Tell You First

// Thank you for supporting and listening to this first season of Tell You First. If you've enjoyed the podcast, please leave a comment to let us know which episodes you liked the most, the most interesting thing you’ve learnt from us, or what topics we should cover in the future. We hope to share more with you again soon! // We’ve all seen the headlines and history books, but what was daily life really like in Singapore during the Japanese Occupation? In this episode, we take you beyond the dates and events to reveal the gritty reality faced by ordinary people under Japanese rule. How did they make ends meet under a harsh regime? What hidden struggles did they endure? Were people treated differently depending on their race? We dive into the scars and lasting lessons this period left on a generation of Singaporeans. Join us on this journey into one of the darkest yet most defining chapters 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 [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

This festive season, as you gather to toss Yusheng high in the air, have you ever wondered: where did this beloved CNY dish really come from? In this episode, we dive into the tangled, messy origins of Lo Hei/Yusheng—a delicacy that sparks both unbridled joy and fierce debate among Singaporeans and Malaysians. Join us as we trace the history behind each symbolic ingredient, and get a taste of the bold, Gen Z twists that are shaking up this age-old tradition. Get ready to see Yusheng in a whole new light!   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 [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Everyone celebrates Chinese New Year, but how many truly understand the ancient Lunar Calendar that shapes its traditions? In this episode, we uncover the fascinating origins of the Lunar Calendar and try to answer why people still follow it today — aligning weddings, business deals, and even travel plans with its auspicious dates. Why does this thousands-year-old system still hold such sway in our modern life? Join us on this deep dive into the secrets of this UNESCO-recognized cultural treasure and the influence it has in billions of lives worldwide.   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 [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Many may know about Singapore's difficult period during the Japanese Occupation, but how much do you know about the Sook Ching Massacre? And about how close Lee Kuan Yew was to being captured? Join us as we delve into this forgotten chapter, where a single act of courage from a humble rickshaw puller saved Lee Kuan Yew, and altered Singapore’s destiny forever.   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 [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Did you get a ticket for any of Taylor Swift’s six Singapore concerts in 2024? While we normally focus on historical trivia and nostalgia here on Tell You First, we’re confident that Tay Tay’s record-breaking run in Singapore will be remembered and talked about for years to come. We relive the mania of that week in March with 987 DJ Ann Nicole and look at Swift’s impact on the economy, the social activities organised around the concerts, and the artistry of the shows themselves. Did we manage to get through the episode without using any Swift puns? Tune in and find out!   Credits:   Hosted and Produced by Terence Chia (@tchia) and Haresh Tilani (@hareshtilani) Guest - Ann Nicole (@annnicoleng__) 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 [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.