What Do I Know? with Joanne Peh

In this episode, Joanne Peh sits down with actress and former K-pop idol Ferlyn G, whose journey from the glittering stages of Korea to the emotionally raw world of Emerald Hill – The Little Nyonya Story reveals a deep, personal evolution.

Ferlyn stars as Zhou Hongyu in Emerald Hill – The Little Nyonya Story, a complex character shaped by pain, power, and the need to survive. But as Ferlyn shares, portraying this role wasn’t just acting — it was therapy. In confronting her character’s trauma, she began to confront her own. What followed was a powerful process of release, reflection, and rebuilding.

Together, Ferlyn and Joanne dive into the cost of staying silent, the fear of being misunderstood, and how art can become a mirror for healing. What does it mean to speak your truth in a world that often rewards performance over authenticity? And how do we hold space for ourselves when the world only sees what’s on the surface?

Tune in to hear Ferlyn’s raw, thoughtful reflections on identity, recovery, and the quiet bravery it takes to live — and act — with truth.t strength that define Ferlyn’s performance — and the woman behind it.

Catch Emerald Hill – The Little Nyonya Story, a 30-episode series, now streaming on meWATCH and Netflix.

For collaborations, partnerships, or feedback, reach us at [email protected].

Rate the podcast 5 stars, follow, and share if you enjoy our content.

Listen to the audio version of this podcast:

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2UUDTSerqtElRlzbDujZji?si=d4ff63ff3321493a

Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/what-do-i-know-with-joanne-peh/id1619082241

Follow us on social media:

Joanne Peh: https://www.instagram.com/joannepeh/

What Do I Know? Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/whatdoesjoanneknow/

ZYRUP Media: https://www.instagram.com/zyrupmedia/ 

Ferlyn G

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ferlyngofficial/

Chapters: 

00:00 Start of Episode 

01:49 Guest Introduction: Meet Ferlyn

04:07 Stepping into "Emerald Hill": Ferlyn’s Role

08:51 Audience Perception vs Inner Turmoil

09:40 How Ferlyn Relates to Her Character

15:52 Life Imitating Art: Recovering from a Tough Breakup 

17:55 The Spark Behind Her Love for Acting

21:37 The Fear of Speaking Her Truth

23:30 When Career Goals Clash with Personality

25:51 Standing Her Ground in Korea

28:12 The K-pop Industry’s Lasting Impact

29:00 Then vs Now: Dealing with Media Scrutiny

33:04 The Debate on Women Supporting Women

36:30 Comparisons with Tasha and Reclaiming Confidence

37:05 Unrealistic Expectations in K-pop Culture

39:35 Life After K-pop: New Challenges

40:45 From Inferiority to Inner Peace

41:26 Learning to Navigate Comparisons

47:35 Her Take on Awards and Recognition

48:45 Reflections and Final Thoughts

50:27 End of Episode

What is the real cost of gender equality at the top? We celebrate more women in leadership but are we overlooking the pressures, double standards, and potential for burnout they face? In this episode, Joanne Peh delves into this trade-off with Minister Grace Fu. Together, we explore the demands of leadership, the challenge of balancing visibility with personal well-being, and whether progress is symbolic or truly systemic.

From her corporate C-suite experience to nearly two decades in politics, Minister Grace Fu shares insights on navigating expectations and driving change. But the core question persists: Are we creating sustainable pathways for women leaders, or asking them to pay too high a price for success in systems not yet fully adapted?

Join us as we confront uncomfortable truths, discuss the need for genuine structural shifts, and explore how leadership can become more equitable and sustainable for women.

For collaborations, partnerships, or feedback, reach us at [email protected].

Rate the podcast 5 stars, follow, and share if you enjoy our content.

Listen to the audio version of this podcast:Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2UUDTSerqtElRlzbDujZji?si=d4ff63ff3321493a Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/what-do-i-know-with-joanne-peh/id1619082241

Follow us on social media:Joanne Peh: https://www.instagram.com/joannepeh/What Do I Know? Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/whatdoesjoanneknow/

ZYRUP Media: https://www.instagram.com/zyrupmedia/ 

Minister Grace Fu

PMO: https://www.pmo.gov.sg/The-Cabinet/Ms-Grace-FU-Hai-Yien

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gracefu.hy/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gracefu.hy/?hl=en 

Chapters: 

00:00 Start of Episode

02:00 Introduction of Guest

04:10 Essential Qualities for Women Leaders

07:15 Defining Feminine vs. Masculine Qualities

11:45 Navigating Emotional Bias

15:06 Leading in Male-Dominated Industries

18:30 Acknowledging Gender Disadvantage

23:26 Lack of Women in Shipping Industry

27:36 What Was Minister Grace Like When She Was Young?

30:08 Minister Grace's Parenting Philosophy

34:03 Struggles as a Working Mom

36:49 Stepping Back From Work

39:12 Childhood Caregiving & Gender Roles

43:28 Advice for Women Returning to Work

45:35 Why Minister Grace Entered Politics

47:40 Integrating Politics and News Into Family Life

49:03 Dealing with Negative Policy Reception

53:07 How Minister Grace’s Passions Influence Her Work

55:28 Personal Stance on Sustainability

57:47 Upcoming Sustainability Plans

59:04  End of Episode

What does it take to define success in your own terms? In this episode, Joanne speaks with model, actress, and mom Sheila Sim, whose journey through Singapore’s entertainment industry reflects the transformative power of choice and courage.

Recently making her return in acting, Sheila stars in Emerald Hill– The Little Nyonya Story, where she portrays Zhang Yin Niang– a headstrong, independent woman who dares to challenge the rigid norms of her world. Beyond her on-screen career, Sheila shares how she’s navigated life’s turning points as a public figure mother with intention, vulnerability, and strength. What does empowerment look like in our everyday choices? How do we accelerate meaningful actions in our lives?

Tune in as we unpack the courage it takes to rewrite your own narrative and how Sheila Sim continues to lead with authenticity in every role she plays — on and off screen.

Catch "Emerald Hill - The Little Nyonya Story", a 30-episode series, now streaming on meWATCH and Netflix.

For collaborations, partnerships, or feedback, reach us at [email protected].

Rate the podcast 5 stars, follow, and share if you enjoy our content.

Listen to the audio version of this podcast:

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2UUDTSerqtElRlzbDujZji?si=d4ff63ff3321493a

Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/what-do-i-know-with-joanne-peh/id1619082241

Follow us on social media:

Joanne Peh: https://www.instagram.com/joannepeh/

What Do I Know? Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/whatdoesjoanneknow/

ZYRUP Media: https://www.instagram.com/zyrupmedia/ 

Sheila Sim

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/iamsheilasim/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sheila_sim/?hl=en 

Chapters: 

00:00 Start of Episode

01:46 Introduction of Guest

02:25 Discussing "Emerald Hill"

04:10 Character vs. Real Life: The "Manja" Life

07:57 Women in Modeling

09:53 Why Sheila Transitioned to Acting

11:16 Dealing with Insecurities & Industry Standards

13:37 Realities of Auditioning

18:55 Sheila’s Fear of Acting

19:40 Sheila Falling In Love with Acting Again

21:54 Modern Women vs. Women From History

25:32 Emerald Hill Character Sheila Would Play

28:24 Sheila on Grief and Family

34:24 Sheila on Parenting and Protection

36:51 Sheila’s Empowering Hair Journey

40:20 Breaking Conventional Norms

41:12 How Sheila Met Her Husband

47:39 Hope for Their Children

51:54 Imposter Syndrome

56:18 End of Episode

What does it take to have it all? Is it impossible to balance ambition, family, and the constant pressures at work? In this episode, we explore the realities of modern womanhood with Minister Josephine Teo. Together, we unpack the complexities of motherhood, what work-life balance (or should I say, work-life harmony) really looks like, and how these challenge the idea of success of being able to “do it all”. 

From championing women’s development to advocating for more flexible workplaces, Minister Josephine Teo has been at the forefront of rethinking how we navigate career, family, and personal fulfillment. But even with these shifts, the question remains: Can women truly have it all, or are we just setting ourselves up for exhaustion?

Tune in as we challenge traditional expectations, discuss the policies shaping Singapore’s future, and uncover how women can redefine success on their own terms. 

For collaborations, partnerships, or feedback, reach us at [email protected].

Rate the podcast 5 stars, follow, and share if you enjoy our content.

Listen to the audio version of this podcast:

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2UUDTSerqtElRlzbDujZji?si=d4ff63ff3321493a

Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/what-do-i-know-with-joanne-peh/id1619082241

Follow us on social media:

Joanne Peh: https://www.instagram.com/joannepeh/

What Do I Know? Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/whatdoesjoanneknow/

ZYRUP Media: https://www.instagram.com/zyrupmedia/ 

Minister Josephine Teo

PMO: https://www.pmo.gov.sg/The-Cabinet/Mrs-Josephine-TEO

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Josephine.LM.Teo 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joteo.ylm/ 

Chapters: 

00:00 Start of Episode

02:05 Introduction of Guest

03:05 Minister Josephine Teo Entering Politics

05:08 The Mom Guilt

06:47 Overcoming Struggles of Mom Guilt

10:45 Work-Life Balance Is A Lie

11:54 Work-Life Harmony vs Work-Life Balance

13:21 Caregiving Takes a Village

18:38 Making Memories that Count

22:22 Fear of Losing Touch With the Kids

25:18 Dads Get Mom Guilt Too

26:53 Importance of Preschool Support

30:40 Why is Caregiving By Default on Women

37:13 Breaking The Traditional Mentality

39:01 Uplifting Women in the Workplace

49:05 Shifting Into a Progressive Mindset

53:09 Minister Teo’s Advice

55:51 End of Episode

In this thought-provoking episode, we sit down with Tin Pei Ling to explore her journey—from her early influences and entry into politics to navigating public scrutiny and making an impact in both the political and corporate worlds.

Tin Pei Ling shares candid insights into the challenges she faced as a young politician, particularly as a woman in Singapore’s political landscape. She opens up about the intense scrutiny, overcoming public backlash, and the lessons learned from her experience in the 2011 General Elections. We also discuss her transition into the corporate world and her thoughts on female leadership in Singapore. 

Beyond politics and career, Tin Pei Ling also reflects on her role as a mother, sharing the reality of balancing work with familial responsibilities.

Join us for an inspiring conversation on resilience and women leadership!

For collaborations, partnerships, or feedback, reach us at [email protected].

Rate the podcast 5 stars, follow, and share if you enjoy our content.

Follow us on social media:

Joanne Peh: https://www.instagram.com/joannepeh/

What Do I Know? Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/whatdoesjoanneknow/

ZYRUP Media: https://www.instagram.com/zyrupmedia/ 

Tin Pei Ling

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tinpeiling/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tinpeiling/

Chapters: 

0:00 Start of Episode

02:36 Tin Pei Ling’s Childhood & Early Influences 

04:50 Entering Politics & Facing Criticism

08:19 Scrutiny on Women in Politics 

11:26 Kindest and Worst Feedback as MP

15:00 Overcoming Public Scrutiny

18:47 Reflections from her GE2011 Political Debut  

28:27 Female Representation in Singapore Politics

29:42 How Can We Encourage More Women to Serve?

33:43 Perks of Being an MP

34:30 Protecting Mental Health While Being MP 

37:14 Could Singapore Have a Female Prime Minister?

38:04 Comparing Corporate & Political Worlds 

39:26 Family Life & Motherhood 

43:27 The Women Who Shaped Tin Pei Ling

45:17 Advice for Women in Leadership

47:33 Farewells

48:07 End of Episode

Sharon Au, one of Singapore’s beloved TV personalities, was at the height of her fame when all of a sudden she shocked everyone by walking away. Trading the glitz and glamour of show business, in 2005 she flew to Japan to further her studies. When she returned to Singapore in 2011, she found a new purpose in boardrooms, climbing the corporate ladder at Mediacorp. Just as she thought she had settled, she packed up once again and moved to Paris, stepping yet into another new adventure– completely on her own terms.

What drives her to keep reinventing herself? What did she gain (and lose) in the process? And what can we all learn from her fearless approach to starting over?

Tune in for a heartfelt and laughter-filled conversation as we unravel the inspiring evolution of Sharon Au. We’ll uncover what her journey tells us about ambition, identity, and courageous pursuit for growth!

For collaborations, partnerships, or feedback, reach us at [email protected].

Rate the podcast 5 stars, follow, and share if you enjoy our content.

Listen to the audio version of this podcast:

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2UUDTSerqtElRlzbDujZji?si=d4ff63ff3321493a

Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/what-do-i-know-with-joanne-peh/id1619082241

Follow us on social media:

Joanne Peh: https://www.instagram.com/joannepeh/

What Do I Know? Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/whatdoesjoanneknow/

ZYRUP Media: https://www.instagram.com/zyrupmedia/ 

Sharon Au

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sharonau13/ 

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharon-au-069591a2/  

Chapters: 

0:00 Start of Episode

00:34 Introduction of Sharon Au

03:07 The Burden of Being Sharon Au

05:11 Media Industry Expectations

07:55 Hardships of People Pleasing

09:53 Sharon’s Childhood

14:34 Sharon’s Move to Japan

18:57 Leaving During The Peak of Her Career

21:34 Coming Back to Mediacorp25:32 Running Away to Paris

33:38 Sharon Au’s Paris Home Broken Into

38:32 Sharon Au on What Losing Her Possessions Taught Her

41:18 Sharon Au on Relationships

42:28 Sharon Faking Her Marriage

49:40 Reconnecting with Her True Self Again 

54:47 What Sharon Au Hopes People to Learn from Her

57:42 Farewells

01:01:00 End of Episode

What does it take to master the art of horse riding? In this episode, we dive into the world of precision, discipline, and elegance with Singapore’s first Olympic dressage rider, Caroline Chew. From her early days in show jumping to making history on the global stage, Caroline shares how working with horses has left a profound impact on her life and how she navigates it.

What fuels her relentless pursuit of excellence? And how does a rider find the balance of communicating with a horse while under the highest pressures of competition? 

Tune in as we uncover the world of dressage, and its relatable multifaceted discipline, through Caroline’s inspiring story!

For collaborations, partnerships, or feedback, reach us at [email protected].

Rate the podcast 5 stars, follow, and share if you enjoy our content.

Listen to the audio version of this podcast:

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2UUDTSerqtElRlzbDujZji?si=d4ff63ff3321493a

Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/what-do-i-know-with-joanne-peh/id1619082241

Follow us on social media:

Joanne Peh: https://www.instagram.com/joannepeh/

What Do I Know? Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/whatdoesjoanneknow/

ZYRUP Media: https://www.instagram.com/zyrupmedia/ 

Caroline Chew

Team Singapore: https://www.teamsingapore.sg/athletes/caroline-chew 

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caroline-chew-a56a6a13b/?originalSubdomain=uk 

Chapters: 

0:00 Start of Episode

01:44 Introduction of Caroline Chew

02:10 What is Dressage?

03:39 How Does Scoring in Dressage Work?

04:54 The Different Olympic Equestrian Events 

05:40 Caroline from Showjumping to Dressage

08:54 Process of Communicating with a Horse

11:17 Horses Get Stage Fright

13:06 Journey To the Olympics18:44 Keeping Calm in a High-Stress Environment

24:12 Caroline’s Equestrian Journey in Singapore

26:46 Caroline Moving to the UK

27:18 Caroline Conquering Her Fear of Horse Riding

29:32 Caroline Chew on What Her Sport Taught Her

33:31 Importance of Team and Support

35:54 Being An Athlete in Singapore

39:17 Caroline Chew on What Working with Horses Taught Her

40:37 Debunking Misconceptions

43:18 Does the Horse Choose the Sport or Does the Sport Choose Them? 

44:20 How to Handle Horses as a First-Timer?

46:21 Advice For Who Want to Pursue Their Passions

48:36 How Parents Can Support Their Child’s Passions

50:34 Up Next for Caroline Chew

52:11 Farewells

54:27 End of Episode

Ever wondered who ensures those steamy (or awkward) on-screen moments don’t turn into a total nightmare for actors? Meet Rayann, an intimacy coordinator, director, and casting pro with 25 years in the arts, who's on a mission to change how Singapore and Southeast Asia handle intimacy on screen.

From tackling cultural taboos to applying consent and boundaries beyond film, think relationships, parenting, even the workplace, Rayann breaks it all down. If you've ever cringed at a badly done love scene or wondered how to teach kids about personal space without making it weird, this one's for you.

Tune in, because intimacy isn’t just about romance, it’s about how we connect with everyone.

For collaborations, partnerships, or feedback, reach us at[email protected].

Rate the podcast 5 stars, follow, and share if you enjoy our content.

Listen to the audio version of this podcast:

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2UUDTSerqtElRlzbDujZji?si=d4ff63ff3321493a

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/what-do-i-know-with-joanne-peh/id1619082241

Follow us on social media:

Joanne Peh: https://www.instagram.com/joannepeh/

What Do I Know? Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/whatdoesjoanneknow/

ZYRUP Media:https://www.instagram.com/zyrupmedia/ 

Rayann Condy

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rayann_condy/ 

Website:https://www.rayanncondy.com/ 

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rayann-condy/?originalSubdomain=sg 

Chapters: 

0:00 Start of Episode

01:41 Introduction of Ryann Condy

01:57 Joanne’s First Intimacy Experience

03:06 What is an Intimacy Coordinator?

03:39  Intimacy Coordination in America vs. SEA

08:11 The Me Too Movement 

09:07  Ryann’s Process as an Intimacy Coordinator

13:33 What is the Fear of Power on Set?

15:54 When Does an Intimacy Coordinator Come In?18:15 How Does Consent Work?

20:03 Intimacy Call 

21:15 What Actors Think Before Doing Intimate Scenes

23:08 Intimacy Kits 

25:22 How Are Intimate Scenes Made Realistic?

27:20 Intimate Scenes Throughout the Years

28:45 Crew’s Involvement in Intimate Scenes

31:37 What are Boundaries? What is Okay Cross?

33:00 How to Identify Your Boundaries

35:56 How to Articulate Your Boundaries 

41:12 How to Teach Kids Articulating Their Boundaries

44:51 How We Should  Respond To Other People’s Boundaries

45:32 Consent & Boundaries in the Corporate Space

53:27 How Do You Process A Boundary That’s Been Crossed?

55:01 Does It Help to Confront Your Perpetrator?

56:24 Communicating Boundaries Effectively

58:08 Farewells

01:00:36 End of Episode

When is it appropriate to talk about money matters with your significant other? How do I know if I’m making the right investment towards my future? These are some of the questions that are often overlooked in today’s ‘YOLO’ culture. For today’s episode, Joanne addresses these burning questions and more with Endowus CEO, Gregory Van as they break the taboo of money talks and explore different ways to manage finances wisely.

Gregory Van shares his expertise and personal experiences on how to assess one’s financial compatibility with one's significant other, how to realistically set one’s investment for the future, and how to raise financially literate children today. Tune in for an insightful and thought-provoking episode that explores the urgency of making the right financial decisions towards a goal-oriented future.

For collaborations, partnerships, or feedback, reach us at [email protected].

Rate the podcast 5 stars, follow, and share if you enjoy our content.

Listen to the audio version of this podcast:

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2UUDTSerqtElRlzbDujZji?si=d4ff63ff3321493a

Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/what-do-i-know-with-joanne-peh/id1619082241

Follow us on social media:

Joanne Peh: https://www.instagram.com/joannepeh/

What Do I Know? Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/whatdoesjoanneknow/

ZYRUP Media: https://www.instagram.com/zyrupmedia/ 

Gregory Van:

Endowus Website: https://endowus.com/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregory-van/?originalSubdomain=hk 

Chapters: 

0:00 Start of Episode

01:44 Introduction of Gregory Van

02:07 Assessing Your Financial Compatibility with Your Partner

03:20 What Money Matters Should Couples Talk About? (Part 1): Financial Capacity & Responsibilities

04:34 How Social Media Trends Influence Financial Decisions

05:54 How Early Should You Start Money Talks with Your Partner?

10:03 The Sandwich Generation

12:45 Finances to Safeguard Before Marriage

15:55 Is  Acquiring Shared Assets Before Marriage a Wise Move?

18:03 Paying Rent vs. Paying Off Mortgage: Which is More Suitable?

25:00 How Different Financial Goals Can Look For Each Person

27:43 The 4 L’s of Financial Endowment Goals

30:32 What Money Matters Should Couples Talk About? (Part 2): Aligning Financial Goals

31:07 Synergizing Your Human and Financial Capital for Retirement

42:28 How Early Should Kids Be Educated About Finances?

45:34 Tips on Raising Financially Wise Heirs

55:56 Teaching Children About Investments

58:20 Where Can Adults Learn More About Money?

01:01:13 The Dos & Don’ts of Teaching Kids About Money

01:05:04 End of Episode

When was the last time you got your full hours of sleep? How do you know if you’re getting the most out of your sleep? In today’s episode, Joanne dives deep into a conversation with ENT and sleep disorder specialist Dr. Kenny Pang to discuss what one’s sleep can tell them about their overall condition and health. 

They explore how sleep can be improved, managed, and regulated through good sleep hygiene and effective interventions. Dr. Kenny Pang offers some advice on sleep disorder detection to help parents and spouses understand their children's and partners' sleeping patterns and ways to resolve these issues.  Tune in for an insightful and thought-provoking episode that sheds light on the importance of proper sleep and its overall impact on one's lifestyle.

For collaborations, partnerships, or feedback, reach us at ⁠[email protected]⁠.

Rate the podcast 5 stars, follow, and share if you enjoy our content.

Follow us on social media:

Joanne Peh: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/joannepeh/

⁠What Do I Know? Podcast: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/whatdoesjoanneknow/⁠

ZYRUP Media: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/zyrupmedia/⁠ 

Dr Kenny Pang: Website: ⁠https://drkennypang.com/⁠ 

LinkedIn: ⁠linkedin.com/in/dr-kenny-pang-977b2249⁠

Chapters: 

0:00 Start of Episode

02:24 Introduction of Dr. Kenny Pang

03:18 What is the Ideal Bedtime?

04:36 Sleep Hygiene for Better Rest

06:20 Why is Singapore One of the Most Sleepless Societies?

08:11 Dreaming Matters More than Sleep Duration

12:39 Dangers of Dreaming for Sleep Apnea Sufferers

14:39 How Long Should We Sleep Each Night?

18:38 Long-Term Consequences of Poor Sleep Hygiene

20:41 Are Supplements and Alcohol Effective for Better Sleep?

22:34 Understanding Common Sleep Disorders and Phenomena

35:55 Symptoms of Sleep Apnea

37:30 Physical Traits Linked to Sleep Disorders

40:09 Long-Term Consequences of Craniofacial Structure

42:37 Exploring Treatment Options for Better Sleep

51:20 Why Surgery’s Benefits Outweigh the Risks for Kids

54:04 Why Losing Weight Might Improve Sleep Health

57:18 Signs You Need to Consult an ENT Specialist

01:00:54 Is Napping Necessary for Children?

01:04:06 What Should We Do if We Can’t Go To Sleep?

01:05:55 Mouth Tape: A Myth?

01:08:37 End of Episode