A growing list of podcasts the Robb Report Singapore team loves

If you’re feeling alone (or bored) at home and need some company, we’d say podcasts are the way to go. Better than the radio, you can tune in at any time you want, and hit that repeat button over and over. Well, here you have it. From comedy to self-help, here’s our pick of some of the best podcasts on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and more.

Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend

Recommended by: Senior editor Hannah Choo

What about it: Conan O’Brien may have lost the Tonight Show in 2010, but his wit and humour stuck by him when he moved to TBS. Like your pet dog, the self-deprecating funny man is always able to make your day a good one. And when he’s not goofing around with video games or making life tough for his assistant, he’s trying his hand at this whole podcasting business. Introduced in late 2018, the ongoing series (read: every Monday) features real conversations with celebrities of all sorts: actors, standup comedians, writers and even former First Ladies. Look forward to his constant banter with assistant Sona Movsesian and producer Matt Gourley, heart-to-heart conversations with Tina Fey, Bill Burr and John Oliver, and a special Deep Dive segment with Dana Carvey.

You should tune in if: You believe in the power of good comedy and just want a good distraction from the troubles of today.

Available on: Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Stitcher

DriveNation on Cars

Recommended by: Motoring editor Daryl Lee

What about it: Something new from “the original, Instagram-only car magazine”, fronted by industry veterans Dan Prosser and Andrew Frankel. While most of DriveNation’s content tends to be extremely bite-sized – owing to the 10-slide limit of its primary platform – its podcasts are somewhat more sprawling. At the time of writing (14 May 2020), it’s at eight episodes, each one lasting just under an hour and focusing on topics as diverse as the new Land Rover Defender, a retrospective on McLaren’s first decade (as a ‘true’, independent manufacturer) and the art of automotive journalism. But as with all of DriveNation’s content, its podcasts are thoughtful, incisive, cerebral and hard-hitting (the McLaren episode discusses the marque’s sometimes-patchy reliability and poor resale value). In all fairness, DriveNation’s content isn’t for everyone, and it certainly won’t appeal to those for whom flashy metal is the main point.

You should tune in if: You like automotive content that’s more than new metal and are also interested in the business and culture side of things. 

Available on: Spotify, Apple Podcasts

Elevation with Steven Furtick

Recommended by: Editor / Content strategist Charmaine Tai

What about it: Church sermons are one aplenty but somehow, Steven Furtick catches one’s attention with his hard-hitting messages. Sure, with religion, it’s all about the faith, but there’s no fluff or hot air with Furtick. He isn’t one to shy away from reprimanding others and showing tough love when the time calls for it. Plus, he readily admits his failures and insecurities. Fairly admirable for a family man who is accountable to thousands of listeners. 

You should tune in if: You’re looking for hope, especially in this season, but don’t mind a wake-up call.

Available on: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts and Sound Cloud

Oprah’s SuperSoul Conversations

Recommended by: Editor-in-chief Karishma Tulsidas

What about it: Miss seeing her on TV? Oprah Winfrey shares her brand of positivity, mindfulness and empowerment in these hour-long podcasts, where she tackles big-picture issues through interviews with celebrities and inspirational personalities. Expect tons of wisdom, truth bombs, and epiphanies.

You should tune in if: You’re a fan of Oprah, duh. But also if you regularly seek intelligent, realistic self-help advice, and need a wake-up call once in a while.

Available on: Apple Podcasts and Spotify

Sleep Cove

Recommended by: Writer Allisa Noraini

What about it: Sleep Cove is a series of guided sleep meditations, sleep hypnosis and bedtime stories that can help those who have a hard time relaxing their minds before bedtime. Call it a sleep therapy of sorts – a hypnotic, soft-spoken voice, paired with soothing sounds of waves lapping the shore in the background, will lull your body into a state of tranquility within minutes. Here’s a quick tip to fully maximise the effectiveness of the hypnosis: before you start, ensure that you’re positioned in a completely relaxing environment, free from distraction.

You should tune in if: You’re having a bit of a hard time falling into a deep slumber due to stress or anxiety.

Available on: Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Stitcher

TED Talks Daily

Recommended by: Editor / Content strategist Charmaine Tai

What about it: It started out focussing on technology, entertainment and design – which is what TED stands for – but has since branched out to cover topics like social construct, the idea of fairness, right down to how to do something better. The podcasts are not too different from its Talks. People featured aren’t necessarily famous, but they are subject matter experts, and often offer thought-provoking opinions. Each podcast lasts between five to 10 minutes, which is great if you’ve a short attention span, or while you’re commuting to work.

You should tune in if: You enjoy reading sites like Quora, Digg or use content aggregator News 360.

Available on: Spotify and Apple Podcasts

The Business of Fashion Podcast

Recommended by: Editor-in-chief Karishma Tulsidas

What about it: Imran Ahmed and a host of fashion insiders share insights into the world of fashion. The topics range from show reviews to growth strategies and branding advice. Much like the content platform itself, the podcasts are erudite, sagacious, and offer in-depth insights to those who have an interest in, well, anything fashion-related.

You should tune in if: You’re looking for fashion content beyond what’s trending and what Kim K’s wearing.

Available on: Apple Podcasts and Spotify

Staying home during this period of time isn’t easy, we get it! But we’ll be keeping you company. Subscribe to our digital magazines for free, and check out what ideas we have for you. #StayHomeWithRobb