Yah Lah But - podcast cover

Yah Lah But

Ministry of Funnywww.yahlahbut.com
A thrice weekly podcast on conversations Singaporeans are having but not saying out loud – politics, culture, identity. Haresh Tilani and Terence Chia consider every side, never quite agree, and never play it safe. Honest, informed, always worth arguing about. Subscribe so you don’t miss new episodes.

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Episodes

#169 - Infections disease expert calls out “fake COVID news” & Circles.Life gets backlash for IG post

Prof David Lye is back at it again with a message to S'poreans. On 7 Jun 2021, the researcher at the National Centre for Infectious Diseases (NCID) said certain messages & open letters are giving him sleepless nights. What is he referring to? Elsewhere, local Telco Circles.Life’s racially-themed IG post got massive backlash. Why are people pissed? Find us here! ➤ Our #YLB Subreddit for show notes ➤ Our YouTube channel to see our FACES! Here are our one SHIOK things for this week! ➤ Roger Fed...

Jun 10, 20211 hr 7 minEp. 175

#168 - The viral video with racist remarks towards an interracial couple & why Chinese netizens are mocking Singapore

Singapore was set abuzz with the racist video that went viral. People were pissed, including MP Shanmugam, but what happens next? Elsewhere, SG’s policy on China’s Sinovac vaccine has pissed off Chinese nationalists, including a supposed Chinese national based here, who accused SG of “sucking USA’s balls”. WTF is going on? Find us here! ➤ Our #YLB Subreddit for show notes ➤ Our YouTube channel to see our FACES! Here are our one SHIOK things for this week! ➤ Love Death + Robots Volume 2 - Trailer...

Jun 08, 20211 hr 3 minEp. 174

#167 - Simu Liu’s salty FB post about “Kim’s Convenience” being cancelled & the leaked audio of SG Streamer KiaraaKitty’s "scams"

Upcoming Marvel hero Simu Liu bared all on Facebook about the cancellation of the show he stars in. Was it fair or is he being “entitled”? Back home, SG internet is abuzz with a leaked audio of SG Streamer KiaraaKitty detailing how she allegedly scammed up to 7 guys in the past. But did she do anything illegal? Find us! ➤ Our #YLB Subreddit for show notes ➤ Our YouTube channel to see our FACES! Here are our one SHIOK things for this week! ➤ Even LeBron James Isn’t Eternal ➤ The Subtle Art of Not...

Jun 05, 20211 hr 10 minEp. 173

#166 - Is Forex trading a SCAM? We talk to a Forex Trader so you don’t have to

The pandemic and the GameStop saga made everyone more interested in personal investing and trading. We hear terms like Forex, but does it sound too good to be true? So we spoke to Eden Koh, a forex trader and coach, who answered all the queries we had, and more. Full disclaimer - this episode is brought to you by OctaFX, a forex trading platform. They provide a great service, so check them out! And they’re also got a kickass promo! Our Sponsor - OctaFX! This episode is brought to ya by OctaFX , ...

Jun 03, 20211 hr 28 minEp. 172

#165 - Should Singapore cancel the F1 & backlash against a Hari Raya standee made from a couple’s wedding photo

It’s week 3 of PA-TOO-HA (P2HA) and things are looking optimistic, but should the Singapore F1 event still happen this year? What are the pros and cons? Did we miss it in 2020? Elsewhere, the People's Association apologised to the couple who went public about their photo being used for decorations without their consent. But how did it happen in the first place? And why do things like this keep happening? Our Kickass Sponsor - YOUTRIP! This episode is brought to ya by YouTrip , Singapore’s first ...

Jun 01, 20211 hr 14 minEp. 171

#164 - Our first Chinese TV series, why TikTok is “the most toxic” & life as an OG Actor (feat. Noah Yap)

The long-form train continues with the release of our first-ever Chinese comedy series: “The Amazing Showman”, hot on the heels of our first audio pilot & Tamil TV pilot. We chat (and laugh a lot) with the star of the show, the great Noah Yap. He’s been a long-time MOF contributor, and is basically our adopted acting child. We talk YouTube, TikTok, acting, Jade Rasif vs MOM and laksa. Our Chinese TV Series, so show some love! ➤ The Amazing Showman Check out our #YLB Subreddit for show notes!...

May 29, 20211 hr 35 minEp. 170

#163 - Should NS enlist both men AND women & WWE Star John Cena apologises to China

At a recent forum, AWARE Chief Corinna Lim said practices that skew views of what it means to be a man should be reviewed, especially in National Service which she said should be “gender neutral”. But is the enlistment of women a good idea? Elsewhere, John Cena uploaded a video apologising to Chinese fans after referring to Taiwan as a country, during his press tour for Fast & Furious. Is he a "coward", or is there more to it? Our Audible Pilot: Please listen, rate & leave a comment :) ➤...

May 27, 20211 hr 5 minEp. 169

#162 - SMRT Feedback apologises after police report lodged against them & the $300 fine for not clearing your trays

The once-famous satirical Facebook page, SMRT Feedback, posted something that questioned the loyalty of Muslims to their country, and pissed off the internet. FB User Syazana Yahya then filed a police report, which caused SMRT Feedback to delete its post and issue an apology. But what wrong did they do? And should we always be lodging police reports for speech? Elsewhere, diners at hawker centers could soon be fined $300 if they don’t clear their tray. But do we need such rules? Our Audible Pilo...

May 25, 20211 hr 8 minEp. 168

#161 - Why retailers are calling for a “Circuit Breaker” & the aesthetic doctor in legal tussles with Fann Wong

It’s Week 1 of “Phase 2 Heightened Alert” and it feels weird. So weird that some retailers are actually calling for a Circuit Breaker. But why? Elsewhere, an aesthetic doctor who analysed Fann Wong’s face at the Star Awards 2021 incurred the wrath of celebrity stylist David Gan and Fann Wong’s lawyers. But did the doctor do anything wrong? What about David Gan talking about the doc’s mother? Our Audible Pilot: Please listen, rate & leave a comment :) ➤ Life Exchange Check out our #YLB Subred...

May 23, 202156 minEp. 167

#160 - Vivian Balakrishnan squashes rumours of variant “found in “S’pore” & the SG Art Museum wants pics of your butt

When the Delhi Chief Minister tweeted a warning about the variant from Singapore and pleaded with Indian officials to stop flights from SG, Vivian B curtly tweeted back that “politicians should stick to facts''. That was badass, but why did the rumour start in the first place? And what could the impact be? Elsewhere, an exhibition at the Singapore Art Museum by artist Amanda Heng aims to rebuke the stereotypical image of SIA’s Singapore Girl, by crowdsourcing pics of women’s bare butts. Is this ...

May 20, 202151 minEp. 166

YLB #159 - An NCID Director warns Covid-19 situation in SG is “more dangerous” & the “bold” statement from Miss Singapore Universe

In a viral Whatsapp message that was verified by TODAY and the Straits Times, Dr David Lye, an infectious diseases expert, said the situation in SG is “likely more dangerous” than what it was just before Circuit Breaker in 2020. But why did this message come through social media first, before mainstream media? Elsewhere, at the Miss Universe pageant in Florida last weekend, Miss Singapore Bernadette Belle donned a cape that said “Stop Asian Hate”. Why? And what was the reaction? Check out our #Y...

May 17, 202159 minEp. 165

YLB #158 - Harsh Dalal's removal from Forbes 30 Under 30 & Tesla's U-turn on Bitcoin

The youngest honouree in Forbes 30 Under 30 2021 class, 19-year-old Harsh Dalal from Singapore, was unceremoniously removed from the list after Tech In Asia revealed inconsistencies in his and his company's credentials. However, what's more shocking is that SPH and CNA had also produced features glorifying his supposed achievements in the past year, inadvertently helping to legitimize his claims. We discuss about the editorial oversight (or lack of) in mainstream media that led to this fiasco. E...

May 14, 20211 hr 9 minEp. 164

YLB #157 - Taking “umbrage” at Khaw BW's role at SPH & the foreigner who didn’t want to wear a mask

On 6 May, SPH announced that it was spinning off its media business into a non-profit arm. At the press conference, the SPH CEO lost his cool and created the buzzword of the year in "umbrage". More controversial details have emerged of how the SG government will support SPH's plans, including bringing ex-minister Khaw Boon Wan back as the chairman of the new entity. Elsewhere, someone on the MRT was filmed not wanting to wear a mask. People were calm, unlike the other confrontations that happene...

May 11, 20211 hr 5 minEp. 163

YLB #156 - The new S’porean CEO of TikTok & is Will Smith a SELL OUT?

On 1 May 2021, it was announced that Chew Shou Zi, a Singaporean, will be the new CEO of TikTok. But why did his nationality cause so much debate in SG internet about “how Singaporean” he is? Elsewhere, Will Smith shared his dad bod on Instagram and got lots of praise. 2 days later, he announced his new show about getting fit. Was his “honesty” just a marketing gimmick? Check out League of Nova ➤ https://leagueofnova.com/ Check out our #YLB Subreddit for show notes! Here are our one SHIOK things...

May 07, 20211 hr 18 minEp. 162

YLB #155 - Our ASK-ME-ANYTHING episode (Pt. 2) where we answer more BURNING questions

After Part 1 (YLB Ep #150), we round up all the questions with the next (and final) installment of this round of AMA. More saucy questions like the future of YLB, who’d win in a fight between Terence and Haresh, and deep questions about who we’re grateful to. Enjoy! AMA Part 1 ➤ http://bit.ly/YLB_AMA_Part1 Get the perfect audio gift with FOLKLORY ➤ https://folklory.com/ Go to our LIVE SHOW ➤ https://comedydose2.peatix.com/ Check out our #YLB Subreddit for show notes and links from the pod! Here ...

May 04, 20211 hr 49 minEp. 161

YLB #154 - SudhirTV on Burning Man, the SG Media Landscape and Chinese Privilege

We finally had the chance to sit down with writer / commentator SudhirTV to pick his brain about his “non-establishment” views, his political awakening, and his obsession with Burning Man (???)! It was a deep conversation with lots of truth bombs about life in SG, so you’ve been warned! FOLKLORY ➤ Get the perfect Mother's Day gift at https://folklory.com/ OUR UPCOMING LIVE SHOW ➤ https://comedydose2.peatix.com/ Check out our #YLB Subreddit for show notes! Here are our one SHIOK things for this w...

Apr 30, 20212 hr 2 minEp. 160

YLB #153 - What the Cabinet reshuffle means & the $250 SG Premier League for Young Player of the Month

7 of the 15 Ministries will have new Ministers leading them after PM Lee unveiled his new Cabinet line-up. But what does it imply about the frontrunner for PM & the future of SG? Elsewhere, SG Internet was shocked by how little the prize money was for the football award when posts about it were shared on social media. But is the criticism fair? FOLKLORY ➤ Get the perfect Mother's Day gift at https://folklory.com/ OUR SHOW ➤ https://comedydose2.peatix.com/ Check out our #YLB Subreddit for sho...

Apr 25, 202156 minEp. 159

YLB #152 - A mother is told to wear a t-shirt due to her “revealing” swimsuit & Joanna Dong gets roasted

A mother who accompanied her 3-year-old son to swim school spoke out against being told to cover up because her swimsuit was apparently too sexy for the other husbands & fathers present. Fair or not? Elsewhere, Joanna Dong’s cover song at the recent star awards got roasted by netizens, which caused her to say “Singaporeans get what they deserve”. WTF happened? FOLKLORY ➤ Get the perfect Mother's Day gift at https://folklory.com/ OUR SHOW ➤ https://comedydose2.peatix.com/ Check out our #YLB S...

Apr 22, 20211 hr 7 minEp. 158

YLB #151 - Europe’s biggest football clubs piss fans off with proposed “super league” & Abercrombie closes in SG

12 clubs, including the likes of Man Utd, Liverpool, Barcelona & Juventus, announced plans to form a European Super League. It’s probably the biggest footballing announcement in years, but why are so many people pissed off? Closer to home, Abercrombie & Fitch, of shirtless men fame, will be closing all their SG stores. We talk about....their...ahem…”legacy” in Singapore. OUR SHOW ➤ https://comedydose2.peatix.com/ FOLKLORY ➤ Get the perfect Mother's Day gift at https://folklory.com/ Check...

Apr 20, 20211 hr 8 minEp. 157

YLB #150 - Our first-ever ASK-ME-ANYTHING where we answer your BURNING questions (Part 1)

This is our 150th YLB episode and to celebrate our awesome fans and 500,000+ streams in little over a year, we’re gonna answer questions our listeners have been asking us since the dawn of time. When did Haresh meet Terence, how much we fight, the future of YLB, and even something about porn. So please enjoy part 1, and part 2 will be done next week! AMA Part 2 ➤ http://bit.ly/YLB_AMA_Part2 Our Folklory Launch! Get the perfect Mother's Day gift at ➤ https://folklory.com/ Check out our #YLB Subre...

Apr 15, 20211 hr 28 minEp. 156

YLB #149 - Naiise visited by debt collectors on their last day of business & K-beauty brand Innisfree accused of “greenwashing”

After local retailer Naiise announced that they’ll be closing their last outlet at Jewel Changi Airport, news spread that some vendors are still owed up to $10,000. Cue debt collectors, but are they even legal? And is Naiise to be pitied or to be chastised? Elsewhere, Innisfree got flak for their “paper bottle” which one user realised has a PLASTIC bottle inside. False marketing or no? Check out our #YLB Subreddit for show notes! Here are our one SHIOK things for this week! ➤ Marvel Studios' Lok...

Apr 11, 202158 minEp. 155

YLB #148 - DPM Heng steps down as leader of 4G team & SG’s new “hunky guy cleaning service”

On Thursday afternoon, DPM Heng (a.k.a Sugar Daddy Heng) made a monumental announcement that means he’s no longer in the running to be PM. But what happens next? And what does this mean for Singapore? In other news related to a group of men, a local renovation firm announced a cleaning service by topless men. Controversial? Or brilliant marketing? Check out our #YLB Subreddit for show notes! Here are our one SHIOK things for this week! ➤ Triller Fight Club: Jake Paul vs Ben Askren ➤ WePresent | ...

Apr 09, 202159 minEp. 154

YLB #147 - “Pedestrianise” road experiment gets mixed reactions & the couple who painted over a $672,000 artwork

Earlier this year, 2 roads in Singapore were selected to trial pedestrianisation. 3 months in, the reactions are mixed and Ho Ching has suggested licenses for bicycles. What’s going on? Elsewhere, a couple in Seoul mistook a graffiti artwork by JonOne as being “participatory”, and painted over it. But what really happened? Check out our #YLB Subreddit for show notes! Here are our one SHIOK things for this week! ➤ Balaji Srinivasan on The Time Ferris Show ➤ Snowrunner Game Peace!...

Apr 05, 20211 hr 5 minEp. 153

YLB #146 - Chinese celebs boycott Nike and Adidas over Xinjiang cotton controversy & SMRT staff to start shushing us on trains

After weeks of political aggression and sanctions, Chinese celebs like Eason Chan and Dilraba called for boycotts of Nike, H&M, Adidas and other western brands to stand with Xinjiang cotton. It’s one complicated story, but what exactly happened? Back home, SMRT station staff will soon start carrying signs to remind commuters not to talk on public transport. Does that make any sense? Check out our #YLB Subreddit for show notes! Here are our one SHIOK things for this week! ➤ A chair made for n...

Apr 03, 202159 minEp. 152

YLB #145 - Our first space comedy TV show, and it’s in TAMIL! (feat. SSV, our writer-director)

We’ve got a TV Pilot and we need your help to make it a full series. Details below! As for the episode, we speak to the writer-director of said episode, SSV, who worked with us to turn our idea into Singapore’s FIRST space comedy TV show, which we executive produced. The show is called “Mars Poyi Sernthuttom”, and we’re so proud of it. So we talk to SSV about his experience making shows across different languages, why comedy and stories are important, and the best friggin briyani in Singapore. T...

Mar 31, 20211 hr 41 minEp. 151

YLB #144 - Is this the end of “work from home” in SG & the Suez Canal gets jammed up

On Apr 5, 75% of staff may return to the office, up from the current 50%. And the public service is taking the lead. But will “work from home” disappear, or will it stay forever? Elsewhere, the Suez Canal is being held up by one of largest container ships in the world. What caused it? What does it mean? Why is it so ridiculous? EDIT: At the time of this upload, we’re aware that the ship is apparently “free”. But there’s still a jam. Check out our #YLB Subreddit for show notes! Here are our one S...

Mar 29, 20211 hr 5 minEp. 150

YLB #143 - Ngee Ann poly students urinating on others & the couple in trouble for having THREE Weddings

A leaked video of the students urinating on others during a suspected hazing ritual at Ngee Ann Poly went viral, and police are investigating. Plot twist in the middle is that one of the students who was peed on said it was “consensual”. WTF? Elsewhere, the Orange Ballroom is forced to close for 20 days for allowing a couple to have THREE weddings with 275 guests in total. But who’s to blame - the couple or the ballroom? Check out our #YLB Subreddit for show notes! Here are our one SHIOK things ...

Mar 24, 202150 minEp. 149

YLB #142 - CEO of You Tiao Man replies to angry Sparkletots email about tattoos & the first SG-born table tennis Olympian

The CEO of You Tiao Man posted her reply on Facebook, but the weirder thing is that the email was sent from a professional work email at PCF Sparkletots. People started hating on them, but was this whole incident even worth time in the public eye? Elsewhere, Clarence Chew became the first SG-born player to qualify for an Olympics singles event, but is that big a deal? Check out our #YLB Subreddit for show notes! Here are our one SHIOK things for this week! ➤ Restaurant trolls thieves who broke i...

Mar 22, 202155 minEp. 148

YLB #141 - Anthony Chen on directing a Marvel movie, awards acceptance speeches & the future of film in Singapore

We have a heart-to-heart with Anthony Chen, arguably Singapore’s most decorated filmmaker (1 Cannes Camera D’or award + 6 Golden Horse awards baby!). We talk about films, but also about stuff you’ve never heard before - like his standing ovation in Kazakhstan and how he angered the Taiwanese media when he won his first award. Samsung's "SHORT & SHARP" ➤ https://www.samsung.com/sg/short-and-sharp/ Along with us, he’s also a fellow founder of Samsung’s “SHORT & SHARP”, a mobile-first film ...

Mar 19, 20211 hr 30 minEp. 147

YLB #140 - The controversial "woke" article by Bertha Henson’s student & the SG music conductor from Russia who now delivers food

On 14 Mar 2021, the TODAY newspaper published an op-ed article criticising cancel culture and “wokeness”. It was by Dana Teoh, a student of media veteran Bertha Henson. It pissed a lot of people off, but why? Elsewhere, an article about an internationally-famous music conductor from SG who now delivers food also divided the internet. Why? Check out our #YLB Subreddit for show notes! Here are our one SHIOK things for this week! ➤ MuchDank - YouTube ➤ Hollywood bigwigs shower praise on creators of...

Mar 17, 20211 hr 1 minEp. 146
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