Totally Normal Folks

Episode 009 - The Curious Case of Nadiem Makarim

Dear audience, have you ever dreamt about contributing your unique knowledge and skillsets, and giving back to your country through public service? No?...oh..uh.. well, IF you wanted to, you should think again! Cause here in Indonesia, that could get you sent to prison. Nadiem Makarim, Ibrahim Arief, and Amsal Sitepu are just some of the high profile figures subjected to Indonesia's kangaroo courts, where logic and reasoning are thrown out the window, and prosecutors grasp at the thinnest of straws. So join the Totally Normal Folks, as we walk you through the cases, discuss what this means for Indonesia's skilled working professionals, and figure out what exactly happened to law and order.

Episode 008 - The Kebaya Resurgence, Historical Gossip, and The Most Intelligent Conversations We've Ever Had (feat. Alma Al Farisi)

Indonesia's most fashionable history nerd, Alma Al Farisi (@almahello), joins the Totally Normal Folks to talk about the resurgence of the kebaya, and the seldom discussed influences of traditional textiles and garb on the country's social and political landscape. If that description sounds more intelligent than what you're used to, that's because our esteemed guest's presence on this episode alone has exponentially increased our collective IQs, and we have now become infinitely more Cultured™. If YOU too want to expand your minds, or if you're keen on hearing some juicy vintage historical gossip, then listen on!

TNNW - W2 March 2026 - Strait of Hormuz Mined, Indonesian Activists Acquitted, Social Media Ban for Children

This week we update you on the War in Iran, celebrate the acquittal of four Indonesian activists who were arrested during last year's massive protests, and talk about the Indonesian government's proposed ban of social media for children under 16. Sources: https://www.tempo.co/politik/komdigi-koordinasi-lintas-kementerian-soal-akses-medsos-anak-2121232 Placemaking And Privatization In Tambora‘s Public Open Space by Maria Immaculata Ririk Winandari, Punto Wijayanto, Ardilla Jefri https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026/mar/09/proposed-ban-on-social-media-for-under-16s-rejected-by-mpshttps://jakartaglobe.id/lifestyle/should-social-media-be-restricted-for-kids-indonesia-joins-global-effort-to-protect-children-onlinehttps://en.tempo.co/read/2091620/amnesty-criticizes-indonesias-social-media-ban-for-under-16Interview with Youths on Social Media (https://share.google/fhiSdtYkuV6KEGwBn)https://www.thejakartapost.com/indonesia/2026/03/09/activists-acquittal-of-riot-incitement-hailed-as-democratic-win.html?utm_source=(direct)&utm_medium=channel_indonesiahttps://www.thejakartapost.com/indonesia/2026/03/07/court-finds-activists-not-guilty-of-inciting-august-riot.htmlhttps://ylbhi.or.id/bibliografi/laporan/laporan-kpf-operasi-pembungkaman-kaum-muda-terbesar-sejak-reformasi/https://www.thejakartapost.com/indonesia/2026/02/20/crackdown-on-august-unrest-biggest-state-suppression-since-1998-report.html

Episode 007 - Oscars Predictions and Our Favorite Films of 2025 (feat. woodcock.tv)

Ahead of the upcoming 98th Academy Awards, the Totally Normal Folks are joined by special guest, Woodcock.tv to talk film! In this episode, we discuss our four favorites of 2025, the biggest cinematic disappointments of the year, the nominees of the upcoming Oscars, and who we think is gonna take home the big prize.

Episode 006 - The Southeast Asian Experience and Stand-Up Comedy Shenanigans (feat. Fakkah Fuzz)

Singapore's King of Comedy, Fadzri Rashid aka Fakkah Fuzz, joins the podcast to talk about our shared Southeast Asian experiences with racism, dictatorships, environmental collapse, and other fun stuff! What makes Singapore so great? Why is the Malaysian Parliament so chaotic? and Why can't we all just get along? All this, plus the low down on Fadzri's latest comedic escapades, can be found right here on this episode.