Latest news with #TheUsualPlacePodcast
Straits Times
18 hours ago
- Health
- Straits Times
The Usual Place Podcast: Wegovy and beyond - will weight-loss drugs change the way people look at obesity?
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox Wegovy, the blockbuster weight-loss drug, is now available in Singapore more than two years after it was approved by the Health Sciences Authority. Wegovy, the blockbuster weight-loss drug, is now available in Singapore more than two years after it was approved by the Health Sciences Authority. But its arrival here sparks a deeper conversation about who should take it, how it makes us rethink obesity and weight loss , and whether weight-loss drugs are a magic bullet. Earlier in July, pharmaceutical firm Novo Nordisk, which makes Wegovy, announced in a statement that the injectable drug is now available with prescription from any licensed physician at hospitals and clinics across Singapore. The global hype around Wegovy, which is made for weight loss, stemmed from Ozempic, which was created as an anti-diabetic drug. The latter garnered a lot of attention on social media a few years ago after its users, who weren't all diabetics, showed off their considerable weight loss. What connects Wegovy and Ozempic – besides both being made by Novo Nordisk – is that they contain the active ingredient semaglutide. Mimicking the natural hormone glucagon-like peptide-1, semaglutide regulates blood sugar levels, curbs the appetite and induces the sensation of fullness. One of the differences? Wegovy has a higher maximum dosage of 2.4mg than Ozempic's 2mg. While the benefits have been laid out, what should those considering Wegovy look out for? To answer these questions on this episode of The Usual Place, I have: Senior consultant endocrinologist Dr Sue-Anne Toh from Novi Health, a specialist medical clinic and health-tech company. She has more than 20 years of experience in internal medicine, diabetes, and metabolic health. Her patient Farhan Hanis, a 26-year-old university student and a former plus-sized model. He started on Wegovy about two months ago. General practitioner Dr Bosty Chan, who co-founded health telemedicine providers Sire and Dame, which offers weight management as part of a suite of services. Tune in at 12pm SGT/HKT to watch the stream, and share your thoughts on our revamped YouTube channel. Follow The Usual Place Podcast live at noon every Thursday and get notified for new episode drops: Channel: Apple Podcasts: Spotify:
Straits Times
24-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Straits Times
Astronomer executives' Coldplay scandal: Why it went viral and the obsession with public shaming
A tech CEO's alleged affair with his HR chief came to light during the concert. If combining the words 'kiss cam', 'Coldplay', 'Astronomer' and 'affair' means nothing to you, you have managed to be blissfully unaware of the internet's weekend meltdown over a very public spectacle. Here's the TL;DR recap: A couple, who were in a tight embrace, created a buzz among concertgoers – and later, the world – when they pulled a duck/hide move after they were featured on the kiss cam at a Coldplay concert in Boston. Their reaction was so suspicious that the band's frontman Chris Martin quipped: 'Either they are having an affair or they're just very shy.' It turned out that Martin was right, and the cheating pair were colleagues at US tech firm Astronomer. Internet sleuths uncovered their names and job titles – he's Andy Byron the now-former chief executive at the company; she's Kristin Cabot, Astronomer's chief people officer – as well as information about their other relationships. People also found out who Mr Byron's wife was, with some even sending her messages about what they thought of her husband. Beyond the illicit affair being publicly exposed, the incident led to much introspection about what happens when private moments become public and leadership credibility. Also, what is our obsession with public shaming? In this episode of The Usual Place podcast, I will speak with: Stephanie Phua, founder of marketing and branding collective Duo Studio and co-founder of The Trampoline Club, a platform which pushes for compassion, understanding and mutual respect in conversations, Pan Huiyan, a millennial leadership coach, and Dr Sunny Johar, the managing director for South-east Asia for digital experience agency KRDS Tune in at 12pm SGT/HKT to watch the livestream and take part in the discussion on our revamped YouTube channel. Follow The Usual Place Podcast live at noon every Thursday and get notified for new episode drops: Channel: Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Asia Thai and Cambodia militaries clash at disputed border World Trump was told he is in Epstein files, Wall Street Journal reports Opinion The US dollar is down, but it has a lot going for it Singapore Judge asks prosecution for more information on Kpods in first case involving etomidate-laced vapes Singapore Singapore Oceanarium will enhance tourism while supporting sustainability: Grace Fu Singapore 5 teens arrested for threatening boy with knife, 2 charged with causing hurt Singapore Over 1.15 million Singaporeans aged 21 to 59 have claimed SG60 vouchers Opinion Cinemas struggle in a world that cannot sit still Apple Podcasts: Spotify:
Straits Times
17-07-2025
- Health
- Straits Times
The Usual Place Podcast: Kpod vapes, zombie kids: Is it time to raise the alarm?
Find out what's new on ST website and app. Kpods, a street term for drug-laced e-vaporisers, has been much-talked about this week, with The Straits Times launching an anti-vape campaign on July 13. Recently, videos of vape users taken by the public have been surfacing online – in particular, of younger people – turning into 'zombies' and behaving erratically after using etomidate-laced vapes. Etomidate is an anaesthetic used in hospitals during medical procedures, and is classified as a poison under the Poisons Act, which strictly restricts its use to licensed medical professionals. Some parents have shared their stories about how their children have tried self-harm or attempted suicide while being high. Through reports, commentaries and first-person accounts, ST, along with parents, readers and health professionals, have sounded the alarm on the dangerous nature of Kpods. In this episode of The Usual Place Podcast, I chat with my colleague and seasoned crime reporter Zaihan Mohamed Yusof; Yio Chu Kang SMC MP Yip Hon Weng, who has raised multiple Parliamentary Questions on vaping over the past few years; and Narasimman Tivasiha Mani, the executive director of youth mental health charity Impart, who has encountered teens using Kpods. We will discuss the access to Kpods, what attracts young people to use them, and how Singapore can step up enforcement and awareness. Tune in at 12pm SGT/HKT to watch the livestream and take part in the discussion on our revamped YouTube channel. Follow The Usual Place Podcast live at noon every Thursday and get notified for new episode drops: Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore HSA launches anti-vaping checks near 5 institutes of higher learning Opinion The workplace needs to step up on mental health to match Singapore's efforts at the national level Business Market versus mission: What will Income Insurance choose? Singapore Singapore Zoo celebrates reptile baby boom, including hatchings of endangered species Life First look at the new Singapore Oceanarium at Resorts World Sentosa Business Singapore key exports surprise with 13% rebound in June amid tariff uncertainty Opinion AI and education: We need to know where this sudden marriage is heading Singapore Coffee Meets Bagel's Singpass check: Why I'll swipe right on that Channel: Apple Podcasts: Spotify:
Straits Times
16-07-2025
- Business
- Straits Times
Taxi driver 'adding shift' to be a YouTuber
Find out what's new on ST website and app. Vlogger and taxi driver Edward Jui (LazyCabbie) in his taxi. Synopsis: Every 3rd Wednesday of the month, The Straits Times examines not just vehicle prices but wider transport issues and trends connected to public and private transport. Contrary to the name of his YouTube channel, Mr Eddie Jui is anything but lazy. The 48-year-old drives 10 hours daily and spends nearly as much time making videos. Like the friendly cabbie making conversation with his passenger, Mr Jui's videos are candid and honest. And based on how fast the LazyCabbie YouTube channel is growing, it is resonating with people. Highlights (click/tap above): 2:00 Spending at least two to three hours just to get the right angles for the videos. 14:20 Trying to create an online community that is more forward-looking and positive. 18:00 Taxi driving as a sunset industry but one that pays the bills, if you need money urgently. 20:10 Reacting to the rise of autonomous driving potentially taking away taxi driving as a vocation. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore Over 600 Telegram groups in Singapore selling, advertising vapes removed by HSA Singapore Strong argument for cockpit video recording, says Iata chief in wake of Air India crash report Asia Former deputy minister seen as surprise front runner for Malaysia's next Chief Justice: Sources Singapore Baby died after mum took abortion pills and gave birth in toilet; coroner records an open verdict Singapore Qantas flight from Singapore to Sydney delayed for days due to mechanical issues Business Tycoon Robert Kuok's daughter Kuok Hui Kwong appointed CEO of Shangri-La Asia Singapore Acute psychiatry services to be expanded across all healthcare clusters: MOH Singapore New network links Home Team psychologists, mental health bodies to boost emergency response 23:00 Do not treat driving as a career because there is no progression. Zero progression. Read Lee Nian Tjoe's articles: Follow Lee Nian Tjoe on LinkedIn: Read more COE articles: Host: Lee Nian Tjoe ( niantjoel@ ) Produced & edited by: Amirul Karim Executive producers: Ernest Luis and Lynda Hong Follow Wheel Insights Podcast here and get notified for new episode drops: Channel: Apple Podcasts: Spotify: Feedback to: podcast@ --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: Get more updates: The Usual Place Podcast YouTube: --- Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store:
Straits Times
15-07-2025
- Business
- Straits Times
Can philanthropy revive a stalling environmental agenda in Asia?
Find out what's new on ST website and app. Synopsis: Every first and third Tuesday of the month, The Straits Times analyses the beat of the changing environment, from biodiversity conservation to climate change. The world is becoming an increasingly risky place as the impacts of climate change and nature loss worsen. And there's a growing need for more funding to limit the damage and improve the livelihoods of communities. But the problem is, funding from governments, especially aid money, is drying up in some places. The funding gap is huge but philanthropy is helping fill some of the void. Family offices, international foundations, wealthy individuals and more are stepping in and their money is vital in helping de-risk climate and nature investments to make them more palatable for private and government funders. Every dollar of philanthropic capital can mobilise $9 of additional funding. Together, the money can be directed towards vital areas, such as ocean health and coastal protection, sustainable land use, nature restoration and climate adaptation and much more. The end game is not band aid solutions, Shaun Seow, CEO of Philanthropy Asia Alliance, tells Audrey Tan and David Fogarty in this latest episode of Green Pulse. The end game is to de-risk and allow private capital to 'work its magic'. Have a listen, and let us know what you think! Highlights of conversation (click/tap above): 1:20 How are philanthropies responding to the different environmental agendas, and funding gaps, of governments? 6:14 To what extent are philanthropies in Asia focusing on climate and catalytic funding? 12:42 How is PAA bringing together different funders? 18:54 What other areas can be a focus for philanthropies interested in Asia? 21:20 For catalytic capital, what are the key concerns for philanthropists in Asia? 25:15 As climate risks grow, are more foundations and wealthy individuals knocking on PAA's door? Follow Audrey Tan on LinkedIn: Read her articles: Follow David Fogarty on LinkedIn: Read his articles: Hosts: Audrey Tan ( audreyt@ ) & David Fogarty ( dfogarty@ ) Produced and edited by: Hadyu Rahim Executive producers: Ernest Luis & Lynda Hong Follow Green Pulse Podcast here and get notified for new episode drops: Channel: Apple Podcasts: Spotify: Feedback to: podcast@ --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: Get more updates: The Usual Place Podcast YouTube: --- Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store:
