The Chef Who Built a Business Without a Restaurant

He Built Singapore’s No.1 Finance Podcast After Multiple Failures

In this episode of The Golden Nuggets Podcast, we sit down with Reggie, founder of The Financial Coconut, one of Singapore’s leading business and finance podcasts. Reggie shares the real story behind his journey — from being pulled into the MLM world during his army days, to building and losing businesses, to starting The Financial Coconut as a simple personal rant against fake gurus online. He opens up about the hidden cost of MLM, why expectation versus reality can break people, and why he still believes sales skills can be powerful when used with the right intent. He also shares what he learnt from his failed health-tech startup, why choosing the right co-founder matters, and how timing played a major role in the growth of The Financial Coconut. This conversation also goes deep into podcasting as a business. Reggie explains why most podcasts fail, what makes a good host, how media brands should find their lane, and why being different matters more than trying to compete with mainstream media. If you are a founder, creator, podcaster, salesperson, or someone trying to build something from scratch, this episode will give you honest lessons from someone who has failed, rebuilt, and kept going. In this episode, we talk about: * Reggie’s early MLM experience * Why MLM can affect identity and confidence * The difference between sales and real business * Lessons from a failed health-tech startup * Why co-founder selection matters * How The Financial Coconut started * How Covid helped podcast advertising grow * Why most podcasts are not worth listening to * What makes a strong podcast host * Why every media brand needs to find its own lane * How Reggie would rebuild from $80 Reggie started The Financial Coconut after feeling frustrated by fake gurus online. What began as a monologue podcast later grew into a larger media brand focused on finance, business, and money conversations.

The Chef Who Built a Business Without a Restaurant

What does it really take to survive in the F&B industry? In this episode, we sit down with Chef Mel Dean, a pioneer in halal Malay and Nusantara cuisine. He shares his journey from early struggles, job loss, and financial setbacks… to building a respected name in the culinary scene. This is not a success story filled with hype. This is a real look at what happens behind the scenes. * How he discovered his calling in food * Why losing his job changed everything * The reality of running an F&B business * How rental kills many restaurants * When to stop a failing business * Why home-based businesses should not rush into cafes * How to grow through pop-ups and collaboration * The truth about “success” after years in business 🎯 What You’ll Learn

The Truth About Influencer Marketing No One Tells You

How do you go from selling cheap jewellery in primary school… to running a 7-figure business and a 22-person agency? In this episode of the Golden Nuggets Podcast, we sit down with Joel Wong, founder of Social Jet, an influencer marketing agency helping brands grow through content, strategy, and full-funnel marketing systems.   Joel shares his full journey — from building online forums, flipping websites, running e-commerce brands, to scaling a marketing agency across Singapore and beyond. This is not theory. This is real execution. * How Joel started his first business in primary school * Why most influencer campaigns fail (even with high views) * The difference between views and real sales * How to move from freelancer to business owner * Why brand story matters more than your product * How to start a business with low capital * When to hire (and when NOT to) * The truth about AI influencers and content today 🎯 What You’ll Learn

Stop Doing This If You Want Your Child to Succeed

Why do some children struggle in school… even when they go for tuition? In this episode of the Golden Nuggets Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Annie, founder of Curious Minds, an online tuition company that focuses on building curiosity, thinking skills, and real understanding in students.  With over 20 years of teaching experience, she shares what most parents overlook when it comes to their child’s education. This episode covers: * The real difference between online and physical tuition * Why small class sizes improve results faster * How asking questions builds confidence and learning * The biggest mistake parents make (and how it affects kids) * Why too much screen time reduces focus and reading ability * How today’s syllabus has changed to focus on analytical thinking * What parents should do daily to help their child improve

He Lost $200K in 60 Days… Then Built Singapore’s Biggest Creative Festival

What does it take to build a creative empire from scratch?In this episode, we sit down with Ken Thew, Founder and CEO of INVADE, the team behind Artbox Singapore. He shares his 16-year journey from running small flea markets to managing a 4,000-strong vendor community across the region.This is not just a story about events.This is a story about survival, purpose, and community.🎯 What You’ll Learn • How Ken started with just $50 booth spaces • The early days at *Scape and Lucky Plaza • How one content creator helped drive viral traction • The harsh reality of COVID and a $200,000 loss in 60 days • Why assuming “zero events” saved the business • The $1 million risk he took to survive • How Artbox became Singapore’s biggest creative festival • Why community matters more than customers💡 Nugget TakeawayYour business grows faster when you stop chasing transactionsand start building a community people want to belong to.🎪 About Artbox SingaporeArtbox is INVADE’s flagship festival.It brings together artists, creators, brands, and food vendors into one space.Upcoming Event Details: • 📍 Singapore Expo Hall 3 • 📅 April 4–5 & April 10–12 • ⏰ 12PM – 11PMExpect: • 200+ retail brands • 80–100 F&B vendors • Live performances, workshops, and art installationsFollow The Golden Nuggets Podcast for more real conversations on business, life, and growth.https://www.instagram.com/thegoldennuggetspodcast/https://www.linkedin.com/company/thegoldennuggetspodcast/https://www.facebook.com/thegoldennuggetspodcast/https://www.tiktok.com/@tgnpodcastSubscribe for more episodes:https://tgnpodcast.com/watchhttps://tgnpodcast.com/listen