Tell You First

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.

// Thank you for tuning in to Tell You First. We will be taking a couple weeks' break to recharge and will be releasing episodes again in the new year. Until then, have a Merry Christmas and happy new year! // Singapore’s time doesn’t actually make sense! Officially GMT+8, our sunrise and sunset differ from other Southeast Asian cities on the same longitude. In this episode, we travel through time, to see how time itself has been set and standardised across the world. You may be surprised that the story of Singapore’s unusual time zone is less a question of science, and more a question of politics and economics! And then there’s the impact of all this on our sleep cycles…  who’s to blame for this time-bending mess?   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.

In 1994, Singapore went toe-to-toe with the United States… and didn’t lose. American teenager Michael Fay was apprehended for vandalising several cars and properties here, and sentenced to six strokes of the cane. Then-President Bill Clinton himself even got involved, personally reaching out to Singapore’s leaders to appeal the decision. A massive backlash from American media erupted, painting Singapore as a cruel and barbaric country, but we stood our ground. We discuss the severity of Fay’s offences, how both countries navigated the aftermath, and in the ensuing 30 years, how the event shaped the public perception of Singapore.   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.

You think you know your local kopi, but not like this! We go beyond the usual configurations of kopi-O, kopi-C and kopi siu dai to bring you an in-depth look into the origins of Singapore’s staple beverage. Where did it originate, and how did it become localised? We look at the art of brewing kopi, from the kind of beans used, and the giant sock filter–and how it differs greatly from western coffee at every step. After learning all this, your next sip of kopi is going to hit different!   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.

How well do you know your fish head curry? It isn’t Singapore’s national dish, but after this episode, you may wonder why it isn’t! With 987 DJ Gerald Koh, we discuss its preparation, variations, and how we basically attack the whole thing, eyes, cheeks and all. We trace its origins to a Sophia Road stall in colonial Singapore, and its enigmatic creator because yes, unlike many other local dishes, this one can be traced back to one guy! It’s a spicy, lip-smacking chat.    Credits:   Hosted and Produced by Terence Chia (@tchia) and Haresh Tilani (@hareshtilani) Guest - Gerald Koh (@geraldkoh987) 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.