My memoirs of being a prefect in high school. My 2 cents on leadership and what Simon said.
My childhood story of my buddy.
00:02:38 Procrastination
00:03:31 ADHD
00:08:41 Gosh's Dvds
My fellow TCK Sam Gan and I talk education and childhood. From defining "play" as infinitum to crossing cultures, Sam teaches me about the fascinating world of education.
00:05:28 - Teaching primary
00:09:57 - Inquisitive learning
00:14:11 - International schools
00:17:07 - Single gender schools
00:19:49 - Measuring up as a foreign kid
00:24:52 - Different focusses in education
00:30:21 - Social discipline window
00:33:29 - TCK
00:45:49 - What is play?
Very rarely do I get a "prata cheat meal", however when I do, I do 1 x Egg 1 x Plain with my buddy Andrew Loh. Andrew and I became friends after I had the opportunity to watch him perform music on stage. Thought Andrew now work in Human Resources, this time we speak about Andrew's past career as a steward in the renown Singapore Airlines Crew. People are always curious about SQ's interview process, and how these select few get to dawn on the kebaya or suit. Andrew treats us to a backstage and behind the galleys adventure. I got many of my quirky questions answer, and I bet you were wondering the same too haha.
00:06:36 - Working in HR
00:16:26 - How to up potential worth to employer
00:20:29 - The SQ interview
00:30:15 - Auditions in theatre
00:37:19 - The Next part of the SQ interview
00:48:37 - Ranks in Service crew in Singapore Airlines
00:52:10 - Transferable skills learned from Singapore Airlines
00:57:39 - The Steward/Stewardess training process
01:03:49 - Quick fire questions
01:37:28 - Plans for the future
Quay Xue Han is a terribly brilliant example of perseverance and positivity. For the first time in a podcast I've had to take a drink to hold down my emotions as Xue Han shares with me his life dealing with stage 4 cancer. No one will ever know why at such a young age he has had to face a head wind of pain struggles and horrible obstacles. However, everyone is invited down to this sight of a man rising up like the Phoenix, over and above and conquering life. He then turns around and gives life to others while shining continuously. Do NOT miss this Episode.
00:07:06 Tae Kwon Do
00:18:08- Being a cancer patient
00:21:38- How cancer works/ affects the body
00:31:22- Dealing with hardship
00:36:28- The process of chemotherapy
00:53:32- Understanding compassion, time for grieving, and healing
00:58:49- Finding New life, Rising up like the phoenix, experiencing invincibility
01:03:50- Episodes and dealing with depression
01:05:45- Future plans and endeavors
01:09:08- Helping others
01:20:42- Forgiveness and family.
Rahamt is a man of many talents. If he's not serving, massaging, or aspiring to be a DJ, you'd probably find him hanging out with his kids listening to a movie. We say listening to a movie because Rahamt is blind. Join me as I learn more about the world of a non seeing person and enjoy my hangout with Rahamt.
00:00:14 - Different occupations. Past and present
00:02:26 - Nox "Dine in the Dark"
00:06:57 - Entertainment and how Rahamt consumes it
00:10:39 - Wife kids and family
00:14:09 - How Rahamat became blind
00:24:10 - Traveling & Hobbies
00:29:40 - Music
00:35:26 - What seeing people could learn about the Blind
Daniel Chew is a Commodities Trader. When he's not trading, he is ushering, playing music, DOTA, and being the best husband he can be. Newly married, he touches on marriage life, family, and let's me in into the world of commodities. We literally "uncover new things" together.
00:15:16 - Marriage life
10:30:28 - Family
12:43:17 - Growing up with brothers
19:53:59 - Chinese customs
19:44:29 - Studying abroad
1:12:26:07 - Working as a commodities trader
1:21:38:29 - Sustaining the environment
Taufiq Strongman is literally the strongest man in Singapore. However within the first few words anyone were to exchange with him, they would very quickly discovered multiple dimensions which stretch as far as leather crafting and counselling. Always an honor to share an hour with this man, he teaches us that "It is perfectly okay for the Strongest of Men to ask for help."
01:55 - "Just walk away"
05:41 - The mental aspect of lifting
09:02 - My experience trying Strongmen elements
11:30 - The Axle Deadlift (wagon wheels)
17:36 - Strength and its relation to Manhood
19:33 - Strongmen is Scotland and lifting your comrade
23:06 - Friendly competition in endurance
26:12 - You Win or you Learn
27:13 - How to deal with losses
33:45 - What is "Beauty" to a Strongmen?
38:50 - Not letting what you do become your identity
45:09 - Dealing with injuries
54:41 - Taufiq's other interests
56:24 - Being a guidance counselor / in social services
1:01:00 - Grands aren't the be-all and end-all
1:09:24 - Enjoying a craft
1:13:04 - Does it make me happy? Am I paid to do it? Is someone forcing me to do it?
1:15:11 - How does an athlete cope with the financial challenges of competition
1:17:35 - Being able to ask for help
1:22:47 - "Divine Guidance"
Phone is a very well sought-after personal trainer. Along with his team, Phone has created S.U.N. a team of trainers and content creators. With his infectious smile and extremely consistent positive vibes, he graces my podcast and leaves smiles all around.
01:10 - Stronger Healthier Happier
04:09 - "Phone Physique"
06:25 - Burmese names and "thanaka" as makeup
09:03 - Early days growing up
13:58 - Start of Phone's fitness journey
18:33 - From wanting results to falling in love with the process
20:09 - Advice for younger ones staring at the gym
24:15 - Starting with the basics and begin patient
28:09 - Discovering yourself through your own mistakes
32:55 - Dealing with negative experiences in the gym
34:53 - Being empathetic to those around you
38:31 - Operating from a place of abundance
41:22 - Where does a beginner start?
50:07 - Phone's ability to help trainees visualize
51:36 - What inspired Phone to become a trainer
59:11 - Building a fitness company into an empire
1:00:22 - Persevering through heartbreak
1:09:20 - "Liking" the people around you
1:15:59 - S.U.N.
Kenneth Goh is an experienced instructor from Outward Bound Singapore. When he's not busy with flying stingrays and flipping kayaks, he finds the time to represent Singapore in the Karate National Team. Enjoy this chat with my new found "handstand buddy", as we discuss "why in the world we shout Kata names?"
03:28 - The beginning of Kenneth's Karate journey
12:22 - How to encourage students to break out of their shell
16:27 - Why do we shout Kata names?
18:04 - When does a kata begin
23:14 - Ryo Kiyuna
29:53 - How does the human eye pick up professionalism in Kata
32:51 - Is kumite a "game" of a fight?
41-53 - Sports kumite as a spectator friendly event
52:46 - Outward Bound
57:56 - Ration and what it teaches us
1:00:23 - The instructor's objectives in Outward Bound
1:06:18 - Stand out stories from Outward Bound
1:10:13 - The Mud Skipper incident
1:21:28 - Too many leader spoil to broth
1:26:38 - How well Outward Bound lessons translate to life
1:32:29 - Methods of teaching in karate
1:33:06 - When is a students ready to explore a new Kata?
1:38:38 - How to explore ideas without offending traditionalists
1:40:53 - Future plans for Kenneth
1:44:00 - Where does that positive energy come from?
Jeremiah Choy is a highly respected theatre director and dear friend of mine. I've had the honor of working on the play "Machine", and a few others projects with him. Amongst the many things I have learned from Jeremiah, forgiveness very much stands out.
00:24 - Projects we worked together on together
05:26 - Dramatic read
07:35 - "Machine"
14:49 - What is "Theatre"?
17:24 - The 3 Ms of theatre
19:38 - Why law to theatre?
25:25 - Is it okay not to like Shakespeare's work
29:21 - Respecting others for who they are
40:49 - Forgiveness
51:19 - Acknowledging grief before forgiveness
52:00 - Forgiving ourselves
59:09 - Transition into a director of theatre
1:04:52 - Describe not prescribe, respond don't react, critique not criticize
1:14:57 - Having that director's eye in life
1:16:16 - The different art forms
1:24:47 - Three important rights of the Freelancer
1:33:48 - Jeremiah's next works
Jerome, my first ever podcast guest is back with updates about his new job. He comes bearing the gift of a blue belt for me with my name in a beautiful Chinese embroidery. Both stumbled by the question of "why do ships steer from the rear", we chat on into dating ideas.
00:00 - Jiu-Jitsu belt promotion
07:39 - Bjj Injury
13:29 - New job as Stowage Planner
15:09 - How stowage planning works
26:05 - Why do ships steer from the rear?
37:07 - Random pole dancing trivia
40:56 - Recommendation of content
49:33 - Family life
51:00 - Bjj footage and styles
57:28 - Current journey in Bjj
1:02:51 - Life's plateau
1:04:07 - Planning a date in Singapore
Whether it be yoga, meditation, drag, theatre, ballet, dog training, or simply being manly, Oliver always has so much to teach me. We catch-up and share about our lives from the days of "Fried Rice Paradise", to the meaning behind "Om".
02:08 - "Going Om"
10:27 - Life in England
10:35 - Embracing being a minority
16:15 - Fried Rice Paradise
20:58 - Origins of being a performer
25:28 - Manliness
28:14 - How the pandemic affects business owners
30:24 - Accepting closure
35:47 - Meditation and spirituality
49:22 - Talking to spirits
56:48 - The world of Drag
1:08:38 - Society's acceptance of homosexuality
1:11:11 - Rising above and beyond life's obstacles
Tan Chuan Liong aka Leo, is my brother in law. Leo and his wife, are avid travelers who have been to over thirty-five different countries. We talk tips on travel, and I tempt comprehend a quick introduction to the world of chemical engineering.
06:43 - The inspiration to travel
10:21 - First flight into Siem Reap, Cambodia
11:49 - Must see places in the world
20:01 - Pushing on during expeditions
22:05 - Different types of travelers
25:06 - Nepal
30:55 - Switzerland
44:11 - Travel advice and where one starts
52:33 - "Google Flights"
56:16 - Experience as an Uber driver
58:50 - Chemical engineering
1:00:06 - Working for Pfizer
1:13:33 - Next adventure
Maxi Lim is a martial artist turned stuntman turned actor. One of the first friends I had in the acting industry, Maxi continues to impress me with every new endeavor of his. Leading the charges in marriage and fatherhood, Maxi is a force to be reckoned with.
01:06 - Fatherhood
06:49 - Weight control and health
11:05 - Early days as an actors/stuntman
22:57 - Work ethics and life journey of an actor
28:37 - Really "living" this life
32:14 - Journey as a martial artist
36:02 - Rough play during youth, fisticuffs
41:52 - The grappling arts vs the striking arts
45:10 - Eat My LJ
48:16 - Life's lessons and pushing forward
Jonathan Choo is an accomplished director and filmmaker. Jon and I met during our National Service where we instantly bonded over our love for creating. Jon later made various short films where he allowed me the opportunity to begin my journey as an actor on film.
02:31 - Film school days
05:45 - That farewell video for the great
14:57 - National Film and Television School in Beaconsfield
18:38 - Directing as taught in film school
20:44 - Film School Vs Learning on the job
25:59 - Current style of content creation and its depth
30:52 - Jonathan getting Eden started on acting
33:42 - The role of the Director?
41:26 - The ability of camera and directing styles
47:57 - Teaching film making
52:52 - importance of listening as an actor
57:45 - Preference of material
Nic has always been a leader in the apparel industry, and Singaporean street fashion scene. With his clear motif and goals in mind, Nic has led his brand and others to great success. I have always admired his philosophy and his heart of humility and for collaboration.
01:08 - Flesh Imp & Philosophy behind the brand
05:16 - Being a fan or being in support of
07 23 - Hip-Hop Culture
09:58 - Collaboration in business
15:32 - Nic in his early days
18:20 - How tech has influenced fashion
21:32 - Journey to starting a brand
22:14 - Nic's unique yet ideal way of collaboration
26:53 - How drive and potential is spotted
30:02 - Being creative and cohesive
33:030 - Business beyond Singapore
39:47 - Cohesive work balance for staff
41:45 - How Nic currently helps the industry and other creators
44:24 - Adding property to the portfolio
47:08 - Advise on starting a new Label
Jude Kang is a man I have long admired. Jude is a Bjj brown belt under Leke Machado, and is an instructor for Impact MMA and many other places. Jude is a larger than life character whose tattoos, and fashion sense, stand out just as much as his intelligent philosophy in life.
01:07 - Brazilian Jiujitsu
03:24 - Why Bjj and how it all started
18:32 - What sets Jude apart from other Bjj practitioners
21:50 - The ideal mentality while rolling in Bjj
29:47 - Pain tolerance
33:23 - Our family culture at Impact MMA
38:10 - Emo Rock and Japanese Rock
43:28 - Confidence though fashion
46:36 - Anime
58:07 - Singing & Screaming vocals
1:00:37 - The parallels of art and life
1:46:45 - Tattoos
Honeydew "哈蜜瓜" 是来自马来西亚的编辑兼摄影师。他最初是一名具有视觉艺术天赋的舞蹈歌手,后来扩展到电影领域,并继续以他的创作技巧给我们留下深刻印象。
00:44 - "哈蜜瓜"的来源
03:47 - 孩子的创造力
09:52 - 马来西亚的教育
13:48 - 街舞, 霹雳舞
26:10 - 创意产业中的"抄袭"
32:17 - 电影业
43:22 - 来新加坡发展
51:46 - 克服疫情的挫折
58:07 - 马来西亚和新加坡之间的差异
1:09:22 - 交友软件
Li Bin is a performer and fitness trainer. Always living his life through interesting philosophies, we discuss concepts and culture. Li Bin's interests are also in tricking as well as film making. Also a newly wed, he share his journey and lessons.
01:08 - Early days till working at Universal Studios
19:23 - Tricking and Flips
23:05 - Chinese and Western medication
30:14 - Li Bin’s life philosophy with some references
40:27 - The line between confidence and arrogance
50:08 - 外圆内方
53:06 - Being a newly wed
57:37 - Being a “Team” within a couple and the importance of communication
1:09:02 - Putting family before self
Jason Chee does me the honor of being my first returning guest. Joining me back again to talk fitness and relationships this time. Jason, still inspiring people through fitness, shares some new perspectives on life and his new relationship with a lovely single parent.
08:27 - Covid shifting trainings online
16:53 - Studying and physical trainer qualifications
23:40 - Responsible training and precautions
38:59 - “Love yourself” while being healthy
57:47 - Cultural differences in dating
59:46 - Being in a relationship with a single parent
1:08:12 - Is it harder to be male or female?
1:21:25 - Looking up to, and admiring, responsible men
Daniel Chua is a family man and pastor. Daniel along with his wife Joy run "Stronger Marriage Together", where they empower couples by coaching them on relationship and communication. Daniel and Joy recently bought over a Cheers convenient store where they strive to create a loving community within their neighborhood.
00:36 - Health and fitness
04:03 - Stronger Marriages Together
08:36 - Neuro Linguistics Programming
12:06 - The Gottman Method
18:19 - Leading by example
19:38 - Owning a "Cheers" convenient store
20:25 - Switching seamlessly between a functional and romantic relationship
25:00 - Addressing differences
30:39 - Who do you go to for mentorship?
34:55 - How do we give honest yet loving feedback in a Church context
38:47 - “But”
39:41 - Pastoring
44:33 - Political correctness while being "In this world, but no of this world."
51:04 - "Cheers" as ministry
1:02:52 - Speaking in Tongues
Yeo Eng Sheng is a childhood family friend and neighbor (the one your mother will always quote as an example of success). Eng Sheng shares his extensive knowledge in business and culture in China. Now working in insurance, Eng Sheng gives me a beginner's crash course as to how insurance works.
02:03 - Cycling
04:24 - Music
15:28 - Business in China
20:02 - Guan Xi 关系
39:16 - Advice For Starting Work in China
49:04 - Perception of China by Media
58:06 - What is Insurance
01:05:54 - Where Do I Start With Insurance
01:26:08 - Why is Insurance A Must Have
Kevin Hagino is my buddy in b-boying, grappling, banter, and in Christ. Cut from the same cloth, this dancing grappling wild-man of Chinese & Japanese ancestry, married also to a Chinese Indonesian, and I continue to share ideas and bounce off each other in a way I can only describe as "Rough Play".
01:30 - Bboying
07:36 - Growing up Asian in foreign country
18:09 - Working in Japan
28:30 - Reasons for Japanese work culture
32:00 - Working for Lego
38:00 - Sense of "Play"
-45:54 - Quantifying innovation
51:26 - Grappling
56:26 - "Play" in arts
59:41 - Rough play as young boys
01:02:53 - Kevin's podcast and workplace ministry
01:12:48- Vulnerability
Willie Goh is the owner and founder of Gymkraft (A gymnastics gym in Singapore). Willie has been a visionary since the early 2000s and has helped pave the way for parkour, dance, tricking, gymnastics, and many other art forms. With a huge and giving heart, Willie continues to inspire and protect generations of athletes while maintaining one of the widest smiles in Singapore.
00:26 - Gymkraft
02:05 - Visionary
03:32 - How Willie started
10:14 - Gymnastics in the Olympics
11:35 - Judging in gymnastics
18:40 - Olympics and its impact on Gymnastics
19:37 - Difference between male and female Gymnastics events
23:26 - Gymnastics being the foundation to other sports
26:38 - Supporting with a giving heart, paying it forward
31:49 - Diversifying and Gymnastics at an older age
34:28 - Stretching & conditioning
40:01 - What Gymkraft provides
41:47 - How Olympic Gymnastics events work
51:53 - Future vision for Gymkraft and gymnastics in Singapore
Sensei Seah Kwang Soon is a practitioner of Inoue-Ha Shito-ryu and the owner of Shudokan Karate Dojo in Singapore. Seah along with members of the Karate Union Of Singapore organize Karate competitions and events in Singapore. A very passionate practitioner and a strong supporter of Singaporean Karate, Seah shares his insights on competitive karate.
00:46 - Competitive Karate
02:07 - Evolution of Sports Kumite rules
11:27 - Hamedi vs Ganjizadeh in the Olympics
14:42 - Reason for controlled contact in modern Sports Kumite
17:18 - Sports Kumite's correlation with Self-defense
22:19 - Safety and distance perception
30:57 - Kata
52:16 - The referee's perspective in Kata
56:38 - Styles in Karate
1:02:22 - Vision and future for Karate in Singapore
Jonathan Tong is a friend and mentor who is a very sought after counsellor, of a Pre-Marital Counselling course. Along with his wife Jane, Jonathan has counselled and journeyed with many couples and has been a real blessing to my wife and I. He draws from his own life and shares valuable concepts from being the "right one" to the "importance of communication".
10:03 - How Jonathan started
14:59 - What is marriage
21:50 - Why marriages fail
22:51 - Is there someone for everyone
31:02 - Being scared of the wife
35:18 - What breaks marriages
36:01 - Intimacy
41:17 - Financial issues
46:49 - Conflict Resolution
50:46 - How I know I've married the right one
53:07 - Conflict regarding children
58:17 - What is an affair
Tim from Paris, works in the finance sector. He has a passion in ecology which has also led him to being a vegetarian. Tim guides me through finance and the concept of investment.
02:12 - Martial Arts
14:42 - Vegetarianism
25:05 - Ecology & "The race to the Death"
38:51 - Why don't we do more?
58:22 - Touching on Finance
1:00:45 - Why invest?
1:14:13 - How to start investing?
1:39:47 - Practical steps to invest
Maurice Chia is a family friend and the father of my wife's favorite baby, Emily. He is an aircraft systems engineer with SIA (Singapore Airlines). He generously answers my numerous silly questions about airplanes, which have fascinated me since I was a child.
-14:26 - Aircraft questions
18:55 - Why not make places from black box material?
41:30 - Where do the animals go?
43:15 - The incredibly loud sound which is "air flush"
51:44 - Handphone interception a myth?
59:11 - Covid effects on travel
Sensei Oliver Chen is a 6th Dan WKF (World Karate Federation) Karate practitioner and teacher. Brining the mind of a German engineer into the art and sport of Karate while mixing fun and innovation, he shares his experiences from being in the German national team to teaching internationally.
06:34 - Teaching karate
12:58 - Karate through an Engineering lens
24:47 - Regardless of Rank
28:48 - Kata
46:08 - Karate in the Olympics
1:04:21 - Plans Moving Forward
Aaron Choy is a radio producer at Trans World Radio (Christian radio station). He is an avid rock-climber who has done missions work in countries such as Mozambique and Indonesia. Not the only rock he enjoys, he's also a rock guitarist who enjoys the occasional dabble in conservative topics.
06:16 - Climbing
14:02 - Climbing in the Olympics
25:07 - Missions trips
30:41 - Trans World Radio
51:06 - Rock music
Manolet is a young yet accomplish talented tumbler and dancer from Universal Studios Singapore. Hailing from the Philippines, he is a man whose talents include music, drones, and the list goes on. Listen to him share about his death defying "double back flip" as well as life in the Philippines.
01:14 - Flips
18:19 - Motivation as a performer
23:49 - Journey as a performer
29:39 - Life in the Philippines
1:02:04 - Other hobbies
1:17:50 - Drones
Daniel aka Bboy Sonic/Sonic is one of the most innovative, revolutionary, and inspirational figures in Breakdancing. Sonic now teaches movement, we chat after a session exploring different arts.
00:00 - Creating
16:48 - Breaking (Dance)
32:56 - The Element of "Play"
39:32 - Expressing Happiness
1:13:30 - The Name "Sonic"
1:23:45 - Creating From Mistakes
Ray Goh is a tricker from the Hype Tribe. He teaches tricking and also creates instructional content.
00:00 - Tricking
17:06 - The Hype Tribe (Teaching)
23:03 - Styles of Learning
40:45 - Business side of Tricking
52:00 - Stoicism
Charlie Goh is an actor whose resume includes, Ah Boys To Men, Tanglin, Kin, and many more. Charlie is also an avid gamer who also enjoys Calisthenics.
01:27 - Acting
10:30 - The Art of Acting
19:16 - Acting as a Career
30:11 - Directors
38:04 - Fitness
51:04 - Gaming
Dwayne is a prominent musical theatre performer and educator. Dwayne is busy with his Disney centered podcast, YouTube channel, and still finds time to Dj at Class 95.
08:25 - Disney
17:26 - Musical Theatre
34:00 - Voice-overs
46:06 - Broadway
53:39 - Disney Dwayne Podcast
Nasri Hashim is a Universal Studios Singapore stunt man from the Waterworld show. We chat martial arts and personal life.
01:32 - Waterworld show USS
22:50 - Owning a Food Stall
26:57 - Language
30:02 - Local Stuntman Yang Guang
38:22 - Martial Arts (Ninjado)
51:42 - Depression
Dr Shaun Ang is a Chiropractor and Tricker. From learning flips together to being married men now, we speak about growing up and health.
00:00 - Tricking and Gymnastics
06:27 - Aging
23:24 - Injury
32:00 - Chiropractic
Jason Chee is one of the most influential figures in Singapore's fitness scene. We chat about depression, Singaporean males on dating, and the value of material possession.
02:04 - Bodybuilding
14:23 - Confidence in our Bodies
17:45 - Overcoming Depression
25:59 - Relationship
33:00 - Watches
43:30 - Diet
Jerome Tan is a Brazilian Jiujitsu blue belt who works in Hilti. He is an avid photographer who also just got his Physical Trainer license. We talk martial arts and dating.
-00:00 - BJJ
-17:04 - Female partners making more than male counterparts
-18:00 - Hilti (Company from Liechtenstein)
-22:34 - Meeting women
-39:41 - Gaming
-47:02 - Photography