t realise - or only learn when they drift apart from their childhood friends - is that friendships, like other relationships, take effort to thrive.

In this episode of The Usual Place, host Natasha Ann Zachariah explores the complexities of forming - and keeping - friendships in adulthood.

Joining her are Grace Ann Chua, 30, CEO and co-founder of Friendzone SG, and Jarel Low, 34, the co-founder of Offline Singapore, two individuals dedicated to creating events for meaningful connections.

From how to step out of your comfort zone to red flags in friendships, the trio discuss the upside - and challenges - to meeting new people.

Highlights (click/tap above):

2:15 Why is it difficult to make friends as an adult?

9:20 The 25s vs the 35s: the different friendship outlook

14:03 Are Singaporeans a judgy, guarded bunch?

22:20 Red flags in friendships

34:05 What if you have lost the ability to make friends?

Host: Natasha Zachariah ([email protected])

Follow Natasha on her IG account and DM her your thoughts on this topic: https://str.sg/8Wav

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

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

Filmed by: ST Video

Edited by ST Podcast producers: Teo Tong Kai & Eden Soh

Executive producers: Ernest Luis & Lynda Hong

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

Channel: https://str.sg/5nfm

Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/9ijX

Spotify: https://str.sg/cd2P

YouTube: https://str.sg/wEr7u

Feedback to: [email protected]

---

Follow more ST podcast channels:

All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7

ST Podcast website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts

ST Podcasts YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa

---

Get The Straits Times' app, which has a dedicated podcast player section:

The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB

Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX

#tup #tuptr

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.