Political Prude: The Podcast

Zodapop by ZYRUP Media

Political Prude: The Podcast makes Singapore politics and current affairs less intimidating and more easy to consume for young adults. With sit-down interviews and discussions with politicians, policymakers, experts and commentators, listeners can gain valuable insights into the complex world of politics and stay informed about the issues that are relevant to them. Presenting a diverse range of voices, the podcast provides a comprehensive and well-rounded view of the political landscape. Hosted by Joel Lim (@limxjoel). Independently produced by Zodapop by ZYRUP Media.

  1. 12/10/2025

    Tommy Koh's Political Lessons: Principles, "Makan Diplomacy", and Singapore's First-Gen Leaders

    Welcome to Season 4 of Political Prude: The Podcast! We begin our season with a sit-down conversation with Professor Tommy Koh, exploring Singapore’s political landscape through one of the most unique vantage points possible. As a diplomat, lawyer and public servant who worked closely with Singapore’s First-Generation leaders, Professor Koh offers reflections that help us understand our nation’s political development in a far more textured and human way. In this conversation, we unpack the principles that shaped his approach to public service, what he learnt from leaders such as Lee Kuan Yew, Goh Keng Swee and S. Rajaratnam, and why relationship-building, or what he calls “makan diplomacy”, remains essential in politics today. Drawing from stories in his new memoir, The Extraordinary Life of an Ordinary Man, we also hear about the defining moments he witnessed and the values he hopes younger Singaporeans will carry forward. If you're interested in partnerships, have general enquiries, or want to launch a podcast, reach out to us at ⁠zodapop@zyrupmedia.com⁠! Follow on Instagram: Joel Lim – ⁠@limxjoel⁠ ZYRUP Media – ⁠@zyrupmedia⁠ Zodapop by ZYRUP Media – ⁠@zodapopsg⁠ Chapters:  00:00 Start of Episode 02:54 Why Call Prof. Tommy Calls Himself an "Ordinary Man" 05:12 Memories of Pre-War Singapore  09:00 Predicting Singapore's Survival as an Independent Nation 11:02 Challenging Lee Kuan Yew  13:03 Navigating Difficult Situations 13:55 Being Genuine and Speaking Up 15:22 Influence of Parents & Love for the Arts  17:29 Working with Singapore’s Founding Fathers  19:02 The Private Side of Lee Kuan Yew  20:30 Singapore’s Culture of Excellence 21:07 Dr. Goh Keng Swee Singapore’s Most Valuable Player  25:19 Lessons from S. Rajaratnam  28:05 Key Lessons from Working in Early Singapore 28:22 Pioneering Singapore’s Foreign Service at the UN 31:03 How to Navigate Delicate Situations & Professionalism 35:56 Makan Diplomacy 39:01 Three Critical Lessons and Reflections 41:02 Not Taking Singapore’s Independence for Granted 42:12 Not Taking Racial Harmony For Granted 43:10 Importance of Social Equity 44:02 Tommy Koh on Sustaining Optimism 45:18 Closing Remarks 46:49 End of Episode

    46 min
  2. GE2025 | EP 13: GE2025 Results Analysis with Professor Tommy Koh

    05/22/2025

    GE2025 | EP 13: GE2025 Results Analysis with Professor Tommy Koh

    We're ending our GE2025 series on a high, with a guest we're so honoured to have back on the show! Join us for a special results analysis episode with none other than Singapore’s beloved diplomatic veteran, Professor Tommy Koh. Professor Koh is currently a Special Adviser at the Institute of Policy Studies at the National University of Singapore and has been the Ambassador-at-Large at Singapore's Ministry of Foreign Affairs. His remarkable career as a diplomat, lawyer, professor, and author, in addition to serving as Singapore’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations from 1968 to 1971, is a testament to his extraordinary expertise, and we’re so deeply honoured to have him back again as our guest on this episode. The results were surprising for some. What drove the GE2025 results? In this episode, we dive deep into it, and explore the reasons behind the PAP's increased support, how various opposition parties performed, and what the results signal for the nation. We also break down the key lessons learned and look at what the next five years could hold for Singapore's political journey. Hit the 👍 button and make sure to SUBSCRIBE for more episodes! If you're interested in partnerships, have general enquiries, or want to launch a podcast, reach out to us at ⁠zodapop@zyrupmedia.com⁠!⁠! Follow on Instagram: Joel Lim – ⁠@limxjoel⁠ ZYRUP Media – ⁠@zyrupmedia⁠ Zodapop by ZYRUP Media – ⁠@zodapopsg⁠ Chapters: 00:00 Start of Episode 00:35 Introduction 02:30 Thoughts on GE2025 Results 03:04 Reasons Behind PAP’s Success 04:21 PM Wong’s Popularity 06:13 What Makes PAP a Safe Choice? 06:53 Extent of “Negative Politics” in GE2025 07:34 Cleaner Politics in GE2025 10:23 Foreign Interference and Unity Against It 12:21 Why Did Rally Attendance Not Translate to Votes 14:00 Rise of Casual Political Discussion 14:30 Performance of New Candidates 15:58 More Female Candidates Stepping Up 17:22 Treatment of Women in Politics 18:35 Income-Allianz Deal 21:09 The Workers' Party (WP) Performance 22:17 Other Opposition Parties' Performance 24:15 Independent Candidates’ Performance 25:25 Future of Independent Candidates 27:02 Biggest Lessons from GE2025 28:30 Call for Unity from President Tharman 30:17 Conclusion 30:56 End of Episode

    31 min
  3. GE2025 | Ep 12: The GE2025 Prude Awards: Post-Election Award Show

    05/22/2025

    GE2025 | Ep 12: The GE2025 Prude Awards: Post-Election Award Show

    Your votes are in! GE2025 is over, but the fun isn't! Welcome to the first-ever PRUDE AWARDS by Political Prude: The Podcast! 🏆 Join Joel Lim, Fauzi Aziz, Daisy Mitchell, and Megan Chia as they roll out the red carpet and dish out accolades for the most unforgettable moments of Singapore's General Election 2025. From Best Vocal Performance that hit all the high notes (and some low ones!) to the Best Rally Speeches that fired up the crowds, the most Viral Social Media Moments, head-turning Newcomers, and the coveted GE2025 Main Character Award, we cover it all! If you're interested in partnerships, have general enquiries, or want to launch a podcast, reach out to us at ⁠zodapop@zyrupmedia.com⁠! Follow on Instagram: Joel Lim – ⁠@limxjoel⁠ ZYRUP Media – ⁠@zyrupmedia⁠ Zodapop by ZYRUP Media – ⁠@zodapopsg⁠ Daisy Mitchell - @daisyannemitchell Fauzi Aziz - @mynameisfauzi Megan Chia - @meggychiaaaa Chapters: 00:00 Start of Episode 00:48 Show Introduction 01:31 Start of show 02:05 Category 1: Best Vocal Performance 06:12 Category 2: Best Rally Speech 10:38 Category 3: Best Campaign Slogan 15:18 Category 4: Best Social Media Moment 21:44 Category 5: Best Newcomer Award 28:12 Category 6: GE2025 Main Character Award 34:05 Quality of Opposition Representation 35:10 Importance of National vs Municipal Issues 36:50 Significance of Election Results 38:26 Concerns with Singapore’s Electoral System 39:35 PM Wong’s Style of Politics 41:15 Wrap Up 43:04 End of Episode

    43 min
  4. GE2025 | Ep 10: The NSP Episode (with Spencer Ng)

    05/01/2025

    GE2025 | Ep 10: The NSP Episode (with Spencer Ng)

    This episode, we’re joined by Spencer Ng, Secretary-General of the National Solidarity Party (NSP). The NSP is one of Singapore's longer-standing opposition parties, advocating for a multi-party system that balances economic progress and nation-building. This episode is part of our GE2025 special, spotlighting various political parties.  Make sure to FOLLOW us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts to show your support, and to avoid missing out on new episodes! If you're interested in partnerships, have general enquiries, or want to launch a podcast, reach out to us at ⁠zodapop@zyrupmedia.com⁠! Follow on Instagram: Joel Lim – ⁠@limxjoel⁠ ZYRUP Media – ⁠@zyrupmedia⁠ Zodapop by ZYRUP Media – ⁠@zodapopsg ⁠Chapters: 00:00 Start of Episode 00:42 Introducing the National Solidarity Party (NSP) 01:30 NSP’s History and Values: Past and Present 04:38 What Sets NSP Apart from Other Opposition? 06:04 Profile of NSP Supporters: Rational Moderates 07:45 NSP’s Core Values: Service & Loyalty 08:28 NSP's Centrist Approach & Balancing Act 09:16 NSP’s Analysis of the HDB Issue 11:31 Candidate Qualities: Passion & Sincerity 13:05 NSP as a Starting Ground for Prominent Politicians? 15:39 Young Candidate Spotlight: Zee (Tampines GRC) 17:39 Nicole Seah: Seeking the Next 'Star Catch'? 19:32 How is NSP Reaching Young Voters? 22:27 NSP’s Slogan and Goals: “Your Future, Our Priority” 25:12 Opposition Unity a Fantasy? NSP On Multi-Cornered Fights 31:15 Sembawang GRC History & NSP's Entry 33:04 NSP’s Compromises Made for Opposition Unity 34:48 NSP’s Strategy in Multi-Cornered Fights 36:46 NSP Policy: Cap GST at 9% & Improve Investments 39:16 Appeal to Swing Voters: What Can NSP Bring To Parliament 40:29 NSP's Vision for Singapore 40:58 How to Learn More About NSP 41:26 NSP Manifesto Key Points Summary 42:15 Why Young Voters Should Consider NSP 43:33 Closing Remarks 44:07 End of Episode

    44 min

About

Political Prude: The Podcast makes Singapore politics and current affairs less intimidating and more easy to consume for young adults. With sit-down interviews and discussions with politicians, policymakers, experts and commentators, listeners can gain valuable insights into the complex world of politics and stay informed about the issues that are relevant to them. Presenting a diverse range of voices, the podcast provides a comprehensive and well-rounded view of the political landscape. Hosted by Joel Lim (@limxjoel). Independently produced by Zodapop by ZYRUP Media.