Life Picks

Synopsis: A monthly literary podcast by The Straits Times featuring titles in the headlines and sizzling reads. In the latest episode of this literary podcast, The Straits Times journalists Olivia Ho and Toh Wen Li take on six books shortlisted for the International Booker Prize – from Nobel laureate Olga Tokarczuk's sweeping novel The Books Of Jacob to Geetanjali Shree's Tomb Of Sand, the first Hindi-language novel shortlisted for the award. Highlights(click/tap above): 01:31 The Books of Jacob, by Olga Tokarczuk 09:10: Cursed Bunny, by Bora Chung 10:34 A New Name: Septology Six to Seven, by Jon Fosse 11:58 Heaven, by Mieko Kawakami 12:20 Elena Knows, by Claudia Pineiro 12:53 The Tomb of Sand, by Geetanjali Shree Produced by: Olivia Ho (oliviaho@sph.com.sg), Toh Wen Li (tohwenli@sph.com.sg), Paxton Pang and Eden Soh Edited by: Paxton Pang Subscribe to Bookmark This! Podcast series and rate us on your favourite audio apps: Channel: https://str.sg/JWas Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWae Spotify: https://str.sg/JWan Google Podcasts: https://str.sg/Ju4n   Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg/ Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg Read Olivia Ho's stories: https://str.sg/JbhW Follow Olivia Ho on Instagram: @ohomatopoeia Read Toh Wen Li's stories: https://str.sg/Jbhm --- Discover ST's special edition podcasts: Singapore's War On Covid: https://str.sg/wsfD The Unsolved Mysteries of South-east Asia Embed: https://str.sg/ws76 Stop Scams: https://str.sg/wnBi --- Discover more ST podcast series: In Your Opinion Podcast: https://str.sg/w7Qt SG Extra Podcast: https://str.sg/wX8w Asian Insider Podcast: https://str.sg/JWa7 Green Pulse Podcast: https://str.sg/JWaf Health Check Podcast: https://str.sg/JWaN #PopVultures Podcast: https://str.sg/JWad ST Sports Talk Podcast: https://str.sg/JWRE Bookmark This! Podcast: https://str.sg/JWas Lunch With Sumiko Podcast: https://str.sg/J6hQ Discover BT Podcasts: https://bt.sg/pcPL Follow our shows then, if you like short, practical podcasts! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Synopsis: A monthly literary podcast by The Straits Times featuring titles in the headlines and sizzling reads. In the latest episode of this literary podcast, The Straits Times journalists Olivia Ho and Toh Wen Li go on a whistle-stop tour of books about travelling -- from the journeys of Rebecca Solnit and Sanmao, to the introspective musings of Italo Calvino and Robert Macfarlane. Highlights (click/tap above): 01:53 Unfathomable City, by Rebecca Solnit and Snedeker 05:53 Stories Of The Sahara, by Sanmao 10:32 The Old Ways: A Journey On Foot, by Robert Macfarlane 11:52 Invisible Cities, by Italo Calvino Produced by: Olivia Ho (oliviaho@sph.com.sg), Toh Wen Li (tohwenli@sph.com.sg), Teo Tong Kai and Eden Soh Edited by: Eden Soh Subscribe to Bookmark This! Podcast series and rate us on your favourite audio apps: Channel: https://str.sg/JWas Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWae Spotify: https://str.sg/JWan Google Podcasts: https://str.sg/Ju4n   Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg/ Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg Read Olivia Ho's stories: https://str.sg/JbhW Follow Olivia Ho on Instagram: @ohomatopoeia Read Toh Wen Li's stories: https://str.sg/Jbhm --- Follow ST Podcasts channel: Channel: https://str.sg/JWVR Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/2Lu4rPP Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2PwZCYU Google podcasts: http://str.sg/googlestbt SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg/ Websites: http://str.sg/stpodcasts Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg  --- Discover ST's special edition podcasts: Singapore's War On Covid: https://str.sg/wsfD The Unsolved Mysteries of South-east Asia Embed: https://str.sg/ws76 Stop Scams: https://str.sg/wnBi Discover more ST podcast series: In Your Opinion Podcast: https://str.sg/w7Qt SG Extra Podcast: https://omny.fm/shows/st-bt/playlists/sg-extra Asian Insider Podcast: https://str.sg/JWa7 Green Pulse Podcast: https://str.sg/JWaf Health Check Podcast: https://str.sg/JWaN #PopVultures Podcast: https://str.sg/JWad ST Sports Talk Podcast: https://str.sg/JWRE Bookmark This! Podcast: https://str.sg/JWas Lunch With Sumiko Podcast: https://str.sg/J6hQ Discover BT Podcasts: https://bt.sg/pcPL Follow our shows then, if you like short, practical podcasts! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Synopsis: The Straits Times examines the ins and outs of pop culture in the Asian entertainment and Hollywood scene. The Academy Awards, also known as the Oscars, took place over last weekend in Los Angeles, Hollywood and despite historic wins and a Beyonce performance, all anyone can talk about since is The Slap. The night's Best Actor winner Will Smith marched on stage to slap comedian Chris Rock after he made a joke at the expense of Smith's wife, Jada Pinkett Smith. #PopVultures host Jan Lee unpacks everything related to the shocking moment - sharing how it was watching the event unfold in real time and addressing baseless claims about how The Slap was staged (it's not). Jan also sheds some light on the online discourse surrounding Will Smith and his marriage prior to the Oscars, and discusses issues that The Slap has brought up. Highlights (tap/click above): 00:53 An introduction and recap of The Slap, including the immediate online reaction and the subsequent fallout 12:28 Why there is no way The Slap was a staged publicity stunt 19:40 Context on Will Smith, his marriage and the Smiths' history with Chris Rock 26:12 How The Slap has surfaced complicated and nuanced issues relating to comedy, toxic masculinity, race and the Academy's own troubled history 35:01 Final thoughts - how this incident marred the entire Oscars night Produced by Jan Lee (janlee@sph.com.sg), Teo Tong Kai, Paxton Pang and Eden Soh Edited by: Teo Tong Kai Follow #PopVultures Podcast episodes here every month:  Channel: https://str.sg/JWad Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWaA Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaP  Google Podcasts: https://str.sg/Ju47  SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg/ Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg Follow Jan Lee on Instagram: https://str.sg/Jbxc Read Jan Lee's stories: https://str.sg/Jbxp --- Discover more ST podcast series: Asian Insider Podcast: https://str.sg/JWa7 Green Pulse Podcast: https://str.sg/JWaf Health Check Podcast: https://str.sg/JWaN ST Sports Talk Podcast: https://str.sg/JWRE #PopVultures Podcast: https://str.sg/JWad Bookmark This! Podcast: https://str.sg/JWas Lunch With Sumiko Podcast: https://str.sg/J6hQ Discover BT Podcasts: https://bt.sg/pcPL Follow our shows then, if you like short, practical podcasts! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Synopsis: The Straits Times examines the ins and outs of pop culture in the Asian entertainment and Hollywood scene. Music's biggest night - the Grammys - are just around the corner as the ceremony prepares to take place on Monday morning (April 4) Singapore time. But one notable nominee - with five nominations going into the ceremony - has been banned from performing and that is rapper Kanye West, now officially known as Ye. The Grammys confirmed they made the decision in light of the 44-year-old's "concerning online behavior". Kanye, who divorced reality show star Kim Kardashian in February 2021, has embarked on a disturbing campaign of harassment and violent threats in an attempt to win back his former wife ever since Kardashian began publicly dating comedian Pete Davidson. #PopVultures host Jan Lee gives a run-down of what has happened and her own observations. Why has the media, fans and the public at large, found it so difficult and uncomfortable to talk about Kanye and his harassment of Kim? How does public branding of Kanye and Kim as individuals, but also as a couple, tie into this situation of abuse and intimidation? Highlights (tap/click above): 02:35 An introduction to Kanye and Kim  05:01 Kanye's mental health issues and his attempt at running for President of the United States  09:27  A recount of what has happened since Kim began dating Pete Davidson  19:24 Why has it been so difficult to talk about Kanye and his harassment of Kim?  31:27 Final thoughts from Jan Lee Produced by Jan Lee (janlee@sph.com.sg), Teo Tong Kai and Paxton Pang Edited by: Teo Tong Kai and Paxton Pang Follow #PopVultures Podcast episodes here every month:  Channel: https://str.sg/JWad Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWaA Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaP  Google Podcasts: https://str.sg/Ju47  SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg/ Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg Follow Jan Lee on Instagram: https://str.sg/Jbxc Read Jan Lee's stories: https://str.sg/Jbxp --- Discover more ST podcast series: Asian Insider Podcast: https://str.sg/JWa7 Green Pulse Podcast: https://str.sg/JWaf Health Check Podcast: https://str.sg/JWaN ST Sports Talk Podcast: https://str.sg/JWRE #PopVultures Podcast: https://str.sg/JWad Bookmark This! Podcast: https://str.sg/JWas Lunch With Sumiko Podcast: https://str.sg/J6hQ Discover BT Podcasts: https://bt.sg/pcPL Follow our shows then, if you like short, practical podcasts! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Synopsis: The Straits Times examines the ins and outs of pop culture in the Asian entertainment and Hollywood scene. The news of Taiwanese actress Barbie Hsu getting hitched with her former flame, the South Korean musician DJ Koo or Koo Jun-yup of the dance music duo Clon, sent shockwaves through the Asian entertainment industry. Hsu, 45, only divorced her Chinese businessman husband Wang Xiaofei in November 2021. But upon hearing news of her divorce, Koo, 52, whom Hsu dated over two decades ago, called her and rekindled their romance. They married after around three months of video calls, without ever meeting once in person since reconnecting. While some netizens are sceptical about the newlyweds' story of only reconnecting after Hsu's divorce, #PopVultures host Jan Lee believes that lightning romances and falling head over heels in love is completely on brand for Hsu. She takes a deep dive into her romantic history, which is full of famous men and tearful breakdowns on screen.  Highlights (tap/click above): 02:40 Introduction on Barbie Hsu's recent divorce and new marriage 07:55 Barbie Hsu and Koo Jun-yup's relationship in the late 1990s 09:07 Who is Koo Jun-yup? The first-wave Hallyu group Clon 13:25 Barbie Hsu's romantic history - Blackie Chen, Koo Jun-yup, Blue Lan, Vic Chou and Wang Xiao Fei 31:55 Final thoughts Produced by Jan Lee (janlee@sph.com.sg), Teo Tong Kai and Paxton Pang Edited by: Teo Tong Kai and Paxton Pang Subscribe to #PopVultures Podcast series and rate us on your favourite audio apps: Channel: https://str.sg/JWad Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWaA Google Podcasts: https://str.sg/Ju47  Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaP  SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg/ Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg Follow Jan Lee on Instagram: https://str.sg/Jbxc Read Jan Lee's stories: https://str.sg/Jbxp --- Discover more ST podcast series: Asian Insider Podcast: https://str.sg/JWa7 Green Pulse Podcast: https://str.sg/JWaf Health Check Podcast: https://str.sg/JWaN ST Sports Talk Podcast: https://str.sg/JWRE #PopVultures Podcast: https://str.sg/JWad Bookmark This! Podcast: https://str.sg/JWas Lunch With Sumiko Podcast: https://str.sg/J6hQ Discover BT Podcasts: https://bt.sg/pcPL Follow our shows then, if you like short, practical podcasts! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Synopsis: A monthly literary podcast by The Straits Times featuring titles in the headlines and sizzling reads. In the latest episode, The Straits Times' journalists Olivia Ho and Toh Wen Li delve into novels about romantic love in the 21st century, including Monica Ali's Love Marriage and Jane Pek's The Verifiers. Highlights (click/tap above): 00:55 The Verifiers by Jane Pek 07:47 Love Marriage by Monica Ali Produced by: Olivia Ho (oliviaho@sph.com.sg), Toh Wen Li (tohwenli@sph.com.sg) and Teo Tong Kai Edited by: Teo Tong Kai Subscribe to Bookmark This! Podcast series and rate us on your favourite audio apps: Channel: https://str.sg/JWas Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWae Spotify: https://str.sg/JWan Google Podcasts: https://str.sg/Ju4n   Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg/ Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg Read Olivia Ho's stories: https://str.sg/JbhW Follow Olivia Ho on Instagram: @ohomatopoeia Read Toh Wen Li's stories: https://str.sg/Jbhm --- Discover more ST podcast series: Asian Insider Podcast: https://str.sg/JWa7 Green Pulse Podcast: https://str.sg/JWaf Health Check Podcast: https://str.sg/JWaN ST Sports Talk Podcast: https://str.sg/JWRE #PopVultures Podcast: https://str.sg/JWad Lunch With Sumiko Podcast: https://str.sg/J6hQ Discover BT Podcasts: https://bt.sg/pcPL Follow our shows then, if you like short, practical podcasts! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Synopsis: The Straits Times examines the ins and outs of pop culture in the Asian entertainment and Hollywood scene. This week, #PopVultures host Jan Lee gives you some of the latest celebrity news updates before diving into the news of Chinese actor Huang Xiaoming and his divorce from model-actress Angelababy.  The high profile A-list couple announced their divorce in January this year, after being mired in divorce rumours for years. Using that as a jumping off point, Jan discusses the beginnings of their extremely public romance, their image as a couple and why they are both individually two of the celebrities Chinese netizens love to hate the most. Highlights (tap/click above): 01:34 Celebrating Hyun Bin and Son Ye-jin's impending nuptials 03:10 Rihanna pap-walk pregnancy announcement 4:05 Kanye West's latest feud with ex-wife Kim Kardashian's boyfriend Pete Davidson 12:51 Why do Chinese netizens hate Angelababy? 22:56 Why is Huang Xiaoming so disliked by the public? Produced by Jan Lee (janlee@sph.com.sg), Penelope Lee and Teo Tong Kai Edited by: Teo Tong Kai Subscribe to #PopVultures Podcast series and rate us on your favourite audio apps: Channel: https://str.sg/JWad Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWaA Google Podcasts: https://str.sg/Ju47  Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaP  SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg/ Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg Follow Jan Lee on Instagram: https://str.sg/Jbxc Read Jan Lee's stories: https://str.sg/Jbxp --- Discover more ST podcast series: Asian Insider Podcast: https://str.sg/JWa7 Green Pulse Podcast: https://str.sg/JWaf Health Check Podcast: https://str.sg/JWaN ST Sports Talk Podcast: https://str.sg/JWRE Life Weekend Picks Podcast: https://str.sg/JWa2 #PopVultures Podcast: https://str.sg/JWad Bookmark This! Podcast: https://str.sg/JWas Lunch With Sumiko Podcast: https://str.sg/J6hQ Discover BT Podcasts: https://bt.sg/pcPL Follow our shows then, if you like short, practical podcasts! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Synopsis: A monthly literary podcast by The Straits Times featuring titles in the headlines and sizzling reads. In the latest episode of this literary podcast, The Straits Times journalists Olivia Ho and Toh Wen Li look at a new wave of pandemic novels, including To Paradise by Hanya Yanagihara and How High We Go In The Dark by Sequoia Nagamatsu.   Produced by: Olivia Ho (oliviaho@sph.com.sg), Toh Wen Li (tohwenli@sph.com.sg) and Penelope Lee Edited by: Penelope Lee, Teo Tong Kai and Hadyu Rahim Subscribe to Bookmark This! Podcast series and rate us on your favourite audio apps: Channel: https://str.sg/JWas Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWae Spotify: https://str.sg/JWan Google Podcasts: https://str.sg/Ju4n   SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg/ Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg Read Olivia Ho's stories: https://str.sg/JbhW Follow Olivia Ho on Instagram: @ohomatopoeia Read Toh Wen Li's stories: https://str.sg/Jbhm --- Discover more ST podcast series: Asian Insider Podcast: https://str.sg/JWa7 Green Pulse Podcast: https://str.sg/JWaf Health Check Podcast: https://str.sg/JWaN ST Sports Talk Podcast: https://str.sg/JWRE Life Weekend Picks Podcast: https://str.sg/JWa2 #PopVultures Podcast: https://str.sg/JWad Lunch With Sumiko Podcast: https://str.sg/J6hQ Discover BT Podcasts: https://bt.sg/pcPL Follow our shows then, if you like short, practical podcasts! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Synopsis: The Straits Times examines the ins and outs of pop culture in the Asian entertainment and Hollywood scene. This week, #PopVultures host Jan Lee welcomes podcast producer Penelope Lee to talk and air their feelings about idols dating! Did you know that South Korean tabloid Dispatch usually releases a report on the first day of the new year that exposes a celebrity romance? Celebrity couples who confirmed they were dating after the Dispatch New Year report includes Hyun Bin and Son Ye-jin, Exo's Kai and Blackpink's Jennie and Lee Seung-gi and Girls Generation's Yoona.  Using that as a jumping-off point, Penelope and Jan - who are both long-time fangirls of different groups like BTS, Arashi and One Direction - discuss the taboo around dating for idols, how idols are marketed, the consequences that can arise from a dating or marriage scandal and their own thoughts on the issues. Highlights (tap/click above): 02:06 Are there dating bans for idols? Why aren't idols allowed to date? And how do the Hollywood and Asian entertainment industries differ on this front? 10:45 How pop idols are different from actors or singers 13:36 Consequences and case studies on idols who have been caught dating with examples from Super Junior's Heechul and Twice's Momo, AKB48's Minami Minegishi and pop singers Hyuna and Dawn 30:57 Final thoughts Produced by Jan Lee (janlee@sph.com.sg) and Penelope Lee Edited by: Penelope Lee & Hadyu Rahim Subscribe to #PopVultures Podcast series and rate us on your favourite audio apps: Channel: https://str.sg/JWad Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWaA Google Podcasts: https://str.sg/Ju47  Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaP  SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg/ Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg Follow Jan Lee on Instagram: https://str.sg/Jbxc Read Jan Lee's stories: https://str.sg/Jbxp --- Discover more ST podcast series: Asian Insider Podcast: https://str.sg/JWa7 Green Pulse Podcast: https://str.sg/JWaf Health Check Podcast: https://str.sg/JWaN ST Sports Talk Podcast: https://str.sg/JWRE Life Weekend Picks Podcast: https://str.sg/JWa2 #PopVultures Podcast: https://str.sg/JWad Bookmark This! Podcast: https://str.sg/JWas Lunch With Sumiko Podcast: https://str.sg/J6hQ Discover BT Podcasts: https://bt.sg/pcPL Follow our shows then, if you like short, practical podcasts! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Synopsis: The Straits Times examines the ins and outs of pop culture in the Asian entertainment and Hollywood scene. In this episode, host Jan Lee runs down some of the 10 biggest stories covered by #PopVultures this year - from Harry and Meghan's explosive interview with Oprah about their exit from the royal family to the ongoing Chinese entertainment crackdown. She also names the best and worst stories of the year and includes an honourable mention - listen to find out who it is! Produced by Jan Lee (janlee@sph.com.sg) and Penelope Lee Edited by: Penelope Lee & Hadyu Rahim Subscribe to #PopVultures Podcast series and rate us on your favourite audio apps: Channel: https://str.sg/JWad Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWaA Google Podcasts: https://str.sg/Ju47  Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaP  SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg/ Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg Follow Jan Lee on Instagram: https://str.sg/Jbxc Read Jan Lee's stories: https://str.sg/Jbxp --- Discover more ST podcast series: Asian Insider Podcast: https://str.sg/JWa7 Green Pulse Podcast: https://str.sg/JWaf Health Check Podcast: https://str.sg/JWaN ST Sports Talk Podcast: https://str.sg/JWRE Life Weekend Picks Podcast: https://str.sg/JWa2 #PopVultures Podcast: https://str.sg/JWad Bookmark This! Podcast: https://str.sg/JWas Lunch With Sumiko Podcast: https://str.sg/J6hQ Discover BT Podcasts: https://bt.sg/pcPL Follow our shows then, if you like short, practical podcasts! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Synopsis: The Straits Times examines the ins and outs of pop culture in the Asian entertainment and Hollywood scene. In this latest episode of #PopVultures, host Jan Lee discusses the gossip story of the week, month and possibly entire year - the expose of Taiwanese-American singer Wang Leehom and his various misdeeds during his marriage to ex-wife Lee Jinglei. She runs down how the saga unfolded with a timeline detailing the war of words between Wang and Lee after Wang confirmed the two were divorcing last Wednesday (Dec 15). Lee dropped a bombshell, nine-page long expose about Wang, accusing him of infidelity, soliciting prostitutes and verbal bullying last Friday. In response, Wang claims that Lee coerced him into marriage and that he lived under fear, threats and extortion while they were together. He also claims that Lee demanded a lot of money in the wake of their divorce. The back-and-forth ended with Wang apologising to his wife and taking a break from show business for the time being. Jan discusses why this saga so captivated the public, what Wang represented as a public figure and the many public relations mistakes he made in his handling of this crisis. Here is what she covers: 00:48 Who is Wang Leehom? 03:09 What went down? A timeline of the war of words that went down between Wang and Lee 21:32 Why did this ugly divorce capture the public's attention? And why is this even worse than the Show Lo takedown of 2020? Who were the other players involved in this story? 39:36 Discussing the mistakes Wang made in handling this image crisis - from his dad's open letter to the typos in his statement 49:19 What can the public, and celebrities as well, learn from this saga? Produced by Jan Lee (janlee@sph.com.sg) and Penelope Lee Edited by: Penelope Lee & Hadyu Rahim Subscribe to #PopVultures Podcast series and rate us on your favourite audio apps: Channel: https://str.sg/JWad Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWaA Google Podcasts: https://str.sg/Ju47  Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaP  SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg/ Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg Follow Jan Lee on Instagram: https://str.sg/Jbxc Read Jan Lee's stories: https://str.sg/Jbxp --- Discover more ST podcast series: Asian Insider Podcast: https://str.sg/JWa7 Green Pulse Podcast: https://str.sg/JWaf Health Check Podcast: https://str.sg/JWaN ST Sports Talk Podcast: https://str.sg/JWRE Life Weekend Picks Podcast: https://str.sg/JWa2 #PopVultures Podcast: https://str.sg/JWad Bookmark This! Podcast: https://str.sg/JWas Lunch With Sumiko Podcast: https://str.sg/J6hQ Discover BT Podcasts: https://bt.sg/pcPL Follow our shows then, if you like short, practical podcasts! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

#PopVultures Ep 56: Chinese entertainment updates, divorces, marriages and BTS gets on Instagram 29:06 mins Synopsis: The Straits Times examines the ins and outs of pop culture in the Asian entertainment and Hollywood scene. This week, #PopVultures host Jan Lee runs down some of the news and happenings over the past month. This includes Chinese producer Li Xuezheng questioning the legality and transparency of the organisation China Association of Performing Arts, which recently released a list of blacklisted celebrities. The list includes previously cancelled Word Of Honor (2021) star Zhang Zhehan.  She also runs down the flip-flop divorce of Taiwanese actress Barbie Hsu and her businessman Chinese husband Wang Xiaofei, the marriages of local Mediacorp star Desmond Tan and Taiwanese movie Man In Love (2021) co-stars Tiffany Ann Hsu and Roy Chiu. Finally, she talks about the drama surrounding BTS members starting their personal Instagram accounts.  Here is what she covers: 00:48 Chinese entertainment/Zhang Zhehan update 10:00 Barbie Hsu's divorce 16:15 Marriage announcements from Desmond Tan as well as Tiffany Ann Hsu and Roy Chiu 23:26 BTS gets on the gram  Produced by Jan Lee (janlee@sph.com.sg) and Penelope Lee Edited by: Penelope Lee & Hadyu Rahim Subscribe to #PopVultures Podcast series and rate us on your favourite audio apps: Channel: https://str.sg/JWad Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWaA Google Podcasts: https://str.sg/Ju47  Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaP  SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg/ Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg Follow Jan Lee on Instagram: https://str.sg/Jbxc Read Jan Lee's stories: https://str.sg/Jbxp --- Discover more ST podcast series: Asian Insider Podcast: https://str.sg/JWa7 Green Pulse Podcast: https://str.sg/JWaf Health Check Podcast: https://str.sg/JWaN ST Sports Talk Podcast: https://str.sg/JWRE Life Weekend Picks Podcast: https://str.sg/JWa2 #PopVultures Podcast: https://str.sg/JWad Bookmark This! Podcast: https://str.sg/JWas Lunch With Sumiko Podcast: https://str.sg/J6hQ Discover BT Podcasts: https://bt.sg/pcPL Follow our shows then, if you like short, practical podcasts! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bookmark This! Ep 27: The 50 greatest SingLit books 34:21 mins Synopsis: A monthly literary podcast by The Straits Times featuring titles in the headlines and sizzling reads. In the latest episode of this literary podcast, The Straits Times journalists Olivia Ho and Toh Wen Li, along with a special guest, Senior Culture Correspondent Ong Sor Fern, discuss The 50 Greatest Works Of SingLit, a list published in The Sunday Times on Dec 12, and take listeners on a crash course through local literary history. Read: 50 greatest works of Singapore literature written in or translated into English, from the 19th century to 2021 - https://www.straitstimes.com/life/arts/the-50-greatest-works-of-singlit Produced by: Olivia Ho (oliviaho@sph.com.sg), Toh Wen Li (tohwenli@sph.com.sg), Ong Sor Fern (sorfern@sph.com.sg) Penelope Lee and Hadyu Rahim Edited by: Hadyu Rahim and Penelope Lee Subscribe to Bookmark This! Podcast series and rate us on your favourite audio apps: Channel: https://str.sg/JWas Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWae Spotify: https://str.sg/JWan Google Podcasts: https://str.sg/Ju4n   SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg/ Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg Read Olivia Ho's stories: https://str.sg/JbhW Follow Olivia Ho on Instagram: @ohomatopoeia Read Toh Wen Li's stories: https://str.sg/Jbhm --- Discover more ST podcast series: Asian Insider Podcast: https://str.sg/JWa7 Green Pulse Podcast: https://str.sg/JWaf Health Check Podcast: https://str.sg/JWaN ST Sports Talk Podcast: https://str.sg/JWRE Life Weekend Picks Podcast: https://str.sg/JWa2 #PopVultures Podcast: https://str.sg/JWad Lunch With Sumiko Podcast: https://str.sg/J6hQ Discover BT Podcasts: https://bt.sg/pcPL Follow our shows then, if you like short, practical podcasts! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

#PopVultures Ep 55: Rebecca Lim gets engaged, Britney Spears is free and Taylor Swift revisits Red (and Jake Gyllenhaal) 28:37 mins Synopsis: The Straits Times examines the ins and outs of pop culture in the Asian entertainment and Hollywood scene. This week, #PopVultures host Jan Lee runs down note-worthy entertainment news for listeners. In local news, Mediacorp actress Rebecca Lim gets engaged to her mystery fiance. She announced the happy news on her Instagram and while she received congratulations and blessings from celebrities and fans alike, fellow actor Ian Fang did not seem as thrilled. Fang and Lim were linked for years but Fang and fellow Mediacorp actress Carrie Wong were caught exchanging sexually suggestive messages to each other in 2019. Meanwhile in Hollywood, pop star Britney Spears is finally freed from her conservatorship after 13 years. She was previously placed under the conservatorship, which stripped her of her ability to make financial, medical and other personal decisions for herself, in 2008 after she suffered a highly publicised mental breakdown. Jan discusses how there's still more to the case, including Spears' allegations that her father, who was in charge of her conservatorship for years, exploited and surveilled her. Finally, Jan goes into Taylor Swift's re-recording and releasing Red - an album first released in 2012. Swift added previously unpublished songs into the re-recorded album, including an extended ten-minute version of one of the album's most popular songs All Too Well. This album has reignited interest in Swift's brief relationship with actor Jake Gyllenhaal. Many of the album's breakup songs are said to be about Gyllenhaal. Jan also provides a primer on why Swift is re-recording her own music.  Here's what she talked about: Rebecca Lim's engagement and how Ian Fang's response has shifted the focus away from her happy news (0:49) Britney is finally free and how the conservatorship system is ripe for abuse (12:15) Taylor Swift's re-recording and releasing her album Red (19:05) Produced by Jan Lee (janlee@sph.com.sg) and Penelope Lee Edited by: Penelope Lee & Hadyu Rahim Subscribe to #PopVultures Podcast series and rate us on your favourite audio apps: Channel: https://str.sg/JWad Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWaA Google Podcasts: https://str.sg/Ju47  Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaP  Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg Follow Jan Lee on Instagram: https://str.sg/Jbxc Read Jan Lee's stories: https://str.sg/Jbxp --- Discover more ST podcast series: Asian Insider Podcast: https://str.sg/JWa7 Green Pulse Podcast: https://str.sg/JWaf Health Check Podcast: https://str.sg/JWaN ST Sports Talk Podcast: https://str.sg/JWRE Life Weekend Picks Podcast: https://str.sg/JWa2 #PopVultures Podcast: https://str.sg/JWad Bookmark This! Podcast: https://str.sg/JWas Lunch With Sumiko Podcast: https://str.sg/J6hQ Discover BT Podcasts: https://bt.sg/pcPL Follow our shows then, if you like short, practical podcasts! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bookmark This! Ep 26: The worlds of Sally Rooney and Anne Carson 18:48 mins Synopsis: A monthly literary podcast by The Straits Times featuring titles in the headlines and sizzling reads. In the latest episode of this literary podcast, The Straits Times journalists Olivia Ho and Toh Wen Li talk about new and old in the latest works by Sally Rooney and Anne Carson, from the millennial crisis of Beautiful World, Where Are You to the reworking of Greek myth in H Of H Playbook. Beautiful World, Where Are You by Sally Rooney (0:54) H Of H Playbook by Anne Carson (12:25) Produced by: Olivia Ho (oliviaho@sph.com.sg), Toh Wen Li (tohwenli@sph.com.sg) and Penelope Lee Edited by: Hadyu Rahim and Penelope Lee Subscribe to Bookmark This! Podcast series and rate us on your favourite audio apps: Channel: https://str.sg/JWas Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWae Spotify: https://str.sg/JWan Google Podcasts: https://str.sg/Ju4n   SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg/ Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg Read Olivia Ho's stories: https://str.sg/JbhW Follow Olivia Ho on Instagram: @ohomatopoeia Read Toh Wen Li's stories: https://str.sg/Jbhm --- Discover more ST podcast series: Asian Insider Podcast: https://str.sg/JWa7 Green Pulse Podcast: https://str.sg/JWaf Health Check Podcast: https://str.sg/JWaN ST Sports Talk Podcast: https://str.sg/JWRE Life Weekend Picks Podcast: https://str.sg/JWa2 #PopVultures Podcast: https://str.sg/JWad Lunch With Sumiko Podcast: https://str.sg/J6hQ Discover BT Podcasts: https://bt.sg/pcPL Follow our shows then, if you like short, practical podcasts! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

#PopVultures Ep 54: Dissecting Singapore's Night Owl Cinematics influencer scandal 38:52 mins Synopsis: The Straits Times examines the ins and outs of pop culture in the Asian entertainment and Hollywood scene. This week, #PopVulture Jan Lee talks about the biggest influencer scandal in Singapore now - the expose related to media outfit Night Owl Cinematics (NOC) and its co-founder Sylvia Chan. All, complete with leaked audio and video recordings. Be aware that this podcast episode contains discussions of mental health troubles and suicide. The saga initially began as anonymous allegations of Chan, 33, being verbally abusive to her employees. It later evolved into more serious accusations of Chan misappropriating company funds and delaying payment to talents, among other allegations. After influencer Xiaxue sat down with Chan for a nearly two-hour long interview, the issue has since grown to encompass private details of Chan's personal life, including the breakdown of her marriage with Ryan Tan - her ex-husband and fellow co-founder of NOC.  Jan Lee briefly recaps the unfolding saga and examines what missteps were made in Chan's crisis management, why Xiaxue's interview with Chan left much to be desired and who truly emerged a winner from the scandal. Here's what she covers: 'Condensed' recap of the complicated saga - everything from @sgcickenrice to that Xiaxue interview (3:12) Jan's views of the counter-productive first statements from NOC and Chan (16:40) Brief recap and review of Xiaxue's interview with Chan (24:54) Ryan Tan's response to the saga and the initial overwhelming public support for him (33:00) The real winners of the NOC fallout (36:53) See new developments since the recording of this podcast: https://www.instagram.com/p/CVhSYwCJGZG/ https://www.instagram.com/p/CVmeGV8vYIm/ Produced by Jan Lee (janlee@sph.com.sg) and Penelope Lee Edited by: Penelope Lee & Hadyu Rahim Subscribe to #PopVultures Podcast series and rate us on your favourite audio apps: Channel: https://str.sg/JWad Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWaA Google Podcasts: https://str.sg/Ju47  Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaP  Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg Follow Jan Lee on Instagram: https://str.sg/Jbxc Read Jan Lee's stories: https://str.sg/Jbxp --- Discover more ST podcast series: Green Pulse Podcast: https://str.sg/JWaf Health Check Podcast: https://str.sg/JWaN ST Sports Talk Podcast: https://str.sg/JWRE Life Weekend Picks Podcast: https://str.sg/JWa2 #PopVultures Podcast: https://str.sg/JWad Bookmark This! Podcast: https://str.sg/JWas Lunch With Sumiko Podcast: https://str.sg/J6hQ Discover BT Podcasts: https://bt.sg/pcPL Follow our shows then, if you like short, practical podcasts! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Life Weekend Picks Ep 141: Indulge yourself with 'Guilty Pleasures' at Singapore Writers Festival 11:02 mins Synopsis: Every Thursday, The Straits Times recommends lifestyle and food picks for the coming weekend in Singapore.  In this week's Life Picks, assistant Life editor Olivia Ho shares more on the upcoming Singapore Writers Festival (0:46). With television personality Tan France and romance writer Julia Quinn included in this year's line-up, organisers are challenging the distinctions about high-brow and low-brow literature. Journalist Jan Lee reviews K-drama Yumi's Cells and explains why it is so binge-worthy (3:49).  STFood online editor Hedy Khoo gets your mouth watering by tucking into home-style Taiwanese food from Nan Tai Eating House (7:20). Produced by: ST Life desk & ST Video team Edited by: ST Video team & Penelope Lee Subscribe to Life Weekend Picks Podcast for new episodes every Thursday and rate us: Channel: https://str.sg/JWa2  Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWa6  Spotify: https://str.sg/JWau  Google Podcasts: https://str.sg/JuYZ  SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg/ Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts  Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg  Discover The Straits Times Videos: https://str.sg/JPrc  --- Discover more ST podcast series: Green Pulse Podcast: https://str.sg/JWaf Health Check Podcast: https://str.sg/JWaN ST Sports Talk Podcast: https://str.sg/JWRE Life Weekend Picks Podcast: https://str.sg/JWa2 #PopVultures Podcast: https://str.sg/JWad Bookmark This! Podcast: https://str.sg/JWas Lunch With Sumiko Podcast: https://str.sg/J6hQ Discover BT Podcasts: https://bt.sg/pcPL Follow our shows then, if you like short, practical podcasts! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bookmark This! Ep 25: Hooked on the Booker Prize? Not quite 25:13 mins Synopsis: A monthly literary podcast by The Straits Times featuring titles in the headlines and sizzling reads. In the latest episode of this literary podcast, The Straits Times journalists Olivia Ho and Toh Wen Li lay down what they loved (and didn't) about the six books on this year's Booker Prize for Fiction shortlist, from heavyweights such as Pulitzer Prize-winner Richard Powers and three-time Booker nominee Damon Galgut to shortlist debuts like Patricia Lockwood's social media-inflected No One Is Talking About This. Great Circle by Maggie Shipstead (2:40) The Fortune Men by Nadifa Mohamed (9:14) A Passage North by Anuk Arudpragasam (10:34) Bewilderment by Richard Powers (14:28) The Promise by Damon Galgut (16:54) No One Is Talking About This by Patricia Lockwood (18:45) Produced by: Olivia Ho, Toh Wen Li and Muhammad Hadyu Abd Rahim Edited by: Hadyu Rahim and Penelope Lee Subscribe to Bookmark This! Podcast series and rate us on your favourite audio apps: Channel: https://str.sg/JWas Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWae Spotify: https://str.sg/JWan Google Podcasts: https://str.sg/Ju4n   SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg/ Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg Read Olivia Ho's stories: https://str.sg/JbhW Follow Olivia Ho on Instagram: @ohomatopoeia Contact Olivia Ho: oliviaho@sph.com.sg Read Toh Wen Li's stories: https://str.sg/Jbhm Contact Toh Wen Li: tohwenli@sph.com.sg --- Discover more ST podcast series: Asian Insider Podcast: https://str.sg/JWa7 Green Pulse Podcast: https://str.sg/JWaf Health Check Podcast: https://str.sg/JWaN ST Sports Talk Podcast: https://str.sg/JWRE Life Weekend Picks Podcast: https://str.sg/JWa2 #PopVultures Podcast: https://str.sg/JWad Lunch With Sumiko Podcast: https://str.sg/J6hQ Discover BT Podcasts: https://bt.sg/pcPL Follow our shows then, if you like short, practical podcasts! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Life Weekend Picks Ep 140: Singaporeans' top picks among countries on Vaccinated Travel scheme 7:53 mins Synopsis: Every Thursday, The Straits Times recommends lifestyle and food picks for the coming weekend in Singapore.  Deciding where to go to on one of Singapore's vaccinated travel lanes? Travel correspondent Clara Lock shares which countries Singaporeans are opting for in this week's episode. (0:49) Food correspondent Eunice Quek takes us through the new bakeries in the Katong area (3:45), while journalist Jan Lee reviews Hacks, the binge-worthy, award-winning comedy series (4:52). Produced by: ST Life desk & ST Video team Edited by: ST Video team & Penelope Lee Subscribe to Life Weekend Picks Podcast for new episodes every Thursday and rate us: Channel: https://str.sg/JWa2  Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWa6  Spotify: https://str.sg/JWau  Google Podcasts: https://str.sg/JuYZ  SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg/ Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts  Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg  Discover The Straits Times Videos: https://str.sg/JPrc  --- Discover more ST podcast series: Green Pulse Podcast: https://str.sg/JWaf Health Check Podcast: https://str.sg/JWaN ST Sports Talk Podcast: https://str.sg/JWRE Life Weekend Picks Podcast: https://str.sg/JWa2 #PopVultures Podcast: https://str.sg/JWad Bookmark This! Podcast: https://str.sg/JWas Lunch With Sumiko Podcast: https://str.sg/J6hQ Discover BT Podcasts: https://bt.sg/pcPL Follow our shows then, if you like short, practical podcasts! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

#PopVultures Ep 53: Let's talk Shane Pow, Chantalle Ng, Britney Spears and Squid Game!  18:48 mins Synopsis: The Straits Times examines the ins and outs of pop culture in the Asian entertainment and Hollywood scene. This week #PopVultures host Jan Lee runs down note-worthy entertainment news for listeners. In local news, she talks about former Mediacorp Shane Pow's comeback after his second drink driving conviction landed him in jail and goes through local actress Chantalle Ng's allegations that her father, retired actor Huang Yiliang, physically abused her when she was 11. Ng is the daughter of Huang and veteran actress Lin Meijiao - the pair divorced before Ng turned one. Huang has responded to the allegations, claiming that he hit Ng because Lin had told him to play the bad cop parent.  Next, she goes into overseas news - she celebrates Britney Spears' father being officially suspended from her conservatorship and Netflix's original K-drama Squid Game becoming a viral hit and taking over the world. Here's what she talked about: 1. Shane Pow's comeback and how it was like covering his interview (0:38) 2. The sad story of Chantalle Ng and Lin Meijiao versus Huang Yiliang (2:16) 3. We're on track to #FreeBritney! (8:46) 4. Squid Game on track to becoming Netflix's biggest drama ever (14:22) Produced by: Jan Lee (janlee@sph.com.sg), Fa'izah Sani & Penelope Lee Edited by: Penelope Lee & Hadyu Rahim Subscribe to #PopVultures Podcast series and rate us on your favourite audio apps: Channel: https://str.sg/JWad Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWaA Google Podcasts: https://str.sg/Ju47  Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaP  Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg Follow Jan Lee on Instagram: https://str.sg/Jbxc Read Jan Lee's stories: https://str.sg/Jbxp --- Discover more ST podcast series: Green Pulse Podcast: https://str.sg/JWaf Health Check Podcast: https://str.sg/JWaN ST Sports Talk Podcast: https://str.sg/JWRE Life Weekend Picks Podcast: https://str.sg/JWa2 #PopVultures Podcast: https://str.sg/JWad Bookmark This! Podcast: https://str.sg/JWas Lunch With Sumiko Podcast: https://str.sg/J6hQ Discover BT Podcasts: https://bt.sg/pcPL Follow our shows then, if you like short, practical podcasts! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Life Weekend Picks Ep 139: No Time To Die: A fitting farewell for Daniel Craig? 7:54 mins Synopsis: Every Thursday, The Straits Times recommends lifestyle and food picks for the coming weekend in Singapore.  In this week's episode, journalist Jan Lee reviews the latest James Bond film No Time to Die, starring Daniel Craig in his fifth and final outing as 007. (0:49) Travel correspondent Clara Lock roughs it out in a survival camp that is inspired by the Mongolian outdoors. (4:21) Produced by: ST Life desk & ST Video team Edited by: ST Video team & Hadyu Rahim  Subscribe to Life Weekend Picks Podcast for new episodes every Thursday and rate us: Channel: https://str.sg/JWa2  Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWa6  Spotify: https://str.sg/JWau  Google Podcasts: https://str.sg/JuYZ  SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg/ Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts  Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg  Discover The Straits Times Videos: https://str.sg/JPrc  --- Discover more ST podcast series: Green Pulse Podcast: https://str.sg/JWaf Health Check Podcast: https://str.sg/JWaN ST Sports Talk Podcast: https://str.sg/JWRE Life Weekend Picks Podcast: https://str.sg/JWa2 #PopVultures Podcast: https://str.sg/JWad Bookmark This! Podcast: https://str.sg/JWas Lunch With Sumiko Podcast: https://str.sg/J6hQ Discover BT Podcasts: https://bt.sg/pcPL Follow our shows then, if you like short, practical podcasts! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

#PopVultures Ep 52: China cancels Little Swallow Vicki Zhao, Word Of Honor star Zhang Zhehan and cracks down on entertainment industry 48:21 mins Synopsis: The Straits Times examines the ins and outs of pop culture in the Asian entertainment and Hollywood scene. In this episode, host Jan Lee is joined by The Straits Times' China correspondent Aw Cheng Wei as they discuss the recent spate of state-sanctioned cancellations of A-list celebrities in China. They delve into two case studies. The first is popular boys' love drama Word Of Honor star Zhang Zhehan, who was erased off the face of Chinese entertainment after photos of him visiting Japan's controversial Yasukuni Shrine surfaced. Yasukuni Shrine houses Class A war criminals from World War II. The second is the abrupt and mysterious cancellation of Vicki Zhao, best known for her role in seminal period drama My Fair Princess, which has fuelled vigorous speculation. They share their thoughts on the Chinese authorities' efforts to clamp down on celebrities who are seen as stepping out of line. Next, they discuss China's increasing efforts to clean up its entertainment scene, after it shut down idol production competitions, curtailed fan clubs and voting activities on social media, condemned toxic fandom culture, criticised the popularity of boys love dramas and "effeminate" male stars. They share their thoughts and insights on what considerations have fuelled this industry-wide clampdown. Here's a quick look at what they cover: A brief introduction on China's recent entertainment earthquake (0:42) A rundown of the cancellation of Zhang Zhehan and Vicki Zhao (4:08) Jan and Cheng Wei reflect on these two cases and the differing ways Chinese celebrities can be cancelled (10:21) A brief introduction of Chinese authorities' recent moves in cleaning up its entertainment industry (25:12) Jan and Cheng Wei share their thoughts on what is behind the heightened restrictions, curbs and censorship in Chinese entertainment (27:25) Produced by: Jan Lee (janlee@sph.com.sg) & Penelope Lee Edited by: Penelope Lee & Hadyu Rahim Subscribe to #PopVultures Podcast series and rate us on your favourite audio apps: Channel: https://str.sg/JWad Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWaA Google Podcasts: https://str.sg/Ju47  Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaP  Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg Follow Jan Lee on Instagram: https://str.sg/Jbxc Read Jan Lee's stories: https://str.sg/Jbxp --- Discover more ST podcast series: Green Pulse Podcast: https://str.sg/JWaf Health Check Podcast: https://str.sg/JWaN ST Sports Talk Podcast: https://str.sg/JWRE Life Weekend Picks Podcast: https://str.sg/JWa2 #PopVultures Podcast: https://str.sg/JWad Bookmark This! Podcast: https://str.sg/JWas Lunch With Sumiko Podcast: https://str.sg/J6hQ Discover BT Podcasts: https://bt.sg/pcPL Follow our shows then, if you like short, practical podcasts! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Life Weekend Picks Ep 138: Dune is an admirable introduction into its sprawling, sandy universe 7:41 mins Synopsis: Every Thursday, The Straits Times recommends lifestyle and food picks for the coming weekend in Singapore.  In this week's Life Picks, film correspondent John Lui shares his review of Dune. (0:44)  Since flying is not an option these days, travel correspondent Clara Lock discusses the next best thing: Plane-spotting. (3:35) Food correspondent Eunice Quek recommends new hot pot restaurants that you can try aside from popular ones like Haidilao and Beauty in the Pot. (5:22) Produced by: ST Life desk & ST Video team Edited by: ST Video team & Hadyu Rahim  Subscribe to Life Weekend Picks Podcast for new episodes every Thursday and rate us: Channel: https://str.sg/JWa2  Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWa6  Spotify: https://str.sg/JWau  Google Podcasts: https://str.sg/JuYZ  SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg/ Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts  Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg  Discover The Straits Times Videos: https://str.sg/JPrc  --- Discover more ST podcast series: Green Pulse Podcast: https://str.sg/JWaf Health Check Podcast: https://str.sg/JWaN ST Sports Talk Podcast: https://str.sg/JWRE Life Weekend Picks Podcast: https://str.sg/JWa2 #PopVultures Podcast: https://str.sg/JWad Bookmark This! Podcast: https://str.sg/JWas Lunch With Sumiko Podcast: https://str.sg/J6hQ Discover BT Podcasts: https://bt.sg/pcPL Follow our shows then, if you like short, practical podcasts! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bookmark This! Ep 24: New novels by International Booker Prize-winners David Diop and David Grossman 15:13 mins Synopsis: A monthly literary podcast by The Straits Times featuring titles in the headlines and sizzling reads. In the latest episode of this literary podcast, The Straits Times' journalists Olivia Ho and Toh Wen Li look at new novels from International Booker Prize-winners - At Night All Blood Is Black, which made David Diop the first French author and the first of African heritage to win the prize this year, and More Than I Love My Life, Israeli author David Grossman's first novel since winning the prize in 2017. Listen at the following timestamps: 1. More Than I Love My Life: (2:18)  2. At Night All Blood Is Black: (7:35) Produced by: Olivia Ho, Toh Wen Li and Muhammad Hadyu Abd Rahim Edited by: Hadyu Rahim and Penelope Lee Subscribe to Bookmark This! Podcast series and rate us on your favourite audio apps: Channel: https://str.sg/JWas Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWae Spotify: https://str.sg/JWan Google Podcasts: https://str.sg/Ju4n   SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg/ Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg Read Olivia Ho's stories: https://str.sg/JbhW Follow Olivia Ho on Instagram: @ohomatopoeia Contact Olivia Ho: oliviaho@sph.com.sg Read Toh Wen Li's stories: https://str.sg/Jbhm Contact Toh Wen Li: tohwenli@sph.com.sg --- Discover more ST podcast series: Asian Insider Podcast: https://str.sg/JWa7 Green Pulse Podcast: https://str.sg/JWaf Health Check Podcast: https://str.sg/JWaN ST Sports Talk Podcast: https://str.sg/JWRE Life Weekend Picks Podcast: https://str.sg/JWa2 #PopVultures Podcast: https://str.sg/JWad Lunch With Sumiko Podcast: https://str.sg/J6hQ Discover BT Podcasts: https://bt.sg/pcPL Follow our shows then, if you like short, practical podcasts! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Life Weekend Picks Ep 137: Marvel's Shang-Chi packs a punch with Asian representation  6:03 mins Synopsis: Every Thursday, The Straits Times recommends lifestyle and food picks for the coming weekend in Singapore. In this week's Life Picks, film correspondent John Lui talks about the new Marvel Asian superhero movie, Shang-Chi And The Legend Of The Ten Rings. (0:46)  Food correspondent Eunice Quek recommends her must-tries at famous sandwich chain from Los Angeles, Eggslut, which is slated to open in Singapore on Sept 9. (3:26) Produced by: ST Life desk & ST Video team Edited by: ST Video team & Penelope Lee Subscribe to Life Weekend Picks Podcast for new episodes every Thursday and rate us: Channel: https://str.sg/JWa2  Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWa6  Spotify: https://str.sg/JWau  Google Podcasts: https://str.sg/JuYZ  Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts  Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg  Discover The Straits Times Videos: https://str.sg/JPrc  --- Discover more ST podcast series: Green Pulse Podcast: https://str.sg/JWaf Health Check Podcast: https://str.sg/JWaN ST Sports Talk Podcast: https://str.sg/JWRE Life Weekend Picks Podcast: https://str.sg/JWa2 #PopVultures Podcast: https://str.sg/JWad Bookmark This! Podcast: https://str.sg/JWas Lunch With Sumiko Podcast: https://str.sg/J6hQ Discover BT Podcasts: https://bt.sg/pcPL Follow our shows then, if you like short, practical podcasts! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Life Weekend Picks Ep 136: Good eats along Thomson-East Coast Line 2 6:10 mins Synopsis: Every Thursday, The Straits Times recommends lifestyle and food picks for the coming weekend in Singapore. In this week's Life Picks, food correspondent Eunice Quek recommends food places to visit along the new Thomson-East Coast Line 2. (0:51) Journalist Toh Wen Li shares more on places to visit and activities to do in Germany. (3:51) Produced by: ST Life desk & ST Video team Edited by: ST Video team & Penelope Lee Subscribe to Life Weekend Picks Podcast for new episodes every Thursday and rate us: Channel: https://str.sg/JWa2  Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWa6  Spotify: https://str.sg/JWau  Google Podcasts: https://str.sg/JuYZ  Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts  Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg  Discover The Straits Times Videos: https://str.sg/JPrc  --- Discover more ST podcast series: Green Pulse Podcast: https://str.sg/JWaf Health Check Podcast: https://str.sg/JWaN ST Sports Talk Podcast: https://str.sg/JWRE Life Weekend Picks Podcast: https://str.sg/JWa2 #PopVultures Podcast: https://str.sg/JWad Bookmark This! Podcast: https://str.sg/JWas Lunch With Sumiko Podcast: https://str.sg/J6hQ Discover BT Podcasts: https://bt.sg/pcPL Follow our shows then, if you like short, practical podcasts! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

#PopVultures Ep 51: Kris Wu implodes and the #MeToo movement in Chinese entertainment 29:41 mins Synopsis: The Straits Times examines the ins and outs of pop culture in the Asian entertainment and Hollywood scene.  In this episode, host Jan Lee covers the scandal and legal controversy surrounding Chinese-Canadian pop star Kris Wu, 30, who has been detained by the Beijing police on allegations of rape, after Chinese teen influencer Du Meizhu accused of Wu raping her. She said that she has been contacted by other women who are also Wu's victims. This scandal has rocked Chinese entertainment and brands previously endorsed by Wu, including major fashion houses like Louis Vuitton, have rushed to drop their partnerships. Chinese authorities have also shut down Wu's Weibo account and some 4,000 fan accounts along with him. Jan runs down the saga, reflects on what this might mean for China's burgeoning #MeToo movement and gives her own thoughts on how this scandal has highlighted toxic fan culture and the danger of believing only in perfect victims. Here's a quick look at what she covers: Brief introduction of Kris Wu and an explainer on what has happened (1:20) The fallout from the saga (11:29) Reflections on what this might mean for China's #MeToo movement (14:08) Jan's thoughts on how this has highlighted toxic fan culture; why the clampdown on certain fan circles (19:00) The idea of a "perfect victim" in sexual assault cases (24:42) Link to ST's China correspondent's article on Kris Wu fans: https://str.sg/3wBR  Produced by: Jan Lee (janlee@sph.com.sg), & Penelope Lee Edited by: Penelope Lee & Hadyu Rahim Subscribe to #PopVultures Podcast series and rate us on your favourite audio apps: Channel: https://str.sg/JWad Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWaA Google Podcasts: https://str.sg/Ju47  Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaP  Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg Follow Jan Lee on Instagram: https://str.sg/Jbxc Read Jan Lee's stories: https://str.sg/Jbxp --- Discover more ST podcast series: Green Pulse Podcast: https://str.sg/JWaf Health Check Podcast: https://str.sg/JWaN ST Sports Talk Podcast: https://str.sg/JWRE Life Weekend Picks Podcast: https://str.sg/JWa2 #PopVultures Podcast: https://str.sg/JWad Bookmark This! Podcast: https://str.sg/JWas Lunch With Sumiko Podcast: https://str.sg/J6hQ Discover BT Podcasts: https://bt.sg/pcPL Follow our shows then, if you like short, practical podcasts! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Life Weekend Picks Ep 135: 12 new hawker stalls, restaurants on Bib Gourmand list 7:02 mins Synopsis: Every Thursday, The Straits Times recommends lifestyle and food picks for the coming weekend in Singapore. There are 12 new entrants on Michelin's Bib Gourmand list this year. In this week's episode, food correspondent Eunice Quek shares her picks among the Jurong hawker stalls that made the list. (1:02) Senior culture correspondent Ong Sor Fern introduces a new art exhibition at the National Gallery. (2:58) Journalist Jan Lee recommends a binge-worthy Chinese drama series. (4:20) Produced by: ST Life desk & ST Video team Edited by: ST Video team & Penelope Lee Subscribe to Life Weekend Picks Podcast for new episodes every Thursday and rate us: Channel: https://str.sg/JWa2  Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWa6  Spotify: https://str.sg/JWau  Google Podcasts: https://str.sg/JuYZ  Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts  Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg  Discover The Straits Times Videos: https://str.sg/JPrc  --- Discover more ST podcast series: Green Pulse Podcast: https://str.sg/JWaf Health Check Podcast: https://str.sg/JWaN ST Sports Talk Podcast: https://str.sg/JWRE Life Weekend Picks Podcast: https://str.sg/JWa2 #PopVultures Podcast: https://str.sg/JWad Bookmark This! Podcast: https://str.sg/JWas Lunch With Sumiko Podcast: https://str.sg/J6hQ Discover BT Podcasts: https://bt.sg/pcPL Follow our shows then, if you like short, practical podcasts! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Life Weekend Picks Ep 134: Scratch your travel itch with fun destination trailers 6:40 mins Synopsis: Every Thursday, The Straits Times recommends lifestyle and food picks for the coming weekend in Singapore. In this week's episode, journalist Sarah R Stanley talks about fun destination trailers produced by tourism boards around the world, to keep their countries relevant to leisure travellers. (0:50) Journalist Jan Lee recommends local shows to watch on Netflix over the long National Day holiday weekend. (3:24) Produced by: ST Life desk & ST Video team Edited by: ST Video team & Penelope Lee Subscribe to Life Weekend Picks Podcast for new episodes every Thursday and rate us: Channel: https://str.sg/JWa2  Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWa6  Spotify: https://str.sg/JWau  Google Podcasts: https://str.sg/JuYZ  Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts  Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg  Discover The Straits Times Videos: https://str.sg/JPrc  --- Discover more ST podcast series: Green Pulse Podcast: https://str.sg/JWaf Health Check Podcast: https://str.sg/JWaN ST Sports Talk Podcast: https://str.sg/JWRE Life Weekend Picks Podcast: https://str.sg/JWa2 #PopVultures Podcast: https://str.sg/JWad Bookmark This! Podcast: https://str.sg/JWas Lunch With Sumiko Podcast: https://str.sg/J6hQ Discover BT Podcasts: https://bt.sg/pcPL Follow our shows then, if you like short, practical podcasts! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Life Weekend Picks Ep 133: Best Chinese and Taiwanese food takeaway choices this weekend 8:03 mins Synopsis: Every Thursday, The Straits Times recommends lifestyle and food picks for the coming weekend in Singapore. In this week's episode, senior food correspondent Wong Ah Yoke recommends his favourite take-away dishes from Birds Of A Feather restaurant, and Taiwanese eatery 8 Degrees. (0:25) Music correspondent Eddino Abdul Hadi talks about performances to look out for at the Esplanade's annual Red Dot August concert series. (3:00) Film correspondent John Lui reviews Jungle Cruise, starring Dwayne Johnson and Emily Blunt. (5:40) Produced by: ST Life desk & ST Video team Edited by: ST Video team & Penelope Lee Subscribe to Life Weekend Picks Podcast for new episodes every Thursday and rate us: Channel: https://str.sg/JWa2  Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWa6  Spotify: https://str.sg/JWau  Google Podcasts: https://str.sg/JuYZ  Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts  Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg  Discover The Straits Times Videos: https://str.sg/JPrc  --- Discover more ST podcast series: Green Pulse Podcast: https://str.sg/JWaf Health Check Podcast: https://str.sg/JWaN ST Sports Talk Podcast: https://str.sg/JWRE Life Weekend Picks Podcast: https://str.sg/JWa2 #PopVultures Podcast: https://str.sg/JWad Bookmark This! Podcast: https://str.sg/JWas Lunch With Sumiko Podcast: https://str.sg/J6hQ Discover BT Podcasts: https://bt.sg/pcPL Follow our shows then, if you like short, practical podcasts! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bookmark This! Ep 23: Walking with Jhumpa Lahiri, Andre Aciman and Natsuko Imamura 16:27 mins Synopsis: A monthly literary podcast by The Straits Times featuring titles in the headlines and sizzling reads. In the latest episode, The Straits Times journalists Olivia Ho and Toh Wen Li look at three meditative new books about walking in cities and the passage of time: Homo Irrealis by Andre Aciman (0:48) Whereabouts by Jhumpa Lahiri (4:56) The Woman In The Purple Skirt by Natsuko Imamura (11:34) Produced by: Olivia Ho, Toh Wen Li and Fa'izah Sani Edited by: Hadyu Rahim and Penelope Lee Subscribe to Bookmark This! Podcast series and rate us on your favourite audio apps: Channel: https://str.sg/JWas Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWae Spotify: https://str.sg/JWan Google Podcasts: https://str.sg/Ju4n   Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg Read Olivia Ho's stories: https://str.sg/JbhW Follow Olivia Ho on Instagram: @ohomatopoeia Contact Olivia Ho: oliviaho@sph.com.sg Read Toh Wen Li's stories: https://str.sg/Jbhm Contact Toh Wen Li: tohwenli@sph.com.sg --- Discover more ST podcast series: Asian Insider Podcast: https://str.sg/JWa7 Green Pulse Podcast: https://str.sg/JWaf Health Check Podcast: https://str.sg/JWaN ST Sports Talk Podcast: https://str.sg/JWRE Life Weekend Picks Podcast: https://str.sg/JWa2 #PopVultures Podcast: https://str.sg/JWad Lunch With Sumiko Podcast: https://str.sg/J6hQ Discover BT Podcasts: https://bt.sg/pcPL Follow our shows then, if you like short, practical podcasts! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Life Weekend Picks Ep 132: Daycation a quick escape minus the overnight stay 8:37 mins Synopsis: Every Thursday, The Straits Times recommends lifestyle and food picks for the coming weekend in Singapore. In this week's episode, travel correspondent Clara Lock talks about the rising trend of daycations, while film correspondent John Lui reviews the female-focused thriller - Gunpowder Milkshake. Food correspondent Eunice Quek shares more about Masterchef Singapore contestants who have ventured into the F&B industry, following the reality show. Produced by: ST Life desk & ST Video team Edited by: ST Video team & Penelope Lee Subscribe to Life Weekend Picks Podcast for new episodes every Thursday and rate us: Channel: https://str.sg/JWa2  Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWa6  Spotify: https://str.sg/JWau  Google Podcasts: https://str.sg/JuYZ  Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts  Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg  Discover The Straits Times Videos: https://str.sg/JPrc  --- Discover more ST podcast series: Green Pulse Podcast: https://str.sg/JWaf Health Check Podcast: https://str.sg/JWaN ST Sports Talk Podcast: https://str.sg/JWRE Life Weekend Picks Podcast: https://str.sg/JWa2 #PopVultures Podcast: https://str.sg/JWad Bookmark This! Podcast: https://str.sg/JWas Lunch With Sumiko Podcast: https://str.sg/J6hQ Discover BT Podcasts: https://bt.sg/pcPL Follow our shows then, if you like short, practical podcasts! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Life Weekend Picks Ep 131: Delight in Sichuan flavours at Sichuan Alley 7:50 mins Synopsis: Every Thursday, The Straits Times recommends lifestyle and food picks for the coming weekend in Singapore.  In this week's episode, food editor Tan Hsueh Yun recommends Sichuan dishes to check out at Sichuan Alley at Telok Ayer. (0:33) Journalist Toh Wen Li shares more about the festival organised by Bhaskar's Academy of Arts, which spotlights the works of multi-ethnic arts groups. (3:06)  Journalist Jan Lee reviews the second season of K-drama Hospital Playlist, now available on Netflix (4:31) Produced by: ST Life desk & ST Video team Edited by: ST Video team & Penelope Lee Subscribe to Life Weekend Picks Podcast for new episodes every Thursday and rate us: Channel: https://str.sg/JWa2  Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWa6  Spotify: https://str.sg/JWau  Google Podcasts: https://str.sg/JuYZ  Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts  Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg  Discover The Straits Times Videos: https://str.sg/JPrc  --- Discover more ST podcast series: Asian Insider Podcast: https://str.sg/JWa7  Green Pulse Podcast: https://str.sg/JWaf  Health Check Podcast: https://str.sg/JWaN  ST Sports Talk Podcast: https://str.sg/JWRE #PopVultures Podcast: https://str.sg/JWad  Bookmark This! Podcast: https://str.sg/JWas  Lunch With Sumiko Podcast: https://str.sg/J6hQ  Discover BT Podcasts: https://bt.sg/pcPL Follow our shows then, if you like short, practical podcasts! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

#PopVultures Ep 50: Britney Spears' conservatorship and Sam Jo leaves - 50th episode bonanza! 46:11 mins Synopsis: The Straits Times examines the ins and outs of pop culture in the Asian entertainment and Hollywood scene.  In this landmark 50th episode of #PopVultures, co-host Yeo Sam Jo bids goodbye to the podcast as he moves onto greener pastures. But before that, Jan Lee and Sam Jo talk about Britney Spears' explosive statement about her conservatorship and the humiliation and exploitation she endured under it.  They then move onto doing some navel-gazing, talking about how they started the podcast, their favourite episodes, discuss about their complicated feelings on Taylor Swift and JJ Lin and their thoughts at completing 50 episodes. Plus, Sam Jo prepares a surprise farewell gift on the air! Here's what they talk about: Britney Spears' conservatorship (2:18) How #PopVultures came to be (11:10) Their favourite episodes and moments (15:47) Detour into Angelina Jolie's rekindled romance (19:20) Takeaways from their 50 episodes of podcasting (22:36) Sam Jo and Jan discuss celebrities on their dislike list Taylor Swift and JJ Lin (26:41) Final thoughts and thank-yous (34:39) Sam Jo's surprise farewell gift! (38:20) Produced by: Jan Lee (janlee@sph.com.sg), Yeo Sam Jo (yeosamjo@sph.com.sg) & Penelope Lee Edited by: Penelope Lee & Hadyu Rahim Subscribe to #PopVultures Podcast series and rate us on your favourite audio apps: Channel: https://str.sg/JWad Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWaA Google Podcasts: https://str.sg/Ju47  Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaP  Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg Follow Jan Lee on Instagram: https://str.sg/Jbxc Read Jan Lee's stories: https://str.sg/Jbxp --- Discover more ST podcast series: Green Pulse Podcast: https://str.sg/JWaf Health Check Podcast: https://str.sg/JWaN ST Sports Talk Podcast: https://str.sg/JWRE Life Weekend Picks Podcast: https://str.sg/JWa2 #PopVultures Podcast: https://str.sg/JWad Bookmark This! Podcast: https://str.sg/JWas Lunch With Sumiko Podcast: https://str.sg/J6hQ Discover BT Podcasts: https://bt.sg/pcPL Follow our shows then, if you like short, practical podcasts! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Life Weekend Picks Ep 130: Long-delayed Fast & Furious movie worth waiting for? 4:48 mins Synopsis: Every Thursday, The Straits Times recommends lifestyle and food picks for the coming weekend in Singapore.  In this week's episode, film correspondent John Lui reviews the long-awaited Fast & Furious 9, which is out in cinemas on Thursday (June 24) after being delayed by a year due to the pandemic. With dining-in services allowed to resume, food correspondent Eunice Quek recounts her experience at the Mirazur pop-up at the members-only Mandala Club here. Boasting three Michelin stars in France, Mirazur is considered to be the best restaurant in the world. Produced by: ST Life desk & ST Video team Edited by: ST Video team & Hadyu Rahim Subscribe to Life Weekend Picks Podcast for new episodes every Thursday and rate us on your favourite audio apps: Channel: https://str.sg/JWa2  Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWa6  Spotify: https://str.sg/JWau  Google Podcasts: https://str.sg/JuYZ  Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts  Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg  Discover The Straits Times Videos: https://str.sg/JPrc  --- Discover more ST podcast series: Asian Insider Podcast: https://str.sg/JWa7  Green Pulse Podcast: https://str.sg/JWaf  Health Check Podcast: https://str.sg/JWaN  ST Sports Talk Podcast: https://str.sg/JWRE #PopVultures Podcast: https://str.sg/JWad  Bookmark This! Podcast: https://str.sg/JWas  Lunch With Sumiko Podcast: https://str.sg/J6hQ  Discover BT Podcasts: https://bt.sg/pcPL Follow our shows then, if you like short, practical podcasts! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

#PopVultures Ep 49: Naomi Osaka and celebrities' media dilemma 37:42 mins Synopsis: The Straits Times examines the ins and outs of pop culture in the Asian entertainment and Hollywood scene.  This week, the #PopVultures Jan Lee and Yeo Sam Jo talk about A-list tennis player Naomi Osaka and her declining to speak to the media and attend press conferences during the French Open, citing mental health concerns, which set off a firestorm of reactions. She was fined for refusing her press obligations and eventually pulled out of the competition. She is hardly the only star to have had media woes - celebrities in both Hollywood and Asia have had contentious relationships with the press. From fellow tennis player Novak Djokovic to supermodel Naomi Campbell to Hong Kong's one-time bad boy Nicholas Tse, celebrities have clashed with the media over the years.  Certain A-listers like Beyonce also famously do not give interviews, while others have been rude, hostile or uninterested during arranged interviews. This gives rise to the question - do celebrities have an obligation to the media and do they need the media? As fans but also journalists, Jan and Sam Jo give their in-depth thoughts. Here's what they cover The Naomi Osaka controversy, the resulting fallout and reactions (2:36) Other examples of celebrities, like Novak Djokovic, Britney Spears and Naomi Campbell, warring with the media (7.45) The Asian celebrity ecosystem and how celebrities have clashed with the media there (11:04) Do celebrities have an obligation to the media? (15:11)  Monique refusing to do promote the film Precious at Cannes Film Festival (18:24) Celebrities being hostile to the media during interviews (20:16) Overall thoughts (26:31) Produced by: Jan Lee (janlee@sph.com.sg), Yeo Sam Jo (yeosamjo@sph.com.sg) & Penelope Lee Edited by: Penelope Lee Subscribe to #PopVultures Podcast series and rate us on your favourite audio apps: Channel: https://str.sg/JWad Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWaA Google Podcasts: https://str.sg/Ju47  Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaP  Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg Follow Jan Lee on Instagram: https://str.sg/Jbxc Read Jan Lee's stories: https://str.sg/Jbxp --- Discover more ST podcast series: Asian Insider Podcast: https://str.sg/JWa7 Green Pulse Podcast: https://str.sg/JWaf Health Check Podcast: https://str.sg/JWaN ST Sports Talk Podcast: https://str.sg/JWRE Life Weekend Picks Podcast: https://str.sg/JWa2 Bookmark This! Podcast: https://str.sg/JWas Lunch With Sumiko Podcast: https://str.sg/J6hQ Discover BT Podcasts: https://bt.sg/pcPL Follow our shows then, if you like short, practical podcasts! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Life Weekend Picks Ep 129: Sea monster bromance in Pixar's latest movie Luca  10:09 mins Synopsis: Every Thursday, The Straits Times recommends lifestyle and food picks for the coming weekend in Singapore.  In this week's episode, film correspondent John Lui reviews new Pixar movie Luca, coming out on Disney+ on Friday (June 18). Food editor Tan Hsueh Yun talks about how dining-in business Pun Im has managed to preserve its refined Thai food dishes in tar pau boxes. Journalist Toh Wen Li shares more on a new exhibition by Singapore's oldest living pioneer artist Lim Tze Peng.  Produced by: ST Life desk & ST Video team Edited by: ST Video team & Hadyu Rahim Subscribe to Life Weekend Picks Podcast for new episodes every Thursday and rate us on your favourite audio apps: Channel: https://str.sg/JWa2  Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWa6  Spotify: https://str.sg/JWau  Google Podcasts: https://str.sg/JuYZ  Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts  Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg  Discover The Straits Times Videos: https://str.sg/JPrc  --- Discover more ST podcast series: Asian Insider Podcast: https://str.sg/JWa7  Green Pulse Podcast: https://str.sg/JWaf  Health Check Podcast: https://str.sg/JWaN  ST Sports Talk Podcast: https://str.sg/JWRE #PopVultures Podcast: https://str.sg/JWad  Bookmark This! Podcast: https://str.sg/JWas  Lunch With Sumiko Podcast: https://str.sg/J6hQ  Discover BT Podcasts:  http://bt.sg/podcasts  Follow our shows then, if you like short, practical podcasts! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

#PopVultures Ep 48: The Jay Chou podcast pop quiz and deep dive 36:18 mins Synopsis: The Straits Times examines the ins and outs of pop culture in the Asian entertainment and Hollywood scene.  In their long-awaited deep dive on Jay Chou, the #PopVultures Jan Lee and Yeo Sam Jo invite Vanessa Liu to come on and talk about the reigning Mandopop king. Aside from being their friend and colleague, Vanessa is a superfan of the Taiwanese A-lister who once threw a Jay Chou-themed party complete with Love Confession balloons. Together, the trio live out their Fantasy and explore their Simple Love for Jay Chou, his musical legacy and some of his best songs. They also trace Jay Chou's colourful backstory - from his childhood to how he got discovered - and look back on his fulfilling creative partnerships with Taiwanese host Jacky Wu and lyricist Vincent Fang, as well as his romantic history with pop princess Jolin Tsai and now-wife Hannah Quinlivan. Finally, Sam Jo pits Jan against Vanessa in a trivia game of all things Jay Chou. Feel free to play along if you're a fan, and stay tuned till the end to find out who loses and has to take on the notoriously difficult rap from Jay's song Nunchucks. Here's a quick look at what they cover: How did Jay Chou become Jay Chou? (3:02) The many phases of Jay Chou's music career (8:25) Our favourite Jay Chou songs (11:01) Jay Chou's professional and personal relationships (15:38) Jay Chou's legacy (25:04) Trivia time! (25:49) Listen - Vanessa Liu covers his songs in medley: https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10157918212533251&id=578148250 Produced by: Jan Lee (janlee@sph.com.sg), Yeo Sam Jo (yeosamjo@sph.com.sg) & Vanessa Liu (liuxyv@sph.com.sg) Edited by: Adam Azlee Subscribe to #PopVultures Podcast series and rate us on your favourite audio apps: Channel: https://str.sg/JWad Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWaA Google Podcasts: https://str.sg/Ju47  Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaP  Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg Follow Jan Lee on Instagram: https://str.sg/Jbxc Read Jan Lee's stories: https://str.sg/Jbxp --- Discover more ST podcast series: Asian Insider Podcast: https://str.sg/JWa7 Green Pulse Podcast: https://str.sg/JWaf Health Check Podcast: https://str.sg/JWaN ST Sports Talk Podcast: https://str.sg/JWRE Life Weekend Picks Podcast: https://str.sg/JWa2 Bookmark This! Podcast: https://str.sg/JWas Lunch With Sumiko Podcast: https://str.sg/J6hQ Discover BT Podcasts: http://bt.sg/podcasts Follow our shows then, if you like short, practical podcasts! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Life Weekend Picks Ep 128: Olivia Rodrigo's rising stardom  13:02 mins Synopsis: Every Thursday, The Straits Times recommends lifestyle and food picks for the coming weekend in Singapore.  In this week's Life Weekend Picks, music correspondent Eddino Abdul Hadi talks about the rising stardom of teenage pop sensation Olivia Rodrigo, whose singles have been topping the charts. Film correspondent John Lui looks ahead of the second season of Black Summer, which drops on Netflix on June 17. Senior food correspondent Wong Ah Yoke shares the best meals to tar pau from the Coconut Club, as well as Chef Sham which sells vinegar trotters, fish maw pig stomach chicken. Produced by: ST Life desk & ST Video team Edited by: ST Video team & Penelope Lee Subscribe to Life Weekend Picks Podcast for new episodes every Thursday and rate us on your favourite audio apps: Channel: https://str.sg/JWa2  Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWa6  Spotify: https://str.sg/JWau  Google Podcasts: https://str.sg/JuYZ  Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts  Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg  Discover The Straits Times Videos: https://str.sg/JPrc  --- Discover more ST podcast series: Asian Insider Podcast: https://str.sg/JWa7  Green Pulse Podcast: https://str.sg/JWaf  Health Check Podcast: https://str.sg/JWaN  ST Sports Talk Podcast: https://str.sg/JWRE #PopVultures Podcast: https://str.sg/JWad  Bookmark This! Podcast: https://str.sg/JWas  Lunch With Sumiko Podcast: https://str.sg/J6hQ  Discover BT Podcasts:  http://bt.sg/podcasts  Follow our shows then, if you like short, practical podcasts! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bookmark This! Ep 22: Lurkers and lingering spirits in Sandi Tan and Zen Cho's new novels 17:38 mins Synopsis: A monthly literary podcast by The Straits Times featuring titles in the headlines and sizzling reads. In the latest episode of this literary podcast, The Straits Times journalists Olivia Ho and Toh Wen Li look at two new genre-bending novels that mix horror and humour, Lurkers by Singapore-born film-maker Sandi Tan and Black Water Sister by Malaysian author Zen Cho. Listen at: 1. Lurkers by Sandi Tan (0:35) 2. Black Water Sister by Zen Cho (9:42) Produced by: Olivia Ho, Toh Wen Li and Fa'izah Sani Edited by: Fa'izah Sani Subscribe to Bookmark This! Podcast series and rate us on your favourite audio apps: Channel: https://str.sg/JWas Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWae Spotify: https://str.sg/JWan Google Podcasts: https://str.sg/Ju4n   Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg Read Olivia Ho's stories: https://str.sg/JbhW Follow Olivia Ho on Instagram: @ohomatopoeia Contact Olivia Ho: oliviaho@sph.com.sg Read Toh Wen Li's stories: https://str.sg/Jbhm Contact Toh Wen Li: tohwenli@sph.com.sg --- Discover more ST podcast series: Asian Insider Podcast: https://str.sg/JWa7 Green Pulse Podcast: https://str.sg/JWaf Health Check Podcast: https://str.sg/JWaN ST Sports Talk Podcast: https://str.sg/JWRE Life Weekend Picks Podcast: https://str.sg/JWa2 #PopVultures Podcast: https://str.sg/JWad Lunch With Sumiko Podcast: https://str.sg/J6hQ Discover BT Podcasts: https://bt.sg/pcPL Follow our shows then, if you like short, practical podcasts! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Life Weekend Picks Ep 127: The one where the cast of Friends reunites 9:58 mins Synopsis: Every Thursday, The Straits Times recommends lifestyle and food picks for the coming weekend in Singapore.  In this week's episode, journalist Jan Lee breaks down the much-awaited reunion special and whether it lived up to the hype. (0:58) Food correspondent Eunice Quek shares more on the ongoing social media campaigns that encourage people to buy from hawkers. (5:42) Produced by: ST Life desk & ST Video team Edited by: ST Video team & Penelope Lee Subscribe to Life Weekend Picks Podcast for new episodes every Thursday and rate us on your favourite audio apps: Channel: https://str.sg/JWa2  Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWa6  Spotify: https://str.sg/JWau  Google Podcasts: https://str.sg/JuYZ  Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts  Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg  Discover The Straits Times Videos: https://str.sg/JPrc  --- Discover more ST podcast series: Asian Insider Podcast: https://str.sg/JWa7  Green Pulse Podcast: https://str.sg/JWaf  Health Check Podcast: https://str.sg/JWaN  ST Sports Talk Podcast: https://str.sg/JWRE #PopVultures Podcast: https://str.sg/JWad  Bookmark This! Podcast: https://str.sg/JWas  Lunch With Sumiko Podcast: https://str.sg/J6hQ  Discover BT Podcasts:  http://bt.sg/podcasts  Follow our shows then, if you like short, practical podcasts! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

#PopVultures Ep 47: The return of Bennifer (OG edition) 27:27 mins Synopsis: The Straits Times examines the ins and outs of pop culture in the Asian entertainment and Hollywood scene.  Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck are back together and the #PopVultures have all the juice on the Hollywood power couple. Hosts Jan Lee and Yeo Sam Jo relive the real-life soap opera that is Bennifer - from how they met while filming the box office flop Gigli, to when they postponed their wedding and eventually broke up. They also trace the chain of events leading to the couple's reunion, including Alex "A-Rod" Rodriguez's cringeworthy Instagram story and Affleck's unsuccessful fling with Ana de Armas and dating app Raya. Finally, Jan and Sam Jo wonder why people seem to be so besotted with Bennifer. Could it be nostalgia, parasocial interaction or Jenny From The Block's undeniable star power? Here's a quick look at what they cover: Bennifer origins: From Gigli to their break-up (2:23) Jennifer Lopez and Alex Rodriguez (4:56) Ben Affleck and Ana de Armas (8:28) Bennifer returns: From Los Angeles to Montana (13:14) Why are people besotted with Bennifer? (17:12) Produced by: Jan Lee (janlee@sph.com.sg) and Yeo Sam Jo (yeosamjo@sph.com.sg)  Edited by: Fa'izah Sani Subscribe to #PopVultures Podcast series and rate us on your favourite audio apps: Channel: https://str.sg/JWad Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWaA Google Podcasts: https://str.sg/Ju47  Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaP  Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg Follow Jan Lee on Instagram: https://str.sg/Jbxc Read Jan Lee's stories: https://str.sg/Jbxp --- Discover more ST podcast series: Asian Insider Podcast: https://str.sg/JWa7 Green Pulse Podcast: https://str.sg/JWaf Health Check Podcast: https://str.sg/JWaN ST Sports Talk Podcast: https://str.sg/JWRE Life Weekend Picks Podcast: https://str.sg/JWa2 Bookmark This! Podcast: https://str.sg/JWas Lunch With Sumiko Podcast: https://str.sg/J6hQ Discover BT Podcasts: http://bt.sg/podcasts Follow our shows then, if you like short, practical podcasts! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Life Weekend Picks Ep 126: Stage play by S'pore's leading theatre companies goes virtual 7:22 mins Synopsis: Every Thursday, The Straits Times recommends lifestyle and food picks for the coming weekend in Singapore.  In this week's Life Picks, we cover activities that you can do without leaving your home, including watching a renowned stage production online and the best way to tar pau roast meats.  Senior culture correspondent Ong Sor Fern shares more on The Commission, a stage play by Singapore's three leading theatre companies which can be enjoyed online. (0:30) Food editor Tan Hsueh Yun reviews a roast meats stall in Ang Mo Kio. (3:05) Film correspondent John Lui discusses the upcoming Singapore Mental Health Film Festival, which features five films that can be watched online. (5:20) Produced by: ST Life desk & ST Video team Edited by: ST Video team and Aleemah Basirah  Subscribe to Life Weekend Picks Podcast for new episodes every Thursday and rate us on your favourite audio apps: Channel: https://str.sg/JWa2 Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWa6 Spotify: https://str.sg/JWau Google Podcasts: https://str.sg/JuYZ Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg Discover The Straits Times Videos: https://str.sg/JPrc --- Discover more ST podcast series: Asian Insider Podcast: https://str.sg/JWa7  Green Pulse Podcast: https://str.sg/JWaf  Health Check Podcast: https://str.sg/JWaN  ST Sports Talk Podcast: https://str.sg/JWRE #PopVultures Podcast: https://str.sg/JWad  Bookmark This! Podcast: https://str.sg/JWas  Lunch With Sumiko Podcast: https://str.sg/J6hQ  Discover BT Podcasts:  http://bt.sg/podcasts  Follow our shows then, if you like short, practical podcasts! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

#PopVultures Ep 46: Shane Pow & Channel 8's Succession Crisis 25:56 mins Synopsis: The Straits Times examines the ins and outs of pop culture in the Asian entertainment and Hollywood scene. This week, #PopVultures Jan Lee and Yeo Sam Jo give an update to the previous episode: Elvin Ng has responded to Dasmond Koh and Angel Lim, who claimed that he flared up at Lim on set. Then, they move on to another local actor - Shane Pow - who recently had his contract with Mediacorp terminated after he was charged with drink driving. Pow will also be replaced midway through the upcoming series The Heartland Hero, with James Seah taking over the second male lead role. Jan and Sam Jo talk about his chances of mounting a comeback and how Mediacorp's Channel 8 seems to be in a succession crisis with its roster of young actors. They also discuss other notable cases of actor replacements due to scandals, including Ji Soo in River Where The Moon Rises and Kevin Spacey in All The Money In The World. Finally, they share their thoughts on whether replacing Pow mid-series will work out for the best. Here's a quick peek at what they cover: Elvin Ng's response to Dasmond Koh and Angel Lim (0:19) Shane Pow's drink driving charge and James Seah (1:49) Channel 8's succession crisis (8:23) Actor replacements in Korea, Hong Kong and Hollywood (15:17) Will replacing Shane Pow work? (20:32) Produced by: Jan Lee (janlee@sph.com.sg) and Yeo Sam Jo (yeosamjo@sph.com.sg)  Edited by: Aleemah Basirah Subscribe to #PopVultures Podcast series and rate us on your favourite audio apps: Channel: https://str.sg/JWad Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWaA Google Podcasts: https://str.sg/Ju47  Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaP  Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg Follow Jan Lee on Instagram: https://str.sg/Jbxc Read Jan Lee's stories: https://str.sg/Jbxp --- Discover more ST podcast series: Asian Insider Podcast: https://str.sg/JWa7 Green Pulse Podcast: https://str.sg/JWaf Health Check Podcast: https://str.sg/JWaN ST Sports Talk Podcast: https://str.sg/JWRE Life Weekend Picks Podcast: https://str.sg/JWa2 Bookmark This! Podcast: https://str.sg/JWas Lunch With Sumiko Podcast: https://str.sg/J6hQ Discover BT Podcasts: http://bt.sg/podcasts Follow our shows then, if you like short, practical podcasts! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Life Weekend Picks Ep 125: New National Gallery exhibition spotlights veteran local artists 9:14 mins Synopsis: Every Thursday, The Straits Times recommends lifestyle and food picks for the coming weekend in Singapore.  In this week's Life Weekend Picks, journalist Toh Wen Li shares more on the new exhibition at National Gallery Singapore, which showcases works by six veteran local artists. (0:22) If you're a fan of Emmy-winning Disney series Gravity Falls, chances are you will love new film The Mitchells vs The Machines. Film correspondent John Lui shares his quick review. (3:38) Produced by: ST Life desk & ST Video team Edited by: ST Video team and Aleemah Basirah  Subscribe to Life Weekend Picks Podcast for new episodes every Thursday and rate us on your favourite audio apps: Channel: https://str.sg/JWa2 Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWa6 Spotify: https://str.sg/JWau Google Podcasts: https://str.sg/JuYZ Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg Discover The Straits Times Videos: https://str.sg/JPrc --- Discover more ST podcast series: Asian Insider Podcast: https://str.sg/JWa7 Green Pulse Podcast: https://str.sg/JWaf Health Check Podcast: https://str.sg/JWaN ST Sports Talk Podcast: https://str.sg/JWRE #PopVultures Podcast: https://str.sg/JWad Bookmark This! Podcast: https://str.sg/JWas Lunch With Sumiko Podcast: https://str.sg/J6hQ Discover BT Podcasts:  http://bt.sg/podcasts Follow our shows then, if you like short, practical podcasts! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Life Weekend Picks Ep 124: Chihuly's glass sculptures in bloom 10:04 mins Synopsis: Every Thursday, The Straits Times recommends lifestyle and food picks for the coming weekend in Singapore.  In this week's episode, senior culture correspondent Ong Sor Fern previews the much-anticipated Dale Chihuly showcase at Gardens by the Bay. She also details how the intricate works of art made it all the way to Singapore, from Seattle in the US. (0:17) Food correspondent Eunice Quek shares more on the JalanJalan.me website, which offers curated online guides in five Singapore neighbourhoods. (3:50) Looking for your next binge-worthy Korean drama? Journalist Jan Lee tells us why Sell Your Haunted House is a good option. (6.17) Produced by: ST Life desk & ST Video team Edited by: ST Video team and Aleemah Basirah  Subscribe to Life Weekend Picks Podcast for new episodes every Thursday and rate us on your favourite audio apps: Channel: https://str.sg/JWa2 Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWa6 Spotify: https://str.sg/JWau Google Podcasts: https://str.sg/JuYZ Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg Discover The Straits Times Videos: https://str.sg/JPrc --- Discover more ST podcast series: Asian Insider Podcast: https://str.sg/JWa7 Green Pulse Podcast: https://str.sg/JWaf Health Check Podcast: https://str.sg/JWaN ST Sports Talk Podcast: https://str.sg/JWRE #PopVultures Podcast: https://str.sg/JWad Bookmark This! Podcast: https://str.sg/JWas Lunch With Sumiko Podcast: https://str.sg/J6hQ Discover BT Podcasts:  http://bt.sg/podcasts Follow our shows then, if you like short, practical podcasts! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Life Weekend Picks Ep 123: Action thriller Nobody turns Breaking Bad's Bob Odenkirk into next John Wick 5:20 mins Synopsis: Every Thursday, The Straits Times recommends lifestyle and food picks for the coming weekend in Singapore.  In this episdode, film correspondent John Lui reviews Nobody, an action thriller with Bob Odenkirk in the lead role. Odenkirk is most known for portraying Saul Goodman in Breaking Bad. (0:21) Food correspondent Eunice Quek also shares more about 800° Woodfired Kitchen, the famous Los Angeles pizza franchise in Singapore. (2:40) Produced by: ST Life desk & ST Video team Edited by: ST Video team and Aleemah Basirah  Subscribe to Life Weekend Picks Podcast for new episodes every Thursday and rate us on your favourite audio apps: Channel: https://str.sg/JWa2 Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWa6 Spotify: https://str.sg/JWau Google Podcasts: https://str.sg/JuYZ Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg Discover The Straits Times Videos: https://str.sg/JPrc --- Discover more ST podcast series: Asian Insider Podcast: https://str.sg/JWa7 Green Pulse Podcast: https://str.sg/JWaf Health Check Podcast: https://str.sg/JWaN ST Sports Talk Podcast: https://str.sg/JWRE #PopVultures Podcast: https://str.sg/JWad Bookmark This! Podcast: https://str.sg/JWas Lunch With Sumiko Podcast: https://str.sg/J6hQ Discover BT Podcasts:  http://bt.sg/podcasts Follow our shows then, if you like short, practical podcasts! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

#PopVultures Ep 45: Elvin Ng, Patrick Lee & Bullying in Showbiz 32:00 mins Synopsis: The Straits Times examines the ins and outs of pop culture in the Asian entertainment and Hollywood scene. This week the #PopVultures trace the highs and lows of the ongoing feud between Elvin Ng and Patrick Lee. Both actors fell out after Elvin alleged on a talk show that he was once antagonised by a co-star, which netizens deduced to be Patrick. Jan and Sam Jo recap the two's most pointed social media posts and uncover Patrick's infamous reputation in Taiwan. They also weigh in on hosts Dasmond Koh and Danny Yeo's decision to get involved, and discuss the wider, worrying phenomenon of bullying in showbiz. Here's a quick peek at what they cover: Elvin Ng versus Patrick Lee (1:57) Patrick Lee's past feuds with Zax Wang and Amanda Chu (8:41) Danny Yeo and Dasmond Koh wade in (13:08) Romeo Tan and others stick up for Elvin Ng (17:59) Sora Ma's bullying accusations (19:50) Thoughts on bullying in showbiz (22:45) Produced by: Jan Lee (janlee@sph.com.sg), Yeo Sam Jo (yeosamjo@sph.com.sg) & Penelope Lee Edited by: Penelope Lee Subscribe to #PopVultures Podcast series and rate us on your favourite audio apps: Channel: https://str.sg/JWad Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWaA Google Podcasts: https://str.sg/Ju47  Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaP  Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg Follow Jan Lee on Instagram: https://str.sg/Jbxc Read Jan Lee's stories: https://str.sg/Jbxp --- Discover more ST podcast series: Asian Insider Podcast: https://str.sg/JWa7 Green Pulse Podcast: https://str.sg/JWaf Health Check Podcast: https://str.sg/JWaN ST Sports Talk Podcast: https://str.sg/JWRE Life Weekend Picks Podcast: https://str.sg/JWa2 Bookmark This! Podcast: https://str.sg/JWas Lunch With Sumiko Podcast: https://str.sg/J6hQ Discover BT Podcasts: http://bt.sg/podcasts Follow our shows then, if you like short, practical podcasts! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Life Weekend Picks Ep 122: Up your Instagram game at over-the-top cafe 9:42 mins Synopsis: Every Thursday, The Straits Times recommends lifestyle and food picks for the coming weekend in Singapore.  In this week's episode, journalist Jan Lee reviews Gong Yoo's new sci-fi action movie Seo Bok. (0:05) Food editor Tan Hsueh Yun shares more about Cafe de Nicole's Flower, which has style and substance. (2:45) Travel correspondent Clara Lock suggests where you can get a taste of Korean and Japanese snacks and produce. (5:55) Produced by: ST Life desk & ST Video team Edited by: ST Video team and Aleemah Basirah  Subscribe to Life Weekend Picks Podcast for new episodes every Thursday and rate us on your favourite audio apps: Channel: https://str.sg/JWa2 Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWa6 Spotify: https://str.sg/JWau Google Podcasts: https://str.sg/JuYZ Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg Discover The Straits Times Videos: https://str.sg/JPrc --- Discover more ST podcast series: Asian Insider Podcast: https://str.sg/JWa7 Green Pulse Podcast: https://str.sg/JWaf Health Check Podcast: https://str.sg/JWaN ST Sports Talk Podcast: https://str.sg/JWRE #PopVultures Podcast: https://str.sg/JWad Bookmark This! Podcast: https://str.sg/JWas Lunch With Sumiko Podcast: https://str.sg/J6hQ Discover BT Podcasts:  http://bt.sg/podcasts Follow our shows then, if you like short, practical podcasts! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bookmark This! Ep 21: Shedding light on Kazuo Ishiguro and Ethan Hawke's novels 14:57 mins Synopsis: A monthly literary podcast by The Straits Times featuring titles in the headlines and sizzling reads. In the latest episode of this literary podcast, The Straits Times journalists Olivia Ho and Toh Wen Li put the spotlight on two novels by celebrity authors - Hollywood actor Ethan Hawke's A Bright Ray Of Darkness and Klara And The Sun by Nobel Laureate Kazuo Ishiguro. Listen at: A Bright Ray Of Darkness (0.43) Klara And The Sun (4.18) Produced by: Olivia Ho, Toh Wen Li, Aleemah Basirah & Fa'izah Sani Edited by: Aleemah Basirah Subscribe to Bookmark This! Podcast series and rate us on your favourite audio apps: Channel: https://str.sg/JWas Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWae Spotify: https://str.sg/JWan Google Podcasts: https://str.sg/Ju4n   Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg Read Olivia Ho's stories: https://str.sg/JbhW Follow Olivia Ho on Instagram: @ohomatopoeia Contact Olivia Ho: oliviaho@sph.com.sg Read Toh Wen Li's stories: https://str.sg/Jbhm Contact Toh Wen Li: tohwenli@sph.com.sg --- Discover more ST podcast series: Asian Insider Podcast: https://str.sg/JWa7 Green Pulse Podcast: https://str.sg/JWaf Health Check Podcast: https://str.sg/JWaN ST Sports Talk Podcast: https://str.sg/JWRE Life Weekend Picks Podcast: https://str.sg/JWa2 #PopVultures Podcast: https://str.sg/JWad Lunch With Sumiko Podcast: https://str.sg/J6hQ Discover BT Podcasts: https://bt.sg/pcPL Follow our shows then, if you like short, practical podcasts! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

#PopVultures Ep 44: Blowing Raspberries with the Razzies 31:04 mins Synopsis: The Straits Times examines the ins and outs of pop culture in the Asian entertainment and Hollywood scene. As awards season goes into full swing, the #PopVultures take a close look at the film industry's most notorious ceremony: The Razzies, or Golden Raspberry Awards, which recognises the worst in cinema. What started as a makeshift parody of the Academy Awards in someone's living room is now celebrating its 40th anniversary. Jan and Sam Jo look back on Razzie favourites like Sylvester Stallone and Madonna, and recount iconic moments, like Halle Berry accepting her Worst Actress award for Catwoman in 2005. The hosts also discuss this year's nominees, from Sia to Anne Hathaway, and wonder if the Razzies are still relevant in a world where misogyny has no place and art has become increasingly subjective. Finally, they bite the bullet and give out their very own Golden Wolfberries to some of Asia's most underwhelming performers. Here's a quick look at this episode: History of the Razzies (2:40) Famous alumni and sporting celebrities (5:50) Notable nominees this year (12:19) Why the Razzies still matter (or not) (16:26) Who should get a Golden Raspberry/Wolfberry? (24:20) Produced by: Jan Lee (janlee@sph.com.sg) and Yeo Sam Jo (yeosamjo@sph.com.sg)  Edited by: Aleemah Basirah Subscribe to #PopVultures Podcast series and rate us on your favourite audio apps: Channel: https://str.sg/JWad Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWaA Google Podcasts: https://str.sg/Ju47  Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaP  Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg Follow Jan Lee on Instagram: https://str.sg/Jbxc Read Jan Lee's stories: https://str.sg/Jbxp --- Discover more ST podcast series: Asian Insider Podcast: https://str.sg/JWa7 Green Pulse Podcast: https://str.sg/JWaf Health Check Podcast: https://str.sg/JWaN ST Sports Talk Podcast: https://str.sg/JWRE Life Weekend Picks Podcast: https://str.sg/JWa2 Bookmark This! Podcast: https://str.sg/JWas Lunch With Sumiko Podcast: https://str.sg/J6hQ Discover BT Podcasts: http://bt.sg/podcasts Follow our shows then, if you like short, practical podcasts! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.