We Don't Mean To Dwell, But...

This year marks Singapore’s bicentennial, the 200 year anniversary of Sir Raffle’s arrival. Today our guest is Jane Iyre, who gives us a crash course on Singapore's history, and we might even touch on some of the darker sides of its colonial past! We don’t mean to dwell on this, but: • Singapore used to be a place of fun Maritime pursuits • Be careful going through the Straits • If it’s wretched, just give it to the Dutch • Cherchez la femme ! • Singapore’s colonial past is a story of three men and a baby If you want to learn more about Singapore’s history, you’re in luck : Jane offers out-of-the-ordinary tours, and curates event with an emphasis on the heritage, history, and culture of our “little red dot” of an island. Be sure to check out her website : https://janestours.sg

Phil Gruber is the founding director of the Singapore Avatars of Improv, where he provides world-class impro-tainment, as well as professional training in all facets of improvisational comedy. In this episode we take a dive into the cultural side of Singapore. We talk about its blossoming comedy and improv scenes, and explore the creative process of improvisational theater. Learn more about the Avatars of Improv at : http://www.avatars-of-improv.com We don’t mean to dwell on this, but : • Every good wedding has a time traveler • What’s the going rate for a Tibetan Lama? • You can look it up on google if you don’t believe us • It’s all about agreement and heightening • What are you willing to put up with?

A couple of weeks ago, we were interviewed by Danny Koordi on the Economical Rice Podcast. We talked to him about the Chinese social credit system and why some people argue it’s the best thing since sliced bread, as well as the brain and how nobody really knows how it works. We had a lot of fun, so we thought we’d do something special and redistribute the interview here. Enjoy, and if you like this episode be sure to check out http://economicalricepodcast.com

This week your two favorite horses talk about the contrasts of Thailand, and Chiang Mai in particular. We also get into the untapped potential of Southeast Asia, discuss the lure of fake spirituality and take an unexpected dip into the wonderful world of conspiracy theories. We don’t mean to dwell on this, but : • Don’t let the Leprechauns trick you with their gold! • Daylight is not for everyone • If you think you’ve never tasted rat but you’ve had Thai sausage, think again! • Polio might be slightly worse than autism • A little bit of silence goes a long way

Jerry Hinds is the president of the Association of Comic Artist Singapore and the creator of SupaCross, Singapore’s own “World of SupaHeroes Universe”. We talk about the rise of comic books in Singapore, as well as the creative process and the business aspects of creating them. Jerry also introduces us to Singapore’s very own “SupaHeroes” : Singapore Sling & D. Temasek! If you want to learn more about super-hero comics in Singapore be sure to check out : http://www.acas.org.sg/ We don’t mean to dwell on this, but : • Powers to the people! • Editing comics is definitely a day-job • I’ll see your Aquaman and I’ll raise you my SubMariner • Kids these days just want to be Supa • Stan Lee is dead, long live Stan Lee!

Steve Stine is a former Wall Street Journal correspondent and 30-year Asia Veteran. He shares the story of how, because of an unexpected twist of fate, he ended up in Hong Kong flat broke, and had to hustle to build a new life for himself in Asia. We also discuss the rise of Asia vs the west and speculate where the current economic trends will lead us over the next few decades. And of course Steve tells us about the time a 16 ft python decided to permanently move into his bedroom. We don’t mean to dwell on this, but : • Sometimes even a tiny umbrella won’t save you • Hitting rock-bottom gives you license to hustle • Magic happens on the other side of a private-jet flight towards an undisclosed location • Trees are good. Climate change is bad. Screw it, let’s plant a tree • Oprah’s the future, you heard it here first! Check out Steve’s amazing podcast “Inside Asia”, in which he hosts conversations with Asia’s movers, shakers, thinkers and provocateurs : http://www.insideasiapodcast.com

In this first holiday special, we talk about Christmas traditions from all over the world and what this time of the year means to us as secular humanists / naturalists. We don’t mean to dwell on this, but: • Gather round, children, for the Milking of the Nut! • But I swear daddy, I didn’t do anything! • New Year’s resolutions are just noises we make with our face • No one is prepared for what comes after the Sauerkraut • In Singapore, seasons are measured by mall-decorations This episode is brought to you by Baby Jesus, everyone’s favorite baby.

Francisco Marin, an award-winning photographer, tells us about his recent trip through Mexico, the colorful “Dia de Muertos” celebrations he attended there, and how he’s organizing a photography-tour to share his love for Mexican culture. Also we don’t mean to dwell on this, but : • Only gringos dress up as Coco • While “Dia de Muertos” is big in Mexico, the USA still prefers “Taco Tuesday” • Celebrating the dead only makes sense if they’re not in hell for all eternity (hi, grandma!) • Remembering the dead is great, but free beer is greaterer! • When traveling through Mexico, you better bring a Big Bad Hombre

Our guest is Sammie Cheston, a veteran world-traveler who has lived in many countries over the last 20 years. We talk about his current life in Singapore, installing Bitcoin vending-machines and the hustle of running a traditional Thai restaurant. We don't mean to dwell on this, but : • Sammie Lee is in the place to be! • Perfection lies somewhere in between glowing innocence and feeling dirty • Life is so much easier with picture-books • Everything’s fun and games until someone decides to get rich! • Front row is for the foreigners (they like the spatter)

We sit down with Davelle Lee to talk about cultural differences between Asian and Western cultures when it comes to parental expectations, emotional distance and the sense of duty and obligation towards one’s family. We also take a deep dive into the differences between our ideas of self-realization and the ways in which society understands, and reacts to, mental health issues. Davelle has a great podcast called “Some Scuffs” (https://somescuffs.com), in which she explores the psychological underpinnings of the fears, insecurities, dreams and desires we share in the beautiful city of Singapore. Throughout the episodes, she tries to figure out how each of us can lead happier and freer lives. Also we don’t mean to dwell on this, but : • One of us had to be Asian! • Children come in three terrific flavors : engineer, doctor and lawyer • In Paris they have to spray for Ballerinas twice a week • If you have problems, just drink them off like a man • Today’s episode is brought to you by Command Strips & Hooks - they will never leave you hanging!

We sit down with Nora and Hollie, aka the Two White Chicks in China, to talk about what it’s like to live in China as a foreigner, the super-hustle of Shenzhen (9-9-6 baby!), adapting to Chinese culture and about how in Shenzhen even the homeless take AliPay. Be sure to check out the Two White Chicks in China podcast here https://www.writtenchinese.com/blog/ We don’t mean to dwell on this, but : • Always go straight for the plug • Drinking wine at lunch is a fundamental human right • Don’t play chicken with the Chinese, they’ll win • If a child is running away from you, please don’t feed it • Don’t be a thief. Being a thief is bad, m-kay?

Charles Kimball is the producer and host of the History of Southeast Asia podcast, which provides in-depth coverage of the region’s history - from prehistoric times all the way up to the war of Burma…and beyond! Be sure to check it out here : https://www.blubrry.com/hoseasia/ Also we don’t mean to dwell on this, but : • Travel once, podcast forever • History is not for the unprepared • Always measure time by Soviet leaders • You say Bali, I say Bali (but definitely don’t say Baileys) • 17 million people is clearly a small minority in China

This is not an interview with Stan Lee - this is just a tribute. We talk about how comic books shaped our childhood, our favorite super heroes, playing fantasy role-playing games; basically all of the things that made us into well balanced adults. *ahum* Also we don’t mean to dwell on this, but : • The AllFather is in Valhalla. Excelsior! • Our favorite super power is the Republican Death Gaze • Superman is just an irresponsible slacker • Don’t trust Death - they is a total bitch • One day the world will learn about the “other” X-Men

Our guest is Gary Tan, Singaporean stand-up comedian and former grab-driver. We don’t mean to dwell on this, but : • We only wear pants when we have guests • The best pick-up lines are about global warming • Hookers gotta eat, you know? • Bill’s in it for the long con • If the peasants invite you to the Bastille, it's a trap Gary has his own podcast called “Not Again”, check it out here : https://notagainpodcast.com/ Also be sure to check out his performances at Singapore’s #1 comedy club “The Merry Lion” (https://www.themerrylion.sg/)

Omar Osman is a translator who specializes in Somali and has worked for several international intelligence agencies. We don’t meant to dwell on this, but : • We’re pretty sure most words are just made up • Never park your car next to a market that sells IEDs • Don’t fuck around with the Landlords • Bulletproof glass won’t safe you from explosives • When stuck in traffic, drink Prosecco

Today's guest is Cynthia Zhai - a Voice Coach, Speaker & Author. Cynthia helps executives develop a voice that commands attention and makes people look up to them. We really hope some of it rubbed off on us. Find out more about what Cynthia does on her YouTube channel : https://www.youtube.com/user/cynthiazhai/ Also we don't mean to dwell on this, but : • Don't worry, people will reject you anyway • To Extroverts you're really just a battery • In Russia you make translation error, you go to Gulag • We've been power-posing all the way through this recording • Leave us a 5-start review - we're perfect!

We talk about how one gets used to living in a tropical paradise, wealth differences in South-East Asia, Singapore as an example of social welfare and guiltily enjoying our white privilege. The “Dollar Street” website - mentioned on the show - allows you to see how people really live across different cultures and levels of wealth. This is really a great resource and playing around with the different visualizations is extremely informative. Check it out here : https://www.gapminder.org/dollar-street/ Like the show? Please leave us a review (5 stars or GO HOME) - it would really help us out. Also we don’t mean to dwell on this, but : • Just throw on that ALL CAPS AND KEEP YELLING • Baby Jesus had bad Feng Shui (不好) • If you don’t look Aryan, you probably shouldn’t be a Neo-Nazi • We really, really hate monkeys • Bill has ALL the privilege

We talk about Singapore’s food scene, food allergies, comfort food and the merits of bad parenting. Also we don’t mean to dwell on this, but : • Shaking babies may cause food allergies • In terms of logistical overhead, enslaving the locals makes sense • Grass-fed beef tastes of communism • The Dutch were eating Kale before it was cool • The trick to effective parenting is giving up early

We sit down with culinary expert Mark Mottram to talk about "Offal eating", or "Nose-to-Tail" eating, which is where you purposefully eat the bits and parts of the animal that most people would consider garbage and just throw out. We also ate reheated duck-tongue and sucked the gelatinous fluids out of duck-feet - right here on the show. If that sounds delicious, there's probably something wrong with you. We don't mean to dwell on this but : • Just feed them alfalfa and tell them to fuck off • Eye-balls are a bit tough • The French sure like their maggots • Gelatinous fluids are a delicacy • It's not often you get an 18" organ sitting on your plate Mark Mottram is the co-owner of the wonderful restaurant "Bakery & Bar" in the Telok Ayer neighbourhood of Singapore. He's a terrific cook (his freshly baked bread is one of the best of Singapore), so go check it out : https://www.bakeryandbar.com/

We talk about space travel, artificial intelligence and the job-market, the disappearance of the middle-class and the trade-war between China and the USA. Also we don’t mean to dwell, but : • Who are *you* sending to the moon? • Robots will eat us like we eat chicken • Chinese super-humans now on pre-order • Do you even science, bro? • When you get applause, don’t stop what you’re doing The #dearmoon project : https://dearmoon.earth/ Radio-lab episode on CRISPR : https://www.wnycstudios.org/story/antibodies-part-1-crispr

Joe Augustin, Singaporean radio celebrity and professional emcee with more than 30 years of experience, came back to our home studio for a second hour! We don't mean to dwell on this, but : • Joe is still male, and hanging on for dear life! • Keeping your child in a cage is probably a bad idea • Being offended used to be a good thing • Turns out we don't have to take back the A-word • Magicians are benevolent liars Find everything Joe Augustin in the following places : Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/JoeAugustin/ Twitter : https://twitter.com/joeaugustin Website : http://emcee.joeaugustin.com

We talk to Joe Augustin - Singapore radio celebrity and premier Presentation, Public Speaking and Emceeing Coach. We don't mean to dwell on this, but : • The transcript of this conversation is perfectly OK • We think Germans talk funny (but at least we didn't mention the war) • The USA suffers from too much Freedom • From now on Bill would like to be referred to as "The Stash" • Complainception! Find everything Joe Augustin in the following places : Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/JoeAugustin/ Twitter : https://twitter.com/joeaugustin Website : http://emcee.joeaugustin.com

Over summer, we traveled to three different continents! We discuss our trips and we don't mean to dwell on this, but : • Hi baby Jesus! • Dolphins are not as friendly as you'd think • Bill's upset he's not allowed to buy anti-aircraft artillery • Speaking Chinese is a super power • We are utterly alone in the universe. Probably.

We talk to Francisco Marin, an award-winning photographer and proud Leica Ambassador. We don’t mean to dwell on this, but : • Photography is an existential art form • Instagram is the new collective memory of the human race • Sometimes we need to reinvent ourselves • It's not easy to fall in love with teaching • French is a sexy language, as long as you don't understand it

In this pilot episode we introduce ourselves and our involuntary lifestyle of leisure. We don't mean to dwell on this, but : • Suiting up on the equator is a disgusting habit • Donald Trump should hide his control panel better • Older prostitutes love knitting • Is it OK to make racist jokes at comedy roasts? • French labor unions throw great barbecues